July 21, 2026
Orlando, FL - On July 20, 2026, American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) President Ed Dowell addressed delegates at the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) National Convention, delivering a message centered on solidarity, safety, and the importance of a united rail labor movement.
Dowell thanked BRS President Mike Baldwin, the union's officers, delegates, and members for the opportunity to speak, while recognizing the long-standing partnership between train dispatchers and signalmen.
"Dispatchers and signalmen have always shared a unique relationship," Dowell said. "We may represent different crafts, but our work is interconnected, and our futures are tied together. When railroad labor stands together, we are stronger."
As a practical example of how the two Organizations are working together, Dowell highlighted the ongoing effort to organize Union Pacific train dispatchers. He recognized the leadership of the BRS Union Pacific General Committee for publicly encouraging Union Pacific dispatchers to organize with the ATDA, calling their support a true example of labor solidarity.
"After nearly 40 years of organizing efforts, Union Pacific train dispatchers are closer than ever to achieving representation," Dowell said. "The support shown by our brothers in the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen demonstrates exactly what solidarity looks like."
Dowell went on to address the challenges confronting today's railroad workforce, including staffing shortages, automation, artificial intelligence, railroad consolidation, and fatigue. He emphasized that organized labor remains the strongest voice for protecting safety, securing fair contracts, preserving retirement and healthcare benefits, and ensuring railroad employees have a meaningful voice in their workplaces.
"Every major protection railroad workers enjoy today exists because generations before us stood together and fought for it," Dowell told delegates. "When one union is attacked, every union is affected. That's why solidarity isn't just a slogan, it's essential to protecting the future of our industry."
Dowell concluded by thanking the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen for its partnership and reaffirming ATDA's commitment to working alongside fellow rail labor organizations to advance safety, strengthen collective bargaining, and protect the interests of railroad workers nationwide.
The American Train Dispatchers Association extends its appreciation to President Mike Baldwin and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, and looks forward to continuing the strong partnership between the two organizations in the years ahead.
