Comment from Anonymous
Anonymous AnonymousSupportUnion
Summary: A railroad worker for Union Pacific argues that drones used by management to monitor employees create dangerous distractions and safety hazards in train yards. The commenter supports the proposed restriction on unmanned aircraft operations near fixed site facilities to protect worker safety.
I work as a trainman for Union Pacific railroad in the Los Angeles circ. I have daily duties in train yards building trains, switching cars, riding on the outside of cars, getting on and off moving equipment, working on and around multiple track and moving trains. It is dangerous work that requires strict, unwavering focus and attention to remain safe. I have been in yards in Long Beach, city of Commerce, Colton, City of Industry and LA where managers sit in their work vehicles and operate drones directly overhead to monitor and record our movements and work, trying specifically to catch us making any mistakes they can. As UP has admittedly overhired recently and garaunteed the union there will not be any layoffs or furloughs, they have made verbal statements they have a target to fire 60 workers to reduce manpower. The drones are used for this purpose. As such, the drones distract, break our concentration and are increasing the danger of our workplaces. They should absolutely be restricted from being used to “spy” on us and increase the danger of our jobs.