Beech Grove Shop Strike

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I read that employees at Amtrak’s Beech Grove Shops in Indiana all went on strike because Amtrak was contracting out for rail repair and car maintenance.
Read here for more:
http://www.indystar.com/articles/2/098654-4502-092.html

It made me wonder if this might have happened other places, or on other railroads. Also made me wonder what Amtrak will do if they continue to strike, since Beech Grove is somewhat of a key facility for Amtrak in the midwest. I know that Amtrak could have the strike stopped forcibly but seems like it would be a terrible PR move (not that letting the strike go on would be much better).

I have to admit that I have had mostly enjoyable experiences with Amtrak and have been excited to see their patronage increase in the past couple of years. I’d hate to see them take a step backward now. [V]

As always, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions!

techguy

2

…I have heard some of the reports of the problem at Beech Grove but perhaps not both sides. But on the surface from what I’ve heard, Amtrak is sourcing out work from that facility when they have workers layed off…On the surface if that is the situation and it’s against their contract…it should be stopped. I suppose they are pinched for money as they always have been and trying to work around the reality by trying to get work done more economically…What a shame the money isn’t available to employ the laid off workers at Beech Groove and repair the long line of cars waiting to be repaired. From what I have read these cars are desperately needed to work schedules in effect and could allow more trains to be scheduled where needed at certain locations.