RWU Resolution on New Technology

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Here is a Resolution on New Technology.  It will be acted on at the Founding Convention.


RWU Resolution on New Technology 


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Whereas, the rail carriers have used both the threat, and the actual implementation of new technology, to put downward pressure on wages and benefits; and


Whereas, the rail carriers have eliminated thousands of union railroad jobs in North America through the implementation of new technology, often granting rail labor very little in return; and


Whereas, the rail carriers wish to expand the use of Remote Control Operations (RCO) and Positive Train Control (PTC) technology to eliminate thousands more jobs of the operating crafts; and


Therefore, Be it Resolved, that Railroad Workers United (RWU) at its Founding Convention in Dearborn, Michigan, April 11, 2008 declares its unequivocal opposition to RCO, including any expansion of its use to the line-of-road; and


Be in Further Resolved that RWU will vigorously organize mass opposition to any and all attempts by the carriers to eliminate the road conductor and operate with single employee train crews or attempts to operate via satellite with engineerless trains; and


Be it Finally Resolved that RWU mail a copy of this resolution to the international officers of all rail unions in North America.


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Background:  The advent of new technology and its implementation should be a benefit to railroad and other workers. Instead it is often a curse because we do not control how, when and where it is implemented. The carriers have eliminated thousand of jobs to the point where railroaders in the U.S. are by far the most efficient and productive in the world. But the carriers have grand designs to eliminate countless more jobs, particularly through the use of RCO and PTC in the coming years unless we come together and mount a unified and vigorous campaign against this scourge. RWU must adopt a &quot;no compromise&quot; position when it comes to the elimination of the road conductor and the road engineer

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