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NTSB cites fatigue, no PTC as fatal crash causes

“Fatigue,” says the National Transportation Safety Board, was “the probable cause” of rear-end accident involving two BNSF freight trains near Red Oak, Iowa, April 17, 2011, that killed a UTU-member conductor and the train’s engineer. The NTSB concluded that the crewmembers w [...]

First quarter 2012 rail profits wrap-up

BNSF reported a 15 percent increase in profit forf the first quarter 2012 versus first quarter 2011, citing improved pricing and higher fuel surcharges. BNSF’s first quarter 2012 operating ratio of 74.4 percent was one percentage point lower than for the first quarter 2 [...]

Railroad Retirement benefits not in danger

Railroad retirees and current rail workers should not be losing sleep over the much-hyped rumor that Congress is going to abolish Railroad Retirement, cut Railroad Retirement benefits or otherwise do harm to a system supported financially entirely by carriers and labor since [...]

Insurance information for retiring yardmasters

SMART Transportation Division-member yardmaster nearing retirement wishing to maintain their current connection with Minnesota Life to retain a supplemental $2,000 life insurance benefit should contact the Yardmaster Department at the SMART Transportation Division Headquarter [...]

Childhood obesity cause for concern

The incidence of childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past 30 years, according to data developed by UnitedHealthcare. Since 1980, the incidence of childhood obesity in children between 6 and 11 years old has jumped from 7 percent to 20 percent; and among children [...]

Bus Local 172 turns back Teamsters raid

UTU-represented school bus operators in Upper Darby, Pa., and members of UTU Local 172, turned back a raid by the Teamsters, voting overwhelmingly to keep the UTU as their bargaining representative on this First Student property. The UTU’s ability to negotiate industry-leadin [...]

Bus locals respond to survey

By Bonnie MorrVice President, Bus Department Many of our bus locals have responded to a survey focusing on the health conditions of bus operators. This is a very important step in identifying some of the health issues that we face while on the job. The Transit Bus Operator Wo [...]

Geraldine Turner, mother of VP Doyle, dies

Geraldine “Jerri” Turner, 78, of Flatwoods, Ky., mother of Alternate Vice President and CSX General Chairperson Doyle Turner, died April 11 at the Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky. She was born Aug. 7, 1933, and worked at GTE in Ashland, Ky., for many years. She w [...]