The OSHA investigation determined that BNSF Railway Company retaliated against a track inspector who reported critical safety defects, violating federal worker protection laws. This act of retaliation undermines worker rights and signals an authoritarian approach to labor issues, thereby earning a significant negative rating on the labor relations and human rights practices category.

OSHA finds global railroad company retaliated against worker who reported safety concerns about track defects

BNSF Railway Company's decision to fire an employee despite valid medical documentation, in what appears to be a retaliatory action against a whistleblower, represents a significant violation of workers' rights and undermines labor protections. This disregard for fair treatment and due process contributes to authoritarian labor practices.

US Department of Labor orders one of the nation’s largest railway companies to pay more than $290K in damages, reinstate whistleblower

The ratification of a comprehensive collective labor agreement that secures wage increases, better vacation benefits, and improved healthcare demonstrates a strong commitment to labor rights and worker well-being. This action supports workers' rights and undermines authoritarian business practices that often suppress labor organization.

BNSF, IBEW Ratify New Collective Labor Agreement - Railway Age

The ratification of the collective bargaining agreement indicates a strong commitment to enhancing labor rights and improving worker conditions. It represents a progressive move by BNSF by ensuring wage increases, better health care, and improved vacation benefits, thereby reinforcing fair labor practices and worker empowerment.

IBEW votes to ratify new collective labor agreement with BNSF Railway

BNSF Railway's decision to hire a major lobbying firm to influence drone security regulations represents a strategic corporate maneuver to shape policy in its favor. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate political engagement can undermine democratic oversight and public accountability, as it may contribute to an imbalance in the political influence of large corporations.

BNSF Railway Expands Drone Operations With New Lobbying Effort

By hiring a prominent lobbying firm to influence policy on drone security solutions, BNSF Railway is leveraging its corporate influence to shape regulatory outcomes. From a left‑leaning anti‑fascist perspective, such targeted lobbying efforts may contribute to an environment where corporate interests override broader public accountability, potentially facilitating repressive or surveillance capacities in government policy.

Bottom Line: Railroad giant lobbies up for drones

The profile from OpenSecrets shows that while BNSF Railway has a long history of lobbying activity, it has not reported lobbying on specific bills in 2024. This absence of recent targeted lobbying efforts results in a neutral score under the Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts category.

BNSF Railway Profile: Lobbying • OpenSecrets

BNSF's improvement from a score of 90 to 100 on the Corporate Equality Index demonstrates enhanced policies and practices related to employee diversity and inclusion. By expanding voluntary self-identification to include LGBTQ+ workers and improving benefits for domestic partners, the company reinforces worker rights and promotes a progressive, anti-fascist workplace environment.

BNSF Railway receives Equality 100 Award on human rights campaign Corporate Equality Index 2023

The modified 'Hi-Viz' attendance policy continues to raise concerns over labor rights and safety, with union officials denouncing it as an exploitative measure that exacerbates worker fatigue and unsafe working conditions. The fact that over 700 employees quit following the implementation and that union leaders describe it as the worst such policy in the rail industry underscores its negative impact on workers’ rights.

BNSF modifies controversial attendance policy

The modified attendance policy does little to alleviate fundamental labor issues. By offering extra incentives to already overworked employees, the policy potentially increases worker fatigue and creates unsafe working conditions. This reflects poorly on BNSF's commitment to fair labor practices, as voiced by union representatives and labor rights advocates.

BNSF modifies controversial train crew attendance policy (corrected, updated)

The 'Hi-Viz' attendance policy has been widely criticized by union officials and employees for enforcing strict penalties on workers for unplanned absences, which contributes to fatigue and potential safety risks. Although BNSF has revised the policy in response to these concerns, the changes are viewed as insufficient and merely symbolic, failing to address the broader issues of worker exploitation and unsafe labor practices.

BNSF changes controversial attendance policy

The reported PAC contribution of over $1 million underscores BNSF Railway’s significant involvement in political funding. From a left‑leaning, anti‑fascist perspective, such large corporate donations can foster disproportionate political influence and potentially support policies that undermine democratic accountability and public welfare.

BNSF Railway PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates • OpenSecrets

OSHA's findings reveal serious violations of labor rights, as BNSF retaliated against employees for reporting injuries and following medical treatment plans. This behavior undermines fair labor practices and worker protections, reflecting a failure in business ethical responsibility.

OSHA Finds BNSF, Rail Company Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Liable in Three Retaliation Cases and Awards Damages to Employees

The OSHA ruling revealed that BNSF engaged in practices that retaliated against employees who reported injuries and sought medical treatment, violating the Federal Railroad Safety Act's whistleblower protections. This represents a serious lapse in labor relations and human rights, undermining worker security and rights.

OSHA Finds BNSF, Rail Company Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Liable in Three Retaliation Cases and Awards Damages to Employees