GrandLuxe Rail Journeys is closing down operations on Aug. 29, the company announced internally Tuesday morning. Employees were called into a meeting by Tom Rader, chairman and owner of GrandLuxe, who told them the company would cease operations with the return of the train to Tacoma on Aug. 28. In a letter drafted to send to clients, Rader wrote: “We are financially unable to continue operations.” Later in the letter, Rader said he was aware that consumers with booked trips will want their money refunded, but, he wrote, “At this time we just do not have many answers to your questions. … I am personally deeply sorry that we have failed to provide your trip.” He urged those who paid by credit card to contact the card company for refunds. Evergreen, Colo.-based GrandLuxe, formerly known as American Orient Express, operated train journeys around the U.S. and Mexico. For more information, call 800-320-4206, email Reservations@GrandLuxeRail.com or visit www.grandluxerail.com.
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GLR Crew Aid 09.04.08 at 4:08 am
The crew working aboard Grand Luxe weren’t informed of their job loss until August 27th - while the passengers were on tour, the crew were all informed that they had one day of employment left. The crew were also informed that their health insurance would expire August 31st. This was the total extent of notice given.
Two couples amongst the staff were in the middle of mortgage proceedings. Most of the crew had no home of their own and would be forced to impose on friends or family. Others had pending doctor appointments which now will be unaffordable.
We’ve started a fund to aid those crew members who have been severely burdened by their sudden lack of work/housing - any donations can be sent via PayPal to glr.crew.aid@gmail.com.
Thank you.