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From The General
Chairman
Anthony Simon
United Transportation
Union Local 645
Dear Brothers & Sisters:
I am writing in regard to the recent Metro North Coalitions
contract agreement, which is waiting for ratification. Make
no mistake; this deal has increased the difficulty of our
own negotiations. The Coalition has created some difficult
obstacles for us to contend with. It is important our membership
understands what this deal means to us here on the LIRR.
First, increasing the retirement age to 62 for new hires
is a tremendous concern to us. During our last round of
negotiations, our Pension issues were addressed and a Defined
Benefit Plan was delivered.
Increasing the retirement age two years beyond the retirement
age recognized by the Railroad Retirement Board is unacceptable.
While increasing the retirement age, they also now have
a 20% cap on their base salary on what employees Final Average
Compensation will be based upon. This means employees will
have great limitations on their earnings as they try to
build a pension.
Existing employees will also have the option to choose the
new pension or opt out to a 401-K plan that the Carrier
will contribute in to. This will cause division within the
ranks by creating two separate pensions, which is something
we have already rectified here on Long Island.
In addition, the Coalition has given up the $100,000 life
insurance policy that we on the LIRR presently receive in
addition to the 3 times our yearly earnings formula.
They also gave up a Personal Day for employees reaching
the 30-year mark. This day becomes more important with the
increased retirement age.
In closing, this is only a three year deal, which will bring
on the same concerns of Medical in the near future. It is
my responsibility to continue to look toward the future
and deliver a deal that will protect us all down the road
as well. While 4% or 3.5% salary increases may look appealing,
it is important we all understand the value of a fair pension
and not contributing toward our Health and Welfare.
Rest assured I will fight to the end not to compromise what
we have already earned here on the LIRR.
As I have made clear in the past, the members of the UTU
will stand second to none within the MTA.
Fraternally yours,
Anthony Simon
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