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Daily Headlines
RRB pays extended unemployment benefits under CARES Act
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, May 11, 2020) CHICAGO — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, recently signed into law by President Trump, authorized extended unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for railroad workers...
“No funding security in the future:” Why passengers may have to wait longer for SEPTA upgrades
(Source: WHYY, May 11, 2020) PHILADELPHIA — Planned improvements to SEPTA Key and other transit infrastructure could be put on hold due to an expected delay in state funding. Full story: www.whyy.org
Crowding concerns due to COVID-19 may force MBTA to get creative
(Source: Boston.com, May 11, 2020) BOSTON — Within a few months, the coronavirus has turned an “exciting” time for the MBTA into “a period of great, great uncertainty.” according to Steve Poftak, the agency’s general manager. Full story: www.boston.com
NJ Transit expanding coronavirus testing for its workers with site in South Jersey
(Source: www.nj.com, May 11, 2020) NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit employees will get a South Jersey location to be tested for the coronavirus, following through on a pledge made last week. Full story: www.nj.com
FreightCar America anticipates challenging headwinds
(Source: Freight Waves, May 11, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — FreightCar America is starting to ramp up railcar production, but its executives warned that the company could see an extended downturn that includes high volumes of railcars in storage. Full story: Freight...
Powder River Basin coal mine furloughs nearly 100 workers
(Source: Casper Star Tribune, May 11, 2020) CASPER, Wyo. — Another Powder River Basin coal mine has reduced its workforce in response to weak market conditions for coal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story: Casper Star Tribune
BNSF laying off workers in Nebraska
(Source: Lincoln Journal Star, May 11, 2020) LINCOLN, Neb. — BNSF Railway is cutting jobs in Nebraska, including about a dozen in Lincoln. Andy Williams, a spokesman for the Berkshire Hathaway-owned railroad, said it's reducing its mechanical workforce by 95 positions...
U.S. says Washington state overstepped with oil train law
(Source: Associated Press May 11, 2020) BILLINGS, Mont. — The Trump administration on Monday moved to block a Washington state law that imposed safety restrictions on oil shipments by rail in response to numerous explosive accidents. The Department of Transportation...
Coronavirus Relief Act impacts railroad workers
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, March 31, 2020) CHICAGO — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, signed into law by President Trump on March 27, boosts unemployment and sickness benefits for railroad workers impacted by...
Q&A: Comparison of benefits under Railroad Retirement and Social Security
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, March 22, 2020) CHICAGO — Employers and employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act pay higher retirement taxes than those covered by the Social Security Act. As a result, railroad retirement benefits are higher...
