Published 19 May, 2011
For 40 years Amtrak has provided travelers with rail service between cities and towns across the U.S., but the publicly run company has faced challenges of underfunding, threats of privatization and changing management, which has created a turbulent environment for Amtrak workers, according to an article in Progressive Railroading that features TWU International Rail Director Gary Maslanka.
Workers at Amtrak, including 1,400 members of TWU who work as carmen and onboard service staff, have had to adapt to changing financial situations and company culture. According to the article, frequent changes in management have required workers to adjust to changing workplace culture and created challenges for bargaining. However, the appointment of a new CEO, Joseph Boardman, in 2008 has shown signs of progress and stability.
In the article, Maslanka discusses the union’s perspective and current examples of positive cooperation with Amtrak management and Boardman. Maslanka commented that there is an increased emphasis on collaborating with labor and getting workers’ input on the workplace, like engaging union leaders in strategic planning. He highlighted the examples of shops where TWU members have worked to improve processes, such as at the Beech Grove, Ind. shop where management adopted a proposal by TWU members to implement Six Sigma quality control processes.
“Management at many companies say, ‘Our most valued asset begins with the employees,’ and they use it pretty loosely, but in this situation, there’s been a true demonstration,” said Maslanka in the article. “Since Mr. Boardman’s been here, he’s been walking the talk. His actions show that he is indeed interested and engaged, and working with the employees in a collaborative way.”
“Part of the process here is to find ways to be competitive and leverage the assets Amtrak has,” said Maslanka. “The better we do things, the more we can take advantage of opportunities and the more competitive we’ll be.”
Read the full article, Amtrak: keeping an eye on the long-range forecast for U.S. intercity passenger rail. For forty years Amtrak has provided travelers with rail service between cities and towns across the U.S., but the publicly run company has faced challenges of underfunding, threats of privatization and changing management, which has created a turbulent environment for Amtrak workers, according to an article in Progressive Railroading that features TWU International Rail Director Gary Maslanka.
Workers at Amtrak, including 1,400 members of TWU who work as carmen and onboard service staff, have had to adapt to changing financial situations and company culture. According to the article, frequent changes in management have required workers to adjust to changing workplace culture and created challenges for bargaining. However, the appointment of a new CEO, Joseph Boardman, in 2008 has shown signs of progress and stability.
In the article, Maslanka discusses the union’s perspective and current examples of positive cooperation with Amtrak management and Boardman. Maslanka commented that there is an increased emphasis on collaborating with labor and getting workers’ input on the workplace, like engaging union leaders in strategic planning. He highlighted the examples of shops where TWU members have worked to improve processes, such as at the Beech Grove, Ind. shop where management adopted a proposal by TWU members to implement Six Sigma quality control processes.
“Management at many companies say, ‘Our most valued asset begins with the employees,’ and they use it pretty loosely, but in this situation, there’s been a true demonstration,” said Maslanka in the article. “Since Mr. Boardman’s been here, he’s been walking the talk. His actions show that he is indeed interested and engaged, and working with the employees in a collaborative way.”
“Part of the process here is to find ways to be competitive and leverage the assets Amtrak has,” said Maslanka. “The better we do things, the more we can take advantage of opportunities and the more competitive we’ll be.”