Brightline employees have voted to unionize after enduring an aggressive anti‑union campaign by company leadership. The company has been criticized for its overly strict attendance policy and alleged intimidation tactics, including direct calls to workers aimed at discouraging union support. These actions raise serious concerns over the company's respect for labor rights and democratic workplace practices.

Brightline train attendants voted to unionize following repeated safety incidents and a series of aggressive anti-union tactics by company management, including alleged intimidation and overly strict attendance policies. The unionization drive came after months of delayed negotiations and federal legal challenges initiated by Brightline, highlighting the company’s disregard for worker safety and rights.

On January 14, 2025, Brightline workers voted to join the TWU following an aggressive anti-union campaign marked by worker intimidation, draconian sick-time policies, and harsh disciplinary actions. This event underscores significant concerns regarding labor relations and worker rights at Brightline, which ultimately contribute to a broader environment that can support authoritarian practices.

Brightline's reported $280,000 lobbying expenditure in 2024, as documented by OpenSecrets, raises serious concerns about the company’s effort to influence political processes. This level of spending contributes to an environment where corporate interests can steer policy in ways that may support authoritarian practices.

Brightline faces severe criticism after the National Mediation Board formalized its status as a rail carrier, following the company's anti-union stance and hiring of a union-busting law firm. This move has led to significant setbacks, including the denial of federal grants, reflecting broader issues in labor relations and worker rights.

Florida's Democratic House delegation publicly supported Brightline Florida workers amidst an ongoing unionization effort, criticizing the company for delaying employee elections and their reliance on an anti-union law firm. The lawmakers urged Brightline to cease interference with workers’ rights under the Railway Labor Act while backing the Transport Workers Union's cause.

A union has accused Brightline of obstructing efforts to organize its onboard workers, and has called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to block the company's future funding due to these anti-labor practices.

On September 19, 2024, the Transport Workers Union of America sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg requesting that Brightline Florida be denied further federal funding. The union claims that the company has actively blocked efforts by nearly 100 onboard service workers to unionize, a move they argue violates a recent executive order promoting collaborative labor-management relations.

Brightline Florida has been criticized for initially ignoring federal safety recommendations by deferring cost-effective measures such as grade separation at crossings, and only implementing improvements after legal settlements and federal intervention. The company’s use of a digital 'safety pledge' was seen as an attempt to deflect accountability for its role in creating a dangerous rail environment.

Brightline CEO Michael Reininger called for changes in federal financing by urging an expansion of tax‐exempt private activity bonds and reform of federal loan programs to boost private investment in high‐speed rail. Speaking on June 8, he emphasized that such reforms, coupled with support from the Biden administration, are essential for advancing the nation's transportation infrastructure.