Railroad Retirement bill introduced as H.R. 1140
UTU urges members to contact lawmakers
WASHINGTON, D.C. ­ The Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001 was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 1140 late last month by members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The measure, nearly identical to one which last year came within hours of approval by the 106th Congress, includes all the benefits and funding improvements agreed to last year by rail management and a coalition of organizations representing labor and retirees.

"This measure speaks to our members' values and includes something for all rail workers and their families," said UTU International President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. "We are committing the same level of energy and resources as we did last year to get this bill passed into law."

H.R. 1140 represents the fruits of an agreement between rail management, labor and retiree organizations that resulted from two years of negotiations.

If enacted into law, the measure would result in an expansion of surviving spouse benefits, fixing an inequity that prevents parity with similar benefits paid by the Social Security System.

H.R. 1140 also promises unreduced retirement benefits at age 60 for those with 30 years of service; five-year vesting in the Railroad Retirement System for newer employees; a repeal of artificial caps on benefits for long-term employees; and includes a guarantee that the railroads will ensure the future solvency of the pension fund by absorbing any necessary future tax increases.

In addition, H.R. 1140 will enhance and modernize the system by allowing for investment of its assets in a diversified portfolio, with the anticipated increase in returns to be used to provide improved benefits to retirees and lower taxes on railroads.

Separate but attached to the measure is a collective bargaining agreement that will provide continued health and welfare coverage until age 65 for those who retire at age 60.

Co-sponsors sign on
The measure attracted more than 70 co-sponsors within hours of its introduction, a development characterized by UTU National Legislative Director James M. Brunkenhoefer as "virtually unprecedented."

Original sponsors of the measure include Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Don Young (R-Alaska); ranking Democrat on the committee Cong. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.); Chairman of the Railroads Subcommittee Jack Quinn (R-N.Y.), and Cong. Bob Clement (D-Tenn.), ranking Democrat on the subcommittee.

Brunkenhoefer noted that because the measure now has a bill number, UTU members and other supporters should begin contacting their representatives and urging them to sign on as co-sponsors.

"If your representative is a Democrat, he or she should be asked to sign on as a co-sponsor by calling Rachel Carr at (202) 225-3274," Brunkenhoefer explained. "If your representative is a Republican, he or she should be asked to sign on as a co-sponsor by calling Fraser Verruseio at (202) 225-9446."

On the same day the measure was introduced in the House, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who had supported last year's effort, committed to becoming a primary sponsor of the legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"Sen. Hatch asked that we work and do just what we had been successful at in the House and gain co-sponsors." said Brunkenhoefer. "If we are successful in getting co-sponsors for this legislation, he expects to introduce it in the Senate on or about April 6."

Labor gets commitment
Brunkenhoefer noted that rail labor had received the same commitment from Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, and urged UTU members and other supporters of the measure to begin writing to their senators.

"Please contact your senators and ask that they support this measure, and ask them to notify either Sen. Hatch's or Sen. Baucus's office that they would like to be co-sponsors," said Brunkenhoefer, who noted the bill will be referred to by a different number in the Senate.

"In the year 2000," said Alternate U.S. National Legislative Director James A. Stem, Jr., "the UTU used a tremendous amount of energy and resources in progressing this bill. It came close to the finish line, but the clock ran out. We intend to expend the same level of resources to get this passed this year, and that's why contributions to our Transportation Political Education League (TPEL) are so important."

Coalition back on board
Besides the UTU, the legislation is supported by a coalition of organizations representing at least three million people.

Those instrumental in the progress of H.R. 1140 include the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees, Inc.; the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; the Transportation Communications Union; the Transport Workers Union; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE); the American Train Dispatchers Dept./BLE; the Communication Workers of America; the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (SEIU); Sheet Metal Workers International Association; the National Air Traffic Controllers Association; the Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees International Union; the Seafarers International Union, and the Ironworkers (International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers).

Late last year, after the House approved the legislation, the BLE and Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) dropped their opposition in return for the opportunity to participate in the negotiated extension of health and welfare coverage.

While the BLE also offered its active support, the BMWE opted to remain neutral.

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