U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced legislation aimed at modernizing railroad employee training on Thursday.
The Rail Employee Training Modernization Act would allow potential freight rail employees to complete some training requirements virtually.
“This is yet another example of the ways government bureaucracy is making the ongoing supply chain problems worse, not better,” Balderson said. “Modernizing these requirements should be a no-brainer. We must take every possible step to streamline regulatory barriers that are worsening labor shortages in the freight rail industry, without compromising safety, standards, or effectiveness.”
Because classroom-based instruction is only made available when enough new hires are available to fill a classroom, Balderson said, training aspiring rail employees is frequently delayed, contributing to the shortage of available workers. Worker shortages also contribute to the ongoing supply chain crisis, he said.
Additionally, existing regulations require applicants to enroll in centralized classroom instruction – often located some distance from applicants’ homes and jobs – which presents a significant barrier to entry into the freight rail industry. Currently, the freight rail industry is facing a workforce shortage.
“Typically, it can take up to 6 months for a newly hired conductor to complete the classroom, simulator, and on-the-job training before than can begin work in the field. Rep. Balderson’s commonsense legislation will help accelerate the process by allowing the classroom session to go virtual,” said Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the American Association of Railroads. “At a time when railroads are doing everything possible to get new railroaders safely into the field, this smart solution would go a long way to helping the industry reach that goal without compromising safety.”