January - June 2009 Meeting Minutes
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, January 19, 2009
Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.
Members Attending – R. Etienne, R. Pratt, H. Bailey, C. Nibler, R. Huelle, K. Ring,
S. Barnes, R. Ross, R. Hill, B. Bocchi, K. Stockman, R. Chacon, W. Pellens, D. Haney, B. Black, X. Wilson, R. Jenkins
Finances – We currently have 123 members. Secretary read December minutes. Motion to accept by Brother Jacobs; seconded by Brother Hill. Motion passed. Secretary made presentation of current finances. The bills were presented for payment. Motion by Brother Bailey to pay bills; seconded by Brother Jacobs. Motion passed.
Guest Speaker, Rich Ross – Be timely when submitting injury reports. Be sure to instruct your physician that any injury falls under FELA, not workman’s comp. Physician is not to release any information to your employer.
Safety Committee – Walkways at Harvest States complete. Bridge at MP7.6 changed to concrete. Kalama Port will have a new grain elevator.
Safety Committee Board Members are as follows: Chairman, Brother Bailey; Vice Chairman, Brother Jacobs; Secretary, Russ Amer.
Sign-up available at Union meetings or contact Todd Jacobs if interested in helping with the Safety Committee.
Handling Cars Ahead of Engine Ops Testing – Carrier is going to get specific with wording used for handling cards ahead of engines;
Working Safe during Winter storm - Congratulations and thanks to everyone for working safely and wisely during the winter storm. WAP will be updated to allow for things learned during storms.
Train Emergency- Please make sure you call the dispatcher if your train goes into emergency. If there is a track next to you, be sure to announce emergency on the radio for other trains. Be sure to leave a note for RFE. If required, have Conductor walk train.
“In Between” – Please talk ti up with Conductors about not asking for “in between” until movement is stopped.
TWIC Cards – TWIC cards should be available in February at the yard office. If you want to make an appointment in Vancouver, you can go get a car there; Suite 107, 3305 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98663; 8a.m. – 5p.m. Monday through Friday.
CBT - Lots of problems with new tests. Currently testing is suspended until fixed. 18% failure rate system wide. Anyone not being paid for CBT be sure to let Local Chairman of Adjustments know. Testing will be fixed to reduce seat time and get rid of tricky answers.
Last Week of Year Vacation – We found out we can book the week of December 25 – 31 as a week of vacation. Will be putting it up for bid soon.
Motion to close meeting by Brother Huelle, seconded by Brother Chacon. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1408.
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, February 16, 2009
Meeting was opened by Vice President in Due Form.
Members attending – R. Etienne, H. Bailey, K Huelle, R. Huelle, T Jacobs,
S. Barnes, J McHenry, R McCartney, K Atwood, T Nollette, K Baker, T Reddish, B Campbell, B. Black, X. Wilson.
Minutes read and approved
Finances – The Secretary Treasurer was not in attendance, so there was no finance statement. Motion by Brother Bailey to pay recurring bills; seconded by Brother Black. Motion passed.
Terry Reddish – 4 fatalities since December 2008, with 3 in the Southwest Division. We need to watch out for the deadly decisions
Safety Committee – A Safety marathon will be held this week, with the focus on the deadly decisions.
Sign-up available at Union meetings or contact Todd Jacobs if interested in helping with the Safety Committee.
Russ Huelle – Still working on contacts for the committee. Will visit Karl Mertens, and attend a Spokane meeting.
Legislative Representative – Xavier is working on trying to eliminate short yellow flags for sidings. He has multiple contacts and will pursue. He’s looking for new ideas on how to get the message of safety out to the members.
Local Chairman –
CBT Pay – be sure to request additional pay if required to attend rules testing on more than one date, due to CBT errors during January.
Handling Cars Ahead of Engine Ops Testing – Carrier is going to get specific with wording used for handling cards ahead of engines;
TWIC Cards – Please plan to get your card during February. If you miss that, you will have to make an appointment in Vancouver, at; Suite 107, 3305 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98663; 8a.m. – 5p.m. Monday through Friday.
Working Safe during Winter storm - Congratulations and thanks to everyone for working safely and wisely during the winter storm. WAP will be updated to allow for things learned during storms.
Download Desk – A presenter is available to attend a meeting to discuss what is being looked at by the download desk. Are we interested?
A motion was made to invite a presenter by Brother Huelle, seconded by Brother Wilson. Motion passed. We will contact RFE Hoover to make arrangements.
Missed calls for trainmen used as engineers – If you are marked to any of the boards, you must protect promotion vacancies if you are in a position to expect to go to work. This means if you are 1st or 2nd out, you cannot refuse or fail to answer a call for a manpower shortage. The carrier is citing the first offense. Protect yourselves.
Cab condition claims – In order to collect on these claims, the carrier must be allowed the opportunity to fix the problem. If we don’t make them aware, and let them attempt to fix it, we have no claim. If we are instructed to take as is, there is a claim. Please remember, the object is to get the cabs in good conditions, not just make extra money. If the conditions are truly bad, empower yourself!
Alternative handling on deadly decision offenses. Carrier served notice they will take a case by case look to see if they will allow alternative handling. The General Committee is preparing to take this to arbitration. We are urged to stay in the safety program (system wide) so the carrier cannot just cancel the alternative handling agreement in its entirety.
A question was raised about the hotel card. We are required to use this card when we check in and out of the AWHT motel.
Motion to close meeting by Brother Nollette, seconded by Brother Jacobs. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1425.
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, March 16, 2009
Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.
Members attending – R. Etienne, H. Bailey, T Jacobs, S. Barnes, J McHenry, K Atwood, C Marsh, K Ruzsa, N Scruggs, C Nibler, R Pratt, M Cousineau, D Robertson, K Ring, G Bryson.
Minutes read and approved.
Finances - We currently have 123 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Bailey and seconded by Brother Bryson. Motion passed.
Safety Committee – A death occurred in the SW, everything was done right. Be sure to get distance plus q for all shoves. Every time you stop on DP trains you must go to “Train check” regardless of time. Be sure that rear of train has stopped before you “Set and Center”.
Cab Committee – Be sure to report problems to Brother Haney or Brother Reams. To report mechanical problems via phone the number is 817-234-6258.
Local Chairman –
Change layoff default on board 30 to “Marked up”? – Once the Rail Safety Bill is in place, do we want to change the default on the LRC? Currently, the default is “laid off”
Those assigned to board 30 are automatically laid off LRC as soon as they are assigned and take notification, if we change it, each engineer will have to mark the “lay off” section.
Deadly Decisions Violations – Carrier has decided to allow alternative handling on deadly decisions, except for “gross negligence”. Best option would still be to follow the rules.
TWIC Cards – If you lost work due to no TWIC card, let the committee of adjustments know. Be sure to get your card ASAP. There are no collective bargaining agreements that prevent carrier from requiring a card.
Download Desk – A request for someone to come to our meeting has been made, with no responses yet.
Excess Vacation paid in 2008 – Letters are supposed to have gone out to those who have been overpaid, repayment options have been set for those who have to repay, be sure to verify the amounts.
Cab condition claims – In order to collect on these claims, the carrier must be allowed the opportunity to fix the problem. If we don’t make them aware, and let them attempt to fix it, we have no claim. The purpose of this is to make it a correction process, and not an auxiliary payment option.
Push Screens - Another update has been made to the board screens. This will allow you to see those who are coming off the board and those going back to the board, also, the option to receive email or text notice when your turn gets a pre-determined number of times out or number of hours out.
Inhalation Hazard change – Be sure to check out the change in HazMat instructions on speed restrictions for inhalation hazard cars, 50 mph for any quantity of cars. Be sure when you drive your train that you carefully look out for missing or damaged placards.
ICP Goals for 2009 – Carrier has issued their goals for 2009, they are leaving open the increase in income, due to recession. Sounds like they are allowing for reduced income for the year.
New Business – Sec/Tres attended the Sec/Tres workshop for 4 day and received a stipend of 109 dollars for each day and is requesting that the Local will supplement this to equal the amount paid for a switch engine. Motion was made by Brother Kautz to supplement pay for 4 day, seconded by Brother Jacobs. Motion passed.
Alt Sec/Tres, Dennis St John has resigned, need a new one, if interested contact any board officer.
Motion to close meeting by Brother Bailey, seconded by Sister Ruzsa. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1452.
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, April 20, 2009
Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.
Members attending – R. Etienne, H. Bailey, T Jacobs, S. Barnes, C Nibler, R Pratt, X. Wilson, R. McCartney, B. Black, T. Reddish, R. Hill.
Motion to suspend the reading of minutes by Brother Jacobs, seconded by Brother Wilson. Motion passed.
Finances - We currently have 122 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Wilson and seconded by Brother Bailey. Motion passed.
Safety Committee – NW Division has put together a program called “enchanced training”. It is volunteer but will be paid as made whole for a days wage, probably in June. Look for more information in the future. If you call rules and are made to fell uncomfortable or intimidated, call Terry Reddish at 360-931-1296 as soon as possible.
Cab Committee – Be sure to report problems to Brother Haney or Brother Reams. To report mechanical problems via phone the number is 817-234-6258.
Local Chairman –
Change layoff default on board 30 to “Marked up”? – Once the Rail Safety Bill is in place, do we want to change the default on the LRC? Currently, the default is “laid off”
Those assigned to board 30 are automatically laid off LRC as soon as they are assigned and take notification, if we change it, each engineer will have to mark the “lay off” section.
Download Desk – Still working on someone to come to our meetings.
Excess Vacation paid in 2008 – Anyone who thinks there is a mistake, get hold of your committee of adjustments.
Inhalation Hazard change – Be sure to check out the change in HazMat instructions on speed restrictions for inhalation hazard cars, 50 mph for any quantity of cars. Be sure when you drive your train that you carefully look out for missing or damaged placards.
Cab Condition claims – In order to collect on cab condition claims, the carrier must be given opportunity to fix the problem. If you don’t tell them before you leave town, they can’t fix it. The purpose of this is to make it a correction process, and not an auxiliary payment option.
Motion to close meeting by Brother Wilson, seconded by Brother Black. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1417.
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, May 18, 2009
Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.
Members attending – R. Etienne, H. Bailey, T Jacobs, K Ruzsa, N Scruggs, C Nibler, R Pratt, T. Beckwith, B. Bocchi, D. Haney, X. Wilson, R Chacon, R. Jenkins, K. Fox, R. Burns.
Minutes Read and approved.
Finances - We currently have 122 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Bailey and seconded by Brother Wilson. Motion passed.
Safety Committee –
Cab Committee – Be sure to report problems to Brother Haney or Brother Reams. To report mechanical problems via phone the number is 817-234-6258.
Local Chairman –
Dues increase for National &GCA July 1 – Per National agreement dues for National will go up $2.00 for engr & $1.00 for trainmen. GCA dues will increase by $1.00. These increases have already been factored into our dues, and there will be no dues increase locally.
Download Desk – They are checking their schedule, and will work to make the connection with our meeting times.
Snap Back vote – The Division needs to decide whether or not to vote to snap back the additional 4% profit sharing granted in our last agreement. A vote for snap back would rescind the 4% profit sharing and re-institute 2% in wages. Currently, there have been 26 return emails, 19 votes to keep the profit sharing and 7 to snap back.
Inhalation Hazard change – Be sure to check out the change in HazMat instructions on speed restrictions for inhalation hazard cars. 50 MPH for any quantity of cars. When you drive your train, be careful to look out for missing or damaged placards.
New Business –
Motion was made by Brother Haney to vote on weather we would like to retain the 12% or snap back, seconded by Jacobs.
To retain the 12% - 7
To snap back – 8
Motion is made by Brother Jacobs to accept the email votes received by Brother Etienne and seconded by Brother Wilson.
To Accept – 11
Against – 2
Abstain – 1
With the combined votes in person and via email, the results are as followed:
To retain the 12% - 26
To snap back – 13
Motion to adjourn meeting by Brother Bocchi and seconded by Brother Chacon. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1416.
Here's
What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, June
15, 2009
Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.
Members attending – R. Etienne, H. Bailey, T Jacobs, K Atwood, K Ruzsa, C Nibler, R Pratt, M Cousineau, K Ring, G Bryson, X. Wilson, R. Jenkins, K. Baker, K. Newell, W. Pelham, K. Taylor, R. Chacon, R. McCartney, B. Bocchi, R Huelle, K. Anderson, L Weed, M Taylor, K Kawawaki
Minutes read and approved.
Finances - We currently have 121 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Jacobs and seconded by Brother Bailey. Motion passed.
Safety Committee – Look for posters to sign up for enhanced training for July. Training will be paid as loss wages.
Cab Committee – Check for A/C with the up coming hot days.
Paul Bovarnick – FML – Be sure your doctor has form completely filled out. Carrier can request that you prove “why” FML is required. Can’t count FML time against the total days for availability. Phone usage, you can be held liable for criminal charges and civil charges.
Local Chairman –
Dues increase for National & GCA July 1 – Per national agreement, dues for National will go up $2.00 for engr. And $1.00 for trainmen, GCA dues will increase by $1.00. These increases have already been factored into our dues, and there will be no dues increase locally.
UTU agreement – Utes sprung this big surprise on our GCA. They have been working on a three way agreement to address some of the issues, but Utes went ahead and did what they do best – back stab. Our GCA has forwarded this agreement to the National Division for their interpretation and Mr. Wilson had a meeting with the VP Labor Relations Friday, haven’t heard what the results are yet, this is why we haven’t sent out any info yet – don’t have any.
After a meeting with LR General Chairman says no engineers will be forced into the engineer’s quota yet, no matter what any agreement says.
If UTU agreement does become reality – Appears engr’s will have to exhaust seniority in the zone before they can become demoted, our zone is Vancouver-Wishram-Longview Jct. The General Chairman will seek a side letter with UTU in order to keep from having to go to Wishram, if this does become effective. Good chance we can convince them this is not a good indea for their members.
If we have to go to Wishram, we will wind up forcing most of their guys out as we move in. Still too early to start worrying about this.
Snap Back Vote – The vote system wide was 53 for and 31 against for snapping back, our committee was 33 for and 11 against snapping back. Effective June 30, we will snap back 4% profit sharing and gain 2% GWI, effective July 1, we will get a 4.5% GWI. Profit sharing checks next year will be based on 12% Jan—June and 8% July-Dec.
Rest Cycle Cancellation – Carrier served notice to cancel all XBD rest cycle agreements. This is because of the RSIA law that goes into effect on July 16. Carrier says they will stay the cancellation if Divisions are voting on the new A&B proposals. Judging by the way the carrier is acting, they seem to be blaming the RSIA law on us. If no rest cycle agreement, engineers return to the 75/25% under the attendance guidelines.
Smart Rest Agreement – This agreement allows us to book rest in order to keep from having 6 or 7 consecutive daily starts, thus requiring the mandatory 48 or 72 hours rest.
It is not necessary to ratify either attachment A or B in order to ratify the smart rest proposal.
Smart rest requires engineers to be available to work the day after the smart rest. Smart rest will not count toward guarantee and attendance of done per agreement. However, smart rest will count toward attendance and guarantee if you smart rest into a rest cycle, LOS or LOP.
Attachment A & B – It doesn’t appear that Attachment A will be usable with our pool, attachment B would apply to our XBD. There is some good and bad with attachment B, question is, do we want a rest cycle bad enough to put up with the bad things?
Hit squad in town – The system hit team will be in town this week, be sure and follow the rules to the letter.
Open Weeks for Vacation during the Summer – Carrier increased some allocations for summer weeks of vacation and there are still some available, if you want to make a change let Brother Etienne know.
New Business – Motion is made by Brother Wilson to place the Smart rest ballots in the Yard office mail box instead of a mass mail out. Motion seconded by Brother Huelle. Motion passed.
Need volunteers for Safety Committee Feed, if interested please contact Brother Jacobs at 360 600-5964.
Motion to close meeting by Brother Etienne, seconded by Brother Bryson. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1518.