Union Plus Programs for TCU Members
TCU fully supports the programs available for active and retired TCU members and their families. With the money savings programs available, in some situations, the benefits can offset paid union dues.
House Appropriations Committee Approves 2011 Transportation Spending Bill
House appropriators recently approved a $124.6 billion bill to fund transportation and housing programs in 2011. The bill if passed will provide funding for Amtrak, railroad safety programs, high speed passenger rail and money for public transportation systems across the country. Some key highlights include: Amtrak: $1.77 billion to make capital investments including improvements to
TCU Wins Arbitration at Hialeah Florida Location
An arbitrator’s decision in a grievance filed by TCU versus the Yellow Transportation Company went in TCU’s favor. The decision is worth about $50,000 according to TCU International Vice-President Joe Condo. The grievance was filed when TCU members lost their positions due to the company decision to dovetail the seniority rosters. Combining of seniority from
NMB Assigns Mediator to National Freight Talks
On July 14, 2010, the National Mediation Board (NMB) assigned a mediator to the deadlocked negotiations between TCU (Carmen and Clerks) and the freight railroads that are in national handling. The NMB assigned the same mediator to TCU coalition partners IAM, IBEW, and TWU. The next step will be for the mediator to contact the
House Introduces Legislation Supporting Railroad Retirement Day
House resolution 1463 was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to support the goals and ideals of Railroad Retirement Day. August 29, 2010 has been designated as Railroad Retirement Day by the Railroad Retirement Board. The House wishes all the people in the United States to celebrate the importance of the railroad retirement
TCU INVOKES MEDIATION IN NATIONAL RAIL TALKS
In negotiations with the national freight railroads on July 7, 2010, TCU President Bob Scardelletti declared the talks to be at an impasse, and told the carriers that it was time to move the process forward. On Friday, July 9, 2010, TCU invoked mediation by the National Mediation Board (NMB) for Carmen and Clerks. Also
Amtrak Service Workers Counsel (ASWC) Members Ratify Amtrak Contract
ASWC on-board members ratified the new Amtrak contract by a vote of 450 for and 116 against, an overwhelming 4 to 1 margin. The ASWC represents all Amtrak on-board service workers and is made up of TCU, TWU, and HERE. The contract provides 15% in general wage increases, beginning with a 1.5% increase this July
Senate Panel Approves Bill to Improve U.S. Transit Systems Safety
The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee approved a draft measure that would require the Transportation Department to create and implement a plan to improve the safety of transit systems that receive federal funding. Stronger safety measures have been more frequently discussed after recent transportation disasters, such as the 2009 Washington Metro train crash
Benefit Rate Increase for Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits
The maximum daily benefit rate payable for claims under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act will increase to $66 from $64 beginning July 1, 2010. Benefits are paid for the number of days of unemployment or sickness over four in 14-day registration periods, so maximum benefits for biweekly claims will total $660. Click here to read
Senate Confirmation of Key Administration Appointments
The Senate has confirmed a number of Administration appointments recently. The TTD released a statement about each confirmation. Jeffrey Moreland, Anthony Coscia and Albert DiClemente have been confirmed as Amtrak Board members for the remainder of the term expiring July 26, 2011. Two nominees were confirmed to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Mark Rosekind,
TCU Carmen, Clerks Ratify Amtrak Agreement
TCU Carmen and Clerical members on Amtrak have ratified a new five year agreement covering wages, health and welfare, and rules. The Carmen vote was 493 in favor, 431 against. The Carmen vote reflects all Carmen members of the Joint Council of Carmen, which is comprised of TCU and the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The