Spring 2003
Volume 110 - No. 1
Spring 2003
Volume 110 - No. 1
GIA stands with BLE, Teamsters at D.C. rally
From left: Hugh Sawyer of BLE Division 316 (Atlanta); Pat Murphy, GIA Second Vice-President & Assistant Legislative Representative; and Mabel Grotzinger, GIA International Vice President.
By Mabel Grotzinger, GIA International Vice President
On March 11, 2003 the BLE and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) arranged a demonstration in front of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) building in Washington, D.C. to protest the FRA's lack of oversight in the implementation of remote-control locomotives across the country. A large gathering of BLE, GIA and Teamster members came from all over the country. Pat Murphy and I represented the International GIA. Two GIA members from the Houston, Texas, Auxiliary 139, Glenda Sikorski and Linda Lara, made the trip to support the BLE. It was great to see such dedication to the cause.
Many speakers let the FRA know that this practice of unfettered implementation of remote control operations was unacceptable. Among the speakers were Don Hahs, President of the BLE, James Hoffa, General President of the IBT, and Richard Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO.
The FRA, under Clinton-appointed Administrator Jolene Molitoris, was asked to conduct a proceeding to establish regulations for the implementation of this technology. A docket number was assigned (FRA 2000-8422), but to date, no action has been taken on this issue and the docket remains open. The railroads have been given non-binding guidelines from the FRA and they are running with them.
The FRA intended these guidelines to be used for pilot programs. However, the railroads have used them to go to full implementation of remote control locomotives.
Historically, the railroads have never accepted new technology quickly. Why then are they going after this piece of technology with such zeal? In my opinion, it has to do with the fact that it will reduce manpower thus saving them money.
Alan Rutter, Administrator of the FRA, made a statement in response to the demonstration. He said, "based on safety data gathered to date, there is nothing to indicate that remote control operations should be banned from use. In fact, in cases where the FRA has identified potential problems associated with remote control operations, the railroads have been extremely responsive in addressing such issues."
The FRA approved the use of remote control locomotives on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and the Union Pacific as well as some short lines in 2001.
The GIA is asking all of its members to take the message that remote-control locomotives are in your communities and let your friends and neighbors know about the dangers. The BLE has produced a tri-fold brochure to explain the issue. Contact your local BLE Division and ask for some of these brochures to distribute.
© 2003 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers