Reported by Emmett Lindner for The New York Times
The White House moved late Wednesday to terminate Robert E. Primus, a board member of the federal regulator responsible for approving railroad mergers, including one currently under review between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
The A.F.L.-C.I.O. Transportation Trades Department issued a statement on Thursday calling for a reversal of the firing.
Mr. 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,” the statement said.
“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,” it added.
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