Longer trains have more cars, possibly a greater variety of car types and sizes, and more requirements for power distributed across the train in comparison with shorter manifest trains. Because of this and other factors, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) should revise the Risk Reduction Program (RRP) rule to require railroads to address all major operational changes in their RRPs in an explicit and comprehensive manner.
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Beginning August 20, 2024, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen held its annual General Chairmen’s Training at the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers’ (IAM) William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
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Get ready to celebrate union pride this Labor Day with Unions Power America LIVE! Tune in for heartwarming stories, surprise prize reveals, and a behind-the-scenes look at union members who keep our favorite shows and movies running.
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The Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved a $129 million budget for the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) for fiscal year 2025. While this amount is higher than the House’s proposed funding and slightly increases from FY 2023, it falls short of the agency’s needs. The budget is $5 million less than the President’s request and $43.
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Canada’s two major freight railroads, Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern (CPKC), have locked out 9,000 Teamsters union members, halting operations and risking the stability of both the Canadian and U.S. economies.
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While UP maintains the highest derailment rate among Class I railroads, Employees were coached on how to respond to FRA safety questions and report interactions to leadership.
Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has written a letter to Union Pacific Railroad expressing grave concerns about the company’s safety culture.
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Republican nominee Donald Trump's Project 2025, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, aims to dismantle labor protections, eliminate the minimum wage, and curb overtime pay. The AFL-CIO and labor leaders warn that the plan could decimate unions, slash worker safety regulations, and erase federal support for mass transit and education. Discover the implications of this radical agenda and how it threatens the rights and livelihoods of American workers.
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On July 12, 2024, at 2 p.m., the NTSB released the adopted accident report for the train derailment in East Palestine, OH, on February 3, 2023.
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Check out this powerful video montage by BNSF Railway Assistant General Chairman Brandon Pettit and his wife Rachel. Hear Rachel's voiceover on the dangers of working on an undermanned undermaintained railroad, followed by a moving original song. Like and share to show your support and spread the message!
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Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a rule to protect millions of workers from extreme heat. This initiative aims to safeguard around 36 million indoor and outdoor workers by reducing heat-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
Addressing a Major Hazard
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
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We urge all members to contact their legislators immediately. Your voice can make the difference in ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve should you retire, become sick, or injured. Let your Representatives know that the proposed budget cuts will directly harm the rail employees and annuitants who have paid into the system their entire careers. Demand that Congress fund the RRB at $172.331 million to provide the rail community with the customer services it deserves. Your involvement is crucial to preventing mission failure at the RRB.
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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.
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East Palestine, Ohio – June 25, 2024
The NTSB made 25 recommendations for their final report into the East Palestine derailment that concluded with a vent and burn decision for a few cars that had vinyl chloride.
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BRS Family Member Awarded
2024 Union Plus Scholarship
Winner Honored for Achievement and Union Values
Washington, D.C. – Union Plus recently awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 209 students representing 42 unions, including one winner representing the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS).
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The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen would like to recognize and congratulate Operation RedBlock on celebrating 40 years of partnership on CSX Transportation.
Operation RedBlock (ORB) is a union-based, company-supported program designed to prevent employee drug and alcohol use while on duty.
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Important Announcement
Pharmacy Benefit Manager Change Effective Jan. 1, 2025, for all National Railroad Health & Welfare Plans
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) for the National Plans will change from Express Scripts, Inc., to Optum Rx®. All covered plan members, including eligible spouses and dependents, will automatically be enrolled in Optum Rx.
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