RWU
Fallen Rails Program

ALERT: Jarrett Erhart Killed on the Job
December 7, 2019

Dear Fellow Railroad Workers:

Recently, a fellow rail -- Jarrett Erhart -- lost his life on the job. Brother Jarrett -- age 27 --worked for Amtrak as an Electrician and was a member of IBEW Local 8 and formerly with BMWED. While we are saddened at the news of his death, we must double our resolve to build a safer workplace where such tragedies are not so commonplace.

The Railroad Workers United Program for Fallen Rails urges you to do the following on behalf of Brother Jarrett, his friends and family, co-workers and all railroad workers:
  • Your entry can be simple, such as: “I never knew or worked with Brother Jarrett, but as a railroader I mourn his loss. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.”

  • Commit yourself to following up on how and why Keith was killed. What is the behind-the-scenes story? What role did unsafe conditions, including short staffing, crew fatigue, inadequate training and/or qualifying, deferred maintenance, or other factors play in this fellow worker’s death?

  • Get involved in the national movement against blame the worker “behavior-based safety” programs. Help working railroaders build real union-based safety committees and programs that focus on hazard elimination and do not ignore the underlying causes of accidents, injuries and fatalities sustained on the job.
We also ask that you take part in the annual RWU Railroad Workers Memorial Day held each year on April 28th. For more information:

A GoFundMe was set up for Brother Jarrett's family. If you are able to help, his family would appreciate it. (The link is at the beginning of the paragraph.)

Thank you.

Railroad Workers United
P.S. Please forward this email to fellow railroad workers.

Railroad Workers United
Solidarity -- Unity -- Democracy