Author Archives: giffordk@TCUnion.org

Sal Rodriguez Named Executive Director of the New TCU/IAM Organizing Department

Effective September 1, TCU/IAM National President Maratea appointed Sal Rodriguez to work with National Vice-President Brian Shanahan in the newly established TCU Organizing Department. This focus on organizing will move TCU forward in addressing our future needs and will lay the groundwork for the increase in membership which is vital for the long term growth

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UPDATE: BNSF Petitions FRA to Expand its Wayside Detector Pilot Program Yet Again

On April 12, 2019, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) granted the BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) a test waiver to conduct a pilot program to “demonstrate that the use of wheel temperature detectors (WTD) to prove brake health effectiveness (BHE) would improve safety, reduce risks to employees, and provide cost savings to the industry.” This regulatory

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Statement of TCU National President Artie Maratea on Amtrak’s Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate

“TCU strongly encourages all of our members – and all Americans – to get vaccinated. This virus has caused so much damage and death already, and with new variants spreading quickly, the most effective path forward is for everyone to get vaccinated. As the largest union on Amtrak, representing many different customer-facing crafts, our members

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Statement from TCU National President Artie Maratea on Senate’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation

“Joe Biden ran for President to refocus our nation’s policies on everyday working people, including a commitment to finally invest in our nation’s infrastructure. This bill does just that. At a time when our country is so divided politically and in the midst of battling a pandemic, it’s a relief to see our bipartisan elected

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Training for Lodge Presidents Debuts in Chicago

Last week, TCU rolled out a new program specifically developed for Local Lodge Presidents. National President Maratea, several TCU and Carmen Officers and Chicago area National Representatives were in attendance. The training, part of President Maratea’s inaugural initiative to expand internal education for Local Lodge Officers, was created and taught by TCU’s Constitution & Law

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UP Requests Relief to Combine Two Existing and Operating Trains without Additional Inspections

On March 9, 2021, the Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requesting a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR parts 215 (Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards) and 232 (Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment;

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Juneteenth Named Federal Holiday

Legislation to recognize Juneteenth (June 19th) passed earlier this week, commemorating the end of slavery as the 12th federal holiday. President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act June 17, 2021. TCU proudly supports this legislation. Juneteenth will be included in all future TCU Section 6 Holiday proposals. “The recognition of Juneteenth as a

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Another Carrier Petitions FRA for Relief from “Hands-on” Periodic Refresher Training

In April 2021, the Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a system wide waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations regarding periodic refresher training for all UP’s Transportation employees. Specifically, UP proposed to create a 3-D simulation using web-based software as a third alternative

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