Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

Dear Sirs and Brothers:  

Please find attached letter of understanding dated March 8, 2004 regarding engineer road switcher assignments. This settlement is a result of meetings between this office and the Carrier concerning OPS 1-88 (Road Switchers) Side Letter dated March 31, 1988 which states in section 3:  

“If the conductors and brakemen in this service obtain an agreement through negotiation or arbitration that provides for additional earnings not contained in this agreement, the parties will meet to discuss the differences.”  

During our discussions the Carrier agreed that since other members of the crew on former GN SP&S properties have obtained an enhanced rate of pay through arbitration the equivalent percentage increase will also apply to the engineers’ rate of pay on these road switcher assignments. The Carrier has also agreed that the limits of all road switcher assignments under OPS 1-88 will not be less restrictive than those established for the other members of the crew under applicable agreements.  

Please add this letter to your files for future reference and advise your membership affected to expect this resultant increase in the rate of pay and retroactive pay adjustments beginning October 1, 2002.  

Fraternally,  

/s/ Dennis R. Pierce  

DWM

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

M. H. Siegele                                                   March 5, 2004
AVP/BNSF                                                      File: OPS 1-88.
2600 Lou Menk Drive                                          Road Switcher Agreement
P.0. Box 961030
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0030  

Dear Mr. Siegele:  

This is in reference to our conference concerning BLE/BN Labor Agreement BN 4-14-88, OPS 1-88 (Road Switchers). Pursuant to Section 3 of OPS 1-88 Side Letter dated March 31, 1998, the parties met to discuss the terms and conditions of Arbitration Board No 567 (UTU/BNSF former GN&SPS).  

As a result of this conference, we reached the following understanding: Road Switcher rates of pay in effect for engineers on July 1, 1997 on former GN/SPS territory will be increased by 4.85%. All permanent General Wage Increases and COLA increases found in the June 1, 1996, December 16, 2003 and subsequent BLE National or On Property Agreements in effect after July 1, 1997 will then be computed and applied to these rates in the same manner prescribed for a typical GWI or COLA. Retroactive payments will be calculated on this basis and will be allowed from October 1, 2002 forward.  

It was also understood at our conference that engineers assigned in Road Switcher service under OPS 1-88 will not have assignment limits exceeding those limits assigned to other members of the crew.  

If this reflects our understanding, please indicate so by signing below.

Sincerely,

/s/  Dennis R. Pierce                                                                     /s/ Milton Siegele
General Chairman                                                                       Assistant Vice President, Labor Relations