WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 29, 2022 – AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies released the following statement on Rep. Rick Crawford’s introduction of the Retirees to Rail Act, which would incentivize railroad experienced, qualified retirees to temporarily return to the field to help address service and supply chain issues without reducing their railroad retirement benefits.

“Restoring rail service to the level customers and our economy expect and deserve requires quickly getting railroaders out into the field. Today, it can take up to 6 months for new hires to be fully trained, and this measure would help bridge the gap until those hires come fully onboard. Rep. Crawford’s smart, short-term solution would allow eligible retirees a chance to continue their service without taking a hit on their hard-earned retiree benefits.”

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For more information, contact: AAR Media Relations at media@aar.org or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Learn more at www.aar.org.

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