America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how policies have exacerbated a worker shortage in the railroad industry.
Most of the issues faced by the railroad industry stem from a 30 percent cut in the workforce, Regan said. These companies have enacted draconian attendance policies that discourage people from becoming employees, he explained. Furthermore, many new employees drop out during training because of attendance requirements and quality of life issues, he added.
Regan then discussed the likelihood of a nationwide railroad strike and what Congress could do to avoid it.
He also talked about an AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department recommendation that Congress require federal regulators to conduct an annual “stress test” to determine whether the Class I railroads have enough people, equipment and infrastructure capacity to meet freight demand.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.