Union Pacific Under Fire: Federal Safety Audit Disrupted

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell announced a probe into Union Pacific after the company allegedly interfered with a federal safety audit. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) halted the review due to coached employee responses and intimidation. The FRA plans to restart the audit later, amid rising safety concerns and derailments.

U.S. railroad Union Pacific is under federal scrutiny after allegedly interfering in a critical safety audit. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) ended its review, citing that employees were coached on how to respond to auditors, according to a statement from Senator Maria Cantwell and the Senate Commerce Committee on Friday.

Senator Cantwell has initiated a probe into Union Pacific's actions and requested all documentation related to the safety audit, as well as policies for improving safety culture. Union Pacific maintains that safety is a core value and plans to respond to Cantwell's letter.

In an April 26 letter, the FRA confirmed it canceled the audit after discovering employees were coached and intimidated, leading to reluctance in participation. The FRA intends to restart the safety assessment later this year or early next year. Cantwell expressed serious concerns over these findings, highlighting Union Pacific's higher derailment rate compared to other major railroads.

(With inputs from agencies.)