Workers at BNSF Railway are expressing widespread anger and discontent over deteriorating working conditions and what they perceive as a betrayal by their unions. A key point of contention is the Hi-Viz attendance policy, implemented in 2022, which penalizes workers for taking time off, even for legitimate reasons like illness or family emergencies. Workers feel this policy prioritizes company profits over their well-being and leads to exhaustion and safety concerns.
Many railroaders feel that the unions, including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD), have failed to adequately represent their interests. There’s a perception that the unions are too closely aligned with management and prioritize maintaining the status quo over fighting for better conditions.
The workers’ concerns extend beyond the Hi-Viz policy. They report understaffing, long hours, reduced pay due to automation, and inadequate time for rest and recovery. This creates a stressful and dangerous work environment, increasing the risk of accidents and health problems.
Many workers feel trapped, unable to leave due to seniority or the lack of comparable job opportunities. They express a desire for a more militant and democratic union that will genuinely fight for their rights and improved working conditions. They see the current union leadership as ineffective and unresponsive to their needs. The overall sentiment is one of frustration, disillusionment, and a desire for fundamental change within the railroad industry.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/02/viep-a02.html