Enhancing Rail Safety

In regards to the carriers in Western Nebraska, Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) and the safety concerns incurred by our affiliated members, the Midwest Nebraska Central Labor Council (CLC) endorses Regulated Safety Production (RSP). The implementation of RSP by our CLC Rail Caucus intends to keep our members safe while working under the unsafe conditions of PSR. PSR requires our members to work harder, faster, and longer, all the while being provided fewer resources to complete their work. This action advocates our members following each and every safety rule that governs their specific tasks or operation. This activity will expedite enforcement of safe production and train movements.

This endorsed resolution serves our customers and also our workers better as they are the individuals on the frontline that continually handle equipment compromised under the PSR operating scheme. RSP will foster a service of expertise in direct performance of tasks that they are properly trained to complete. For example, if a member is not trained, classroom educated, or properly certified to complete a task, then the specialized craft responsible to complete such tasks will be requested to address the issue.

This endorsement is and shall always be the safety standard in locations and operations where the reduction of workforce, resources, and equipment places workers in a position that they have no safe alternative to self-enforcement and adherence to RSP protections. This practice will ensure a safe, secure, and dignified workplace, and at the end of the day, the ability for those we represent to return safely home to their families. This endorsement will remain in effect until resources and railroad logistics are either restored to pre-PSR levels or to a level deemed acceptable to our affiliated memberships. The aforementioned policies have been necessitated by the actions of the carriers practicing PSR and the inaction of the Federal Government and its regulatory agencies responsible for protecting our membership.

Signed,
Midwest Nebraska Central Labor Council Rail Caucus Delegates.