In response to a new law, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has held the first of what is set to be an annual policy session covering diversity among railroad suppliers.
Discussions focus on the Illinois Railroad Association, as well as representatives of Class I Railroads.
Under recent law, the Commission must host an annual workshop to hear from these groups about solutions to improve supplier diversity. At this first session, Joseph Ciaccio, president of the Illinois Railroad Association, attested that the seven Class I railroads in the state are committed to a diverse workforce.
“Embracing and encouraging diversity in the supply chain is an effort the Commission is dedicated to and is proud to lead,” Brien Sheahan, ICC chairman, said.
This meeting builds on a previous policy session, during which the Commission discussed barriers facing minorities, women and veteran-owned suppliers. They hoped to see increased diverse spending for future professional services.
Railroads affected by these meetings and discussions include Union Pacific, BNSF, CSX, Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern.