Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers   
Division 758

Richard E. Etienne
Vancouver, WA
rick@etnsplace.com

 

Mr. M. David Dealy
Vice President, Transportation
BNSF Rwy
2600 Lou Menk Drive
Ft. Worth TX 76161-2800

January 19, 2002

Mr. Dealy,

Despite continued assurances that these occurrences are "an aberration", the carrier continues to do what they want in regard to employee's pay and work records. During the past year, the same thing occurred three (3) times, but each time, was downplayed. Assurances were given that it couldn't happen, but it did. 

On January 16, 2002 train VVAWPTL4 16A was called on duty at 2041 to go to Lyle WA lite power, and pick up some cars to bring back to Vancouver. While enroute, the crew encountered a traffic accident with fatalities at MP 49. The crew assisted the injured until help arrived, but it was decided that due to trauma, the crew would be relieved and taken back to Vancouver. They were replaced at 0230, after performing service for almost 6 hours. When the crew went to tie up they found their timeslip missing, and all records of their performing service expunged. 

On January 16, 2002, train ZPTLCHC2 16A was called on duty at 1715 with an Engineer and a Conductor. After picking up their train at Lake Yard, the crew proceeded to N. Portland Jct. to gather more cars. At this point, the conductor was ops tested, and removed from service. It was decided to replace the entire crew. This was done at 2345, 6 1/2 hours after being on duty and performing service. Yet again, a decision was made to blow out their timeslip and all records of their performing service. 

Mr. Dealy, exactly when will these occurrences stop being "aberrations" and be taken seriously for what they are-violations of federal regulations? Once is an aberration, and multiple violations are blatant.

Respectfully,

Richard E. Etienne

Local Chairman
Div. 758

Cc: Dennis R Pierce
      D Maze
      DL Clairmont, FRA Regional Administrator

 

U.S. Department of Transportation                                Region VIII                            Murdock Bldg. Room 650
                                                                                                                                   703 Broadway
Federal Railroad Administration                                                                              Vancouver, WA 98660

 

January 30, 2002                                                    H2002-BNSF-8-0004


Mr. Richard Etienne
Local Chairman, Div. 758
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
Vancouver WA

Dear Mr. Etienne:

Subject: 

Possible violation of the Hours of Service Law by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company at Vancouver, Washington on January 16, 2002.

This will acknowledge receipt of your letter regarding the above subject.

The Federal Railroad Administration is now investigating your concern, and you will be advised of the results upon completion. Please refer to the above file number on any future correspondence.

Thank you for your interest in railroad safety.

Sincerely, 

                                                                                                                    Dick L. Clairmont
                                                                                                                    Regional Administrator