WASHINGTON — Greg Regan and Shari Semelsberger, President and Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD), issued the following statement in response to the firing of Robert Primus, Member of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and its former Chairman:
“STB Member Robert Primus has been a thoughtful leader in carrying forward the Board’s mission to support an efficient, competitive, and economically viable freight rail network that meets the needs of rail shippers. Since being nominated by President Trump in 2020 and joining the Board in 2021, Mr. Primus has been thoroughly focused on strengthening freight rail service, workforce levels, and public safety, and examining growth opportunities in the freight rail industry.
“As America’s largest transportation labor federation, representing the totality of rail labor and a voice for hundreds of thousands of skilled rail workers, we have a vested interest in the Board’s oversight of the economic regulation of America’s freight rail network. Rail labor leaders have appeared before Board members in public hearings and submitted comments on the Board’s proposed rules.
“Across all of this collaboration, Mr. Primus has demonstrated an expert understanding of the lasting impact that America’s freight rail network has on the national economy, and the Board’s oversight role in building long-term stability into the current system. With ongoing talks between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to create a transcontinental railroad, the Board must maintain its commitment to competition, protect rail workers, promote efficient rail service, and carefully weigh the public benefits or losses of a potential merger.
“President Trump has at times shown a willingness to act in the interest of American workers, exemplified by his support for domestic manufacturing and protecting longshore jobs from automation threats. Historically and to this day, the freight rail industry is immensely powerful — farmers, shippers, and railroaders alike require a robust STB to carry out its mission of serving the public interest and promoting competition. Left to their own devices, the largest railroads will continue slashing good-paying American rail jobs. It would be a mistake to replace Mr. Primus with a member who caters only to powerful carriers that prioritize profits over the long-term success of the industry.
“While we commend Mr. Primus for his leadership and thank him for his service, we also urge President Trump to reverse course immediately. As always, we are committed to working with the Board to address the remaining service, staffing, and safety challenges in this industry.”
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