If you are a frequent reader of this newsletter, then you are familiar with the customary discipline analysis article we publish.  The purpose of the biannual article is to identify discipline trends, both positive and negative, and inform all members.  This is done with the hope of preventing future occurrences. 

When we look at the discipline data for the current year to date, we see a continuation of an alarming trend.  After a few years of reduced discipline, we saw very high numbers in 2024 through 2025 and that disheartening trend is continuing in 2026. For example, the total number of employees disciplined in 2024 represented a 50% increase as compared to the average annual total for the preceding 3 years.  In 2025, we saw that total increase by roughly 7 % when 145 members of our committee were issued discipline.  At the halfway point of 2026, we are tracking even higher as 108 members have been issued investigation notices and 77 of those have resulted in discipline.

As for dismissed members, we are thankfully seeing a significant reduction as compared to 2025.  In 2025, we unfortunately had more members dismissed than any other year in recent history (36).  Thus far in 2026, that number stands at 8 dismissals which, while still elevated,  is more in line with historical averages.      

Customarily, we would now focus on any “silver lining” we are seeing in discipline trends and share that good news as well.  Notwithstanding the aforementioned dismissal reduction, there is not a whole lot to be optimistic about, unfortunately.  But there is an area we should focus on to help drive down discipline – vehicle operation.

The percentage of discipline which stems from factors directly associated with company truck usage remains to be staggering.   Thus far in 2026, nearly half of all discipline cases stem from actions directly related to vehicle operation (seatbelts, cell phones, accidents, speeding, etc.) The root cause of the vast majority of these cases is one thing – rushing to the Carrier’s benefit.  The committee would like to remind all members to slow down while operating company vehicles, follow all appropriate state and local laws, and keep the phones in the glove box.  There is simply no reason to rush to get a job accomplished for a Carrier who continues to show how little they value the professionalism we provide.

It is also very important members who find themselves charged with any alleged infraction remember this very important bit of advice.  Immediately contact a local chairman for guidance.  Do this before you speak a word to a management official about the charges. Despite what some may try to lead you to believe, a full confession up front will not result in charges being dropped.  One thing we have learned unequivocally in recent years is that anything you say can, and most definitely will, be used against you by the Carrier in an investigation.  And this is likely after those words have been manipulated and distorted for maximum incrimination.

Let there be no misunderstanding: the BRS does not condone reckless or improper conduct and expects every member to uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times. This commitment is one of the principles that should distinguish us from a non-union workforce. Where we strongly differ from the Carriers, however, is in their apparent view that any employee—regardless of record or years of service—is expendable and may be dismissed without the presumption of innocence, the contractual due process protections they are owed, or the opportunity to learn from a mistake and continue their career.

We believe every member of this Brotherhood has earned those fundamental rights, and we will continue to challenge the Carriers whenever discipline exceeds what a reasonable person would consider fair. Unfortunately, that has resulted in a significant volume of discipline cases being appealed, as the decisions issued recently have too often fallen short of that standard.

At the same time, we agree with the Carriers on one important point: we work in an unforgiving environment where strict adherence to the rules is essential. Many of the rules at the center of our discipline cases are critical safety requirements designed to ensure that everyone goes home safely. For that reason, we must remain vigilant and committed to following those rules and the life-saving processes that support them.