July - December 2005 Meeting Minutes
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, July 18 2005
Due to a lack of a quorum, no meeting was held. Evidently there are no pressing issues at this time. There will be no meeting in August, and the next meeting will be September 19.
There was no meeting in August 2002
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, September 19 2005
Meeting opened by the President in due form.
Members present: Brother's D. St. John, R. Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, T. Reddish, C Atwood, B. Knowles, D. Haney, S. Barnes, S. Hill, J. Bennett, H. Bailey, former member J. Hill and special guest P. Bovarnick.
Minutes of the July meeting were read. Motion to accept as read by Brother Atwood, seconded by Brother Haney. Motion approved.
Finances: Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 111 plus. The current balances of accounts were discussed. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Reddish, seconded by Brother Knowles. Motion passed.
Safety Representative: Terry Reddish made a brief presentation. Apparently Pasco has decided to suspend all remote operations in their terminals. We believe they have finally come to the conclusion that they are not as efficient and flat don’t work. A letter from the FRA was handed out which shows a study to put remotes on the main line would not be looked upon favorably at this time. Will let you know if we hear more. We have had several instances of bad toilets on engines. We need to get documentation on these and turn them in. Please make a stand and protect your fellow workers. Washington PUC does have regulatory power on this issue and reports should also be made to them. Discussion followed.
Legislative Representative: Bill Knowles: Attended local SACP meeting. Have been told that the FRA will have less presence on this committee. The BNSF intends to form a new committee that will replace this. They have not put anything in writing at this point but we will let you know when we find out. The FRA may or not be at these meetings. He has also just finished the emergency evacuation plan for Vancouver. We are supposed to have these laminated and posted in prominent positions. They will also have contact numbers and local officer numbers. Please look for these and let us know if they need changes. The Wishram safety committee is having problems and it may be folded. If this happens any road issues will have to be handled here in the terminal. There is a possibility that de-fibrillators may be available for use in the yard. Also we are looking into CPR classes for all members. We would like to thank Bill for all the work he has done on the Emergency response plan. This is something that has taken allot of time and effort and if needed may save many lives.
Special Guest: Paul Bovarnick – FMLA does not distinguish between weekend days and weekdays. If they are not satisfied they must have an actual reason that can be defended to question your taking days off. If you have approved FMLA, they cannot request that you be re-evaluated if it is short of your stated time period. Simple harassment is hard to prove however actual penalization is a time when you should do something. If you have any questions concerning this please feel free to contact Paul. You must report any defects you find on equipment or infrastructure. If any one gets hurt and there have been no reports of problems, it makes it very hard to pursue a legal case.
Local Chairman: T-6, still not a done deal yet. Will let you know as soon as we find out.
Switching limits, this is still not for sure. Local management wants it but there are other forces higher up that are undecided. The organization has attempted to schedule meetings to discuss the issue as required by the agreements cited in their notice. We will put out any information we receive. Let us know if local officers attempt anything in this regard.
Floor opened for discussion and new business.
Rick wanted to remind everyone that the Health Fair will be Saturday the 24th. Please attend if possible.
Motion to close by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Barnes. Motion passed
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, October 17 2005
Meeting opened by the President in due form.
Members present: Brother's R. Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, T. Reddish, B. Knowles, D. Haney, S. Barnes, A. Ferguson, B. Black, J. McHenry, R. Bodenhamer, T. Jacobs
Brother St John was unable to attend, so there was no reading of the previous meeting minutes. There was no finance report.
Safety Representative: There are still issues with bad order toilets on locomotives. The Washington State PUC has jurisdiction over this issue as FRA says this is not an FRA violation. Water dripping on the floor is an FRA issue however.
Legislative Representative:
SACP will cease to exist. A new format will come to pass without participation
of FRA. This will be a company-labor committee.
The WSLB with Dr. Ricci wants to join the Teamsters Joint Council 28. He is
looking to gain political clout with the joint council. The cost would be around
$1.45 per member, but he says the WSLB would be able to absorb the cost until
2007 when they have their quadanual meeting. We have been told this joint
council will have no contract negotiation authority. It appears the asset would
be for Dr. Ricci to gain political prestige in representing the members.
Currently this move is opposed by our GCA and National Committee. We have until
January 7 2006 to vote on the issue.
Currently, the WSLB has the funds for their quadanual meeting in 2007.
Local
Chairman:
T-6 Lease - Talks are still ongoing. It
seems that one boss wants to lease it out, but another wants to wait, because he
feels it's best to wait to see what the next national agreement brings before
getting rid of a profitable property.
Attendance Guidelines -
The Carrier has skewed guidelines, and alt. handling agreement to where
it no longer follows the agreement or “policy” as posted. They are currently
only allowing 1 alt. handling per year for attendance, and that’s if you haven’t
had any attendance investigations in past 12 months.
FMLA-If an emergency arises, you can lay off
FML and then fill out the paperwork as long as you do it in a timely manner.
Please use the forms on our web site, or if you have no access, ask us. The
Carrier’s forms are invasive, and not mandatory, and our forms are approved by
the Govt. You may not be refused for taking FML once qualified, and you may not
be disciplined for taking FML once qualified. Please be sure to renew your FML
before it expires.
Switching Limits at Vancouver- Talks are
still ongoing, and there are some other plans being discussed. The Carrier
realizes that there is no way they can manage limits of that size. There is no
concrete information, but perhaps they are looking at a roadswitcher? The next
meetings are planned for December.
Whistle Rule-
The new FRA whistle
rule has been changed from a time span of 15-20 seconds to one of 15-25 seconds.
Whee! Be aware that there are lots of Ops testing going on, and be sure to
whistle at any Xing with a whistle board.
Fallbridge Reroutes- As expected, the
carrier has failed to follow their own plan. A couple of small derailments
caused some trains to be diverted our way, and they failed to tell us they would
run everything our way on the weekend. They are still telling us they are
shutting down during the week, but the trains keep coming. We added one turn to
the pool
Vacation Scheduling- As usual, please don’t
enter vacation requests in the computer. Be sure to turn your forms in by
November 13, and be sure to ask for as many choices as you can if you can’t be
sure of getting what you want.
Trains parked at Avery- Once again Wishram
crews are taking trains out to Avery. Please provide engine numbers date and
time when you see this. If you go by and see one, please leave me a note, or If
you go out to get a train, and it’s at Avery, please leave me a note. These are
our trains, and we are entitled to the claims if Wishram takes the train to
Avery.
Grain Flips being called for “one or more”-
It’s been noticed that some grain flips are being called for “one or more”
trips, and this is not valid under our agreements. If you are called for a
specific train, you can not leave the terminal again once you arrive. If they
make you do that, leave me a note with the specifics, and the XBD will have a
claim. You will also have a claim for violation of the automatic release rule.
If you get a call slip telling you “one or more”, please leave me a copy of the
call slip. The only train calls that allow “one or more” is a dogcatch with the
symbol N.
Sharp shooting-Each one in our division
knows the way XBD’s and the long pool work. Each one knows the proper arrival
location at Vancouver, and each one in the long pool knows the restore rule.
Anyone discovered to be creative in arrival times at Vancouver will be pulled
off the XBD pending verification of arrival times. Anyone who allows their turn
in the long pool to be placed where the turn doesn’t belong, and takes a call
knowing this is not their proper place in the pool will be pulled off the board
until their proper placement position gets back from Pasco. We only have each
other out there. When we know the carrier is already at our throats, why are we
be if we at each others throats?
Motion to close by Brother Barnes, seconded by Brother Haney. Meeting adjourned at 2:25
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, November 17 2005
Meeting opened by the President in due form.
Members present: Brother's R. Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, D. St. John, R. Reams, B. Pellens, T. Jacobs, H. Bailey, R. Chacon, E. Taylor, S. Barnes, B. Black, T. Reddish and Special Guests Paul Bovarnick, designated FELA council and Mark Ricci, chair BLET Washington State Legislative Board, guest P. Mixer
The minutes of the previous meeting were read. No corrections made. Motion to accept as read by Brother Bailey, seconded by Brother Taylor. Motion passed.
Finances: We have received from the USDA information on mortgage possibilities through their Rural Development. The area appears to be Longview/Kelso. Other areas are available and we will keep the paperwork on file. We currently have 113 members. Financial details were presented by the secretary/treasurer. The floor was opened for discussion. Motion to pay the bills by brother Reddish, seconded by Brother Reams. Motion passed.
Paul Bovarnick: There have been recent incidents on our and other railroads of violations of FMLA. These include requiring resubmitting for approval monthly. If you have any questions or concerns, please call. If you at any time feel that you have been injured, feel free to call any of your local officers or Paul directly. The floor was opened for discussion.
Mark Ricci, WSLB Chairman: In January during the legislative session not much happened. This year the legislature is going to ask to go onto private property to inspect hazardous materials. They have asked us to support this. No decision has been made yet. The other thing that will probably come up, the port of Tacoma is trying to increase traffic across the state. They do not have the authority at this time. The want to spend up to 160 million to increase rail traffic. They will sometime have to increase capacity. No definite decisions at this time but will be watching for that. National OSHA has asked them to help with a safety board. On the fatigue issue, they are still trying to do more research and gather information. If you have information please forward it. On remotes, they are still attempting to get some legislation done on this and it has been referred to the national board at this time. They have appointed some good people to work on this. FRA emergency order 24 is in effect tomorrow. Please be aware there is a 27 thousand-dollar fine for this. Positive train control is also still being worked on. This system is not able to operate without an engineer and we are still working on it. Have been working with operation lifesaver to address trespasser fatalities. They will continue to work on this. Joint Council, the general chairman was not opposed to this and they have had several discussions since the last meeting. They are now trying to expedite this at this time. The Joint council has two full time lobbyists, one of which is a lawyer. This would have greatly helped during our attempts for legislating remote control. The vote has been delayed at this time and we will be notified in sufficient time. If you are not a member of the BLET PAC, please consider joining. The next election will be important. We were shut out of many avenues by the results of the last election. The floor was opened for discussion.
Terry Reddish: BLET Safety Coordinator: copies of the FRA emergency order and the proper forms were made available. There are several concerns that are being addressed. Please read and comply with this order. Gary Larson has stepped down as the Northwest CAB committee and Terry has taken his place. The CAB committee at the system level addresses cab issues, design and features. Locally they deal with the carrier on issues locally. There are some new modified traditional cabs that have been ordered and we may see them in 10 years or so. These designs and the new chairs were addressed by the BLET and some of our requests were addressed. He would like to see the division start a local Cab committee representative or committee with chairman. He will also continue to be the Safety Rep. Other issues, lunar signal on the siding does not require the dispatcher to notify you if there is someone ahead of you any more. Please comply with the restricted speed issues.
Local Chairman: No one should take a FRA defective engine. Do not refuse a direct order but empower yourself to challenge these issues. Anyone required to take these engines please document it and get it to Rick ASAP.
Short turn: A short turn is any train call, which traverses less than a basic day. The floor was opened for discussion.
BBQ&Can Food Drive: thank you to everyone for supporting this. We received 6 boxes of food and $287 in donations. We went to Costco and bought groceries and health care items with the money. We donated the food to the family shelter on 12th and Jefferson.
Santa Train: The steam engine will be bringing Santa on December 11. We are trying to organize stuff for the kids. We expect to have a big tent to hold the event. We would like to have a toy drive along the Santa visit. Please plan to bring toys to donate. Not sure where they will go yet, but there are many choices out there. Possibly Dornbechers Children’s Hospital.
T-6 Lease: Nothing further at this time. No news can be good news.
Switching Limits: They are still looking at road switchers. Appears limits will be McLaughlin east and perhaps MP 125 north. Will let you know when we find out.
Special Meeting: Brother Pierce will be here December 8 for meetings. We will attempt to have a special meeting and will inform everyone when we know more specifics. Everyone will be able to ask him questions.
Whistle Rule: New FRA whistle rule has been changed from 15-20 seconds to 15-25 seconds. Be aware that there are lots of Ops testing going on. Be sure to whistle at any Xing with a whistle board.
Emergency Order 24: Again the FRA has issued an emergency order 24 regarding hand throw switches in non signaled territory. This is a serious with fines up to $27,000 for willful violation. Carrier should have instituted training, but as usual, nothing. All engineers working in dark territory need to be aware. Both engineer and conductor are responsible for verifying switches lined back. Engineer will have to verify with conductor and with dispatcher. Conductor has a form to fill out. Engineer needs to initial form. This is a serious issue.
Vacation Scheduling: Have not had meetings with carrier on allocations. Will let you know when these come out.
Trains parked at Avery: Please provide engine numbers date and time when you see this. If you go by and see one, please leave me a note. If you go out to get a train, and it’s at Avery, please leave me a note. These are our trains, and we are entitled to the claims if Wishram takes the train to Avery.
Open switch at Sidney: The P&W issued a track warrant with box 22 checked telling the crew the south switch Minto was lined for the siding. The crew came upon the south switch Sidney lined for the siding. Only quick action on part of crew avoided a serious accident. They dumped the train before going into the siding.
Division 316 Petition: Division 316 in Georgia wants to change constitution of National Committee to do away with delegates elected to attend National Committee conventions. They want to institute paper ballots to elect National Officers. The division must vote to allow this vote or note. The floor was opened for lengthy discussion. Motion to vote on petition by Brother Reddish, Brother Barnes. For -2 Against-8 This division votes against petition.
Floor opened for discussion and new business.
Motion to close by Brother Bailey , seconded by Brother Jacobs. Meeting adjourned at 1503.
Here's
What Happened at the Meeting on Monday,
December 19 2005
Meeting opened by the President in due form.
Members present: Brother's R. Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, D. St. John, T. Reddish, R. Pratt, D. Haney, S. Hill, retired member J. Hill and T. Jacobs.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read. No corrections made. Motion to accept as read by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Reddish. Motion passed.
Finances: We currently have 114 members. Financial details were presented by the secretary/treasurer. The floor was opened for discussion. Motion to pay the bills by brother Haney, seconded by Brother Reams. Motion passed.
Terry Reddish: The Cab committees in Seattle and Spokane are up and running and currently has good relations with the carrier. He would like to get one going here sometime. You can reach him at tpreddish@juno.com or contact him at the office number: 418-6234 or cell: 931-1296 They are going to have a winter awareness campaign on the Northwest division to look at injuries. This division has more injuries in January than any other month. Look for this.
Local Chairman: Thank you all for the support of the toy drive. We took the toys to Clark County Sheriff’s office and they distributed them for us. Again thank you.
Flexible Spending Account – there is a provision in there for childcare. If you are interested please let us know.
Local Cab Committee – discussion on how we should fill this committee. It is up to each division and should be filled either by appointment or vote. Floor was opened for discussion. Decision was made to advertise the position until next month and President will appoint 1 person to this committee next month.
Switching Limits – They had a meeting and it looks like the limits will be from McLaughlin to MP 120. A proposal for road switchers has been made. This will be a hybrid agreement. We are waiting for Ness to approve or deny. Probably will be two road switchers and a 4-day relief job. May be more as needed. This job may move solid over the road trains from one end of the terminal to the other. They will not put trains away that are already in switching limits.
Special Meeting December 8 – Dennis Pierce was here with BLET Vice President Steve Speagle. There was a lengthy discussion there and several questions were asked and answered. Rick talked at length on these issues.
Whistle Rule – Carrier is enforcing the new FRA whistle rule. They plan to use downloads and on board cameras. Be aware that there are lots of Ops testing going on. Be sure to whistle at any xing with a whistle board. This committee has asked carrier for verification of whistle boards on Fallbridge.
Emergency Order 24. Again the FRA has issued this order and it is in effect. Please be aware of this and comply with all components. The FRA is out checking for compliance with this.
Vacation scheduling – We are meeting with Ness on allocations today. Will do vacation scheduling next week assuming we reach an agreement on allocations. One of the issues they are having with single day vacations mixed in the allocations. Will let you all know as soon as we find out.
Trains parked at Avery – Please provide engine numbers date and time when you see this. If you go by and see one, please leave us a note. If you go out to get a train and it’s at Avery, please let us know. These are our trains and we are entitled to the claims if Wishram takes the train to Avery.
Open switch at Sidney – The FRA has investigated and made sure proper safety precautions are instituted by P&W. The dispatcher was reprimanded. They will no longer allow switches to be left open.
Div 316 Petition – This committee voted no toward that proposal to require paper ballots for election of officers. We’ll see how it goes at the International.
Leaving Trains Parked – Be sure to set no more than 20lbs. “Off air” definition says any air pressure under 60lbs.
Shoving over Crossings – Be sure that crewmembers are not riding on cars going over crossings. If you are demoted be sure to do the same. The rule requires the man to be standing on the ground protecting the crossing. The rule requires the man to be standing on the ground protecting the crossing. Make sure and protect yourself, I’m sure we will be held responsible.
Deadheading in inclement weather – If you are instructed to travel by van, be sure to check the weather out. Empower yourself if the weather is bad. Don’t refuse service, but make sure carrier knows you fear for your safety and are empowering yourself. Use common sense!
Floor opened for discussion and new business.
Motion to close by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Jacobs.
Meeting adjourned at 1440.