News Archive
Save money by using in-network providers
The national railroad plans (“plan”) allow you to see any doctor in your plan administrator’s network, including specialists, without a referral. This means that you have the freedom to choose a physician or specialist without first seeing a primary care physician. There are two levels of coverage under the plan. Your level of coverage is […]New pact voted on Central Railroad of Indiana
Lesniewski UTU Local 440 represented train and engine workers employed by Central Railroad Company of Indiana have ratified, by a 91 percent approval, a new five-year collective bargaining agreement effective Jan. 1. The agreement provides for annual wage increases, an additional paid holiday, flex days, enhanced overtime provisions, enhanced instructor allowance, additional meal allowance and […]
Looking back, but moving ahead
By Bonnie MorrVice President, Bus Department As we approach year end, I wish everyone happy holidays and a healthy and prosperous new year. During 2012, we have had wonderful success negotiating 11 new contracts, and others are in the negotiating process. I could not be more proud of the negotiating and educational skills demonstrated by […]
Obama win offers working families brighter future
By UTU International President Mike Futhey – For UTU members employed in the airline, rail and transit industries, the Obama/Biden victory and U.S. Senate election results translate to: * More, and more secure, transportation jobs. * More support to increase funding for public transit, Amtrak, and high-speed and higher-speed rail. * Strengthened protections of collective bargaining […]
Sandy victims: Expedited unemployment benefits
For rail workers furloughed as a result of Hurricane Sandy, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) advises those victims may qualify for railroad unemployment benefits. Following a request by UTU International President Mike Futhey to RRB Labor Member Walt Barrows, the RRB has agreed to waive a time-consuming requirement that claims be verified by the carrier, thus […]Grants available for Hurricane Sandy victims
Disaster relief grants of $500 are available from Union Plus to help eligible participants in the Union Plus credit card, insurance or mortgage programs who are facing financial hardship due to the Hurricane Sandy disaster. The money does not have to be repaid. Funds are limited to the nearly $370,000 available in the Union Plus […]
Help needed for our UTU hurricane victims
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated families in the Northeast, we again are reminded we are a nation of one people. Just as we see President Obama, a Democrat, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, working together to address the needs of those suffering, UTU members can collectively do our part by […]