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.
RRB Release – Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance Taxes in 2015
A recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), states that the amounts of compensation subject to railroad retirement tier I and tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2015, with the tier I tax rates remaining the same while tier II tax rates will increase for both railroad employers and employees. Also, railroad unemployment
TCU Members Unanimously Ratify Agreement with B&LE
TCU Members on the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Compant (B&LE) have ratified a new agreement by a 100% margin in favor. The new agreement provides increases of 18.6% over 6 years. With lump sum payments, Cost of living increases and the continuation of the Health and Welfare all included in the new contract. The
RRB Release – Railroad Retirement Annuities and Pensions from Work Not Covered by Social Security or Railroad Retirement
Employee annuities paid under the Railroad Retirement Act are subject to dual benefit reductions when social security benefits are also payable, and they may be subject to reduction when certain public, non-profit or foreign pension payments are also due a retired employee. The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has released a questions and answers that describes
Pan Am Clerks Unanimously Ratify New Contract
TCU Clerical employees on Pan Am Railways have voted unanimously to ratify a new contract. The new deal delivers 12% in wage increases over its four year term. TCU Carmen members ratified an identical contract one week earlier. The Carmen and Clerical contracts were negotiated jointly by National Vice President Arthur Maratea, National Representatives Roger
Election Day 2014
Tuesday, November 4 is Election Day, TCU members in every state will be affected by the results. If right-wing extremists take over both houses of Congress, then transportation infrastructure, pensions, health care and many other important issues are at risk. And if anti-worker, anti-retiree governors take over state houses, then more issues are at risk,
TCU Carmen on Pan-Am Overwhelmingly Ratified Agreement
TCU Carmen on Pan-Am Railway ratified a new agreement. The new agreement brings 12% wage increases over 4 years. Here is the breakdown of how the increases are structured: 11/1/14 3%11/1/15 3%11/1/16 3%11/1/17 3% TCU National Vice-President Arthur Maratea said, “Everyone did a great job! Congrats to every member, over 75% voted for this contract.”
TIGER VI Grants Awarded to Rail Projects
The USDOT is allocating $600 million for transportation projects in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Grants totaling more than $131 million were awarded to 17 rail and transit-related projects, including: • $20 million for upgrades to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Ruggles Station; • $12.5 million for improvements along Amtrak’s Southwest Chief corridor
RRB Release – Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits Will Slightly Decrease Under Adjusted Sequestration Rate
Beginning October 1, 2014, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 7.3 percent, up from the current 7.2 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
TCU/IAM Supports Congresswoman Karen Bass of California
Pictured Presenting MNPL check from left to right, IAM Legislative Representative Matt McKinnon and TCU Lodge 1315 Local Chairperson Olivia Nelson-Richards, Congresswoman Karen Bass, DL 725 Organizer Walter Carroll, Organizing Director Joe Solis and Organizer Calixto Tapia Karen Bass (D-CA) received a check from the IAM MNPL in recognition of her strong support of TCU
Congress Puts Rail Safety on the Agenda
Transportation Trades Department’s (TTD), of which TCU is a member, rail safety agenda got a boost last week when Senator Richard Blumenthal, along with three other Senators, included several reforms that rail labor has long championed in their Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014. Some 130,000 miles of freight rail tracks crisscross the United States,