Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) recently blocked key legislation that would have extended several critical priorities for middle class families. That legislation covered tax credits for COBRA health coverage, unemployment insurance for 400,000 people, as well as the short-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund. The Fund supports all surface transportation programs for the nation –
As senators prepare to take up fixes to the historic legislation passed by the House late Sunday night, they cannot allow process, technicalities, or cynical ploys to derail the legislation. Republicans are going to use a “kitchen sink” amendment strategy, throwing everything they can at the bill to try to sink reform. This will include
In a historic vote more than 60 years in the making, the U.S. House of Representatives late Sunday night voted to approve (220-211) what AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka calls a ”momentous step toward comprehensive health care.” Click here to read the AFL/CIO health care blog.
After extensive deliberation, the AFL-CIO Executive Council, with the strong support and recommendation of AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka, agreed on March 18, 2010 to support and fight to pass the president’s health care reform bill. In a letter to union presidents and activists, President Trumka stated: ” This was not a decision we
Howard Isaacson from TCU Local Lodge 894 received a disaster relief check. Isaacson’s home was destroyed by fire. Pictured when receiving the check from left to right are; Local Chairman Lodge 894 Milo Moawad, Brother Howard Isaacson and his wife, and IR Tom Truhler. TCU Disaster Relief forms can be obtained from your Local Chairmen
If you’re one of the nation’s 15 million officially jobless workers—or one of the more than 16 million who are underemployed or have dropped out of the job market—there are likely times you feel isolated and powerless. A new community service program by the Machinists (IAM) can put you in touch with other men and
A seminar on collective bargaining was held February 14 – 19, at the IAM Winpisinger Center. The class covered many topics in collective bargaining: Research for Negotiations Proposal Presentation Pension and Healthcare Issues Pension Bargaining Legal Issues Committee Negotiating Contract Drafting and Closing The seminar was attended by TCU Local 6132 Chairman Harold Holsinger, Local
During 2010, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will observe the 75th anniversary of the enactment of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935. Part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation, the Act was signed into law on August 29, 1935, and the RRB made its first annuity payments 11 months later. Click here to
Railroad workers are covered under the Medicare program just like workers covered under social security. Railroad retirement payroll taxes include a Medicare hospital insurance tax just like social security payroll taxes. Even though you’re paying into the Medicare program during your working years, and will probably rely on its services in the future, you may
