\u201cWe seem to have forgotten that this is a district court \u2014 not a Denny\u2019s,\u201d Pittman said quoting Circuit Judge James C. Ho.<\/p>\n
Pittman called on the lawyers from both BNSF and the unions to be honest with their clients about the appropriate use of the legal system.<\/p>\n
Judges and courts are not here to provide strategic leverage in labor negotiations, nor are they meant to change the underlying laws that govern legal disputes around railroad labor relations, Pittman said.<\/p>\n
The courts expect better, he said.<\/p>\n
Representatives for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Star-Telegram.<\/p>\n
The Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers understands Judge Pittman\u2019s frustrations particularly the impact on staff and resources, spokesperson Dan Banks said in an email to the Star-Telegram.<\/p>\n
As the defendant, the union had no input on BNSF\u2019s request, Banks said, while adding his union was happy the parties were able to resolve their differences within the framework set out by the union contract.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank the court for its time in considering the parties\u2019 positions regarding the dispute and their continued professionalism,\u201d Banks said.<\/p>\n
In an email to the Star-Telegram, a BNSF spokesperson said they thanked the court for taking the time to hear the company\u2019s case.<\/p>\n
This story was originally published July 16, 2026 at 2:22 PM.<\/p>\n