Our April update is all about preparing for our meeting and a presentation from Ian Brown, a graduate student at UMass Amherst who is finishing a master’s degree in labor studies. Ian has been focused on trains since the age of six and is excited to share his research at our upcoming meeting, Wednesday, April 23, at 7pm CT.
“This research project started when I realized that the railroad industry—especially the workers who keep it running—has been neglected for far too long. Class I’s are ignoring all matters demanding their attention, and as a result, the industry faces another looming collapse. But it doesn’t have to. We’re approaching an influx, a fork in the road, in many ways across many industries. Corporate power has long gone unchecked, and it’s time that changed. We can make our stand, fight back against the incompetence of railroad management, and steer this industry in a new direction. This is incredibly tough, but we have a chance by standing together in solidarity.”
Ian described his presentation as:
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it can often rhyme. Class I railroads have historically been unable to regulate themselves, and their actions have directly led to the collapse of the Penn Central System and railroading as a whole in the Northeastern US, and this collapse resulted in the bankruptcy of 7 other railroads. In its aftermath, Congress failed to address root issues plaguing the industry for decades. This presentation will summarize my research findings, elaborate on some of the grievances of 20th-century Brotherhood of Trainmen members, and shed light on some of the actions workers can take to address contemporary grievances and ensure a future of safe, stable work on the railroad.”
Register for your Zoom link here https://bit.ly/4428LkH
We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, April 23, at 7pm CT. As always, feel free to share this email and Zoom link with your fellow rail supporters. Let us know if you have questions info@publicrailnow.org