Author Archives: giffordk@TCUnion.org

YOUR TRACK TO HEALTH

Introducing the New “Your Track to Health” Brand and Website for theRailroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan Members and their eligible dependents covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan (Plan) will soon see a new look and website for their benefits. Your Track to Health represents the wide array of health

Read More

House Budget Would End Amtrak

The recent 2014 budget approved by the House subcommittee on Appropriations, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development would put an end to Amtrak. The measure would provide $7.7 billion, or about 15 percent, less than the fiscal 2013 level. It would provide $13.9 billion less than the president’s request. The Federal Railroad Administration would be cut

Read More

Carmen Division Opposes Two Recently Filed Petitions for Waiver

The Illinois Central Railroad seeks a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Regulations regarding Class IA brake tests. The Carrier wants to create a hybrid of the different mileage requirements for cycle trains and extended haul trains. TCU/IAM Carman Division has submitted comments to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requesting

Read More

Railroad Passengers Ask for Support of Long-Distance Trains

The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) appealed directly to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Bill Shuster (R-PA) for increased support of Amtrak’s long-distance trains. In a letter to Shuster, NARP urged the congressman to look for a “fresh approach” that would encourage expanded rather than reduced capacity on Amtrak’s “popular, heavily used long-distance trains.” 

Read More

Lawmakers Focus on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

Amtrak’s profitable Northeast Corridor is where Pennsylvania Republican Bill Shuster wants the priority for federal investment in passenger rail — even if that may mean cuts to money-losing long-distance trains. TCU maintains that full funding is required for long-distance service as well. “This is the jewel in Amtrak’s crown,” Shuster said, referring to the Northeast Corridor

Read More

Railroad Retirement Spouse and Widow/Widower Annuities and Public Service Pensions

Railroad Retirement Act spouse and widow(er)s’ annuities (including divorced spouse, surviving divorced spouse and remarried widow(er)s’ annuities) are subject to reduction when social security benefits or dual railroad retirement annuities are also payable. Such railroad retirement benefits may also be reduced when a spouse or widow(er) is entitled to a public service pension unless certain

Read More