In the year 2000, Amtrak reached consensus with the Unions and adopted a corporate close call procedure that permitted a close call to be reported to Amtrak management without fear that it would become a disciplinary issue. This permitted joint teams of management and union representatives to investigate the close call, find out the truth of the incident and take steps to prevent it from occurring again. We can supply a copy of this policy upon request but it states, in relevant part,

"Employees must be encouraged to share experiences that can benefit themselves or others. This is best accomplished in an environment free of criticism, discipline, and retaliation. Response to the voluntary reporting of close calls must be non-punitive in order to foster honesty and forthrightness. Employees must feel they can speak freely when reporting close calls."

We no longer work for the managers who cooperated with the unions and crafted together this policy that worked very well for 14 years. The new managers know little about working on the railroad. When these new managers assumed power they terminated this policy. When this policy was in effect we investigated many close calls together with management and fixed many problems. Unfortunately we still lost two engineering department employees when they were struck and killed by moving trains. This policy was terminated two years ago. The new managers have replaced their inability to manage safely with a brutal and unfair discipline program which requires dismissal for any infractions of the RWP rules. This program has resulted in no close calls being voluntarily reported and investigated and four engineering department fatalities.

Since the tragic deaths and one mutilation of our three Brothers at Chester, PA five months ago we have petitioned Amtrak management to restore the close call policy. We want to ensure that all close calls are reported, thoroughly investigated and actions taken so that they are not repeated. We ask that all Union Brothers and Sisters of our three unions stand together and sign a petition to restore the close call policy.

It sickens us to the core that our lives hang in the balance of their failed policies and inability to manage the property safely.

Download and print a copy of this letter and petition. Signed petitions will be collected by union officers or can be faxed directly to our office at 215-574-1910.