January - June 2002 Meeting Minutes

 

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, January 21, 2002

Meeting opened by the President with Brother Haney filling in for the President in due form.

Members present: D St John, R Etienne, D. Haney, B. Knowles, T. Jacobs, L. Weed, G. Bryson, H. Bailey, R. Huelle.

Minutes of previous meeting read. No corrections made. Motion to accept by Brother Weed, seconded by Brother Knowles. Motion passed.

Reports of Committees:

Budget Committee: Brother Haney reports we had no meeting and are still working on the budget for this year.

Legislative Chairman: Brother Knowles reports. The State chairman Mr. Ricci has been working hard for a bill for fatigue will get a number as soon as we get it. We will need to get calls out when it gets to a vote. Forms will be posted for fatigue or bad call issues please fill these out.

Finances: Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 109 plus one trainman. The current balances of accounts were discussed and several questions were asked from the floor. The bills due for payment were presented and discussed. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Bailey, seconded by Brother Weed. Motion passed.

Local Chairman: The following topics were discussed:

  1. 7-3 change proposal. Proposed changes to take care of possible out of town the 1st day. Instead of a restricted day, engineers will have a floating 72 hours, that starts when you get back in town. This will help eliminate sharp shooting for staying in town.  It will also help eliminate loss of time if called for work just before cycle starts. Cycle days snap back to regular cycle after days off completed, so you may have less working time between next cycle. There would be an automatic lay off (if not notified of the employees' desire to keep working) between the hours of 0001-0530. Employees would need to watch the time they were laid off, and return to the board at the same time to prevent an additional loss of a guarantee day. More will be out later, and the members will get a chance to vote on the proposal.
  2. OE. Jobs back on. OE Pool back to 2 turns. Will implement new OE agreement soon. Waiting for UTU me too.
  3. Black Box. UTU has agreement for black boxes. Carriers will start using them soon. The carrier was granted a court order to prevent a strike. We will have to wait and see.
  4. A-Card education. Our UTU brothers need to know what an A card is, and what it will mean if they are asked to sign one. Talk to our UTU members and explain. Don't be confrontational, just informative. It's not their fault their international is doing what they are doing. Each trip, talk to the other members of the crew and explain that these things are a very real possibility:
  1. Dues assessment. What does it mean? How long? If the petition to the NMB is not successful, there will be no assessment. If we fail at the NMB, the fight is on. The assessment will be re-evaluated each month to see if it is needed. Remember, what is your craft worth to you?
  2. What does single craft mean to us? Open section 6. Can be amended for one agreement. Possible one schedule. One vacation roster. One seniority roster. One extra board. One person in cab.
  3. Attendance Guidelines. Carrier is starting to get tough again. Document lay-offs that are out of the ordinary. If you have a conference with the carrier, make a note of what was said and give it to this committee. We all need to be active in protecting our jobs.
  4. Peer Support. Have list to give to carrier. Will get proper training for those on list. Will notify them when it is time for training.
  5. Boot policy. Carrier original letter states "Oct. 1". Carrier is going back 12 months from date of purchase to see if you have any other purchases. If you bought a pair of boots and were charged for them, be sure to give this committee documentation for claims. Spread word to others about this policy. Carrier doesn't care about safety, only cost of boots. We may have a claim based on the carrier's inability to give concise instructions to the employees.
  6. CBT tests. News test very hard. Need documentation as to improper questions. Please keep me informed.
  7. Vacation changes. Bids for premium weeks will be put out when any are available. Non-premium weeks can be changed on request.
  8. Local conversion for flips. Do not claim "claim local rate account trip under 100 miles". This is not valid. Same 3 ways to convert to local rate as SP&S. 3 moves between initial and final terminal. Aggregate time of over 1hour 30 minutes for moves. Perform station switching. When claiming conversion, state "claim local rate acct. performed station switching at ______ from _______ to _____".

There were several questions from the floor.

Motion to close by Brother Bryson, seconded by Brother Knowles. Motion passed.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, February 18, 2002

The following items were discussed at the meeting:

Extra board amendment: An amendment is going to be voted on at the next regularly scheduled meeting on March 18, 2002. Those unable to attend may submit their vote in writing to either the local chairman, or the secretary-treasurer (Dennis St. John). This can be done by mail or by e-mail.

This side letter will effect a change in the 7-3 rest cycle board that will allow the following:

Ops Testing: The carrier has cited an employee for not saying "in between", even though the entire crew was standing on the ground within 15 feet of each other, and they were the only crew on duty at the time. This shows the intent of this rule is strictly an enforcement issue, and not a concern for safety. Be careful out there. The tone is set from the new regime. There is no longer a kinder gentler management team running the division.

Vacation Changes: There are still no premium weeks open for bid on vacations. When they become available, they will be posted.

A Cards: The BLE is still waiting for a ruling from the NMB. Depending on how that turns out, if and when the UTU comes on the property to collect A cards, we need to make sure each of the UTU people we work with are aware of what signing an A card means. Be sure to talk with your crews at each opportunity and explain that signing an A Card means they elect to become a single craft. If they still want to sign this, and become a single craft, that is their right. We need to make sure they are educated in exactly what it means to be a single craft. One agreement, one vacation roster, one extra board, one seniority roster etc. 

The special dues assessment has been suspended after 2 months. We will keep you posted on what's happening.

Remote Control: The UTU International was in such a hurry to cause harm to the BLE they rushed into an agreement with the carriers that allows the ground personnel to maintain control of the black box. Unfortunately, when the dust settles, BLE members will be on the ground and we will still have control of the black box. UTU members will be unemployed thanks to their international. There is a court injunction issued that prevents any BLE member from going on a work stoppage. Be careful! At this time, BNSF plans to start remote control in 2 locations; Kansas and North Dakota. The Organization is preparing for an arbitration hearing. We will keep you posted as more becomes available.

Peer Support: Peer Support volunteers have been picked, and will attend a peer support training meeting on February 21. Those in attendance are; CE Gonzales, PG Patterson, AD Ferguson, WC Barnes, RE Huelle, JP Johnson, DL Haney HS Bailey JD Bennett, RE Etienne, JL Schollmeyer Jeff McHenry and Chris Borne. We appreciate each of you in taking on this valuable necessity.

New OE Agreement: The new OE agreement with Sunday, Monday cycle rest days takes effect on March 4, 2002. It will work the same as the extra board cycle. The employee may or may not elect to take the days off. It affords those who want off time the opportunity to take it.

Conversion to Local Rate on Flips: Be sure to put the station times in your comments to ensure payment for local rate.

Ditch Lights: Do not let the carrier make you leave your initial terminal with a burned out ditch light (where a repair facility exists). This is a violation of federal regulations.

Complaints: Make sure you leave a copy of any complaints or unsafe condition reports to this committee. This way we make sure we have copies of all issues.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, March 18, 2002

Meeting opened by the President in due form.

Members present: D St John, R Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, B. Knowles, H. Allington, T. Jacobs, W. Ridgeway, W. Boomgaarden, T. Nollette, R. Huelle, S. Evans, J. Hill, R. Pratt, C. Nibbler, J. Johnson, W. Wasnoska, D. Kautz and retired member J. Bonnin.

Minutes of previous meeting read. No corrections made. Motion to accept by Brother Huelle, seconded by Brother Nollette. Motion passed.

Reports of Committees:

Budget Committee: Dennis L. St. John made report, no meetings were held and still waiting for a budget.

Finances: Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 109 plus one trainman. Copies of this year CT-1 and LM3 made available. The current balances of accounts were discussed and several questions were asked from the floor. Resolution of IRS finally done and all payments made. The bills due for payment were presented and discussed. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Nollette, seconded by Brother Allington.

Motion passed.

Legislative Chairman: Brother Knowles made report, no actions taken this month. They are working on a newsletter to be put out, still working on the fatigue measure. Bill will be more active in encouraging the members to vote.

Local Chairman: The following topics were discussed:

1. Boot policy - The new boot policy is based on a rolling 12 months. Anyone requesting a new pair of boots from the carrier will have their history checked to see if they have purchased a pair of boots within the previous 12 months. If so, the entire amount of the boots will be deducted from the pay check. Once again, the carrier has failed to either inform the employees in a clear and concise manner, nor are they monitoring at a local level to keep those not qualified from thinking they are able to purchase a new pair of boots. Anyone who had entire amount taken out please let him know. Make sure carrier officer checks status to make sure approval is valid.

2. Ops testing - Carrier is serious about the 7 deadly failures. Recently, a SIAP was held concerning an employee who was nabbed for not saying "in between" when reaching in to close an angle cock. It seems, the entire crew was standing on the ground within 15 feet of the employee, and there were no other jobs working. The carrier still requires radio announcement of "in between" and "set and centered". This means the issue is not a safety issue, but an observation enforcement issue. SupOps Stuhldreher is responsible for all activities outside of the terminal and it appears he is not as forgiving as some previous officers here. looking for a body count. Be careful.

3. Move to yard office in Pasco -  a discussion was held, and no new problems were aired. The transportation issue will continue to be monitored.

4. Qualifying when working on yard jobs. Carrier requires yard engineers to be qualified to dogcatch up to 25 miles in each direction. Informing Carrier of non-qualification will trigger the need to get qualified. If you inform the carrier you are not qualified to dogcatch outside the terminal, under FRA rules, the carrier is allowed to make you get qualified. You will be compensated for a qualifying trip each direction.

5. FRA Guest - Darryl Morrow from the FRA has been invited to attend the next meeting to talk about FRA issues.

6. Vote taken for Extra board amendments as follows- Yes (3) No (24) measure fails. The amendment will be set aside. At a future time, if desired, we can bring the issue up again. All future 7-3 rest cycle agreements will include the floating days.

7.  A Ballot under section 43(b) has been received covering proposal by GCA concerning Safety Involvement/Alternative Handling Discipline. Proposal was read by local chairman, letter by D. Pierce outlining proposal was read and letter from General Chairman to members read. A lively discussion was then taken from the floor. Luckily, no projectiles were thrown.

There were several questions from the floor with a discussion of each. Vote taken as follows- Yes (9) No (5) Abstain (4). Motion to vote yes passes. This means we cast one vote as a division. The GCA is gathering votes from all the other divisions in our GCA, and the result will be announced around the middle of next month. 

Motion to close by Brother Knowles, seconded by Brother Nibbler. Motion passed.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, Arpil 15, 2002

Meeting opened by the President in due form.

Members present: D St John, R Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, B. Knowles, D. Haney, C. Nibbler, L. Weed, D. Green, S. Evans, J. Hill, L. Coughlin, T. Jacobs, retired member J. Bonnin and special guest Darryl Morrow.

Mr. Morrow was introduced and gave a brief presentation. He is an operations practice inspector. If you call the FRA, please leave your name and number. They will not give that information out to the carrier. Discussions included:

Speedometers, working or not. If your speed recorder becomes B/O enroute, under federal rules you are required to proceed at a speed not to exceed 20 MPH.
 SOFA, five things the FRA has found to be causes of accidents. Prevention includes;
        Securing equipment before action is taken
        Protecting employees against moving equipment.
        Discussing safety at the beginning of a job or when a project changes.
        Communicating before action is taken.
        Mentor less experienced employees to perform service safely.

Working rules changing so rapidly, how do you keep up? Rules require the employee to be familiar with all rules. There seems to be a silence as for the carrier ensuring they instruct employees timely.
General Track Bulletins went into effect prior to bulletin coming out. Questions on block signal testing. Hand brake stenciling? Availability policy and Safety.

Mr. Morrow will return at the next monthly meeting with answers to questions as to why ground personnel need not be certified, but yard locomotive engineers do.

Minutes of previous meeting read. No corrections made. Motion to accept by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Nibbler. Motion passed.

Reports of Committees:

Budget Committee: D. Haney made report, no meetings were held and still waiting for a budget to be finished.

Finances: Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 110 plus one trainman. The current balances of accounts were discussed and several questions were asked from the floor. Resolution of IRS apparently not done, have received another bill. Have talked with Dr. Reese and she will attempt to find out what this one is for. The bills due for payment were presented and discussed. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Coughlin, seconded by Brother Jacobs. Motion passed.

Legislative Committee: Brother Knowles has resigned as legislative representative and brother Kautz will be filling in for the time being. We will need a special election to fill the post or the alternate position.

Discussion was held on sending a delegate to the International Western Convention. This would require a payment of $1.00 per member ($111.00 total). Motion to pay the fee made by Brother Haney, seconded by Sister Evans. Motion passed.

Local Committee: The following topics were discussed:

  1. Orange cones. There is a bulletin out on these, you need to review this. Basically once these cones are placed 100 feet in from the fouling point of tracks, we will lose 200 feet from each track for storage. Switching rules will change, and cars will not be allowed to be left between the cones and the fouling point. You can depend on Ops testing on this one. Be sure to read the instructions in the General Notices, and follow them.
  2. Safety participation. No joint auditing will be done. Blind studies may be conducted with the data being given to the safety coordinator for development of safety programs.
  3. Weight on drivers. Payroll has been documenting individuals claiming large number of locomotives for wt. on drivers. Agreement has always stated that wt. on drivers are the largest # of locomotives handled at one time. They  have to be coupled together and used at the same time to claim.
  4. Pasco problems still need info on any problems happening at Pasco. Not receiving documentation.
  5. ITD/FTD Carrier is looking at a report that shows exact time by each control point to cut ITD/FTD. If you are required to move your train for convenience of carrier, with no intent to depart, make a note in the comment section stating facts. If you depart then are held at Evan or McLoughlin for trains, you have departed. This is the same as going to Hover for trains. If you get on your train at Evan or McLoughlin, your ITD stops when dispatcher tells you to go. If you are talked by block at Evan, and pull up behind a train at 8th St., make a note in comments. Carrier is having a great time showing us ITD/FTD times that are at McLoughlin. Be accurate.
  6. Lineups. If you get caught due to bad lineup, please document and give to us. Same with laying off fatigued.
  7. LRC Blowouts. Keep track of times you call to blow out rest days. This is the only way we can prove you asked to keep working. TSS has no place for report on request to keep working. We need to pull tapes when carrier argues.
  8. Manpower specialists will be cut in on 4-22-02. They will be responsible for all crew notifications, lay offs, mark ups, etc. The crew callers will only be calling trains now. Upon  implementation, this plan should work as well as all the others, and you need to keep your pencils sharp as there are bound to be penalties.
  9. Remotes are going to be implemented soon in Seattle, Spokane and Everett. Be aware there will be people moving around.
  10. Discussions of other issues.

Motion to close by Brother Nibbler, seconded by Brother Haney. Motion passed.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, May 20, 2002

Meeting opened by the President in due form.

Members present: D St John, R Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, Joe Johnson, B. Knowles, S. Barnes, H. Bailey, C. Kitterman, retired member J. Bonnin and special guest Dr. Mark Ricci, Washington State Legislative Representative.

Minutes of previous meeting read. No corrections made. Motion to accept by Brother Barnes, seconded by Brother Knowles. Motion passed.

Reports of Committees:

Motion to accept J. Blau as new member by Knowles Seconded by Barnes Approved.

Nominations for Legislative Rep opened, no nominations were given and position held open. Nominations for assistant leg rep opened, no nominations were given and position held open. President appointed C. Nibler to Legislative Rep.  and Joe Johnson to Asst. Nominations will be taken again in two months.

Budget Committee: meetings will be held this weekend still waiting for a budget to be finished.

Finances: Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 111 plus one trainman. The current balances of accounts were discussed and several questions were asked from the floor. Resolution of IRS still not done. The bills due for payment were presented and discussed. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Knowles, seconded by Brother Barnes. Motion passed.

Legislative Chairman: Dr. Mark K. Ricci, Wash State Legislative Rep was introduced and given the floor to discuss the state Legislative. They have been working on fatigue. Safety and education, new technologies, (remote control), Insurance in vans, register to vote, It was interesting to note that Rep. Chandler voted against us. The address for the Washington State legislative Board is: http://www.wslb-ble.org. Other topics and questions were given.

Local Chairman: The following topics were discussed:

  1. OE: The carrier has served a letter of notice to the BMWE advising them that they plan to lease out the OE sometime in the future. Information from the GCA will be forthcoming.
  2. Cones: The carrier will continue to allow tracks to contain cars inside the "zone of death". Notifications will be given to crews.
  3. Remotes: Legal action is still being pursued. At this time there seems to be no intent to remote Vancouver. More as it comes. Correspondence between the carrier and the Organization is flowing back and forth.
  4. Locomotive Defects: Several complaints have been heard regarding numerous complaints about locomotives. Unfortunately, very little documentation has been received by this committee. Please understand that this committee desires nothing more than making the carrier comply with maintaining locomotives in a safe condition. The problem lies in providing the documentation necessary to force them to fix stuff. While I need to hear the complaints, I need the paperwork and letters more. Thanks
  5. UTU agreement: At this time, nothing other than rumor is available. As things become available, you will be kept advised. The overall consensus is that this involves trip rates, and the issue of health and welfare has not been addressed.
  6. Work rules: Please! Work safely> Don't disregard safety for the all mighty quit. Don't chase the quit to the point where someone gets hurt or in trouble. Remember that if we all follow the rules as they are required by the carrier, more jobs will be created. This is especially important as business continues to slow down. Please! Do NOT allow the yardmasters to watch your shoves with their cameras! That is not their job. There are no rules allowing for protection to be provided with a camera. Also, remember, that it is then a short step to another reduced crew member.
  7. Discussions of other issues.

Motion to close by Brother Nibler, seconded by Brother Haney. Motion passed.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, June 17, 2002

Meeting opened by the President in due form.

Members present: D St John, R Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, T Jacobs, L. Weed, M. Wetherholt, D. Haney, W. Boomgaarden, S. Cordes, J. Bennett, R. Huelle, retired member J. Bonnin and Guest M. Montgomery, Special guest P. Bovarnick, M. Woods, Jeff Cheney.

Minutes of previous meeting read. No corrections made. Motion to accept by Brother Boomgaarden, seconded by Brother Wetherholt. Motion passed.

Reports of Committees:

President Balkowitsch discussed the company cutting the health fair this year. He then read correspondence between himself and D. Maize.

Finances: Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 109 plus one trainman. The current balances of accounts were discussed and several questions were asked from the floor. Resolution of IRS still not done. The bills due for payment were presented and discussed. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Weed. Motion passed.

Local Chairman: The following topics were discussed:

  1. Track & Time. Due to current events, be sure to get verbal permission from the person you get joint rights with, before entering track and time limits.
  2. New Train Makeup rules. Be sure and get familiar with the new train make up rules. We are being held responsible for our other crew members, so we also need to be sure our trains are in compliance. Anyone desiring a pdf file of the make up rules (with pictures), let this committee know. If in doubt, ask a trainmaster to verify your train is in compliance.
  3. Speed limits on SD40 and SD40-2. Rules have changed. In Northern Corridor, certain trains are exempt from the speed restrictions. Be sure to read the system GO to be sure what speed you may travel. 
  4. Wt on Drivers. If you handle a larger number of units (at the same time), be sure to make a note in your timeslip so you are paid for the wt. on drivers. Payroll will probably cut large numbers of engines (especially switch engines) unless a notation is made on the working slip.
  5. Responsibility for other crew members. Several events have made it crystal clear that the carrier is making us responsible for any and all actions our crew mates make. Be sure to cover yourself and ask as many questions as you need to ascertain that they did what they were required to. This includes asking if switches are lined back; are handbrakes tied?; pickups and setouts made. Understand, this is not to simply tick off the other guy in the cab, but it is to ensure you are not cited and held responsible for their actions. Expect them to do the same with us. It is the new improved railroad! If you work in dark territory, be sure to initial the signal awareness form stating you verified that all switches were restored. If you need to look at the switch to verify that fact, so be it. Mr. Stuhldreher has assured this committee that if productivity slows down some due to extended job briefings, he won't get upset.
  6. Meetings on Pasco. Same old, same old. The carrier is going to work on lineups; rides; proper calls to ensure enough time to get ready for work; etc. We shall give them the benefit of the doubt for now, and see what happens. Mr. Hein as agreed that the reader will be the departure point. No more rounding up please. Be accurate on your times. Anyone having to wait for a room must call a trainmaster in order to be compensated for waiting for lodging. Also, remember to rebook your rest so you won't be in violation of HOS with the Feds.
  7. Blowing whistle for MOW. FRA is going to start fining crews for failing to blow for MOW. If you don't see them until you are next to them (for example, they are working in the brush, or a signal box) be sure to blow as soon as you see them, and keep it up until you are past them. Bell too.
  8. Days taken for FMLA. If you are taking time under FMLA for a family member, the carrier cannot deduct your PL or vacation days. If the time is for yourself, they can do so. If you have had days taken from PL or vacation when claiming FMLA, and the time taken was for a family member, be sure to get hold of this committee to try and get it fixed.
  9. Advance Lay-off. Remember, our agreement allows for 11 engineers a day to book advance lay offs. If you are denied an advance lay off, be sure to let me know.
  10. Thirty day bump rule- required to stay in same class of service unless bumped. If you bump from the road to the yard, and vice-versa, you are required to stay either in the yard, or out on the road for 30 days. If you are displaced before the 30 days have expired, and your seniority will allow you to remain in either yard or road, you must do so, rather than just what your job selection sheet shows.
    IN OTHER WORDS, say you 30 day bump from the pool to a yard job. Then a week later, you are displaced from that yard job. You must stay in the yard for 3 more weeks if your seniority will allow it. This means even if you have the pool as the next thing you can hold, you will still be bypassed for the pool, and be required to stay in the yard. The only way this doesn't happen is if you can't hold anything in the yard, or the 30 days have already expired.

    The floor was opened for discussion and other issues discussed include: FTD arrival points, manpower specialists, answering phones in Topeka.

Paul Bovarnick was introduced to give a brief presentation on FMLA, if you have questions give him a call. New form for F-27, DO NOT sign the medical release in the middle of it. Cumulative trauma injuries are on the rise, be aware of them. Floor was opened for discussion.

Motion to close by Brother Wetherholt, seconded by Brother R. Huelle. Motion passed.