Rail Safety: The Urgent Need for Legislation

Two years after the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, rail workers, unions, and members of Congress are calling for urgent action on rail safety. The incident, which occurred on February 3, 2023, highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulations in the railroad industry. The derailment, which involved a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials, led to the evacuation of thousands of residents and significant environmental damage.

The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), which represents various crafts, including carmen who maintain, repair, and inspect rail cars, has been vocal in its criticism of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR). PSR, introduced by Hunter Harrison in 1993, aims to transport the same amount of freight with fewer rail cars and locomotives using more streamlined operations. However, TCU/IAM argues that PSR has led to mass layoffs, increased workloads for remaining workers, and reduced safety standards.

David Arouca, National Legislative Director of TCU/IAM, stated, "The so-called Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) era has been nothing short of just cutting head counts to the bone and then harassing those who remain to pick up the slack." He added, "We need legislation passed now to reduce the risk of another East Palestine. The time to act was yesterday. Rail safety is not, nor should it ever, be a partisan issue."

IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh also joined the call for action, along with members of Congress, including House Transportation Committee Vice Ranking Member Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio), House Rail Subcommittee Ranking Member Dina Titus (D-Nev.), House Transportation Committee Member Troy Nehls (R-Texas), and House Transportation Committee Member Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.).

The rail leaders demanded that Class I railroad companies adopt the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS), which allows rail workers to report safety concerns without retaliation from employers. While addressing the public with his own press conference in East Palestine, Ohio on the disaster’s anniversary, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who co-sponsored the bipartisan Railway Safety Act as Senator, said that passing legislation "is a very viable and a very reasonable goal."

Senator Maria Cantwell sent a letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz urging him to "advance the re-introduced Railway Safety Act to ensure President Trump and Vice President Vance have the tools they need to hold the railroads accountable for improving safety."

Congresswoman Sykes stated, "Rail safety is not a partisan issue or a regional issue, it is a human issue. I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on and off the Transportation Committee to put forth a piece of legislation we can be proud of, but we can only truly make it right for the people of East Palestine if we actually pass meaningful rail safety legislation."

Congresswoman Titus added, "I think we have a real opportunity here. I think we can get it done, just reintroduce those bills, bring it together in a package, and move it forward. I’m committed to it, other members of Congress and the great representatives from unions are, so I’m leading this with optimism."

To address the concerns raised by rail workers and unions, Congress should consider the following measures:

• Strengthening whistleblower protections for rail workers who report safety concerns.



• Increasing staffing levels to ensure adequate safety inspections and maintenance.



• Implementing stricter safety regulations and oversight for longer trains.



• Providing adequate training for rail workers to safely operate longer trains.



• Encouraging the adoption of the FRA's C3RS by Class I railroad companies.

By taking these steps, Congress can help ensure the safety of rail workers, passengers, and the communities through which railroads operate. The people of East Palestine deserve justice, and the time for action is now.

"Rail safety statistics over time"

In conclusion, the toxic train derailment in East Palestine serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rail safety. Rail workers, unions, and members of Congress are united in their call for urgent action to improve safety in the railroad industry. By passing meaningful legislation, Congress can help prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all who rely on the nation's railroads.