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.
Dependents of Those Who Have Not Responded to Aetna Audit at Amtrak Lose Rail Pass Benefit, Too
June 19, 2008—According to the carrier, all medical, dental and rail pass benefits have been terminated for dependents of those union members who did not respond to the numerous requests from insurance company Aetna for dependent information. To check benefits status or get further information, call Aetna at 877-277-3368.
Local 126 FST Wright Earns MBA
June 13, 2008—Congratulations go to Paul Wright, financial secretary-treasurer of Local 126, who on June 20 will receive a Master of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management at the DeVry University Kansas City, Missouri campus. “Everyone is ecstatic that I am finally done,” says FST Wright, who specialized in Information Security. “No
Soo Line Agreement Ratified June 25, 2008
Soo Line Carmen soundly ratified updated terms of their agreement June 25, 2008. “This contract produces solid wage increases and income gains and compares favorably to the Carmen National Agreement,” Carmen Division President Rich Johnson told members in their ratification materials. “In addition, this contract contains no work rule concessions.” Click here to read the agreement summary.
New Benefit Year for RR Unemployment and Sickness Benefits Starts July 1, 2008
A new benefit year under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act begins July 1, 2008. Administered by the Railroad Retirement Board, this Act provides two kinds of benefits for qualified railroaders: unemployment benefits for those who become unemployed but are ready, willing and able to work; and sickness benefits for those who are unable to work
TCU’s Tom Dwyer Elected NARVRE President
Longtime TCU legislative activist Tom Dwyer is now National President of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees. Dwyer was elected at NARVRE’s 36th Biennial Convention held in Spokane, Washington May 18-20. NARVRE was founded in 1937 to protect the rights of railroad retirees. Since then the organization has fought to protect the
Carmen at New Jersey Transit Strongly Ratify Contract
Signing the NJT agreement are, from left: seated–Mech. Dept. Gen’l. Mgr.Bob Lavell, Labor Rels. Deputy Gen’l. Mgr. William Murphy, TCU Carmen Div. Asst. Gen’l. Pres. Marvin Napier, and TCU Carmen Div. International Special Rep. Carlos Sosa; standing–Labor Rels. Dir. Phillip Charles, Labor Rels. Sr. Officer Vanessa Trapp, Labor Rels. Mgr. Agnes Duncan and TCU/Carmen
Local 6091 FST David Pierce Killed On the Job
David Pierce, Jr., financial secretary-treasurer of Local 6091, was killed on the job when he was struck by a rail car Friday, May 30. The accident occurred at the Waterloo, Iowa, facility of GE Rail Services during the movement of cars within the shop area. Pierce, 48, started work at GE Rail Services after graduating
Heroes Among Us: Rich Keating and Rickey Lamb
April 18, 2008—In real life, Rich Keating is a Mechanical Foreman for Metra–the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation–in the 49th Street Coach Shop. He is active in the union, serving currently as Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Supervisors Lodge 5098. Rickey Lamb is a Carman there and a member of Lodge 6297. Recently these two became
TCU Reps Participate in IAM Legislative Conference 2008
TCU’s delegation: from left, Alfred Coleman, IVP/NLD Bob Davis, Mark Taylor, Mitch Canter, IP Bob Scardelletti, Sal Rodriguez, Asst. LD Tony Padilla and Charles Jackson May 23, 2008— Hundreds of activists from the IAM—among them a delegation from TCU—met in Washington, D.C. from May 19-22 for the IAM 2008 Legislative Conference featuring four days
New Accelerated Life Insurance Benefit for Terminally Ill Active Members
May 16, 2008—Active members who are eligible for the life insurance coverage provided through the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan (MetLife Policy 1023000) now automatically have available to them an Accelerated Benefit Option (ABO). Under the ABO, a participant diagnosed as terminally ill (with no more than 12 months to live) as a