FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2020
Contact: Denise Romano, dromano@twu.org
TWU Amtrak Workers Under Attack, Facing Job Cuts
Despite safeguarding the public throughout the pandemic, 700 On-Board Service workers will be furloughed by Amtrak beginning October 1, 2020.
Not only do these workers interface with the riding public, they are trained to be first responders in the event of a derailment or medical emergency. Those who are En-Route Cleaners are responsible for disinfecting all passenger touch points, such as seat trays, handrails and doors keeping passengers protected from Covid-19 during this pandemic.
Railroad Division Director John Feltz stated, “These are workers with decades-long careers of service to Amtrak. They are frontline workers who have jeopardized their health and safety, as well as the health and safety of their families, while working throughout this pandemic.
“Furloughs are a slap in the face for the work that these dedicated employees perform. These furloughs are going to impact current service on both the Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains. Unfortunately, Amtrak, the Republican Majority in the Senate and Trump have played the game of Who Blinks First with the lives of our members, their families and the lives of the riding public. And loyal, dedicated Amtrak employees lost.
“It’s about time that they all open their eyes and produce the funding to stop these furloughs NOW. Rest assured that the TWU will continue the fight to protect our members, their families and the riding public,” Feltz concluded.
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The TWU represents more than 150,000 members across the airline, railroad, transit, universities, utilities and services sectors