Category: Alumni Association
SAFETY: The gift we give our families that should never be compromised
As president of the SMART Transportation Division and on behalf of General President Joseph Sellers, I want to wish every member happy holidays. We are all one family, and this season is a time when we have our loved ones in our thoughts and on our minds. As your president, y [...]
Ohio members: Contact commissioners to get GOP reps aboard H.B. 186!
Ohio State Legislative Director Stuart Gardner reports that we need some activism to push H.B. 186, which is comprehensive railroad safety legislation, over the line and out of the Ohio House Transportation and Public Safety Committee. First, he is seeking photos of example o [...]
RRB Q&A: Working after retirement
Retirees, and those planning retirement, should be aware of the Railroad Retirement laws and rules governing benefit payments to annuitants who work after retirement. The following questions and answers describe these Railroad Retirement work restrictions and earnings limitat [...]RRB: Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance taxes in 2020
The amounts of compensation subject to Railroad Retirement Tier I and Tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2020, while the tax rates on employers and employees will stay the same. In addition, unemployment insurance contribution rates paid by railroad employers will not inc [...]
More testimony needed in a fifth hearing on Ohio rail safety bill H.B. 186
State Legislative Director Stu Gardner reports that an additional round of testimony has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, in House Hearing Room 114 in the Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square in Columbus, regarding H.B. 186, a comprehensive railroad safety bill [...]
ERMA lifetime maximum benefit to increase in 2020
The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (ERMA or GA-46000) Plan will increase from $166,400 to $171,100 beginning Jan. 1, 2020. At the end of 2001, labor and management had agreed on various procedures to adminis [...]
Daughter of retired member talks about why unions matter in essay
“My daughter and her friend work for Grub Hub and live off tips,” said Donna, “and they live with me because there is no way that they can afford to live on their own.” Donna’s story hit me hard and here is why. My dad made a choice at 18 that if he was going […]
Thank you to our veterans
As we pause to recall the sacrifices that those who have served and their families have made to solidify and defend the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States, SMART-TD wanted to provide this list of services available to military veterans today and throughout the year. [...]