FRA proposes new minimum training standards
WASHINGTON – New minimum training and qualification standards are being proposed by the Federal Railroad Administration for rail workers in safety sensitive positions. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published Feb. 7 in the Federal Register, the FRA said affected employees would have to be trained and qualified in federal rail safety laws, regulations and orders. Those affected include train and engine workers, maintenance-of-way employees, and workers who inspect and repair freight and passenger cars and locomotives. The FRA proposes that each railroad or contractor develop a training program designating the qualifications of each employee and them submit that program for agency … Read More
FRA amends conductor certification rule
WASHINGTON – Responding to petitions for reconsideration to its Nov. 9, 2011, final rule on conductor certification, the FRA has delayed for six months the testing implementation dates and clarified other mandates affecting territorial qualifications and the definition of hostlers. The FRA, in a Feb. 8 Federal Register notice, said that because its final rule was published Nov. 9, 2011, six months later than contemplated, carriers were not permitted sufficient time to formulate training programs and have them approved by the FRA in time for testing to begin March 1, 2012. Therefore: * By Sept. 1, 2012 (rather than March 1, 2012), each railroad (other than Class III) shall designate as … Read More
Big pride in bus, transit victories
By Bonnie MorrVice President, Bus Department The UTU has gained a new First Transit property in Farmington, N.M., which is now in Local 1687 out of Albuquerque. Contract negotiations have begun. We also are in the initial stages of organizing some 200 workers on a transit property and a light rail property in Southern California. I am currently assisting Local 1741, whose members are employed by First Student in San Francisco as they prepare for two arbitrations, including a discipline issue and a workers’ compensation issue. In both cases we are seeking reinstatement of the members. With assistance from the International Law Department, we recently completed a trial at the National … [Read More...]
Great Lakes Airlines pilots need our help
By RICK JOHNSONColorado State Legislative Director Safety is job number one for UTU-represented pilots employed by Great Lakes Airlines. Yet their current contract with the carrier is substandard in terms of working conditions and wages that daily puts pressure on their ability to fly passengers safely. The image of airline pilots earning high wages and access to company-paid top-flight hotel rooms does not apply to our Great Lakes brothers and sisters. Under the current contract with Great Lakes Airlines, pilots are the lowest paid of any scheduled passenger airline in the United States. On Great Lakes Airlines, a first officer can expect to make less than $15,000 in the first year. … Read More
FRA amends conductor certification rule
WASHINGTON – Responding to petitions for reconsideration to its Nov. 9, 2011, final rule on conductor certification, the FRA has delayed for six months the testing implementation dates and clarified other mandates affecting territorial qualifications and the definition of hostlers. The FRA, in a Feb. 8 Federal Register notice, said that because its final rule was published Nov. 9, 2011, six months later than contemplated, carriers were not permitted sufficient time to formulate training programs and have them approved by the FRA in time for testing to begin March 1, 2012. Therefore: * By Sept. 1, 2012 (rather than March 1, 2012), each railroad (other than Class III) shall designate as "certified conductors" all persons authorized by the railroad to perform the duties of a conductor as … (Read More)
UTUIA now accepting scholarship applications
The UTUIA is now accepting scholarship applications for the UTU/UTUIA Scholarship Program. Information regarding the scholarship and the application process is below. The application form printed in the January edition of the UTU News is the official scholarship application form and is the only one that will be accepted. If you need an application form, write to the address below, and include your UTU local or UTUIA local unit number. Deadline Applications must be received each year by the last business day in March. Applications Only one application may be submitted per student. Incomplete, photocopied or duplicate applications will not be accepted. The application form printed in the traditional print version of the January edition of the UTU News is the official scholarship … (Read More)
Notice to UTU local treasurers
UTU local treasurers must file Internal Revenue Service forms W-2 and W-3 forms for all employees receiving wages in 2011. The W-2 form reports wages paid to employees, and the Social Security or Railroad Retirement taxes and Medicare taxes withheld, and must be filed with the Social Security Administration by Feb. 29, and provided to employees on or before Jan. 31. The Social Security Administration reports relevant amounts on the W-2 to the Internal Revenue Service. The W-3 form is sent to the Social Security Administration (even for employees under Railroad Retirement) no later than Feb. 29, and shows total earnings, Social Security wages or Railroad Retirement wages, Medicare wages and withholding for all employees in tax year 2011. Copy A of the W-2 form must also be sent with the … Read More
Eye exams can detect vision-robbing glaucoma
For transportation workers, our eyes are among the most important tools of our trade. Lose your eyesight and you lose your livelihood. That’s why every transportation worker should be aware that an eye disease called glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting more than three million Americans. Glaucoma often is called a “sneak thief”, because it has no apparent symptoms. Undiagnosed glaucoma, which attacks the optic nerve, can rob us of 40 percent of our eyesight slowly, but progressively -- and before we fully realize the problem. Once glaucoma robs us of our vision, there is no cure. However, medication and/or surgery can slow down or prevent loss of vision. While glaucoma has no symptoms, there are events you should be aware of – events that should send you … [Read More...]
UTU Collective Bargaining Defense Fund
Updates: Walking papers for Wis. Gov. Walker (01/18/12) Indiana commencing new assault on labor unions (01/03/12) Back to Wisconsin (11/30/11) Ohio voters restore collective bargaining rights (11/09/11) Against odds, labor sends loud message in Wisconsin (08/10/11) Fund fuels another win (07/15/11) Wisconsin decision will embolden extremists (06/15/11) At 97, former UTU president still leads fight (05/24/11) Working families are under attack (04/12/11) Labor rallies produce the votes we want (04/07/11) Our strength is in our PAC and numbers (03/11/11) Martin: We must fight attacks on collective bargaining (03/09/11) Donations to the Collective Bargaining Defense Fund By International President Mike Futhey In state after state, anti-union right-wing extremists are … [Read More...]
