US agency claims Union Pacific hindered safety assessments by regulators

Union Pacific Railroad Undermines Safety Assessment Efforts, Federal Regulators Say

OMAHA, Neb. – Federal regulators have accused Union Pacific managers of interfering with the U.S. government’s safety assessment of the railroad by coaching employees on how to respond and suggesting they might face discipline. This interference has led to the suspension of the safety assessment, according to a letter from the Federal Railroad Administration’s chief safety officer, Karl Alexy.

The Federal Railroad Administration had initiated safety assessments of all major railroads in the U.S. following a series of high-profile derailments, including one involving Norfolk Southern in February 2023. However, the discovery of coaching and intimidation of employees at Union Pacific has raised concerns about the railroad’s commitment to safety.

Union Pacific has denied any intention to influence or impede the assessment, stating that the issue was limited to one department. The company’s president, Beth Whited, apologized for any confusion caused by the coaching efforts and expressed a commitment to working with the FRA to improve safety.

However, labor groups and lawmakers are calling for stronger measures to hold railroad executives accountable for safety lapses. Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown described Union Pacific’s actions as “unacceptable” and pledged to push for a vote on a bipartisan railroad safety bill.

Despite Union Pacific’s plans to conduct an internal safety assessment, concerns remain about the company’s safety culture and the potential for future derailments. The railroad industry’s focus on moving freight quickly has raised fears that safety may be compromised in the pursuit of profits.

As the investigation into Union Pacific’s safety practices continues, the railroad faces mounting pressure to prioritize safety and address the concerns raised by federal regulators and industry stakeholders.