Amtrak Thinks No AC Is No Problem! They Are Dead Wrong

Amtrak’s Deadly Cost-Cutting Measures: A Conductor’s Story 

Brother Robert Cleverly, a 28-year Amtrak veteran Conductor from Local 117 in Shelby, MT, recently faced a harrowing experience that underscores the dangers of Amtrak’s cost-cutting measures. While working on a train without an Assistant Conductor (AC), a position that has been increasingly overlooked and undervalued by Amtrak, his train was struck by a vehicle, leaving multiple teenagers critically injured. 

Left alone in a crisis

This tragic incident left Brother Cleverly alone, grappling with a horrific situation. He bravely performed life-saving measures on one passenger but tragically couldn’t save others. He witnessed a young life end in his arms, a trauma no worker should have to endure. The lack of an AC meant that Cleverly, the only one with CPR training, was solely responsible for attempting to save multiple lives. 

Local news coverage of the accident ►  

Short Staffing: A widespread and dangerous trend

While Brother Cleverly received extra pay for working without an AC that day, he stated, “The extra pay for being short-staffed didn’t come close to making up for what I went through.” When something goes wrong, having one less person on board can turn a minor incident into a major crisis.  

His experience is not an isolated incident. Amtrak conductors are routinely asked to work without an AC, leaving them with inadequate support and placing an unfair burden on their shoulders. This short staffing has become a widespread problem, jeopardizing the safety of both workers and passengers. 

From full crews to skeleton staffs

Over the years, Amtrak has systematically reduced its train crews to a fraction of what they once were. In the past, long-haul passenger trains boasted a conductor, two ACs, dedicated attendants for each sleeper car, and a full dining car staff. Today, those same routes operate with a skeleton crew with just one conductor, one AC, and an engineer. And if there is not an AC available to take the call to work, the train runs with just one conductor and one engineer. The cuts mirror the “Precision Scheduled Railroading” (PSR) that have plagued our freight rail brothers and sisters since 2017. 

Amtrak: executive bonuses are an embarrassment 

Amtrak’s focus on “dollars and cents,” rather than “morals and sense,” is evident in its persistent understaffing and general disregard for its employees. The company’s top brass has been receiving substantial bonuses while our members are asked to do more with less. This blatant disregard for the safety and welfare of our men and women is unacceptable. 

SMART-TD demands change

SMART-TD is calling on Amtrak to prioritize the safety of its workers and passengers by: 

• Return to consistent and reasonable staffing levels (No AC-No Train). 
• Honor existing agreements.
• End the use of hiring freezes as a budget-saving measure. 

It’s time for Amtrak to stop treating staffing as a line item that can be manipulated in its budget. Lives are at stake. We demand that Amtrak reallocate its resources to hire more staff and support the people who make the railroad function. Our members and the passengers we serve deserve better. The time for change is now!