IAM Rail Division leaders and members joined allies in labor for a historic, long-sought announcement from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) establishing a minimum requirement of two-person crews for most Class I freight and passenger railroad operations:
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) conducted a lengthy study and heard over 13,000 comments on the rule, including from the IAM Rail Division.
“This is fantastic news for all IAM members as safety is always a top concern for them in the rail industry,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “We must now push for the Railway Safety Act and encourage all members and families to contact their legislators in Congress.”
TELL YOUR SENATORS: Pass the Railway Safety Act
“This was a historic fight in the rail industry,” said Don Grissom, TCU/IAM National Vice President and Carmen General President. “We need regulations, and we need it now for safe trains in this county!”
“I want to recognize so many of the workers represented here who have been fighting for safe crew sizes for some time,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are proud to stand with the workers in the supply chain of the American railroad and American infrastructure.
Speaking for over 10 minutes in a packed room of Railroad unionists, Buttigieg closed by saying, “Congress needs to pass the Railway Safety Act!”
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