President Trump has nominated former Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) to serve a five-year term on Amtrak’s Board of Directors. This is very concerning to anyone that supports, rides, or works on Amtrak as Mr. Westmoreland has a long history of voting against the nation’s passenger rail carrier: On March 4th, 2015, he voted for the McClintock
Read moreThe Association of American Railroads (AAR) joined together with TTD’s Rail Labor Division (which includes TCU) in supporting increased funding for the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). The letter was addressed to Chairman Roy Blunt and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Senate’s Labor HHS Appropriations Subcommittee. The RRB has been woefully underfunded for years. This has
Read moreUnited Behavioral Health/Optum is offering an emotional-support helpline to anyone who may be experiencing stress and anxiety resulting from the recent tragedy in Las Vegas. The helpline is staffed with specially trained, mental health specialists and will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary to offer support
Read moreThe National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) released a report this week detailing the complex nature of Amtrak’s national network while highlighting the necessity of long-distance trains. The report includes a section on jobs (see screenshot below) as well as a table (see appendix) outlining the various stations across the country that would close if
Read moreEarlier today, Larry Willis, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, testified on Capitol Hill before the Railroads Subcommittee. In his testimony, Mr. Willis advocated on behalf of TCU/IAM members by calling for increased funding for Amtrak employees as well as adequate safety measures for all railroad workers. The hearing was focused on railroad infrastructure,
Read more