NS
As part of NS’s efforts to “engage and involve labor” in its operations, the Class I welcomed leadership from all 13 of its unions to the railroad’s headquarters on Aug. 29 for its first-ever 2024 Labor Council.
During the discussion, senior leadership provided updates on safety, service, staffing, training, productivity, and growth, followed by a Q&A session.
“We’re proud to sit together with our labor leaders to collaborate about our joint commitment to being the gold standard of safety and to working together to foster a positive work environment and operate a successful railroad that delivers rewarding, family-sustaining careers,” said NS President and CEO Alan Shaw. “Our labor partners are central to our ability to drive our unique strategy of service, productivity, and growth with safety at its core.”
“Our first-ever Labor Council is a testament to our dedication to coming together for a common purpose and enhancing our service to the women and men who are the service differentiator at NS,” said Chief Operating Officer John Orr. “We established a platform for listening to and learning from one another. It’s an opportunity to accelerate our common understanding of challenges and opportunities, so that we can continue to deliver successfully together.”
NS says it “remains committed to building positive, productive relationships” with its labor partners. “Listening to the feedback of our craft colleagues and labor leaders are key contributors of NS reaching tentative five-year agreements with nine unions to date, representing approximately 55% of our craft colleagues, four months ahead of the next scheduled collective bargaining rounds,” NS said. The agreements, which are subject to ratification, “provide unprecedented clarity for our craft colleagues with meaningful enhancements to pay, health care, and vacation time.”
CPKC
CPKC recently announced that it is again a title sponsor of the 2024 Masters at Spruce Meadows, a world-class equestrian facility located near Calgary.
The five-day tournament, which includes top riders and horses competing on the famed International Ring, will take place from Sept. 4-8, 2024, and culminate at the CPKC International on the final day.
Each year CPKC looks for a local heart charity to work with that is making an impact in the community to help the Class I “shine a spotlight on cardiovascular issues.” CPKC’s Clear Rounds for Heart initiative will donate $10,000 to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute for each clear round jumped, including clear jumping rounds that include time faults. Since its inception in 2014, CPKC’s Clear Rounds for Heart has raised over $1.1 million for heart health research and care.
“We are so very grateful for CPKC’s ongoing support of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute,” said Dr. Paul Fedak, Institute Director. “CPKC’s donations have helped fund several important cardiovascular research projects in our community with the goal of improving the lives of all Albertans.”
In addition to Clear Rounds for Heart, CPKC works with the annual charity to engage the public with onsite activities like Interactive Heart Model Building and hands-only CPR, enabling better understanding of cardiac health, the Class I noted.
The Libin Cardiovascular Institute is a joint entity of Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary that connects world-class cardiovascular research, first-rate patient care and education in Southern Alberta, serving a population of about two million.
CSX
CSX recently announced via LinkedIn that its Santa Train will be returning to the rails on Saturday, Nov. 23, for its 82nd run.
The special holiday train will follow the traditional 110-mile journey through Appalachia delivering more than 15 tons of toys, gifts and winter accessories to thousands of families.
“A great example of what ONE CSX is all about…helping the communities we live in and serve through Appalachia,” said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs in a LinkedIn post. “Thanks to everyone who helps bring this wonderful event to life.”
