RWU
Resolution on Crew Fatigue
Whereas, all too many
railroaders in North America work long, irregular hours and all too often are
chronically sleep deprived; and
Whereas, most North American
railroad workers have no schedule whatsoever, and are generally called to work
at all hours of the day, seven days a week, with just two hours’ notice of
work; and
Whereas, these long hours
without enough sleep have been the cause of countless wrecks, injuries and
fatalities over the years, both on and off the job; and
Whereas, this chronic fatigue
contributes greatly to all sorts of problems on and off the job – physical,
mental, emotional, marital, family, etc.; and
Whereas, excessive work hours
means less time for other aspects of life – hobbies, interests, family,
friends, community and union work, etc.; and
Whereas, the rail carriers
compound the problem when they implement draconian “availability policies”,
making it nearly impossible for some railroaders to take the necessary time off
work; and
Whereas, countless studies have
proven that fatigue -- having a very similar effect upon the brain as excessive
alcohol consumption -- has been a major contributor to disastrous railroad
accidents in recent years: and
Whereas, despite study after
study, meeting after meeting, the unions and the carriers have more often than
not been unable to reach agreement on ways and means to provide adequate and
proper rest for train and engine crews;
Therefore,
Be it Resolved,
that Railroad Workers United recognizes that excessive work hours and the
resultant crew fatigue are major issues in the rail industry that can no longer
be ignored; and
Be in
Further Resolved
that RWU supports a nationwide campaign to combat the chronic fatigue and
excessive work hours that North American railroad workers are subject to.
Be it
Finally Resolved
that RWU calls on community organizations, civic groups, environmental
organizations and labor unions to join with us in this important fight against
train crew fatigue.
Presented to the RWU Steering Committee
2/3/15 for Consideration
