What's Happening in Div. 758

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN VANCOUVER

Next Meeting September 20 2010, at 1:00 PM

ARCHIVES OF PREVIOUS MONTHLY DIVISION MEETINGS. here

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, August 16, 2010

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members attending – Rick Etienne, Robert Pratt, R Tiffany, M Bahr, H Bailey, K Atwood, T Reddish, D Haney, C Nibler.

Minutes from the July meeting were read and approved.

Finances - We currently have 129 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Haney and seconded by Brother Bahr. Motion passed.

Safety Committee:

If arm rests are not working properly notify mechanical and CAB committee. Try to change lead locomotive to another engine within the consist.

Health Fair is scheduled for September 11^th at Firstenburg Center. Four volunteers are needed from the BLET & UTU.

Safety Marathon this week on JSB/HFRI.

CAB Committee:

The 4,000 series engines are showing up a lot. Be sure to report any problems with mechanical and CAB committees. If ice is being put in refrigerators on the engine and it doesn't have a drip tray, this is an FRA defect. Report it. Ensure the lead locomotive is tagged when trailing locomotive is tagged.

Local Chairman:

General Committee and Dues Paying:

Any working engineer that doesn't belong to any organization will automatically be enrolled in BLET Division 758.

GOT V:

Please be sure to get your ballot turned in on time.

Extra Road Switches:

Side letter has been signed to allow road switchers to be called between 0001-0500.

GCA has negotiated 9.4 miles for all EXTRA road switchers, regardless of on-duty time. This doesn't apply to regular RS. This was done to allow extra RS throughout the system. Other than Vancouver, these weren't allowed per agreement.

Mobilization Team Captains:

Team Captains are; Brothers McHenry, Tiffany, Reams, Jacobs, Bailey, Huelle, Allington, Haney, Pratt, Atwood, Nibler and Bahr.

With 12 Team Captains each captain will have around 10 members to contact and help make sure info has been shared. This will get important information out to the Division quickly. Also, encouragement for voting and making sure all members vote will be a priority. Please get involved.

Crashes & Burns:

The Carrier has notified organizations that HFRI's are out of control on Division. Leaving tracks unsecured will result in Level S with no alternative handling if found to be responsible. Shoving crashes when not protecting point may not be granted an automatic alternative handling if found to be responsible. Running through switches may result in Level S with no alternative handling depending on circumstances. Decisions will be case by case. Carrier plans to make these conduct issues. The best thing to do is to protect shoves at all times. Be sure to ask crew if tracks are tied down to protect yourself when working as the Engineer.

Reporting Desertification Events:

Make sure you report a desertification event immediately, not at the completion of the tour, but within minutes after the event occurred. That is the only acceptable thing to do.

RCO Mentors:

RCO Mentors found numerous issues with RCO's. Carrier and Utes are addressing these.

New Business:

None at this time.

Motion made by Brother Haney to close meeting and seconded by Brother Atwood. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1426.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, July 19, 2010

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members attending – RE Edgar, TP Reddish, RC Tiffany, RM Pratt, C Nibler, RE Huelle, K Huelle, R Jacobs, G Bryson, T Ray, B Bocchi, K Howard, R Burns, K Anderson, R McCartney, K Atwood, D Farrar, R Etienne.

Minutes from June meeting were read and approved.

Finances - We currently have 129 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Bryson and seconded by Brother McCartney. Motion passed

Safety Committee – Safety Cab meeting from Fort Worth states that drinking water must be supplied when serviced. EMD trying to get retro fit for sidewall heaters.

Division Safety Meeting; Mr. Jones states “No pressure can be given by supervisors. Take your time and work safely.”

WPO - protecting shoves; checking switches below 90%; riding tanks 100%.

Local Chairman:

E4 Assignment:

Carrier won't put the old E4 assignment back on as it was, claims it won't make windows in Seattle. We have option if we wish to make it a 3 turn assignment, will ask for increase in trip rate to equal pool, windows for this assignment will be shorter and negotiable.

General Committee and Dues Paying:

New software allows GC Se/Treas to see who's paying dues an who's not. Current CBA's requires that we belong to a union. Records show that some members are not paying dues to anyone. Possibly and oversight and can be adjusted/corrected. Those that are hiding out may be dismissed for not paying dues. Monthly reports will be generated to track this issue.

One Man, One Vote:

The purest form of Democracy is one man, one vote, if everybody votes. Historically, records show that less than 50% of the Union votes. Voters need knowledge of the candidates and a motivated electorate. Members will not vote without it. Results are that not everyone votes or not all are informed. There is a 100% turnout with delegates, which is the same as the electoral college. All are knowledgeable due to one on one interviews with candidates.

RRB& Changing Retirement Age:

An assistant to Mr. Speakman visited us in Vegas. He spoke in regards to the RRB Fund and proposals currently pending. There is currently25 billion + in the fund. That is enough money to pay all retirements planned for the next 50 years. If retirement is changed to 58, the fund will be in the red within 4 years. Over a 75 year period the fund will be 3.4 trillion in the red. If the plan goes into the red, Tier II will go up to as much as the 21.2 & the industry pays. If the plan goes into the red, Congress takes over. Those currently seeking reduced age for retirement wish to undo the cap on Tier II. Opening up the fund for RWU will run the risk of allowing carriers to gt rid of occupational Disability.

Crashes & Burns:

The Carrier has notified organizations that HFRI's are out of control on Division. Leaving tracks unsecured will result in Level S with no alternative handling if found to be responsible. Shoving crashes when not protecting point will result in Level S with no alternative handling if found to be responsible. Running through switches may result in Level S with no alternative handling depending on circumstances. Carrier plans to make these conduct issues. The best thing to do is to protect shoves at all times. Be sure to ask crew if tracks are tied down to protect yourself when working as the Engineer.

Switching in the Short Yard:

The Carrier is not allowing any kicking of cars in the short yard. Cars must have 2 brakes on each of the tracks. No cars may be put on or left on old scales unless attached to an engine and tied down. There has been a recent incident where a switchman was almost killed in the short yard. What saved him was that he was on the other side of the car, otherwise he would have been scraped off of the car.

RCO Mentors:

Seven out of the last ten HFRI's have been RCO. The Carrier plans to have mentors come out from Overland Park July 24-27 to work with RCO's. We offered to put engineers back on jobs, but they said no, finally realizing that they have a problem with all of the young people running boxes.

New Business:

Motion was made by Brother Bryson to have Brother Tiffany become a member of the CAB Committee. Motion seconded by Brother Howard. Vote by those present; Unanimous.

Motion withdrawn to eliminate the WPO by Brother Tiffany.

Motion made by Brother McCartney to close meeting and seconded by Brother Atwood. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1524.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, June 21, 2010

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members attending – R. Etienne, R Pratt, M. Bahr, R. Hill, J. McHenry, B. Bocchi, D. Ruiz, R. Maggio, M. Cousineau, J. Zozosky, A. Nollette, C. Marsh, D. Farrar, D. Robertson, R. Tiffany, G. Bryson.

Minutes for May meeting read and approved.

Finances - We currently have 125 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Nollette and seconded by Brother Tiffany. Motion passed

Safety Committee – Health fair is in Sept. at Firstenburg, climbing wall will be available, this is a big deal be sure to attend.

Local Chairman –

Attendance Guidelines – Rumor has it there are going to be changes to the attendance guidelines, this rumor is not true. Carrier is considering also looking at those who don't work at least 60 hours in a month, this doesn't count those taking compensated days off.

General Notice on Outlying Areas – This includes Longview Jct. And any work trains that are bid in and tie up on line. Currently our position is this notice violates our agreements. XBD engineers need to be notified before tie up about any release. Carrier says they will not let anyone work if they don't mark up before the job ties up and that XBD engineers on a hold down must check their status each day. Current CBA's require carrier to notify emp. At time of call how long the hold down will be and if your not told how long the hold down is you can request to be released at the end of the shift.

If you own a job at outlying area, and lay off, and they don't allow you to work the next day, put in a time slip for the lost earnings.

If you aren't notified of the amount of time for the hold down, and not released at the end of the shift, turn in a time slip for a basic day for each day you are not allowed to return.

Rumor change in Alternative Handling – Rumor are flying about doing away with Alt handling, not true. Changes requested by carrier are same as already being done, 1 alt handling per 12 month for attendance. Deadly decisions and authority violations will be decided on a case by case basis.

RSIA Rest/XBD Guarantee – The carrier is docking guarantee for RSIA rest. Check your 816's to see if this has happened to you. If you wee marked to the XBD, yet docked guarantee due solely to RSIA, put a claim in and use the wording on our web site to claim the withheld guarantee, its your money. If your income exceeds the guarantee, there's no need for a claim.

Demoted Engineers taking calls for Engineers - If you are 1^st or 2^nd out on your respective boards, you cannot turn down “extra work” for engineers. Carrier is going to start missing calls for demoted engineers not answering their phone if they are 1^st or 2^nd out on there boards. Currently TSS allows you to turn it down, this is going to stop. Engineers are required to protect engineer positions under the provisions of the A-700 rules.

Board Runaround when not rested at start of canvassing – Carrier doesn't have programming in place to go back to see if an engineer is rested on board 30 once canvassing starts. If you find you were rested on board 30 when someone is used POS, let this committee know, you may have a claim. The carrier won't pay the claim locally, but we can argue it at the GCA.

Board Placement When Working Yard Jobs – When RSIA was put in place we were assured that early quits on yard jobs wouldn't affect board placement on the XBD, sadly it was. This is a violation of CBA's, carrier has assured us this is fixed in TSS. Regardless of early tie up, engineers will be placed back to board in order they were called for yard jobs, exception is overtime. Please check to see if this is done properly. only way we can make them do something is to put in claims.

12^th St. Switch engine at Willbridge – Flat spots keep showing up on the little switch engine at Willbridge and the carrier is getting upset. The problem seems to be the wheels slide easy. Engine should be only used for 12^th St. or spotting Union Oil, please don't use the engine for anything else, carrier is wanting to cite crews for make flat spots.

Paperwork for claims – Still have to ask for 816's, working tickets or delay reports when working claim, these are mandatory in order to get claim paid. If conferencing claim and don't have requested documents can cause claim to be withdrawn. Remember this is your money!!!

Wes and Ty – Both are still off, we are still taking donations in either cash or PL days, anyone willing to donate, please see Sandy.

New Business

Hold WPO in consideration to eliminate the program for the next mtg. Will have R. Huelle give presentation if available.

Motion made by brother Robertson to close meeting and seconded by Brother Bahr.. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1525.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, May 17, 2010

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members attending – R. Etienne, R Pratt, D. Lathim, T Jacobs, X. Wilson, H. Bailey, T. Reddish, M. Bahr, R. Huelle, R. Hill, A. Nollette.

Minutes for Mar. meeting read and approved.

Finances - We currently have 125 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Bailey and seconded by Brother Lathim. Motion passed

LR – Meeting on 051810, will give report at next meeting. .

Cab Committee – None.

Safety Committee – Health fair is in Sept. at Firstenburg, climbing wall will be available, this is a big deal be sure to attend. Next Safety mtg is 052010. The NW division is currently in 8^th place. The summer month are coming, ensure you have enough water for you trips.

Local Chairman –

Red Block Violations – Email from GCA says we are still experiencing Authority Violations, those involved did not call out emergency or backed up without permission or inspection of train. Never back up with out permission and always be sure to call out emergency. Remember that most everything is fixable except dishonesty.

Expiration of Engineer Card – Please be sure to note the date your card was issued to you and ensure you recert. Prior to the 3 year expiration date on the front of the card. You have until 2359 on the date 3 years from the date of issue. Don't forget your vision and hearing test and drivers license abstract.

Setting out at T-6 – Instruction are gone regarding pulling in trains only at T6, some YM want the train backed in, we have the tools to do the job safely, empower yourself. If required to back the train in, take the safe course, and walk it in. There is no requirement to ride the cars if you feel it's not safe.

Board Runaround were not rested at start of canvassing – Carrier doesn't have programming in place to go back to see if an engineer is rested on board 30 once canvassing starts. If you find you were rested on board 30 when someone is used POS, let this committee know, you may have a claim. The carrier won't pay the claim locally, but we can argue it at the GCA.

Claim Paid at GCA for PP02 – Some time ago we asked those who got notification of a claim paid at GCA to check to see if you were really paid. We have several claims that were supposed to be paid in PP02 that didn't show up on any 816's this year. If you received notification of a claim settlement for pp02, check your 816 to see if you were in fact paid. This is only claim settlements from GCA.

Held away at Pasco – Carrier continues to force us into massive held away, complaints don't seem to get the issue fixed, in fact after email them the held away increased by 25%. We will involve the GCA to help get this fixed.

Carrier proposes change in ALT Handling process – Carrier has notified us they plan to change way alt handling is requested. They say if alt handling isn't requested before first postponement, none will be given. 5 day yard men are exempt from the first time postponement restriction, due to time restrictions. This is not acceptable, GCA has been notified and we are waiting their instructions.

E5 Assignment – We aare trying to get the carrier to re-establish the E5 assignment, the HEVEBAR is running 4 consecutive days so we are looking at an assignment that works 4 days. If we are successful the mileage would be 192.2 miles for the round trip and if required to bring a train back the mileage would be 130 miles each way.

Instructions for putting down times when claiming certain codes – Instructions are out to enter accurate times for certain codes (CBT, ST, ERC, etc). This is a requirement by FRA under RSIA, not carrier desired. The RSIA bill requires documentation of any and all times when working for BNSF. If times aren't entered the ticket will not be paid and if times are creatively far fetched the ticket will not be worked.

Donations for Brother Ray and Brother Cacas will be handled by Brother Nibler and Brother Fox or to Sandy.

Motion made by brother Nollette to close meeting and seconded by Brother Huelle. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1503.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, April 19, 2010

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members attending – R. Etienne, R Pratt, T Ponciano, H. Allington, R. McCartney, N. Scruggs, D. Haney, K. Baker, J. Norvell, J. Zozosky, K. Anderson, W. Barnes, R. Tiffany, R. Maggio, B. Bocchi, M. Cousineau, M. Bahr, D. Lathim, M. Miller, A. Haynes, R. Jenkins, B. Connolly, K. Kawawaki.

Minutes for Mar. meeting read and approved.

Finances - We currently have 125 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Wilson and seconded by Brother Anderson. Motion passed.

Cab Committee – Windy cabs please report. When the step way light are out please report that.

Safety Committee – None

Local Chairman –

Road Switchers between 0001 – 0500 – Longview will be opening their new grain elevator in about a year, this one will be able to handle two trains at a time, and load two ships at a time. This will generate lots of work. Carrier will look elsewhere for manpower if they can't get the restricting eased. The UTU has agreed to do away with the ban.

RSIA Rest/XBD Guarantee – The carrier is docking guarantee for RSIA rest, check your 816's to see if you were docked. If you were marked to the XBD, yet docked guarantee due solely to RSIA, put in a claim, use the wording on our web site to claim the withheld guarantee. If your income exceeded the guarantee, there's no reason to make a claim.

Territorial Qualification for Board 30 – Engineers on board 30 are required to be qualified to Albina, if you are not qualified, notify the carrier to make arrangements to get qualified.

Expiration of Engineer Card – We need to make sure we know when our cards expire.

The carrier makes it our responsibility to keep card current, to include mandatory FRA vision and hearing tests. Don't let your card expire. Your card expires at 2359 on the date listed on the card. If expired there is no alternative handling on this, protect yourself.

Codes Payable for Annulled Jobs – The carrier is not paying the various codes when a job is annulled due to no rested employees. The GCA has told us these codes (CP, SPD, Short crew, BE) are not payable when not worked. The exception is when the claim is a make whole due to being pulled off he job, or lay off CBT LCB etc.

MOW Windows showing on lineups – Carrier has been put on notice that it is unacceptable for lineups to not reflect MOW windows that are known in advance. It is agreed that managing our rest depends on accurate lineups, there is no reason these known windows can't be reflected in the lineups. Mr. DeLargy has put out instructions to TM's and also asked the Crew Planner to comply.

E4 Assignment – Carrier says the E4 assignment is not working. Blame is not on crews but rest & Sounder schedules. Want to abolish until end of May. Second garbage train will be on then, and the crew can get the 2^nd train out of Roosevelt. What other option do we have, suggestions!

Old Business – None

New Business -

Resolution was read by Brother Etienne as follows - Whereas switch engines and road switchers are each subject to the National Holiday Agreement, and TY&E Comp Systems have taken the position that an XBD engineer may only qualify for holiday pay if at least 11 yard engines are worked with in the previous 30 days, and no consideration is given to the number of road switchers worked. Motion made by Brother Bahr to except resolution and submit to GCA for consideration, seconded by Brother Allington. Motion passed.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, March 15, 2010

Meeting was opened by the President in Due Form.

Members attending – R. Etienne, R Pratt, T. Jacobs, W. Barnes, R. Huelle, C. Nibler, A. Nollette, M. Bahr, T. Ponciano, M. Smith, D. Robertson, R, Edgar, R. Hill, T. Reddish, R. Maggio, W. Knowles.

Minutes for Feb. meeting read and approved.

Finances - We currently have 126 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Nollette and seconded by Brother Robertson. Motion passed.

Cab Committee – None

Safety Committee – Great safety Feed. Vancouver is on top within the 12 divisions, keep up the good work.

WPO - We evaluated the following – Tracks in the clear 100%, Crossovers 70%, Radio communication (Engineer repeating) 74%. Next week will be three point contact and shoving.

Local Chairman –

RSIA Rest – If the call time of a job occurs after you are rested (the 10 hours have expired), put a claim in for a board runaround. There is no mandatory requirement that the additional 1.5 or 1.75 time be added to your RSIA. While we have a guarantee of the 1.5 or 1.75 hours call, a call may be short, with the understanding that we have that time to get to work, carrier is considering that additional time as being required as RSIA.

Territorial Qualification for Board 30 – Engineers on board 30 are required to be qualified to Albina, if you are not qualified, notify the carrier to make arrangements to get qualified.

Expiration of Engineer Card – We need to make sure we know when our cards expire.

Old Business – None

New Business -

Resolution was read by Brother Etienne to extent the recall time of an engineer when being recalled from a furlough status. Motion to except the resolution and submitted to GCA by brother Bahr and seconded by brother Reddish.. Passed.

Motion made by brother Nollette to close meeting and seconded by Brother Ponciano. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1415.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, February 15, 2010

Meeting was opened by the Vice President in Due Form.

Members attending – R. Etienne, R Pratt, T. Jacobs, R Jacobs, J McHenry, H. Bailey, W. Barnes, R. Tiffany, D. Kautz, R. Huelle, K. Huelle, R. McCartney, K. Atwood, D. St John, R. Burns, W. Pelham.

Minutes for Jan. meeting read and approved.

Finances - We currently have 126 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Atwood and seconded by Brother Huelle. Motion passed.

Cab Committee – None

Safety Committee – Safety Marathon on the 16th and 17th. Need Vol. For up coming feed, if interested contact Brother Jacobs. Ensure that when using crossovers that both ends are restored to the same direction. New Officers for the Safety Committee are, Chairman – H. Bailey, Vice Chairman – M. Weathers and Secretary - T. Jacobs.

WPO - Are evaluating fouling points, crossovers. If anyone is interested in helping contact R. Huelle.

Local Chairman –

Vacations - Extra float vacation does not show on your vacation schedule, if you didn't ask for another assigned week, it;s automatically a floater.

Road Switchers between 0001 – 0500 – Do we have a decision yet?

Territorial Qualification for Board 30 – Engineers on board 30 are required to be qualified to Albina, if you are not qualified, notify the carrier to make arrangements to get qualified.

Resolutions – We have the next two meetings to decide if there are any resolutions our Division wishes to submit. Resolutions need to be approved by members attending and Resolutions need to be mailed to GCA by the first of April.

Expiration of Engineer Card – We need to make sure we know when our cards expire.

Code “EO” - Claim code “EO” if called as utility Engineer.

Old Business – Motion to un-table question on 0001 -0500 Road switchers by Brother Etienne for discussion, motion passed.

Motion to table discussion on 0001 – 0500 switcher so Brother Etienne can discuss with carrier on a cancellation clause in side ltr. Motion passed.

New Business -

Resolution was read by Brother Etienne to extend held away at away from home terminal to start at 12 hours and remain continuous. Motion made by Brother St John to except resolution and submit to GCA, seconded by Brother Jacobs. Passed.

Resolution was read by Brother Etienne that if the Engineers extra board is augmented by other boards by 5 or more in a weeks time the board must be increased. Motion to accept resolution as read by Brother Jacobs and seconded by Brother Kautz. Motion passed. Resolution will be submitted to GCA.

Resolution was read by Brother Etienne to allow yard job engineer to get on the No Call list. Motion to accept resolution by Brother Bailey and seconded by Brother Tiffany, motion passed. Resolution will be submitted to GCA.

Motion made by Brother Jacobs to donate $500 to Susan G. Komen foundation in the name of Elizabeth Ann Kautz, seconded by Brother Huelle, motion passed.

Motion made by Brother Etienne to donate $500 to the Memorial fund for Ron Langlois, member of the P&W Railroad. Seconded by Brother Bahr. Motion passed.

Motion made by brother Bailey to close meeting and seconded by Brother Atwood. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1510.

Here's What Happened at the Meeting on Monday, January 18, 2010

Meeting was opened by President in Due Form.

Members attending – R. Etienne, C Nibler, R Pratt, R. Huelle, X. Wilson, H. Bailey, R. Hill, R. Maggio, D. Haney, W. Barnes, R. Tiffiany, K. Anderson, J. McHenry, K, Baker, D. Robertson, K. Fox.

Minutes for Dec. meeting read and approved with amendments..

Finances - We currently have 123 members. Secretary made presentation on current finances, The bills were presented for payment. Motion to pay bills by Brother Haney and seconded by Brother Wilson. Motion passed.

Cab Committee – None

Safety Committee – Enhanced training is coming up, look for it.

WPO - It is in place and working, Numbers are good. The committee was looking at crossover, roll bys, train securing..

Local Chairman –

Vacations - All engineers have the ability to float a second week. Please advise committee ASAP if you want to give up a week for a 2^nd floater and be sure to tell which week you want to change. Those earning a 6^th week, please notify ASAP it you want that new week to be a floater, after all floaters are done, available weeks will be bulletined for those with a 6^th week that don't want a floater. This has to be done by the end of the month, for those that don't respond will automatically be issued the 6^th week as a floater.

Those that don't get a 6^th week and don't respond will not be able to change a week to a floater. January 30, 2010 is the deadline, no exception.

Road Switchers between 0001 – 0500 – DeLargy wants to put another road switcher on however this must be authorized by Ft. Worth. Times may not be 2100 however. Carrier vows to make sure extra road switchers are on the lineup and it not we can revisit this in the future. Is this OK to do?

Claim Conferencing – There are several required documents needed for claims conferencing, a cut slip, working ticket, delay report (if one available), 816 for that pay period, and an understandable explanation for what is being claimed. I have been asking for years with continuing lack of results and I am spending too much time trying to get these documents. GCA requires them for any claims that have to go them, not all claim are paid locally. From now on, a claim with no paperwork will be returned to claimant, help me and yourself, this is your money.

Held away at Pasco - This committee is in dialogue with corridor supt. Regarding held away and the imbalance of the pool. He has learned that we won't go away in our complaints and he says he is working on it. He been advised that moral is down, and layoffs will be the result of not getting this fixed. This problem appears to be happening elsewhere and not just Vancouver.

XBD's & short cycle times – Doug Jones agrees the boards have been cut too much in all locations. He promises to get the boards back in shape, we'll see.

Profit sharing – No word yet on profit sharing, carrier is going to announce 4^th quarter earnings on January 21^st and hopefully they will announce the profit sharing then.

Old Business – Officer pay will continue to be as followed – Local Chairmen - $400.

Secretary/Treas - $600

President – basic day

New Business -

Motion is made by Brother Bailey to continue looking for competent storage and to continue to have our union meeting at current location, seconded by Brother Cordez. Motion passed.

Motion by Brother Nibler to accept R. Jacobs for membership to the BLET, seconded by Brother Pratt,. Motion passed. Motion by Brother Nibler to accept R. Roaldson for membership to the BLET, seconded by Brother Etienne. Motion passed.

A check will be issued for the purchase of a retirement watch for Brother M. Smith.

Motion made by brother Huelle to close meeting and seconded by Brother Anderson. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1511.

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 2009 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.