Most Clicked AAR SmartBrief Stories
1. CP faces service disruption in Canada due to union strike
AAR SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
An estimated 4,800 workers at Canadian Pacific went on strike early Wednesday, causing service interruptions to several industries that rely on freight rail transportation. However, most major commuter lines that use CP track will be unaffected due to an agreement between the Class I and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. Some speculate that the government could intervene. The strike does have the potential to affect railroads with whom CP does business, said CP spokesman Ed Greenberg. Bloomberg Businessweek (05/23) Vancouver Sun (British Columbia), The (05/22) New York Times (tiered subscription model), The (05/23)
2. CBS Evening News: Railroads offer opportunity for returning veterans
AAR SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Nationally, military veterans face challenges finding jobs after their service, but railroads are making veteran hiring a priority, CBS Evening News reports. Railroad companies will hire 15,000 people in 2012 and one in five new hires will be a military veteran. "Can't find enough of them," said AAR President and CEO Edward Hamberger. “They are outstanding employees.” CBS News (05/27)
3. UP exec James Dolan's role in Southern Pacific merger among his legacies
AAR SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Omaha World-Herald (Neb.) (05/24)
4. After rail hearings, STB says it will act -- in 2 weeks to 4 months
AAR SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Fox Business (05/24)
5. Fortress Investment Group looks to sell majority stake in RailAmerica
AAR SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
American City Business Journals (05/22)
6. NS to display 20 heritage locomotives at N.C. Transportation Museum on July 4
AAR SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Salisbury Post (N.C.) (05/23)
7. Canada unveils back-to-work bill to end CP strike
AAR SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Back-to-work legislation has been introduced in the House of Commons by the Canadian government. It would force striking workers at Canadian Pacific to resume work and restore service by Thursday, according to Labor Minister Lisa Raitt. CP is the "backbone of our economy" and "without this network, the economy suffers," said Raitt. Meanwhile, members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference ratified a three-year labor agreement with Canadian National. Google (05/28) Winnipeg Free Press (Manitoba) (05/28) Reuters (05/28)
8. BNSF to invest almost $200M in Texas rail network
AAR SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
BNSF will enhance its rail network in Texas this year with a $199 million investment. "BNSF's investments will improve our ability to provide rail freight services to Texas businesses and communities and will expand opportunities to create more jobs and growth for the Texas economy," said BNSF CEO and Chairman Matthew Rose. American City Business Journals (05/23) RTandS.com (05/23)
9. Canada prepares back-to-work bill in case CP strike continues
AAR SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
In the event that the strike at Canadian Pacific may continue, the Canadian government is prepared to propose back-to-work legislation, according to Labor Minister Lisa Raitt. "Our best efforts right now are to help them get a deal, help them settle the matter at the table themselves, be mindful of the economy, but be ready to go should we need to do something," said Raitt. CP spokesman reminded people that the strike will affect customers, the supply chain and "many of the connecting railways with whom we do business." Financial Post (Canada) (05/23) Journal of Commerce, The (05/23)
10. Rebirth of freight rail is good news for Wis. economy
AAR SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
The resurgence of freight rail activity in southern Wisconsin is driving up its economy. Canadian Pacific, Union Pacific and Wisconsin & Southern's loading and unloading of goods in the area indicate that the economy is growing. "Nationally, the rail industry is in a renaissance period," said Wisconsin & Southern spokesman Ken Lucht. Experts predict U.S. rail traffic to grow by 100% in the next two decades. Janesville Gazette (Wis.), The (05/21)
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