BLET News
SMART-TD wins another victory in the crew consist battle
(Source: SMART-TD press release, January 15, 2021) CLEVELAND, Ohio — On January 8, 2021, Arbitrator Wendell Bell issued his arbitration award regarding the process and procedure in arbitrating the Carriers’ (UP, BNSF, NS & KCS) attack on the Crew Consist Moratoria. The arbitration, known as a “Procedural Public Law Board,” had the purpose of determining the…
Read MoreRail unions petition Homeland Security to enhance passenger rail security after U.S. Capitol insurrection
CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jan. 13, 2021 – The leaders of two of the nation’s largest railroad worker unions urgently petitioned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a letter Jan. 13 to enact a “No-Ride List” on passenger rail carriers after the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection in Washington D.C. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air,…
Read MoreRail unions petition FRA to protect Amtrak passengers, personnel after U.S. Capitol insurrection
CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jan. 12, 2021 – The leaders of two of the nation’s largest railroad worker unions urgently petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a letter January 11 to prevent security vulnerabilities and to protect those who ride – as well as the essential workers who operate –…
Read MoreTrain carrying Volkswagen vehicles sabotaged in Mexico
(Source: Freight Waves, January 4, 2021) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A train carrying more than 160 Volkswagen cars was derailed in Mexico last Wednesday by armed thieves, according to Mexican authorities. The train tracks were cut near the town of Acultzingo, about 80 southeast of the Volkswagen assembly plant in Puebla, Mexico, where the company makes…
Read MoreRailroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance taxes in 2021
(Source: U.S. Railroad Retirement Board press release, December 18, 2020) CHICAGO — The amounts of compensation subject to railroad retirement tier I and tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2021, while the tax rates on employers and employees will stay the same. In addition, unemployment insurance contribution rates paid by railroad employers will include a…
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