Most class I railroads have been convicted of felonies.  They relentlessly break the law and hurt people, including their own employees, but that does not mean we should be their partners in crime.  This Committee greatly appreciates those members who take the time to send us intelligence from the field concerning questionable railroad operations. 

We want to know about any dubious, marginally legal, or outright criminal actions by the railroad.  No matter how great or small the issue may seem, if you pass it on to us, we will always review it, discuss it with you, and take appropriate action, if warranted.  Something that may seem small may require serious action from the BRS or a FELA attorney. 

One area we have all come together to affect a rapid change concerns pended trouble tickets.  Thanks to the information sent to us by watchful members, we have pursued numerous CFR violations where the railroad failed to call a maintainer “without undue delay”.  The FRA has supported us on most of these reports and taken enforcement action against the Carriers to bring them into compliance to ensure the safety of the public.  Pended tickets are just one area of concern, however.  

It is vitally important that you report anything you notice that seems amiss to your local chairman and/or this General Committee.  You are our eyes and ears in the field and the information you pass to us is extremely important.  We cannot act on something we do not know about.  Without your intel we are blind.  In addition to pended tickets, please be on the lookout and let us know about:  Troublesome changes in railroad rules, policies or test procedures; Management requests to violate the contract (“direct dealing” is illegal under RLA); Railroad operations that seem to be in violation of local, state or federal laws or regulations;  Hours of Service violations; Coverups of criminal activity;  Hazards to employees or the public;  Anything that does not seem right or that you think needs to be challenged. 

Make no mistake; we are not simply vindictive antagonists of the railroad.  But we are determined to hold the Carriers accountable for compliance with all rules and regulations.  This is critical to your safety because safety is at the core of those regulations.