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.
2008 Cost-Sharing Amount for Health and Welfare Under National Agreement Stays the Same
December 3, 2007—The 2008 employee health and welfare cost-sharing contribution amount under the recent national freight rail agreement will remain exactly the same as it was in 2007. At $166.25, the figure is well below the $177 projection used in the explanation sent to members during the ratification process. “The fact that there will be
Early Retirement Medical Plan Increases Lifetime Maximum in 2008
TCU’s negotiated medical plans for early retirees contain provisions for automatic adjustments in the lifetime insurance maximum based on medical cost inflation. Effective January 1, 2008, the lifetime maximum will increase by $6,500. Read more.
Retiree Earnings Limits to Rise in 2008
Railroad retirement annuitants subject to earnings restrictions can earn more in 2008 without having their benefits reduced, as a result of increases in earnings limits indexed to average national wage increases. Read more.
Railroad Retirement Benefit Increases Take Place January 2008
Most railroad retirement annuities, like social security benefits, are scheduled to increase in January 2008 on the basis of the rise in the Consumer Price Index during the 12 months preceding October 2007. Read more.
Medicare Part B Premiums to Increase in 2008
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $96.40 in January 2008, an increase of $2.90 from the 2007 premium of $93.50. Read more.
Amtrak Clerical Unit Articles
Agreement Reached with Amtrak to Prevent Outsourcing Reservation Sales Office Work December 21, 2006—TCU has reached an agreement with Amtrak that puts a stop to Amtrak’s previously announced plans to hire an outside contractor to perform reservation sales office work. The agreement establishes a longer rate progression, with lower starting rates applying to reservation sales
Many TCU Members Receive Amtrak President’s Awards
Joe Sullivan and Don Johnson were among the honorees. Both are members of Lodge 2503. October 29, 2007—A number of TCU members are winners of 2007 President’s Service and Safety Awards at Amtrak. Presentation was made at an awards luncheon held today in Washington, DC. As Amtrak’s President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Kummant himself wrote in
8-07–Waller’s Retirement Triggers Numerous Changes in the Division
After 35 years as a union leader, J.V. Waller retired at the end of August 2007. Click here to read more about his commitment and career. With Waller’s retirement, a number of changes have occurred in September within the Division. Jack Wright is now the International Representative of Unit 200 while Roger Cain steps up to
UnitedHealthcare Announces Its Railroad Information Depot
October 2007—UnitedHealthcare has introduced a new one-stop information shop at its Railroad Information Depot website. Information and downloadable forms are there for all rail members (except those at Amtrak) regardless of their medical carrier. Information ranges from dependent eligibility, to Medicare and retirement, to important UHC phone numbers and facts about coverage under GA-46000 (rail workers’