On Wednesday, December 18th, the U.S. Senate passed the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation will now head to President Biden’s desk to sign into law.
Since 2011, Railroaders’ unemployment and sickness benefits have been unfairly and unjustifiably cut by 5-8%. Rail labor (including TCU) has been fighting to repeal this unfair cut to our members’ benefits ever since. When the REEF Act becomes law, that injustice will cease as unemployed and disabled railroaders once again receive their fully-earned benefits.
The bipartisan REEF Act was originally introduced in the Senate by Senators Fischer (R-NE), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Brown (D-OH), with companion legislation in the House from Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
“The unjustifiable cut to our members’ unemployment, sickness and disability benefits for the last decade has been completely unacceptable. It’s been like a slap in the face to our members – right when they need help the most,” said National President Maratea. “I’m pleased and grateful that Congress finally saw sense to fix this unfairness, and it’s a welcome gift for the holidays.”
Once the REEF Act becomes law, unemployment, sickness and disability beneficiaries will once again received their full, un-sequestered payments they are owed by statute.
“There’s a saying that ‘politics is the slow boring of hard boards’ – well, few things have been harder and slower than getting the REEF Act passed,” said TCU National Legislative Director Dave Arouca.
“I want to thank the cosponsors of the bill that pushed so hard to get REEF tacked onto the NDAA,” said Arouca. “And I especially want to thank our advocates that come to DC every year to fight for the REEF Act – this one’s thanks to you.”
If any TCU members or beneficiaries have questions about their RUIA payments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your TCU National Representative, or seek advice from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)