Dangerous 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 this 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, which will make a highly profitable private company even more profitable, eliminating railroad signal maintenance and construction jobs.  Signalmen perform extremely safety-sensitive work that is vital to passenger, commuter, and freight rail safety.

Representatives from the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) have met with the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Mayor of Orlando, and CSX top management to try to ensure ongoing rail safety. Those meetings have not produced any evidence that the dealmakers are concerned that their plan will eliminate safety-sensitive BRS signal jobs.  These signal workers are Florida residents, and we know from our experience with commuter rail in South Florida that BRS members not only can do the work, but that they can do it timely, properly, and safely.  The safety of the residents of Florida deserves nothing less.

This dangerous deal also sets precedent that could allow CSX (and other railroads) to arrange the same type of deal on rail lines throughout the state of Florida and across the nation.  The Florida AFL-CIO State Federation has joined the BRS in strong opposition to this unjust deal for Florida residents and rail workers.  It is just plain wrong, and we implore you to use the bullet points provided in this e-alert to write a letter 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: Dangerous Deal

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 10, 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  Despite the fact that some transportation unions have withdrawn their opposition, the remainder of our transportation unions and the State Federation as a whole are still opposed.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.