The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters endorses the bipartisan Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 led by U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Seth Moulton (D-MA).

The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 is a stronger piece of legislation than a similar Rail Safety bill currently being considered in the Senate. The House bill contains good language that strengthens and clarifies Train Approach Warning track protection, giving BMWED members more and safer tools to protect on-track work.

It also contains provisions to enforce the Federal Railroad Administration’s C3RS confidential “close call” reporting system that would protect railroad employees from retaliation for reporting critical safety concerns when the carriers neglect to follow their own rules due to Precision Scheduled Railroading.

In addition, the House version of the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act solidifies two-person crew on most freight trains and strengthens rules on car and train inspections.

“The carriers have zero intention of fixing the systemic issues that have plagued the industry for far too long and have only exacerbated since the doctrine of Precision Scheduled Railroading has taken its insidious root,” BMWED President Tony D. Cardwell said. “It is clear to everyone – the Unions, the shippers, the regulatory agencies, the general public – that the railroads will not improve on their own. That is why we are supportive of strong and specific legislation that corrects issues that management has failed to address. This bipartisan House legislation is a good step in the right direction.”