Brightline workers unionize over lack of assistance for accident injuries
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Brightline workers unionize over lack of assistance for accident injuries

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Brightline workers unionize over lack of assistance for accident injuries

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Brightline’s “indifference” toward workers affected by deadly train crashes and its “draconian” policy of forcing employees to come to work sick have prompted train workers to form a union, one of the nation’s largest transit workers’ unions said in a statement posted on Twitter.

The “vast majority” of the commercial passenger train’s 104 employees who serve passengers want the Transport Workers Union to represent them in negotiations with the company, union spokesman Alex Daugherty said Thursday, Aug. 8. The union did not release the exact number, he said, to protect the privacy of workers who fear retaliation from the company.

The company responded to questions from The Palm Beach Post on Thursday, but did not answer them.

“We enjoy a strong and open relationship with our Brightline team and recognise their right to seek representation,” said spokesman Ben Porritt. “Our aim is to continue to provide the best workplace experience for all team members, enabling them to grow their careers and as individuals.”

More: Brightline’s Focus on Orlando Travel Instead of South Florida Commuters: Does It Work?

Workers say Brightline doesn’t care about their trauma during accidents

“Some of the push to unionize is economically motivated,” said union president John Samuelsen. “That’s definitely not the case here.”

Workers say Brightline fails to provide them with support as they suffer psychological trauma from frequent fatal accidents and that the company fails to address their work-life balance, he added.

“Unlike other train operators, Brightline is not overly concerned about its employees suffering from the trauma they experience when a Brightline train hits someone,” Samuelsen said.

While they deal with the trauma, “the cabin crew are being subjected to absolute verbal abuse” from passengers who are angry about hours-long delays, he said. Workers told the union the company is not offering time off or counseling for staff to deal with the trauma.

The hourly rate for caregivers, which ranges from $20 to $22, should also be higher, Samuelsen says. “Try living in Miami and raising a family on $22 an hour.”

The responsibilities of cabin crew include preparing meals, serving beverages and alcohol to customers on board and helping passengers carry their luggage.

More: Tri-Rail Express vs. Brightline: Comparing Food Prices, Rides, Ride Times, and Other Amenities

Data shows Brightline train crashes happen at least once a week

Brightline crews deal with fatal accidents at least once a week, the latest Federal Railroad Administration data shows. Twenty-four people died in accidents in the 21 weeks from Jan. 1 to May 31.

Most recently, on Thursday afternoon, a Brightline hit a car in Lake Park, killing one person.

Another issue that prompted them to approach the union, Samuelsen said, was the train’s attendance policy, which workers described as “restrictive.”

Employees receive three warnings for infractions such as arriving at work five minutes later than scheduled, according to the company’s paid time off policy obtained by The Post. They are fired the fourth time it happens. Each infraction lasts for six months.

The policy also requires employees who cancel shifts less than six hours after notifying their supervisor to provide “appropriate documentation” from a “reasonably verifiable source,” such as a school or hospital.

“It’s an absolutely draconian policy,” he said. “In 30 years in the industry, I’ve never seen an attendance policy that would fire employees for legitimate absences.”

Brightline can now voluntarily recognize the union, allowing the company to begin negotiations immediately. Or it can request a union election, which would require the federal National Mediation Board, which oversees railroad labor affairs, to set an election and allow train workers to vote on whether to join a union, delaying negotiations for weeks or more than a month.

The union hopes the company will recognize the employees’ union, Daugherty said, “to save themselves the headache of going through an election process.” But if they go that route, he said, Brightline could face a public pressure campaign from its employees and the union, “whether it’s public pressure or pressure on public officials.”

More: Fatal Brightline crash: Train hits vehicle in Lake Park, kills one

Brightline Agrees to Unionization on Las Vegas, California Route

Brightline did not provide details of its actions or address union allegations of unfair attendance policies and a lack of robust support for workers on board the train after the disaster.

Conductors began reaching out to the union several months ago, Samuelsen said. The union sent representatives to drive Brightline between stations in downtown Miami and Orlando International Airport, listening to conductors’ concerns and educating them about the union.

Brightline agreed in February 2023 with a coalition of 13 rail unions to use union workers on “critical work” needed to run and maintain the 218-mile route it is building between Las Vegas and Southern California. That group, the High-Speed ​​Rail Labor Coalition, represents more than 160,000 workers nationwide. The company plans to open its western route to the public by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The Transport Workers Union says it represents more than 150,000 workers in airlines, rail, mass transit, universities, utilities and the service sector. This includes flight attendants, mechanics, car cleaners, baggage handlers, disease control inspectors, bus drivers and ramp agents.

Chris Persaud handles shipping for The Palm Beach Post. Send tips to [email protected].

Website https://www.oneroofptbo.ca

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