Union Leaders Say Railroad Resists Change
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Union Pacific’s plans to avoid accidents like those that killed 11 people last year are foundering on resistance from the railroad’s middle managers and field supervisors, union leaders contended at a Federal safety hearing today. Union Pacific executives pointed to safety improvements but agreed that their programs were far from complete. Some regulators asked how the railroad could improve safety on a system still so clogged that especially in Texas trips that would normally take hours instead take days, leaving crews exhausted. The railroad’s record was under examination today at a hearing by a National Transportation Safety Board panel that is considering the need for tougher Federal rules and enforcement. Regulators and union leaders both praised a more cooperative spirit shown by Union Pacific executives, who said they were striving to overcome the industry’s ”militaristic” culture. More : query.nytimes.com |