Last July, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) mailed approximately 450,000 new Railroad Medicare cards with new Medicare Numbers. The new Medicare Numbers, which are unique to each person with Railroad Medicare and do not contain Social Security Number (SSNs), replace the fo [...]
In a press release issued Wednesday, July 10, New Jersey Transit (NJT) announced that attorney Michael Rubin would be the carrier’s first employee court advocate to support operational employees who are victims of on-the-job assaults. The position was created in support [...]
The newest issue of the SMART-SMACNA Partners In Progress magazine is online. In this issue are articles that discuss the steps being taken in securing government grants for industry efforts as well as a focus on diversity, architectural sheet metal training and steps being [...]
As you probably already know, SMART reached an agreement with the Ontario Sheet Metal Contractors’ Association to renew the Sheet Metal ICI Collective Agreement this past week. All Ontario Local Unions involved ratified the agreement after the strike ended on June 29. On beha [...]
SMART TD’s Ohio State Legislative Board has given an update on H.B. 186 — a comprehensive rail safety bill that addresses two-person crews, safe walkways, rail yard lighting and blocked crossings — that was introduced to the Ohio House Transportation Committee on June 18. Ohi [...]
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — In closing remarks to the SMART Transportation Division Regional Meeting July 3, TD President John Previsich said that recent actions of government agencies under the umbrella of the federal Department of Transportation will not go unchallenged. Acti [...]
In late June, the Department of Labor issued proposed rules governing the introduction of new Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). These privately-run apprenticeship programs will not be subject to the same standards and rules governing current programs. Curre [...]
On the 4th of July, we celebrate the founding of the United States and the rights and liberties we enjoy as Americans. It is a time to look to the past and honor the sacrifices of prior generations that built this nation. It is also a time to look forward and remember that fr [...]
The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced Monday that Linda A. Puchala has been named chair of the board, effective July 1. Gerald Fauth III and Kyle Fortson remain as board members. Puchala was confirmed as an NMB member by the United States Senate on May 21, 2009. She ha [...]
Brothers and sisters, On July 1st we celebrate Canada Day! The anniversary of the effective date of the Constitution Act of 1867 (then called the British North America Act.) Throughout history, Canada has been a nation that the rest of the world looks up to. Building one of t [...]