Remembering East Palestine’s train derailment and rail safety updates

President of the Transportation Trades Department, Greg Regan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the first anniversary of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and what political leaders are doing to create change in the industry. Regan also talked about a letter outlining concerns about a proposal to raise the retirement age for pilots that was sent to all members of Congress.

As the first anniversary of the Feb. 3, 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, approaches, Regan discussed the progress toward a solution to prevent future incidents. There have been some interested parties within the federal government interested in finding a solution to the railway safety issues, but there isn’t enough, Regan said. He then discussed the progress of the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023 through the Senate, and what that legislation would do for rail safety if passed.

Regan added that there haven’t been any major improvements to the rail industry's maintenance and inspection processes in the past year. Regan talked about the concerns that operators face daily. Regan said overall, while transporting hazardous material by rail is preferable, and safety measures and maintenance improvements must be made.

Finally, Regan talked about a proposal to increase the retirement age of pilots. 30 unions co-sponsored a TTD letter to all members of Congress outlining the concerns if there is an increase. Regan talked about the problems that could stem from this increase and what it would mean for safety in the workplace. He also discussed the follow-up steps for the TTD to ensure all members of Congress are educated on the problems with increasing the pilot's retirement age.

To learn more about the TTD’s work, listen to the show above.