F.R.A. DENIES ONE-PERSON CREW BAN
[United Transportation Uniom, 11-20-09]
WASHINGTON The Federal Railroad Administration has denied a joint UTU/BLET petition for an emergency order prohibiting the use of one-person crews in conventional and remote control yard switching operations.
In denying the joint UTU/BLET petition, the FRA, while acknowledging the high-priority safety concerns raised, said it had "no factual evidence to support the prohibition against one-person crew operations at this time. Switchmen, trainmen, and RCOs routinely perform tasks alone, even when on a two-person or three-person crew," said the FRA.
Although the UTU has collective bargaining agreements in force with most railroads requiring at least one conductor on each train start, there currently are no federal safety regulations prohibiting use of one-person crews in yard or road operations.
Said the agency in denying the joint UTU-BLET petition, which was filed in early June:
"FRA does recognize that, since these particular one-person operations are new, we have no prior data with which to compare conventional operations and have little prior experience with these operations. Accordingly, we intend to monitor these operations very closely. While there may be operations where a one-person crew can function safely, there may be other operations that are unsuitable for such operations.
"As technology advances, FRA is also aware that the transfer of certain additional tasks and responsibilities to a single individual may result in 'information overload' and/or diminished 'situational awareness.' We believe these conditions should be considered when changing work assignments or adding new technology. In this vein, FRA recommends that safety impact studies be conducted prior to implementing such changes.
"FRA understands that fatigue may play a role in human-factor caused accidents. As the duty tour unfolds, employees tire and may become less coherent. As a consequence, FRA has encouraged the development of fatigue mitigation programs."
The FRA also said that the conductor certification requirement, part of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, "when implemented, will provide additional support for the training and qualification of [remote control operators.]"
Concluded the FRA, "Because of the advances in technology, we are seeing significant changes in operations many that never existed before. FRA will continue to look very closely at these changes when we occur."
UTU International President Mike Futhey said the fight against one-person crews "will remain the UTU's top priority before the FRA and before Congress. We know, and the BLET agrees, having stated jointly with us in the petition for the emergency order, that no conditions exist where one-person operations are safe."
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