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.
July 6, 2026, Front Royal, VIRGINIA— The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) members under National Handling have ratified the proposed National Wage and Benefit Agreement. 72% of eligible voters participated with a large majority of members voting in favor of the agreement.
Electronic Ballots were independently tallied by Simply Voting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BRS MEMBERS - REGISTER FOR THE WEBSITE TO GET ACCESS TO MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT
Easily access your member profile to update your mailing address, email, and other personal contact details. The member portal helps you stay informed on important, members-only updates.
**This DOES NOT update Engage**
Registering for the member area is secure and confidential. The BRS is committed to protecting the privacy of our Union and its members. We use physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to ensure your information remains protected.
-
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
917 Shenandoah Shores Road
Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 622-6522
