Rail Industry News
BNSF to pay $1.5 million after oil train spill in Iowa
BNSF Railway has agreed to pay a $1.5 million settlement arising from an oil spill into northwest Iowa waters in 2018, according to court documents filed Thursday.
Hoffa: Apprenticeships play pivotal role in boosting U.S. trucking, supply chain
The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on the Biden administration’s new Trucking Action Plan, which is focused on bolstering the trucking workforce through increased registered apprenticeships to ensure a more robust U.S. supply chain.
Q&A: Reporting events than can affect Railroad Retirement benefits
Rights to benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act also carry responsibilities for reporting events that may affect the payment of these benefits to the employee or to members of the employee’s family.
COVID-19 vaccine mandates and Unemployment and Sickness Benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA)
The Railroad Retirement Board has prepared a list of frequently asked questions regarding those situations in which an employer’s vaccine mandate has adversely affected an employment situation.
Get the latest labor news from the Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters updates the news section of its website each day with the latest regarding the Teamsters, domestic and global labor and trade issues, state and living wage battles, social justice, the War on Workers, and many other important...
Gardner to succeed Flynn as Amtrak leader
Stephen J. Gardner is taking over Amtrak leadership on Jan. 17, 2022, succeeding William J. Flynn, the railroad reported on Dec. 15. Flynn, who is retiring, will remain as a senior advisor through the end of the fiscal year to support the transition.
Minnesota jury awards former BNSF employee $9.4 million in damages
A former track inspector with BNSF Railway Company was awarded $9.4 million in damages following an eight-day trial Wednesday. According to a release, a jury found that Don Sanders was retaliated against in violation of the Federal Railway Safety Act after he reported hazardous safety conditions on the railroad and reported the harassment to BNSF’s human resources.
Supreme Court to decide if stopped train is “in use” under labor law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would clear up confusion among appeals courts over whether a train that has temporarily stopped is still “in use,” exposing railroads to liability for worker injuries.
Intermodal volume falls for 19th straight week
U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Dec. 11, 2021 continued to suffer, as a near-11% fall-off in intermodal volume erased a small increase in carloads, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported on Dec. 15. This is the 19th consecutive week of intermodal losses tamping down carload gains.
Passenger rail receives historic funding as Amtrak’s Downeaster turns 20
There’s light at the end of the tunnel for passenger rail expansion projects thanks to the $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill enacted last month, nearly 20 years after Amtrak’s first Downeaster set off into darkness and uncertainty on a cold December morning.
Freight railroads trying other locomotive fuels to cut emissions
The major freight railroads across North America continue to experiment with alternative locomotive fuels as a way to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Transport Canada proposes amendments to dangerous goods transport regs
The Government of Canada remains committed to promoting public safety and security during the transportation of dangerous goods, which is why important steps continue being taken to reduce the risks of accidents across the country.
Major UP fuel leak spans dozens of miles in California
Approximately 900 gallons of fuel leaked from a train between Sacramento and Dixon, Union Pacific said Wednesday. The spill happened along a 37-mile stretch before it was discovered.
COVID-19 vaccine mandates and Unemployment and Sickness Benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA)
The Railroad Retirement Board has prepared a list of frequently asked questions regarding those situations in which an employer’s vaccine mandate has adversely affected an employment situation.
Q&A: Reporting events than can affect Railroad Retirement benefits
Rights to benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act also carry responsibilities for reporting events that may affect the payment of these benefits to the employee or to members of the employee’s family.
Get the latest labor news from the Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters updates the news section of its website each day with the latest regarding the Teamsters, domestic and global labor and trade issues, state and living wage battles, social justice, the War on Workers, and many other important...
Amtrak: Updated vaccine policy allows employee testing, eliminates service impacts
In a Dec. 14 memo to employees, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn reported that the railroad will “revert to our original vaccine mandate policy announced on Aug. 11, which will allow, on an interim basis, for testing as an alternative to getting vaccinated” against COVID-19.
CP’s $31 billion purchase of KCS advances
A railroad merger nearly derailed this year by a bidding war is moving forward ahead of a final say from regulators on Canadian Pacific’s $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern railroad.
Amtrak employee sues over fatal derailment on Montana’s Hi-Line
An Amtrak on-board service attendant, injured while assisting survivors of an Amtrak train derailment in September on the Montana Hi-Line near Joplin, is suing his employer and BNSF Railway for negligence.
Amtrak posts financial loss for FY2021
Amtrak today reported a $1.08 billion loss in adjusted operating earnings during fiscal-year 2021, a reflection of the pandemic’s toll on the national intercity passenger railroad.
BLET News
“Be Strong:” International rail organizations extend solidarity, condolences following Amtrak crash in Washington State
Three international rail worker Organizations have sent letters of solidarity, support and sympathy to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) National Division, its members and the victims of the fatal December 18 Amtrak derailment near Tacoma, Wash.
BLET to hold ST workshop for LM-2 filers
The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a workshop for all Secretary-Treasurers who file LM-2 reports for their General Committee of Adjustment (GCA), Division or State Legislative Board. This workshop will be held in San Diego, California, from February 13-15, 2018.
BLET President’s statement regarding Dec. 18 Amtrak derailment in Washington State
The following is a statement by Dennis R. Pierce, National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), regarding the fatal Amtrak derailment in Washington State on December 18, 2017
BLET Action Alert: Republican tax bill on track to put Railroad Retirement Unemployment & Sickness benefits in the siding
The Republican tax bill currently working its way through the House and the Senate could have a devastating impact on Railroad Retirement Unemployment and Sickness Benefits, according to analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the General Counsel of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). All active and retired BLET members and their families are urged to contact their Senators and Representatives immediately and urge them to vote “No.” A vote is expected to take place next week.
NCFO members ratify new collective bargaining agreement
The National Conference of Firemen & Oilers, SEIU (NCFO), a partner union of the Coordinated Bargaining Group (CBG), announced on December 13 that its members have ratified the new national agreement with the nation’s major freight railroads. The NCFO is one of five CBG unions to ratify the pact.
43 BLET families win Hoffa scholarships in 2017, including nine $10,000 winners
Forty-three BLET families were winners of scholarships from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2017, including nine $10,000 scholarship winners. The $10,000 awards are the highest honor bestowed by the Hoffa scholarship fund.
Open enrollment ends December 14 at midnight for Aflac Critical Illness and Accident benefits
As a reminder, Open Enrollment for the new BLET Aflac Critical Illness and Accident benefits — first announced on September 6, 2017 — will conclude at midnight tomorrow, Thursday, December 14, 2017. All active members are eligible for the new benefits.
BLET to host S-T training class in January 2018
The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a training class for Secretary-Treasurers from January 22-25, 2018, at the BLET National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio.
SMART TD ratifies new collective bargaining agreement
Members of the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART TD), a partner union of the Coordinated Bargaining Group (CBG), announced on December 1 that its members have ratified the new national agreement by a nearly 4-to-1 margin.
BLET members ratify national contract
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).
