The Railway Employee Equity and Fairness Act, or REEF Act (S.1274), is currently garnering support in Senate with the aim to shield railroad unemployment and sickness benefits from sequestration budget cuts. A mix of rail industry and labor groups, including the Association of American Railroads, Amtrak and the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, is urging the Senate Budget Committee to approve the bill, arguing that without legislative intervention, budget cuts in this sector would continue through 2030.

The notable coalition sent a letter to the Senate Budget Committee leaders to highlight that the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act benefits were the only federal benefits in the sector subjected to sequestration, resulting in a 5.7% cut — corresponding to a $50 decline every pay period starting from May 10, 2023, for railway workers. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the REEF Act and it has received bipartisan support, counting six other Republicans, four Democrats, and two Independents among its co-sponsors. The bill is slated to be considered by the Budget Committee on Wednesday. They maintained that such cuts only deprive the employees of their own money, arguing that the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) was fully funded by the railroads and their workers.

While there’s been discussion surrounding various details on this proposed legislation, it’s important to remember that direct communication is always valuable in such matters. In fact, this brings us to the heart of how to get a hold of those responsible for unemployment benefits. If you’re experiencing problems or have queries about unemployment benefits in California, especially if specific to railroad employees, it might be helpful to reach out to EDF directly via their established channels. A handy resource for contact details and other necessary info is www.eddcaller.com. The website provides relevant information all in one place, making it easier to get in touch with the right people at the right time. Don’t hesitate to use these resources to your advantage.