Progress Through Unity

Archives for August 2016

Railroad Employee Injury Blog

http://rrblog.bsgfdlaw.com/2016/08/the-squeaky-wheel-gets-the-grease/

Everyone has heard the above adage many times and understands what it means.  One wonders whether the origin of this phrase comes from the Railroad Industry.   In any event, it certainly has modern applicability to aRailroaders rights under the Federal Rail Safety Act Whistleblower Provisions.

Attorney Matt Darby

by Matt Darby

One of the strongest provisions of the Federal Rail Safety Act Whistleblower Provisionsprohibits a Railroad from denying, delaying or interfering in any way with the medical treatment of an employee who was injured during the course of employment.  In addition, if the injured employee requests transportation to a medical facility, as a result of an injury during the course of employment, the Railroad is required to promptly arrange to have the injured Railroad employee transported to the nearest hospital (where the employee can receive safe and appropriate medical care).  However, it is incumbent upon the employee to understand these rights and to affirmatively protect them.  In other words, an employee must recognize when their employer is attempting to interfere with their medical treatment.  This often arises in a context of a Railroad Official’s attempt to influence emergency room treatment.   It is well known among Railroad Supervisors that if an emergency room physician prescribes medication or restricts the Railroad employee for working for a period of time, the injury becomes FRA reportable.  Because a significant portion of a Railroad Supervisor’s bonus is based upon minimizing FRA reportable injuries, they are highly motivated to influence the emergency room physician against prescribing medication or restricting work activities.   However, the Railroad worker must enforce these rights by informing hospital personnel that no medical information is to be discussed with anyone from the Railroad.  In other words, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”.

 In addition, an injured employee must affirmatively request transportation to the nearest hospital if injured during the course of their employment.  If this right is not requested, then the previously mentioned provisions of the Federal Rail Safety Whistleblower Act are not triggered.  “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”.

Benefits Contact Information

Phone 973-378-6016

Fax 973-863-45534

Mpimentel@njtransit.com

 

 

New Rates and Retro Information

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Pence Voted Against Railroad Retirement

As a member of the 107th Congress, Congressman Mike Pence was one of only 33 members of the U.S. House of Representatives to vote against the Railroad Retirement and Survivors’ Improvement Act of 2001. The act amended the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, as well as amending the IRS code of 1986. It’s key point was reducing the retirement age of beneficiaries to 60 years of age, from 62.

http://www.smartlocal202.org/site/Pence-Voted-Against-Railroad-Retirement/page614.html

Mentor Program Resumes

The “Mentor Program” which is part of the “Conductor Training Program” will resume on Monday August 8, 2016. Modifications in the process have been enacted to provide a better learning experience for the students. There will be regular meetings between the Carrier and SMART TD to further enhance this learning period.

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

Official Contract Ratification Results

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Meeting Information

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