We are facing the most serious threat to Amtrak's existence in many years. The "Competition for Intercity Passenger Rail in America Act", would not only privatize the Northeast Corridor. It also would encourage private operators to replace Amtrak on long distance and state supported services. It would also foster contracting out of existing Amtrak services, like ticketing and on-board dining. It would result in the elimination of most, if not all, medium and long distance routes, since there would be no funding if the new operator couldn't run the service cheaply.

 

Why would these new operators operate at lower cost than Amtrak? Because they would get rid of you and your union. The new operators would not be covered under the Railway Labor Act. They would not be covered under Railroad Retirement. There would be no C-2 protection.

 

We must stop this bill in its tracks. TCU, IAM and the rest of rail labor are working hard in the halls of Congress to oppose this outrageous attack on your livelihood. But we need YOU to get directly involved. We need every Congressperson to be inundated with calls and letters opposing this bill. Fill out the information below and send a letter to your Congressperson, tell them to say "NO" to the Mica-Shuster "Competition for Intercity Passenger Rail in America Act".