As a part of our coverage for Workers Memorial Day on April 28, Roy Morrison, Director of Safety for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the union is working to eliminate rail operations that focus on profit over safety and explains how the Brotherhood is providing a better reporting system for workers.
Morrison spent most of his time on the rails as a foreman with Union Pacific in the Seattle area. In 2018, he became the Director of Safety for the Brotherhood and set his focus on helping improve the safety of workers on the rail. He talked about the constant struggle with employers to ensure the current business model does not lead to greater risk for the workers. While railroads in America are generally safe for travel and the transportation of goods, it is still not as safe as it should be compared to the rest of the world, he said.
Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) is an operating model used by rail companies that focuses on limiting operational costs and maximizing profits. This means there are fewer workers to operate and maintain a line, and as a by-product, there is less time to do proper maintenance and inspections on trains, which can be upwards of a mile long, Morrison explained. PSR exemplifies modern corporate strategies where short-term gains are often prioritized over sustainable practices. If the model continues to be used, it will add to a broader narrative that is forming around the exploitation of rail workers, he added.
To help workers, Morrison said that the BMWED is working with several rail unions to implement a system known as the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) across all Class 1 and craft rail lines. C3RS would provide a safe reporting environment, foster a culture focused on collaboration and safety, leverage data-driven solutions and ensure regulatory compliance, he said. Implementing C3RS is essential to overcoming the hostile nature that has historically existed in the railroad industry, Morrison said. At a time when safety on the rails is a national talking point, Morrison believes now is the time to improve safety outcomes and create a positive and inclusive work environment for workers on the rails.
Listen to the show above to hear more about the safety issues on the rail and how the BMWED is working to create a safer environment for members.