BLET News

(Source: Reuters, May 17, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday asked the U.S. Solicitor General’s office to take a side in a case involving Union Pacific Railroad Co over whether a train that has temporarily stopped is still “in use,” exposing railroads to liability for worker injuries. Full story: Reuters Tuesday, May…

(Source: Associated Press, May 16, 2021) OMAHA, Neb. — Even as railroads are operating longer and longer freight trains that sometimes stretch for miles, the companies have drastically reduced staffing levels, prompting unions to warn that moves meant to increase profits could endanger safety. Full story: Associated Press Monday, May 17, 2021

(Source: Supply Chain Dive, May 14, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday sent a letter asking the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study into the impact precision scheduled railroading has had on shippers and “other affected parties.” The letter specifically requested the GAO provide a report…

(Source: Railway Age, May 13, 2021) NEW YORK — The activity involving Kansas City Southern and its two potential merger partners, Canadian Pacific and CN, took yet another turn late on May 13. CN appears to have come out on top, but don’t count CP out, at least not yet. KCS on May 13 announced…

(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, May 12, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Teamster official told members of a Senate subcommittee yesterday that the safety and wellbeing of workers must not be overlooked by lawmakers as they continue to weigh the movement of freight traffic across the country at a time when the public is…