General Information
Intermodal gain drives rail traffic growth in Week 2
(Source: Progressive Railroading 01/21/2021) Intermodal gains continued to drive growth in U.S. freight-rail volume during the week ending Jan. 16 compared with the same week last year, according to Association of American Railroads (AAR) data. For the week, total rail traffic increased 5.8% to 528,547 carloads and intermodal units. Although carload traffic declined 2% to 232,550 units,…
Read MoreHoffa: Biden’s OSHA leadership picks will prioritize worker safety
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, January 20, 201) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on President Biden’s selection of James Fredricks and Joseph Hughes to serve in top positions in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “The safety and health of the nation’s workers is…
Read MoreUnion Pacific reports Q4 and full year 2020 results
(Source: Union Pacific press release, January 21, 2021) OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Corporation today reported 2020 fourth quarter net income of $1.4 billion, or $2.05 per diluted share. These results include a previously announced $278 million pre-tax, non-cash impairment charge. Excluding the effects of that charge, adjusted fourth quarter net income was $1.6 billion, or…
Read MoreSTB: Class I workforce grew in December
(Source: Progressive Railroading 01/20/2021) U.S. Class Is employed 117,770 people in mid-December 2020, up 2.44% from mid-November 2020, but down 10.43% compared with the same period in 2019, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data. Two workforce categories registered employment increases in December compared with November’s level. They were transportation (train and engine), which rose 5.67% to…
Read MoreUnemployment and Sickness Benefit flexibilities under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) during the COVID-19 virus outbreak
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, January 5, 2021) CHICAGO — The RUIA provides for payment of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to eligible employees for days of unemployment and for the payment of sickness insurance (SI) benefits for days of sickness. Provided below are some frequently asked questions regarding those situations in which benefits are…
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