BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS
BURLINGTON NORTHERN AND SANTA FE
GENERAL COMMITTEES OF ADJUSTMENT

August 24, 1999

Mr. John J. Fleps
Vice President-Labor Relations
P.O. Box 961030
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0030

Dear Mr. Fleps:

This letter is in connection with the "BNSF Availability Policy for Train, Yard and Engine Employees" due to be promulgated September 1, 1999 by the BNSF.

In the opinion of the undersigned General Chairmen, the company's "Availability Policy" constitutes a unilateral change to the agreements and working conditions of the engineers on BNSF. It is our further opinion that this unilateral change violates Section 2. Seventh, of the Railway Labor Act.

In accordance with Section 2, Sixth, of the RLA, this is notice of our desire to confer with respect to this dispute.

Your prompt response is anticipated.

Sincerely,

T.R. Murphy         A.G. Morrison      M.W. Geiger        J.D. Mullen

General Chairman General Chairman General Chairman General Chairman