What's Happening in Div. 758

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN VANCOUVER

ARCHIVES OF PREVIOUS MONTHLY DIVISION MEETINGS. here

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, March 17 2008

Meeting was opened by Acting President in Due Form.

Members Attending – R. Etienne, Robert Pratt, R. Hill, S. Hill, H. Bailey, Skip Barnes, Dave Haney, C Nibler, R Williams, R McCartney, K Atwood, R Edgar, D Green, K Stockman, K Ring, T Reddish, V Smith, K Taylor, L Haynes.

Finances – We currently have 124 members. Secretary read minutes for February, motion to accept by Brother Reddish and seconded by Brother Haney. Secretary made presentation on current finances. The bills were presented for payment. Motion by Brother Reddish to pay the bills, seconded by Brother Green. Motion passed.

Legislative Representative

Chris talked about the FRA & bad order locomotives. He showed the members a worn out independent bake valve key, and what to look for. He talked about the wire loop the locomotive chains are hooked to and showed what to look for in regard to proper or not. He handed out guidelines on FRA regulations for bad ordering locomotives. Both Chris & Dave talked about the need to report bad order locomotives to either Dave Haney or Ron Reams. Failure to do so only helps the carrier. There was a lively discussion on supplying locomotives with water, crew packs & trash bags. It was noticed that Spokane round house appears to be only putting 1 six pack of water on each locomotive. It was agreed that the members would do a better job reporting issues to the cab committee.

Local chairman:

Peer Support Teams – Those that said they wanted to remain on the Peer Support Team have been recommended for that position, these include - Dave Haney, Pat Patterson, Jeff McHenry, Harvey Bailey, Russ Huelle and Kelly Fox.

Code “RS” for the Camas Turn – Be sure to use code “RS” when working the Camas Turn, and you do not get OT.

Attendance Guideline Cases Headed for Arbitration – There are over 100 cases listed for a Public Law Board, all 4 General Chairmen are listing cases. These are all the ones that blatantly disregard either CBA’s personal issues or the dreaded creative weekend count that factors 4 days a week as weekends.

The board should meet within 60 days; results should be out by summer.

Motion to allow assigned jobs to be 1^st out in their window – This motion was presented to the carrier and all was going well until carrier told us that crews are assigned to trains by their assignment. Currently there is no way to separate the engineers from the conductors. If the UTU decides to do the same, perhaps this can be done. Bottom line, it can’t be done at this time.

Remote Desk – Big Brother is watching you.

“Bottling” the Air – Remote disk is citing anyone who doesn’t bleed the air down from the control stand, when required. They consider it “bottling the air” if we allow the conductors to bleed the train down by cracking the angle cock. This is considered a “serious “ offense and crew are being citing for this. Carmen are not allowed to bottle the air either, be sure to let your LCA know if they continue to do it. At Pasco, we are no longer allowed to close the angle cock on our train, unless someone is at the other end of the train to immediately open that angle cock.

Failure to do an apply & release test. – Remote desk is flagging and reporting any crew that doesn’t do an apply & release test when the rules require it. If the rules require you to apply the brakes, and then release them before proceeding, make sure you do it. This is a de-certifying offense. It’s not enogh to simply know your air is being restored, when you couple back into your train.

Testing your Air Brakes before cutting off – Remote disk is checking to make sure we release the brakes to test for movement, before we either cut away, or bleed the train down per rule. Failure to test the brakes for movement will result in a “serious” change.

Getting sick – If you get sick and have a Dr.’s note, be sure to give it to the carrier before going back to work. If you do, they will make your sick layoffs count as medical, and no problem with attendance. If you don’t, they will count your absence toward the attendance guidelines.

Assigned Car side letter – The carrier signed the side letter to amend the assigned jobs where they will roll into the pool at Pasco. The bids will take effect on 031908. Any assigned job going on duty after the close of bids will be placed in the proper place in the pool. Those jobs that go on duty prior to the close will continue to go first out at Pasco.

Final Rule on Human Factor Incidents – FRA has issued their final rule on human factor incidents, these include the possibilities of fines for individuals. These include –

- improperly lined track switches (switches left in incorrect position)

- Failure to latch and or lock a track switch

- Lack of point protection ( shoving or moving rail cars without a person in front of the movement)

- Shoving rail cars with point protection but failing to properly control the movement.

- Failure to determine the track ahead is clear before beginning a shoving movement.

- Leaving rail cars in a place that fouls or obstructs train movements on an adjacent track.

- Operations over a track switch previously run through (damaged or broken).

- Failure to apply or remove a derail.

The members were read the resignation letter from former President Cordes. It was also noted that Vice President Ruzsa had also submitted her resignation. That said, a discussion followed about the importance of a strong President to guide the Division in the path needed for a strong Organization. Questions were asked about whether or not the President would be paid. Answer - nay member who misses work in the performance of Union duties will always be compensated. It was decided that a notice would be posted for 30 days, announcing the vacancies. It was further noted that failure to fill both vacancies would result in the dissolution of the Division, and the committee of adjustment being moved to Division 58 in Wishram. Nominations for both offices will be taken at the April meeting.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Haney, seconded by Brother Ring. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1515.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, February 18 2008

Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.

Members Attending – R. Etienne, T. Jacob, Robert Pratt, Jim Bennett, R. Tiffany, R. Hill, S. Hill, W Pelham, A. Nollette, C. Marsh, H. Bailey, Skip Barnes, B. Black, R. Anderson, D. Kautz, R. Huelle, K. Huelle, R. Burns, R Moore, Kelly Fox, Harvey Bailey, Dave Haney.

Finances – We currently have 124 members. Secretary read minutes for January, motion to accept by Brother Pelham and seconded by Brother Nollette. Secretary made presentation on current finances. The bills were presented for payment. Motion by Brother Haney to pay the bills, seconded by Brother Marsh. Motion passed.

Ballots for change to the assigned cars were turned over to the membership by the Secretary for tally. Members selected by the membership for tallying the vote are Jim Bennett, Ryan Burns and Wes Pelham and witnessed by Skip Barnes.

Local chairman:

Final Rule on Human Factor Incidents – FRA has issued their final rule on human factor incidents, these include the possibilities of fines for individuals. These include –

- improperly lined track switches (switches left in incorrect position)

- Failure to latch and or lock a track switch

- Lack of point protection ( shoving or moving rail cars without a person in front of the movement)

- Shoving rail cars with point protection but failing to properly control the movement.

- Failure to determine the track ahead is clear before beginning a shoving movement.

- Leaving rail cars in a place that fouls or obstructs train movements on an adjacent track.

- Operations over a track switch previously run through (damaged or broken).

- Failure to apply or remove a derail.

Peer Support Teams – Currently there is a peer support team in place, those on it are – Dave Haney, Pat Patterson, Jeff McHenry, Chris Gonzales, Joe Johnson, Jim Bennett, Harvey Bailey and Russ Huelle.

We need to know if these engineers are still interested inbeing on the peer support team.

Code “RS” for the Camas Turn – In order to make sure the Camas Turn get’s paid properly, any engineer working the job must claim the 15 miles code “RS” whenever the job does not get OT. If you get OT don’t claim “RS”.

This only applies to the Camas Turn, not to any of the NP road switchers we currently have.

Unexpected Issues that Cause Attendance Problems – If you find yourself in a situation where you will be out of compliance for attendance because of a family issue, be sure to call either DeLargy or Matzdorff and give them a broad outline to let them know stuff is happening in your family. Many investigations would have gone away had the person called before being cited.

The carrier will work with you if you let them know there’s a problem, don’t wait until after the month is over, and the notices go out.

FMLA & the Courts – The GCA has served notice to take the FMLA issue to arbitration. They sent the carrier one last chance to reconsider their position, if not the cases will be listed for a PLB. Continue to submit time slips for each day you are forced to take a compensated day when you lay off FML; you have an excellent chance of getting some money back. Go to the web site and use the wording listed there and submit one special claim for each day they make you take a compensated day. If you do this, we will need a copy of your FMLA acceptance from BNSF.

The board should meet within 60 days; results should be out by summer.

Remote Oversight Officers – Carrier has hired a bunch of people to do nothing but read downloads from engines, they will read all “flags” to include short whistling, stretch and power braking, if you have to blow beyond the crossing to get your 15 seconds, do so. Report all emergency applications. There is a list out with the top offenders, it’s just a matter of time before they start citing engineers, protect yourself.

Problem with Dispatchers – Be sure to let this committee know of you have any problems with rude dispatchers; we can get tapes pulled if notified in a timely fashion. On the dame note, we can’t be rude to them either.

Taking POS Calls – Please make sure you’re qualified on the territory you take a POS call for. FRA can decert you for operation on a territory on which your qualification is expired, this is called “willful violation”, and can have a fine up to $10,000.00. If you’re not sure what the territory is, ask the crew called before taking the call. If you think no one will say anything, you’re wrong.

New Business –

The tally was completed and the results were submitted to the president for announcement. The results are as followed – Yes 54, No 45, and Abstain 1. The motion passed.

A Proposal was made by Jim Bennett and seconded by Tony Nollette as followed - upon the implementation of the AFHT assigned car changes, the assigned cars (E1, E2, E3) will get the first train or DH called within their window at the home terminal. With discussion the proposal is amended with the following – The LCA will enter into discussion with the carrier to give the assigned cars (E1, E2, E3) the first train called with their window at the home terminal. A vote was taken on the proposal and amendment with the following results – For 14, against 0. Proposal passed.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Bennett, seconded by Brother Burns. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1455.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, January 21 2008

Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.

Members Attending – R. Etienne, T. Jacob, Dave Haney, Robert Pratt, Skip Barnes, Ron McCartney, B Olmsted, R tiffany, M Ragan, R Williams, D St John, R Bodenhamer, T Beckwith, H Bailey, S Hill, D Kautz, J Gustafson, R Burns, M B Campbell, J Zozosky, R Collins, R Anderson, M Dimmick, R Jenkins, K Taylor, R Huelle, T Reddish, C Nibler, M Cousineau, W Pelham, P Patterson, A Ortmayer, X Wilson, J McHenry, K Baker, L Haynes, K Ring, B Black, D Luther.

Minutes of the December meeting were read. Motion to accept by Brother Reddish and seconded by Brother Burns. Motion passed.

Finances – We currently have 123 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances. The bills were presented for payment. Motion by Brother Jacobs to pay the bills, seconded by Brother Ragan. Motion passed.

Legislative Rep – Please fill out and turn in engine reports

Safety Rep – There is an injury every 56 hrs for trainman but significantly less for engineers.

If you have a rough rider reduce speed to achieve a smooth ride. Check sanders before the start of each trip. Check the toilet to ensure that they vent to the outside. Be your Brothers Keeper.

Local chairman:

Whistle Violations – The carrier is citing engineers for investigation for short blows and are pulling no blows out of service. The only Ops failure now is “failure to start blowing at the whistle board while at 45 mph or above. They are really serious about this, so protect yourselves.

We need to know if these engineers are still interested inbeing on the peer support team.

This only applies to the Camas Turn, not to any of the NP road switchers we currently have.

Profit Sharing – Profit sharing checks will be issued on Jan 31, Payouts will be announced on Jan 29. We don’t know how they will be, probably lower as the injury rate on the system was high.

Handling IH Cars – Be sure to read the change in the SSI handling IH cars. Changes include setting out bad orders, and emergency applications. IH trains are 35 mph.

Aetna Member Verification – If you haven’t done so. Be sure to get hold of Aetna to complete your dependent verification. If you don’t do it, your dependents may wind up with no coverage. Coverage for dependents will end in March if this isn’t done. Get a hold of Aetna if you’ve not done so yet.

The carrier will work with you if you let them know there’s a problem, don’t wait until after the month is over, and the notices go out.

FMLA & the Courts – The Supreme Court threw out BNSF’s appeal on paying vacation/PL days in lieu of FMLA.

If you start or continue to submit time slips for each day you are forced to take a compensated day when you lay off FML, you have an excellent chance of getting some money back. If you don’t submit the tickets, you have zero change of getting any money back. Go to the web site and use the wording listed there and submit one special claim for each day they make you take a compensated day. If you do this, we will need a copy of your FMLA acceptance from BNSF.

Motel Lodging – If you are having a problems getting a room at Pasco, be sure to call the TM, if he won’t help, be sure to leave a note for your committee of adjustment. Timely reporting is essential. Taking rooms next to the highway is not required.

New Business – A presentation was given by Todd Jacobs on the impact of the assigned cars folding into the pool at Pasco. The most significant impact being loss of time at home between trips of about 12 hrs.

A motion was made by Ron McCartney to submit the following proposal to the membership of Division 758 for a vote: have the assigned car fold into the pool at Pasco based on the call times at Vancouver. The motion was seconded by Brother Williams and a hand vote was taken with the following results – in favor of, 14; against, 5; abstention, 1. Motion passed and a mail out ballot will be sent out to all division members and will be counted at the next union meeting.

A motion was made be Daryl Kautz for the following “ Sign up for Volunteer to assist in Safety Mtg/Marthon Cookout will be done at the union meeting the month prior to the cookout. Names will then be thrown into a hat for random selection. Volunteers will not be used consecutively unless man power shortage”. This motion was seconded by Mickey Regan and a hand vote was taken with the following results – for, 10, against, 0. Motion passed.

Missed Calls – A decision must be made on what to do with the engineer when he misses a call, held from duty for 24 hours or until the engineer called returns from duty. A vote was taken by attending members with the following results – held off duty for 24 hours, 17. Held off duty until the on duty engineer returns, 5.

Results are as followed: That the engineer that missed the call will be held from duty for 24 hours.

Motion to close meeting by Brother Kautz, seconded by Brother Ragan. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1523.

VACATION BIDS Check it Out!

ARCHIVES

Archived Information can be seen here.

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

The availability policy is now repackaged in a new and improved package here.

CLAIMS

To see the current status of claims, look here.
Documentation is still needed to process any claim.
The 60 day clock starts when payroll inputs the cut slip.
Remember, the claim cannot be appealed without all the documentation

POST 85 EMPLOYEES AND THE DREADED DEADHEAD

The International was asked for an interpretation on how to rule the pay of a post 85 employee being called to work, or deadhead exactly on 16 hours after a deadhead. The Intl. ruled that the same principle applied as for held away. The employee does not qualify for the basic day for the previous deadhead until he has exceeded the 16 hours, i.e. 16:01.

DISCIPLINE-INJURY:

Be advised the carrier is still holding investigations for employees who are injured while on duty. Remember: You have the right to representation if you are injured, and are required to fill out an accident report. (F27). DO NOT let the carrier officer fill this form out for you. DO NOT let the carrier use pencil to fill out the F27. DO NOT sign a blank F27, and have the carrier fill it in later. Remember: If you are not sure about something, put down :not sure", or "I don't know". If you are truly interested in learning how to protect your rights, be at the next meeting on November 15, 1999 at 1:00 pm Carpenters Hall, because we will have representatives from BZQ to give us lessons in filling out F-27s and accident forms.

FIRST AID REPORTING FORM

In the event an incident occurs, and you are not sure if you are injured, be sure to notify management, and fill out this form. It is imperative that anyone who even suspects the possibility of an injury take the time to fill this form out. A late F-27 can result in disciplinary action.

LOCOMOTIVE DEFECTS

Remember to notify Ft. Worth Mechanical in the event you encounter any locomotive defects. Also, please remember to either log them on our engine defects form here, or give them to one of your representatives to log.

SAFETY ISSUES:

Remember, you all have the right to EMPOWER yourselves if the carrier wants you to do something you truly believe is unsafe. Do not hesitate to use that empowerment. You can scream "violation of agreement" till it freezes over, but nothing will happen. Mention the buzz words "empowerment, or Unsafe, or I fear for my Safety" and like magic, all of a sudden the carrier will listen to what you are saying. Remember, the carrier officer who is so helpful in assisting your crew is not a part of that crew, and has no business assisting any crew. This would be a violation of collective agreements, and a safety issue, as he has not had a safety briefing with the crew..

VACATIONS

Vacations have been issued, and passed out. The weekly allocation is here. The vacations for 2007 are here.

IN MEMORY OF DAN DYER

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! If you are found in violation of the carrier's rules. see what will happen here.