Congresswoman Dina Titus
U.S. Rep. Dina Titus addressed delegates in the morning session on the third and final day of the BLET convention, raising concerns about rail safety, worker protections, the increased use of artificial intelligence, and the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger.
Titus, a Nevada Democrat and ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, noted her close working relationship with BLET President Mark Wallace and the BLET. She expressed skepticism about the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger and the adequacy of assurances that workers would receive “Jobs for Life” protections.
Titus, a long-time friend of the BLET, also discussed federal surface transportation reauthorization known as the Build America 250 Act. She thanked the BLET and the Teamsters Rail Conference for their work to include the Railway Safety Act as an amendment to that legislation.
If enacted, the Railway Safety Act would codify safety recommendations into law based on the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation of the East Palestine train disaster. The bill would also mandate minimum two-person train crews, a key safety priority for BLET members.
“The backbone of the railroad industry is the safety of its workers, and we have to put that first,” Titus said. “The railroads want longer and heavier trains, and they think one person is enough to do it. We know that’s not true.”
Titus also warned against allowing artificial intelligence to replace human workers in the railroad industry, saying railroads view the technology as a potential cost-saving measure.
“Railroads think it’ll save them money, but it shouldn’t replace humans,” she said.
In addition, Titus is championing the Secure Tracks Act, legislation aimed at strengthening rail safety and protecting human-based visual track inspections. The issue is particularly important to BMWED members, whose work includes railroad track maintenance and inspection.
Her remarks underscored shared concerns about the future of railroad employment, the need for enforceable worker protections, and the importance of maintaining safety standards as the industry considers major structural and technological changes.
On behalf of the BLET, President Wallace presented Congresswoman Titus with a personally engraved bell as a token of his and the union’s appreciation.
