Category Archives: TCU Blog

Lifetime Maximum Increased for Members Covered Under The Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan

The lifetime maximum under the negotiated medical plan for early retirees will increase by $6,200 from $151,600 to $157,800, effective January 1, 2017, due to automatic adjustments based on medical cost inflation. The change affects members enrolled in the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan, GA-46000. This early retirement plan provides a

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RRB Appeals Procedures

Persons claiming retirement, disability, survivor, unemployment or sickness benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) have the right to appeal unfavorable determinations on their claims. The RRB released a questions and answers that describes the appeals process for persons whose claims under the Railroad Retirement Act or Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act are denied, or who

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NJ Transit Under More Scrutiny

After the tragic crash in Hoboken, NJ, the New Jersey Transit (NJT) commuter railroad has been under intense scrutiny from the general public, regulators and elected officials. A week ago, the New York Times published a long expose detailing the failures of Governor Christie’s administration in properly investing in the railroad:   …Under the Christie administration, the

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Retiree Earnings Limits to Rise in 2017

In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): Railroad retirement annuitants subject to earnings restrictions can earn more in 2017 without having their benefits reduced as a result of increases in earnings limits indexed to average national wage increases. Like social security benefits, some railroad retirement benefit payments are subject to deductions if

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Let’s not Forget – Pence Voted Against Railroad Pensions in House

I am addressing this to all railroad workers, retirees, widows, widowers and dependents who are covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. In 2001, on the floor of the House of Representatives, then Congressman Mike Pence, R-Ind., voted against the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act. This was the bill that provided retirement at age 60

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Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits Will Slightly Decrease Under Adjusted Sequestration Rate

Beginning October 1, 2016, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 6.9 percent, up from the current 6.8 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

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A message from TCU President Bob Scardelletti – 2016 Presidential Election

The upcoming presidential election presents one of the starkest choices for union workers in our lifetimes. Hillary Clinton has proudly stood with union workers throughout her career. Donald Trump says he’s pro-worker – but everything in his public life suggests the opposite. It is no accident that every major labor union in America, including TCU/IAM,

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