Category Archives: TCU Blog

Railroad Retiree Earnings Limits Increase in 2019

Railroad retirement annuitants subject to earnings restrictions can earn more in 2019 without having their benefits reduced as a result of increases in earnings limits indexed to average national wage increases. Like social security benefits, some railroad retirement benefit payments are subject to deductions if an annuitant’s earnings exceed certain exempt amounts. These earnings restrictions

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Follow Up – KCS Petitions FRA to Perform Mechanical Inspections in Mexico

In a follow-up to a previous story on the TCU website, a group of bipartisan members of congress recently wrote Elaine Chao, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, in opposition to Kansas City Southern’s (KCS) petition for waiver.  The requested relief would allow Mexican inspectors to perform the required tests and inspections on the Mexican

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FRA to renew Rail Safety Advisory Committee

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that it will be re-establishing the Rail Safety Advisory Committee – commonly known as ‘RSAC.’ The committee’s charter was recently dissolved in order to redesign the charter’s memberships and voting-eligibility. Rail labor unions have been assured that their voting ability and weights will not be reduced. Rather, the

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Hurricane Florence Resources from Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan

The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan insurance companies are again offering emergency resources to those impacted by Hurricane Florence. They released a flyer that provides details and contact numbers for affected individuals in need of emotional support, prescription supplies, vision wear, medical care and more. Telemedicine services and free sessions with registered nurses

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TTD: Freight rail safety, jobs must not be jeopardized in pursuit of profits

The following is an article by Transportation Trades Department (TTD, AFL-CIO) President Larry Willis. TCU/IAM is an affiliate of TTD’s Rail Labor Division.   SEP 20, 2018 MOVEAMERICA BLOG, RAIL FREIGHT RAIL SAFETY, JOBS MUST NOT BE JEOPARDIZED IN PURSUIT OF PROFITS By Larry I. Willis There is little disagreement among lawmakers, frontline workers, government agencies, and even

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Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits Will See Slight Increase Under New Sequestration Rate

Starting October 1, 2018, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 6.2 percent, down from the current 6.6 percent reduction, as required by law. The adjusted reduction amount is based on revised projections of benefit claims and payments under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. It will remain

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