Railroad Cooperation and Education Trust (RAILCET)
The Railroad Cooperation Education Trust (RAILCET) is a joint labor-management endeavor comprised of the Laborers' International Union of North America Local 773 and the International Union of Operating Engineers' Local 150, and member contractors of the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association under a unique joint Agreement known as the Rail Transportation and Operation Agreement applicable to maintenance and construction on railroad right of way and on railroad spurs to industry in 38 states
RAILCET much like the other LECET programs in the Midwest Region and the U.S. endeavors to capture these projects for our signatory contractors and unions. By utilizing project tracking services provided by National LECET, legislative monitoring and initiatives, safety programs and training we are continually increasing opportunites for signatory contractors and laborers.
Railroad Maintenance and Industrial Health and Welfare Fund
If you are a member covered by the Rail Transportation and Operation Agreement (RTOA), your health benefits are through the Railroad Maintenance and Industrial Health and Welfare Fund. Please contact:
Dora L. Crenshaw, Fund Administrator
Address: 2725 West Monroe Street Springfield, IL 62704 (800) 258-6534 (217)787-2923 (217)787-2973 General Fax
Rail Transportation PPO provider is CCN. Please visit www.ccnusa.com, or contact the information line at (888) 685-7774.
For perscriptions please contact Express Scripts Inc. at (800) 467-2006.
For mental health and substance abuse please contact Perspectives at (800) 456-6327
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Jeff Agnew (202) 828-9100
Mike Goetz (217) 789-6994
RAILCET urges Secretary LaHood to invest discretionary recovery funds in
Class II and III Railroads
Cites “shovel ready” freight and small rail projects that would immediately help grow U.S.
economy
SPRINGFIELD, IL (April 23, 2009) – Citing a need for Class II and III railroads to be at the federal investment table, the Railroad Cooperation and Education Trust (RAILCET) today joined the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) in requesting that Transportation Secretary LaHood give short line and regional railroads full consideration in implementation of the Secretary’s Discretionary Fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“Together with NRC, RAILCET was the first to call for inclusion of small railroads in the stimulus package,” stated RAILCET Chairman and Vice President of Laborers’ International Union of North America, John Penn. “We worked hard in the Senate and House to ensure eligibility for this important component of our national infrastructure.”
RAILCET urged Secretary LaHood to invest discretionary funds into the short line and regional rail network to help facilitate the conversion to 286,000 pound freight cars that are becoming standard. This federal investment would help ensure the ability of small railroads to link rural America to the national rail network.
“In general, these projects involve basic rehabilitation, such as tie replacement, and are ‘shovel ready’ now without the need for further permits or approvals,” said NRC President Chuck Baker. “These projects are ideal candidates for recovery funds because they can stimulate our economy immediately.”
Moreover, these rail projects have enormous public benefits, such as energy savings and reducing pollution; they create highway benefits by relieving congestion and improving safety. RAILCET is hopeful that Secretary LaHood will use his discretionary ARRA funds to better the United States’ infrastructure by supporting short line and regional rail systems.
The Railroad Cooperation and Education Trust is an organization of railroad labor and management that promotes cooperation in all disciplines of railroad contracting. This includes formulas to “win the bid” for railroad maintenance and construction projects in a highly competitive environment and the promotion of railroad infrastructure legislation in Congress and the state legislatures that furthers the railroad construction business climate. RAILCET members understand the importance of job well-done, completed safely, on time and on budget.
Labor and management urge Congress to include capital grants for freight and passenger railroad projects in $100 Billion Economic Stimulus
RAILCET cites “ready-to-go” rail projects that would immediately help grow U.S. economy
WASHINGTON, DC The Railroad Cooperation and Education Trust (RAILCET), with support from labor and management, joined The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) in requesting that the Economic Stimulus Package contain provisions to fund capital grants for freight and passenger railroad projects that are in the public’s interest. The groups’ main focus is to make funds available for rail transit projects, commuter rail projects and Class II and Class III freight railroad projects.
“Our nation’s infrastructure goes hand-in-hand with our economic viability and vitality,” said RAILCET chairman, John Penn. “These rail projects would create a sustainable, safe infrastructure which would help this country grow economically, resulting in immediate, real job creation. Ultimately, this provides an important, direct benefit to our laborers, operators and rail contractors.”
Section 22301 of Public Law 110-140 permits capital grants in the public interest to Class II and III railroads that rehabilitate, preserve, and improve railroad track infrastructure and facilitate the greater use of railroad transportation. If granted, this money would benefit the railroads, construction companies that perform the work, supply companies providing materials such as steel, ties, ballast, and heavy equipment. Moreover, it would provide an essential benefit to the thousands of small shippers who would then use the improved track infrastructure. Without it, rail network access to mostly rural communities would be cut.
The NRC and RAILCET recommend that the Stimulus include $100 million in general funds over two years, to fill the authorization from the Energy Act of 2008-09. To meet the objectives of a true stimulus, the groups’ suggest that only projects be made eligible which can be initiated within 180 days and substantially completed within the 2009 calendar year.
The Railroad Cooperation and Education Trust is an organization of railroad labor and management that promotes cooperation in all disciplines of railroad contracting. This includes formulas to “win the bid” for railroad maintenance and construction projects in a highly competitive environment and the promotion of railroad infrastructure legislation in Congress and the state legislatures that furthers the railroad construction business climate. RAILCET members understand the importance of job well-done, completed safely, on time and on budget.
For more information please visit our website, www.railcet.net
Railcet Marketing Leads to Increases in Contractors, Members, and Market Share
The effectiveness of the RTOA continued to appeal to railroad owners, operators, and contractors I 2006, as four new contractors signed the agreement. Hours worked under the agreement also increased more than 10 percent, and 80 ore Laborers worked under the agreement.
RAILCET’s extensive marketing efforts contributed to this increase. It ran a series of print advertisements targeting both owners and contractors, and developed brochures and marketing materials. RAILCET representatives appeared at Industry trade shows and conferences, met with rail owners and operators, and worked closely with RTOA unions and contractors to win projects, jobs, and market shares. RAILCET also developed a comprehensive marketing plan to market the RTOA to non-signatory contractors.
To ensure the continued usefulness of the RTOA, RAILCET participated in the negotiations of a new, three-year agreement between LIUNA, IUOE, and the NRC. The new agreement sets new wages and benefits while enhancing the competitiveness of RTOA signatory contractors.
OTHER Accomplishments
Launched a worker safety training and awards program
Provided OSHA, First Aid, and CPR training to signatory contractors,
Tracked rail-related projects and jobs, and alerted RTOA signatory contractors to upcoming bid opportunities
Participated in the annual Railroad Day in Washington, D.C. representing RTOA contractors and unions before Congress.
Redesigned the RAILCET website to provide direct access to Federal Highway Administration training sites, a complete list of RTOA signatory contractors, and information about the programs and services offered by RAILCET and the RTOA.
New Five-year RTOA Agreement Expands Reach and Mobility for Railroad Contractors and Workers
Stability with Strong Benefits is the Key
SPRINGFIELD, IL (January 4, 2008) –The Railroad Cooperation and Education Trust (RAILCET) today formally announced a new, five-year Railroad Transportation and Operation Agreement (RTOA) agreement. Signed by Terence O’Sullivan, General President LIUNA, Vincent Giblin, General President IUOE and Ray Chambers, Chairman of the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC), the expanded cooperative agreement offers railroad stakeholders a level playing field to achieve common goals.
“This new agreement offers national reach, flexibility and competitive wages,” said Edward Smith, chairman of RAILCET and assistant to the general president, vice president and regional manager, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). “It creates a win-win partnership for laborers, operators and railroad contractors. With this new agreement in place, our goal is to expand the number of high quality rail contractors signing on as signatories to the RTOA. This will further strengthen RAILCET’s reputation within the rail industry while also increasing the contract potential for our signatories for jobs for Laborers and Operators”.
Among the new RTOA agreement’s benefits are:
· Work crew mobility for contractors and workers;
· Geographic reach – locked in 41, accessible in all 50 states;
· Fair wage rates and affordable health insurance (up to $2.60 per hour);
· Better training and reimbursement;
· Improved dispute resolution process; and,
· Flexible work week
RTOA contractors work under a unique labor agreement that reaches across the country with geographically zoned wage rates. Under RTOA there is a 25-year record of labor-management harmony and peace. RTOA also offers safety training, alcohol and drug programs that are unmatched in the railroad industry.
The Railroad Cooperation and Education Trust is an organization of railroad labor and management that promotes cooperation in all disciplines of railroad contracting. This includes formulas to “win the bid” for railroad maintenance and construction projects in a highly competitive environment and the promotion of railroad infrastructure legislation in Congress and the state legislatures that furthers the railroad construction business climate. RAILCET members understand the importance of job well-done, completed safely, on time and on budget.
