In February 2019, Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations regarding refresher training for all NS craft personnel responsible for performing freight air brakes tests. Specifically, NS proposed to create a 3-D simulation using web-based software to satisfy
Read moreOn November 18, 2019, SEPTA Carmen overwhelmingly ratified a contract which spans the period of February 17, 2017 thru February 16, 2022. The first wage increase was effective November 24, 2019. “I would like to thank the members for voting and their perseverance to get this contract completed,” said TCU Vice President Artie Maratea. “I
Read moreVA Senators send Letter to FreightCar CEO Asking for Explanation of Sending Jobs to Mexico In a letter from Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, they ask for FreightCar CEO James Meyer to explain the company’s actions in ending 200 good-paying union jobs and opening a new production facility in Mexico. The letter states:
Read moreFred Owens is a third-generation worker at FreightCar America Roanoke and President of The Transportation Communications Union (TCU), Carmen Division Local 6016. Since 2005, Roanoke residents have assembled rail freight cars for FreightCar America (FCA). And before that, Norfolk Southern Railroad. And before that, Norfolk & Western Railway — arguably the principal reason why Roanoke
Read moreFor immediate release | Contact: Kevin Gifford, TCU Communications Director, 301-840-8741, giffordk@tcunion.org On September 19th, FreightCar America [“FCA”], a manufacturer of freight rail car rolling stock, announced their intentions to begin manufacturing operations in Castanos, Mexico. In a joint venture with Fasemex, a Mexican manufacturing and servicing company, FCA will begin operations by mid-2020. This
Read more