Rail Industry News
Weekly U.S. coal train loadings jump 11.2% on week, 10.3% on year
(Source: Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide, March 13, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. coal train loadings jumped to a 13-month high in the week ended March 5, despite loadings from Northern and Central Appalachia declined on the week, Surface Transportation Board data...
Port of Long Beach logs busiest February on record
(Source: Progressive Railroading, March 12, 2021) An unseasonable surge in cargo helped the Port of Long Beach register its busiest-ever February. Full story: Progressive Railroading
House hearing witnesses argue rail more relevant to economy than ever
(Source: Freight Waves, March 12, 2021) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Against the backdrop of Congress’ plans to push through a major transportation infrastructure bill, witnesses testifying at a U.S. House hearing on Wednesday spoke about the need for public partners to...
COVID-19 rescue package signed: What’s in store for transit and Amtrak?
(Source: Railway Age, March 12, 2021) NEW YORK — Let’s take a closer look at the increases in relief for transit and Amtrak; consider how they will affect service; and examine what transit, Amtrak and their riders can expect in the near future. Full story: Railway...
MTA calls off wage freeze after Biden signs COVID-19 stimulus
(Source: New York Post, March 11, 2021) NEW YORK — MTA officials have called off plans to renege on schedule wage increase — after receiving an influx of $6.5 billion from the new stimulus bill. Full story: New York Post
Freight rail leaders testify on industry’s economic, environmental impact
(Source: Progressive Railroading, March 11, 2021) Caren Kraska of Arkansas and Missouri Railroad (A&M) and Tom Williams of BNSF Railway Co. yesterday testified before a House subcommittee hearing on the impact of rail on the nation's economy and environment. Full...
Full passenger train service to resume in NC for the first time since COVID-19 pandemic
(Source: Charlotte Observer, March 11, 2021) CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Passenger trains in North Carolina will soon be running at their full schedule for the first time since travel was curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic last spring. Full story: Charlotte Observer
MTA launches employee vaccination site at Grand Central Terminal
(Source: Progressive Railroading, March 11, 2021) The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently launched a new COVID-19 employee vaccination site at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Full story: Progressive Railroading
Passenger rail facing $28 million liability cap increase
(Source: Railway Age, March 11, 2021) NEW YORK — March 27 is the deadline for commuter railroads to secure a new liability insurance coverage limit of $323 million, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation — $28 million more than is currently required. Full...
AAR reports rail traffic for week ending March 6, 2021
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, March 10, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 6, 2021. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 515,135...
Transportation gets a big boost in recovery package but still faces an uncertain future
(Source: Washington Post, March 11, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak will receive $1.7 billion under President Biden’s plan, allowing it to restore daily service on 12 long-distance routes that were reduced in 2020. The passenger railroad system also will be able to...
Biden delivers on Teamsters’ pension priorities in signing American Rescue Plan
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, March 11, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Teamsters today are celebrating President Biden’s signing of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) into law, bold legislation that among other things will...
BLET files for federal mediation to resolve LIRR contract impasse
(Source: Newsday, March 11, 2021) NEW YORK — The union representing 500 LIRR train operators has filed for federal mediation, signaling a contract impasse that, unless resolved, could eventually trigger a work stoppage. Full story: Newsday
New air brake rules ordered by Transport Canada after short line derailment
(Source: CBC News, March 10, 2021) OTTAWA, Ont. — The Minister of Transportation is implementing two new directives to Canada's railway industry following a derailment in Goderich, Ont. that preliminary reports show are similar to another crash in Saskatchewan. Full...
NTSB to finalize 2021-22 Most Wanted List at April 6 meeting
(Source: National Transportation Safety Board press release, March 10, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board announced Wednesday its intent to hold a public board meeting April 6, 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, to finalize its 2021 – 2022 Most...
U.S. weekly coal carloads jump to 13-month high
(Source: S&P Global Platts, March 10, 2021) HOUSTON — U.S. coal carload originations jumped to a 13-month high 65,632 in the week that ended March 6, up 11.9% from 58,634 a week earlier and the most since 69,261 in the week ended Feb. 1, 2020, according to a March 10...
Week 9 traffic improves following frozen February
(Source: Association of American Railroads, March 10, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Total U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 6 was 515,135 carloads and intermodal units, up 11.4% compared with the same week last year, according to the Association of American...
Department of Labor orders BNSF Railway to pay more than $290,000 in damages, reinstate whistleblower
(Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) press release, March 10, 2021) FORT WORTH, Texas — An employee of one of the nation's largest North American freight railroad networks will receive more than $290,000 in back pay,...
Teamsters celebrate passage of COVID-19 stimulus bill delivering pension relief
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, March 10, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Teamsters are euphoric about the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) clearing its final legislative hurdle in the House today, ensuring more than 1 million U.S....
With Congressional funding, Amtrak to recall 1,200 furloughed workers and restore 12 long distance routes to daily service
(Source: Reuters, March 10, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak will restore daily service to 12 long distance routes starting in May after Congress on Wednesday gave final approval to $1.7 billion in additional emergency funding. Amtrak will also...
BLET News
Galveston to host BLET for 2012 SWCM
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen will convene in Galveston, Texas, for the 77th annual Southwestern Convention Meeting (SWCM), September 9-13, 2012. Upcoming deadlines are Saturday, August 18 for hotel reservations and Friday, August 31 for convention registration.
Arlin Todd reelected by acclamation in Louisiana
Brother Arlin S.Todd was reelected by acclamation to the office of Chairman of the Louisiana State Legislative Board at the Board’s quadrennial meeting in New Orleans, La., August 13, 2012.
Romney enlists Ryan to wage war on railroad workers
Less than three weeks away from formally accepting his party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has chosen Wisconsin Representative and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, the architect of a plan to gut the pension rights of railroad workers, as his running mate.
Geisler elected General Chairman of Union Pacific-Eastern District GCA
Dave L. Geisler was elected General Chairman of the Union Pacific-Eastern District General Committee of Adjustment at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, from August 6-9, 2012.
Why Obama?
If you have been following the BLET’s publications this year, you know that our message has been consistent. We have said repeatedly that unions and their hard working members did not cause this nation’s problems. We have also said that now is the time for all union members to get involved in their union and in doing so get involved in their future. Our “Proud to be American, Proud to be Union” campaign is all part of this effort.
Important reminder: Register to vote!
With just under 90 days until Election Day, the BLET’s National Legislative Board is reminding all members to register and vote in the upcoming November elections. National elections will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.
BLET members ratify contracts at three short lines
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) recently ratified new collective bargaining agreements with three different short line railroads.
Express Scripts and Medco are now one company
Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, Inc., have come together as one company to manage your prescription benefit. Express Scripts will be the new prescription drug provider to many BLET members. Members should experience no change in the quality of service or member experience as a result of this merger.
On the Right Track: 2012 Triennial Election manual now online
The 2012 edition of “On the Right Track,” the Local Division nomination and election procedure manual, is now available for download from the BLET website.
BLET to conduct Advanced Local Chairman workshop, Sept. 30-Oct. 5
The BLET Education & Training Department is seeking participants for an Advanced Local Chairman Workshop scheduled for September 30-October 5, 2012.
