September 2004 Meeting
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, September 20 2004
Meeting opened by the LC in due form. President out of town and unavailable.
Members present: Brother's and Sister’s R. Etienne, D. St. John, T. Reddish, W. Boomgaarden and R. Reams.
There was no meeting in August so July minutes were read. Motion to accept as read by Brother Reams, Seconded by Brother Reddish. Motion approved.
Financial Report: We currently have 110 members and 1 trainman. All the increases by the International (.68), GCA (1.00) and WSLB (4.00) have been completed as of this month. These amounts have been absorbed by the local and it appears that we will be able to continue to absorb this amount without passing it on to the members at this time. We may in future have to re-look at this issue. The laptop we have had since 1995 finally crashed on us. The President directed the Sec-Treasurer to investigate and replace this computer. After looking at several manufacturers locally and on the internet, we purchased a Toshiba for $999.00. This computer is sufficiently complete to replace both the laptop lost and the desktop at the office. Total with docking port and accessories required come to a total of $1200.00. We may have to look at upgrading our software. We will look at that as time goes along. The bills were read and the floor was opened for discussion. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Reams, seconded by Brother Boomgaarden. Motion passed.
Legislative Rep: No report made.
Local Chairman:
New Garbage train assignment. Because of erratic schedule and lack of commitment, no assignment will be made. When commitment is given, will look at assignment again.
Lull in business. Bare tables are on hold for a while. Grain is in a lull at the moment. More expected in several weeks. May be slow for 2-4 weeks.
61 Car. Because of LYD being moved to 900am, new train needed for 61 car. Only yard make up left is the PASINB. This is why we re-bulletined the jobs. We can’t control when they run their trains. Only other option was to cancel 61 car agreement.
Emergency applications. BNSF is second guessing our use of emergency applications. Can be listed as “at risk” employees. Will be ops failed if emergency application is used for banner test. If you are told you are an “at risk” or “red” employee, let this committee know right away.
Trainmen joining. Keep those pamphlets going out to trainmen who are interested in becoming BLET members. Let this committee know if you need more.
Reporting Emergency Applications. Crew has been cited for failure to report emergency applications. Be sure to report to dispatcher EVERY time your train goes into emergency. Carrier is getting picky about it. ABTH rule requires this.
Alignment control couplers. Can only have one engine without in consist. Must be 2nd out in consist. Only way to tell is to look. Drawbar will have “ears” on each side if so equipped. If not sure, call roundhouse to come look at it.
BN-SF transfer agreement. The system transfer agreement passed. It’s now in effect on the property.
Claims for arbitraries when deadheading on assigned cars. Carrier is no longer paying arbitraries when deadheading on the assigned cars. Be sure to give me the tickets and any info needed. It is essential to know which assigned car the claim is for.
Net-Sim. Be sure to be on time or you will not be able to do the netsim. If you miss more than one day or trip due to netsim, be sure to claim the pay. Don’t forget written test along with netsim.
Attendance Guidelines. Carrier is becoming hard nosed on attendance. They will have investigations no matter the reasons for the layoffs. Heavy vacations are over. Manpower is now available for them to play hardball. Be aware of this.
RCO observations. Please keep complaints coming in. Any information you have on the incident at T-6 at Oregon Transfer is needed. Was there a blue flag? The carrier insists there was not. Still not getting reports of incidents. Pictures would be great.
Willbridge Incident. Switch crew sent a car down empty track at Willbridge. Ran into side of PTLPAS. Evidently no notice of investigation. Need info on who, when, time, etc.
Jury Duty. LR has a new interpretation of jury duty pay. This violates agreements. If you aren’t paid properly, be sure to let us know ASAP.
Make whole pay. If you put in for make whole, and don’t get paid, or get paid wrong, be sure to let us know right away. Payroll has been spanked recently on their lack of make whole abilities.
Floor was opened for discussion.
Motion to close by Brother Boomgaarden, seconded by Brother Reddish. Motion passed. The meeting was closed.
October 2004 Meeting
Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, October 18 2004
Meeting opened by the President in due form.
Members present: Brothers and Sisters R. Balkowitsch, R. Etienne, D. St. John, C. Nibler, R. Wuitschick, L. Weed, M. Taylor, K. Taylor, B. Knowles and M. Fischer, D. Haney, T. Nollette, J. Bennett, M. Weatherholt, R. Collins and Special Guest P. Bovarnick.
The September minutes were read by the Secretary. Motion to accept as read by Brother Haney, Seconded by Brother Bennett. Motion approved.
Financial Report: We currently have 108 members and 1 trainman. We have received a request by the GCA to move our dues payments to the second half. This will bring all divisions into agreement. It will also put the dues payments and insurance payments into separate half’s. There was discussion about which half we currently have our dues come out of now. The President instructed the Secretary-Treasurer to look into this subject and report later. Bills were presented and floor opened for discussion. Motion to pay the bills by Brother Weed and seconded by Brother Reddish. Motion passed.
Legislative Rep: WUTC meeting for point protection was postponed by the railroads. ‘Bill will attend when this happens. The only question is do they have the authority. The FRA was delivered a letter on their remote study. Sounds like they are stalling. Bill will post the AFL-CIO recommendations for the election. No matter who you chose, please vote.
Safety Rep: There are now lights up at Wishram, what does everyone thing. There were some trailers that blocked the view on the y at t-6. They have been moved but please let us know if they start parking again. Colt radios are being put on the head end on trains going to Pasco. These are not supposed to be on the head end, please let us know. Rough riding engines should be reported ASAP. We have had a lot of these engines showing up. Report the engine numbers and train numbers to terry or Rick. Again, please vote.
Special Guest: Paul Bovarnick gave a brief presentation. He again encouraged everyone to vote and briefly discussed what legal issues were at stake. Rough riding engines are a major concern on all railroads and should be reported to the proper authority.
Local Chairman:
Everyone continue to have good job briefings and observe all safety rules. There have been three fatalities recently. We don’t want to lose anyone. Don’t let them rush you. Make sure you are aware of the level of experience and abilities of your co-workers.
Several questions were brought up concerning unsafe practices. If you want these issues addressed, please fill out an unsafe condition report. This is the only way they will address these situations. PUT IT IN WRITING OR IT WILL BE IGNORED BY MANAGEMENT.
Ops testing has been heavy on the north lines this last week. Detectors not turned on, Form B’s with flags down. Radio procedures are also being looked at with tapes being pulled. Banner tests are also being done in the terminal, including other railroads, and tracks. They can ops test on any track at any time, but they won't ops test on yard tracks where it would not be expected to watch each shove.
Floor was opened for discussion.
Motion to close by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Knowles. Motion passed. The meeting was closed.