Category: Washington
Trump persists in ending long-distance Amtrak train service
Instead of working to upgrade long-distance transportation services, and ignoring his promise to invest in American infrastructure, Trump is working to end long-distance train travel. According to an article posted on July 3, 2017, in the San Francisco Chronicle, if TrumpR [...]
SMART TD voices concerns about accuracy of FRA’s proposed locomotive simulation studies
On June 30, SMART TD’s legislative office submitted comments to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Information Collection Request regarding two FRA research studies on locomotive technology and automation. SMART TD urged the FRA to consider the critical factors o [...]
National Mediation Board announces new Chairperson
The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced that Harry Hoglander, NMB board member since 2002, has been designated as the new Chairman of the NMB, effective immediately. Read the NMB press release, here: July 5, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD Contact: NM [...]
SMART TD’S Risch: Longer Freight Trains Carry Safety Concerns
As freight trains grow longer, so do safety concerns. According to an article posted by the Omaha World-Herald on July 2, carriers are looking to increase their bottom line by running as many as 142 cars on one freight train—but at what risk? The article noted that in just t [...]
Minn. SLB joins with NARP to protest Amtrak budget cuts
A few dozen members of SMART TD and the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) joined together Friday, July 23 at St. Paul, Minnesota’s Union Depot to protest President Trump’s proposed budget cuts to all long-distance rail service currently provided b [...]
Previsich, Risch speak at San Antonio Regional Meeting
Q&A with SMART TD President Previsich at San Antonio Regional Meeting, June 14, 2017 SMART TD President John Previsich answers members’ questions during the closing session. SMART TD President Previsich honors retiree Ken Menges at San Antonio Regional [...]
RRB issues Certificate of Service Months and Compensation form
Each year, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) prepares a Certificate of Service Months and Compensation (Form BA-6) for every railroad employee who had creditable railroad compensation in the previous calendar year. The RRB will mail the forms to employees during the fi [...]
AFL-CIO issues memo to unions on Trump budget; highlights damages to workers
In a memo dated May 31, AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka issued a statement to unions on President Trump’s proposed budget. “This budget is the most significant betrayal yet of the working people President Trump claims to support. It is a blueprint for how to r [...]