URGENT UPDATE: Rail workers and union leaders are gathering for a critical safety town hall just outside East Palestine, Ohio, on July 19, 2025, at 12 p.m. The event, organized by the Teamsters Rail Conference, aims to address escalating safety concerns in the rail industry following one of the worst rail disasters in US history.
At this pivotal town hall, union leaders including Tony Cardwell, President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), will unveil alarming details about railroads’ attempts to sidestep essential safety regulations. Cardwell will specifically highlight the dangers posed by “automated track inspection,” which could jeopardize the safety of both workers and the communities surrounding rail lines.
Additionally, Vincent Verna, Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), will discuss the controversial zero-to-zero technology. This computerized system relies on technology for starting and stopping freight trains, effectively removing manual control from locomotive engineers—an alarming trend that raises serious safety concerns.
The town hall is expected to draw significant attention, as it takes place just miles from the site of the catastrophic train derailment that shocked the nation. Attendees will hear firsthand accounts from rail workers and community members who have been directly affected by unsafe rail operations.
This event is crucial for raising awareness about how current railroad practices endanger not only the lives of workers but also the safety of communities nationwide. Local officials and elected representatives are also expected to attend, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in rail safety regulations.
As concerns mount, this town hall represents an important step toward holding railroads accountable and ensuring that safety takes precedence over profit.
Stay tuned for updates following this critical meeting, as community members and union leaders come together to advocate for a safer rail system. This is a developing story that promises to impact rail safety standards across the country—don’t miss it!
For more information, contact Roy Morrison at [email protected] or Daniel Inclima at (586) 215-1389.
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