Transportation News

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Republicans, Romney & Ryan agree: Kill Amtrak

The Republican National Convention has made it official and in writing – the Republican Party, its presidential candidate Mitt Romney and its vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan are in agreement to end all federal funding for Amtrak and high-speed rail. Romney previously si [...]

Previsich elevated to UTU No. 2 post

John Previsich has been elevated from International vice president to assistant president by the UTU Board of Directors, succeeding Arty Martin, who retires Sept. 1. UTU International President Mike Futhey said of Martin’s departure, “It is difficult to lose a talent like Art [...]

Romney will deliver on his promises

By International President Mike Futhey –  There is an old political saying: “If you stop lying about me, I’ll stop telling the truth about you.” When it comes to Mitt Romney, we don’t have to tell the truth about him. He already is telling the truth about himself. Here [...]

Regional meeting workshops improved skills

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New pact on Columbia & Cowlitz

Train and engine, mechanical and maintenance of way employees on Columbia & Cowlitz Railway in Washington state – all represented by the UTU — have ratified their first agreement since voting “UTU yes” in October 2011. They are members of UTU Local 1348. Negotiation [...]

Update on conductor certification

By Larry Mann, UTU Rail Safety Coordinator –  The FRA amended its conductor certification rules in February, delaying the time for testing conductors, extending the time for formulating training programs and amending the territorial qualification requirements. By Sept. [...]

IC yardmasters have tentative pact

UTU-represented yardmasters employed by Canadian National Railway’s Illinois Central Railroad have reached a new tentative agreement following mediation assistance from the National Mediation Board. A March tentative agreement was rejected by the membership, which will now vo [...]

Railroad health plan enrollment changes

This year’s annual open enrollment for active railroad employees covered by the National Railroad Health & Welfare plans (NRC-UTU and GA 23000) may be completed online during September and October. You start the open enrollment process by going to the “Alerts and Importan [...]

High-tech chicken soup to ease fatigue

Sleep, fatigue, workplace safety and quality of life are stitched together tighter than the seams on a major league baseball – and unpredictable work schedules can undo those stitches faster than a Stephen Strasburg 100-mph heater. A new website, created by sleep scientists a [...]

NS: More than a hat trick or golden sombrero

In ice hockey, the scoring by one player of three goals is called a “hat trick.” In baseball, a player striking out four times in a single game is said to have earned a “golden sombrero.” Norfolk Southern’s feat is to have earned from OSHA a still unnamed fifth signific [...]