Judge dismisses Brightline suit over union vote

As reported by Progressive Railroading, the Brightline lawsuit against union vote was dismissed on Tuesday. A federal judge in the U.S. District Court of Southern Florida issued the ruling. The ruling rejected the passenger railroad’s attempt to overturn the union vote. The vote was to join the Transportation Workers Union of America (TWU).

Brightline lawsuit against union vote and the court ruling

Meanwhile, Brightline filed the case in December 2024. It argued that it is not a rail carrier subject to the Railway Labor Act. Also, it argued that the National Mediation Board (NMB) lacked jurisdiction to conduct the election. The TWU vote took place in January 2025.

Judge Darrin Gayles found that Brightline’s interpretation of the law was incorrect. In addition, he granted summary judgement to the NMB. TWU also joined the case against Brightline.

Responses from TWU and Brightline

“This is a huge victory for the workers and the TWU,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen in a TWU press release. “The railroad’s multi-year attempt to silence its workers and deny them the right to negotiate for fair wages and benefits has been nothing short of shameful.”

Still, Brightline responded to the ruling in an email. A company representative said: “We are disappointed in and disagree with the court’s decision. Brightline fully supports the right of our teammates to bargain collectively through union representation. We simply do not agree that the NMB has jurisdiction over Brightline.”

Separately, the judge’s ruling can be read online.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: