Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) have had two chances to make their case to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for what would be the largest railroad merger in American history. Twice, they have now come up short.
On this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Secretary-Treasurer Brandon Elvey walks through three active fronts in the rail industry.
Know this: We don’t speak from corporate boardrooms. We speak from the front lines of rail safety, which is why we can confidently say that the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is a danger to workers and the public.
BRS members working on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) have voted to ratify a new agreement by a margin of 96%, bringing to a close a bargaining process that spanned several years and culminated in a historic coalition-wide strike and voluntary agreement with the carrier.
The railroad industry is once again talking about “modernization,” “productivity,” “automation” and “regulatory flexibility.” Those words may sound harmless in an investor briefing or a management dinner, but railroad workers know they often carry a much different meaning on the ground.
In November 1977, the BRS launched a contest to name our new signal mascot. The winning choice, “Signalman Sam,” debuted in January 1978 and appeared on the cover of The Signalman’s Journal until his retirement in 1983.
In 2024, Sam received a much-needed facelift and was reintroduced as the official BRS mascot. You will see him in our publications, at local gatherings, and out in the wild as part of our sticker campaign. If you spot Sam, snap a photo and send it toinfo@brs.org with the subject: Signalman Sam.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Brother Monte Colucci has dedicated 41 years as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Wampsville Volunteer Fire Department.
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Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
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Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 622-6522