On May 3, 2024, Norfolk Southern Corporation (“NSC”) distributed to shareholders a video on the June 2023 Town Hall hosted by Alan Shaw, President and Chief Executive Officer of NSC. A copy of the transcript for the video can be found below and may be used in whole or in part in additional communications by NSC:
June 2023 Town Hall Transcript
Alan Shaw – President & CEO, Norfolk Southern
Welcome Norfolk Southern. I became CEO of Norfolk Southern about a year ago. My first day as CEO, I wanted to be out in the field visiting with my craft colleagues and the local supervisors. One of the things that I really got out of them is this sense of pride for working for Norfolk Southern. And I want to get that back. And what I’ve tried to do at Norfolk Southern is start building this culture of transparency and inclusion. We’ve charted a course in the industry. And we’re really focused on culture.
Sean Kennedy – Director Mechanical Operation, Norfolk Southern
I think that this is the first step. I think that this is going to be a long road for our folks to really convince that this is a culture change. I think that we’re really on the right path now.
Alan Shaw
We’re going to be different. Traditional rail model was really focused on short-term margins and you tended to get there by cutting. And for those of you who’ve worked out in the field, I know that that was really hard on you. That’s not what we’re doing going forward. Because I think our long-term approach is a better way forward for Norfolk Southern.
And we made promises to our employees. We’re hiring. I’m going to invest in our people. The next time there’s an economic downturn, we’re not going to furlough. We’re the only railroad where 100% of our craft colleagues have access to paid sick leave. Promises kept.
I also said I really want to engage better with our union leadership. Our unions were set up to drive safety. And we can really get aligned around that.
Jeremy Ferguson – SMART-TD
I never thought as a union President I’d be standing on a stage with fellow Presidents and CEO of a railroad. I know it’s just the beginning and I look forward to making this a safer place.
Mike Baldwin – BRS
My hope is we can knock this out of the park and everybody notices and everybody wants to be NS, everybody wants to do the same thing.
Tony Cardwell – BMWED
I really believe that NS has an opportunity to set the example and set a new standard. I’m here to help you with that. Our members want to see you succeed, our members want to see this company succeed.
Leo McCann – ATDA
We look forward to this journey together as we measure our successes in day-to-day small victories. Changing the culture at NS will be a long and difficult road, but being in this together has the opportunity to be the premier, safest railroad.
Carl Lakin – TCU-BRC
We’re committed to continuing the effort to ensure every member has a safe workplace. And we trust Norfolk Southern is sincere in their commitment as well. If labor and Norfolk Southern truly work together to improve safety at Norfolk Southern, there’s no limit on what we can accomplish.
Alan Shaw
We implemented a six-point safety plan, we started a Ballast Line Leadership training program, and you’ve seen me out on Capitol Hill. I’m advocating for many of the provisions in the various railway safety bills. We’re going to have three admirals working with us over the next 2-3 years on how to enhance safety at Norfolk Southern. That’s a promise kept.