Support Public Rail Ownership

More than ten years ago, at the 2012 Railroad Workers United Convention, members first talked about who owns railroads. Since then, the group has debated whether to have a stance on this issue. Because the rail system has gotten worse over the last ten years, the RWU Steering Committee decided in October to take a position on it.

While the railroad industry has failed to grow in the last 30 years, it has become overly focused on the operating ratio, neglecting other measures of success. Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) has worsened this trend, harming shippers, passengers, commuters, communities, and workers. On-time performance is poor, shippers' complaints are high, passenger trains are often late, commuter services are at risk, and the industry opposes most passenger train expansions. Jobs have been lost, maintenance reduced, and health and safety compromised. Morale is at an all-time low. Despite high profits, carriers refuse to make concessions in contract negotiations.

The private rail industry in North America hasn't been able to do the job well, so it's time to bring this important transportation system, just like other modes of transport, under public ownership. During WWI, the railroads in the U.S. were temporarily under public ownership and control. After the war, rail workers from all crafts and unions tried to keep them public but didn't succeed. They voted overwhelmingly to keep them public. It might be time to stop the Class One carriers from making too much profit, taking too much and being irresponsible. Railroad workers are in a historic position to lead and advocate for a new start for a better national rail industry that can handle the nation’s freight and passengers well.

Read the Article from In These Times