Martin J. Oberman, STB Chairman
Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin J. Oberman has called on the CEOs of the seven North American Class I’s to provide an update on their preparedness to meet service demands, particularly as railroad employment rates have fallen.
In identical letters, dated May 27, Oberman expressed his concern that recent rail service problems, as reported by some shippers, may relate to a broader trend of rail labor reductions over the past several years, in addition to the pandemic-related furloughs and quarantines. Because of this, he asked the executives to provide details on operating personnel and rail equipment availability going forward as well as long-term hiring expectations, and to continue engagement with the STB and other stakeholders.