WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement on the department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report released today on union membership in 2015:
“With today’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report, we are reminded again that the labor movement continues to be one of the most powerful forces for strengthening the middle class and providing economic stability, for members and non-members alike.
“Median weekly earnings of full-time union workers ($975) were more than 25 percent higher than those of non-union workers ($776) in 2015. That’s not pocket change – it comes to more than $10,000 per year. That goes a long way toward writing the mortgage check, paying down the car loan, or even just keeping the kids in snow boots. And, that doesn’t even account for the superior benefits, safer workplaces and other advantages that come with union representation.
Perez
“Plus, strong unions empower all working people, putting upward pressure on wages and labor standards throughout the economy. After all, you don’t need a union card to have benefitted from the advent of the weekend.
“So we all have skin in the game when unions are threatened and collective bargaining rights come under attack. When a larger percentage of workers belong to unions, the middle class grows and thrives. But research shows that a decline in union membership over roughly the last four decades is responsible for one-third of the growth in wage inequality among men and one-fifth of the growth in wage inequality among women.
“The Obama administration continues to push back against these attacks, exploring avenues for strengthening the right to organize and new strategies for giving workers greater voice on the job. We believe this essential to building an economy that works for everyone.
“We’ve made a dramatic turnaround in the last seven years – from a devastating recession to the highest levels of job growth since the late 1990s. But, there is still unfinished business. We must do more to ensure that all working families can share in the fruits of this recovery.
“When more workers are able to stand together and speak up for one another, negotiating for their fair share of the value they help create, it strengthens all of us. To restore balance to the economy and create shared prosperity, we need robust labor unions and powerful worker voice.”
The Missouri State Legislative Board is holding a “Surviving Layoff” workshop as a part of the Missouri AFL-CIO’s Dislocated Worker Program, Jan. 29, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.
The workshop will be held at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 Hall, 2902 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64129. The workshop is open to all rail employees (furloughed and possibly going to be), and will be 1.5 – 2 hours long and includes a Q&A session.
RSVP is not required, but is appreciated so that the board can have enough materials for all in attendance. Please contact Missouri State Legislative Director Jason Hayden if you plan to attend. He may be reached by emailing director@smartmoslb.org or by calling 573-634-3303.
Brother Kenneth Lloyd Rogers, age 67, passed away December 21, 2015 at his home in Rocklin, Calif. Services were held in Roseville, Calif. December 28, 2015. Rogers is survived by his wife, Mooling Rogers, his three daughters, Kristen, Gwendolyn, and Amy, and many extended family members, friends and colleagues.
Rogers was a graduate of the University of California with a BS degree in zoology, and held lifelong interests on subjects ranging from science, politics and history, to labor advocacy and the rights of workers. Above all else, his main focus was his family.
Rogers dedicated over 40 years of service to the Union Pacific Railroad and Local 492 (Sacramento, Calif.). He will always be remembered by his Brothers and Sisters as a remarkable person and a staunch labor advocate, who stood up for what was right, even if it went against the grain. Whatever the issue—disciplinary matter, seniority dispute, medical insurance, or on-duty injuries, Rogers did the research, made the arguments, and built a solid case.
His research on any given subject was well-known for its depth, scope and detail. Rogers’ “chain of custody” arguments regarding FRA and company drug and alcohol testing became, and remain, the industry standard. Regardless of the issue, when those in authority (whether union or company) found out that Rogers was on the case, they sat up and paid attention.
When Rogers retired, he brought that same passion to the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railroad Employees (NARVRE), and was a champion on behalf of retired railroaders and their spouses, fighting for RRB, including medical insurance and life insurance benefits.
Kenneth Lloyd Rogers was one-of-kind; he will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Bernice “Bunny” Sovine Laugel, 88, of Mooresville, N.C. died Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at Brookdale Assisted Living.
Laugel was a homemaker who loved to travel, enjoyed crocheting, had a great sense of humor and loved to make people smile.
She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Frank Laugel and her daughters Debbi Hart and Judy Gang.
Laugel is survived by her children Kenneth (Mechele) Laugel and Cyndi (Gary) Hart; grandchildren Greg (Michelle) Hart, Adam (Amanda) Hart, Emily (Nathan) Higgs, Amanda (Cory) Gibson, Ashley Laugel and Cameron Laugel; great grandchildren Tyler, Charlie and Jackson Hart, Ethan and Raelynn Gibson and Isaiah Prince.
Visitation for Laugel was held Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville.
SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, has endorsed Hillary Clinton as the union’s choice for President in the upcoming 2016 election.
Clinton stood out to members based on her strong leadership, experience, competency and unwavering support for working families. The selection process had input from a survey of the union’s U.S.-based members and from its leadership at the local, regional, and national levels.
SMART General President Joseph Sellers, Jr., said, “She has the real-world experience and dedication that makes her the right candidate to serve the interests of America’s working families in these turbulent times.”
Clinton
Sellers noted that “Secretary Clinton’s plans are detailed and well-reasoned. On the economy, she will build on our apprenticeship and training programs, expand and improve freight transportation and transit and address environmental concerns with investments in energy efficiency. All of these involve jobs that members earn their living in every day.”
SMART surveyed its diverse membership on the 2016 election in December. The poll focused on issues, not candidates, in order for member feedback to guide the union’s electoral efforts in every race, at every level, in 2016 and beyond.
Members overwhelmingly chose jobs and the economy as their most vital interest. On qualifications, members indicated they want leaders to possess the competency, broad experience and serious approach necessary to tackle the nation’s difficult domestic and international challenges.
These, combined with the membership’s preference, led the SMART General Executive Council to approve Secretary Clinton for the Union’s support. SMART will mobilize its members across the United States to help ensure that Hillary Clinton is elected to serve as the next President of the United States.
Sellers also acknowledged Senator Bernie Sanders, saying, “I thank him for his lifetime of unwavering support for working families and especially for ensuring that the everyday issues working families face are squarely addressed in this campaign.”
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SMART is one of North America’s most dynamic and diverse unions. SMART’s 216,000 U.S. and Canadian members ensure the quality of the air we breathe, promote energy efficiency, and produce and provide the vital services that move freight and products to market and passengers to their destinations. We are sheet metal workers, service technicians, bus operators, rail engineers and conductors, sign workers, welders, production employees and more.
Enforcement push is part of broader effort to increase overall rail safety
WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced that its stepped-up enforcement of railroad safety regulations led to the highest-ever civil penalty collection rate in the agency’s 50-year history.
For Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, the agency will collect 75 percent of all civil penalties it issued to railroads for violating federal safety regulations – a six percent increase over FY2014, and the largest percentage rate ever collected by the agency. The total amount of civil penalties in FY2015, $15 million, increased by 12 percent compared to the previous year.
“Safety must be the number one priority for every railroad, and the Department of Transportation will continue to take aggressive action against railroads who fail to follow safety rules,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “A strong safety enforcement program is critical to prevent accidents, save lives and move our country forward.”
FRA’s collection rate is the highest in the agency’s history and significantly higher than previous years.
Year
Collection Rate
FY 2015
75%
FY 2014
69%
FY 2013
68%
FY 2012
69%
FY 2011
68%
FY 2010
68%
FY 2009
67%
Last year, more than 6,485 railroad company violations resulted in civil penalties. The largest portion of those violations, 29 percent, was for motive power and equipment violations, followed by 26 percent for track violations.
FRA Safety Discipline
Violations Resulting in a Civil Penalty
Percentage
Hazmat
1,327
20%
MP&E
1,869
29%
OP
1,184
18%
Signal & Train Control
416
7%
Track
1,689
26%
TOTAL
6,485
“Setting a record for collections is an important milestone, but it is just one element of FRA’s broader effort to achieve a safer rail system,” said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg. “As we continue to aggressively enforce safety regulations, FRA will also continue to implement new, innovative solutions to increase safety.”
The stepped-up enforcement of safety regulations is part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s larger, comprehensive effort to increase safety of the nation’s rail system. Administrator Feinberg has also prioritized railroad crossing safety, improving the safety of hazmat and crude transport, increasing transparency and working more closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
CSX Corporation announced a solid fourth quarter and full-year financial performance for 2015. The railroad announced declines for the fourth quarter and mixed financial results for the full year.
CSX reported in a press conference that net earnings declined five percent to $466 million or $0.48 per share (down two percent), down from last year’s fourth quarter net earnings of $491 million or $0.49 per share.
Fourth quarter revenue declined 13 percent, as a result of a six percent volume decline and the impact of lower fuel recovery. CSX reported that expenses decreased 13 percent; reflecting reduced fuel prices, lower volume-related costs and efficiency gains. As a result, operating income declined for the quarter by 12 percent to $791 million, while operating ratio improved 20 basis points to 71.6 percent.
For the full year 2015, CSX generated $11.8 billion in revenue as growth in intermodal, automatic and minerals markets partially offset continued significant declines in coal. The company reports a four percent increase of earnings per share to $2.00 on net earnings of $2.0 billion. CSX said that improving service, resource alignment and efficiency gains helped generate an operating income of nearly $3.6 billion and the company’s first sub-70 full-year operating ratio at 69.7 percent.
“CSX delivered solid results in 2015 by balancing strong service with compelling cost control and efficiency gains despite a market challenged by low commodity prices and global impacts of the strong U.S. dollar,” CEO Michael J. Ward said.
“With negative global and industrial market trends projected for 2016, full-year earnings per share are expected to be down compared to 2015. CSX will continue to be rigorous about efficiency, resources and service quality in order to maximize shareholder value and achieve a mid-60s operating ratio longer term.”
Operating ratio is a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, and is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. The lower the operating ratio, the more efficient the railroad.
Canadian Pacific Railway announced record fourth quarter and full-year earnings for 2015.
The fourth quarter saw the highest ever diluted earnings per share for the period at C$2.08 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.72. Adjusted and reported operating ratio came in at 59.8 percent, matching the record-setting performance of 2014.
For the full-year 2015, CP announced diluted earnings per share at C$8.40 and adjusted diluted earnings per share at a record C$10.10, a 19 percent improvement over last year’s reported adjusted earnings per share of C$8.40. The railroad posted a best-ever full-year adjusted and reported operating ratio of 61 and 60 percent, beating the previous record set in 2014 at 370 and 470 basis points respectively. CP also reported record revenues of C$6.71 billion for the year.
“Thanks to our committed, hard-working employees across the network we have produced a record low operating ratio along with record earnings per share,” CEO E. Hunter Harrison said. “Despite challenging economic conditions and lower commodity prices, we continue to focus on what we can control – lowering costs, creating efficiencies and improving service.
“While the North American economy braces itself for more headwinds, we remain optimistic about the future and CP’s continued growth. Despite the challenges, we expect 2016 to bring an operating ratio below 59 while generating double-digit EPS (earnings per share) growth – a testament to the strength of our operating model and plan for the future.”
Union Pacific Corporation reported decreases in revenues for the fourth quarter and full-year 2015.
UP reported a fourth quarter net income of $1.1 billion or diluted earnings per share of $1.31, a 19 percent decline as compared to last year’s fourth quarter of $1.4 billion or $1.61 per diluted share. Similarly, operating revenue was down 15 percent to $5.2 billion and business volumes as measured by total revenue carloads declined nine percent. Operating ratio came in at 63.2 percent, unfavorable by 1.8 points as compared to last year’s fourth quarter.
“Total volumes decreased nine percent in the quarter, more than offsetting another quarter of solid core pricing gains,” CEO Lance Fritz said. “On the cost side, we continued to adjust resources throughout the quarter and also made solid progress with our productivity initiatives. As a result of these efforts, we achieved a quarterly operating ratio of 63.2 percent.”
For the full year 2015, UP reported net income of $4.8 billion or $5.49 per diluted share, down eight and five percent respectively as compared to 2014’s reported net income of $5.2 billion or $5.75 per diluted share. Operating revenue also saw a decrease, coming in at $21.8 billion, as compared to 2014’s reported $24.0 billion. Operating income saw an eight percent decrease to $8.1 billion. Carloadings were down six percent for the year. UP reported an operating ratio of 63.1 percent, a full-year record, improving 0.4 points from the previous year.
“This past year was a difficult one in many respects, but our team did outstanding work in the face of dramatic declines in volumes, and shifts in our business mix,” Fritz said. “Overall economic conditions, uncertainty in the energy markets, commodity prices, and the strength of the U.S. dollar will continue to have a major impact on our business this year. However, we are well-positioned to efficiently serve customers in existing markets as they rebound.
“The strength and diversity of the Union Pacific franchise also will provide tremendous opportunities for new business development as both domestic and global markets evolve. When combined with our unrelenting focus on safety, productivity and service, these opportunities will translate into an excellent experience for our customers and strong value for our shareholders in the years ahead.”
Kansas City Southern reported decreases in earnings for the fourth quarter 2015. Revenue for the railroad decreased for the fourth quarter by seven percent to $598 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.
The railroad also saw a decrease in carload volumes (down two percent). Operating expenses declined 12 percent to $379 million, a three percent decrease from last year’s fourth quarter. Operating income surged two percent to $219 million, as compared to last year’s reported $214 million. Operating ratio saw a 3.3 point improvement to 63.4 percent. Net income declined to $140 million or $1.28 per diluted share as compared to the reported $142 million or $1.28 per diluted share from the fourth quarter 2014. Adjusted diluted earnings per share came in at $1.23 as compared to $1.27 in 2014.
“KCS’ ability to react to a rapidly changing market and operational conditions was clearly evidenced during the fourth quarter in which not only did the company have to contend with an unsettled economy, but also with a hurri cane in Mexico and floods in a key section of its U.S. rail network,” CEO David L. Starling said. “Despite these challenges, KCS attained a fourth quarter 2015 operating ratio of 63.4 percent, a 3.3 point improvement from the prior year. System velocity and system dwell metrics also improved, returning KCS to the top tier of Class I railroads in these categories.”
For the full year 2015, KCS reported a decline in revenue of six percent to $2.4 billion. Carloads decreased three percent from 2014, to 2.2 million. KCS reported an operating income for the year at $813 million. Full-year 2015 adjusted operating income decreased four percent from the prior year. Operating ratio saw a slight improvement of 0.7 points to 66.4 percent as compared to last year’s 67.1 percent. Reported net income for the railroad totaled $485 million or $4.40 per diluted share, as compared with 2014’s reported $504 million or $4.55 per diluted share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share came in at $4.49 as compared to the reported $4.82 adjusted diluted earnings per share in 2014.
“Though our industry still must contend with economic uncertainty in 2016, the progress we have made during 2015 gives us confidence that KCS is positioned to maximize its near-term and longer-term business opportunities,” Starling said.
Canadian National Railway reported mixed financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2015.
For the fourth quarter, net income increased 11 percent to C$941 million, while diluted earnings per share increased 15 percent to C$1.18. Operating income increased seven percent to C$1,354 million. Revenues for the quarter saw a one percent decrease to C$3,166 million and carloadings declined eight percent and revenue ton-miles declined by five percent. Operating ratio improved 3.5 points to 57.2 percent.
For the full-year 2015, the railway saw a net income increase of 12 percent to C$3,538 million, with diluted earnings per share rising 14 percent to C$4.39. Adjusted net income saw an increase of 16 percent to C$3,580 million; whiled adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 18 percent to C$4.44. Operating income also saw an increase and rose 14 percent to C$5,266 million. Revenues increased four percent to C$12,611 million for the year, while carloadings declined two percent and revenue ton-miles decreased three percent. The operating ratio for 2015 improved by 3.7 points to 58.2 percent. Free cash flow came in at a record C$2,373 million, compared to 2014’s C$2,220 million.
“CN generated strong fourth quarter and full-year 2015 results despite the weak volume environment,” CEO Claude Mongeau said. “Our solid performance is a testament to the strength of CN’s franchise and diversified portfolio of businesses. I am particularly proud that CN’s team of railroaders quickly recalibrated resources to respond to weaker volumes, while protecting customer service.
“Although the economic environment remains challenging, CN will continue to leverage its franchise strength and industry-leading efficiency. For 2016, the company expects to deliver mid-single digit EPS [earnings per share] growth over adjusted diluted 2015 EPS of C$4.44. CN will continue to invest in the safety and efficiency of its network, with a 2016 capital investment program of approximately C$2.9 billion, including the negative impact of foreign exchange and increased spending for Positive Train Control technology.
“Given CN’s strong balance sheet and solid financial prospects, I am pleased to announce that the company’s board of directors approved a 20 percent increase in CN’s 2016 quarterly common-share dividend. CN has increased its dividend per share by 17 percent per year on average since its privatization in 1995 and continues to move towards a target payout ratio of 35 percent.”
Norfolk Southern Corporation reported declining financial results for both the fourth quarter and full-year 2015 as compared to the same periods in 2014.
Railway operating revenues declined 12 percent to $2.5 billion for the fourth quarter 2015. On the same token, traffic volumes also decreased by six percent as a result of lower coal volumes and the effects of low commodity prices.
Railway operating expenses decreased by $103 million, or five percent, to $1.9 billion. Income from railway operations was 28 percent lower for the quarter, coming in at $642 million. The operating ratio or operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 74.5 percent, as compared to last year’s reported 69 percent for the fourth quarter. Fourth quarter 2015 net income was $361 million or $1.20 per diluted share, a decrease from last year’s $511 million or $1.64 per diluted share.
Full year financials for 2015, like the fourth quarter, also saw declines. Railway operating revenues were $10.5 billion, a 10 percent decrease as compared to 2014. This reflects an $852 million or 64 percent reduction in fuel surcharge revenues. Traffic volume was also down three percent due to declines in coal. Railway operating expenses declined $422 million or five percent to $7.6 billion. Income from railway operations declined 19 percent to $2.9 billion. Operating ratio for the year was 72.6 percent, compared to 69.2 percent from the prior year. For 2015, net income was $1.6 billion or $5.10 per diluted share, as compared to 2014’s $2.0 billion or $6.39 per diluted share.
“We are implementing a plan to reduce costs and enhance profitable growth,” CEO James A. Squires said. This plan will enable us to achieve significant annual expense savings beginning in 2016 without compromising the company’s ability to capitalize on volume and revenue growth opportunities. We are making progress despite a challenging operating environment, including successfully restoring our rail service to previous high levels, realigning resources and completing strategic capacity investments to improve efficiency and productivity.
“Through these actions, we are positioning Norfolk Southern for improved performance and value creation in 2016 and beyond. We are confident in our ability to deliver superior shareholder value through our strategic plan, which is built on exceptional customer service, growth through pricing and new business, cost reduction and control, and increasing returns to capital. Our fourth-quarter results reflect current challenges in domestic and global markets.”
On Monday, January 18, 2016, every member of the SMART union will stand with our entire nation in honor, solidarity and remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King’s brilliance, vision, leadership and ultimate personal sacrifice shifted the course of American history forever by shedding light and bringing hope to a nation marred by racism, ignorance and inequality.
His work and his words brought the promise of justice, hope and freedom to African Americans, to people of color, and to the oppressed everywhere.
Dr. King’s words still ring as powerful, relevant and true today as they did more than fifty years ago.
“And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
–From Dr. Martin Luther King’s historical speech, “I Have a Dream,” delivered August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
In a letter dated, January 14, SMART TD President John Previsich wrote the Surface Transportation Board opposing a Canadian Pacific Railway proposal to acquire Norfolk Southern Railroad.
See the letter in its entirety below or click here to read the letter.
“Dear Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Miller and Member Begeman:
“I am writing to you on behalf of the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART TD), regarding Canadian Pacific Railway’s (CP) proposal to acquire Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS).
“As the representative of more than 125,000 active and retired railroad workers, I am writing to convey that we are strongly opposed to this takeover proposal. This action has the real potential for a far-reaching, detrimental impact on America’s rail network, including lost jobs and an equally negative impact on those who ship by rail. We also strongly oppose CP’s scheme to circumvent the regulatory requirements through the establishment of a voting trust to assume control in advance of regulatory approval. Such a trust would violate existing statutory and regulatory prohibitions regarding unlawful control.
“CP’s relentless pursuit of short-term profit with little regard to the impact on the greater good—workers, communities and our nation’s rail shippers is well known. History shows what happens when railroads harvest revenue for immediate self-enrichment of officers and stockholders at the expense of investing in maintenance and capital projects to ensure a viable industry well into the future. If approved, this merger would mean fewer railroads and less competition in the industry. The certain results will be fewer rail jobs, higher freight rates and diminished rail service.
“E. Hunter Harrison, CEO of CP, has already boasted in the press that NS will be a “cash cow” because he will be able to sell off what he says are “excess” rail yards for real estate development. He has also stated that NS has a “gold plated” infrastructure that is overly maintained and he could greatly reduce capital investment on that road. Such a disinvestment in the nation’s rail network could only occur in a merged environment with diminished competition among carriers. The end result is higher costs and reduced service for the nation’s shippers.
“In addition, Harrison recently announced that he will reduce capital spending on CP in 2016 by $400 million and extend his moratorium on purchasing new locomotives until 2018 or longer on that railroad. His strategy is clear; use up the current railroad infrastructure and wear out the locomotives, leaving a railroad that will need dramatic investment once he leaves. The railroads’ officers, investment bankers, consultants and stockholders will walk away greatly enriched at the expense of the future health of our nation’s rail service. In fact, a January 12, 2016 white paper issued by CP in Calgary reveals that CP’s scheme for NS is to improve service by reducing investment, a plan that they note in their closing remarks may not produce the desired results: “CP’s forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information” and that “forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance.”
“In summary, if Harrison is allowed to take his CP model to the NS, through either a voting trust or with regulatory approval, the end result will produce an irrecoverable disinvestment in NS’s infrastructure, substantially diminished freight service, and a marked loss of jobs.
“We urge members of the STB to safeguard our jobs and protect our nation’s freight rail infrastructure and those who ship by rail by advocating for the public interest, not enabling short term profits for the benefit of a few at the expense of the future viability of our nation’s rail system. We ask that the STB reject the proposed acquisition and also take legal action as required to prevent the circumvention of your regulatory authority through the establishment of a voting trust.”
After nearly five years of bargaining, Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 249, formed in November, 2015 to resolve the contract dispute between the Rail Labor Coalition (Coalition) and New Jersey’s mammoth commuter carrier, New Jersey Transit (NJT), sided with unionized workers in recommending the main points of the Coalition’s proposal, including retroactive wage payments and an 18 percent increase in pay, compounded, over a six-year period.
In addition to recommending the wage increases, the PEB soundly rejected the NJT’s proposal of a 10 percent increase in health care premiums, and recommended an increase of 2.5 percent, which is closely aligned with the Coalition’s proposed 2.0 percent premium increase.
The three-member, neutral panel was chosen by President Obama, based on their experience and expertise. PEB 249 is the second on the property and was appointed after NJT rejected the recommendations of PEB 248. In the report that PEB 249 released on Tuesday, January 12, they presented a detailed review of PEB 248’s conclusions, which was the final offer submitted by the Coalition.
The PEB found most main points of the Coalition’s proposal to be more convincing, rational and reasonable than the NJT position.
The Rail Labor Coalition is comprised of more than 15 international unions and more than 4,300 unionized transit rail members, including more than 1,200 SMART Transportation Division union members.
John Previsich, President of SMART Transportation Division, said that the report, “sends the message that our collective voice is heard.”
“The recommendation by PEB 249 is a victory for members of the Rail Labor Coalition, and for union members everywhere. We will continue to fight for fair wages, safe work environments and quality, affordable healthcare for all of our Brothers and Sisters.”
Previsich also stated that the report follows the pattern of settlements that have occurred on similar properties and is a fair and equitable resolution of the issues.
“It’s time for New Jersey Transit to accept the recommendations of PEB 249, which are in line with every other commuter railroad settlement in the area.
“Members of Rail Labor Coalition are skilled, highly trained and experienced workers. We’re hoping that NJT will do right by their workers and the community by moving beyond this lengthy dispute and accept the PEB’s report,” Previsich added.
If an agreement is not reached, any participant may invoke self-help as early as March 13, 2016, leaving 295,000 commuters without the public transportation they depend on.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement on the department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report released today on union membership in 2015:
WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced that its stepped-up enforcement of railroad safety regulations led to the highest-ever civil penalty collection rate in the agency’s 50-year history. 
Canadian Pacific Railway announced record fourth quarter and full-year earnings for 2015.
Union Pacific Corporation reported decreases in revenues for the fourth quarter and full-year 2015.
Kansas City Southern reported decreases in earnings for the fourth quarter 2015. Revenue for the railroad decreased for the fourth quarter by seven percent to $598 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.
Canadian National Railway reported mixed financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2015.
Norfolk Southern Corporation reported declining financial results for both the fourth quarter and full-year 2015 as compared to the same periods in 2014.
After nearly five years of bargaining, Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 249, formed in November, 2015 to resolve the contract dispute between the Rail Labor Coalition (Coalition) and New Jersey’s mammoth commuter carrier, New Jersey Transit (NJT), sided with unionized workers in recommending the main points of the Coalition’s proposal, including retroactive wage payments and an 18 percent increase in pay, compounded, over a six-year period.