March 28, 2024

LOK Report – United States: Brightline West and rail unions reach agreement on Las Vegas-Southern California high-speed project

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Photos are the bright line.

Brightline West, America’s first true high-speed rail system connecting Las Vegas and Southern California, announced a major contract on 02/21/2023 that includes commitments with several rail unions. Operation and maintenance of this historic project is required.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the High Speed ​​Rail Workers Alliance (Coalition) is made up of 13 rail unions representing more than 160,000 freight, regional, passenger and commuter rail workers.

The LOI underscores the unions’ support for the development of the Brightline West system and Brightline West’s commitment to the safest possible rail operations and quality working conditions for its employees.

“The High Speed ​​Rail Workers Alliance is proud to partner with Broadline West on this historic project. Americans love high speed rail, and Brightline West and the High Speed ​​Rail Workers Alliance will deliver it. The Brightline West is the ultimate rail travel experience.” One could get one in America, and it would be the catalyst for America’s high-speed rail renaissance. The High Speed ​​Rail Workers Alliance is ready to bring this transformative rail plan to Americans. Get to work,” High Speed ​​Rail shared with the Labor Alliance in a statement.

The Brightline West is a 218-mile (350 km) route connecting Las Vegas and Southern California, along the route of Interstate 15 with 200 mph trains. The US$10 billion (€9.4 billion) investment will have far-reaching economic benefits, including the creation of nearly 35,000 jobs during construction and an economic impact of more than 10 billion. An all-electric, zero-emissions system would be one of the greenest modes of transportation in the United States, saving 3 million cars and 400,000 tons of CO2 annually.

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“Our nation’s first high-speed rail system will be owned and operated by union members, a testament to the strength of the American workforce,” said Mike Reininger, CEO of Brightline Holdings. “As the most advanced high-speed rail project in the U.S., we’re one step closer to catching up with transportation and infrastructure projects around the world, and we’re proud to employ America’s most talented workforce to get us there.”

Brightline West includes the famous Las Vegas Strip and locations in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley and Hesperia, California. Once operational, the system is expected to create 1,000 permanent jobs.

“As the nation’s largest transportation union confederation, we are proud to support monumental projects like Brightline West that will create a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system while putting skilled union members to work,” said Greg Regan, president of the AFL. Transport Division – CIO.

High-speed rail union members include the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Mechanical and Engineering, National Convention of Firemen and Oilers 32BJ /SEIU. , Transportation Communications Association, International Association of Machinists and Astronauts, Brotherhood of Railwaymen, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Transport Workers Union of America, American Railroad Dispatchers Association, International Association of Sheet Metal Workers, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Department of Transportation, Locomotive Engineers and the Brotherhood of Apprentices and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

WKZ, source Brightline