News Archive
International VP Delbert Strunk to retire
UTU International Vice President Delbert Strunk, who recently was selected by the UTU Board of Directors to succeed Kim Thompson as International general secretary & treasurer Jan. 1, chose, instead, to retire Dec. 31. Thompson previously announced his Dec. 31 retirement. [...]SEPTA fails in backdoor attempt to escape FELA
It is no secret that railroads have tried with all their king’s horsemen and all their king’s men (and women) to send to the dust bin of history the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), considered the best friend of rail workers in forcing carriers to improve workplace sa [...]
FRA: Intensive conductor training essential
One of the strongest studies validating the need for two-person crews and intensive training for conductors has come from the Federal Railroad Administration. The conclusion is that the conductor and engineer function as a team, with managing multiple priorities essential to [...]FRA to allow paperwork reduction
Three actions announced by the FRA this month are intended to eliminate out-of-date duplicative paperwork for smaller railroads, as well as for engineers seeking dual engineer and conductor certification. Among the changes proposed: * Streamlining the process for certifying [...]2012 a banner year for Amtrak
For Amtrak, Santa has been nice all year – if you forget the numerous and vicious attacks on Amtrak by outgoing House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica. As we look back on 2012, Mica’s attacks were primarily theater, for the benefit of his conse [...]UnitedHealthcare mailing FSA welcome kits
UnitedHealthcare has begun mailing a welcome kit to those rail members covered under the national railroad health & welfare plans who have enrolled in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA), to become effective Jan. 1, 2013. The mailing includes a claim form, information as [...]
As Sandy headlines fade, member needs remain
By UTU International President Mike Futhey – For many of our brothers and sisters in the Northeast, much was washed away by Hurricane Sandy – but not their hope, their pride or their sense of duty. Despite the flood devastation that stole irreplaceable possessions, homes and [...]Republican nominated to vacant NMB post
WASHINGTON – Nicholas C. Geale, a Republican staff member of the Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee, was nominated by President Obama Dec. 17 to be a member of the National Mediation Board, which administers the Railway Labor Act affecting railroads and airlines. If [...]