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Reader comment on:
Potential Amtrak Strike Could Shut Down Penn Station
in response to reader comment: AARRGH..Where should I begin???

Submitted by End of the line, Jan 11, 2008 19:33

Congrats to you for gettin out from under Amtraks thumb.

I chose to stay and along the way maybe I can change a few things here for the better, maybe not. But I'm going to give it a hell of a shot while I'm here. I could have used some help but you bailed.

I don't doubt what you may have seen. You can see the same in many industries. I don't condone it but it happens. If that's what some sre doing, I agree they should be fired. You rant on as if everyone is here for a free ride. I assure you everone is not. I could go on and on about Amtrak's poor management and shady dealings. They have managers that didn't finish high school running the place and men with degrees working on the floor.

See anything wrong with this picture?

Morale, Yep it's pretty bad.

As for myself, I work hard for what get paid. I work with guys that drive each other to do the best damn job we can. Long hours? You bet. We're on the job till it's finished. An 8 hour a shift what a joke I'm on call 24/7. Sleep? Not when your out repairing stranded equipment. We'll work so close to 100+ mph trains they will take your head right off your shoulders and leave your body standing there. If ya let it. Yeah, I think we should receive proper training. and NO we do not get paid enough! My union may not have Balls, You better believe I do! I and others have been working to improve this place for well over 30 years and we are not close to finished. It's a long road.

So don't go painting everyone with the same brush Sparky.

Sorry the trains sometime run late, I don't schedule the trains I fix them. I can't be everywhere.

But hey, We are all not driven by just money. And It's not all about work rules. Many of us do more than we are expected to do already........without whining.

I do this because I enjoy my job. I do this because there is much to be done if this railroad is to survive. And wether you see it or not I do this because this country still needs the railroad and will need it for a long while to come. You gave up on the railroad I didn't. I work with some great railroaders and we do make a difference. To bad you didn't fall in with a better gang.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.

Other reader comments on this article

Comment By Date

I regularly travel between trenton and new york city to visit my girlfriend. Once a week, some weeks 2x (neither... [MORE]

Andy

Jan 17, 2008 00:55

thank u andy..very kind words..i am a conductor and i like my job and I treat everyone with respect even... [MORE]

AMTRAK CONDUCTOR

Jan 17, 2008 23:19

National Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) Board of Directors pockets have been very heavy for eight years while this union and workers... [MORE]

Mary Dozier

Jan 16, 2008 23:17

amtrak workers are GOOD. have been taking their trains since long before it was called amtrak. if there are problems, they're... [MORE]

clio

Jan 12, 2008 08:11

The frontline employees (i.e.: Conductors, Customer Service- depends on which state you're in, ushers, etc..) are good ambassadors of the... [MORE]

Former Amtrak Sparky

Jan 16, 2008 23:12

Amtrak's labor problems have become a crisis for this country. Public agencies along the Northeast corridor are forced to prepare... [MORE]

Stanley

Jan 9, 2008 11:59

Perhaps if the strikers spend few days or weeks without pay they will be motivated to work harder and improve... [MORE]

Mike

Jan 8, 2008 08:28

Sure there are a few bad apples in every barrel but for the most part we are a very hard... [MORE]

End of the line

Jan 10, 2008 22:18

From past experience as a former Amtrak employee, I say YES to Fair Wages and Health Benefits, but NAY to... [MORE]

Former Amtrak Sparky

Jan 11, 2008 00:12

Congrats to you for gettin out from under Amtraks thumb. I chose to stay and along the way maybe I...

End of the line

Jan 11, 2008 19:33

Bailing is not an option when you work for the "POINTLESS ARROW" (Amtrak). The logo says it all. Not all... [MORE]

Former Amtrak Sparky

Jan 16, 2008 23:06

i just started working for amtrak. yea! we need a raise for what is expected of us. time to give... [MORE]

pierre scott

Jan 8, 2008 02:54

I rely on Amtrak on a weekly basis to shuttle me between Boston and New York. The buses are cheaper... [MORE]

Ben Jen

Jan 7, 2008 11:16

amtrak should meet the unions offer and avert this strike,i know people there and they deserve it,they work very hard... [MORE]

christine

Jan 7, 2008 02:39

Christine, your comments are completely false and show that you do not have the facts. Union members do not work... [MORE]

Jen

Jan 8, 2008 10:12

Jen, if you wish to believe management has not received raises you are blind to the truth. Christine's words ring true.... [MORE]

End of the line

Jan 10, 2008 18:12

Some Amtrak union members (IBEW in Particular, NJ & NY) DO get "Sick Time", but it is UNPAID TIME OFF!!... [MORE]

Former Amtrak Sparky

Jan 11, 2008 00:27

I didn't realize some did and some don't. If I don't use vacation days when I have to take off... [MORE]

End of the line

Jan 12, 2008 14:52

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