Friday, October 06, 2000 (Washington, DC) U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today was joined by Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation Chairman and CEO Robert D. Krebs and Amtrak President and CEO George D. Warrington in formalizing a historic partnership to promote diversity throughout the rail transportation industry and the businesses that support it.

"This agreement supports President Clinton and Vice President Gore's vision to develop a workforce that mirrors the strength and values of our nation's diversity," said Secretary Slater. "This Partnership with BNSF and Amtrak will serve as a model for the rest of the railroad industry."

The cooperation among the four parties reflects a collective vision and dedication to the principle of diversity in spirit and practice. The Partnership is predicated on a concept of diversity which requires a work environment that respects and significantly benefits from the contributions of all individuals, who bring with them varied ideas, values, perceptions, traditions and ways of living.

The primary engine of the Partnership is the establishment of a Joint Diversity Task Force. The Task Force will develop strategies to ensure the full participation of minorities, women, persons with disabilities and other under-represented groups in all aspects of the railroad industry. The Task Force will place special emphasis on effectuating improved recruitment and career development opportunities in the industry now and in the future. In addition, the Task Force will develop an educational outreach strategy intended to inform elementary, secondary and college students about career opportunities in railroading in a manner that fosters diversity.

"This Partnership addresses issues critical to the success of our company, our industry, our community and our nation," said Robert D. Krebs, Chairman and CEO of BNSF. "BNSF is pleased to join with DOT, FRA and Amtrak in creating this historic Partnership." Amtrak President and CEO George D. Warrington said, "Amtrak is committed to creating a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We think it is fundamental that America’s national passenger railroad reflects the diversity and pluralism that is America."

The agreement constitutes the first formal partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the railroad industry to aid in the development and implementation of diversity-enhancing actions. BNSF and Amtrak demonstrated considerable leadership in volunteering to enter into such a partnership agreement. The commitment underlying the agreement requires the FRA, DOT, BNSF and Amtrak not only to encourage diversity in hiring and contracting, but also to facilitate such endeavors.

"The Partnership in Promoting Diversity makes good business sense," said FRA Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris. "The strategies the Task Force will develop will have a direct impact on the bottom line. The most successful 21st century companies will be those that utilize the abilities of a diverse workforce that reflects the customers they serve."

The Partnership reinforces the Clinton/Gore Administration’s ONE America Initiative, an effort intended to encourage respect of others’ differences and embrace the common values that unite people for the betterment of our nation.

A copy of the diversity document can be viewed at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/contract.pdf.

(Original Document signed on Friday, October 6, 2000.)