CSX has cut workforce by 3,700 so far in 2017
(Source: Progressive Railroading, September 13, 2017) CSX Corp. has eliminated 2,700 jobs so far this year, as the Class I works through its transition to a more efficient operating plan, Chief Financial Officer Frank Lonegro told investors at a conference last week. Full story: Progressive Railroading Thursday, September 14, 2017
Read MoreRRB Q&A: Deemed service month credits
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, August 31, 2017) CHICAGO — Railroad retirement benefits are based on months of service and earnings credits. Earnings are creditable up to certain annual maximums on the amount of compensation subject to railroad retirement taxes. Credit for a month of railroad service is earned for every month in which an…
Read MoreJudge: Deadly Amtrak train 188 crash was an accident, not a crime
(Source: Associated Press, September 12, 2017) PHILADELPHIA — An unusual, 11th-hour attempt to put an Amtrak engineer behind bars for a deadly 2015 derailment in Philadelphia unraveled Tuesday as a judge dismissed the case without trial because he found the evidence pointed to an accident, not negligence. Full story: www.startribune.com Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Read MoreAAR: Rail traffic up 4 percent over 2016 for first eight months of 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,…
Read MoreU.S. freight movers rethink how to guard against floods
(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
Read MoreBLET announces new benefits to help make sure members and families are protected
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…
Read MoreRRB advises rail workers impacted by Hurricane Harvey
(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…
Read MoreLabor Day 2017
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…
Read MoreHurricane Harvey: UP uses drones to survey damage; KCS, BLET donate to relief funds
(source: Progressive Railroading 08/31/2017) Union Pacific Railroad is using helicopters and drones to inspect by air its track, bridges and signals in areas east and west of Houston where road access is unavailable due to flooding and storm damage from Hurricane Harvey. As weather and access to storm-damaged areas allow, UP is inspecting and repairing track,…
Read More
Subscribe now for updates!
