June 24, 2025 — Just hours before a scheduled House Rail Subcommittee hearing on innovation and safety technology in the freight rail industry, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Virginia. While no injuries were reported, the incident has reignited concerns about the industry’s push to roll back federal safety standards.
There has been growing concern from our members about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, commonly referred to in the media as the “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB), currently making its way through Congress. That is because beauty is in the eye of the beholder; and the legislation looks beautiful if you are a CEO of a corporation or a silver-spoon-fed billionaire.
As part of the 12-month Roadway Maintenance Machines (RMM) focus, the FAMES Committee would like to bring your attention to lock out / tag out (LOTO). Please consider these items and anymore you can think of when working with RMMs or LOTO.
Reinforce the critical importance of adhering to LOTO procedures during RMM inspections and maintenance.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is prioritizing industry convenience over public safety. In newly submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, AAR is urging the repeal of long-standing federal rail safety rules, including those that govern signal system inspections under 49 CFR Parts 234 and 49 CFR Parts 236, among others.
WHEN YOU HAVE UNION BACKING – YOUR VOICE TRANSLATES INTO BETTER WAGES, BETTER HEALTH CARE, AND A MORE SECURE RETIREMENT.
Learn More About How Unions Impact Our Lives below.
Brothers Burt Baird (local 89) and Doug VanderJagt (local 123 attended the St. Baldricks Pediatric Cancer research event in Youngstown, OH, on Saturday, March 15th. Our team (The River Rats) raised over $20,000 and the event at a whole raised $56,171 for Children’s cancer research. Brother Baird Raised $8,196.14 to earn the top spot for individual donations received.
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Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
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Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 622-6522
