Trains.com

Video critical of problems effects of PSR and other worker failing

5214 views
62 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,443 posts
Posted by Overmod on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 9:09 AM

The land grant excuse is a stalking horse for the idea of forced nationalization of the track and infrastructure, whether to implement an 'iron ocean' or a quid pro quo for Government funding of mandated ECP and electrification.  The 'guy behind the video' has evidently never read his Kneiling, and if he did it might inform some of his thinking in a better operational sense.

Perhaps we'll see a sort of 21st-Century Hepburn Act that mandates no company owning track and running trains at the same time.  Just 'spin off' the real-estate assets from the operating company, and be mean 'n clean running PSR traffic expediently... and seeing who gets the more dedicated employees by being more human about hours and discipline...

The fact that the operating model failed dismally in Britain, to the extent an actual stage play was written about it, does not mean it couldn't be done better here. 

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,606 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 8:47 AM

Ever hear the old saying "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing?"

While the guy behind the video makes some points it's his "little knowledge" that bothers me a bit.  And not that I really  mind (I've been around) but his resorting to "potty words" to make some points makes me wonder about his grasp of this or other subjects. 

The "little knowledge" thing is the reason I keep my mouth shut when the professional railroaders on this Forum speak.  I just listen or ask a question and don't attempt to "quarterback."

And of course he's missed the fact that those 19th Century land grants had to be paid for, they weren't gifts.

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 8,155 posts
Posted by Euclid on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 8:40 AM
The author recommends the solution of nationalization of U.S. railroads.  He says this is the solution to the grievances surrounding poor working conditions, and it will also provide better rail service to the public.  Are there any downsides to nationalization?  The author does not cite any downsides.  To what extent does the public and railroad Labor approve of nationalization of the railroads?
 
The public probably has not developed firm opinions about railroad nationalization, but what about Labor?  Surely they have given considerable thought to it.  Would it give them the improved working condition they are asking for?
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,852 posts
Video critical of problems effects of PSR and other worker failing
Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, October 10, 2022 11:26 PM

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy