AAR statement on Teamsters Rail Conference employee survey

(The following statement was issued by Association of American Railroads President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger in response to the Teamsters Rail Conference employee survey titled "High Alert 2") "Feedback from rail employees can be useful in improving worker communication and training techniques. However, it is important to keep this subjective survey in context: This is not a study or report on railroad security. It is an unscientific survey of the perceptions of a small percentage of the freight railroad workforce about security.

"The safety and security
of the national rail network and its employees are top priorities for America’s
railroads, which have surpassed federal industry risk reduction targets.
Railroad training programs and their implementation have undergone audits by
the responsible Federal agencies and have received high marks for substantial
progress over the past several years.

"Still, the railroads recognize
this area is one in which continuous improvement is essential and we will
continue to work with federal, state and local authorities – and our employees –
to ensure we keep the nation’s freight rail network as safe and secure as
possible."