BLET News
Teamsters pleased by House approval of stimulus bill containing pension reforms
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, February 27, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Teamsters are applauding the House’s passage of a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill today that includes language granting relief to hundreds of endangered multiemployer pension plans that would protect the hard-earned retirements of more than 1 million American retirees and workers. Under…
Read MoreClass I employment levels fell in January
(Source: Progressive Railroading 02/23/2021) U.S. Class Is employed 113,461 people in mid-January, down 3.66% compared with December 2020’s employment levels and down 11.57% year over year, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data. All workforce categories registered month-over-month employment decreases in January. They were transportation (train and engine), down 7.23% to 45,521 workers; maintenance of equipment and…
Read MoreMassive fireball after 18-wheeler collides with BNSF train in Texas
(Source: Television station KXAN, February 23, 2021) CAMERON, Texas — An 18-wheeler collided into the side of a BNSF train on Tuesday at a grade crossing in Milam County, Texas, sending a ball of flames and thick black smoke into the air. There were no reported injuries. It was a situation that could have been…
Read MoreNinth Circuit Ruling Favors Unions and States, Rejects FRA’s Attempt to Preempt State Crew Law
CLEVELAND, Ohio (Feb. 23, 2021) – Two of the country’s largest freight railroad unions achieved a favorable decision in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday regarding an attempt by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to preempt legislation passed by a number of states that established a minimum of two-person operating crews on freight…
Read MoreUP train carrying flammable liquid derails in Millard County, Utah
(Source: ABC 4, February 21, 2021) MILLARD COUNTY, Utah — A Union Pacific train with 28 cars and some carrying flammable liquid derailed in Millard County Saturday afternoon. Full story: www.abc4.com Monday, February 22, 2021
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