Railroad unions want scrutiny of remote control trains after death of worker in Ohio rail yard

(Source: Associated Press, October 6, 2023)

Some railroad unions want more scrutiny of the safety of remote control operations major railroads have used for years in and around railyards without significant problems. Remote control helps limit costs by using less experienced workers to move locomotives that help assemble trains — a task that once required licensed engineers who are among the highest-paid rail workers. “They are the least-experienced people that are handling these trains,” Eddie Hall, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union, said of remote control railyard operators. Hall and other BLET officials believe the railroads are “gambling with safety” with the way they use remote control trains both inside and outside of railyards. The BLET is especially concerned about railroads using remote control trains farther and farther outside of railyards — as much as a couple miles — to move trains with dozens of cars, including some carrying hazardous materials.

Full story: Associated Press