Is Slate Correct?

In particular, railroads speak of the "six cardinal rules" that, if broken, will result in an automatic suspension. These include running a stop signal, exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour, failing to use the air brakes safely, occupying a track without permission, tampering with safety equipment, and operating the train under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Breaking these rules will usually result in an engineer's license being revoked for at least 30 days, with repeat offenders sidelined for longer.

http://www.slate.com/id/2200230/

Thats pretty much it to get a 30 day unpaid vacation, second offence gets you 6 monhs to year suspention. third strike your out.

Close, but no cigar. first offense, if convicted, is 30 days. Second offense in 2 years is 6 months. Third offense in 2 years is 1 year. The D&A convictions carry different penalties, with a pair of convictions bringing 5 years out of service. The carrier has the "discretion" to reduce the time on the first three strikes,( not counting the D&A offenses) after remedial training is applied. This would cut in half, the actual time held out of service. This reduction is applicable one time, for any of the three first offfenses only. A fourth and fifth offense cary even more time, but realistically, the railroad would find a way to terminate you, after the second or third......