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.
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
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
Motion to close by Brother
Fahey, seconded by Brother Atwood. Motion passed.
President
Balkowitsch was not available, LC Etienne filling in.
Meeting opened by the LC in due form.
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.
1.
Legislative dues will be going up $3.00 per
person. This will make the per
person amount $7.50 per month.
2.
3.
Bill was witness to a teleconference with the
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
5.
Umatilla - Bill attended a meeting concerning the
burning facility. The
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
The
floor was opened for discussion and several questions were asked.
Safety
Coordinator Terry Reddish: They have finally required RCO operators
at
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.
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.
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,
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
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
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.
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.