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BNSF reported a 22 percent increase in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, citing improved intermodal (trailers and containers on flat cars) and automotive traffic.

BNSF’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 68.3 percent was a significant improvement over the 71.7 percent for third quarter 2011. 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.

BNSF operates in 28 states and two Canadian provinces

 

Canadian National reported a less than one percent drop in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011.

CN’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 60.6 percent increased from 59.3 percent from third quarter 2011. 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.

CN is primarily a Canadian railroad. Its U.S. holdings include what were formerly Detroit, Toledo & Ironton; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; Grand Trunk Western; Illinois Central; and Wisconsin Central.

 

Canadian Pacific reported a 20 percent improvement in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011. The railroad attributed the improvement to cost cuts, efficiency improvements and an increase in automotive traffic.

CP’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 74.4 was an improvement from the 75.8 percent operating ratio for third quarter 2011. 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 is primarily a Canadian railroad. Its U.S. holdings include Class I Soo Line and regional railroad Delaware & Hudson.

 

CSX reported a 2 percent drop in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, citing lower overall freight volume and lower fuel-cost recovery even as export coal, automotive and intermodal shipments (trailers and containers on flat cars) showed increases.

The CSX third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 70.5 percent was virtually unchanged from the 70.4 percent for third quarter 2011. 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.

CSX operates some 21,000 route miles in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

 

Kansas City Southern reported a 9.8 percent drop in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, even as carloads rose and operating ratio improved. The railroad cited as the reason an almost 70 percent higher tax bill in Mexico stemming from a rise in the value of the peso against the dollar and continuing rebuilding expenses two years after Hurricane Alex damaged rail facilities south of the border. About half the railroad’s revenue flows from its operations in Mexico.

KCS’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 68.7 was a 2.6 percentage point improvement from third quarter 2011 and the best in company history. 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.

KCS operates some 3,500 route miles in 10 states in the Central and South-Central U.S., as well as Kansas City Southern de Mexico, a primary Mexican rail line.

 

Norfolk Southern reported a 27 percent decline in profit for third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, citing reductions in coal and merchandise volume. The slump in coal shipments has resulted in employee furloughs.

NS’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 72.9 was a more than five percentage point increase over the third quarter 2011 operating ratio of 67.5. 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.

Norfolk Southern operates some 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

   

Union Pacific profit rose 15 percent in third quarter 2012 compared with third quarter 2011. The railroad said price increases and more automotive and chemical shipments overcame a drop in coal loadings.

Union Pacific’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 66.6 percent was 2.5 percentage points better than third quarter 2011, and a 0.4 percentage point improvement from the previous record set in the second quarter 2012.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.

Union Pacific operates some 32,000 route miles in 23 states in the western two-thirds of the U.S.

 

An on-duty Chicago Metra conductor received medical attention following an assault during a botched robbery attempt at a west side passenger station Oct. 22.

According to news reports, the conductor, whose identity was not released, was transported to a hospital with unspecified injuries.

The alleged robber, who was said by witnesses to have displayed a knife during the attempt to rob the conductor, was later captured by police.

BNSF operates that commuter service under contract with Chicago Metra.

The UTU Transportation Safety Team is assisting National Transportation Board investigators following an Oct. 21 derailment of an Amtrak passenger train in Niles, Mich.

News reports indicate the investigation initially is focusing on whether the train was on the wrong track.

Some 174 passengers were on board, according to news reports, and seven passengers and two crew members were treated at area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

By National Legislative Director James Stem – You remember Humpty Dumpty, the character created by children’s author Lewis Carroll. Most famously, Humpty Dumpty said, ‘When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean.”

Humpty Dumpty may well have written the language for Proposition 32, which goes before California voters on Election Day.

Although Proposition 32 appears to put restrictions on the use of so-called special interest money in elections, its real meaning is to ban unions from collecting payroll deductions for union political action committees (PAC) — to silence the voice of organized labor in politics.

“This attempt to silence the voice of workers in California with Proposition 32 is a national issue, because, if passed, it will set a precedent for other states to follow with legislation,” says UTU National Legislative Director James Stem. “Labor’s struggle in California is for the very right to support or oppose proposed laws and regulations that would impact worker safety issues, taxation issues, voting rights, and the right to work under a union contract. Many issues started in California have spread around the country.”

Adds the secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, “It’s not enough for them to have taken our houses, and it’s not enough for them to make millions off the TARP funding and federal government support for the banks. Now they want even more. They want us to not even have a voice in politics whatsoever.”

Although the California ballot measure appears to ban both corporate and union contributions to state and local candidates, the primary impact would be on labor unions, because Proposition 32 exempts business super PACs dominated by corporations and their executives who solicit and bundle money to elect or defeat labor-friendly candidates.

One critic points out that while the measure “sounds balanced, 99 percent of California corporations don’t use payroll deductions for political contributions,” meaning they would not be restricted in using their profits and direct contributions from executives to influence elections.

Thus, if the measure passes, labor unions would be restricted from supporting labor-friendly candidates through PAC contributions and donations, while corporate special interests will have no restrictions on their political contributions to anti-labor candidates.

Says California political columnist Thomas Elias, Proposition 32’s “ban on contributions to candidate-controlled committees is meaningless, merely a cover for another blatant attempt to reduce funds for liberal candidates while letting contributions to conservatives continue unfettered.”
 
A California labor leader adds, “The measure is a wolf in sheep’s clothing designed to fool voters into approving a corporate power grab that will lead to even more corporate influence over our political system. What the backers won’t say publicly is that they’ve written a giant loop hole to allow for unlimited corporate spending on campaigns while furthering their real agenda of silencing the voices of middle-class workers and their unions.”
 
Who is supporting Proposition 32? Billionaire Charles Munger Jr. contributed $24 million for advertising supporting the measure, out-of-state super PACs funded by those with an anti-labor objective have contributed $15 million in support of Proposition 32, and millions more have been contributed by Wall Street firms and corporate investors and executives, all of whom will be exempt from Proposition 32.

“The fundamental question,” says Stem, “is why the backers of Proposition 32 want to shut working people out of the political process while providing corporations, corporate executives and other anti-union forces an exemption.

“The answer,” says Stem, “is they want to shut off contributions to candidates supporting collective bargaining rights, workplace safety laws and regulations and legislation such as the Family Medical Leave Act that gives workers time off to care for a newborn, elderly parents or ill children without fear of losing their jobs.”

Arbitrator Frank Quinn, well known to hundreds of UTU officers and members as a long-time educator at UTU regional meetings, a respected neutral in rail arbitration cases and as an author, has died at age 80.

Francis Xavier Quinn earned bachelor of arts, master of arts and master of science degrees in education, theology and industrial relations, and a doctoral degree in alternative dispute resolution.

Quinn is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marlene Stoker Quinn, who frequently attended UTU regional meetings with her husband.

Expressions of condolence may be sent to:

Marlene Quinn
4213 Blackhaw Lane
Ft. Worth, TX 76107

As the initial SMART Transportation Division convention will be held in 2014 – one year earlier than a UTU quadrennial convention that no longer will take place owing to the merger – plus a second SMART convention, UTU delegates are being asked to approve a $1 monthly International dues increase to be deposited into the convention fund.

The increase, if approved by delegates, will become effective Feb. 1, 2013.

Delegates will be participating in two conventions in 2014 – the Transportation Division convention and the initial SMART convention.

In a letter to UTU delegates, UTU International President Mike Futhey said:

“Not only will the time between the 2011 UTU convention and these conventions be reduced from the usual four year period, delegates will be participating in two separate conventions in 2014. Obviously, the total expenses are expected to increase substantially and available funds will be insufficient due to the shortened time period.

“As a result, the UTU Board of Directors voted to present to the delegates the $1 dues increase to be placed in the convention fund. The UTU board said it is their recommendation “to adopt the needed increase assuring your voice will be heard.”

Delegates have until Nov. 30 to return their ballots.

Wier

UTU-represented yardmasters and hostlers employed by the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway have ratified separate new six-year agreements by overwhelming majorities.

The new agreements provide for annual wage increases and back-pay; establish 401-k retirement plans, disability insurance and prior rights; increase life insurance; and place those members under the national railroad health and welfare plan that includes dental and vision coverage and provides for early retirement major medical coverage.

UTU International Vice President Dave Wier, who assisted with the negotiations, congratulated General Chairperson Cory Mayberry and Vice General Chairpersons Kevin Wright and Tommy Collins (all GO 329), for “ their dedication to the membership in negotiating and explaining contracts that provide for improvements in wages and benefits and deliver employment security and parity.” 

In September, UTU-represented brakemen, conductors and yardmen employed by Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway ratified a new agreement that also was negotiated with the assistance of Wier.

By John Risch,
Alternate National Legislative Director –

Congressional elections do matter. They make a difference when it comes to our job security, wages, benefits, retirement and our safety in the workplace.

President Obama and labor-friendly congressional representatives and senators not only believe in supporting public transit, Amtrak and high-speed rail, they assured funding was available to purchase more equipment, expand service, repair equipment, provide training and enhance minimum safety requirements.

One of the most important responsibilities of a president is to nominate members of federal regulatory agencies. President Obama nominated former UTU Illinois State Legislative Director Joe Szabo to head the Federal Railroad Administration; and former UTU Associate General Counsel Dan Elliott to chair the Surface Transportation Board, which determines labor protection in rail mergers, line sales and leases. Then, a Democratic-controlled Senate assured these nominees were confirmed to their posts.

A “President Romney” will nominate management-friendly individuals to regulatory agencies such as the FRA, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, OSHA and the National Transportation Safety Board. A Republican-controlled Senate would rubber stamp his nominations.

Conservative Republicans who now control the House of Representatives have pushed to reduce, and even eliminate, funding for high-speed rail, Amtrak and transit, with no protections for adversely affected workers who lose their jobs. Some conservative Republicans also want to privatize Social Security, replace Medicare with a voucher program, make it more difficult to join a union, enact a national right-to-work (for less) law, and criminalize many labor union activities.

It is only because Democrats control the Senate (and labor-friendly Republicans who vote with them) that these terrible bills did not become law. If conservative Republicans take control of the House and Senate, they will pass these anti-worker bills; and Mitt Romney, if elected, will sign them into law.

Yes, elections do matter. This election will make a difference in job security, our safety in the workplace, our pensions and whether transportation workers can effectively bargain collectively. 

No matter the result, National Legislative Director James Stem and I, with help from state legislative directors and our new SMART partners in the Sheet Metal Workers International Association, will work to educate all elected lawmakers and appointed regulators.

Our efforts to protect UTU member jobs, paychecks, benefits, retirement and workplace safety will be considerably easier if we elect labor-friendly candidates to Congress and return Barack Obama to the White House.

I urge you to review the UTU voting recommendations in the centerfold of the October issue of the UTU News and recognize the importance to you and your family of voting Nov. 6.

You may also view the UTU’s congressional endorsements by clicking on the following link and scrolling down to “Congressional Endorsements: 2012”:

https://www.smart-union.org/news/vote-on-november/

If you are voting absentee by mail, note that your ballot might need extra postage. 

Many absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 presidential election are so long and weigh so much that mailing them back to elections supervisors requires extra postage, in many cases. 

The U.S. Postal Service generally returns mail with insufficient postage to the sender, but that can take days.

Mailing costs vary, depending on everything from the size of the envelope to the weight of the paper. Check with your local postal authorities for proper postage.

This article, provided by Palmetto GBA Railroad Medicare, outlines the various “parts” of Medicare and explains which types of services are covered under each.

What Is Part A?

Part A includes inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility (or SNF), nursing home, hospice and home health services care. It also includes long-term care acute care (LTAC). Part A Medicare claims are processed by the local Medicare administrative contractor for your state. Railroad Medicare processes your Part B claims, while your local Medicare administrative contractor handles your Part A claims.

 What is Part B?

Part B services include medically necessary services and preventive services provided by doctors/physicians/surgeons and practitioners (such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, qualified clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, certified midwifes and certified registered nurse anesthetists). Other providers and suppliers in the Part B program include chiropractors, podiatrists, ambulance services, and laboratories. Claims for these types of services are processed by Railroad Medicare/Palmetto GBA in Augusta, Ga.

 What is Part C?

Part C is Medicare Advantage plans, such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). These plans are offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to cover your Part A and B benefits. Other Medicare Advantage Plans include:

* Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) – PFFS are offered by private insurance companies and let you receive health care from any doctor or other health care provider or hospital in the PFFS plan. Prescription drug coverage may also be offered by a PFFS plan.

* Special Needs Plans (SNP) – SNP limits membership to patients with specific illnesses and customizes their benefits to serve the needs of their members. For more information on SNP, please visit www.Medicare.gov.

* Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) – MSAs have a high deductible and in many cases only pays for covered Part A and B services once you have reached your deductible.  The plan deposits funds (which typically are less than the deductible) into a designated account to pay for your health care services during the year.

 What is Part D?

Part D is coverage for prescription drugs, and like Part C, the program is administered by private insurance companies. Part D plans have their own list of covered medicines, with a tiered pricing system. This means that some drugs, such as generics, may be in the lowest tier and have the lowest copayment. Drugs in the highest tiers would have the highest copayment. If you sign up for a Part D plan when you are first eligible you avoid paying a penalty. A penalty would be assessed if you don’t join when you were first eligible and you don’t have other drug coverage or don’t receive “Extra Help”. Beneficiaries with limited income and assets may qualify for “Extra Help” to help pay for prescription drugs. This program is administered through the Social Security program and Medicare. For more information, please visit www.SSA.gov/prescriptionhelp/.

 DMEPOS

DMEPOS stands for coverage of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthesis and Prosthetic Devices, Orthotics and Supplies. DMEPOS would include items such as walkers, wheelchairs, diabetic shoes, and hospital beds, to name a few. Claims for these and many more products are filed to Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Medicare Administrative Contractors. Railroad Medicare doesn’t handle DME claims.

 An example of how the letters work together

An example of how one procedure is covered by multiple parts of Medicare is for individuals receiving a cardiac pacemaker. The actual pacemaker (which is a DMEPOS — prosthetic device) is billed to your local DME Medicare administrative contractor.  Hospital charges fall under your Part A benefit, and the physician’s fee, including post-surgical care, is billed to Part B.

 If you have questions about your Railroad Medicare (Part B) claims, call Palmetto’s beneficiary contact center at (800) 833-4455, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. ET. For the hearing impaired, call TTY/TDD at (877) 566-3572. This line is for the hearing impaired with the appropriate dial-up service and is available during the same hours customer service representatives are available. You can also visit Palmetto’s website at www.PalmettoGBA.com/rr/me.

For more information about the general Medicare program, or specifically about Part C or Part D, you can contact your local state health insurance counseling and assistance program, or SHIP. SHIP is a free program offered by all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. SHIP counselors can help you learn more about the Medicare program and Medicare supplemental plans, as well as other long-term insurance options. To find a SHIP office for your state, visit http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx and enter “SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program” and select your state. Or you may call (800) MEDICARE for more information.