SUMMARY: The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) amends its regulations to update who may qualify as an adopted child to be included in the computation of a railroad employee’s annuity amount under section 3(f)(2) of the Railroad Retirement Act. The current regulation requires that a child adopted after the employee begins receiving an annuity must both live with the employee and receive one-half support from employee. The amendment would eliminate this requirement for legally adopted children if the adoption proceedings commenced prior to the child attaining age 18. For adoption commenced after the child attains age18, the amendment would require only one of the above criteria to be met. This amendment is necessary to harmonize the RRB’s regulations with the requirements of section 202(d)(8)(D) of the Social Security Act and section3(f)(2) of the Railroad Retirement Act.
The AFA needs your support. Let’s help our brothers and sisters with the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). Thanks to strong advocacy, 178 Representatives have already signed a congressional letter to the National Mediation Board (NMB). This letter urges the NMB to use all available tools to help secure contracts, including a release to a 30-day cooling-off period and a strike deadline.
Now it's time for the Senate to act. They are asking you to contact your Senators and request their support by signing the letter to the NMB. Your action is critical in helping to protect their careers and our right to strike.
They need as much congressional support as possible to ensure they can settle disputes and achieve the contracts they deserve. Contact your Senators now by making a call or writing a letter to make sure they get the support they need.
Additionally, you can join them on the picket line Thursday, June 13, at more than 30 airports for a Worldwide Day of Action. Together, we can help make a difference.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has released its final rule on the certification of Signalmen and Train Dispatchers, as mandated by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. These regulations require railroads to establish formal certification programs and training for Signalmen, aiming to enhance railroad safety nationwide.
To read a summary of 49 CFR Part 246 Summary click HERE.
The bipartisan Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, S. 1274, advanced unanimously in the U.S. Senate Budget Committee. Introduced by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and co-sponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the bill aims to permanently exempt railroad workers’ unemployment and sickness insurance benefits from mandated sequestration cuts. This legislative markup, led by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chairman of the Committee, marks a significant step towards ensuring that nearly 200,000 active railroad workers receive their full-earned benefits without facing cuts. The bill has garnered bipartisan support and endorsement from both railroad labor and industry groups, emphasizing the need to rectify the longstanding issue of sequestration affecting railroad workers' benefits.
After advancing unanimously in the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, the next step for the bipartisan REEF Act, S. 1274, would be consideration by the full Senate. If approved by the Senate, the bill would then move to the House of Representatives for consideration and, if passed, would proceed to the President for signature into law. The unanimous support in the Committee indicates strong bipartisan backing for the bill, suggesting a positive outlook for its progression through the legislative process.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has designated Robert E. Primus Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board effective May 11, 2024. Chairman Primus is serving in his second term, following his nomination by President Biden on June 22, 2022, and his confirmation by the U.S. Senate on December 20, 2022. His current term expires December 31, 2027.
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is an independent federal agency responsible for economically regulating various surface transportation modes, primarily freight rail. The STB uses its legal authority to settle disputes and promote an efficient, competitive, and economically sustainable surface transportation system that serves its users' needs.
FRONT ROYAL, VA, MAY 9, 2024 — The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) applauds the recent decision by Norfolk Southern’s shareholders to retain CEO Alan Shaw, thereby rejecting Ancora Holdings’ bid for a hostile takeover. This decision, which saw 10 of the railroad’s 13 leadership nominees elected, including Shaw, demonstrates a commitment to stability and long-term success.
BRS has seen positive changes to the safety culture and commitment of upper management to this effort.
President Michael Baldwin stated, “I look forward to working with the NS leadership to ensure the safety and prosperity of the railroad, I believe this can happen if we continue to work together, a safer railroad will ensure long-term success for all stakeholders, most importantly the workers..”
FRA has discovered that numerous employees were coached to provide specific responses to FRA questions if they were approached for a safety culture interview. Reports of this coaching span the UPRR system and railroad crafts. The FRA has also encountered reluctance to participate in field interviews from employees who cite intimidation or fear of retaliation.
Read Full Letter from Karl Alexy – Associate Administrator, Office of Railroad Safety
In November 1977, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen launched a
contest to name our new Signal mascot.
The winning name was chosen by the BRS Grand Executive Council and
in January 1978, "Signalman Sam" made his debut. Signalman Sam can
be found on the front cover of many of The Signalman’s Journals from 1978 to 1983.
Brightline West's groundbreaking rail project, attended by BRS President Baldwin and Legislative Director Mike Efaw, signals a new era of connectivity between Nevada and Southern California. Stretching 218 miles with speeds up to 200 mph, the system will traverse the I-15 median, enhancing travel efficiency.
Key stations include Las Vegas, Victor Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga, strategically located to facilitate seamless transit access. Notably, the Las Vegas Station, occupying 110 acres, promises convenient connections to major attractions and transportation hubs.
With construction underway, anticipation mounts for the project's transformative impact on regional mobility and economic development. This initiative underscores a commitment to sustainable transportation and underscores the potential for enhanced regional integration and prosperity.
For Immediate Release: April 26, 2024
Corporate-backed, Out-Of-Touch Lawmakers Are The Real Leeches: Alabama AFL-CIO President Responds to Gov. Ivey and Speaker Ledbetter Lies About Unions
Alabama AFL-CIO President Bren Riley releases the following response to lawmaker attacks on the labor movement:
Governor Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s recent comments in the media attacking unions are nothing but outright lies from politicians who are afraid of workers having even a little power to better their lives. They both called the United Auto Workers (UAW) a “dangerous leech” this week, just days after Gov. Ivey released a statement—alongside a couple other bought-and-paid-for lawmakers who are in the pocket of big corporations—claiming unions are special interest groups here to “threaten our jobs and the values we live by.”
I’m here to set the record straight as a proud union man born and raised here in Gadsden. My grandfather was a union member, my father was a union member and I was a member of the United Steelworkers for well over 30 years. So, as a third generation factory worker in Alabama who grew up walking picket lines with my dad and listening to my granddaddy’s stories about life before he had a union contract, I can tell you this: these out-of-touch lawmakers who collect taxpayer-funded salaries but don’t lift a finger to help their hardworking constituents are the real leeches.
For my family, a union card meant a lot of things. It meant better protections from serious injuries or death on the job so you could always make it home safe after a shift to see your kids. It meant equal pay for equal work, no matter who you were, because if you put in an honest day’s labor, you deserve a fair wage. It meant regular raises so you could always put food on the table and keep a roof over your head even if inflation was high. It meant dignity at work and getting the basic level of respect you deserve. And it meant job security so you couldn’t be fired out-of-the-blue for no good reason and end up on the streets. Those are union values and, if you ask me, they’re Alabama values.
When we have union jobs in our towns, it raises everyone’s quality of life. If you don’t believe me, let’s look at the economics real quick. A fair, competitive wage at a stable job means more folks are able to support our local businesses and give their tithings in church. It also means more tax revenue to spend on funding our schools, repairing our roads and paying essential public servants like firefighters. A union-protected job also means the state will be able to spend less on unemployment benefits or food stamps because more and more working families will be able to support themselves with dignity. When I was a Steelworker, my union siblings and I knew that to whom much is given, much will be required. That’s why we always donated to United Way, gave back to charities and sponsored local youth sport leagues. Because the benefits of a union don’t stop at a member’s paycheck. It impacts a whole community, across generations.
Corporations and the politicians they bankroll want to keep workers divided and afraid of demanding the rights and freedoms we deserve. They’re working overtime right now to spread fear and lies so bosses can keep paying poverty wages while they rake in record profits. But the Alabama AFL-CIO sees right through this charade and I know the honest, hardworking people of Alabama can see through it too. When workers stand together in unions to bargain for good wages, quality benefits and their fair share of corporate profits, we have the power not just to change our own lives, but the lives of our neighbors and communities, too.
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The Alabama AFL-CIO is the state’s largest labor federation, representing tens of thousands of union members across different sectors of the economy.
Jamie Boychuk, linked to activist investor Ancora Holdings, proposes a major overhaul at Norfolk Southern (NS) similar to the Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) strategy he helped implement at CSX. Ancora aims to replace NS CEO Alan Shaw with former UPS executive Jim Barber Jr. to implement PSR at NS. They propose cost reductions through equipment and operations improvements. Ancora's plan initially hinges on attrition to trim the workforce by 800 positions, with a long-term goal of eliminating a total of 1,750 jobs through the same method. Barber argues NS needs to commit to PSR to improve service and financial results, criticizing NS's resiliency strategy. NS shareholders will vote on competing plans during the annual meeting on May 9.
Ever since the derailment of a freight train and its aftermath last year in East Palestine, Ohio, Americans have been awakened to the troubled reality of rail safety.
New National Mediation Board Member Sweatt Sworn In, Assumes Position with NMB
April 3, 2024, Washington, D.C. – The National Mediation Board (NMB) is pleased to announce the arrival of new Board Member, Loren E. Sweatt. Ms. Sweatt was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 7, 2024. She was sworn in and assumed her position with the NMB on April 2, 2024.
Ms. Sweatt transitions to the Board from the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions where she most recently was a Senior Professional Staff Member. Prior to the Senate position, Ms. Sweatt also served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor for almost four years. For 15 years, Ms. Sweatt was a Senior Policy Advisor at the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the House of Representatives.
Her experience includes all facets of labor policy. Ms. Sweatt holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Christian University and a Master of Business Administration from Marymount University.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority celebrated National Transit Employee Appreciation Day on Monday by sending out its executives to spend time with the system’s transit workers and highlight some exceptional employees.
The industry has suffered three fatalities since December 2021, where an RMM struck a roadway worker. This Safety Alert highlights the need for each roadway worker and RMM operator to be aware of the safety procedures for Roadway Workers who work around Roadway Maintenance Machines.
To see the full safety alert, click the link below.
Congressional Support for High-Speed Rail on the Rise, New Poll Reveals Broad Voter Approval
In an unprecedented move, over thirty members of the U.S. House, representing 18 states, have rallied behind a bill proposing a colossal $205 billion investment to establish a nationwide high-speed rail network. This legislative push coincides with the release of a new survey indicating strong public favor for high-speed rail, with 60% of registered U.S. voters expressing approval.
The West, home to the pioneering Brightline West and California High Speed Rail projects, showcases the highest enthusiasm, with a 71% favorability rating. The survey by Public Policy Polling for the U.S. High-Speed Rail Coalition, underscores a nationwide yearning for swift, efficient transportation alternatives, with a remarkable 72% of Americans backing the creation of a comprehensive high-speed rail system.
Regional support is robust, spanning from the West (85%) to the Northeast (77%), the Midwest (66%), and the South (61%), indicating a widespread consensus on the benefits of such a network. Additionally, 57% of respondents believe their congressional representatives should advocate for the network's funding, emphasizing the public's readiness for a high-speed rail transformation.
The American High-Speed Rail Act, championed by Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) among others, seeks to usher in this new era of transportation. It promises not only to alleviate congestion and environmental concerns but also to significantly bolster job creation and safety, with the potential to revolutionize American travel by offering a faster, more reliable, and greener alternative to current options.
With the discourse on high-speed rail gaining momentum, Americans appear increasingly inclined towards supporting this ambitious yet crucial infrastructure endeavor. The overwhelming public sentiment mirrors a collective aspiration for progress, heralding a future where high-speed rail plays a pivotal role in reshaping the U.S. transportation landscape.
A Pew Research Center survey shows that a decline in union membership — from 20.1% in 1983 to 10% in 2023 — worries most Americans, with 54% viewing it as bad for the country and 59% believing it harms workers. The gap in opinion is stark between parties: 69% of Democrats see the decline negatively for the nation, compared to 40% of Republicans. Views within parties vary by age, income, and education among Republicans, and by education and ethnicity among Democrats. Ideologically, conservative Republicans are more likely to view the decline positively, unlike their moderate and liberal counterparts. This reflects deep divisions in how the decline in unions is perceived across American society.
The BRS endorses four labor-friendly Republicans for their reelection campaigns. Representative Don Bacon, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Congressman Marc Molinaro.
Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin Oberman is concerned about the potential of activist investors succeeding in their effort to replace Norfolk Southern Corp.'s top leadership in favor of a short-term strategy of cost-cutting and workforce reductions to boost profits.
The existing waiver allows BNSF, CPKC, and CSX to test extending the air flow method (AFM) test intervals from 92 days to 184 days on locomotives equipped with the New York Air Brake (NYAB) CCB–II and Fastbrake air brake systems. The most recent petition requests that the relief granted under the existing waiver be extended to CN and UP. In addition, BNSF is requesting that this relief be made permanent.
The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen has become the first rail labor union to come out against the activist investor group that’s plotting to oust Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw and gain control of the railroad’s board.
Standing Against Short-Sighted Changes at Norfolk Southern
FRONT ROYAL, February 22, 2024 — The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) expresses grave concern over the activist investor group Ancora's intentions to significantly alter the operational and leadership structure at Norfolk Southern (NS), particularly plans to reduce headcount, a move that poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of both our workforce and the communities we serve.
Under the current leadership, NS has embarked on a forward-looking journey, emphasizing safety, innovation, and long-term sustainability over short-term gains. This approach has contributed to an overall rise in employee morale. The recent Signal Safety Collaboration between NS and the BRS fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, crucial for the railroad's success and its vital role in national transportation. An investor like Ancora will likely abort and prevent such collaborations as a means of up-front cost savings.
Ancora's proposed strategy, centered on drastic cost-cutting and prioritizing short-term profits, threatens to undermine these achievements. The potential reduction in workforce will not only damage employee morale but also jeopardize the recruitment and retention of skilled workers, critical for maintaining safe and reliable service. Such a shift towards a short-term profit maximization model risks leaving a lasting negative impact on NS, its employees, and the communities and businesses it serves. Ancora’s tactics are demonstrative of the risks to safe rail operations, with further inaction by Congress to implement a comprehensive Rail Safety Bill, any safety gaps created by wolves of wall street could cause another rail catastrophe.
The BRS, therefore, calls on all stakeholders to consider the long-term implications of Ancora's proposed changes. We are committed to opposing actions that compromise the rail industry's integrity and safety standards. We stand ready to protect the interests of our members, the rail community, businesses, and the many towns and cities that depend on NS for safe and efficient rail service.
Our collective future depends on sustainable practices that balance economic objectives with the safety and well-being of communities and the workforce. The BRS urges a reconsideration of any strategy that sacrifices these principles for short-term gains.
One year after the train derailment in East Palestine and Congress has yet to take action on bills that would increase safety requirements for railroads. President of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Michael Baldwin says the delay is detrimental.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — About 1,000 engineers and conductors who work for Norfolk Southern will soon be able to report safety concerns anonymously through a federal system without any fear of discipline.
The railroad industry spent $69.47 million on lobbying in 2021, 2022 and 2023, according to Open Secrets, a group that tracks money in politics.
Union Pacific Corp., BNSF Railway, CSX Corp, and Norfolk Southern, the last of which operated the train the derailed in Ohio, have donated $1.44 million to Republican and Democratic candidates so far this election cycle, according to Open Secrets. Republican candidates have collected $923,000 of the donations, or about 64 percent.
The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) on Jan. 8 declined to consider Ohio’s bid “to enforce a state law that penalizes railroads if their trains block grade crossings for more than five minutes, turning away a case that sought further clarity on the scope of federal preemption concerning rail regulations,” according to Law360 Senior Reporter Linda Chiem.
A high-speed rail line between the state’s two biggest cities has been discussed—and abandoned—for decades. But recently its fortunes may have changed.
WASHINGTON– Greg Regan and Shari Semelsberger, President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issued a statement regarding the closure of two freight rail crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border
FRONT ROYAL, VA, DECEMBER 8 ,2023 – On December 6, 2023, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) endorsed President Joseph Biden, Jr. for his second term as President of the United States.
The BRS, established in 1901, is a nationally recognized trade union that represents roughly 10,000 railroad signal employees throughout the United States and Canada. These professionals play a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of rail systems by installing, repairing, and maintaining signaling systems, including warning mechanisms at railroad-highway intersections.
President Biden has delivered on his promise to be a champion for unions and workers, resulting in the highest level of union support in over 50 years. The Administration’s focus on pro-worker policies has contributed to a 3.5% increase in inflation-adjusted income, with the lowest-paid workers experiencing the largest wage gains. Additionally, the unemployment rate is at a 50-year low, demonstrating a thriving job market. The Biden-Harris Administration’s actions underscore its ongoing efforts to support the middle and bottom tiers of the economy, a fundamental principle of “Bidenomics”.
President Biden achieved the largest investment in our country’s infrastructure in decades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With President Biden’s announcement of $3 billion for the construction and future operations of what will be America’s first high-speed rail line, Brightline West, from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Southern California, he is ushering in an emerging industry that will transform the way Americans travel in the future.
Under the umbrella of “Bidenomics”, emerging industries, such as high-speed rail, are creating high-quality, well-paying jobs, aligning with the President’s continuous advocacy for fair pay and the right to join a union. The recent announcements reinforce the Administration’s commitment to workers by emphasizing investments in infrastructure, workforce development, pathways to union jobs, and the importance of unions in promoting fair wages and benefits.
The BRS recognizes the President’s vision of rebuilding America, not just for labor, Democrats, or friendly voters/constituents, but for everyone, regardless of their political beliefs. All communities across the country will get a share of the infrastructure money and benefit from his policies.
The Administration’s initiatives include:
$66 billion in historic investments in rail infrastructure, including more than $6 billion for High-Speed Rail,
Advancing paid sick leave for all workers,
Fostering the Union advantage, and
Overtime protections.
These actions build on the Administration’s historic support for workers and unions, including wage increases, protection of workers’ pay, empowerment through education, disclosure of anti-union activities by federal contractors, and significant investments in workforce development.
President Biden’s commitment to union values and workers’ rights has been unwavering, making him a strong advocate for the growth of the Rail industry, safety regulations for Signalmen and Roadway Workers. This endorsement is grounded in a track record of tangible results for the working class and the union movement.
[November 13, 2023]
Dear President Biden:
On behalf of the undersigned national rail labor unions, we write to unanimously recommend and support Johnathan D. Bragg to be re-nominated to serve as the Labor Member on the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). He has demonstrated excellent service on the Board for the last four years since his confirmation in early 2019, and we request that he be nominated for another term to serve on the Board.
[November 17, 2023, SACRAMENTO, Calif.] – The California High-Speed Rail Authority and 13 rail labor unions announced today that they have entered an agreement that ensures the hard-earned gains in federal labor laws will be applicable to the operations of the nation’s first high-speed rail project.
The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) participated alongside 37 affiliate unions in the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO Fall 2023 Executive Committee Meeting, addressing critical issues in the Transportation Industry. These included political considerations, safety concerns, congressional budget and appropriations, and the funding of transportation projects, among others.
During this meeting, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) urged fellow TTD affiliates to unite by signing a letter opposing S.1838: Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA). This legislation, if enacted, would eliminate points programs associated with airline cards, potentially ending union plus benefits.
To learn more about S.1838: Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), visit CLICK HERE.
In response, the BRS is mobilizing its members, encouraging them to reach out to their State Legislators and express opposition to this Act. Your voice is instrumental, and your continued support for the broader labor community is highly valued. CLICK HEREto contact your Representative.
ABOUT THE TTD: The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, is a coalition of 37 member unions representing a total of 775,381 members. The TTD serves as a powerful advocate for workers in all modes of transportation, both in the private and public sectors, devoted to safeguarding middle-class jobs, expanding collective bargaining, and ensuring modern, safe, and secure transportation operations and infrastructure.
The entirety of rail labor stands in opposition to the proposed draconian funding cuts in the legislation that would devastate U.S. passenger and freight rail networks and the dedicated rail workers that run them.
Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) President Greg Regan last week wrote to U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) to oppose the lawmaker’s bill that would eliminate a federal provision that gives Amtrak trains the "right of preference" over freight trains on freight-owned track.
A truck driver was killed when a train derailed near Pueblo, Colorado, and caused a railroad bridge to collapse onto a major highway — crushing the semitruck, spilling coal and mangled rail cars across the roadway and shutting down traffic indefinitely, authorities said Monday.
"Grissom [president of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen union] said his union has had three members die in incidents involving remote control trains since 2015. He said Anderson’s death, combined with fiery derailments that have happened across the country this year, reinforce the need for stronger railroad safety regulations."
“The CRISI grants announced today will help launch new and expanded service, advance critical safety and reliability improvements, and provide opportunities for the workforce, marking another big milestone as we continue to advance a new era of passenger rail,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.
This strike should make one thing clear: the era of corporate greed is over. Workers and unions are united in the fight against corporate greed. And we will win.
After a delay driven by last year’s turmoil in the bond market, Fortress Investment Group-backed Brightline will kick off its service to Orlando International Airport on Sept. 22. The service will allow connections between Orlando and South Florida destinations, including Miami, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, the not-yet-profitable rail operator announced Wednesday.
After a derailment last March in Southwest Minnesota, 5 INVESTIGATES found BNSF had repeatedly been sanctioned or admonished in court for destroying evidence or retaliating against employees.
The sticking point between railroads and rail worker unions over a federal hotline for reporting safety concerns is how to ensure rail employees don’t misuse the system to avoid discipline, the head of the railroads’ trade group said in a letter Thursday to government officials.
In the wake of the disastrous East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, Norfolk Southern is back to spending millions in Congress — and a paper trail indicates that it’s lobbying for weaker regulation and rewarding members of Congress who play along.
The Association of American Railroads on March 2 said the Class I freight railroads would join the program, which allows railroaders to report “close call” safety incidents without fear of discipline or reprisal.
This report documents FRA’s findings, recommendations, and methodologies resulting from the 60-Day
Supplemental Safety Assessment of Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) that the Department of Transportation
(Department or DOT) announced on March 7, 2023.
On May 31, 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on certification of signal employees. The proposed rule, or Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), is the official document that announces and explains the agency’s plan to address a problem or accomplish a goal. All proposed rules must be published in the Federal Register to notify the public. The proposed rule and the comments received on it form the basis of the final rule.
Currently, the NPRM on certification of signal employees is in the comment period. Following the comment period and review, it is expected that the FRA will issue a final rule and put that final rule into effect.
The BRS will be submitting comments as an organization to ensure signal professionals in the field have their voices heard and issues raised. If you have any questions or issues, please contact BRS Director of Research, Chris Hand, at c.hand@brs.org.
AAR, ASLRRA and TTD urged the Congress members to “remove this draconian limit on RRB’s administrative funding and support the limitation in the Senate bill.
The proposed fiscal 2024 transportation budget would cut two major grant programs and impose restrictions on how certain funds could be used.
Amtrak announced Monday that it is applying for $7.3 billion in federal grants to execute 14 projects on the Northeast Corridor and more than $700 million for 16 projects outside the Northeast Corridor.
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Vice Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH) and 26 additional T&I Members sent a letter urging the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Graves to promptly schedule a hearing on rail safety.
“We write today to again request a Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing on rail safety,” the Members wrote, noting that waiting on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation to complete its work on the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio is unacceptable given the dozens of existing NTSB rail recommendations that remain unanswered: “…We disagree that the Committee should wait to advance rail safety legislation until after the [NTSB] concludes its investigation into the derailment in East Palestine. Accidents continue to occur, placing additional communities and rail workers at risk.”
“Earlier this month, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved the Railway Safety Act of 2023 by bipartisan vote,” the Members continued. “The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure must meet its responsibility to conduct critical oversight of the rail industry by holding a hearing on rail safety. Our constituents and communities deserve this basic consideration.”
Background:
Today’s letter comes more than two months after Ranking Member Larsen first called for a rail safety hearing to be scheduled and shortly after the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee advanced their rail safety legislation out of Committee on a bipartisan vote. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has not held a hearing examining rail safety following the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, OH.
The BRS congratulates BRS members on Amtrak on the new Agreement.
The Paid Parental Leave Rule is the third Paid Parental Leave Agreement negotiated for BRS members and provides the most benefits with up to ten (10) weeks of paid time off, which can be taken in two (2) week increments, for up to one year from the date of birth or adoption.
A Paid Time Off (PTO) plan was negotiated to replace the National Vacation Agreement which provides for significantly more time off with less years of service and an accrual method that permits an employee to accrue PTO even if they do not meet the one hundred (100) day threshold of the National Vacation Agreement. Additionally, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was added as a holiday, there were improvements to Bereavement Leave, the incentive allowance for certain Gang positions was increased from $0.65 per hour to $1.20 per hour, and a Paid Parental Leave Rule was negotiated.
On May 5, 2023, BRS members working at Amtrak ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The seven (7) year Agreement was reached after nearly 18 months of negotiations and provided for general wage increases of 28.5% with full retroactivity to 2022 (compounded 32.3% over the term of the Agreement), frozen monthly health and welfare cost sharing portions for employees under the Amplan II plan and monthly cost sharing decreases for employees under the Amplan III throughout the term of the Agreement with improvements in dental coverage, vasectomy coverage, fertility treatment, and hearing aid coverage.
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Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
917 Shenandoah Shores Road
Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 622-6522
