Most railroad retirement annuities, like social security benefits, are scheduled to increase in January 2018 on the basis of the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2016 to the corresponding period of the current year. Cost-of-living increases are calculated in both the tier I and tier II benefits included
Recently, the Jones Act has come under heavy scrutiny from those in the press and across the political spectrum. TCU believes that the Jones Act is good for the United States because it strengthens and supports both our national economy and our national defense. In short, the Jones Act is a law that says if
A tentative National Agreement has been reached by the six Rail Unions who comprise the Coordinated Bargaining Group (CBG). These six Unions are now in the process of submitting the Tentative Agreement to the specific ratification process of each Union. This is a major development in a long and contentious bargaining round with the industry.
President Trump has nominated former Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) to serve a five-year term on Amtrak’s Board of Directors. This is very concerning to anyone that supports, rides, or works on Amtrak as Mr. Westmoreland has a long history of voting against the nation’s passenger rail carrier: On March 4th, 2015, he voted for the McClintock
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) joined together with TTD’s Rail Labor Division (which includes TCU) in supporting increased funding for the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). The letter was addressed to Chairman Roy Blunt and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Senate’s Labor HHS Appropriations Subcommittee. The RRB has been woefully underfunded for years. This has
United Behavioral Health/Optum is offering an emotional-support helpline to anyone who may be experiencing stress and anxiety resulting from the recent tragedy in Las Vegas. The helpline is staffed with specially trained, mental health specialists and will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary to offer support
The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) released a report this week detailing the complex nature of Amtrak’s national network while highlighting the necessity of long-distance trains. The report includes a section on jobs (see screenshot below) as well as a table (see appendix) outlining the various stations across the country that would close if
Earlier today, Larry Willis, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, testified on Capitol Hill before the Railroads Subcommittee. In his testimony, Mr. Willis advocated on behalf of TCU/IAM members by calling for increased funding for Amtrak employees as well as adequate safety measures for all railroad workers. The hearing was focused on railroad infrastructure,
Members will be receiving materials in the mail in the near future which will provide details of the 2018 Open Enrollment. During the period of October 1 until October 31, 2017, members can securely access the Railroad Enrollment Services online at www.yourtracktohealth.com/public/Login.aspx to review and make changes to their benefits or personal record for 2018.
Beginning October 1, 2017, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 6.6 percent, down from the current 6.9 percent reduction, as required by law. The adjusted reduction amount is based on revised projections of benefit claims and payments under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. It will remain
