WASHINGTON — President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), Greg Regan and Shari Semelsberger, issued a statement to recognize Rail Safety Week 2023. Spearheaded by Operation Lifesaver, Inc., and collaborated with many organizations and institutions throughout North America, the Sept. 18-24 campaign raises the awareness to the public surrounding railroad safety [See “Rail Safety Week: Together, We Can Stop Track Tragedies” News Wire, Sept. 18, 2023].
In a Sept. 20, 2023, press release, the TTD urges the awareness to expand towards the increase in safety and protection for railroad employees while looking to reverse recent worsening rail safety records. “Every year, thousands of lives are claimed in rail crossing and trespassing incidents across the country,” as read in the release. “While we strive to get this number down to zero, we must also commit to the same safety goals for rail workers who are severely or fatally injured while on the job.”
According to their website, the TTD is a coalition of 37 member unions dedicated to the safety, protection, and well-being of transportation employees in the United States. It’s considered the largest transportation labor federation in the country that represents the totality of rail labor unions and members, as stated in their release. “Rail unions have been outspoken about safety shortcomings, warning of the destruction that can follow accidents or derailments.
“We will not stop fighting to raise the bar for rail safety on behalf of workers and the communities they serve.”
There is nothing more important than the safety and well being of one’s employees.
Unfortunately greed gets in the way.
I totally agree, as a retired railroad employee, safety of rail employees should always be priority #1. As I have said many times, railroading is an unforgiving business. A second of inattention or distraction can be fatal. There also needs to be enough employees to work safely doing what needs to be done.