Brothers and Sisters,

For quite awhile now, we have had a concern about longer and heavier trains on CP and their effect on the infrastructure.  Longer trains are not only cutting out critical jobs by lessening the amount of train crews used, we believe that they are increasing the wear and tear on an already over fatigued rail infrastructure. As well, we were concerned about the marshalling (set up) and handling of these longer trains, especially with a minimalist workforce.

We have made these concerns known to the media, to the government, to the public and to our membership.  We have been adamant in our position that public and personal safety must never take a back seat to profits. This position has not made us very popular with the railroads and some have tried everything they can to limit communications

Today the Transportation Safety Board came out and announced in its transportation safety concern 'watch list' of nine major issues, the following critical concerns which can be directly related to railways:

* Substandard handling and marshalling of longer freight trains continues to cause derailments.
* Passenger trains colliding with vehicles at level crossings happens too often.
* Transport Canada fails to provide adequate oversight of safety systems for industry.
* Data recording devices in planes, trains and ships sometimes fail to record crash information.

The TSB is also urging government and industry to work together to solve these (and other) issues to increase safety and reduce loss of life associated with accidents.

"We know from hard experience, if persistent problems are not addressed, there will be another accident," said board chair Wendy Tadros. "That is why we have our watchlist."

Once again, I have to stress the importance of all stakeholders being involved in the integral safety of Canada's railways.  Job reductions and shortcuts, which may save a few dollars, are not worth it if they are related to accidents which cause derailments and/or cost lives.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay united,

Bill Brehl
President
TCRCMWED