City: No Hearings on Remote-Control Trains 

Published - Wednesday, May 07, 2003

By JOAN KENT of the Tribune staff

La Crosse city leaders voted Tuesday not to hold public hearings on trains using remote controls. Burlington Northern Santa Fe is using the system, consisting of hand-held remote units worn by workers on the ground and a mobile control unit on the locomotive, on three engines in its La Crosse yard.

"The people who lost here tonight are the residents of La Crosse," James Kinsman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers said after the vote by the La Crosse Common Council's Committee of the Whole. "They have a right to know what is going on in their back yard."

"I hope Burlington Northern Santa Fe gets information out if this is denied ... because kids cross the tracks and they will try to beat the engines," said council member Todd Olson, who voted for public hearings along with Robert Slaback and Marilyn Wigdahl.

The 15-3 vote came despite BLE members' claims that the technology is more dangerous and has caused accidents elsewhere.

Railway officials disputed the claims, saying the systems have made their yards safer, and that there are no plans to use the remotes on over-the-road trains. The accidents have been caused by human error, not the remotes, said Brian J. Sweeney, legislative counsel and executive director, government affairs.

The issue is a labor dispute, not a safety issue, said a member of the United Transportation Union.

"BLE believes dangers are posed by unmanned locomotives near schools and residences in North Side neighborhoods," Kinsman said. "The yard is near Logan High School, the Boys & Girls Club, densely populated neighborhoods, Fleming (Company Inc.) and Kwik Trip warehouse." If a remote fails, an engine could hit a Canadian Pacific train, said Lanny Voter, a retired railway worker. "Some very dangerous chemicals are carried. There could be a very dangerous accident within this municipality."

Burlington Northern Santa Fe has had no accidents due to remote control technology, said Mark Bruce, general manager, Twin Cities Division. "It is safer to have two men on the ground (with the remotes) than in the cab when you are making couplings."

"I went out to see (the remote control system), and I've been convinced it is safer," said council member Jon Olson.

The Federal Railroad Administration has jurisdiction over railroads so local municipalities cannot regulate them, Bruce said in answer to a council member's question.

Mayor John Medinger predicted the remotes would be used on over-the-road trains when technology advances, and won a promise from Bruce that Burlington Northern Santa Fe would notify local officials if the remotes are to be used outside the train yard.

Joan Kent can be reached at (608) 791-8221 or jkent@lacrossetribune.com. 

May 7, 2003

To the members of Division 13;

It is my unfortunate position to inform you, that the City of La Crosse will not be holding public hearings on the use of RCL's in the La Crosse area. It was as we thought, the carrier and the other organization, claiming that this was a labor dispute and not a public safety issue. The only party that lost last night was the residents of La Crosse. 

I wish to thank all of our members that showed their support these last few days it was well appreciated. I would like to offer a truly heart filled thank you to those that came to the meeting, I ask that if you happen to see these people to offer your thanks as well. 

Those speaking in support

Paul Edenbach - BLE WI State Leg. Board Chairman
Lanny Voter - Retired BLE member 
Christina Otzelberger - Mike's lovely wife
Terry Hicks - AFL/CIO President (La Crosse)
James Kinsman - Div. 13 Asst. Legislative Rep. & RCL Information Chairman

Those attending and registering in support

Charlie Sheets - BLE Local Committee of Adjustment Chairman
Chuck Dillion - BLE SACP Rep.
Rachel Everson - BLE Local Committee of Adjustment Member & S/T
Dave Hanifil - BLE Local Committee of Adjustment Member
Art Gilliam BLE Safety Rep.
Bob Olson - BLE
Ron Copher & Son - BLE 
Jeff & Beth Erickson - BLE
Ray Young - BLE
Rob Young - BLE
Jerry Dagendish - UTU conductor-retired 

Those speaking in opposition to public hearings were

Mark Bruce - BNSF 
Brian Sweeny - BNSF
D.L. Roberts - BNSF 
Dave Anderson - UTU Associate GC

Those attending and registering in opposition

Bob Kremer - BNSF

Again, thank you to all the membership. 

James Kinsman 
Div. 13 Asst. Leg. Rep. & RCL Information Chairperson