January22, 2008—Members of TCU Unit 167 have ratified a new contract with the Long Island Rail Road by an overwhelming vote of 98 percent in favor, International Representative Artie Maratea reports. Assisted by International Vice President Joel Parker, Maratea and Assistant International Representative Billy DeCarlo negotiated the agreement as part of the 11-union Labor Council. The contract runs from January 1, 2007 to June 10, 2010. The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying an average of 288,000 passengers each week day. Seen signing the agreement in the photo are IR Maratea and LIRR President Helena Williams.