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 Passes Highway-Transit Bill
On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed their Surface Transportation bill (a.k.a. “Highway” bill). After votes on over 100 amendments, the bill eventually passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 363-64. Notably, the House rejected the Ribble amendment that would have increased truck weight limitations. TCU had urgedlawmakers numerous times to strike the language, and it
Congress Extends PTC Deadline
On Wednesday, Congress moved to extend the Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline by three years, clearing the way for railroads to continue operations as they work to properly install, test, and fully implement the new safety network. The bipartisan legislation that was worked out between House and Senate committee staff was attached to the Surface
RRB Release – No Railroad Retirement Benefit Increase in 2016; Retiree Earnings Limits Remain the Same
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) release a statement on 2016 Railroad Retirement annuities. Railroad retirement annuities, like social security benefits, will not increase in January 2016 as there was no increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of last year to the corresponding period of the current year. Also, because there
2016 TIGER Grants Awarded
On October 29, 2015 the US DOT announced the award of $500 million in TIGER VII discretionary grants to transportation projects in various states. The recipients of these competitive, merit-based grants were States, local governments, port authorities, transit agencies, and metropolitan planning organizations. TCU wrote letters to the Administration in support of these grants. 18
TTD Applauds Confirmation Of Feinberg As FRA Chief
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sarah Feinberg as Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Feinberg had been serving as Acting Administrator for the past nine months. Ed Wytkind, President of the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD), issued a statement applauding her confirmation: “…In the nine months that Feinberg has served as Acting Administrator,
House Members and Rail Leaders Renew Calls for PTC Extension
Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) Calls For PTC Extension TCU was in attendance as a bipartisan group of lawmakers held a press conference to call for an immediate extension of the Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline, slated to go into effect at the end of the year. Leading the event was Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) and
House Committee Introduces Highway-Transit Bill
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced a six-year, $325 billion reauthorization bill for our nation’s highway and transit programs. The bill provides $261 billion for highways and $55 billion for transit, and the rest being assigned to safety programs. The Committee is scheduled to begin the markup process on Thursday, October 22nd. With an
TCU Members are Reminded of Open Enrollment Until October 31, 2015
Open Enrollment for members covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan is still running until October 31. Members should have received materials in the mail that provided details of the 2016 Open Enrollment. Now open until October 31, 2015, members can securely access the Railroad Enrollment Services online at www.yourtracktohealth.com to review and
New Jersey Transit Labor Coalition Releases Summary of Presidential Emergency Board Recommendations
?The New Jersey Transit Rail Labor Coalition issued a summary of the Report to the President by Emergency Board No. 248. The Coalition includes every rail union on NJT, representing nearly 4,300 workers, ?TCU’s delegation to the PEB included National Vice President and Special Assistant to the President Joel Parker (who serves as spokesman for
TCU Invokes Mediation on National Freight Negotiations
In negotiations with the national freight unions on October 6, 2015, TCU President Bob Scardelletti declared the talks to be at an impasse. He told the Carriers it was time to move the process forward. On Thursday, October 8, 2015, TCU invoked mediation by the National Mediation Board (NMB) for the Carmen and Clerks. Also