Following power outages and disruptions, what is next for Amtrak?

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his speech during the Democratic National Convention. Regan also spoke about a power outage that stopped trains in the Northeast Corridor and two Canadian rail companies locking out union workers.

Regan was one of several labor leaders and advocates to speak at the Democratic National Convention. During his speech, Regan highlighted the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris Administration, several of which were crucial to the success and growth of the labor movement. Regan also discussed the impact the administration had on improving the infrastructure and investing in the future of union labor across the country.

On June 20, the Northeast Corridor of the U.S. experienced several Amtrak power outages and disruptions. Regan said that for the first time in years, the trains in the Northeast Corridor were at a standstill after a circuit breaker exploded just outside midtown Manhattan. The breaker is critical for Amtrak, as it helps to power the trains along one of the busiest sections of passenger rail traffic in the country. He discussed the need for updated technology to help control the rail lines and the next steps to prevent further disruptions.

Finally, Regan addressed the worker lockouts by two Canadian rail companies. On Aug. 22, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) locked out more than 9,000 unionized workers. Regan discussed the impact this lockout could have on small businesses and the economies of Canada and the Northern U.S. He urged the Canadian government to take swift action to help find a resolution. 

Listen to the show above to hear more from Regan and the TTD.