On the anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, several rail unions and labor organizations called on Congress to pass the Railway Safety Act and other safety measures. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and leaders from the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) gathered at the Capitol to press lawmakers for action.
Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division, stated, “It should not take another catastrophic derailment for Congress to move on rail safety. One was enough. The issue is bipartisan. Congress needs to do what’s right and act now.”
Michael Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen and Chairman of the Rail Labor Division of TTD, reflected on the incident: “We are gathered here today to mark an anniversary that never should have happened. Three years ago in East Palestine, Ohio, a freight train derailed and unleashed toxic chemicals into a community that did nothing to deserve it. This was not a fluke, this was not bad luck, it was the foreseeable result of a system that has been allowed, even encouraged, to put profits ahead of safety.”
IAM Rail Division head Josh Hartford stood with other union officials including TCU/IAM Legislative Director Dave Arouca and IAM District 19 President Reece Murtagh during the event.
Members of Congress who spoke in support included Representatives Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), and John Garamendi (D-Calif.). Mayors Matt Pacifico from Altoona, Pa., and Michael Lambardo from Pittston, Pa., also pledged their support for advancing rail safety legislation.
Despite three years passing since the East Palestine derailment released hazardous materials into a residential area, lawmakers have yet to pass new regulations aimed at preventing similar incidents. Supporters argue that adopting bipartisan measures like those proposed in the Railway Safety Act would address gaps in current oversight and help protect both workers and communities.
TTD President Greg Regan commented on political support for rail safety reforms: “This is not a partisan issue. Former President Biden and current President Trump both voice support for railway safety. This is something that can and needs to be addressed. The labor movement is ready to work with you all to make sure we can actually achieve a rail system that we can all be proud of.”
The call for legislative action comes as unions emphasize ongoing risks associated with existing railroad practices.
