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On Dec. 14 — during his last days in Congress — Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) introduced the Railroad Hours of Service Act of 2010 (H.R. 6519), which proposes to improve hours-of-service provisions of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, according to the United Transportation Union (UTU).

The bill would ensure railroad workers are provided “predictable and defined” work and rest periods, and 10 hours of undisturbed rest prior to going on duty, according to the union. The measure was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

However, H.R. 6519 “was intended as a place-setter — a bill … which will be re-introduced by other friends of the UTU in the new Congress in 2011,” said UTU National Legislative Director James Stem in a letter posted on the UTU’s website.

The UTU, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen plan to work closely on a new bill with congressional members.

The unions will seek some provisions not included in H.R. 6519, such as that regular yard assignments have defined start times under provisions that now apply to passenger- and commuter-rail assignments, and that “hot and nutritious” food be available 24 hours per day at sleeping quarters.