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What part of ‘no’ can’t railroads understand?

Sadly, there is a part of “no” that railroads just can’t understand. So, once again, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has hit a railroad in the wallet for violating an employee’s rights as protected under the Federal Railroad Safe [...]

Senate transport bill only a first step

WASHINGTON – A two-year blueprint for transportation spending has emerged from the Senate, but House action still is required before a bill is ready for President Obama’s signature into law. Notwithstanding the headlines, the Senate’s passage of the two-year S. 1813, “Moving [...]

Job briefings save limbs and lives

Job briefings can prevent serious injuries and fatalities, says the Federal Railroad Administration in a switching fatalities and severe injury update. The FRA cites 23 fatalities that have occurred as a result of what it terms “inadequate job briefings.” The FRA offers the f [...]

Metrolink leading way installing PTC

Positive train control (PTC) is modern technology to reduce train accidents, save lives and limbs, improve on-time performance and produce revenue-enhancing business benefits for railroads. PTC utilizes the satellite global positioning system (GPS), wireless communications an [...]

NS needs conductors in Pennsylvania

In another sign the economy is improving, Norfolk Southern Railway says it needs to hire more conductors in Pennsylvania. The company says it plans to hold recruiting sessions Tuesday, March 20, in Harrisburg, Pa., and Thursday, March 22, in the Allentown, Pa., area to seek c [...]

2012 tax rates to remain the same

Local treasurers should note that employees will continue to receive the benefit of reduced payroll taxes and access to extended unemployment benefits under legislation signed by President Barack Obama on Feb. 22. That law, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of [...]

MBCR GM knows who does the heavy lifting

BOSTON — Have you ever thought it would be nice to hear an employer give credit to the front-line workers who do the heavy lifting? Well, such long overdue recognition came from Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR) General Manager Hugh Kiley Jr. March 1, and he sh [...]

There’s a mobile app for rail health care info

There is a smartphone app for SMART TD members covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan or the National Railway Carriers and SMART TD Health and Welfare Plan. The  mobile app is available for users of iPhone, Blackberry and Droid platforms, and th [...]

Vision plan assistance for tornado victims

VSP Vision Care is working to fulfill the eye care needs of those directly affected by recent tornadoes throughout the Midwest. * Any VSP member who has lost or broken their eyewear due to the tornadoes may call the VSP member services support line at (800) 877-7195 to have t [...]

Lullaby and goodnight — if only …

UTU members hearing about a National Sleep Foundation study just released might be tempted to roll their eyes and ask – depending on craft – “Does ballast contain rip-rap? Do buses have headlights? Do airplanes have wings?” Yet, sometimes, what is as obvious to transportation [...]