Statement on the Environmental Emergency caused by the Norfolk Southern Freight Train Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio

The 150-car train derailment released toxic chemicals causing thousands of working families to evacuate and putting Local 1 members health and safety at risk

OHIO - On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio causing one of the deadliest environmental emergencies in decades. Nearly 1 million pounds of vinyl chloride were on this train and the EPA has confirmed the chemicals have entered the Ohtio River basin - home to 25 million people. SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup released the following statement:

“The aftermath of the derailed Ohio train has had catastrophic impacts on the Palestine community - and it doesn’t end there. The EPA has confirmed that vinyl chloride from this train has entered the Ohio River basin - a major water source for working people in the Midwest. This crisis puts Local 1 members from Indianapolis to Cincinnati in danger and the worst part of this is - this was preventable.

Union rail workers have warned us about the public safety issues at hand and railroad companies decided to put profit over people. Community members are having trouble breathing, animals are dying and families are scrambling to find safety - this is an ecological disaster that could have long-term repercussions. We have to hold railroad corporations accountable and ensure that history does not repeat itself.”

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Service Employees International Union Local 1 unites 50,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, higher education faculty, food service workers and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.