Utah Rail Workers Join Teamsters

Independence, Ohio – Workers at Utah Central Railway – a subsidiary of Patriot Rail have voted unanimously to unionize with the Teamsters. These new members are now part of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) of the Teamsters Rail Conference.

Patriot Rail owns and operates more than 30 regional short line railroads nationwide. Utah Central Railway is the first Patriot Rail property to join the Teamsters.

These workers chose to unionize so they can secure higher pay, improved scheduling, and better working conditions..

“Across the country, more and more short line rail workers are seeing what being a Teamster can mean for them and their families, and they are taking action,” said Randy Fannon, Vice President and Organizing Director of the BLET. “It’s an honor to welcome these workers to our union, and I look forward to helping them secure a lucrative contract.”

Utah Central plays an important part in the West Coast’s rail network. At three locations, it interchanges with the Union Pacific Railroad and the BNSF Railway – enabling freight from both carriers to travel more efficiently to its final destination.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million members.