Court Rejects Brightline’s Attempt to Block Unionization Efforts

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 5, 2026 7:53 PM ET

Court Rejects Brightline’s Attempt to Block Unionization Efforts

A federal judge dismissed Brightline’s lawsuit against the National Mediation Board on March 31, 2025. The ruling clears the way for union negotiations between Brightline and onboard staff.

Decision and legal reasoning

U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles rejected the company’s challenge. Brightline had argued it was not a railroad under federal law.

Brightline claimed the Railway Labor Act and the National Mediation Board lacked jurisdiction. Gayles found the law’s definition can include Brightline.

Why the court sided with the union

The judge noted the statute’s carrier definition “includes” entities beyond those overseen by the Surface Transportation Board. He also cited Brightline’s acceptance of federal rail funds.

The combination undercut Brightline’s claim that it fell outside the federal rail framework.

Responses and next steps

Union leaders welcomed the decision. John Feltz, the union’s rail division director, said the company had delayed bargaining.

Brightline expressed disappointment and disagreed with the ruling. The company said it supports workers’ collective bargaining rights.

Keyword context

The court action has been framed in coverage as Court Rejects Brightline’s Attempt to Block Unionization Efforts, shifting momentum toward talks.

Worker demands and safety concerns

Onboard attendants, chefs and culinary specialists seek pay increases. They also demand changes to an attendance policy they call draconian.

The policy penalizes calling off shifts with less than six hours’ notice, unless employees provide documentation.

Safety incidents and related litigation

Staff raised alarms over frequent crashes on the line between Orlando International Airport and downtown Miami. Those collisions have killed drivers and pedestrians.

Former conductor Darren J. Brown filed a federal suit in December. He seeks $60 million for trauma and related harms. His trial is set to begin January 19, 2027.