SMART is embarking upon production of a new union podcast and we want to hear from YOU! Please click the link below to fill out a short survey and let us know about your interest in podcasts and what you would like to listen to in a SMART podcast. Your ideas and feedback will help guide us in producing podcast content that SMART members really want to hear. Submit the SMART Podcast Member Survey →

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Open enrollment for the new SMART Transportation Division Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) is underway. Enrollment started in May and runs through Nov. 30, 2019. All dues-paying members of SMART TD living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week can apply for coverage. Members can enroll online by visiting www.smart-vltd.com, contacting a local field supervisor or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.

Since May 2019, SMART TD members have had a new disability benefit available to them. Enrollment for the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) ends November 30, 2019. Members can apply for coverage if they are a dues-paying member of SMART TD living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week.

Previously, SMART TD members had long-term disability insurance available to them through MetLife, but the MetLife plan ended April 1, 2019. The new plan is underwritten by Amalgamated Life Insurance Company. Members who were enrolled in the previous MetLife plan are guaranteed approved for a monthly benefit of up to $1,000 per month (2 or 5 years’ duration).

“Applying for the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) is easy, because Amalgamated Life Insurance Company uses simplified medical underwriting,” stated Carl Galdine, the VDP enrollment director. “With simplified underwriting, there is no medical exam, only a few medical questions on the application.”

Enrollment packets including a letter, a summary of benefits, and information on how to enroll were mailed to SMART TD members in May and June. Members can enroll online by visiting www.smart-vltd.com, contacting a local field supervisor or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328 and speaking with a benefit specialist.

Below are highlights of the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP):

• Members can choose between a 2- or 5-year option
• Members can enroll in a monthly benefit ranging from $300 to $5,000 ($100 benefit increments) (monthly benefit may not exceed 60% of gross earnings)
• Previous MetLife participants are guaranteed approved for a monthly benefit of up to $1,000
• Benefit does not offset and pays in addition to all other benefits
• Benefit starts paying after 180 days (6 months)
• Pre-existing conditions are covered after 12 months on the plan
• Benefit covers members on and off the job (24-hour coverage)
• Benefit is not subject to repayment upon receipt of a FELA or personal injury settlement
• Members can retain coverage even if they are furloughed or suspended (portable)

“This new plan was designed to work well with the benefits that SMART TD members already have available to them,” Galdine said. “It stacks on top of all other benefits including the Voluntary Short-Term Disability Plan and RRB benefits. Also, this plan starts after a 6-month waiting period when RRB Sickness Benefits typically end.”

Open enrollment ends Nov. 30, 2019.

For more information or to enroll, contact your local field supervisor, visit www.smart-vltd.com or call the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.

New Jersey State Legislative Board election recommendations for the November 5, 2019 general election

Download (PDF, 465KB)

Download (PDF, 471KB)

SMART-TD longtime attorney Larry Mann (53 years and counting) has updated his rail safety books. This publication offers comprehensive explanations of federal laws that cover TD members who work in the rail industry. They have been updated with changes that have occurred since the 2014 version’s release and contains detailed information about how federal railroad safety law pertains to railroad workers. “What Every Railroader Should Know About the Federal Railroad Safety Laws and Regulations”

Brothers & Sisters,

The Northwest Jersey Central Labor Council will commence labor walks this Saturday at the following time and location:

Saturday, September 14th 2019 at 9am
IBEW Local 102
50 Parsippany Rd (1st floor cafeteria)
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(Parking in rear of building)

The purpose of these walks is to support fellow union members running for office and those candidates that support labor values.

These walks will continue every Saturday at the same time and location until Election Day.

We assign a group of volunteers and they are directed via a mobile app to visit homes of registered voters who are part of a labor organization, the goal is to inform them of labor friendly candidates in their upcoming election.

I would like Local 60 to be represented so please contact me if interested, we can get a group together on a date that works for everyone.

Coffee, bagels, and refreshments will be provided.

Fraternally,

Scott Spratt LCA-A LC/VLC GCA-610

973-223-8654

sspratt@utulocal60.com

Download (PDF, 1.1MB)

We have recently seen a spike in incidents where members are unfamiliar with duties, the C3RS refresher training is still available. If you are unsure of the yard, flag or passenger duties we can help.

If you are changing assignments or work your relief days (work assignments in other CO/AC duties) and want to utilize the program contact a C3RS PRT Member.

Scott Spratt 973-223-8654

Ross Corbin 732-948-8510

Dan “JR” Schneider 973-975-2485

Rob Milan 201-875-7721

Download (PDF, 46KB)

Download (PDF, 79KB)

Download (PDF, 48KB)

Brothers and Sisters: I would like all members to be aware of the seriousness of Blue Signal/Flag Protection. Our members cannot remove Blue Signal/Flags from tracks or equipment. If a member encounters a Blue Signal/Flag on their equipment when attempting to make move they, “MUST” call the Yardmaster and/or the Mechanical Department before any movement is made. Our members may encounter a Blue Signal/Flag in the window of a Cab Car or in the Locomotive Cab which may not be illuminated. This is still a Operational Blue Signal/Flag do not remove, and call the Yardmaster and/or the Mechanical Department. The Blue Signal/Flag can only be removed by the person who puts the Blue Signal/Flag up, a person in the same craft, or group who is in constant communication with one another. If you have any questions whether equipment or a track is Blue Flagged, don’t guess, please call the Yardmaster, and/or the Mechanical Department. Please see attached Power Point on Blue Signal/Flag Protection. Any questions never hesitate to call me, or your Local Union Officer. Thank You

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Download (PDF, 361KB)

The future of America’s construction workers and the integrity of our industry is at risk. A new proposal by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) could drive down training and labor standards in construction registered apprenticeship programs and set off a race to the bottom throughout our industry. And we have a month to stop it.

 

• In June, the DOL proposed regulations to implement Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). Unlike the Registered Apprenticeship model, the IRAPs puts the fox in charge of the henhouse. The new IRAP system will give private organizations, such as employers and trade associations, free rein to create new watered-down standards and certify subpar apprenticeship programs.

• While we applaud the government’s interest in expanding apprenticeship opportunities in new industries, IRAPs have no place in construction.

• The proposed IRAP regulations provide a temporary exemption for the construction industry. But this could change when the DOL issues the final version of the regulation. We need to make sure that when the final regulations come out, the construction industry exclusion is permanent.

• The construction industry is, by its very nature, among the most dangerous industries. Workers perform difficult physical labor and are often exposed to extreme temperatures, heavy machinery, and toxic substances. To guard against industry’s inherent dangers and promote first-rate work, workers must receive the highest quality education and training. For over 80 years, Registered Apprenticeship Programs have provided just that.

• The public is also at risk. Having the safest roads, bridges, schools, and utilities, requires the best trained workers with the highest level of skill. Anything less, especially an untested program with lowered training standards will put public safety at risk.

 

• The proposed IRAPs differ significantly from Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Construction registered programs help recruit, train and retain workers through progressive wage increases; apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios that promote safety; quality assurance assessments by the government; uniform standards; mandatory safety training; instructor eligibility requirements; and transparency requirements. The proposed IRAP regulations abandon the important protections of the registered model and give employers license to implement whatever low-road standards they see fit.

• Second-rate IRAP certifications would undermine the gold-standard that the Registered Apprenticeship Programs have attained. IRAPs in construction would jeopardize both the quality of construction and the safety and security of the construction workforce, weakening every community across the country where these workers reside and are needed.

HOW TO HELP: Submit a comment to the DOL. We have until August 26, 2019 to make our voices heard before the Department of Labor issues the final regulations.

https://www.saveconstructionapprenticeships.org/?fbclid=IwAR3hWTzCBEkkLAlj9flLD_MlieRStj7vC_YDlHmOF1tVAYXEbuuNef8obmM#/34/