For UTU Bus Department members
Even though you have all the benefits of being a member of the UTU, it is important for you to remember that you are not covered by the federal law which applies to those railroad employees who may be injured or killed while working on the job. That law, called the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), only applies to members who are employed by railroads.

That does not mean, however, that bus members do not have rights if they get hurt at work. It simply means that the law that is applicable in that situation is a state law, not a federal law.

Every state has such a law; it's called workers' compensation, and it describes the benefits which injured employees may be entitled to receive in case of on-the-job injury. Generally, those laws make sure that all of your medical bills are paid and that you are compensated for the majority of your wage loss. In many instances they also provide for some retraining if you are unable to do your regular duties at work.

Since workers' compensation laws are state laws, not federal laws, each state has different rules and regulations. While UTU Designated Legal Counsel are familiar with FELA law, many of our lawyers are not trained to handle claims for non-railroad on-the-job injuries. Nevertheless, and this is the main purpose of this column, you should always feel free to contact a UTU Designated Legal Counsel if you need help. Even if the lawyer is not familiar with the particular law in your state, he or she will be able to refer you to someone with that expertise.

If you have other legal problems, most of our Designated Legal Counsel will be able to help you within their own offices, or else send you to someone who can help. Even though you don't work for a railroad, you have every right to call on UTU Designated Legal Counsel for help when you need it.

Monte Bricker, Coordinator
Designated Legal Counsel
1-888-241-7076

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