Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021

Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021

This bill applies to yardmaster employees the limitations on duty hours and the restrictions on communications to employees during their off-duty hours that are currently applicable to train employees. A yardmaster employee means an individual responsible for supervising and coordinating the control of trains and engines operating within a rail yard.

Bill 117 HR 3481, also known as the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021, aims to provide additional protections for railroad yardmasters who are responsible for overseeing the movement of trains in rail yards. The bill specifically addresses the issue of fatigue among yardmasters, who often work long and irregular hours.

Under this legislation, railroad companies would be required to implement fatigue management plans to ensure that yardmasters are not overworked and are able to perform their duties safely. These plans would include provisions for adequate rest periods, limits on consecutive work hours, and regular breaks.

Additionally, the bill would establish a reporting system for yardmasters to report safety concerns and violations of the fatigue management plan. This system would allow yardmasters to raise issues without fear of retaliation from their employers. Overall, the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021 seeks to improve safety and working conditions for railroad yardmasters, ultimately benefiting both the employees and the public.