The programming committee for the 78th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation Automated Rail Transit and its Impact on Unskilled Laborers by Andrew McNeal of Bloomsburg University.
Presentation Abstract: Recent supply chain challenges have led to changes withing many transportation industries. Rail transportation is a major freight mode and provides companies with large volume transportation of materials and products. Companies take advantage of rail logistics because of the reduced transportation costs. Once a rail car is loaded, there is less wasted movement of the materials of products until they are unloaded at their final destination or at a mode change station.
The operation of the rail transportation still requires manual laborers. Labor unions for railroad companies have had contract settlement issues based on several factors. This includes laborers lacking paid sick leave. The introduction of automated trains can lead to the reduction of the number of human operators and laborers that will be needed to make rail transit function. Transition periods can be difficult for both employees and managers. It is key that leaders take an active role in maintaining good relationships with their employees to maintain effective operations, especially in the face of automation and workforce reduction. This will allow for greater efficiencies and for Precision Scheduled Railroading to be implemented with greater degrees of effectiveness.
Join us online to see this great paper and many more March 13 – March 18, 2023. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.