Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

January 16, 2001                                                                     File: Computer Based Training

Dear Sirs and Brothers:

This letter is in response to numerous inquiries as to the Carrier’s recent instructions regarding Computer Based Training (CBT) for bi-annual book of rules testing and engineer re-certification.

Last year portions of this Committee along with portions of the former Frisco and Santa Fe Committees were involved in a pilot program involving Computer Based Training. Following said pilot, this Committee was notified by the Carrier of its intent to expand CBT training system wide for the year 2001 and requested a meeting in Overland Park. Meetings were held regarding this subject wherein this office proposed an agreement that would address CBT training (biannual rules test and re-certification) and, further, would resolve our dispute regarding payment when an engineer is required to undergo vision and hearing acuity examinations.

At the conclusion of this meeting the Carrier informed us they would take our proposal under advisement and notify us of their decision. A few weeks later we were notified that the Carrier was unwilling to accept our proposal. We had additional discussions with the Carrier on this subject matter last week and, again, the Carrier is taking our proposal under advisement.

I had hoped that we would be able to roll out this CBT training along with an agreement that resolved other outstanding issues prior to January ₁st Unfortunately, we were unable to do so.

That said, under our prevailing agreements the Carrier is unrestricted as to the method in which an engineer is tested. Such tests could be oral, in writing or taken on the computer. We do have agreements and understandings as to how engineers will be compensated when required to take part in bi-annual rules testing and engineer re-certification. With respect to these pay rules, nothing has changed.

Engineers will continue to be compensated in the same manner as they have in the past. If an engineer takes the test on a day that does not involve lost time, the proper payment is a basic day. If an engineer is required to miss a trip account of testing that engineer will be compensated for all lost time. Engineers on the extra board will be allowed a basic day without reduction in guarantee for that day.

An engineer can wait until properly scheduled for testing by the Carrier and complete all of the training modules and test at the same setting (approximately 8 hours total) or may complete the training modules in advance and only be required to take the final test when scheduled. If one decides to go through the training modules in advance, payment will not apply for each setting. Compensation under the agreement will only apply upon completion of the required final test.

All time at the computer, whether going through the training modules or taking the final test, must be counted against the Hours of Service Law.

Most of us in the office have already had an opportunity to re-certify using CBT and found it to be quite effective.

This Office will keep you appraised of further developments regarding this issue. If you have any questions or concerns regarding CBT training, please contact one of the Vice Chairmen or myself. As always, I remain,

Fraternally

M.W. Geiger

General Chairman

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