A resolution to support high-speed rail and the union jobs that should go with it was passed on June 30 by 1,800 delegates to the Teamsters 28th International Convention with full support from its 70,000-member Rail Conference.

The resolution states in part that: “the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and its affiliates will support the development, funding and building of a high-speed passenger rail system in this country, and ensure the jobs created by such a system will be safeguarded for railroad workers as currently defined by federal law.”

In addition to calling for all high-speed rail jobs to be union jobs, the resolution addresses specific concerns voiced by Rail Conference members BMWED and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).

For BLET members, the resolution states that: “any high-speed passenger rail train that operates in this nation must have a certified and trained locomotive engineer in its cab to ensure its safe operation.”

And for BMWED members, the resolution states that: “any corridor must be constructed and maintained by professional, qualified maintenance of way workers to ensure the highest safety standards.”

Fred Simpson, President of the BMWED and IBT International Vice President, rebuked politicians such as Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), who want to privatize Amtrak. Simpson said Mica’s latest proposal “would give away America’s most successful rail corridor to his political friends, and provide them with massive government subsidies.”

"There is no tax savings to the American people in this scheme,” Simpson said. “It will not produce improved passenger service, good paying jobs, or economic growth. But it will transfer our tax dollars into the pockets of Wall Street speculators and corporate profiteers.”

Read more on the High-Speed Rail resolution, including remarks from President Simpson and General Chairman Dodd.