BLET News
Short lines seek temporary waivers from FRA due to coronavirus
(Source: Freight Waves, March 25, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A handful of short line railroads are asking the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to exempt them from conducting random alcohol and drug tests on employees because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Full story: Freight Waves Thursday, March 26, 2020
Read MoreAAR: “We may have seen the worst of COVID-19’s impacts on Asian trade”
(Source: Railway Age, March 25, 2020) NEW YORK — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released U.S. rail traffic for the week ended March 21, 2020, and it contained some much-needed good news: The worst of the coronavirus’ effects on Asian trade may be over. Full story: Railway Age Thursday, March 26, 2020
Read MoreRRB Labor Member message to Rail Labor
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, March 23, 2020) CHICAGO — The following is a message to Rail Labor from John Bragg, Labor Member of the Railroad Retirement Board: The purpose of this notice is to update you on how COVID-19 is impacting operations at the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Be assured, while it is…
Read MoreRail Conference seeks Railroad Retirement improvements in coronavirus stimulus bill
https://www.ble-t.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=12319 INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, March 24 – In a letter to Congressional leaders today, the Teamsters Rail Conference urges Congress to improve Railroad Retirement unemployment and sickness benefits as it votes on a stimulus package to provide economic relief to Americans who are not able to work during the coronavirus pandemic. The letter is part of…
Read MoreDeregulating rail transportation of liquefied natural gas
(Source: The Regulatory Review, March 23, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new regulation from the Trump Administration may soon make it easier for U.S. companies to ship large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG), an increasingly valuable product. But the new regulation also carries great risks. Full story: www.theregreview.org Tuesday, March 24, 2020
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