A review of the past six months reveals a mix of both good news, and extremely difficult challenges that have confronted our Division as well as all working families. Unfortunately, the economic downturn has resulted in furloughs and associated hardships for a number of members employed in the freight sector. Although we may not have the ability to quickly turn around the economy, our Railroad Division Staff has been working diligently with Railroad Division Locals to assist in efforts to protect our members’ interests. These efforts and assistance will continue as we collectively work our way through these difficult times.

As we move into the second half of the year it may be easy for some to forget, or to put behind them, the past six months. I would emphasize however, that since the first of the year we have witnessed a number of changes in Washington that signal a new day to be remembered for years to come.  From the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, an unwavering advocate of Amtrak since its inception, to the appointment of numerous others to key positions in the Obama Administration, the landscape in Washington has changed dramatically. In particular, from a Railroad Division vantage point, the appointment of Ray Lahood as Transportation Secretary and Joe Szabo as Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration is welcome news. Over the past few months we have taken advantage of the opportunities that both Secretary LaHood and Administrator Szabo have provided for Labor to discuss a wide range of railroad industry issues important to our membership.

On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation included $1.3 billion in stimulus funding for Amtrak. A considerable amount of this funding was designated for equipment repairs, which resulted in significant work force increases at both the Bear, Delaware and Beech Grove, Indiana shops. The Recovery Act also provides an historic $8 billion investment in high-speed rail development. Yes, high-speed rail has been on the radar screen for years, however, this Administration, without delay, has immediately signaled a true commitment to the development of high-speed rail with $8 billion to jump start the program and $5 billion more identified to be allocated in budgets for years ahead. The pace at which this program has been advancing since President Obama’s April 16 announcement releasing the Administration’s plan, “A Vision for High-Speed Rail in America,” further confirms the Administration’s commitment to high-speed rail. Stay tuned, we will be providing ongoing updates as the high-speed rail program advances. One more event worthy of note is the May 1st payment of the balance (60%) of retroactive wages to TWU members (JCC) employed on Amtrak. This payment marks the close of the final chapter in what has been a long and extremely difficult fight to secure justice for Amtrak workers.

Although this is only a snapshot of the past six months, there has been significant and welcome change on several fronts, change that will be remembered for years to come.  Change that clearly points to the direct connection between the political/legislative process and the work our Railroad Division members perform on a daily basis. Much remains to be done. As we move forward we will be keeping our Railroad Division membership updated. Equally important, we will be renewing our efforts to reach out and engage our membership in our efforts to continuously effect change that improves the quality of life for TWU Railroad Division members and all working families.