The Teamsters Rail Conference participated in a panel discussion with White House officials and the Federal Railroad Administration last week where issues ranging from pending Congressional rail legislation to the negative consequences of precision scheduled railroading and its implications on membership were discussed in-depth.

The Teamsters Rail Conference is comprised of the two IBT-affiliated Rail Unions – the BMWED and the BLE-T. Officers and select staff were on-hand inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for the day-long meeting. It was an excellent chance for leadership of the two Unions to reiterate pressing matters that are of concern to both memberships.

“It was a beneficial meeting and we are thankful that the White House extended the invitation and devoted the day to our memberships and their issues,” BMWED President Tony Cardwell said.

“It is vital that railroaders are heard at all levels of government and the BMWED and the BLE-T were encouraged by the discourse and consideration,” President Cardwell added. “We were able to speak to a wide range of issues – legislation important to the industry and its workforce, problems with PSR, safety measures including exposures to harmful chemicals, paid sick leave proposals, attendance policy manipulation, employee protections including two-person crews, and other significant topics. We appreciate being able to speak to these issues and are hopeful that we can see remedies to our concerns soon.”