Rail Industry News
AAR reports rail traffic for week ending November 20, 2021
For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 508,309 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.9 percent compared with the same week last year.
State appeals court rejects long-standing challenge to California bullet train
The last pending civil lawsuit seeking to stop the California high-speed rail project hit a wall Tuesday when a state appeals court affirmed a lower court ruling that the project did not violate the California Constitution by adopting a segmented approach to building the system.
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.
Medicare Part B Premiums for 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $170.10 in 2022, an increase of $21.60 from $148.50 in 2021.
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...
Unions counter Metra COVID vaccine mandate
CLEVELAND, Ohio, November 24, 2021 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) have responded to the suit Metra filed...
STB grants Amtrak access to CSX yard in Mobile, Ala.
The STB on Monday issued a decision honoring Amtrak’s request for an order allowing it access to CSX’s Choctaw Yard in Mobile, Ala., to conduct a survey to determine a possible site for a layover track for trains on the proposed New Orleans-Mobile route.
Bipartisan infrastructure law includes new safety measures for railroads
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684 (117), was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021. In addition to $66 billion in funding for passenger and freight railroads, the law contains a number of new railroad safety measures to be implemented by the U.S. Department of Transportation acting through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
CN shuts Vancouver service in latest setback for exporters
Flooding in southern B.C. continues to present logistical challenges for exporters as Canadian National Railway shut its service along the key freight corridor because of heavy precipitation.
Saskatchewan moves to amend Constitution amid civil trial with Canadian Pacific
The basis of a lawsuit between Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. and the Saskatchewan government moves to the floor of the provincial legislature Monday, before possibly heading to Ottawa in a bid to amend the Constitution.
Transport Canada amends grade crossing regulations
The amendments are designed to preserve core safety objectives while providing financial relief to public and private authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic by extending compliance deadlines and ensuring that low-risk crossings are not subject to an undue burden, Transport Canada officials said in a press release.
Lift off for Howard Street Tunnel expansion project
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan led public- and private-sector leaders in breaking ground on the $466 million Howard Street Tunnel expansion project, which will reconstruct the 126-year-old freight rail tunnel to accommodate double-stacked container trains to and from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.
KCS announces Holiday Express challenge grant to benefit salvation army in 21 communities
Kansas City Southern (KCS) announced in September that it would celebrate the 21st anniversary of its KCS Holiday Express program with a fundraiser to benefit The Salvation Army in 21 communities on its U.S. rail network. To date this year, the KCS Holiday Express project has raised nearly $120,000 for this cause. The company is now issuing a challenge grant to raise even more.
TSA names surface transportation security committee members
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently appointed six new surface transportation industry leaders to serve on the Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee (STSAC).
Medicare Part B Premiums for 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $170.10 in 2022, an increase of $21.60 from $148.50 in 2021.
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...
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.
U.S. intermodal drop-off spans 15 consecutive weeks
For the week ending Nov. 20, 2021, U.S. Class I railroads hauled 237,244 carloads, up 1.6% from the same point last year, but the 271,065 intermodal containers and trailers they moved fell 10% from 2020, the Association of American Railroads reported on Nov. 24. This is the 15th consecutive week of intermodal losses.
STB accepts CP-KCS merger application as complete
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board decided that Canadian Pacific’s merger application is complete, dismissing concerns from other railroads.
Mexican regulators approve CP-KCS merger
Mexican regulators have approved Canadian Pacific’s $31 billion plan to acquire Kansas City Southern and create a railroad linking Mexico, Canada and the United States.
BLET News
Union Plus offers help for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program1.
Teamsters expand Disaster Relief assistance in Texas
he Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expanded the list of counties in Texas where it has declared a major disaster due to Hurricane Harvey, opening the way for the Teamsters to provide Disaster Relief assistance in additional areas.
RRB advises rail workers impacted by Hurricane Harvey
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is reminding rail employees out of work due to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath that they may qualify for unemployment benefits. To determine eligibility or file claims for benefits, affected railroaders should call the RRB’s toll-free telephone number (1-877-772-5772) or visit its website at www.rrb.gov.
Labor Day 2017
By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President With the Labor Day holiday upon us, it is an appropriate time to recognize unions for all they do for American workers and the nation’s economy.
Teamsters offer disaster relief assistance in West Virginia
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is offering Disaster Relief assistance to members living in West Virginia after severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides damaged homes and property from July 28-29, 2017.
BLET relaunches Perrien Fund to assist members with Hurricane Harvey relief
The BLET’s National Division Advisory Board approved a recommendation from BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce today to re-activate and expand its Gary Perrien Fund to provide financial assistance to members living in Texas and Louisiana who have been the hardest hit by Hurricane Harvey.
Teamsters offer disaster relief assistance in Texas
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is offering Disaster Relief assistance to members living in Texas after Hurricane Harvey damaged homes and property from August 25-27, 2017.
Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund coordinating efforts with South Texas leader
Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa has directed international union staff to provide all necessary support to members impacted by Hurricane Harvey and the resulting floods.
Space remains for LC, ST training classes in September
BLET Local Chairmen and Secretary-Treasurers are encouraged to register as soon as possible for training courses scheduled for September 2017.
Save the date: 2018 BLET regional meetings
The BLET National Division is pleased to announce the dates and locations of its 2018 regional meetings: June 18-22 in Monterey, California; and August 13-17 in Washington, D.C.
