Rail Industry News
CPKC, CN embargoes intensify ahead of potential strike/lockout in Canada
The latest action by CN impacts U.S. originating intermodal railcars destined for Canada, while CPKC will discontinue domestic reefer shipments.
Union Pacific hasn’t yet lived up to deal to give all its engineers predictable schedules
Union Pacific is holding back on its promises to make schedules more predictable for train crews to address the quality of life concerns that nearly caused a nationwide rail strike two years ago, according to the union that represents engineers.
Rail bridge bill enters Senate; Baldwin asks STB to review certain exemptions
S. 4954 — which was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation — would create standards for rail bridge oversight by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Amtrak on-time performance woes mirror host railroad freight service, shippers say
Class I railroad freight service, shippers argue, suffers from Wall Street’s insistence on low operating ratios and keeping capital expenses to a minimum in order to fund share buyback programs.
NS adds PSR veterans to management staff
Norfolk Southern Railway yesterday announced it has appointed three industry veterans with precision scheduled railroading (PSR) experience to help lead its transportation team.
ATDA, NS join FRA’s confidential close call reporting system
In January, Norfolk Southern announced the first pilot program under the FRA’s supervision in the industry, in conjunction with the BLET.
CSX reports Q2 2024 results
CSX said Monday that it earned $963 million, or 49 cents per share, in the second quarter. That’s down from last year’s $984 million, or 49 cents per share.
Fiery North Dakota derailment was the latest to involve weak tank cars the NTSB wants replaced
The NTSB highlighted the fact that some of the 17 tank cars carrying hazardous materials that derailed were DOT-111 tank cars that have demonstrated time and again that they are prone to rupturing in a train crash.
BNSF reports Q2 2024 results
The railway on Saturday, Aug. 3, said its operating income increased 1%, to $1.8 billion, as revenue declined 2%, to $5.7 billion.
Senator Bob Casey introduces Rail Bridge Safety and Transparency Act
This legislation seeks to establish standards for DOT rail bridge oversight and empower local communities to report unsafe conditions.
CPKC reports Q2 2024 results
CPKC’s quarterly operating income — adjusted to reflect the April 14, 2023, CP-KCS merger as if it occurred on Jan. 1 — increased 17%, to $1.37 billion, as adjusted revenue grew 8%, to $3.6 billion.
Justice Dept. sues Norfolk Southern over chronic delays for Amtrak
The Justice Department took the rare step of filing a lawsuit because it says Norfolk Southern is consistently violating the federal law that requires Amtrak’s trains to get priority when they cross a freight railroad’s tracks.
New Jersey members of Congress seek US DOT action on Northeast Corridor problems
Eight members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation have again written Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, asking for federal intervention in the ongoing service issues on the Northeast Corridor.
Union Pacific interfered in federal safety audit
Senator Maria Cantwell said she was opening a probe into Union Pacific’s actions after the Federal Railroad Administration told the committee this month it was forced to discontinue its assessment “due to Union Pacific’s actions to undermine the integrity of the assessment process.”
Norfolk Southern reports Q2 2024 results
Operating income was up 96%, to $1.1 billion, as revenue grew 2%, to $3 billion.
Union Pacific reports Q2 2024 results
Quarterly operating income increased 9%, to $2.4 billion, as revenue grew 1%, to $6 billion. Earnings per share rose 7%, to $2.74. UP’s operating ratio improved 3 points, to 60%.
Vance pick for VP muddies push for rail safety bill
Election-year politics combined with a tight legislative schedule are complicating the effort to pass rail safety legislation stemming from last year’s East Palestine, Ohio, derailment.
NJ Transit strike averted for now
BLET Vice President Jim Louis explains what engineers are seeking in a contract settlement.
NJ Transit — almost on brink of a rail strike — asks Biden to intervene
NJ Transit officials asked President Joe Biden to form a Presidential Emergency Board, a move heading off a potential rail strike by locomotive engineers and trainmen that could have crippled the daily commute.
Teamsters endorse Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024
“The Teamsters Union proudly support the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act, and the essential requirements it includes,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.
BLET News
Union coalition requests second PEB in dispute with LIRR
Last week a coalition of five rail unions that includes BLET, representing the majority of unionized workers at the Long Island Rail Road, wrote to the White House to formally request that a second Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) be appointed to resolve a nearly...
World War II veteran and retired BLET General Chairman Jack McDermott to celebrate 106th birthday on January 18
From left: daughter Kathy, daughter Betty, Jack’s great grandson, daughter Debbie, Jack’s granddaughter, and Jack McDermott. Photo courtesy: Tayler S. Calder/Idaho State Journal ____________________ The BLET National Division extends happy birthday wishes to retied...
Members ratify new contract with New York, Susquehanna & Western
BLET members have ratified a new agreement with the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway (NYSW). Ballots were tabulated on December 29. The agreement provides wage increases and work rule improvements. Additionally, NYSW members are now covered by the...
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW — ORGANIZING WINS: D&I Railroad was BLET’s 14th organizing victory since 2023
The BLET secured more organizing victories over the last two years than in the previous seven years combined. Between 2023-2025 the union successfully organized workers at 14 new railroads. BLET’s most recent organizing victory came in December 2025, when workers at...
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW — EDUCATION & TRAINING: Building stronger officers, stronger Local Divisions
Under the leadership of National Secretary-Treasurer David Estes, the Education & Training Department expanded its reach in 2025 by continuing to offer hybrid learning options that meet members where they are. While in-person instruction remains the gold standard,...
Monthly employee contributions under the National Health & Welfare Plan will increase in 2026
Based on higher than anticipated claim costs in 2024 and 2025, coupled with projected cost increases in 2026, and several other unfavorable factors, health care premiums, and the 15% employee monthly cost-sharing contributions, will increase in 2026 for BLET members...
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW — LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY SUCCESS: Protecting active and retired members through advocacy in the halls of government to keep RRB field offices open, ensure rail safety at America’s southern border
The BLET, working in conjunction with the Teamsters Rail Conference, secured several key political and regulatory victories for the union’s active and retired members throughout 2025. None perhaps were bigger than our successful efforts to protect the Railroad...
BLET Building Manager Tom Grdina retires after 41 years of service
From left: Tom Grdina with family at his December 30 retirement luncheon: son James, wife Susan, and son John. James is also a BLET employee, working as Director of the BLET Print Shop and Supply/Shipping Department. ____________________ The BLET National Division...
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW — COLLECTIVE BARGAINING GAINS: National freight contract and 14 other freight and passenger contracts ratified by BLET members
The BLET successfully negotiated and ratified 15 new collective bargaining agreements in 2025, boosting wages and providing substantial contractual improvements for more than 22,000 active members. This achievement is backed by the work of the assigned Vice...
Labor solidarity helps overturn restrictive ban on collective bargaining for public sector unions
In a victory for all of organized labor, the state of Utah has repealed a ban on collective bargaining for public sector workers that went into effect on July 1. While the law did not prevent workers such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public...
