Hazardous pay
With the recent hazardous events affecting our operations, now is the time for our union to advocate for the protections our members deserve. We remain committed to moving freight and protecting our jobs, but that commitment should never come at the expense of our health, safety, or financial security.
Today, railroaders are facing multiple workplace hazards at the same time:
Canadian wildfire smoke has created hazardous air quality conditions across many regions, reducing visibility and exposing employees to harmful airborne particles while working outdoors.
COVID-19 continues to circulate, creating additional health concerns for employees working in close quarters, transportation, lodging, and shared facilities.
Whiteout snow conditions and winter storms can severely limit visibility, increase the risk of slips, falls, and vehicle accidents, and make emergency response efforts more difficult.
Flooding rains and flash flood conditions threaten track infrastructure, create washout risks, obscure hazards, compromise road access, and place employees in dangerous situations while inspecting, operating, or responding to service disruptions.
These are not ordinary working conditions. They are extraordinary hazards that require extraordinary protections.
Our union should demand:
Hazard pay for members required to work under dangerous environmental and health conditions.
Excused layoff options for employees impacted by hazardous air quality, flooding, severe weather, or illness without fear of discipline or attendance penalties.
Appropriate personal protective equipment, including respirators when air quality reaches unhealthy or hazardous levels.
Clear guidelines for suspending/reducing operations when flooding, wildfire smoke, winter weather, or other hazardous conditions create unacceptable risks.
A stronger commitment to employee safety that places the well-being of railroaders on equal footing with operational demands.
Railroaders have consistently answered the call during difficult times. We have worked through pandemics, wildfires, floods, blizzards, and other emergencies to keep commerce moving across North America. That dedication should be recognized with meaningful protections, fair compensation, and policies that allow employees to prioritize safety without fear of discipline.
Protecting the railroad should never mean sacrificing the health and safety of the men and women who keep it running. As conditions continue to become more unpredictable and severe, it is time for the company and our union to work together to ensure that railroaders receive the protections, flexibility, and compensation they have earned.