Rail safety

Shareholder engagement on railroad safety has been an important force in pushing rail transport corporations to prioritize long-term risk management and community well-being. Following the financial and human costs of disasters like the East Palestine derailment to the local community and surrounding states, the rail industry was resistant to safety measures, blocking regulations such as two-person crew requirements. In response, in 2024, investors filed shareholder proposals at major rail companies such as CSX and Union Pacific aimed at creating safety-focused board oversight of reforms to prevent derailments, protect workers, and safeguard communities. This underscores the importance of shareholder advocacy to hold companies accountable for ethical behavior, address material financial and reputational risks, and preserve shareholder value.

Investor action has already begun to influence corporate behavior. In 2024, CSX agreed to publish a report on safety practices following shareholder pressure, and Union Pacific faced heightened scrutiny over its board’s oversight of derailment risks. These examples highlight how shareholder proposals can push companies to adopt stronger safety standards, demonstrating the material relevance of investor engagement in protecting both communities and long-term shareholder value.

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The Washington Post covers the rail industry’s response to the issue of rail safety.