Category Archives: Legislative Outlook

With House GOP Stalling on Rail Safety, House Dems hold Roundtable

In the wake of the East Palestine derailment, and despite public outcry to pass legislation to improve rail safety nationwide, House Republican leadership has so far refused to even hold a hearing, let alone put forward legislation. Last week, House Democrats took matters into their own hands by holding a Rail Safety Roundtable featuring workers

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Sec. Buttigieg responds to latest AAR mischaracterizations, highlights disconnect between industry and regulator

In a response to letter from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reiterated his major concerns regarding the downward trajectory of safety in the freight rail industry. In the letter, Secretary Buttigieg stated, “The major freight railroads are widely and increasingly regarded as being obsessed with quarterly profits and

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“This is why we fight.” NP Maratea applauds Senate committee advancing REEF Act.

On Wednesday, March 6th, the Senate Budget Committee passed the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act out of committee. The bill, which passed the committee with unanimous bipartisan support, would remove railroad retirement benefits from budget sequestration. In the Budget Control Act of 2011, a 5.7% cut was mandated for railroad retirement unemployment and

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TCU Unit 167 Congratulates Tom Suozzi on Special Election Victory

The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) congratulates Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi on winning the special election for New York’s 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday, February 13th. A longtime supporter of rail labor, Tom Suozzi has specifically supported TCU Unit 167 members throughout his career. TCU Unit 167 represents various crafts at Long Island Railroad (LIRR), Metro North,

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TCU endorses Rep. Tom Suozzi for NY-03, longtime ally of LIRR workers

Transportation Communications Union National President Arthur Maratea formally endorsed former Representative Tom Suozzi for the open seat in New York’s 3rd Congressional District. The special election will be held on February 13th, 2024. In the letter, President Maratea referenced former Rep. Suozzi’s prior support of TCU members on Long Island Railroad, specifically the former Congressman’s efforts

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TCU, BRC leaders present at FRA Rail Share Conference

Last week, TCU and Carmen Division leaders attended the Federal Railroad Administration’s 2nd annual Rail Share Conference in Kansas City to engage directly with industry and government leaders on rail safety issues.   Speaking to a packed audience of FRA officials and Class 1 railroad managers and executives, TCU National Legislative Director Dave Arouca led

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Bloomberg Government – Railroads, Unions Form Rare Alliance Over Sickness Benefit Cuts

A recent article published in Bloomberg Government By Lillianna Byington and Diego Areas Munhoz Nearly 6% cut to some railroader benefits hits post-pandemic Congress faces tough path despite bipartisan support CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION Stop Cuts to Railroad Workers’ Benefits by Supporting the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act A recent cut in

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House GOP Budget is Devastating for Rail Workers, Retirees & Service

The proposed funding levels from House Republican lawmakers would be completely devastating to railroad workers, rail safety, and railroad retirees. The bills propose to gut Amtrak and transit agencies, as well as the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), among others.   “These proposed funding levels are a slap in the face to railroaders – there’s no

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TCU LEADERS ATTEND 2023 IAM LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE & LOBBY CONGRESS

Last week (June 19-21), TCU/IAM leaders from across the country came to Washington, DC, to attend the 2023 Machinists Legislative Conference. Attendees heard from various members of Congress including Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and many others.  TCU National Legislative Director David Arouca addressed the conference to

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