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.
Medicare Part B Premiums Remain the Same in 2014
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $104.90 in 2014, the same amount as in 2013. Some beneficiaries will continue to pay higher premiums based on their modified adjusted gross income, but these amounts are also remaining the same as in 2013. The monthly premiums that include income-related adjustments for 2014 will be
TTD – Preparing for a Transportation Jobs-Heavy Agenda
The Transportation Trades Department (TTD, AFL-CIO) of which TCU is a member, Executive Committee came together recently to rally around an aggressive transportation jobs and investment agenda and to take dead aim at globalization and safety issues. They focused on the need to counter the toxic agenda of political extremists—who gave us ideas like sequestration
TCU/IAM Carmen Division files request to the FRA for Public Hearing of UP Request to Discontinue Brake Tests on Trains in the Powder River Basin
The Brotherhood Railway Carmen Division, TCU/IAM (BRC) requested that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) schedule a public hearing regarding the request by Union Pacific Railroad (UP) in the Powder River Basin to discontinue performing brake tests on designated trains due to the use of wayside detection technology. This is the second time UP has attempted
TCU has Reached a Tentative Clerical Contract with Metra Commuter Railroad in Chicago
The agreement provides excellent compensation gains for TCU members, more than 20% in wage increases plus a $3,000 signing bonus over its six year term. The agreement rivals the historic national freight agreement in compensation produced, but employee contributions to health insurance are only introduced gradually on a staggered basis, not reaching national levels until
EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Carbon Pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be holding 11 public “listening sessions” where the public can voice their ideas and concerns regarding EPA regulation of carbon pollution. These listening sessions are directly related to regulations that have the potential to close coal fired power plants that have already been affected and refitted as a result
Historic Agreement For TCU/IAM Carmen at Huntington Locomotive Shop
CSX and the TCU/IAM Carmen Division (BRC) recently signed a 4 year agreement to bring back scheduled sub-contracted work the Huntington Locomotive Shop and the Carmen workforce. This 4-year agreement includes the possibility of 20 years of work for the shop and gives Huntington Locomotive Shop the exclusive rights to perform all 4-axle rebuilds. This
NMB Proffers Arbitration to all TCU Crafts on Long Island Railroad
Today, the National Mediation Board issued proffers of arbitration to all crafts represented by TCU on the Long Island Railroad, as well as to every other union on the Long Island, with the exception of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, who are not in mediation. National President Scardelletti immediately rejected the proffer. It is
OSHA: FRSA Rail Whistleblower Protection Applies to Off-Duty Injuries
The Administrative Review Board of the Department of Labor decisively upheld an OSHA Administrative Law Judge’s decision that the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA) protects rail workers from being disciplined when they follow a physician’s treatment plan for off-duty injuries. The case involved a signalman who was assessed a six day suspension for violating PATH’s
The Importance of a Current Connection for Railroad Retirement Benefits
Under the Railroad Retirement Act, a “current connection” with the railroad industry is one of the eligibility requirements for occupational disability annuities and supplemental annuities, and is one of the factors that determine whether the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) or the Social Security Administration has jurisdiction over the payment of monthly benefits to survivors of
RRB Remains Open During Government Shutdown
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has announced that during the lapse in Federal funding for certain Government operations which began October 1, ongoing benefit payments will continue and all RRB offices are expected to remain open. RRB field offices, operating with reduced staffs, may also accept new claims for unemployment and sickness benefits, but