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.
TCU/IAM Carmen Division President Rich Johnson Testifies Before the FRA on AAR Brake Test Waiver Request
TCU continually reports: the Association of American Railroads (AAR) seeks a test waiver from performing Class IA brake tests on designated UP trains in the Wyoming Powder River Basin. The current federal rule states that each train shall receive a Class IA brake test, performed by a qualified person, at a location that is not
William Kelaher, Assistant National Legislative Director
Bill began his career with Penn Central joining Local 227 in New Haven, Ct. In 1976 he transferred to Amtrak working various positions in New Haven. Bill has held various Lodge office’s in Local 227 including District Chairman. In 2004 he became Assistant National Representative under Unit 86, handling Metro-North, New Jersey Transit, MBCR, and
TTD – Fix Highway Trust Fund
In a recent release from the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of which TCU is a member: If you rely on some form of surface transportation—car, bus, mass transit—to get around, you may be in for a shock later this year. The federal government’s Highway Trust Fund, which pays for the upkeep of our roads, bridges
TTD Sends Letter to Congress – Extend Federal Transit Benefits
In a letter to the ranking members of the Congressional Committee that oversees tax issues, the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), of which TCU is a member, urged the committee to support efforts to restore the public transportation tax benefit which was unfairly and dramatically decreased by almost 50 percent at the beginning of this year. Collectively, the
TCU AND OTHER UNIONS PREPARE FOR STRIKE ON LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD
Faced with the Long Island Rail Road’s total rejection of Presidential Emergency Board 244’s recommendations, TCU and the other involved unions are actively preparing for a strike, which could come as early as March 21. TCU is in a coalition with SMART-Transportation (UTU) and Mechanical (Sheet Metal Workers), and the National Conference of Firemen and
RRB Releases Medicare Booklet for Railroad Workers
A recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) explains what railroad workers need to know about the Medicare program. The Medicare program covers railroad workers just like workers under social security. Railroad retirement payroll taxes include a Medicare hospital insurance tax just like social security payroll taxes. Though you’re paying into the Medicare program
DOL Launches Online Form to file OSHA Whistleblower Complaints
Whistleblowers covered by one of 22 statutes administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will now be able to file complaints online. The online form will provide workers who have been retaliated against an additional way to reach out for OSHA assistance online. “The ability of workers to
AAR Supports H.R. 3498 – Repealing the Crippling 2014 Tax on National Railroad Healthcare Plans
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) recently offered its support for H.R. 3489, legislation introduced to repeal the funding mechanism for the Transitional Reinsurance Program authorized by the Affordable Care Act. The fees levied to support the Program provide an unnecessary financial burden to the rail sector with no corresponding benefit. The Transitional Reinsurance Program
FRA Grants Hearing Request by Rail Labor
In October 2013, various rail unions requested that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant a request for a hearing regarding the Association of American Railroad’s (AAR) petition for waiver which would allow the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) in the Powder River Basin to not perform Class IA brake tests on designated trains due to the
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Urges Railroad Industry to Bolster Oil Train Safety
After the recent explosions by tanker cars carrying crude oil from North Dakota’s Bakken region, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx issued a “call to action” by railroads, the oil industry and ethanol producers to work with the department to ensure their products are safely transported by rail. “We’ve got to work with them to make sure we’re listening