July - December 2011 Minutes

July - December 2011 Meeting Minutes

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, July 18, 2011

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.
Members in attendance – R. Etienne, R. Pratt, T. Jacobs, D. Haney, R. Jacobs, M. Wilson,
M. Priester, C. Nibler, P. Nuebel, R. Maggio, R. Hill, E. Gruber, K. Atwood, N. Scruggs, J. Ragan,
D. Ferrar, W. Wasnoska, H. Wasnoska, K. Black, R. Huelle, S. Clark, T. Reddish, E. Taylor, P. Patterson, W. Cacas, L. Coughlin, M. Bahr, M. Fischer, L. Weed.

Minutes from the June meeting were read. Brother Etienne motioned to approve, Brother Haney seconded. Minutes approved.
Presentation of bills made by Secretary, Motion to pay bills by Brother Haney Seconded by Brother Huelle. Motion passed.

The current membership is 136.

Matt Wilson – Attended meeting regarding the Iron Triangle. Some of the issues presented at the meeting were:
•                     If we can't come to an agreement the issue will to go arbitration. The Carrier wants the Iron Triangle.
•                     Fallbridge anticipates 47 trains a day. The Iron Triangle will be established to reduce train traffic by moving trains over the Stampede Pass.
•                     Engineers would go to the top of the board at AFHT to complete trip on time.
•                     Carrier needs to identify what trains.
•                     Pay needs to be addressed.
•                     Timeline; Carrier would like this in place by October 2011.

Safety Committee –   Division Safety Meeting was held in Seattle, July 12, 2011.
•                     A power point proposal on mudslide safety for MOW workers was discussed.
•                     NWE Division injury rates are down but HFREI's are up.
•                     Each HFREI can result in an injury or fatality for someone.
•                     The disconnect between management and Labor regarding accountability was discussed with no results.
•                     The Site Safety Team handbook was reviewed. Results show not much change regarding TY&E employee perception of things. Results will be put out in detail soon.
•                     Met the new General Manager, Robert Johnson.

Legislative Rep – None

Mike Bahr, Local Chairman

The Carrier pays over 3 million dollars to Red Lion annually. Expectations are high by the Carrier. All soft items will be replaced and flatscreens in by August 2011. Lounge will be updated. Check-out by phone or in person. Book of problems is at front desk. Utilize it. Rooms 3250-3260 are NOT contract rooms. Any problems with hotel, keep it local if possible.

Local Chairman – Otter Trail Valley Railroad Shortline
•                     9 employees request representation by our GCA. They operate 81 miles in Dilworth, MT.
•                     We need to vote for two things:
◦                     Whether or not they should join our GCA
◦                     A proposed dues of $22.00, as recommended by our National Division President.

LETP Mentors Wanted

The GCA wants each Division to have LETP Mentors available for training new engineers. All BNSF GCAs agreed to the need. In years past these mentors were in place, but somewhere along the line they disappeared. We are looking for volunteers to get this program running again. This is a great outreach program for new engineers. It goes a long way to show we care about them and wish to start them off with the best tools available. Would like to have in place by August 1, 2011.

Sister Nuebel motioned that we except the offer. Brother Gruber seconded. Motion passed.

Decerts on the Fallbridge

We continue to have decerts in our division. We've had two and an almost decert in 3 days. We need to get this under control. This trend will only end badly. Can guarantee “hit squads” will be camping out on our Sub. Focus and pay attention! Chatter in the cab has to reflect our duties and not our off time and/or complaints. Suggestions?

Discipline & Alternative Handling Issues.

We are having an issue with those granted alt handling, or getting discipline signing their paperwork. If granted alternative handling, the paperwork must be signed before the investigations is canceled.
The Alt. Handling Plan allows the Carrier to reinstate investigation if terms of alt. handling are not completed in the time frame specified. Too many employees are opting for alt handling, then not doing what is required. Be sure to sign the paperwork and complete the Alt Handling Plan on time.

Yard Focus Group.

Carrier is starting up the yard focus group again. Chris Nibler is the yard focus designated engineer. Purpose is to address the various yard issues

New Business –

•                     Motion was made by Brother Haney to allow the GCA to represent the Otter Trail Valley Railroad Shortline. Seconded by Brother Ferrar. Motion passed.
•                     Motion by Sister Nuebel to accept the $22.00 dues recommendation by the National Division President for the Otter Trail Valley Railroad Shortline. Seconded by Brother Haney. Motion passed.
•                     Discussion was had to suspend the Division meeting for August, 2011.
◦                     Motion was made by Brother Haney to conduct a second Division meeting at the conclusion of this meeting to vote on the suspension of the August Division meeting. Seconded by Sister Nuebel. Motion passed.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Haney and seconded by Brother Ferrar. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1538.

SPECIAL MEETING

July 18, 2011

Motion was made by Brother Bahr to suspend the August Division, and to hold the September Division meeting at Pied Piper Pizza in Vancouver Washington.
Brother Scruggs seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Bahr. Seconded by Brother Etienne. Meeting adjourned at 1540.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members in attendance – R Pratt, C Marsh, M Ragan, R Etienne, K Dunn, K Anderson, S Clark, R Hill, M Fischer, J Ragan, G Bryson, J Zozosky, D McIver, K Atwood, T Jones, K Baker, T Reddish, R Bodenhamer, K Black, K Ring, H Allington, D Haney, R Reams, D Keder, M Cousineau, B Campbell, K Taylor, R McCartney, C Nibler, K Rusza, R Chicon.

Minutes from the July meeting were read. Sister Tayler motioned to approve, Brother Atwood seconded. Minutes approved.

Presentation of bills made by Secretary, Motion to pay bills by Brother Ragan. Seconded by Brother Fischer. Motion passed.

The current membership is 136.

Safety Committee – Roosevelt; replacing air boxes.

• Clear brush on Track #1.

Legislative Rep – IBT election; if you get a ballot, vote.

• Switch-point indicator at W-Yard. Check on instructions.

• Whistle Blower Act: get with Robert Hill for information.

Local Chairman –

Special Mtg requested for October 4, 4pm.

• Matt Wilson coming to talk about the progress of the Iron Triangle Agreement.

• Need to vote whether or not to have special meeting.

Penalty payments held against overtime

• Carrier is holding penalties against OT.

• This is invalid except where the penalty is running off assignment.

• 1988 Road Switcher Agreement allows time off the assignment to offset OT. This does not apply to any other penalty.

• If you have OT declined because of a penalty, let your Committee of Adjustment know.

• OT may be offset by an assignment claim

Rumors of Harvey Bailey

• A rumor has been going around that Harvey is snitching on crews. He supposedly used his Safety Committee position to spy on crews. This is a complete fabrication.

• Harvey went into the yard for a month for family reasons.

• Whoever started this rumor should be gelded.

• Harvey has resigned from the Safety Committee in order to preserve the integrity of the committee. His personal integrity has been impugned.

• All members need to know he is not, nor will he ever be a snitch.

2-Strikes and You're Out Policy

• The Carrier seems to have changed the PEPA policy wording regarding discipline for 2 level S offenses. The wording says “a second level S may result in further discipline”.

• The new interpretation is now “a second level S will result in dismissal”.

• Since they are handing level S charges out like Pez candy, the odds of a second level S are higher than ever. Be aware that 2 level S offenses in the probation period will probably result in dismissal.

Securing cars either with engine attached or not attached

• We've had a couple of events at Roosevelt, plus a couple OPS failures for crews not following the rules in leaving cars.

• Download testing has supposedly seen a few errors.

• We need to remember to follow the rules;

◦ ABTH 102.1.1, 102.1.2 talk about checking to see if there is movement after tying brakes

◦ ABTH rule 104.14 talks abaout determining the number of hand brakes if you can't do the release test.

• Please be sure to follow the rules. We re being tested regularly.

Release from NMB Negotiations

• Our National Divison President has asked for BLET to be released from National handling.

• Carrier is unbending on H&W issues. They think they set the pattern with UTU.

• Follwing the procedure, if released, we will have a 30-day cool off period. Self-help is then available.

• The President will probably form a PEB.

• One reason for the Mobilization Teams. If a work stoppage is authorized, word need to get out immediately. Need help doing that.

Carrier doing camera testing

• We've been notified that the Carrier has instructions for each TM to do at least 10 camera audits per month.

• This means with around 7 Carrier officers in Vancouver, that's 70 tests a month.

• They've not provided any info on how they will prove if any issues are noticed. That is yet to be determined.

• Please understand that Big Brother is all around you and watching all you do.

Issues at Roosevelt

• We have had numerous alleged rule violations and OPS failures at Roosevelt.

• Understand that this is the perfect place to do testing. Carier and FRA can hide across the street and watch everything we do.

• We need to comply with their rules to protect ourselves. We need to quit taking shortcuts, or allowing other members of the crew to do so.

Work rules violations at Roosevelt

• Many instances of Carrier or Rabanco instructing our crews to violate our rules by handling cars not associated with our train.

• Be sure to have a Carrier officer/dispatcher instruct you to violate the rules.

• Document everything.

• Do not claim code DO-this is a trainman code for an hour's pay.

• Claim a basic day penalty for doing the work. This is only if they have you move cars or engines that don't belong to either your set out or pick-up.

• This doesn't apply to making a joint on cars and shoving in the clear with a portion of your train.

Mobilization Teams

• Recently an email went out to all team leaders on the mobilization network, asking those who were team captains if they would remain so and help out once again.

• Only 2 out of 12 answered. What about the rest?

• Also, an email went out asking if someone would take over as Divison Coordinator as my plate has gotten too full. Only received a couple of responsed.

• This mobilization effort has become the envy of the Teamsters. They are working with our BLET Mobilization Coordinator to find out how we do it.

• We are going to be used quite a bit in upcoming months with various labor issues.

• Please get involved – Strength through unit.

Paperwork for claims

• It's amazing how many times we're told there's no paperwork for a claim.

• If you do something that you're going to put in a penalty, common sense says you keep the delay report and timeslip to document the claim. I'm continually told the Claimant doesn't have the paperwork.

• It is the responsibility of the Claimant to provide documentation for claims, not this committee. If you can't save your paperwork, don't bother to submit the claim.

• Every engineer should get a delay report from the conductor. This is the only way to prove work was done.

LETP Mentors Wanted

• The GCA wants each Divison to have LETP Mentors available for training new engineers.

• All BNSF GCA's agreed to the need.

• In past years we have had these mentors in place. Somewhere along the line this disappeared.

• We are looking for volunteer to get this program running again. This is a great outreach program for new engineers. It goes a long way to show we care about them and wish to start them off with the best tools available.

• Would like to have in place by August 1.

Job Insurance

• Because of the Carrier's ramped up effort for charges and dismissals, it is highly recommended each member get job insurance. It wasn't needed for a long time, but things have changed.

• It is recommended that job insurance is vitally important to have. This will help in the event of future discipline, or even dismissal

Alternative Handling

• Since the Carrier is denying alt handling for almost everything, it's important that we follow the rules for requesting it.

◦ If you are charged with an offense and you feel that charges are accurate, or you realize they will not change their minds, it's imperative that you ask your rep in a timely manner that you wish to request alt handling. This way, if they deny it, we have a further appeal at an investigation.

• Please don't make your Committee of Adjustment chase you down to find out what you want to do. It is the responsibility of each member to contact the person you wish to represent you ASAP!

Discipline & Alternative Handling Issues

• We are having an issue with those granted alt handling, or getting discipline signing their paperwork.

◦ If granted alt handling, the paperwork must be signed before the investigation is canceled.

◦ The alt handling plan allows for Carrier to reinstate investigation if terms of alt handling are not completed in the time frame specified.

• Too many employees are opting for alt handling, then not doing what's required. Be sure to sign the paperwork and complete the alt handling on time.

Trash being thrown out at Lake Yard

• Lake Yard is telling Carrier they keep finding sacks of trash around the circle track. They claim our crews are doing it.

• Carrier has already pronounced guilt on us.

• Please make sure you either take the trash with you to dump in a container, or put it in the nose of the engine. Also, be sure to report any engine problems before leaving engines at Lake or Willbridge.

Yard Focus Group

• Carrier is starting up the yard focus group again.

• Chris Nibler is the yard focus designated engineer.

• Purpose is to address the various yard issues.

New Business

• Motion was made by Brother Haney to eliminate the Union Hall as our union meeting place and to release the Union office and to move Union items to a storage facility. Seconded by Brother McIver. Motion passed.

• Motion made by Brother Clark to hold future Union meetings at Pied Piper Pizza. Seconded by Brother Ragan. Motion passed.

Nominations for Safety Committee position are as follows:

Karla Black

Jason Zozosky

Kevin Howard

Kevin Baker

Motion made by Brother Ragan to have election for Safety Committee position by email. Seconded by Sister Rusza. Motion passed.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Haney and seconded by Sister Taylor. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1535.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, October 17, 2011

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members in attendance – R Pratt, R Etienne, S Clark, , G Bryson, J Zozosky, D McIver, T Reddish,C Nibler, V. Smith, T. Jacobs, D. Kautz, R. Maggio, C. Jasso, K. Howard,

Minutes from the September meeting were read. Brother Etienne motioned to approve, Brother Jacobs seconded. Minutes approved.

Presentation of bills made by Secretary, Motion to pay bills by Brother Kautz. Seconded by Brother Reddish. Motion passed.

The current membership is 136.

Safety Committee – None

Legislative Rep – None.

Local Chairman –

Strike committee – Out Division strike committee did a great job in preparation for a strike. We are now in better shape than ever if we do to on a strike in December. Brother Hill did a great job organizing things, our only soft spot was for those in Pasco, but we are ready.

PEB Info.- We are now under the provisions of a Presidential Emergency Board. They will make suggestions as to a National Agreement and when done three choices are available, binding acceptance of their recommendation, Voluntary acceptance of their recommendations or self help (strike). Then congress can impose the recommendations of the PEB.

Vacation Scheduling-

There is a controversy with Crew about vacation scheduling. Please continue to send your vacation requests in, with a due date of 2359 on November 13^th . Currently we need to have them entered in by November 15^{th .}

Vacation Allocations-

Vacation allocations are out, almost identical to last year with the exception of only 1 week will have full allocations around the Christmas week. We will still work on increasing a week or two.

Safety committee Members Election-

65 out of the 130 engineers voted, that about 50% turnout. The winner is Kevin Howard with 47.6% of the vote, runner up was Karla Black with 29.2% of the vote. Congrats Kevin.

Securing cars either with engine attached or not attaached-

Remember to follow the rules. ABTH 102.1.1 and 102.1.2 talk about checking to see if there is movement after tying brakes. ABTH 104.14 talks about determining the number of hand brakes if you can't do the release test. Only you will know which test is required and be sure to do it, we are being tested regularly.

Carrier doing camera testing-

Each carrier officer is required to do 10 camera ops test per month, this is on top of all the other ones. Best thing to do is follow the rules.

Work rules violations at Roosevelt

If you are required to make a move that violates our agreement, be sure to have a carrier officer order you to do it. Document and keep paperwork in case of declination and be sure to give LCA paperwork for claim.

Paper for claims.

No paperwork, no claim and an 816 is always needed.

Mobilization Teams

How can we improve our network? Suggest we concentrate on test messages as they are quicker read than emails. Many members have smart phones that allow reading of emails. Set up a group test

LETP Mentors Wanted-

We have several names for LETP mentors, last call for anyone interested in volunteering. Remember, you will be the first face of our Division the students will see

Job Insurance-

Due to the discipline issues, we highly recommend job insurance, doing without at your own risk

Alternative Handling-

If you are involved with the carrier over a discipline issue, get hold of who you want to represent you ASAP. A request for alt. Handling should be asked for sooner rather than later as the carrier is denying alt. Handling for almost everything, we need to use the proper chain of command to request, so we will have grounds for appeal.

Discipline & Alternative Handling Issues-

New Business

A motion is made to decide weather we accept on our vacation requests to have your first choice or your first two choices in seniority. A vote for first choice – none

A vote for two choices – unamimious

A motion by Brother Jacobs to accept Papenfuse into our local is made, seconded by Brother Bryson. Motion Passed.

A motion by Brother Etienne is made to accept T. Taylor into our local, seconded by brother McIver. Motion Passed.

Motion to close meeting by Brother McIver and seconded by Brother Howard. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1437.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, November 21, 2011

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members in attendance – R Pratt, R Etienne, G Bryson, T Reddish,C Nibler, R. Maggio, K Anderson, D Byrum, M Fischer, N Scruggs, K Black, K Baker, T Clark, T Ponciano, E Gruber.

Minutes from the October meeting were read. Brother Etienne motioned to approve, Brother Baker seconded. Minutes approved.

Presentation of bills made by Secretary, Motion to pay bills by Brother Anderson. Seconded by Brother Reddish. Motion passed.

The current membership is 136.

Safety Committee – There will be no Studded tires on the vans this year, snow tires have been approved by the carrier. There is a new story book for Roosevelt, use it.

Legislative Rep – None.

Local Chairman –

PEB Info.- PEB ruled that everything the carrier wanted was OK with them. There is a 30 day cooling off period before anything can be done, after 30 days we have the right to reject the PEB and go on strike. Congress will undoubtedly put us back to work immediately.

Vacation Scheduling- Vacations are in the computer and posted. Please don't ask for any changes until after the first of the year. Premium weeks will be awarded by bid only

Safety Committee Member Election – We need another Safety Committee member since Dave Haney is in the process of retiring. It's up to you, the members how we do it.

100% Rules Compliance – Plenty of emails were went out as to what we should do. Only one way to get the carrier to quit being so anal is to show them their railroad shuts down while we fully comply. Got to use our heads and comply wisely, don't give them an opportunity to claim malicious compliance, remember it's always your choice.

Continuing rules violations at Roosevelt - Be assured you are being watched at Roosevelt and fully comply with the rules. If your not sure all the cars have been on air continuously, do an initial terminal air test. Violation will be a decert issue. Be sure not to ride any equipment.

Current radical decisions by Carrier - Carrier has determined that riding on the steps of the locomotive is considered riding on the side of equipment.

Carrier has determined that even though the cards are signed on the lead locomotive, we are not relieved of the responsibility of checking out all the units for the following: Generator field switch, window closed, number lights off, reversers. Since we are also responsible for the DP, it is advised we get a ride to check out the DP, unless the crew we relieve can guarantee all is well on the DP.

Paper for claims.

No paperwork, no claim and an 816 is always needed.

Mobilization Teams

How can we improve our network? Suggest we concentrate on test messages as they are quicker read than emails. Many members have smart phones that allow reading of emails. Set up a group test.

Job Insurance-

Due to the discipline issues, we highly recommend job insurance, doing without at your own risk.

Alternative Handling-

Discipline & Alternative Handling Issues-

If granted alt. Handling, the paperwork must be signed before the investigation is canceled. The alt handling plan allows for carrier to reinstate the investigation if terms of the alt handling are not completed in the time frame specified. Too many employees are opting for alt. handling, then not doing what's required. Be sure to sign the paperwork and complete the alt. Handling plan on time.

Phony train call when they want to move you up – Since the carrier cares little about doing things right, they will not offer “extra work”when they are moving you up in the pool, same for demotes being used as engineers. We recommend you don't answer the phone at first, but go on line and check the lineup to see if you are truly first or second out, you have 10-15 minutes to respond to a call.

New Business

A motion is made to accept K. Black as a member of the safety committee by Brother Reddish and seconded by Brother Ponciano. Motion passed.

A motion by Brother Bryson to make Brother D Byrum the Alt. Legislative Representive, seconded by Brother Baker. Motion Passed.

A motion by Brother Pratt to have Brother Etienne send out an email to soliciate for a member to join the Cab Committee. Seconded by brother Scruggs. Motion Passed.

Motion is made by brother Byrum to stop participation and disband the WPO committee, seconded by Brother Poncianco. Motion Passed.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Bryson and seconded by Brother Anderson. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1456

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, December 19, 2011

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members in attendance – R Pratt, R Etienne, T Reddish,C Nibler, K Anderson, N Scruggs, D. McIver, T Jacobs, B Huppenun, R Hill, W Pelham, R Maggio, T Beckwith, J Zososky, R Huelle, J McHenry, K Howard, R Tiffany, S Clark.

Minutes from the November meeting were read. Brother Anderson motioned to approve, Brother McIver seconded. Minutes approved.

Presentation of bills made by Secretary, Motion to pay bills by Brother Clark. Seconded by Brother Jacobs. Motion passed.

The current membership is 138.

Safety / Cab Committee – New NW System Cab representive is Gary Hages in Wishram.

Legislative Rep – None.

Local Chairman –

100% Rules Compliance – It's your choice, comply 100% or don't complain.

Mobilization Teams- With the voting coming up now, we need to work on our mobilization teams, we need to make sure our members vote one way or the other. This vote will affect the whole BLET, not just us. VOTE.

Reversers – Carrier has a notice out regarding leaving reversers on train, be sure to walk through your consist looking for reversers, including the DP. Be sure to take any and all of them when you detrain, you can turn them in or keep them, your choice. Willing to bet money this will be a level S offense soon.

Lit Number Lights – We've been told that we are not relieved of responsibility of checking number lights on other engines in the consist even if the cards are signed on lead locomotive. Take the time to walk through the consist to make sure all number lights on trailing eng. are off, this included the DP power if the inbound crew cannot verify they checked.

Isolating and Reporting Engines – SYS Gen Not talks about isolating and reporting isolated engines. We can no longer ring up Mechanical and report to them, we now have to report by VTR known as LIR, failure to do so will result in ops failure. There is a new remote desk that works only HPT compliance, there phone #'s are 817-593-7670 or 800-327-3230. We are now required to report any change in consist (pickup, set out, change in HPT etc.) and this should be done prior to pulling. Ops failures are being given out at MP 10.4, so report before you pull. Remember to take care of all their rules before you pull.

Inaccurate ops failures – If you get an Ops failure for HPT and think it's in error, document and leave with LCA. The LIR program worn't work with K trains, Road swithcher, and any dog catch or trains you weren't originally called for. Carrier knows of the flaw but continues to use it anyway.

Discipline and Alternative Handling Issues – If granted alt handling, the paperwork must be signed before the investigation is cancelled. The alt. Handling plan allows for the carrier to reinstate investigation if terms of alt. Handling are not completed in the time frame specified.

Too many employees are opting for alt. Handling, then not doing what's required. Be sure to sign the paperwork and complete the alt. Handling plan on time.

Check Rides – If you are due for a check ride in 2011 and haven't had one, notify RFE immediately. If you are due to receert, make sure you take care of the driver's license abstract, vision/hearing, even if you take classroom B, these item must be taken care of.

XBD Low Cycle Time – We've had very low cycle times on the XBD for several months now, the carrier is robbing from the XBD to fill vacation slots. Torn between complaining to GM or not, if we complain, they will cut our vacation allocations for the next scheduled year. We are monitoring it, and if it doesn't improve soon we will take it higher.

Suggest all XBD employees keep track of their hours worked in case of attendance and document all short off times.

New Business

A motion by Brother Anderson to accept Phyical Nuebul as the Alternate Cab committee member. Seconded by Brother Reddish, motion passed.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Huppenun and seconded by Brother Huelle, Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1500.