Replacing retiring personnel has been a long going problem with all industries. More with some than others. Railroad crews are treated like the lowly truck driver (like dirt), yet so many depend on them. Most of this strike talk is the fault of government and the lack of the FRA to follow through with promised minimums and better pay and hours of operation. FHA rules on minimum crew size has been promised for decades, and still nothing. Pay, the average engineer makes less than $25 an hour, and permanently on a short on-call list. Don't report when called, even when ill results in heavy penalties and in some cases being dismissed. Generally, I'm on the side of the unions, but with the railroads for far too long the unions have pretty much been on the same side as management.
I believe this time around a strike is very well possible, and one lasting for 30 days or more. And again, the FRA will promise better regulation and do nothing.
Phil
