Archive for September 2017

(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, September 6, 2017) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending September 2, 2017, as well as volumes for August 2017, which was the best month in history for intermodal traffic. U.S. railroads originated 1,343,405 carloads in August 2017,…

(Source: Reuters, September 7, 2017) CHICAGO — A week before Hurricane Harvey walloped Houston, workers for Union Pacific Corp began moving rail cars out of the railroad’s Englewood switching yard near downtown and brought in enough generators to fill 70 tractor trailers to keep signal systems running. Full story: Reuters Friday, September 08, 2017

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, September 6 — BLET today announced the availability of three new, optional, member-owned benefits available to all active BLET members. These benefits include Universal Life Insurance with Long-Term Care (LTC) benefits underwritten by Trustmark Insurance Company as well as Group Accident Insurance and Group Critical Illness Insurance underwritten by Aflac. These new insurance…

(From a Railroad Retirement Board press release.) INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, September 1 — The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is reminding rail employees out of work due to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath that they may qualify for unemployment benefits. To determine eligibility or file claims for benefits, affected railroaders should call the RRB’s toll-free telephone…

By Dennis R. Pierce BLET National President INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, August 31 — With the Labor Day holiday upon us, it is an appropriate time to recognize unions for all they do for American workers and the nation’s economy. The American economy benefits more Americans when unions are strong. It’s no coincidence that our middle class…