OLD FORT, N.C. — A railroad worker who was killed early May 6 in a mudslide, was the father of three children and always had a smile on his face, his wife said. Joe Drewnoski, 33, of Waynesville, died on Old Fort Mountain early Monday morning while inspecting track after a mudslide with another Norfolk [...]
FRA cautions rails about flat switching operations
May 6, 2013
WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) May 3 issued an industry-wide safety advisory to warn about safety hazards associated with flat switching operations on railroads. Since 2009, six railroad employees sustained fatal injuries placing themselves between unsecured rolling equipment during switching operations, including one employee who was killed last year. “Safety is our highest [...]
LaHood gives Amtrak $30M for Sandy repairs
May 6, 2013
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood May 3 announced he is providing $30.2 million to Amtrak to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy along its heavily-traveled Northeast Corridor. The funding comes from the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 and is being provided by the Federal Railroad Administration. “Amtrak serves as a critical transportation [...]
N.C. SLD: Let’s focus on workplace safety
May 3, 2013
By Ron Ingerick,North Carolina State Legislative Director – The deadly explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, and the deaths of workers and first responders there should be a wake-up call for all of us here. Last year, in North Carolina, 148 of our hardworking sisters and brothers left for work one day and [...]
Amtrak marks 42 years of service with funding plea
May 3, 2013
Amtrak marked 42 years of service on May 1 with a plea for more money from Congress. CEO Joe Boardman said Amtrak remains a “vital part” of the nation’s transportation system, but can’t continue to fulfill its “national mission” without more money from Washington. Read the full story at The Hill.
Oregon working to pass pro-union legislation
May 2, 2013
The state of Oregon’s House and Senate have been working to pass bills that are labor-friendly. Most recently, H.B. 3342 passed through the House and has made its way into the Senate. If passed, the bill would outlaw public sector union-busting. Public employers will no longer be able to use public funds or use public [...]
Ohio joins in the fight against right-to-work bills
May 1, 2013
05/02/13 UPDATE: Ohio right-to-work bills were considered “dead-on-arrival” as Senate Republic President Keith Faber rejected the bills last night in an after-hours press conference. “We have an ambitious agenda focused on job creation and economic recovery, and Right to Work legislation is not on that list. After discussions with other leaders and my caucus, I don’t [...]
BNSF partners with Ill. colleges to offer certificate
May 1, 2013
Spoon River College (SRC) of Canton, Ill., Carl Sandburg College (CSC) of Galesburg, Ill. and BNSF has partnered together to offer a new Rail Transportation & Power System Technology Certificate. Students enrolled in the program will study circuits, hydraulics, welding, diesel tractor technology, engine systems, safety in the workplace and much more. Students will have [...]
Obama nominates Charlotte Mayor Foxx to head DOT
April 30, 2013
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a confirmation hearing on transportation secretary nominee Anthony Foxx May 22, according to Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.). President Obama announced April 29 Anthony Foxx as his nominee for the next Secretary of Transportation. Foxx is currently the mayor of Charlotte, N.C, which he [...]
Administration drops redundant driver’s license rule
April 26, 2013
The federal government is relaxing a rule for drivers of buses and large trucks who are involved in out-of-state traffic violations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an office of the Department of Transportation, is eliminating a requirement that drivers notify their state’s licensing agency when they are convicted of a traffic offense in [...]
