Gerard Scimeca – Chairman, CASE
April 13, 2020
We are now past Day 100 since the arrival of the Covid-19 virus was first announced, and Americans are now living through the peak of its impact. The health of our friends, family, and neighbors remains the top concern, as well as how we and the less fortunate among us are making do without numerous products essential to our everyday life.
In the midst of this hardship, millions of Americans are stepping up to help lessen the effects of the virus in terms of public health, the impact on our economy, and the financial well-being of our fellow citizens. Doctors, farmers, first-responders, delivery drivers, and countless other workers have earned our eternal gratitude and admiration for their selflessness and sacrifice in support of a nation in need.
One group whose efforts should not be overlooked are the 150,000 workers in the freight rail industry who are — in concert with the pivotal role also being played by our nation’s truckers — at this and every moment working overtime to deliver items to store shelves. Rail is playing a central role in keeping our economy moving by getting gasoline to the pump, raw materials to factories, and critical packaging materials to warehouses and distribution centers.
As dire shortages of key staples are currently turning the lives of Americans upside down, the situation would be beyond catastrophic without the efforts of rail. If there is food in the aisle, energy on the end of a light switch, and goods on our shelves then we can thank the round-the-clock efforts of America’s dedicated rail workers.
1Just as important as it is to get products into the homes of consumers is rail’s delivery of the raw materials and components of medicine, detergent, sanitizers, disinfectants, breathing masks and rubber gloves that will be crucial in helping stem the spread of disease during this vulnerable time. With airlines largely grounded and road transportation limited through ground closures, rail keeps vital goods and materials moving around the clock.
Throughout this crisis there is no doubt that rail remains the firm and unyielding backbone of America’s transportation system. And despite the fact that the economic downturn has seriously impacted their business, they are meeting the challenges of the pandemic without public funding.
As we hope for better days soon to come, America is doing its best to endure the difficulties and hardships that have disrupted the lives of us all, without exception. In the silver lining of this dark cloud we are inspired by the acts of heroes and examples of strength and persistence that have labored to keep us on our feet. Physicians, healthcare workers, public safety employees should all be noted in how they helped keep our nation together. Just as importantly, let’s not forget that though they are on the front lines, our railroad workers have shouldered their burden quietly, out of the view of most. And as our daily hope arrives, it will in all likelihood arrive on rail.
