Railroad Unions

As the largest railroad operating union in North America, the United Transportation Union (UTU) represents approximately 125,000 current and former railroad, bus and mass transit workers in the U.S. and Canada. Recognized as the leading transportation labor union, the UTU sets the pace for promoting safety and working conditions in the industry.

Railroad members include conductors, brakemen, switchmen, ground service personnel, locomotive engineers, hostlers and workers in associated crafts. The UTU also represents more than 1,800 railroad yardmasters.

History of the United Transportation Union (UTU)

Railroad unions have come a long way since they were first introduced. They were originally created to provide a benefit for workers who died from the severe hazards of the industry. At that time, roughly 70 percent of railroad workers were expected to sustain serious railroad injuries within five years; the conditions were horrible and extremely dangerous.

Because of the harsh conditions, workers joined together and formed one of the first brotherhoods to provide a benefit of $300.00 in case of death. It was called the Brotherhood of Railroad Brakemen and changed its name to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen in 1889.

Around that time, each craft had its own union, consisting of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen, the Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen and the Switchmen’s Union of North America.

In 1968, the union presidents began to talk about forming one transportation union that would represent all four operating crafts. In August 1968, the presidents announced their desire to form a single union that would be called the United Transportation Union. Union members voted in favor of joining together on Dec. 10, 1968, and the UTU was officially formed on Jan. 1, 1969.

Today, the UTU continues to protect its members and encourage safe work conditions and membership assistance programs.

Representing Union Members

Tony Malley, Attorney at Law, believes in the efforts of the UTU. He represents union members that are injured while working and helps them recover compensation to not only pay for their medical bills, but also to continue to provide financial support for themselves and their families.

For more information, please contact Beaumont FELA law lawyer Mr. Malley today.