Earlier today, Larry Willis, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, testified on Capitol Hill before the Railroads Subcommittee. In his testimony, Mr. Willis advocated on behalf of TCU/IAM members by calling for increased funding for Amtrak employees as well as adequate safety measures for all railroad workers. The hearing was focused on railroad infrastructure,
Members will be receiving materials in the mail in the near future which will provide details of the 2018 Open Enrollment. During the period of October 1 until October 31, 2017, members can securely access the Railroad Enrollment Services online at www.yourtracktohealth.com/public/Login.aspx to review and make changes to their benefits or personal record for 2018.
Beginning October 1, 2017, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 6.6 percent, down from the current 6.9 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
According to Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) policy, every annuitant has the right to manage his or her own benefits. However, when physical or mental impairments make a railroad retirement annuitant incapable of properly handling benefit payments, or where the RRB determines that the interests of the annuitant so require, the agency can appoint a representative
In a recent letter to all Local Lodge Officers from TCU President Bob Scardelletti: We have all seen the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey and now Irma. Many people have damaged homes, loss of property and injuries. We have many TCU Brothers and Sisters that have been affected by these storms. Both TCU Locals and
On Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives voted on various amendments to the Transportation Appropriations bill, including one from Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) to defund Amtrak. Thankfully, the amendment failed with 128 voting in favor versus 293 voting against. This vote serves as a litmus test to who is really on our side. Voting to defund
From TCU President Bob Scardelletti’s letter to all Local Lodge Officers: We have all seen the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey on TV. Thousands of people are suffering injuries, losses of property and the possibilities of displacement, as well as replacing and rebuilding needs. This is affecting us all, because in hundreds of cases they
A Labor Day Message from IAMAW President Martinez The title of one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s last books poses a question: “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” After one of the worst natural disasters in American history, we can ask ourselves the same thing. Hurricane Harvey flooded hospitals and destroyed homes;
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is reminding rail employees out of work due to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath that they may qualify for unemployment benefits. To determine eligibility or file claims for benefits, affected railroaders should call the RRB’s toll-free telephone number (1-877-772-5772) or visit the Unemployment benefits webpage. Rail workers who are
In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): Railroad Retirement benefits are based on months of service and earnings credits. Earnings are creditable up to certain annual maximums on the amount of compensation subject to railroad retirement taxes. Credit for a month of railroad service is earned for every month in which an
