Ohio Rail Strike: Brewster Yard Halted by 140 Workers
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen members walked off their posts on Wednesday over a contract dispute involving management train operations.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Train traffic at the Brewster yard in Stark County, Ohio, stopped on Wednesday as approximately 140 locomotive engineers and conductors began a strike against Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. Drivers passing the site honked their horns in support as the normally busy facility went quiet. The work stoppage began at noon on Wednesday in the towns of Brewster and Akron.
The conflict centers on a contract violation regarding who is allowed to operate the trains. John Esterly, a union representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, stated that the issue dates back to September 2013. At that time, the railroad used management staff to run trains, and a court injunction ordered the company to stop. Esterly said the railroad repeated the action during the most recent weekend, when two managers operated a train in violation of the agreement.
Esterly noted that locomotive engineers and conductors are certified by the federal government, which requires specific testing and knowledge of the territory. He argued that management staff are not always held to these same standards, creating potential safety risks. The union had been seeking answers and assurances from the railroad before deciding to walk out.
Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway describes itself as the largest Ohio-based railroad and one of the largest regional carriers in the United States. The company operates in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, serving more than 135 customers. CEO Jonathan Carnes had not responded to voicemails seeking comment on whether the company used managers to operate trains and why.
The strike leaves the railroad without its operating crews. Esterly said the union is prepared to remain on the picket lines if the company does not provide satisfactory answers. He acknowledged that a shipping shutdown could raise prices but maintained that the railroad had the opportunity to prevent the dispute.
The next step depends on whether the railroad responds to the union's demands for clarity and assurance. Until then, the 140 striking workers will remain off the job.
