In a troubling incident, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed near the 2200 block of Riverside Drive in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, on Saturday morning.
The dramatic derailment saw train cars plunging into the Lehigh River, raising concerns about potential environmental repercussions.
Fortunately, no injuries or leaks have been reported as of now, though officers on the scene suspect that three cars may have come off the tracks, possibly rolling over in the process.
CEO’s Pay Soars Amidst Environmental Concerns
This incident follows closely on the heels of revelations that Norfolk Southern CEO Alan H. Shaw received a staggering 37 percent pay rise in 2023.
The same year witnessed another environmentally disastrous derailment involving the company, this time in East Palestine, Ohio.
Despite the catastrophic consequences of the Ohio incident, Shaw’s total compensation skyrocketed to an eye-watering $13.4 million in 2023.
The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023, involved a train carrying 700,000 pounds of vinyl chloride.
The incident resulted in the spillage of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and polluting nearby rivers.
The ecological damage and subsequent cleanup efforts cost Norfolk Southern an estimated $1.1 billion, causing a significant dip in share prices.
Despite these challenges, Shaw’s pay increased substantially. His base salary rose by $200,000 to reach $1.1 million, while his stock and option awards surged by $2.2 million to $10 million.
Norfolk Southern’s proxy filing expressed ‘unanimous support for the company’s strategy’ under Shaw’s leadership, emphasizing the balance between safe service, productivity improvement, and smart growth.
Union Criticism and Calls for Change
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, a railroad union, strongly criticized Shaw’s hefty pay rise amid operational challenges and the fallout from the East Palestine derailment.
The union labeled it a ‘failure of corporate governance’ and called for sweeping changes within Norfolk Southern. Their stance aligns with a push to replace Shaw with Jim Barber Jr., a former chief operating officer at UPS.
Despite air and water tests showing no concerning levels of chemicals post-evacuation, locals remain apprehensive about potential health risks.
A chemical sheen observed in creeks flowing through the town has heightened these concerns. Norfolk Southern estimates the cleanup cost at $800 million, with $74 million pledged to aid East Palestine’s recovery.
This includes $25 million for park refurbishment and $4.3 million to upgrade the water treatment system.
An additional $20 million is allocated to build a regional training center for first responders dealing with hazardous materials.
Presidential Visit and Community Sentiments
Notably, President Biden’s visit to the East Palestine site occurred more than a year after the incident, drawing criticism for its delayed timing.
Locals expressed their frustration with banners proclaiming ‘Too Little, Too Late,’ and streets filled with people shouting, ‘F*** you.’
The aftermath of these derailments brings to the forefront the complex interplay between corporate responsibility, environmental consequences, and community well-being, raising questions about the oversight and accountability within Norfolk Southern.
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