On November 14-15, ATDA Vice President Kevin Porter, and BNSF System Committee General Chairman David Ursini attended meetings with the Federal Railroad Administration and other Rail Labor leaders in Chandler, Arizona. The event was arranged and hosted by the FRA as a step toward better engaging labor representatives from railroads in the Western United States. Among those in attendance were more than 40 FRA representatives, including senior leadership, discipline subject matter experts, and safety management teams. Through group and breakout sessions at the event, the ATDA’s representatives were able to advocate for its members on such topics as:
· Confidential Close Call Reporting (C3RS)
· Hours of service
· Adequate workforce levels
· FRA reporting processes
· Carrier training standards
· Precision Scheduled Railroad concerns
Through such opportunities, the ATDA is working to amplify the voice of its members within the United States government. With a follow up event scheduled to focus on Eastern United States railroads in the spring of 2024, the Organization will look to further capitalize as it works for positive change.