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Rail Industry News

Class I September employment down from August count

(Source: Progressive Railroading, October 21, 2020) Class Is as of mid-September employed 118,123 people, down 0.3% from mid-August's level and down 13.69% from September 2019's count, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data. Four of six employment...

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Amtrak CEO sees travel down 70% in 2021

(Source: Reuters, October 21, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chief executive of Amtrak will tell lawmakers on Wednesday the U.S. passenger railroad expects travel and revenue to fall by more than 70% from pre-coronavirus levels in 2021, as it considers more service and...

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CN reports Q3 2020 financial results

(Source: CN press release, October 20, 2020) MONTREAL — CN today reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020. "CN's people never stopped working since the beginning of the pandemic and I am proud of the essential...

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CP Rail reports Q3 2020 results

(Source: Canadian Pacific Railway press release, October 20, 2020) CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Railway Limited today announced third-quarter revenues of $1.86 billion, diluted earnings per share ("EPS") of $4.41, adjusted diluted EPS of $4.12 and an operating ratio of...

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Amtrak tests new faster trains

(Source: CBS News, October 17, 2020) NEW YORK — Amtrak is set to roll out its fastest train yet, traveling at up to 160 mph. Amtrak gave CBS News an inside look at the speed tests for the new trains, which are set to debut in 2021. Full story: Yahoo News

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BLET News

Railroad retirement tax reduced for 2011

Among the items included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 17, is a temporary employee payroll tax cut.

Happy Holidays from National President Pierce

Now that the election is over and our members have spoken, the time has come for all BLET members to bond together as we move into the future, so that true democracy prevails. The eyes of all in the rail community are upon us now, and the success of our proud exercise in democracy will be proven when all BLET members unite and get behind the efforts of our Organization.

Announcement of verified results of National Division Officers election

As prescribed by the Rules for the 2010 BLET National Division Officers Election, National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert has released the verified results of National Division Officers election. A total of 22 National Division Officers and Alternates were chosen in the election.

BLET to conduct workshop for Legislative Reps

The BLET Education & Training Department, in conjunction with the National Legislative Office and the National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen (NASLBC), will conduct a workshop for BLET Division Legislative Representatives in Washington, D.C., from February 13-17, 2010.

Ballots mailed in CSX ratification votes

Ratification ballots were mailed on December 9 to over 2,400 active BLET members working for CSX Transportation to decide the fate of two proposed agreements.

Pierce, Walpert reelected

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce and National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert have been reelected to four-year terms that begin on January 1, 2011.

Deadline extended to Dec. 31 for eligible dependents

Thanks to an agreement between the Cooperating Railway Labor Organizations (CRLO) and the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC), BLET members now have until December 31, 2010, to register their eligible dependents (up to age 26) for health care. The original

GA-46000 Lifetime maximum adjusted for 2011

The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (also known as ERMA or GA-46000) Plan will increase from $118,900 to $126,200 on January 1, 2011.

Requesting replacement ballots for BLET Officer elections

Members requesting a replacement ballot should be prepared to provide their name, mailing address, and BLET Division number. Ballots must be mailed in time to reach P.O. Box 93966, Cleveland, Ohio, 44101-9815, no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010.

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