The Union Plus Scholarship Program application for study courses beginning in the Fall of 2022 is now available at www.unionplus.org/scholarships. The Program awards annual scholarships to eligible union members, current and retired, their spouses and dependent children. The recipients are chosen based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need and commitment to organized labor values.

The program provides for one-time cash grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 to eligible undergraduates and graduates attending a U.S. accredited university, college or community college, or a recognized trade or technical school. Students may re-apply each year.

The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered by the Union Plus Education Foundation, supported by contributions from the provider of the Union Plus Credit Cards. Applicants are not required to have a Union Plus credit card or participate in any other Union Plus programs to apply. Since 1991, the Union Plus Education Foundation has awarded over $5 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students of working families.

Applying for the Union Plus scholarship is entirely online. Please visit Union Plus’s website at www.unionplus.org/scholarships for additional details and all other requirements.

Applicants should log on and complete their online application by visiting https://1unionplusscholars.communityforce.com/login.aspx. A brief overview of the program is attached, but it should be noted that the deadline for submitting the completed 2022 application is Friday, January 31, 2022, 12:00pm (noon, Eastern Time). The award winners will be notified in June, 2022.

In addition to furnishing personal and union membership information (verification of union membership required), applicants are requested to provide educational background and employment details, a letter of reference, scholarship essays, and estimated financial needs. Applicants should review all criteria carefully as some of the requirements may have changed from prior years:

Another opportunity to receive awarded scholarship funds is through the Union Plus Isaiah’s Award, to honor the life of a child who was in the foster care system. Applicants for Isaiah’s Award must have a special connection to the foster care system, and to submit a separate essay. The Isaiah’s Award is separate from the Union Plus scholarship so, if appropriate, applicants should complete both sections on the online application.

Finally, in addition scholarship programs, Union Plus’s Free College Benefit Program makes it possible for union members and their family members to earn an associate degree or bachelor’s degree tuition at no cost – for free. To learn more about these programs, members may visit https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education or for additional fields of study go to https://freecollege.goiam.org/. Fees may apply for required textbooks and potential background checks.

All TCU/IAM members should be aware of these member only College and Scholarship Programs, available to members and their family members, and the many other member only benefits available, including but not limited to hardship grants, Mortgage Program, Credit Card Program, AT&T discounts, Pet Insurance discounts and more at www.unionplus.org. Should you have any questions about this or any other Union Plus Program, please contact the TCU/IAM Social Services Department at 301-840-8746.

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It’s a summer of savings with Union Plus on travel, car rentals, theme park tickets, vacation tours and more. Plus, TCU/IAM members will have a chance to enter a sweepstakes to win one of ten $50 prizes or one of two Grand Prize of $500, sweepstakes end July 21, 2021. Enter today at https://www.unionplus.org/summerofsavings.

Summer travel can be expensive but with Union Plus, TCU/IAM members can:

• Save up to 35% off Pay Now rates with Budget car rentals by using Budget Customer discount (BCD) number V816151; or up to 25% off Hertz; Avis, Dollar; Thrifty; or Payless car rentals https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/travel/car-rental;
• save on vacation tours Collette https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/travel/vacation-tours,
• save up to 60% on hotel stays https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/travel/hotels
• plus receive discounts through Abenity on attractions, tours, water & theme parks tickets https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/travel/attractions-tours.

No travel plans, Union Plus has many more member only programs to choose from, why not take a look for yourself at all of the ways you and your members can save real money on everything such as the AT&T discounts; flower and gifts; shopping; mortgage programs; moving services; and more.

Union Plus Credit Cardholders can combine discounts with other AT&T offers, which include but are not limited to; qualifying for up to $250 in rebates by switching to AT&T and upgrading to a new smartphone. To learn more about the special discounts on wireless plans and accessories under the Union Plus AT&T Discount Program, members can access unionplus.org/att.

Looking to protect those you love with financial security, through the Union Plus Life Insurance Plan, members can protect can provide financial wellbeing https://unionplus.deals/4bx. Coverage is underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Policies underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company detail exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policies may be continued in force or discontinued.

Need assistance when times get tough, Union Plus offers Hardship Help to TCU/IAM members and their families in need of financial assistance, including but not limited to the Union Plus Job Loss grants for those with a TCU/IAM credit card or personal loan; Union Plus Mortgage Assistance for Union Plus mortgage customers and other programs. To determine eligibility, members can go to unionplus.org/hardship for further details.

TCU/IAM members may visit UnionPlus.org to learn more about these and other valuable benefits through Union Plus. If you have any questions about these or other programs available, please contact the TCU/IAM Social Services Department at 301-840-8762.

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Carman

Clerks

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Union Plus Auto Buying Services

Members and their family can search and compare over one million vehicles and save thousands off MSRP, restrictions apply, on top brands. Take advantage of the Union Plus Auto Buying Service with perks including:

• Research top brands and see what others paid for the car you want
• Get a $100 rebate on new union-made cars, certain conditions apply
• Enjoy up to $2,000 in Auto Repair and Auto Deductible Reimbursements, certain conditions apply
• Ready to sell your car? Get a cash offer from a local dealer in minutes
• Remote paperwork and vehicle delivery options available
• https://unionplus.deals/gho

Not needing car, Union Plus has many other programs, discounts and services available to TCU/IAM members their families including, but not limited to:

Union Plus Hearing Care Program
Special Offer for Union Members
The Union Plus Hearing Program has a special limited time offer of $500 off a pair of Oticon OPN S 3 hearing aids. The program is open to members and family members including parents. Free hearing test included with no obligation.

Union Plus Mortgage Program
The Union Plus Mortgage Company team is offering First Time Home Buying webinars. In addition, the program provides competitive rates, mortgage assistance and gift rewards. Visit unionplusmortgage.com to learn more about the union-owned Union Plus Mortgage Company.

AT&T Discounts
• Members can save money every month with discounts on qualified AT&T wireless plans
• No activation fees when you order a phone, table, or smartwatch
• 20% discounts on eligible accessories
For more details on AT&T go to https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/shopping-discounts/att

Union Plus Travel Benefits
Looking to take a vacation after COVID, Union Plus has travel benefits available that can save members up to 25% off car rentals, up to 60% off hotels and discount tickets to theme parks like Walt Disney World; Six Flags, Universal Studios and more; plus savings on vacation tours. Check out what Union Plus has to offer on your travel needs at https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/travel.

Members can see additional benefits available through Union Plus at www.unionplus.org.

If you or your members have any questions, please contact Ellen Conboy, Executive Director/National Representative in the TCU/IAM Social Services at 301-840-8746.

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The Cleveland Clinic released a flyer and program questions and answers to provide further details about this new benefit.  Members and eligible dependents interested in participating should contact Cleveland Clinic Cardiac Care Program at 866-441-5691.
 
Information can also be found on under “Explore your Benefits” on the jointly developed by labor and management website www.yourtracktohealth.com or www.ytth.com. 
 
Any questions, please contact Ellen Conboy, Executive Director/National Representative at 301-840-8746.
 
Click here to view the flyer from the Cleveland Clinic.

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President Biden signed H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), on March 11, 2021. This law subsidizes the full COBRA premium for “Assistance Eligible Individuals” for periods of coverage from April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. The subsidy applies to medical, dental and vision coverage.

This information is for those covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan, The National Dental Plan and the National Vision Plan.

Railroad Enrollment Services will send notices to impacted members under the above referenced Plans by May 31, 2021.

To be eligible for the premium assistance, individuals:

MUST have a COBRA qualifying event that is a reduction in hours or an involuntary termination of a covered employee’s employment;

MUST elect COBRA continuation coverage;

MUST NOT be eligible for Medicare; AND

MUST NOT be eligible for coverage under any other group health plan, such as a plan sponsored by a new employer or a spouse’s employer.

The Department of Labor developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning eligibility for the COBRA Premium Assistance outlined in the ARP.

Click here to read the full release from TCU.

Click here to read the Q&A from the DOL

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UnionPlus decided the best way to close out the crazy year of 2020 was to give back to those who always give to others.

The plan was simple, they gave $1,000 to 100 extraordinary union members this December during the Union Plus Holiday Giveback!

This included two TCU members Devon Blake and Mike Torgerson.

Click here to view all the winners.

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TCU supports the recent introduction of S. 4860, the Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act, which would undo harmful, ongoing sequester impacts to the Railroad Retirement Board’s (RRB) unemployment insurance benefits. The sequestration law was written so that these benefits are automatically reduced each year even though budget sequestration does not apply to regular federal unemployment insurance. As a result, railroad workers are subjected to reduced benefits while such benefit cuts do not apply to the general public. This unfair impact to rail labor is even more concerning now given the current pandemic’s impact to the transportation industry and the rail workforce.

Amtrak asked for a quote from TCU President Artie Maratea to be included in the release from Amtrak.

“Railroaders have had to take a reduction on their unemployment insurance benefits for too long,” said TCU President Artie Maratea, “I am happy railroaders have finally been recognized for their hard work by the Senate, by seeking to eliminate this reduction of their RUI by the introduction of REEFA.” 

“Railroad workers have played an important role in supporting this nation and deserve fair treatment. We thank the Senate for their work and look forward to the quick passage of this legislation,” said Amtrak President & CEO Bill Flynn.

“The Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act will bring long overdue equality to our nation’s rail workers by finally putting an end to the unfair sequester of railroad worker benefits,” said Larry Willis, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “This legislation is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as benefits for rail workers and their families are needed now more than ever. We strongly support passage of this bill by the Senate.”

Click here to read the release from Amtrak.

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It’s that time again to announce the annual Open Enrollment for members covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan (Plan) GA-23000.

Members are starting to receive materials in the mail for the 2021 Open Enrollment. Between October 1 until October 31, 2020, members can securely access the Railroad Enrollment Services online at www.yourtracktohealth.com to review and make changes to their benefits or personal record for 2021. Options available include enrollment in the Flexible Spending Account; opting out of coverage; adding, removing or updating dependent information; or making benefit changes. The online portal is a secure, quick and easy way to ensure a member’s information is accurate and up to date.

It is encouraged that members visit the online enrollment and review all of the information available. However, if the enrollment information provided by the Railroad Enrollment Services is accurate and a member does not wish to make any benefit changes for 2021 or there are no other updates needed, no action is required.

Any member who prefers to receive a paper enrollment kit in lieu of using the secure online website may call Railroad Enrollment Services at 1-800-753-2692.

Finally, members may also find www.yourtracktohealth.com helpful in providing resources on Plan benefits outside of Open Enrollment, including but not limited to, health coverage, vision, dental, life and retirement benefits, health advocate services, telemedicine information, etc.

Please inform your members to look for Open Enrollment materials in their mailbox. If you have any questions, please contact the TCU/IAM Social Services Department at 301-840-8746.

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Since 1986, the Transportation Communications Union/IAM has endorsed the union member only programs sponsored by Union Plus. Over the years, Union Plus has expanded their programs from their beginnings with the TCU/IAM MasterCard program to now a wide range of money savings programs, all for union members only.

TCU fully supports the programs available active and retired TCU members and their families. With the money savings programs available, in some situations the benefits can offset paid union dues.

With the REAL ESTATE REWARDS program, members buying or selling a home can earn $500 for every $100,000 in home value after closing by using a SIRVA pre-screened real estate agent (cash back available in certain states); through the UNION PLUS MORTGAGE COMPANY, members can receive up to a $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing plus an additional gift card for first-time home buyers, while getting a mortgage at a competitive rate. Plus with the mortgage program, members receive special hardship assistance in case of disability, layoff, lock out or strike.

Looking to return to college, through the UNION PLUS FREE COLLEGE PROGRAM, members and their eligible family members can earn an Associate Degree with NO out of pocket costs. Who wouldn’t like a free education from Eastern Gateway Community College, an accredited public, non-profit school, in the University System of Ohio. Or, earn a BACHELOR’S DEGREE at substantially reduced or no costs through the Central State University.

Need a UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP, members and their eligible dependents can apply to win a scholarship ranging from $500-$4,000.

In these trying times of COVID-19, furloughs and unemployment, Union Plus offers programs from saving money to financial assistance for those with a current Union Plus Mortgage; Credit Card or Loan. Also, through SAVE MY HOME HOTLINE, members having issues paying the mortgage and/or facing foreclosures can receive 24/7 free, confidential counseling from a fully-trained, HUD-certified counselor for advice and guidance that is personalized to their situation. Or those struggling to get control of debt, through UNION PLUS CREDIT COUNSELING, members can receive a free credit counseling session to help get them back on the track financially.

Grants and benefits available for those who have been laid off or furloughed are available to members who currently hold a Union Plus personal loan; credit card or mortgage. Eligible and qualified members with a Union Plus Loan or Credit Cardholders can receive up to a $300 grant. Eligible and qualified members with a Union Plus Mortgage can receive an interest-free loan to cover mortgage payments for up to six (6) months plus a one-time $1,000 grant.

Need a new phone or wireless service, look to the AT&T WIRELESS PROGRAM. The only nationwide unionized wireless carrier. Discounts include percentages off on qualified plans; accessories; waived activation fees.

Everyday Discounts are available through UNION PLUS ABENITY, from fashion to beauty, dining, movie tickets and electronics to everyday household items from national and local retailers.

Looking for Vision, Dental, Prescription & Hearing Savings, look at the UNION PLUS HEALTH SAVINGS PROGRAM. For a low monthly premium, members only pay $50 for eye exams and receive 35% off frames and more; discounts of 20-50% for dental services; up to 65% off prescriptions; and discounts on hearing services.

Union Plus offers many other programs to save members money while knowing these discounts are only for union members, including car rental discounts; entertainment discounts, vacation and travel services; moving discounts and more.

Click here for additional information on these and other money savings programs available to TCU/IAM Members, this flyer can be posted or distributed. Need more information on a particular program, members can go to Union Plus at https://www.unionplus.org/tcu-iam.

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