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Possible short time solution of shortage of Amtrak engineers and conductors.

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  • Member since
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  • From: US
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Posted by BaltACD on Friday, December 10, 2021 10:10 PM

blue streak 1
Balt I agree with you but the ability to draw RRB and get a monthly from a RR might be enticing.  Also anything they earned would add to their RRB payments?   Of course would depend on how legislation is written.

Ending back up in a erratic call and/or assignment working cycle - after leaving a career of such working situations - retirees have no desire to subject themselves no matter the compensation.

Considering theat one element of the government has been working tirelessly to eliminate the middle class - I would not expect any legislation to benefit any wage earner, without some element of the legislation taking back twice what was 'given'.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, December 10, 2021 9:09 PM

Balt I agree with you but the ability to draw RRB and get a monthly from a RR might be enticing.  Also anything they earned would add to their RRB payments?   Of course would depend on how legislation is written.

  • Member since
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  • From: Central Iowa
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Posted by jeffhergert on Friday, December 10, 2021 9:06 PM

BaltACD

While I can't speak for every retired railroader.  Those that I know, while they enjoyed what they did for their livelyhood, have no desire to do it again.  RRB payments and other Pension payments for the most part mean they will never HAVE to work another day to maintain their life style.

 

"Have no desire" is putting it mildly.  Most of those I know who have retired would be rolling on the floor if they were asked to come back temporarily.  Most can't wait to pull the pin and tell the railroad where to go.

Jeff

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  • From: US
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Posted by BaltACD on Friday, December 10, 2021 2:15 PM

While I can't speak for every retired railroader.  Those that I know, while they enjoyed what they did for their livelyhood, have no desire to do it again.  RRB payments and other Pension payments for the most part mean they will never HAVE to work another day to maintain their life style.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
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Possible short time solution of shortage of Amtrak engineers and conductors.
Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, December 10, 2021 1:59 PM

I have borrowed this from a post on another site.  Of course there are probably other problems that I invite others to list

Two points.
1. Gardner's testimonty did not cover the question has him lucky as he was able to avoid answering any question why no employment openings for T&E have been posted for any LD crew locations.
2. Railway age has come up with a proposed temporary solution by allowing some retired T&E employees to come back to work. Would require legislation by congress.

Congress, Unions Can Cure Rail Worker Shortage - Railway Age

This proposal could work easily for Amtrak as engineers and conductors sped most of their time inside of the trains. However, I see freight RR problems as many very older conductors could not take the long periods of outside the loco running drop and pickup with the brake checks. Also, the broken into train examinations.

Amtrak could benefit quickly from retired freight engineers on various routes. Retired freight conductors maybe not so much but they certainly could be used as assistant conductors and learn the ropes with on-the-job experience.

Congress, Unions Can Cure Rail Worker Shortage - Railway Age

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