In a significant victory for railroad workers and their families, the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act has been signed into law by President Biden. This bipartisan legislation, championed by Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), restores full unemployment and sickness benefits for railroad employees, ending a decade-long battle against budget sequestration cuts.

The REEF Act eliminates the 5.7 percent reduction in unemployment and sickness benefits that railroad workers have been facing since May 10, 2023. This reduction, a result of budget sequestration requirements, has been a financial burden for thousands of railroad workers and their families. With the signing of the REEF Act, these workers will now receive the full amount of benefits they have earned.

Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division, expressed his enthusiasm for the passage of the REEF Act: "IAM Rail Division members, and all railroad workers, are finally seeing their earned benefits restored thanks to the passage of the REEF Act. This was a hard-fought victory that will impact the lives of thousands of railroad workers and right a wrong that took away this vital assistance in times of need."

The REEF Act is a testament to the power of collective action and bipartisan cooperation. It demonstrates that when workers, unions, and lawmakers come together, they can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles. This legislation sets a precedent for other industries, encouraging workers and unions to push for similar protections and benefits.

Insert a bar chart showing the increase in unemployment and sickness benefits for railroad workers due to the REEF Act

In addition to restoring full benefits, the REEF Act provides backpay to railroad workers to make up for previous cuts. This compensation will help to alleviate the financial strain that many railroad workers and their families have experienced over the past decade.

The REEF Act is a win for the railroad industry's workforce, as it ensures that railroad workers will no longer have to worry about their benefits being cut due to outdated and unfair rules. This legislation provides stability and equity for the railroad workforce, contributing to improved job satisfaction and reduced turnover.

As America's largest transportation labor federation, the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), praised the passage of the REEF Act: "As America's largest transportation labor federation, we've seen firsthand how unemployment and sickness benefits are a lifeline for workers in times of need. After more than a decade of waiting, passenger and freight rail workers will finally receive the full value of the benefits they have earned. We applaud Senator Fischer, Representative Schakowsky, and our congressional partners who got this bill across the finish line."

With the signing of the REEF Act, railroad workers can look forward to a more secure and stable future. This legislation demonstrates that when workers and lawmakers work together, they can achieve meaningful change and improve the lives of working families across the nation.