A message from the RRB regarding the Federal Government Shutdown:

As of October 1, 2025, the federal government has entered a shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. This affects several federal agencies, including the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), which administers retirement, survivor, and unemployment benefits for railroad employees.

RRB Operational Status:

Field Offices Remain Open:

RRB field offices will continue to operate and accept applications for retirement, disability, unemployment, and sickness benefits. Benefit Payments Uninterrupted: All benefits will be paid as scheduled. This includes payments under both the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA).

Administrative Activities Paused:

Many administrative functions—including hiring and certain processing activities—will slow down or temporarily cease due to the shutdown.

Staffing and Morale:

A significant portion of the RRB workforce is either furloughed or working without pay, which may affect service levels and employee morale.
While some essential services will continue, response times and processing for non-critical functions may be delayed.

Duration of the Shutdown:

There is currently no set timeline for resolution. The shutdown will continue until Congress passes a funding bill or continuing resolution. We are monitoring developments closely and will share updates as they become available.

Recommended Actions:

Continue submitting claims and documentation as usual. Expect delays in communication and processing from RRB offices.

In an effort to broaden our communication and keep members better informed, we’re excited to announce that we’re now active on multiple social media platforms!

These channels will allow us to share timely updates, important announcements, event information, and other relevant content directly with you—wherever you are.

Stay connected and be part of the conversation by following us on the platforms below:

Track Inspection Cuts Could Risk Another East Palestine!

Rail lobbyists representing giants like UP, NS, CPKC, and BNSF want to automate track inspections.

Why? It would bring rail carriers more profits.

Critics warn this would undermine safety—or even cause a repeat of what happened in East Palestine.

Attention Members!

Please be sure to update your Met Life Beneficiary Form!

Please take a minute to review and update your beneficiaries for all relevant accounts and benefits. Ensuring your beneficiary information is up-to-date helps protect your loved ones and guarantees your benefits are distributed according to your wishes.

Click here to access the Met Life Beneficiary information sheet.


*Combined Claim Form* This form can be used for a Rules Claim or a Contracting Claim Submission.

*Witness Statement* Used to provide supporting evidence for a claim, NOT AS A CLAIM SUBMISSION.	*Statement of Skills* *& Experience* Used to provide a work history for a claim, NOT AS A CLAIM SUBMISSION.

Continuing Claim Tracking Form

Used to track hours on a weekly basis for claims that are continuing in nature.

NOT AS A CLAIM SUBMISSION.

SUBMIT INFORMATION

FOR CLAIMS ONLINE!

Click the appropriate icon to access the online form!

Click this box to submit your concerns and suggestions that you would like to see in a future contract.

Use this button to ensure your contact details (phone number, address, and email address) are current with the Burlington System Division. Information regarding claims, grievances, bargaining updates, voting information, and other communications are sent to the contact details on file, so make sure they are up-to-date.

Use the MEMBER STATUS BUTTON to update your contract information.

JOE MONTANA JERSEY GIVEAWAY

Exciting news for BSD members! Thanks to the generous donation from the Casey Jones Law Firm, you could win an autographed Joe Montana jersey!

Every lodge meeting you attend earns you another entry into the drawing. So, the more meetings you attend, the better your chances of winning this legendary piece of sports memorabilia. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Find out when you lodge meeting is scheduled on our EVENTS CALENDAR!

CALLING THEM OUT

This video highlights what Rail Labor has been thinking for decades! Please watch it and share it with your friends and family. The reductions in the railroad workforce have had a devastating impact, not only on Rail Labor but also on the communities that rely on rail transportation for hazardous materials. Let's all stand with Rail Labor for ALL of our safety and well-being.

Check your Form BA-6 from the RRB!

The RRB will be sending out Form BA-6 in the latter part of June. It is extremely important to review these forms for accuracy and file a protest (Form G-70) as soon as possible. If a protest is filed with the RRB, you will need to provide proof of compensation from the Carrier in that month to receive credit or military orders that clearly show service in the disputed month.

The G-70 forms are available on the RRB tab within Member Resources menu.