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SD 1022

An Act relative to railroad crew transportation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill requiring railroad companies to establish new crew transportation standards affecting employee scheduling, safety, and compensation practices.

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Bill Summary · SD 1022

Legislative bill overview

SD 1022 establishes new requirements for railroad companies operating in Massachusetts regarding crew transportation and working conditions. The bill specifically addresses how railroad employees are transported to and from work sites, including provisions related to safety, scheduling, and compensation for crew members. This legislation aims to modernize labor standards in the railroad industry that have remained largely unchanged for decades.

Why is this important

Railroad workers, particularly those in freight and passenger service, often face demanding schedules and long hours away from home. The bill directly impacts working conditions for hundreds of Massachusetts railroad employees and could set precedent for other states. Given railroads' critical role in commerce and transportation infrastructure, labor standards in this sector affect both worker welfare and operational efficiency of the rail system.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Railroad companies may argue that new crew transportation mandates increase operational expenses and could reduce service availability or increase shipping costs
  • Safety vs. scheduling tensions: Requirements could conflict with existing Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and collective bargaining agreements already in place
  • Scope and enforceability: Ambiguity about whether the bill applies to all railroads, specific classes of workers, or only certain routes may create implementation challenges and legal disputes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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