General Information
Genesee & Wyoming eyes plan to implement precision railroading
(Source: The Hour, February 6, 2019) DARIEN, Conn. — After throttling up its growth with a string of acquisitions the past several years, the nation’s largest operator of short-line railroads hopes to capitalize on the expertise in its far-flung operations by encouraging local managers to think like entrepreneurs. Genesee & Wyoming has spent the early…
Read MoreNinth Circuit rejects “honest belief” defense in whistleblower retaliation case
(Source: National Law Review, February 12, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Ninth Circuit’s recent opinion in Frost v. BNSF Railway Co. is an important win for whistleblowers in that it rejects employers’ attempts to impose a heightened causation burden on whistleblowers and to weaken whistleblower protections laws by adding an “honest belief” defense. Frost adheres…
Read MoreNS details plan to cut 3,000 jobs, shelve 500 locomotives
(Source: Associated Press, February 11, 2019) NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern railroad expects to become significantly more efficient by 2021, and operate with 3,000 fewer employees and 500 fewer locomotives. Full story: News & Observer Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Read MoreWashington update 2019: What will a new and divided Congress mean for rail?
(Source: Progressive Railroading February 2019) By Julie Sneider, Senior Associate Editor Passing a permanent extension of the 45G short-line tax credit. Maintaining existing truck size and weight restrictions. Introducing a comprehensive infrastructure package that includes funding priority for freight and passenger rail. Shoring up the federal Highway Trust Fund. Continuing existing “balanced” regulations for freight railroads.…
Read MoreUnion Pacific officials say Pine Bluff shop is closing
(Source: Pine Bluff Commercial, February 9, 2019) PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Layoffs are affecting numerous Union Pacific workers in Pine Bluff as company officials say they are working to streamline operations through regional consolidations and cost-cutting measures in order to boost revenue. Union Pacific would not give specific numbers for jobs lost in the Pine…
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