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NTSB makes recommendations after investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued 12 new safety recommendations as a result of its investigation of the Sept. 30, 2010, collision of two freight trains near Two Harbors, Minn. The NTSB recommendations were issued to the following organizations: the Federal R [...]
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UTU, Amtrak reach tentative contract deal

After more than two years of negotiations, three UTU-SMART general committees representing some 2,300 Amtrak members have reached a deal with the passenger carrier on a new contract. General Chairpersons Bill Beebe, Robert Keeley and Dirk Sampson represent Amtrak conductors, [...]

Coscia elected chairman, Amtrak board of directors

WASHINGTON – The Amtrak Board of Directors has elected Anthony R. Coscia to be its next chairman to help guide the future of the railroad and carry out initiatives to increase ridership and improve operational and financial performance. In addition, the Amtrak board elected J [...]

UP ordered to reinstate whistleblower

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has been ordered to pay $350,000 and reinstate a worker who federal regulators say was fired after reporting an injury to the railroad. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday that the payment [...]

Court eyes corruption in firing of member

The 9th Circuit on March 13 revived claims that corruption led an arbitration panel to fire a railroad conductor for allegedly drinking on the job.
 Richard Kite, a 27-year employee of the BNSF Railway Co., was fired in 2005 after being cited twice in 10 years for reporting t [...]

Around the UTU, March 2013

Local 23, Santa Cruz, Calif. Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District bus operator Jose Polanco, center, is recognized for his outstanding safety record and committed service to the community by a district official on Feb. 22. Polanco developed a plan to identify thousands of [...]

N.D. ‘Spring Swing’ meeting location changes

All active and retired members of North Dakota locals will have the opportunity to visit with UTU International and general committee officers and representatives from the Railroad Retirement Board, health-and-welfare benefit providers and designated legal counsel at a series [...]

Mo. Senate endorses union paycheck bill

JEFFERSON CITY — After steadfast opposition from Democratic senators, the Missouri Senate gave first-round approval early Tuesday morning to a bill that would require public employee unions to seek annual consent in order to automatically deduct fees from members’ paychecks. [...]

UTU-SMART fights longer, heavier trucks

Click here to see a brochure that was mailed and emailed to all active and retired members in Maine and Wisconsin. Members in those states, as well as anyone concerned with the preservation of good-paying railroad jobs, should contact Representatives Michaud and Ribble and as [...]