Category: Secretary & Treasurer
DIPP Assessments reduced effective January 2021
The SMART Transportation Division Discipline Income Protection Program (DIPP) is decreasing its monthly assessments from 96 cents to 81 cents per $1 of daily benefits, effective January 1, 2021. Participants in the Plan may elect to increase their benefit level or modify thei [...]
TD veterans: We need your help
Oct. 5, 2020 Brothers and Sisters: Shortly before I joined the union in the mid 1990s, I served with the U.S. Army for three years in service to our country. I know I am not alone in this distinction as many of our union brothers and sisters in the SMART Transportation Divisi [...]
Nomination rules, election procedures for fall local elections have been released
SMART Transportation Division members are reminded that elections are scheduled to be held this autumn to fill the three-year Local officer positions described by the SMART Constitution’s Article 21B, Section 56. Positions include President, Vice President, Secretary and Trea [...]
Elimination period waiver for VSTD extended into November
Dear Member: As many of you may recall, the SMART Voluntary Short Term Disability Plan temporarily suspended the Elimination Period for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) disabilities. In an announcement to you dated April 15, 2020, we communicated that the Elimination Period was being w [...]
Feedback sought for revisions/refinements to time books
To Local Treasurers, Local Presidents and Local Chairpersons, As you are aware, we are presently accepting orders for the 2021 time books and while these orders are being processed we are also reviewing the materials contained in the current booklet. This booklet is utilized [...]
RRB Q&A: Unemployment and Sickness Benefits for Railroad Employees
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA), which provides two kinds of benefits for qualified railroaders: unemployment benefits for those who become unemployed but are ready, willing, and able to work; and sickness benefit [...]VSTD COVID-19 Elimination Period Waiver is Extended
June 17, 2020 Dear Member: As many of you may recall, the SMART Voluntary Short Term Disability Plan temporarily suspended the Elimination Period for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) disabilities. In an announcement to you dated April 15, 2020, we communicated that the Elimination Peri [...]RRB Labor Member: Testing underway, enhanced benefit payments expected in a week
From RRB Labor Member John Bragg: In my last update, I explained that Phase 2 of the Railroad Retirement Board’s (RRB) CARES Act implementation plan was targeted for completion by the end of May. Phase 2 of the RRB’s plan provides for the additional $1,200 per registration p [...]