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Railroads are trying to make your communities less safe. They already use automated inspection tech, but now want federal approval to cut back on the one thing proven to prevent disasters: human inspections. Thank you @MorePerfectUS for amplifying this issue.
BMWED retweeted
NEW: Vena Goes Off the Rails: UP CEO Questions Federal Regulator, Compares Merger Review to Poker Game #StopTheRailMerger
stoptherailmerger.com/vena-g…
BMWED retweeted
Three major freight rail customer groups are pushing back on @UnionPacific's attempts to dismiss and intimidate critics of its proposed merger with @nscorp, warning that the deal would further reduce competition, increase costs and leave shippers with fewer options. "We don't serve Union Pacific. We serve our members." stoptherailmerger.com/major-…
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.@UnionPacific is opposing efforts to allow the public to see a recording of Jim Vena's March remarks at the Southwest Association of Rail Shippers (SWARS) conference where he threatened retaliation against shippers who oppose the merger. This is a clear pattern of secrecy and dishonesty from Union Pacific. stoptherailmerger.com/behind…
BMWED retweeted
.@UnionPacific wants to "talk facts" about its merger. Here are the facts:
❌ More unions support the merger
✅ Unions opposing it represent more than 7 in 10 UP and NS union workers
Learn more here: stoptherailmerger.com/fact-v…
BMWED retweeted
Want to see how this merger could affect your own community? Our interactive map shows projected traffic increases, blocked crossings, and safety data for affected areas nationwide: stoptherailmerger.com/commun…
BMWED retweeted
One day after we showed that unions representing 66% of @UnionPacific and @nscorp's unionized workforce oppose the merger, @IBEW announced it is opposing the deal too: "The burden of railroad consolidations has always fallen on the employees who keep the industry running. Assurances that this merger will be different are unconvincing." The labor opposition keeps growing. ibew.org/press-release/propo…
BMWED Allied Federation General Chairman Brian Thompson described the pressures mounting on CSX-T track inspectors and the faults with the current ATI waivers across the carrier’s network yesterday to Jacksonville’s WJCT “First Coast Connect.”
Thompson explained that management is discouraging track inspectors from writing up defects to lower visual detection rates, making the ATI appear better than it is. Also, the 24-hour rule in the FRA waiver is affording too much time between ATI defect detection and when a track inspector can lay eyes on the problem, creating undue stress on inspectors and unnecessary risk for derailments.
BMWED retweeted
.@UnionPacific and @nscorp repeatedly say "majority of unions" support their merger. Here’s the facts: six unions representing 26,402 of 39,828 unionized workers, or 66% of the workforce, oppose it. This is not a majority — it's a pattern of misleading the public. #StopTheRailMerger stoptherailmerger.com/fact-c…
BMWED-IBT President Tony Cardwell and BMWED Allied Federation General Chairman Brian Thompson appeared on Jacksonville’s WJCT “First Coast Connect” program this morning to raise concerns about CSX-T’s recent job abolishments and Automated Track Inspection. The studio sits just two miles from the rail carrier’s shiny corporate office on Water Street.
Despite record-setting profits and steady stock market gains, CSX recently announced abolishments of nearly a quarter of its maintenance-of-way workforce. President Cardwell and GC Thompson joined the show to discuss the many problems that creates, foremost the risk it puts on communities throughout the CSX network that rely on the professionalism and expertise of our members to keep trains upright and moving safely through their towns and cities.
By eliminating competition, the mega merger will drive up costs on everything. Help oppose the UP/NS merger by leaving comments with the STB here: railmergercomments.org
Don't delay!
The Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern mega rail merger would drive up costs and make bills higher for Americans.
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would be able to charge whatever they want, raising costs on everything from produce to your utility bill.
Click the link to oppose this mega merger: RailMergerComments.org
BMWED retweeted
According to @BNSFRailway, the only competitive enhancement the STB identified in the @UnionPacific-@nscorp application is a pricing program that gives shippers no new rail competitors and covers less than 1% of rail traffic. A deal pitched as pro-competition delivers almost none. railwayage.com/regulatory/st…
Congratulations to Labor Secretary Sonderling, who we met with last week to address matters of concern for organized railroaders from all crafts, including the BMWED. We look forward to continued discussions on the many important issues within the industry.
Congratulations to Keith Sonderling on being confirmed as the 31st Secretary of Labor!
Follow Secretary Sonderling: @Sonderling47
The American economy relies on competitive freight rail. When railroads compete, we benefit from better service,m and lower costs for all. #stoptherailmerger
The most unsafe railroad in America, Union Pacific, wants to acquire Norfolk Southern in the largest railroad merger ever — making trains longer, creating more blocked crossings, and hiking everyday costs.
Take action now and tell the Surface Transportation Board to deny this merger: RailMergerComments.org
BMWED retweeted
The most unsafe railroad in America, Union Pacific, wants to acquire Norfolk Southern in the largest railroad merger ever — making trains longer, creating more blocked crossings, and hiking everyday costs.
Take action now and tell the Surface Transportation Board to deny this merger: RailMergerComments.org
BMWED retweeted
ICYMI: @NFUDC has come out against the @UnionPacific-@nscorp merger and is urging the @STB_Newsroom to reject it. "History has shown us that when railroads consolidate, family farmers pay the price," said NFU President Rob Larew. #StopTheRailMerger stoptherailmerger.com/nation…
BMWED retweeted
We've got to make sure this massive proposed merger between giant railroads Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern doesn't hurt rail workers.
I’m joining @RepValHoyle in demanding that the Surface Transportation Board fully investigate what this proposed merger means for the people who keep the trains running.
hoyle.house.gov/imo/media/do…
ALT Rail Workers Keep Our Trains Running graphic
The value of work is immense, instilling in us a sense of purpose and pride. Railroading is a professional pursuit that rewards us with expertise, accomplishment and societal value – demanding yet fulfilling. It is a career that elicits respect. That is why we will protect it forever. #laborday
bmwe.org/secondary.aspx?id=1…
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are circulating a signed letter urging the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) to consider the consequences of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Rail merger for workers. @RepValHoyle (D-OR) led the effort, and with assistance from the Teamsters Rail Conference, 102 members of Congress signed the September 3 letter.
bmwe.org/secondary.aspx?id=1…
BMWED retweeted
The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would create the largest rail network in this country’s history, impacting workers across 43 states. I’m leading a letter with 100 of my colleagues demanding that the Surface Transportation Board fully consider what this merger could mean for workers’ jobs, rights and safety.
Our railroads depend on these workers. Their rights and security should not get lost in the merger.
BMWED retweeted
National polling shows nearly 71% oppose the proposed UP-NS merger after learning about its impacts. stoptherailmerger.com/coalit…