The Staggers Act: changes in pay, productivity, and unionism for regional railroads.

The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 speeded up rail line abandonment and sale and spawned the regional railroad movement. The act has not effected a decline in union membership. Job flexibility has characterized regional railroads, with employees sometimes doing work not in their job descriptions. Wages have not declined significantly. Work force flexibility has resulted in significant cost reductions for regional railroads.