srock68 wrote:Wow...that would hurt a lot of Conductors. I probably should start updating my resume.
Dude, you're freaking out. This is a forum loaded with speculation.
As a matter of fact most predictions posted here don't seem to pan out.
Last year speculation was rampant here that 100 trainmen would be furloughed and the roster
was going to be 800 in three years or so. Fifteen bottom trainmen are currently cams (permanent status) with first dibs
on any future conductor hiring.
There was also speculation that engineers would be wearing uniforms as a result of an unfortunate situation that appeared
in Newsday. Never happened.
All of the assistant conductors are beginning their respective qualification process. The rr isn't doing this out of the goodness
of their heart. New fra hours of service regulations will place further demands on manpower.
Look, one hundred years ago it was a guy wearing a uniform just like you and I using the same punch and doing
the same thing. Technology has passed by our craft for numerous reasons posted under other topics on this forum.
It will not stay this way forever. There will come a time when newer technology will have it's place on the rr.
However it doesn't seem to be around the corner. Look at the disaster last night to see the value your craft has to this
operation. Would love to see how they would have handled it with one unqualified per train. Would be a total joke.
The conditions are rarely perfect, as a consequence they need us. The rr is also under pressure for missing fares
due to the cutbacks they made.
The other thing to remember is that this place changes like an ocean liner turning at sea. Very slowly.
Competence is also a consideration. Look at the Chairmen's first big initiative, BSC for a lesson in poor
planning and incompetence.
Relax.