Citing poor representation from and disillusionment with the United Transportation Union's leadership in Cleveland, trainmen and conductors at the Norfolk Southern are seeking superior union representation from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
The Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Research and Development issued two reports on May 24, confirming significant safety concerns with remote control locomotives.
In general, the FRA-sponsored research documents many of the concerns expressed by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen regarding the hazards of remote control.
Representative Gene Green (D-TX) has reintroduced a bill banning the use of remote control locomotives to carry hazardous materials in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, H.R. 2843, had been originally introduced in the 108th Congress.
In addition to banning the use of remote control locomotives to transport hazardous materials, the bill also provides for greater security for the technology, forcing the rail carriers to keep the transmitters and locomotives under lock and key when not in use.
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen who work on CN's former Illinois Central properties will vote on a tentative contract proposal on May 23.
The tentative agreement, announced on April 12, provides for more flexible work rules and an hourly wage structure. Specific details of the agreement are being withheld pending ratification.