January - June 2004 Meeting Minutes

 

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, January 19, 2004

Meeting opened by the President in due form.

 Members present: Brother's D. St. John, R. Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, Sister K. Taylor, J. Bennett, T. Reddish, H. Allington and P. Fahey.

 Minutes of the December meeting were read. Motion to accept as by Brother Allington, seconded by Brother Cordes. Motion approved.

 Finances:  Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 111 plus one trainman. The current balances of accounts were discussed. The bills due for payment were presented. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Cordes, seconded by Brother Allington. Motion passed.  

Safety Coordinator: T. Reddish discussed the final presentation for RCO's will be made Wednesday January 28th. If you need additional information call Mike Rosewell at 360-664-1265 or email at  mrowswel@wutc.wa.gov.  
Roadworkers and whistling, you must whistle no matter how far away they are.  It appears this is open to interpretation by each inspector.  It doesn't matter how far away they are (10 12 tracks or miles?) but each inspector can choose what they wish to use for interpretation. You can not feather the whistle.  Be aware.  RCO's are coming, be aware and watch for any flagrant violations you see.  We MUST have documentation on this!  We can't do anything without it. The floor was opened for discussion.  

Local Chairman:

The following topics were discussed:

·         National Agreement - Alternate Compensation, the agreements were ratified. Don't know when they will take effect. 52 local members voted. No word on trip rates yet. Anyone that does not have steel-toed boots should get some.

·         Whistling for roadway workers. Feds have threatened to fine individual engineers who violate whistle rule. We need to whistle through the limits even when they give a wave of acknowledgment. Whistle before, and through limits. Stop only after by the workers.

·         Unsafe Condition Reports. Keep filling them out. We need them.

·         Conduct Issues. If carrier violates agreement, don't refuse service. Comply with orders. Make them aware it is a violation. Note on record that you are complying under protest. Call a union rep if it is a serious violation. NEVER just say "no", and don't refuse service. And never threaten.

·         Remotes coming Feb 16th. BLE has fought all fights possible and still in progress. We need to keep the eyes and ears open. Keep disposable cameras handy. Note any violations. Call immediately when seen. We want all engineers to put in for RCO training. Better we work than they do. If demoted and working RCO's don't let them make you become engineer if not called for it. Don't let them use private vehicles. Remember that they are taking our jobs. Don't be complacent! Call rules still apply if they have sudden need for an engineer. Utility employees must be RCO qualified to work with the job. We need to watch out for each other, these are our jobs being taken away.  Any apathy towards this and we may as well hang up all the jobs. Don't let anyone cut corners.

·         Rest day overlay - Letter from GC Pierce, labor relations (via Mr. Dealy) is talking about canceling our rest day agreement through the 10-day cancellation.  We may have to look into the newer rest day agreements or no rest days.  Pros and Con's of each path were discussed. Be aware that this is in the works, any new information will be out when we know.  

Floor opened for discussion and new business.  

Motion to close by Brother Reddish, seconded by Sister Taylor. Motion passed.  


Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, February 16, 2004

Meeting opened by the President in due form. 

Members present: Brother's D. St. John , R. Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, J. Bennett, B. Knowles, X Wilson, T. Reddish, P. Fahey.  

Minutes of the January meeting were read. Motion to accept as by Brother Knowles, seconded by Brother Wilson. Motion approved.  

Financial Report - Bills and current finances were read. We have currently 111 active members and 1 trainman.  Floor was opened for discussion and no questions were asked. Motion to pay the bills by Br. Bennett, seconded by Brother Wilson. Motion passed.  

Legislative Report - Bill Knowles reports the annual meeting is going to be in May.  They are discussing raising the dues from $4.50 to $6.50. They have discussed reducing outflows but this may be necessary. Bill attended the RCO meetings and there were only about 5 people there. They didn't want to discuss much and didn't give any substantive responses. If anyone is called to work as RCO and then is told to work as an engineer, call Rick immediately, we can have the picket signs out within 40 minutes.  

Local Chairman:

1.       RCO's - We need to keep our eye's and ear's open. If you are called as an RCO, don't work as an engineer. If they want you to move a RCO and aren't qualified, don't do it. You know people are going to be running for the quit and ignoring the rules. Be aware and don't be caught. Document anything you see. Carry a disposable camera; call immediately if you see any serious violations. RCO operator's are subject to de-certification under the same FRA rules we are. As of this date we are aware of some incidents that have been covered up. If you become aware of any violations, we must know to be able to stop or report them to the proper authority.

2.       Investigations - It appears that the carrier is going after the engineer and not the rest of the crew. It has happened more than once.  If you are given a car count, STOP IN HALF THE DISTANCE. Don't let your job go because the conductor's get in a hurry or don't understand the rules.  Don't let violate the rules and blame it on you. Please be careful!

3.       Rest Day overlay - There is a good chance they may cancel our rest day overlay.  No cancellation notice has been served at this time but be aware it may happen.  We need to be thinking about alternatives if this happens.

4.       Assigned Car Agreements - A cancellation letter was issued but has not gone into effect. Some fixes have been proposed but nothing agreed to. There was a conference call with the GCA, Labor Relations and the local officers was held with no resolution. There will be a meeting on Feb 25-26 to attempt a resolution. Currently 620 can take any train in the window, 0001 - 0400, out of Vancouver. No other changes at this time but will let you know if any occur.

5.       Health and Welfare changes are here, co-pay goes up. Opt out program is available and the paperwork should be to you by now.

6.       Back pay - is to be paid on March 5th. Claims appealed for last year is to be paid then. Everyone should see at least 2000+ dollars after deductions.

7.       FRA and Air Test - The FRA has issued warnings about initial terminal air test. They are going to begin fining individual crews for improper air tests. Make sure that if you do this test you comply with all the rules.

8.       Make sure you take your rules test by the due date or they will not pay you. We have not been able to clear this up with the GCA.

9.       RCO jobs will be the north and south leads, 1 relief job, 214, 225, 229, 328, and 329, R-1. We have been told they will not be using these jobs to cross the mains or go out on the main.  If you see this happen, please document it and let us know.  They would like to put the Camas turn on remote but right now don't have the authority.  Currently they can't use them outside of yard limits.  Let us know if you do this anywhere.

 Floor opened for discussion and new business.  

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


Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, March 15, 2004

Meeting opened by the President in due form.  

Members present: Brother's D. St. John, R. Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, J. Bennett, D. Haney, R. Reams,  R. Collins, T. Jacobs, C. Atwood, T. Reddish, J. McHenry, R. McCartney, R. Williams, D. Richardson, W. Pelham, R. Huelle, C. Miller, C. Jasso, D. Chavez, P. Patterson, C. Gunther. W. Boomgaarden, R. Moore, W Pellens .

 Minutes of the January meeting were read. Motion to accept as by Brother Huelle, seconded by Brother Haney. Motion approved.  

Financial Report - Bills and current finances were read. We have currently 111 active members and 1 trainman.  Floor was opened for discussion and no questions were asked. Motion to pay the bills by Br. Haney, seconded by Brother Bennett. Motion passed.

 Safety Coordinator T. Reddish gave a brief description of Brother's Keeper. Anyone with any interest in this program feel free to contact him.  

Local Chairman:

1.       RCO's - We have been trying to get some information on what they can and can't do with the remotes. We still feel they cannot take them out on the road or main at this time. We appreciate all the eyes and ears of the members, and want you to continue to document all incidents. We would all like all demoted engineers to become remote qualified, if someone is going to run them we would rather it be our members.

2.       Back pay - Back H&W was taken out. 1853.28 was taken out. Claims appealed for last year should have been paid. They are having problems with 816's. Letter from GCA about health and wealfare concerning which plan you were based in.  These will be posted at work for you to read. 

3.       June 28th will be the GCA committee convention in Los Vegas.  60 days prior to that (April 28) we must have any resolutions or appeals into them. Therefore any of these we wish to send must be approved at the next meeting. April 19th.  We will make the materials available for those that wish to submit resolutions.

4.       PLD's when working a yard job and being able to take them with out having to take a day off are in effect but the carrier has still not put these into effect. Anyone having problems let Rick know.

5.       Foot of the board agreements - There is two different agreements, both of which were gone over.  Examples of each agreement and its effects were presented. The main difference is the full version each person takes their turn with them for layoffs less than 7 days. The floor was opened for discussion. Proposal made to vote on the floor of the meeting and allow votes to be taken by e-mail until April 22nd. Vote taken and was unanimous to allow e-mail polling.  10 minute recess was taken to allow LC to make phone call to answer questions that had come up. Specific questions - language about attendance guidelines not in both agreements, can we vote it down this time and try to get it later.  Recommendation from LC is to decline both versions at this time and revisit it later.  Vote taken for foot of board agreement full - majority nay. Vote for foot of board agreement abridged - majority vote nay.

6.       Do not call agreement - presentation of agreement was made. Floor was opened for discussion. Motion to vote by brother Haney, seconded by brother Atwood. Vote as follows- 13 yeah, nay 4. Vote passes.

7.       Assigned car agreement - presentation of agreement was made. Copies of the agreement were made available at the meeting and will also be available on the web site.  These agreements are in effect for a 90-day trial period. This was a last ditch effort before going back to the ID agreement assigned jobs. Jobs will be assigned tomorrow by seniority. Turns will be attempted to be lined up as they were prior to the new agreements. Floor opened for discussion. This is not the final answer on this subject.  

Floor opened for discussion and new business. Brother Bennett and Patterson recognize the work and effort that the LC has put in over this matter. Motion made by Brother Bennett to make available forms for additional voluntary assessments.  This is done to recognize the additional time and effort that has been demanded of the Local Chairman in the recent months. This will help defray the additional costs that have been thrust upon the local's finances. We also look at buying a laptop for the Local Chairman to be compatible for his current claims program.

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


Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, April 19, 2004

President Balkowitsch not available, Asst. LC Haney filling in.  Meeting opened by the President in due form.  

Members present: Brother's D. St. John, R. Etienne, D. Haney, C. Atwood, P. Fahey, S. Hill, G. Miller, R. McCartney, K. Taylor and Special Guest Brent Hunsberger from the Oregonian.  

Minutes of the March meeting were read. Motion to accept as by Brother Fahey, seconded by Brother Miller. Motion approved.  

Financial Report - Have received the Audit for 2003 and 2002 from the GCA.  Anyone who wishes to receive a copy of this or review it, let me know.  Bills and current finances were read. We have currently 112 active members and 1 trainman.  Floor was opened for discussion and no questions were asked. Motion to pay the bills by Br. Fahey, seconded by Brother Miller. Motion passed.  

Special Guest Mr. Hunsberger was introduced and given the floor.  He is the reporter that has been covering the problems on the UP.  He was here to gather information on the BNSF and RCO's.  He wished to talk with any member after the meeting that may have information for him.  

Local Chairman:

1.       RCO's - Please keep sending in reports of any funny moves you may see. Twin Cities GN notice that states what they can and can not do.  Carrier seems to be hedging on that notice at this time.  We are continuing to investigate and discuss this matter.

2.       Assigned car agreements - Seems to be working OK.  Complaints should still be documented and forwarded to us as soon as possible.  Floor opened for discussion.

3.       Do not call agreement - The agreements were ratified, but not in effect yet.  Will let you know when it will be in effect.

4.       XBD Overwork - Carrier has refused to increase XBD's.  We need documentation on fatigue issues.  Also any documentation on incidents on lay-off refusals.

5.       Trip rates - Having a meeting this week to discuss.  Hopefully will get some figures soon.  No notice on when they may go into effect.

6.       Harassment of injured employees - There have been several investigations regarding employees who fill out F-27's.  Please remember to fill them out in a timely fashion.  If you think you are injured, notify a carrier officer, even if you don't fill out the F27 right then.  Remember that you have 72 hours to fill one out for soft tissue injury.  Cumulative injury needs to be reported as soon as you find out your injury is due to cumulative work.  Try to take someone in with you when you fill an F-27 out.

7.       Claims - Don't forget the paperwork along with forwarding the ticket.  Claims without any documentation will be held for further paperwork from you.  Delay reports are essential.  Any other documentation that will explain or prove your ticket.

8.       Initiatives and appeals - Anything that needs to be handled at the GCA general meeting must be in ASAP.

9.       Alignment Control Couplers - Rule number 101.17 Locomotives not Equipped with Alignment Couplers, Subsection B Locomotives not equipped with alignment control couplers states : Most SW 1200, SW 1500, MP 15, GP7, GP9, SD7 and SD9 locomotives, waybilled locomotives, some foreign line road and switch engines and some Amtrak and other commuter locomotives are not equipped with alignment control couplers.  These units may be identified on the train list.  They are to be placed second in the locomotive consist, one per train when handling cars.  Mechanical inspection forces must ensure that coupler swing limiting devices are in place before these units move in freight trains.  Coupler swing limiting devices do not make the coupler an alignment control coupler.

10.   7 Deadlies - Carrier has cited someone for "Gross Indifference to Safety and Job".  This was in response to a 7 deadly violation.  This can be a firing offense.  Please be careful.  Carrier seems bent on firing people.  We have become worse than Northtown and Argentine Yard.  Mr. Randal seems to be intent on racking up body count.

11.   Make sure you take your rules test BEFORE the due date, not the day of.  You will not be paid for it.

12.   Headlights - The carrier is insistent that you can not dim your headlights at anytime during the daylight hours.  Be aware you may be cited for this.  Be careful.

 Floor opened for discussion.  

Motion to close by Brother Fahey, seconded by Brother Atwood. Motion passed.  


 Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, May 17, 2004

President Balkowitsch was not available, LC Etienne filling in.  Meeting opened by the LC in due form.

 Members present: Brother's D. St. John, R. Etienne, S. Barnes, W Pellens , K. Taylor, T. Reddish, B. Knowles and Special Guest P. Bovarnick.  

Minutes of the April meeting were read. Motion to accept as by Brother Barnes, seconded by Brother Knowles. Motion approved.  

Financial Report - Secretary has still not received the forms and paperwork from the International to complete all reports and bills for this month.  Estimation given of International, GCA and WSLB dues. All other bills presented. Motion to pay the bills by Br. Reddish, seconded by Sister Taylor. Motion passed.

 Legislative Rep: Bill Knowles gave a report on the tri-yearly state legislative meeting.

       1.       Legislative dues will be going up $3.00 per person.  This will make the per person amount $7.50 per month.

2.       Washington is the only state in the union that has been able to pass legislation that actually has the railroad's definitions of RCO operator's among others.  This is a big deal.  This gives the state the right of regulating the railroads with no federal intervention.  The FRA at this point has stated they have no position on the point. This will give us bigger input.  The railroads are fighting this but it looks like we might win one here.

3.       Bill was witness to a teleconference with the Washington State utilities commission hearing on this.  The railroads sent several high impact lawyers who spoke.  Several citizens spoke along with the unions. Unfortunately the UTU spokesman said they had "no opinion" on this issue. This conference showed how important it is to not only know whom your representatives are but also how they stand on labor issues. We are very fortunate to have the individuals that are in place now.

4.       The Utah State Legislative Board donated $5000.00 to assist us with this issue.  The Arkansas Legislative board donated $500.00.  This committee has achieved something not seen to this date in the US .  The efforts and accomplishments of this Legislative Board have been noticed nationally and will see further support as time progresses. This is still not a done deal but for the first time in memory there may be a light in the tunnel.

5.       Umatilla - Bill attended a meeting concerning the burning facility. The Benton county emergency response gave a presentation on the issue. He has information for those that wish it.  At this point it is going to be a 24hour operation.  There was a test last month with varied results.  The railroad is supposed to be notified of any release within 19 to 20 minutes.  The actual time during the test was 36 minutes. They are working on correcting the mistakes that they found.  The weak spot appears to be during the time they remove the chemicals from the igloos where they are stored and put into "casket's".  This only happens four times a day.  Not on holiday's or times of inclement weather.

6.       The issue of gas mask's and injectors was also discussed.  Due to the agent's involved the use of gas masks would be useless.  Also due to Washington State law you must have a license to dispense the type of injection needed.  So, these items will not be used or made available. Bill's suggestion is to buy very good tape to seal your windows and doors. J  

The floor was opened for discussion and several questions were asked.  

Safety Coordinator Terry Reddish: They have finally required RCO operators at Spokane to stop using their private vehicles for RCO work. Previously, there had been a distinct lack of interest in curtailing this practice by carrier officers in Spokane , despite numerous complaints by both the GCA and the Safety Coordinator  The issue has been a long-standing issue and may now be fixed.  Hand brakes on consist.  Engineers need to be careful putting hand brakes on.  We have had several injuries on this. Please be careful. The mini tie gangs have been a problem with leaving junk along the right of way instead of cleaning it up.  If you are anywhere around these gangs, please be careful and turn them in.  Unsafe condition reports would be wonderful. Mr. Kerry, candidate for president will be in Portland this afternoon and we would like all possible to attend.  Anyone who isn't registered please let him know he has the forms available.

 Special Guest Paul Bovarnick - He would like to emphasize on the political front, please make all efforts to get out our members to vote.  This may be one of the most important presidential elections we may face.  The potential that re-election of the current establishment has for the total change in our lifestyles and way of life is tremendous.  Please make sure and encourage everyone to vote and donate as much as you can.  

He also again talked about the importance of filling out an F-27 anytime you are injured.  If you even think you have been injured it is important you notify the company immediately. Late reporting is not only bad in the company's eyes but makes it harder to pinpoint the cause as a result of your work. Please be careful when you fill out these forms.  BRING someone in with you to fill them out.  DO NOT let an officer fill it out for you. If in doubt if you should or what to fill out, contact any union officer.

 The floor was opened for discussion.

 Local Chairman:

 1.       Do not call agreement - The agreement is still not in effect.  Will let you know when we hear.

2.       XBD - Carrier has refused to increase XBD's. We need documentation on fatigue issues and lay-off refusals. We are still trying to get XBD's increased but have not been able to at this time.

3.       Trip Rates - All pools in effect, except the 65 pool. That one will go into effect on 6-1-04.  No word yet on the OE or assigned garbage train.  Only claims that you have now are meals, WL, held away and lapback.

4.       Brother's Keeper - There have been several bonehead moves made lately. We have responsibility to each other to try and correct dumb moves by others.  We need to talk to co-workers when we see dumb/dangerous things done. Don't allow traps to be set for others.

5.       Lining switches - There have been 2 incidents of engineer being ordered to line switches. There is a board award that we are not required to line switches if there are ground personnel available. We have the right to line switches if we wish to, but it is not mandatory. You do have the right to refuse, but DO NOT get confrontational.  Politely tell them you are not required to perform this service.

6.       Claims - Don't forget the paperwork along with forwarding the ticket. Claims without any documentation will be held for further paperwork from you. Delay reports are essential. Any other documentation that will explain or prove your ticket.

7.       7 Deadlies - There have been 2 recent citations. We need to remind our peers of safe work habits. 100% rules compliance. Why get injured of fired just to save a couple moves or minutes? It’s not worth it. Please remember that we can be held accountable if we see a violation occur and we continue as if nothing happened. For example, if we see a ground person get off moving equipment and we don’t make a full stop, we can be as guilty as them.

8.       FRA report on RCO's - Recent report by Fed declare RCO's safer. They say that accidents are down. We all know this is not true, the report is biased because they don't have to recheck their figures. Carrier has been creative in reporting of accidents.

9.       DH separate/combined service - With trip rates, requirement for notification at call is finished. This is due to original trip rates to the UTU. They strike again. Carrier claimed the could make round trip if DHCS and pay only one trip rate. Hahs was required to accept that UTU made to prevent this. Requirement for notification only void on trip rate jobs. Remember to put FE and claim SPD and CP account failure to notify of DHCS. This will pay two codes.

10.   RCO observations - Please keep complaints coming in.

11.   Make sure to complete your rules test prior to the due date if you want to get paid.

 Floor was opened for discussion.

 Thank you to Brother Reddish for the pizza.

Thank you to Paul Bovarnick for his presentation.  

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


 Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, June 21, 2004

Meeting opened by the President in due form. Brother St. John was not present, due to unavoidable circumstances.

Members present: Brother's and Sister’s R Balkowitsch, R. Etienne, P. Patterson, H. Bailey, R. Jacobs, R. Reams, G. Miller, L. Weed, C. Ruzsa, S. Hill, S. Cordes , M. Cousineau, C. Nibler and Retired member J. Hill.  

Minutes of the May meeting were read. Motion to accept as is by Brother Bailey, seconded by Brother Jacobs. Motion approved.  

Financial Report Due to the absence of the Secretary Treasurer, the financial report was not made. A motion to pay the bills was made by Brother Patterson, and approved by Brother Reams. Brothers Stowe and Richter were transferred to their respective new divisions. It was mentioned that the legislative dues will be going up $3.00 a month. Also, the National dues will be going up 2 ½ percent to reflect the pay increase. This will amount to around .64 cents. It is the opinion of the Secretary/Treasurer that the division will be able to handle the increase without increasing the dues at this time.  

It was mentioned that the Umatilla Depot has delayed the opening of their burning facility

 Local Chairman:  

1.       Do not call agreement - The agreement is in effect.  Currently, those not allowed on this list include XBD members, demoted engineers, and qualifying engineers.

2.       XBD - Carrier has refused to increase XBD's. We need documentation on fatigue issues and lay-off refusals. We are still trying to get XBD's increased but have not been able to at this time. The cycle time for the XBD last week was 10.2. This is bordering on dangerous.

3.       Trip Rates - All pools in effect,. No word yet on the OE or assigned garbage train.  Only claims that you have now are meals, WL, held away and lap back.

4.       Running through switches - There have been several incidents of switches being run through. We need to make sure we have briefings with our crews if in doubt as to the seasoning of the crew. Please take extra care with the new employees. Try to remember when each of us was new too.  Please make sure that any run through switch is reported. We don’t want any traps set for others.

5.       Claims - Don't forget the paperwork along with forwarding the ticket. Claims without any documentation will be held for further paperwork from you. Delay reports are essential. Any other documentation that will explain or prove your ticket. Don’t forget the 60 day time limit. Just forwarding the ticket after it is declined is not sufficient for conferencing the claim. Please remember that it is your claim, and you need to provide the information.

6.       GCA Meeting – I will be out of town attending the GCA meetings in Nevada the week of 06-28-04.

7.       Demoted Engineers Rejecting Calls – Please use common sense when avoiding calls to work as an engineer. Remember, if you answer the phone, you are required to go to work. It is suggested that an answering machine or caller ID be used to screen calls. If you are in a position to not reasonably expect to go to work, and you don’t answer the phone, it won’t be considered a missed call. BUT- if you are up near the top of the board, then you must consider yourself expecting to go to work. This would be the same issue as if one or two people ahead of you laid off or missed calls, and it was your turn. Please! Use common sense and protect yourselves.

8.       Going Home Sick – Again, please use common sense. We work for this company, and therefore they are the authority for coming to work, and going home from work. If you are sick, you need to get their permission to go home. We can’t just leave without saying anything to management. Again, it’s all about protecting ourselves. If we don’t go home the proper way, we can be construed as abandoning our job. Protect yourselves!!

9.       BN-ATSF Transfer Agreement- There was much discussion about this proposal. The agreement was created to allow the opportunity for those wishing to cross a formerly impenetrable barrier. This agreement will allow those engineers wishing to go from BN to ATSF and from ATSF to BN. Their seniority will remain intact on their home district, and they would take the date of their first trip (paid or unpaid). Any employees in current LTEP’s would, upon successful completion of their training, be placed ahead of those transferees. There are pro’s and con’s for this agreement. It was decided that no decision would be made until next month. At the July 19th meeting. Opinions and voting by members can be made by email to me, or notes left in the box. Please examine the agreement carefully before deciding how you wish to vote. We don’t want to let emotions control the outcome of this possibly important agreement.

10.   RCO observations - Please keep complaints coming in.

11.   Make sure to complete your rules test prior to the due date if you want to get paid.

 Floor was opened for discussion.  

It was decided to skip the August meeting, in order to allow the L/C to report on the GCA meeting at the July meeting.  

Motion to close by Brother Cordes, seconded by Brother Jacobs. Motion passed.