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Norfolk Southern Railway is modifying its System Teamwork and Responsibility Training (START) program designed for yardmasters, engineers and train-service employees, according to the railroad's monthly newsletter.


Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and United Transportation Union representatives are helping NS modify the program to improve safety and customer service.


"The enhancements to the process, which include a new employee development phase, will place an even greater emphasis on employee training and education," said NS Vice President of Labor Relations Mark MacMahon.


Under program changes, supervisors will be able to identify employees who need additional training.


"START's main purpose is to train and teach employees how to be responsible and safe on the job," said UTU General Chairman Delbert Strunk.


The modifications also are designed to improve labor-management cooperation at the local level.


NS' transportation and labor-relations departments plan to conduct field meetings with local chairmen and supervisors to explain START enhancements.