US Freight Rail Faces Labor Shortages Monopoly Concerns
STB Chairman Martin Oberman sharply criticized US freight railroads, particularly the 'Big Four,' at the RailTrends conference for prioritizing profits over service by excessive workforce reductions. He emphasized the critical role of railroads in the US economy, calling the labor shortage a 'self-imposed embargo.' Oberman urged railroads to reassess their role and address the issues, warning of stricter regulations if they fail to do so. He highlighted the detrimental impact of their actions on service reliability and the overall economy, emphasizing the need for a shift in priorities from short-term gains to long-term sustainability and service quality.
