The Transport Workers Union applauds the Department of Transportation’s final rule that would require at least two people operating every freight train – an essential safety measure that improves working conditions both on the tracks and in rail yards. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the final rule on Tuesday.
“This final rule is essential for safety and is long overdue,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “The TWU looks forward to the swift implementation of a two-person crew requirement.”
TWU members include railroad carmen who are responsible for inspecting and repairing train cars. Carmen are dispatched when a train develops mechanical problems while in route – a job that is often performed by one carman using a repair truck. In situations like these, the conductor assists the carman with inspections and necessary repairs. A two-person crew allows the engineer to maintain the safety of the train, especially if the problem is related to a defective air brake system.
“The threat to safety of single-crewed trains is well documented. Disasters such as the 2013 train explosion in Quebec, Canada which killed 47 people are predictable consequences of under-crewed operations,” TWU Railroad Division Director John Feltz wrote in comments supporting the proposed rule submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration. “Canada now requires an operator to operate with two-person crews in their country; we should learn from their example and do the same.”