April 8, 2025 — As Chicago-area transit systems face a projected fiscal cliff of more than $750 million, representatives from the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) are in Springfield, Illinois, urging lawmakers to support vital funding for Metra, CTA, and Pace. The fiscal cliff, estimated to take effect in 2026, threatens the systems with sweeping service
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Brother Tony Padilla, TCU’s former Assistant National Legislative Director. Tony enjoyed a remarkable 43-year career in the rail industry, retiring in December 2009. His journey began in February 1967 as a General Clerk Freight and Passenger Agent with Southern Pacific Railroad. He continued his
IAM Rail Division representatives joined members of Congress and leaders from fellow U.S. rail unions in calling on Congress to act on rail safety two years after the toxic East Palestine train derailment. “On behalf of all our members, our hearts still go out to the people of East Palestine. They want answers, they
On Wednesday, December 18th, the U.S. Senate passed the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation will now head to President Biden’s desk to sign into law. Since 2011, Railroaders’ unemployment and sickness benefits have been unfairly and unjustifiably cut by 5-8%. Rail labor
On Monday, FRA Administrator Amit Bose visited and met with local rail labor leaders in Memphis, TN. “My priority is to make sure railroaders know that the FRA has their back when it comes to safety,” said Administrator Bose. “It’s critical that our members see that this FRA Administrator cares and wants to fix safety
July 24, 2024 – TCU’s National Legislative Director, David Arouca, testified before a House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the significant challenges the carmen craft is facing in the railroad industry today. Brother Arouca highlighted the issues our members consistently raise to us: the railroads are not giving them enough time to do their jobs
On July 12, 2024, International President Brian Bryant sent a letter to President Joe Biden showing support and urging President Biden to ‘remain strong and stay in the presidential race.’ TCU fully supports IP Bryant and the Machinists Union. National President Artie Maratea said, ” TCU supports those who support us, and nobody has supported
The House Republicans have proposed a -$24 million (20%) cut to the Railroad Retirement Board’s (RRB) budget for FY2025. This would be cataclysmic for the agency, which is already dealing with severe funding issues. For reference, the RRB Board Members requested a budget of $172 million for this year in order to meet mission critical
TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea and Carmen Division General President Don Grissom attended the historic groundbreaking of America’s first high-speed rail line in Las Vegas, NV, on Monday, April 22. NP Maratea and Carmen Division GP Grissom were joined by Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other rail labor leaders. Brightline West
Yesterday, TCU and BRC joined the rest of rail labor in celebrating the finalizing of the two-person crew rule. The new rule will require most trains to have a minimum of two crew members, significantly improving operating crew safety as well as the safety of communities our trains pass through. “Common sense tells us that
