VICE CHAIRMEN                                                                                             M. W. GEIGER, JR.                                                                      SECRETARY-TREASURER
D. R. PIERCE                                                                                                     GENERAL CHAIRMAN                                                                                       J. H. NELSON
S.J.BRATKA                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4237 ORCHARD DRIVE
K. E. DeVINE                                                                                                                                                                                                                       GALESBURG, IL 61401

BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS

GENERAL COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT
BNSF/MRL

190 EAST 5TH STREET, SUITE 105                                                           TEL (651) 224-5441
Serving Since 1863                                                                                     ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55101-1637                                                          FAX(651) 224-3132

August 24, 1999 File:                                                                                                              BNSF Availability Policy

ALL LOCAL CHAIRMEN AND
ASSISTANT LOCAL CHAIRMEN
BNSF NORTHLINES (FORMER CB&Q,
GN, NP AND SP&S)

Dear Sirs and Brothers:

As you are all aware, the carrier intends to implement system wide its new "BNSF Availability Policy for Train, Yard and Engine Service Employees" effective September 1, 1999.

Be advised that this Committee in conjunction with the other three BLE General Committees on the BNSF, have put into motion a strategy to address this unilateral change in working conditions. As of this date we have forwarded a copy of the new BNSF policy to International President Edward Dubroski along with a letter setting forth our position as to why we believe this policy constitutes a unilateral change to our agreements and working conditions. Further, we believe this policy violates Section 2, Seventh of the Railway Labor Act. We have also sent written notice to the carrier requesting a conference on this matter in accordance with Section 2, Sixth of the RLA.

This office has been inundated with calls regarding this issue and unfortunately we have been unable to respond to all the calls and also move forward with our strategy. The carriers' timing is unbelievable. We thank you for promptly notifying us of this issue and we will keep you advised of further developments. Please feel free to post this letter for our members.

Fraternally Yours

M.W. Geiger

General Chairman

Enclosure

cc: J.H. Nelson, Sec./Treasurer