News Archive
Attention retirees: significant delays in Medicare appeals
It’s been on the news, and you may have heard about it: the Medicare appeals process is taking longer, specifically, at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) level. This article explains the five levels of appeals and provides information about the wait times for an ALJ hearing. [...]
OSHA’s safety tips for working in the heat
HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if you don’t drink enough water and rest in the shade. You can suffer fro [...]
2016 2nd quarter financial results for Class I railroads
Net Earnings: $445 million or $0.47 per share; down from $533 million or $0.56 per share Revenue: Down 12 percent Operating Income: Down 17 percent to $840 million Operating Ratio: Increased 210 basis points to 68.9 percent Click here to read CSX’s full earnings report. [...]
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 [...]