News Archive
TTD: Trump & Pence, formula for jobs disaster
“Donald Trump says he’ll make America great by being tough on trade, building things and creating jobs. Sure, it sounds good, but Trump is forgetting one thing: actions really do speak louder than words. Not only has Trump failed to share any semblance of a plan for how [...]FRA approves plans for passenger rail in New England
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a Finding of No Significant Impact on the Northern New England Intercity Rail Initiative (Initiative). This will enable states in the New England region, in partnership with the federal government, to develop plans for and i [...]
Unemployment and sickness benefits for railroad employees
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, which provides two kinds of benefits for qualified railroaders: unemployment benefits for those who become unemployed but are ready, willing and able to work; and sickness benefits for th [...]
2-person crew rule: Risch testifies before FRA
On Friday, July 15, John Risch, National Legislative Director with SMART TD, testified before the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in Washington, DC, in strong support of a minimum two-person crew mandate for freight and passenger trains. It may take months for the FRA b [...]
U.S. Senator Heitkamp testifies on behalf of two-person crew
Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) testified in today in hearings before the FRA, in support of a two-person crew rule for all freight trains. Seated directly behind the Senator is John Risch, SMART TD Legislative Director. Risch, SMART TD Member Mike Rankin, and TTD President Ed [...]
Transportation Unions vocal at FRA hearing, fighting for two-crew minimum on freight trains
Along with Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), leaders and members of transportation unions, including TTD and SMART TD, provided compelling testimony to the FRA today, in support of a federal rule that would mandate a minimum of two crew members for all freight train operations. [...]
SMART TD Member bid for 2-person crew recounted in The Hill
SMART TD member Mike Rankin recounts his own experience for The Hill with a focus on FRA hearings being held today, to advocate closing all loopholes and enact a rule mandating that all freight trains be operated with a minimum of a two-person crew. Read the complete article [...]
Unions In WI and WV Challenge RTW
Eleven unions filed petitions in a local W.Va. court arguing that the state’s new “Right-to-work” law amounts to an illegal seizure of their property and resources. The bill was vetoed by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, however, his veto was overrode by a Republican majority in th [...]