The current laws in place reduce the benefit amount available to those covered under railroad unemployment insurance. This act, if passed, will allow unemployed railroad workers to receive the same benefits as the general public. TCU supports the recent introduction of S. 4860, the Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act, which would undo harmful, ongoing
It’s that time again to announce the annual Open Enrollment for members covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan (Plan) GA-23000. Members are starting to receive materials in the mail for the 2021 Open Enrollment. Between October 1 until October 31, 2020, members can securely access the Railroad Enrollment Services online at
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) released a questions and answers that describes unemployment and sickness benefits payable under the Railroad Retirement Insurance Act (RUIA), their eligibility requirements, and how to claim them. In addition, it details how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, affects the RRB’s administration of benefits under
MEMBERS COVERED UNDER THE RAILROAD EMPLOYEES NATIONAL HEALTH AND WELFARE PLAN (GA-23000) Change to the Flexible Spending account This is to make you aware of a change involving the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan Flexible Spending Account. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the lack of access to physicians or to
This is to make you aware of an upcoming administrative change for eligible employees covered under the Supplemental Sickness Benefit (SSB) Plan for Shopcraft Employees. Effective August 1, 2020, the Supplemental Sickness Benefit Plan, currently administered by Aetna, will transition to The Hartford. Nothing about the SSB Plan currently with Aetna is changing, here’s what
Only for members covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan: As of June 10, 2020, there are still over 8,214 railroad members who have NOT verified or provided valid documents to Railroad Enrollment Services. With these outstanding members, there are 8,214 spouses and approximately 1,600 step-children that will lose coverage at the
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
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
The families of MTA employees who die from coronavirus will be eligible for $500,000 in death benefits from the agency, transit officials recently announced. MTA chairman Pat Foye said “What our front-line workers have done during this pandemic is nothing short of heroic and we believe this agreement is another crucial step in recognizing their
