Category Archives: Local News

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’S FIERCE PARTICIPATES IN ‘ADOPT A FAMILY’ DURING THE 2023 HOLIDAY SEASON

TCU’s FIERCE (Female Initiative for Education, Real Change and Equality) Committee members and National Representative and Education Committeeperson Katrina Coleman participated in ‘Adopt A Family’ in the Philadelphia area this holiday season. Committee members collected gifts such as clothing, toys, and other items to make the family’s holiday memorable and bright, and NR Coleman hand-delivered

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TCU/IAM mourns the passing of Seafarers International Union (SIU) Emeritus President Michael Sacco

TCU/IAM mourns the passing of Seafarers International Union (SIU) Emeritus President Michael Sacco. Mike was the longest-serving president in SIU history, having led the organization from 1988 until his retirement in February 2023 (a period spanning nearly 35 years). “Mike Sacco was larger than life. He was known and respected throughout the entire labor movement.

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Retired TCU/IAM National Vice President and Special Assistant to the National President Joel Parker to Retire from NRRIT

  Retired TCU/IAM National Vice President and Special Assistant to the President, Joel Parker, recently announced his retirement from the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust (NRRIT). NRRIT was established as part of the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act of 2001, which allowed Railroad Employees to retire at age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years

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