The Highway Trust Fund, long an essential funding vehicle for both federal roads and mass transit systems, is under attack by some House Republicans seeking to strip protections from mass transit employees. The Highway Trust Fund is used to fund major transportation networks, including mass transit systems, and is facing a budget shortfall. Currently, 16%
PTC Video published by the American Association of Railroads (AAR). One of the most important enhancements to rail safety is the timely implementation of Congressionally mandated positive train control (PTC) systems that will prevent collisions and save lives. Although the current language in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and the Federal Railroad Administration
By letter dated March 20, TCU President Robert Scardelletti has requested that the National Mediation Board proffer arbitration to TCU Carmen, Clerks and Supervisors on New Jersey Transit. The request was done in concert with all the other unions in the New Jersey Transit Rail Labor Coalition. The Coalition was formed over the last several
According to Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) policy, every annuitant has the right to manage his or her own benefits. However, when physical or mental impairments make a railroad retirement annuitant incapable of properly handling benefit payments, or where the RRB determines that the interests of the annuitant so require, the agency can appoint a representative
Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) of which TCU is a member, issued a statement about the Senate markup of the Positive Train Control (PTC) extension bill: “A five-year extension of the deadline by which Positive Train Control (PTC) technology must be implemented cannot be considered in a vacuum or in
In an effort to increase engagement in UnitedHealthcare/Optum’s wellness coaching programs, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is sponsoring a sweepstakes campaign through RAILROAD HEALTHLINK. This sweepstakes is open to all railroad employees and their eligible dependents (18 years and older) who are enrolled with UnitedHealthcare for their medical benefits under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan.
Employers and employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act pay higher retirement taxes than those covered by the Social Security Act, so that railroad retirement benefits remain higher than social security benefits, especially for “career” employees who have 30 or more years of service. The Railroad retirement Board (RRB) released a questions and answers that
The House recently passed Amtrak reauthorization legislation, The Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act H.R.749, authorizing nearly $8 billion in funding for Amtrak that would expire in 2019. The 316-101 vote badly divided Republicans, as all of the no votes came from firebrand conservatives. The Bill wouldn’t have passed except for the support of all
TCU President Bob Scardelletti wrote a letter to Congress in support of H.R 749, supporting Amtrak funding. In the letter President Scardelletti writes; “On behalf of the Transportation Communications Union/IAM, I am writing you to urge the members of the House of Representatives to pass, without amendment, H.R. 749, the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment
