In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): The amounts of compensation subject to railroad retirement tier I and tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2017, while the tax rates on employers and employees will stay the same. In addition, unemployment insurance contribution rates paid by railroad employers will continue to include
In a statement letter from TCU President Bob Scardelletti: On behalf of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), an American labor union and an International Transport Workers’ Federation affiliate, I write to express my support of the Korean unions’ general strike on November 30th, as well as their demand that you resign immediately. The right to
The lifetime maximum under the negotiated medical plan for early retirees will increase by $6,200 from $151,600 to $157,800, effective January 1, 2017, due to automatic adjustments based on medical cost inflation. The change affects members enrolled in the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan, GA-46000. This early retirement plan provides a
Persons claiming retirement, disability, survivor, unemployment or sickness benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) have the right to appeal unfavorable determinations on their claims. The RRB released a questions and answers that describes the appeals process for persons whose claims under the Railroad Retirement Act or Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act are denied, or who
After the tragic crash in Hoboken, NJ, the New Jersey Transit (NJT) commuter railroad has been under intense scrutiny from the general public, regulators and elected officials. A week ago, the New York Times published a long expose detailing the failures of Governor Christie’s administration in properly investing in the railroad: …Under the Christie administration, the
In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): Railroad retirement annuitants subject to earnings restrictions can earn more in 2017 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
I am addressing this to all railroad workers, retirees, widows, widowers and dependents who are covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. In 2001, on the floor of the House of Representatives, then Congressman Mike Pence, R-Ind., voted against the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act. This was the bill that provided retirement at age 60
Many railroad employees have at some time served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Under certain conditions, their military service may be credited as rail service under the Railroad Retirement Act. Click here to read the questions and answers with information on how military service may be credited towards railroad retirement benefits.
Rights to benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act also carry responsibilities for reporting events that may affect the payment of these benefits to the employee or to members of the employee’s family. If these events are not reported, benefit over-payments can occur that have to be repaid, sometimes with interest and penalties. Events that can
Beginning October 1, 2016, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 6.9 percent, up from the current 6.8 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
