Meeting opened by the President in due form.

Members present: D St John, R Etienne, R. Balkowitsch, D. Haney, J. Bennett and special guest D. Jeremiah Northwest BLE Safety Representative.

Minutes of previous meeting read. No corrections made. Motion to accept by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Bennett. Motion passed.

Finances: Presentation of current status made by sec/tres. Current membership is 108 plus one trainman. The current balances of accounts were discussed and several questions were asked from the floor. Resolution of IRS appears to be done. The bills due for payment were presented and discussed. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Bennett, seconded by Brother Haney. Motion passed.

Special Guest Dale Jeremiah was introduced and given the floor for a brief presentation. They would like to have us begin to get involved more with the safety meetings. There are safety committees in Libby, Bellingham, Pasco, Wenatchee, Spokane, Wish/bend, New Westminster, Vancouver (third Wednesday at 1300), Albany ( Thursday), and Tacoma. Will we have someone attend? Rick will be attending for the time being. The floor was opened for discussion.

Local Chairman: The following topics were discussed:

1. Canadian fatigue issue. Legislation was passed in Canada that restricts workers to a maximum of 64 hours a week. There are some exceptions. The International has some fatigue issues in the works. More info as it becomes available.
2. Railroad Retirement. New law allows for vesting after 5 years if performed after 1995.
3. Track Warrants & the cell phones. To protect all members, track warrants and track and time should be taken over the radio. If a cell phone is used, the train should be stopped. If the authority is taken over the phone, be sure to go over it with the conductor and verify your authority. Don't take anything for granted.
4. New Train Makeup rules. Be sure and question anything that seems out of the ordinary. Remember, the new rules pertain to percentage of weight on rear end, empty platforms, and long car to short car issues. The 15 cars over 90 tons ahead of a car under 45 tons is no longer in effect. Anyone who wishes more info, please get in touch with this committee for further info.
5. Division Safety meeting. Trash cans have been provided in various locations in order to remove trash from switch engines and other units. Please dump trash when it gets full, so you won't have a tripping hazard. These units are only serviced once a week, so trash builds up quickly. Please don't just throw it on the floor or out the window. If the trash cans are full, notify the trainmaster. The issue of loose side mirrors on the pumpkins was addressed. Mechanical has promised to see that they are tightened. If you encounter loose side mirrors on a regular basis, let us know.
6. Empowerment. Summer is upon us. Be sure to empower yourself if you don't feel something is safe. Don't assume anything. Recent events have shown we will be held responsible for the actions of other crew members. Protect yourself. The carrier has shown that everything will be done by the book. This applies to them too when they want you to deviate from standard policy to help them out. If it's not allowable under the rules, don't do it!
7. Safe Workplace. Be sure to follow the rules. Please don't take any shortcuts or allow other crew members to do so. Your job will be protected if you follow the rules. Please don't chase the "quit".
8. Meal Period on switch engines. Current Washington PUC, and FRA regulations address sanitation at the work place. If you are required to eat your lunch on an engine, then that engine must meet certain conditions. If your locomotive is stinky, overflowing, filthy, you should report this and advise the carrier that it doesn't meet current sanitation requirements. IF you take the locomotive without saying anything, the carrier is not obligated to correct the situation, or pay any penalty, as you took it voluntarily, not under instructions. Remember, always ask the carrier what their instructions are when something is amiss.
9. Whistle blowing for MOW. Avoid fines, whistle for MOW personnel when you see them. If the FRA is out testing, and you are observed not sounding the whistle and bell, you may be fined. Protect yourselves!
10. Advance Lay-offs. Be sure to let us know if your advance layoff request is denied other than if you don't have any PL days left, or request PL days while owning a yard job.

Motion to close by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Bennett. Motion passed.

There will be no meeting for the month of August.

There was no meeting in August 2002