The following press release was issued by the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) on September 17th. The TCU has been an MTD affiliate since 1966.
TCU & the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division (BRC) mourn the loss of CSX Carman Fred Anderson who was fatally injured while on duty earlier today in Walbridge, Ohio.
“These tragedies are very painful reminders that the work our members perform is dangerous and unforgiving. My deepest condolences go out to the family and coworkers of Brother Anderson, and our union stands ready to assist in any way possible,” said TCU National President Artie Maratea.
“Our understanding is that this fatality [involved] a remote-control locomotive. If so, this would mark the third Carman fatality involving remote-control locomotives. Railroading is a dangerous environment, and there’s long been a culture of watching out for each other. But when headcounts have been cut to the bone, who’s left to watch your back?”
“Enough is enough. A full-scale review of the use and practices around remote-control locomotives is long overdue. CSX–and every railroad–must evaluate their use of these supposed technological advancements to ensure they are actually making our members safer and not merely replacing people to continue lining the pockets of Wall Street,” Maratea continued.
Local and National BRC Representatives are on site and are assisting CSX and the appropriate authorities in the ongoing investigation.
“BRC members show up to work every day, work safely and expect to be able to return home to their families at the end of the day,” said BRC General President Don Grissom. “This tragic loss reminds us that we must continue the fight to ensure that worker safety is a top priority. Myself and the entire BRC offer our deepest condolences to the family of Brother Anderson.”