On April 12, 2019, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) granted the BNSF Railway (BNSF) a test waiver to conduct a pilot program on the carrier’s Southern Transcon trains between Chicago, IL, and California to “demonstrate that the use of wheel temperature detectors to prove brake health effectiveness (BHE) will improve safety, reduce risks to employees,
The IAM released a notice advising that the 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention has been rescheduled for September 12-17, 2021, in San Diego, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. The notice also outlines certain procedures for the election of delegates and alternate delegates. Most importantly, the letter outlines procedures for the election of delegates
A message from John Bragg, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) labor member, released on May 21st, stated that the increased $1,200 in unemployment benefits from the CARES Act will begin to be deposited next week. From RRB Labor Member John Bragg: In my last update, I explained that Phase 2 of the RRB’s CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, recently signed into law by President Trump, authorized extended unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for railroad workers sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic. After making necessary programming changes to agency systems, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) began processing and paying extended benefits on May 11.
TCU and the IAM joined a group of labor unions and federal lawmakers rallying for additional relief funds to support the nation’s transit workers. TCU and IAM signed onto a letter urging House and Senate leaders to consider an additional $32 billion of relief for transit agencies in the next CARES Act bill. “It has
In a recent letter to Amtrak President and CEO William Flynn, Rail Labor asks for Amtrak to increase the death benefits for employees that pass away due to COVID-19. The letter states: Rail transit systems, railroads and bus operation systems in the United States are experiencing a crisis like never before. Transportation employees are facing
Sisters and Brothers, Today is the 132nd anniversary of the founding of our great union. Our history is one of overcoming great challenges. We have not only survived depressions, wars, continuous attacks on our union, and yes, pandemics—we have thrived. The Fighting Machinists have met every challenge we have faced because we are one union
Until May 31, 2020 (unless extended by Optum), members can access mental health and substance use care from your provider through digital or telephonic means. In other words, instead of physical office visits, mental health and substance abuse care provider services may be received via online video or chat (including video capabilities on your phone)
In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Labor Member John Bragg: The RRB’s General Counsel has been advised by the DOL that nothing in the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provisions prohibit railroaders from being eligible for benefits if they qualify. The RRB’s General Counsel has also found that there is nothing in
Based on the current environment surrounding the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, issues are arising that railroad employees need to be aware of. Members need to understand the current implications of all the requirements and the impact on their Railroad Retirement benefits and medical coverage. The latest update of the questions and answers from the U.S. Railroad
