Statement by Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig On Current Rail Worker Labor Negotiations
Washington D.C.- As Congress begins its deliberations on imposing a contract on railroad workers across the country, the Union Veterans Council (UVC) urges Congress to protect these workers, especially the veterans among them, by voting to provide them with paid sick days, good wages, fair treatment, and vital benefits.
Veterans serve as an integral part of the US railroad workforce– approximately 20-25% of all rail workers have served at home or abroad in the US military. As they are in many other industries, veteran rail workers are vital in the effort to keep our economy and our food supply running. However, railroad companies are currently making record profits while simultaneously abusing their workers, depriving them of essential benefits, and putting services our country desperately needs at risk.
Railroad companies tirelessly recruit veterans and claim to offer them secure work opportunities when they return from service. But we regularly hear from veteran railroad workers who receive no time off, no family leave, and no sick leave, making it virtually impossible for vets to support their families financially while also taking care of needs at home.
With veterans often feeling as if they’ve been deployed again with long hours, inconsistent schedules, and no time off, Congress must act and fight for these workers the way they have fought for us. We at the UVC call on Congress to pass sick, fair scheduling, and other protections, and give these essential workers the dignity and respect they deserve.