May 2007
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, May 21, 2007
Due to several glitches, the minutes of the May meeting are not available. Bills were paid, and minutes were read. Members present are not available.
The proposed National contact was discussed at length. Due to the passing of the agreement, it is redundant to rehash what was discussed. The on property agreement was also discussed at length. Again, due to the passing of the agreement, no synopsis will be given.
The assigned car issue at Pasco was discussed at length. A proposal was suggested, then tabled. The issue of massive held away was discussed, and decided to wait until the MOW blitz was over to see if it would improve. RT Jacobs was tasked with designing a form for engineers to fill out when accruing held away. The situation will be monitored and fixes tried. It would be a final act to make a motion to amend the assigned car agreement again
The floor was opened for discussion, and there was lively discussion on several topics.
Motion was made to close the meeting, and passed.
Meeting adjourned at approx. 1550.
June 2007
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, June 18, 2007
The meeting was opened by Vice Local Chairman in due form.
The President and Secretary/Treasurer was unavailable for this meeting. Due to
no Secretary, there were no minutes to read. A motion was made to forgo reading
the minutes, and was passed. Members present included RE Huelle, CM Nibler, WT
Pellens, R Reams, KL Huelle, RT Jacobs, KL Aytwood, RH McCartney, MR Cousineau,
RE Collins RE Etienne, DL Haney, KD Morgan.
Finances: Due to the Sec/Treas being absent, a motion was made to forgo paying the bills by RE Huelle, seconded by HS Bailey. Motion passed.
Local Chairman: The national contract passed by a vote of 2-1. The on property agreement passed by a margin of 10-1. Pay raises will go into effect on July 1. Bid bump changes by August 1, and back pay should show up by Sept. 1.
Run Through Switches: There are continuing to be a lot of run through switches. Be sure to protect yourselves. Don't allow the crew to set a trap for others. Be a brother's keeper.
Engine Inspections: Be sure to sign the cards if needed, and fill out the electronic inspection forms. The FRA is citing the carrier for these failures, and the carrier will cite the employee. If you get on an engine and the cards aren't signed, be sure to take care of it. Also, be sure to fill out the inspection form when you tie up. Currently there is a waiver by FRA to allow the electronic forms over the paper forms. If things don't improve, FRA will rescind the waiver, and we will be back to filling out the paper forms.
Calling MCO's/Chief Dispatchers: Please don't call the MCO's or Chiefs to try to get yourselves deadheaded home. They have instructions to disregard these calls. Call the trainmaster or your committee of adjustment. As always, be careful what you say on a recorded line. It may come back to haunt you.
Hot Weather Operations: Be sure to keep hydrated. Drink plenty of liquids. We are asking the carrier to endeavor to put air conditioned locomotives on the point during the hot weather. Make sure you have plenty of water for the trip.
MOW Blitz: Just when you thought it was all over, there is a MOW blitz starting on the Seattle sub. north of Vancouver. There continues to be one east of Pasco also. These may cause some problems with crews at Pasco, and held away. This committee is determined to force the carrier to get this under control.
RCO Committee: Talk to Harvey Bailey if you are interested in a RCO committee to get a determination of exactly what they can and cannot do.
The floor was opened for discussions.
Motion to close meeting by Brother Huelle, seconded by Brother Morgan. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1355.