BLET, Teamsters call for tax exemptions for overtime pay

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the broader Teamsters Rail Conference are advocating for the passage of H.R. 5475, the "No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act." 

If passed, the bill would expand on previous legislation to grant tax exemptions on overtime pay to workers under the Railway Labor Act, BLET officials said in a newsletter. Rail workers would be able to deduct up to $25,000 of overtime pay from their annual income for tax purposes.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) on Sept. 18 and was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. 

BLET representatives have been meeting with U.S. senators to advocate for the introduction of a companion bill. BLET is developing an action plan for members to contact their representatives in support of H.R. 5475, BLET officials said.