Rails and Roadblocks: The Challenge of Implementing Railroad Safety Measures Amid Union Labor Shortages
Good morning! Today is National Hug Your Dog Day, a day that reminds us of the joy and companionship that our furry friends bring to our lives. 🐶
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In light of several derailments and revolving questions about our nation’s railway safety procedures, the Association of American Railroads is announcing 1,000 new heat sensors to be installed to avoid future issues. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) is the union tasked with installing these new heat detectors, but they’re pushing back. According to the union’s president, labor cuts over recent years have forced its construction crews responsible for this work down to 40% of its overall typical capacity.
Check out today’s featured article from CNBC to read installation of 1,000 new heat sensors on the railroads by order of the Association of American Railroads. Will the BRS union be able to fulfill this massive undertaking?
Featured Article:
Norfolk Southern derailment: Union warns it lacks workers to install new safety tech | CNBC
“The Association of American Railroads plans to install approximately 1,000 new heat detectors on lines, which are a focus in current Norfolk Southern derailment investigations.”
Union Issues & Politics
☕️ Grab a cup’o Joe: Starbucks CEO to testify before Senate over unionizing opposition
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is feeling the heat as Congress investigates the company’s “intense opposition” to national efforts to unionize its stores. Under the threat of a subpoena from Senator Bernie Sanders (according to The Guardian), Schultz will be stepping up to the plate before the U.S. Senate health, education, labor and pensions (Help) committee as answer some challenging questions.
Congress is investigating Starbucks' opposition to unionization efforts because there is growing concern about the impact of anti-union practices on workers' rights and economic inequality. According to the Biden Administration, unionization can give workers a voice in their workplace and provide them with bargaining power to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The investigation is looking into allegations that Starbucks has engaged in unfair labor practices and union-busting tactics to prevent its workers from unionizing. These practices, if proven true, would violate workers' rights and undermine the integrity of the democratic process for workers to decide whether to unionize. Congress is conducting this investigation to determine whether Starbucks and other corporations are engaging in similar practices to prevent their workers from unionizing.
Driver Issues & Compliance
📸 Driver-focused cameras in Kentucky under fire for delayed citations
In September 2022, Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet announced its installation of driver-focused cameras at weigh stations along Interstate 75. Now, in March 2023, drivers are receiving seatbelt and logbook citations for truckers - even days after leaving the scale. The cameras were initially implemented by local authorities in an effort to limit distracted driving, but the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is expressing concern over the surveillance method in the name of safety.
Some truckers may feel that the cameras invade their privacy by constantly monitoring their behavior, even if the cameras are only active during driving time. They may worry that the footage could be misused or used against them in some way. While driver-focused cameras are designed to improve safety, some truckers may feel that they are a distraction or that they create a stressful work environment. They may also worry that the cameras will lead to more micromanagement and less autonomy on the job. Overall, the use of driver-focused cameras is a controversial issue in the trucking industry, and there are valid arguments both for and against their use.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
🇨🇳 Biden’s 2023 trade agenda will focus on China’s laborer rights. According to the U.S. Trade Representative’s report on 2023 policy, Chinese worker rights will be a hot topic for the Biden Administration this year. The US government is likely enforce existing labor laws and regulations that apply to companies operating in the US, as well as those that apply to US companies operating overseas. The US can also begin working with other countries and international organizations to promote and enforce international labor standards, such as those set by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Ultimately, addressing worker rights in China and other countries in the global supply chain will require a collaborative effort between governments, companies, and civil society organizations. By working together to promote and enforce labor standards, support worker empowerment, and implement responsible sourcing practices, we can improve labor conditions and promote a more equitable global economy.
🇺🇸 Atlantic Council data shows that US manufacturing input is on the rise. This is continuing the trend of “mixed data” and uncertainty in the sector as the United States takes aim at where China dominates. Manufacturing jobs are often high-paying jobs that provide good benefits and stable employment for workers. By growing the manufacturing sector, the US can create new jobs and reduce unemployment. Additionally, manufacturing is a key driver of economic growth, as it contributes to the production of goods and services that are essential to many industries. A strong manufacturing sector can stimulate demand for other goods and services, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy. By investing in sustainable manufacturing practices and technologies, the US can reduce its environmental impact and improve its sustainability.
🔋 Tesla is stirring up an electric-vehicle price war in the U.S. The EV-maker has drastically cut the costs of its Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y… forcing other electric vehicle manufactures to follow suit. Lower prices make Teslas more affordable for a wider range of consumers, which can attract more buyers who were previously unable to afford the high cost of a Tesla. Price cuts can create a perception of value among consumers, making them feel that they are getting a good deal on a high-quality product. This can make Teslas more appealing to buyers who are looking for a luxury car at a more affordable price. When Tesla announces a dramatic price cut, it can create a sense of urgency among buyers who may fear that they will miss out on a good deal if they wait too long. This can lead to an increase in demand as buyers rush to take advantage of the lower prices.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🧾1099 vs. W-2: which is right for you? As a W2 employee, your employer will withhold taxes from your paycheck, including federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. As a 1099 contractor, you are responsible for paying your own taxes and may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. W2 employees may be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, while 1099 contractors typically do not receive these benefits. However, as a W2 employee, you may have less control over your work schedule and the routes you drive, while as a 1099 contractor, you may have more control over your work schedule and routes. Ultimately, the decision between a W2 and a 1099 classification will depend on individual circumstances and preferences. It is important to carefully consider the tax implications, benefits, control over work, expenses, and liability associated with each classification before making a decision.
🚂 What’s the state of railway safety? After the Ohio Norfolk Southern derailment (x3), people are more aware of rail safety precautions - or lack thereof - than ever before. Currently, freight rail companies are required to perform regular inspections of their tracks and equipment to identify any defects or issues that could lead to a derailment. Speed limits are established based on the condition of the track and other factors to ensure safe operations and minimize the risk as well. Many freight rail companies use automatic train control systems that can automatically slow or stop a train if it is going too fast or approaching a dangerous section of track. Positive train control systems use GPS and other technology to monitor train movements and prevent collisions or derailments.
🛣️ Costs of maintaining sustainable highways should be paid by those who use them. Users of highways should bear the cost of maintaining them as they are the ones who directly benefit from their use. It is not fair to expect non-users or taxpayers who don't benefit from the highways to shoulder the cost of their maintenance. By having users pay for the maintenance of highways, the cost can be allocated based on actual usage, making it a more cost-effective approach. This ensures that those who use the highways the most pay more for their maintenance, while those who use them less pay less. Additionally, by having users pay for their maintenance, they are investing in sustainable development and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
💻 A Transportation Management System (TMS) can change your logistics game. A TMS is a software solution designed to streamline and optimize transportation planning, execution, and freight payment processes for businesses. TMS can be a critical component of logistics management, as it can help organizations to efficiently manage their supply chain operations, reduce costs, and improve customer service. A TMS provides end-to-end visibility of shipments, allowing logistics managers to track shipments in real-time, manage exceptions, and quickly respond to changes in demand or supply.
📦 Smaller competitors of UPS & FedEx should through their hat in the digital ring. In today's digital age, customers expect convenient and easy-to-use digital services that allow them to track their shipments, receive notifications, and manage their deliveries. By offering digital services, smaller competitors can meet these customer demands and compete on a level playing field with larger competitors. Digital services can help smaller competitors reduce costs by automating processes, reducing manual errors, and improving efficiency. This can enable them to offer competitive prices and improve their profit margins.
🌦️ Your supply chain shouldn’t be determined by the weather. Weather-proofing your supply chain involves taking proactive steps to minimize the impact of weather-related disruptions on your operations. Identify potential weather-related risks to your supply chain, such as hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, and heatwaves, and assess their potential impact on your operations. Work with multiple suppliers in different locations to reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions due to weather-related events in a particular region and maintain sufficient inventory levels to meet demand during periods of weather-related disruptions, such as delays in transportation or power outages.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 28, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.