Derail CSX/FDOT Deal

Dear Friend:

I am writing to urge you to contact your state Senators and insist that they oppose the legislation creating commuter rail service over CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) track near Orlando, Florida (CF Rail).  

We initially supported this commuter rail expansion, however as we learned more about the deal it became evident that the only real winner is CSX.  Over a half of a billion of federal, state, and local tax dollars will go directly into CSX's pockets in various ways. This will make a highly profitable private company even more profitable while eliminating railroad signal maintenance and construction jobs. In addition, CSX, essentially, gets a free pass on the costs of liability.

Signalmen perform extremely safety-sensitive work that is vital to passenger, commuter, and freight rail safety. This dangerous deal also sets precedent that could allow CSX (and other railroads) to enter into the same type of deal on rail lines throughout the state of Florida and across the nation.

Following unproductive meetings with state and company officials, the Florida AFL-CIO State Federation has worked closely with the BRS to show strong opposition to this unjust deal for Florida residents and rail workers.  The battle for safety, jobs, and the interests of the citizens of Florida now turns to the Senate.

The CSX/FDOT deal is just plain wrong, and we implore you to send an e alert to your Senator expressing your strong opposition to this obvious and obscene form of corporate welfare.
   
Thank you so much for your assistance in this important issue.

Sincerely,

R. G. (Gus) Demott
General Chairman, BRS

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Derail CSX/FDOT Deal

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to stop the CSX/FDOT deal for the Central Florida Rail Corridor so taxpayers do not foot the bill for accidents caused by CSX. Under the current language for sovereign immunity and liability, the deal has CSX paying only 50% of the costs for an accident when it is 90% their fault. The State pays the rest. In addition, there is a $100,000 cap on legitimate claims for injuries and accidents. Why allow CSX to escape responsibility?

Stopping this deal also means nearly $700 million becomes available for other priorities under a state budget crisis that is in the billions. While passing property title to Florida, CSX retains the right to run freight and collect revenue on the 61.5 miles that will be upgraded and maintained by taxpayer dollars. Further, CSX receives millions to upgrade other private freight lines, passes on to Florida the liability, responsibility for maintenance, and costs for upgrades. CSX is allowed to improve its bottom line significantly by simply rescheduling its freight traffic. We must question why millions are being moved from the taxpayer?s pockets into CSX hands when it is experiencing record profits and soaring stock prices.

Saying no to this deal means upholding safety. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) members ensure the safety of passengers, motorists, pedestrians, and railroad employees. BRS members are trained professionals who install, test and maintain signal systems for trains and crossing safety equipment under federal regulations In Florida, they have been recognized as the safest in the industry. Under this precedent setting deal, BRS signal maintenance workers in all of Florida can lose their jobs and up to 7000 railroad workers are threatened with loss of rights and work. In addition, by creating a 61.5-mile zone free from federal regulations, the dangerous deal further undermines safety.

We need commuter rail expansion, however the costs for this proposed deal are too high, and it must be stopped. We need and expect responsible legislation.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 17, 2008


Background Information

VOTE "NO" ON CSX RAILROAD DEAL

The Florida AFL-CIO stands in strong OPPOSITION to the pending CSX Railroad deal.  Despite the fact that some transportation unions have withdrawn their opposition, the remainder of our transportation unions and the State Federation as a whole are still opposed.

  • The Florida AFL-CIO understands that our state needs to strengthen its transportation infrastructure, and commuter rail systems are a good way to do that.  THIS IS THE WRONG DEAL AT THE WRONG TIME. 
  • Florida is in a budget crisis.  The Florida AFL-CIO finds it reprehensible that the Legislature is even considering a $650 million taxpayer funded gift to a private corporation.
  • The "sovereign immunity" provisions in the bill are completely irresponsible.  These provisions in the CSX deal mean that when disasters occur the taxpayers will have to pay, regardless of whether or not CSX is at fault!
  • The CSX deal does not have adequate protections for the railway workers we represent.  This poses not only a threat to these workers' job security, but to the riding public as well.
  • Most commuter rail programs in the nation have a significant union presence because owners and operators have learned over time that unions provide the most professional, experienced and committed workforces to keep the railroads operating safely and efficiently.  Union railroad workers are the best qualified to ensure that state and federal safety standards are followed.  Because they are protected by a contract, they have the freedom to make sure that management is made aware when conditions are unsafe, without fear of losing their jobs. 

This is a priority issue for the Florida AFL-CIO and we are currently informing all of our members across the state about what is happening in Tallahassee.  We hope that we will be able to let them know that all of our Senators correctly voted in opposition to this bad deal for Florida.