Teamsters statement on Metrolink accident
Published: September 18, 2008
Source: BLET
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The following statement is from Ed Rodzwicz, the president of the Teamsters Rail Conference and National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) about the Metrolink railroad accident in Chatsworth, California:

"A rush to judgment is never beneficial in a situation such as this. We are actively working with the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the causes of the tragic accident which occurred last Friday on the Metrolink line in Chatsworth, California. All of our members know that railroad jobs are inherently dangerous jobs, but an accident such as this can be avoided."

"This accident would not have occurred had the Metrolink system been using positive train control technology. This safety system is designed to keep trains from colliding by preventing them from inadvertently passing a stop signal."

"We have long supported the development and implementation of positive train control technology, and we urge the railroad industry and the federal government to redouble their efforts to eliminate the risks that positive train control technology is designed to address."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who perished or were injured as a result of this deadly accident. The Metrolink engineer operating the train was a dedicated union member and our thoughts also are with his family and friends at this time."

The BLET represents over 38,000 men and women as locomotive engineers and trainmen working on freight, passenger and commuter rail lines across the United States. The BLET and the 32,000 members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division constitute the more than 70,000-member Teamsters Rail Conference.