1988 outlook: Traffic, labor gains needed (January 1988)
1/7/2023"I foresee two major 1988 challenges. The first is to hold and build upon the traffic gains of 1987 — in what seems likely to be an uncertain economy. The second is to reach a general labor agreement that will enhance the productivity of railroads and be acceptable to labor unions. It seems obvious that these challenges are closely related, for if we do not become more efficient, it will be hard to maintain our traffic base.
"Our real security, of course, lies in increasing our present volume, not merely maintaining it. But that is not likely to occur to any great extent unless we reduce our costs and improve our ability to compete. The free market works as well in transportation as in any other industry, so it is vital that we capitalize on the inherent efficiency of railroads and become low-cost producers. It is equally vital that the industry not be saddled with deregulation, which would very quickly make our future very bleak."
— W. John Swartz, president of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
Source: The January 1988 issue of Progressive Railroading