Bill > SJR86

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates October 15th of each year as "New Jersey Railroad Workers Day." By allowing for the efficient transportation of consumer goods and commuters, railroads continue to serve a crucial, and often overlooked, role in connecting and sustaining the modern, globalized economy. Without the continuous operations of the freight railroad sector, global supply chains can easily become disrupted, thereby increasing consumer prices and reducing access to necessary goods and services. The passenger railroad sector also plays a similarly important role in ensuring that the workforce can affordably and reliably commute to their places of employment, which service is vital for businesses located inside and outside of this State. However, the operations of freight and passenger railroads would not be possible without the tireless efforts of railroad workers, who work long hours to ensure that freight containers are properly handled and passenger trains are safely operated. Due to the constant demand for freight and passenger rail service, many railroad workers are often forced to work irregular shifts, sacrificing time away from their friends and family. Moreover, railroad workers have also shown a willingness to work in dangerous conditions during times of crisis to ensure that the public receives crucial freight and passenger rail services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, railroad workers served as frontline workers who, despite the dangers of working in close proximity to one another, worked to alleviate supply chain backlogs and commute essential health care workers. Without their contributions, there is little doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic would have unleashed even more harm on the physical and economic well-being of the people of this State. Whether during times of peace or times of crisis, railroad workers provide an invaluable service for the people of this State by ensuring that the modern, globalized economy continues to function. As such, it is altogether fitting and proper to celebrate the contributions of these workers by designating "New Jersey Railroad Workers Day" in this State. Designates October 15th of each year as "New Jersey Railroad Workers Day."

Committee Categories

Daniel Benson (D)*,  Patrick Diegnan (D)*,  Andrew Zwicker (D)*,  Herbert Conaway (D), 

Approved P.L.2022, JR-7. (on 10/14/2022)

Official Document