Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
Division 758
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
Division 758
Richard E. Etienne
Vancouver, WA
rick@etnsplace.com
Brothers and Sisters,
With the onset of RCO operations in Vancouver WA. we need to understand some of the things that are allowed and not allowed. Below is a copy of the General Notices from the Twin Cities Division. Remember that there were some issues recently that caused the GCA to seek strike authority from the International. These issues were addressed in this general notice. Sadly BNSF hasn't seen fit to have all divisions enact this general notice.
These instructions are the authorized conduct for RCO operations. If any of you see any of the unauthorized actions taking place, please let this committee know right away. As always your participation is greatly appreciated.
Currently I understand the rules state that RCO may operate crossing main lines, going on main lines to double over etc. They may not go beyond the switching limits. This is my interpretation, and not an official one.
SUBJECT: Twin Cities Division Remote Control Operations
In addition to System Special Instructions #8, dated
1. If remote
control feature of an RCO operation fails and there is a
need to go into conventional operations, all applicable collective
bargaining agreements must be strictly adhered too. Conventional operation
requires an engineer called from the applicable decision table
through
2. RCO ground employees are not permitted and will not be authorized to operate any locomotive by any conventional means. Only certified locomotive engineers or hostlers, while assigned to a conventional locomotive operation, are allowed to operate a locomotive in conventional mode. If there is a need for any reason to operate the RCO engine in conventional mode, contact the appropriate authority. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in formal discipline.
3. Remote
Control Operators will conduct operations consistent with accepted
operating practices for ground service personnel in
conventional operations. This means that Remote Control
operator(s) may position themselves in a locomotive cab as a
ground service employee normally would during conventional operations.
Remote Control Operators shall work from the ground
as a ground service employee normally would in conventional
operations.
4. When working in a locomotive cab, a Remote Control Operator
with control over movement will not receive hand or radio
signals directing movement from other crew members on the ground,
except in an emergency. A Remote Control Operator in the
cab should use the "shared" or "pitch and catch" feature on
the Remote Control Transmitter if it is necessary for an RCO on
the ground to direct movement.
5. The Remote Control Operator at the coupling is required to be the primary operator during a coupling operation.
Example 1: A crew of two Remote Control Operators is involved in switching operations. The operator at a coupling should be the primary operator who will make a coupling. If the other operator is in control, stop short of coupling and transfer control to the operator located at coupling.
Example 2: A crew is working with an attached Utility Employee who is assisting in setting out a block of cars and will be at the location of coupling when the cut of cars are put back together. Either Remote Control Operator may be the primary operator as neither are located at the coupling and are receiving signals from the Utility Employee.