News / BNSF maintenance cuts prompt further US rail safety warning

© Thomas Vieth

Divisions remain deep between US rail labour and management, with accusations that the latter is jeopardising safety for the benefit of profitability.

At Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees division of the Teamsters Union has written to the US Surface Transportation Board (STB) warning that cutbacks in the railway’s maintenance budget are undermining safety to shore up profits.

US rail top brass and labour are also sharply divided on the safety risks associated with long trains.

The ...