OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2020 Volume 34, Issue 7

Daily news updates ocomotive WWW.BLE-T.ORG LE n g i n ee r s & T r a i n m e n N e w s Published by the BLET, a division of the Rail Conference,• International Brotherhood of Teamsters PIERCE TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE URGES AID FOR AMTRAK/COMMUTERS, CONDEMNS PSR AT OCTOBER SENATE HEARING LET National Presi- adopt legislation that would improve COVID’S IMPACT dent Dennis R. Pierce the health, safety and sanitation stan- President Pierce praised railroaders testified before the U.S. dards for all railroad workers. for answering the call as essential work- Senate Committee on President Pierce also testified about ers during the ongoing COVID-19 pan- Commerce, Science, the negative impact of so-called Pre- demic. However, he was critical of the and Transportation at cision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) industry for failing to recall furloughed a hearing titled, “Passenger and Freight on railroad workers, communities and workers as freight traffic has improved. Rail:B The Current Status of the Rail shippers. He described it as a danger- “I am pleased to report that the in- Network and the Track Ahead.” Held ous, job-killing business model that dustry’s essential employees have an- on October 21, the hearing examined puts lives at risk by putting profits swered the call and worked tirelessly to the current state of America’s passen- ahead of safety. President Pierce con- serve our economy. But our members ger and freight rail network, including cluded his testimony by urging the have paid a heavy price. Record num- impacts of COVID-19, and legislative Senate to adopt legislation as part of bers of freight workers were furloughed considerations for surface transporta- the upcoming surface transportation when traffic cratered, on top of histor- tion reauthorization legislation. reauthorization that would address ic furloughs that occurred prior to the President Pierce delivered the tes- PSR and return the rail industry to pandemic. Despite sharply rebounding timony in his capacity as President of serving the public instead of Wall traffic, recalls have been insufficient to President Pierce delivers his virtual the Teamsters Rail Conference. To ad- Street. Additionally, the surface trans- meet demand,” President Pierce said. testimony during the October 21 Senate dress the ongoing COVID-19 pandem- portation reauthorization should in- Those lucky enough to avoid fur- hearing. He urged the Senate to consider ic, President Pierce urged the Senate clude rail safety legislation that would lough have been forced to deal with un- emergency funding for Amtrak and condemned to provide emergency relief for Am- mandate two-person train crews, Pres- precedented health and safety concerns Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR). trak and commuter railroads and to ident Pierce said. Continued on page 4 • “I am pleased to report that the industry’s essential employees have answered the call and worked tirelessly to serve our economy. But our members have paid a heavy price. Record numbers of freight workers were furloughed when traffic cratered, on top of historic furloughs that occurred prior to the pandemic. Despite sharply rebounding traffic, recalls have been insufficient to meet demand.” – BLET President Dennis R. Pierce

HAPPY HOLIDAYS CSXT 3230 and four other CSX units lead an east- bound coal train into West Virginia from Kentucky, crossing the Big Sandy River into Kenova, W.Va., in January 2016. The train is enroute to Newport News, Va., from the coal mines of eastern Kentucky. Photo: Chase Gunnoe

BLET President’s Message Contract Ratified BLET’s John Tolman Retires Fighting together Members approve new deal Vince Verna is new Vice President in 2021 pg. 2 with Pacific Harbor Line pg. 5 & National Legislative Rep. pg. 7 Register• for News Flash email alerts at: www.ble-t.org/newsflash Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BLETNational• 2 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

BLET PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY DENNIS R. PIERCE Fighting Together in 2021 n the first President’s Mes- prospect of a Presidential Emer- sage that I wrote after be- gency Board as one of the Rail- coming BLET National way Labor Act’s final steps in President in 2010, I rec- the bargaining process, and its ognizedI and honored my father potential outcome has most cer- who was part of the “Greatest tainly changed with a new Ad- Generation”. December 5, 2020 ministration set to take Office. would have been my Dad’s 100th In addition to our negotia- birthday and, as I looked back tions, we must reinvigorate our on what he must have seen while legislative and regulatory efforts he was still living, I was drawn in 2021. The safety of all rail to the last line in my first Mes- workers, and the general pub- sage about him. In comparing lic, is dramatically impacted by the Greatest Generation’s fights the actions, or inactions, of both to ours, I closed the piece by say- State and Federal legislators and ing, “Participation, teamwork regulators. We must return to and solidarity are the keys, and a place where the Nation’s safe- success is achievable only if we ty regulators do their mandated make this our common fight.” job to ensure a safe workplace, Nothing could be truer today, and we will not rest until that especially as 2020, a year like no is accomplished. other, comes to a close. As I said at the start of this When 2020 began, we knew Message, our success in all of there would be a Presidential our goals is directly tied to our election, but we did not know solidarity. I will say it again: we must put aside the issues that that our Nation would be rav- President Pierce’s late father Maurice, who would have celebrated his 100th aged by a pandemic. In fact, birthday this year, was a member of the “Greatest Generation.” Shortly after may have divided us in the po- most of us had never heard of the becoming National President in 2010, Pierce dedicated his first President’s litical cycle, and instead focus COVID-19 back in January. As Message to his father, who later passed away in 2017. The values we on the workplace issues that we we look back now, over 300,000 common learned from the Greatest Generation — participation, teamwork and have in common. We must not Americans have lost their lives solidarity — are they keys we need to overcome the struggles we face today. allow the Rail Carriers to divide to the pandemic, and while fight: us with their efforts to blame Americans may have differing work for Amtrak. President-elect time for us all as BLET mem- Without a doubt, one of the our Unions when they mistreat views on causes and solutions, Biden is also a strong supporter bers to join in solidarity. We most important items in this their employees. there is no doubt that it contin- of the Union movement, and as must turn our focus back to the round of negotiations is the is- We must remember that any- ues to impact the lives of all I have often said, working class workplace issues that affect us sue of two-person crews. I am one who attacks your Union is working class Americans. Americans do better in the work- all. More importantly, we must proud to say that our Brother- attacking you and your family’s The pandemic also impacted place when we have government also put aside those issues that hood stands shoulder to shoul- livelihood. In our case, Rail Car- the Presidential election in many officials who are not afraid to may have separated us in the der with our Brothers and Sis- riers attack your Union because ways, but that election took place say the word UNION! past, and instead concentrate ters in SMART’s Transportation they see the content of your regardless of the pandemic. In With the election in the rear our collective efforts on the big Division in the fight to preserve Union contract as an attack on the days before writing this Mes- view mirror and the inaugura- issues that affect our future. two-person crews. Be it on the their profits. Never forget that sage, the Electoral College certi- tion ahead of us, I am convinced First and foremost in 2021, regulatory front, the legislative their goal, and the goal of their fied the election results, confirm- that we must approach 2021 with the BLET is engaged in nation- front, in court, or at the bargain- political allies, is “more for ing that Joe Biden, also known a spirit of hope for a better al negotiations for a new con- ing table, BLET is working with them, less for you.” If there was as “Amtrak Joe,” will be our next America for working class tract for the Nation’s freight rail SMART-TD to protect the inter- ever a time for you to be more President. President-elect Biden Americans. I am convinced that members. While I have little ex- ests of all operating employees. involved in your Union’s efforts, spent years commuting by Am- engineers and trainmen, along pectation that the Carriers’ out- Along with crew size, mean- that time is now. trak each day between his home with all rail workers, are better rageous demands in the bar- ingful wage increases and pres- I am counting on you to in Delaware and his job as a Unit- positioned to improve on work- gaining round will stop ervation of our health and wel- stand with your Union to ad- ed States Senator in Washington, place issues in 2021 than they overnight, I am convinced that fare benefits must also be part vance the BLET’s agenda in 2021 D.C. During that time he devel- have been for some time. a more labor-friendly Admin- of any settlement in this round and beyond, because our oped an understanding of pas- But this is where the message istration should temper man- of negotiations. While our goal strength is in our solidarity. senger and commuter rail oper- from 2010 that I referenced agement’s demands, and will has always been that we reach a ations, as well as an appreciation above remains true: as my fa- ultimately have an impact on voluntary agreement that the Dennis R. Pierce for the men and women who ther’s generation did, now is the the outcome of our negotiations. membership will ratify, the BLET National President

Without a doubt, one of the most important items in this round of negotiations is the issue of two-person crews. I am proud to say that our Brotherhood stands shoulder to shoulder with our Brothers and Sisters in SMART’s Transportation Division in the fight to preserve two-person crews. Be it on the regulatory front, the legislative front, in court, or at the bargaining table, BLET is working with SMART-TD to protect the interests of all operating employees.

BLET NATIONAL DIVISION ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY fficial communications between BLET reference to a specific request and can be used response; however, an e-mail message is not con- President to be aware of the opinions and sug- members and the National Division in future correspondence. sidered an official communication. gestions of the membership, while at the same Orequire a hard copy of the correspon- The volume of e-mails received makes it im- Moreover, anonymous e-mails and e-mails time providing a timely response to the mem- dence, bearing a signature, being received by the possible for the National President to answer all that do not provide sufficient information con- ber’s unofficial communication, if a response is National President to be considered an “official unofficial communications. Therefore, it is the cerning the sender to enable National Division necessary, without needlessly expending limit- communication.” This is to provide that the ac- policy of the BLET that e-mails addressed to the staff to confirm the sender’s membership status ed BLET resources. tual question(s) are addressed, and ensures that National President will be reviewed and forward- will not receive any reply or acknowledgement. Adopted at Cleveland, Ohio on July when official interpretations are made they have ed to the appropriate officer or staff for a timely This policy is intended to allow the National 22, 2010. • OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2020 3

GENERAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY JAMES P. HOFFA Unions Are Even More Essential in the Time of COVID-19 orkers are facing The Teamsters, who repre- unprecedented sent more than a million essen- challenges in the tial workers, are on the front age of the coro- lines against efforts by politi- navirus.W Many have lost their cians to provide overly broad, jobs, been temporarily laid off blanket liability protection to with no idea when they are go- businesses, making it more dif- ing to return or been forced to ficult for workers or patrons to work despite the ongoing health hold employers accountable if crisis. It has been a stressful time they discard safety standards. for millions across the country. While Teamsters and workers But instead of letting anxi- everywhere are ready to get back ety over an uncertain future get to work, there must be safety and the best of them, many workers health standards in place that are are choosing to get organized. effective and enforceable. If em- Hardworking Americans, even ployers purposefully discard safe- those toiling in sectors that have ty guidelines, this union is mak- traditionally not been union- ing sure that penalties will exist. friendly, are recognizing the val- Hardworking Americans are ue that comes from member- facing tough times right now. ship. As many struggle to get A union will ensure that they proper personal protective popularity was on the rise. A more people understand that worker. They are also more like- are protected. equipment and sanitized work- 2019 poll by Gallup found 64 when workers organize, they ly to receive health insurance spaces, they understand that percent of Americans approved get better pay, benefits and and retirement benefits and Fraternally, coming together with co-work- of unions, the highest level working conditions. work in a safer workplace. At a ers can have benefits. since 2003. Why, you may ask? The median union worker time when there is so much at James P. Hoffa Even before COVID-19 took Because in an age of growing makes $10,000 more annually risk, joining the labor move- Teamsters General hold across the nation, union income inequality, more and than the median non-union ment offers some proven results. President But instead of letting anxiety over an uncertain future get the best of them, many workers are choosing to get organized. Hardworking Americans, even those toiling in sectors that have traditionally not been union-friendly, are recognizing the value that comes from membership. Lambert elected General Chairman of UP-Eastern District GCA had M. Lambert, a mem- Union Pacific-Southern Pacific merger, ber of BLET Division 364 BLET ELECTION NEWS he earned promotion to locomotive en- (Wichita, Kan.), was elect- gineer. Shortly thereafter, he joined BLET ed General Chairman of “Congratulations to Division 261 (Herington, Kan.). the Union Pacific-Eastern Brother Lambert and all Brother Lambert has served the BLET DistrictC General Committee of Adjust- officers of the Union as a union officer continuously since 2006. ment at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting That was the year when Division 364’s Lo- on August 11, 2020. Pacific-Eastern District cal Chairman at the time — who held that A third-generation railroader, Broth- GCA. I thank them for position for 32 years — approached Broth- er Lambert first joined the BLET on Oc- their willingness to serve er Lambert and asked him to consider run- tober 1, 1999. He has served BLET Divi- our Brotherhood, and I ning for the Local Chairman’s position sion 364 as Local Chairman for 10 years. upon his retirement. Even though he was Immediately prior to his election to the have every confidence that a young engineer at the time, Brother Lam- General Chairman’s office, Brother Lam- Brother Lambert will do bert accepted the challenge and was elect- bert was serving the GCA as its full-time an excellent job as GC.” ed as Division 364’s Local Chairman in 1st Vice Chairman. – PRESIDENT DENNIS PIERCE 2006, a position he held until August of Also elected during the quadrennial 2016. In terms of service to the GCA, he meeting were: 1st Vice Chairman Brian vision at the meeting were: National Pres- Geisler for his eight years of service as was elected 3rd Vice General Chairman at S. McCoy, Division 183 (Omaha, Neb.); ident Dennis R. Pierce; and National General Chairman. the UP-Eastern District’s 2012 quadren- 2nd Vice Chairman Dan E. O’Neil, Di- Vice President Mark L. Wallace. Brother Lambert hired out with the nial meeting. Due to a vacancy in early vision 224 (Marysville, Kan.); 3rd Vice “Congratulations to Brother Lam- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway as 2016, he was elevated to the office of 2nd Chairman Travis D. Kuenning, Division bert and all officers of the Union Pa- a trackman in 1994. In early 1995, he Vice General Chairman. At the GCA’s 2016 388 (North Platte, Neb.); Secretary-Trea- cific-Eastern District General Com- transferred to train service but, unfor- quadrennial meeting, he was elected to the surer Stacey L. Madsen, Division 88 mittee of Adjustment,” President Pierce tunately, was immediately furloughed full-time 1st Vice General Chairman’s po- (North Platte, Neb.); and Alternate Sec- said. “I thank them for their willing- after completing his conductor training sition, which entailed handling discipline retary-Treasurer Charles (Clint) Grady, ness to serve our Brotherhood, and I with Santa Fe. As luck would have it, the cases for the GCA, both on the property Division 115 (Cheyenne, Wyo.). Addi- have every confidence that Brother Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) was hir- and in arbitration. tionally, Brothers McCoy, O’Neil and Lambert will do an excellent job as ing conductors at Herington, Kan, dur- The BLET’s Union Pacific-Eastern Kuenning were appointed to serve as General Chairman.” ing that same summer. In September of District General Committee of Adjust- Trustees of the GCA. President Pierce also thanked out- 1995, he was hired for a conductor’s po- ment represents more than 1,000 active Representing the BLET National Di- going General Chairman Dave L. sition with SP. In late 1998, during the members in 16 different Divisions. • 4 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

30,000 jobs lost,” Pierce said. “America timony,” he said. Pierce testifies before senate needs a railroad industry that balances rail President Pierce concluded his oral

Continued from page 1 • operations, shipper needs, effective main- testimony by urging the Senate to help because of COVID, placing them and tenance, safety, employee and manpower protect rail safety by enacting legisla- their families at risk. concerns, and the industry’s long-term tion that would mandate two-person “The provision of PPE — and safe and health. PSR has cut much deeper than just train crews. sanitary lodging and meal facilities — eliminating fat; it has cut into muscle and “We also believe that the reauthori- have been inconsistent at best. Sadly, the bone. PSR may be good for the bottom zation bill should include S. 1979 — the Executive Branch agencies responsible for line, but it is bad for the nation’s shippers, ‘Safe Freight Act’ — which would put a workplace safety still haven’t stepped up American consumers, and the workers halt to the industry’s attempt to elimi- to the plate. So we urge the Senate to pass who move the nation’s freight.” nate jobs with a technology that cannot S. 3884 — the ‘Essential Transportation Not only is it a job killer, PSR puts prof- — and is not designed to — replace safe- Employee Safety Act’ — and S. 3677 — its ahead of safety and puts railroad work- ty-critical train crew members,” he said. the ‘COVID-19 Every Worker Protection ers and America’s cities and towns at risk. Act,’” he said. “PSR has led to deferred maintenance ADDITIONAL WITNESSES Bill Flynn, Amtrak President & CEO COVID has hit Amtrak and public — the closing of many yards and repair Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) serves transit particularly hard. President Pierce shops —a constant state of chaos as op- as Chair of the Committee, while Senator urged the Senate to consider emergency erating crew bases are relocated to reduce Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is the Ranking funding to help keep passenger and com- the number of crews needed for long-dis- Member. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) serves as muter trains rolling. tance trains — and 2 to 3–mile-long trains Chair of the Subcommittee on Transpor- “Amtrak is implementing tri-weekly becoming the norm. Trains are routine- tation and Safety, and Sen. Amy Klobu- service, and is about to furlough 25% of ly operated that exceed the capacity of the char (D-Minn.) serves as Ranking Mem- its Engineers. Commuter agencies also infrastructure to accommodate them ber of the Subcommittee. In addition to are looking at further service reductions without significant operational delays, at President Pierce, additional witnesses in- and furloughs. The House has teed up the shipper’s expense. And trains are be- cluded: (Panel 1) William Flynn, Amtrak additional emergency relief in the Heroes ing operated with lengths that exceed the President and Chief Executive Officer, and Act, which if passed by the Senate, should capacity of FRA-required safety technol- Paul Tuss, Executive Director, Bear Paw provide these railroads and their work- ogy,” President Pierce testified. Development Corporation and Member, ers with this much needed help,” Presi- Montana Economic Developers Associa- dent Pierce said. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION tion; and (Panel 2) Frank Chirumbole, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) REAUTHORIZATION Vice President Global Supply Chain, Olin PSR: A JOB-KILLING President Pierce suggested to the Sen- Corporation on behalf of American Chem- BUSINESS MODEL ate that the problems caused by PSR istry Council, Randy Gordon, Presi- President Pierce also condemned Pre- could be addressed in the surface trans- dent and Chief Executive Officer, Nation- cision Scheduled Railroading, the job- portation reauthorization process. al Grain and Feed Association, Kent killing business model that has been im- “These problems should be addressed Fountain, Chairman, National Cotton plemented by American railroads. in the reauthorization process. We urge Council, and Ian Jefferies, President and “… PSR [is] a business model that re- the Committee to investigate whether Chief Executive Officer, Association of wards Wall Street at the expense of every- the public interest — as envisioned by American Railroads. • one else. PSR’s across-the-board and ruth- Staggers and the 1990s merger and con- less cost-cutting has produced trol decisions — is being served by PSR. A copy of President Pierce’s historically high unemployment rates. Be- GAO should be tasked with studying written testimony is available tween 2014 and 2019 — long before CO- changes in operating and scheduling for download as a PDF: www. VID — employment on the four largest practices as a result of PSR, including ble-t.org/pr/pdf/Pierce _ IBT _ Class I railroads was cut 17%, with nearly the metrics detailed in my written tes- Rail _ Conference _ Testimony.pdf Ian Jefferies, AAR President & CEO Logan elected UP-SR General Chairman ames Logan Jr. of BLET Division tonio, Texas); and Alternate Secretary- BLET ELECTION NEWS 620 (Fort Worth, Texas) was elect- Treasurer E. Neil Cane, Division 857 ed by acclamation to the office of (Tyler, Texas). General Chairman at the Union Pa- “Brother Logan is one of the BLET National President Dennis R. cific-SouthernJ Region General Commit- best and brightest young Pierce and National Vice-President Mark tee of Adjustment’s (UP-SR GCA) qua- leaders in our Brotherhood L. Wallace represented the BLET Na- drennial meeting on September 8, 2020. and I know he will do an tional Division at the meeting. A Union Pacific locomotive engi- “Congratulations and thank you to neer, Brother Logan hired out in 1995 excellent job as GC. I thank Brother Logan and all officers of the with the UP in Fort Worth, Texas. He retired GC Dana Marlow for his Union Pacific-Southern Region Gen- joined the BLET in 1999 and served as leadership and dedicated eral Committee of Adjustment,” Presi- Local Chairman of Division 620 from service to our Brotherhood, and dent Pierce said. “Brother Logan is one 2009-2018. He was twice elected 3rd of the best and brightest young leaders Vice General Chairman of the UP-SR extend best wishes for a happy in our Brotherhood and I know he will GCA at quadrennial meetings in 2012 and healthy retirement.” do an excellent job as General Chair- and 2016. In 2017, he was elevated to – PRESIDENT DENNIS PIERCE man. I thank retired General Chairman the office of 1st Vice General Chair- Dana Marlow for his leadership and man following the retirement of Dan- Scott P. Alexander, Division 523 (Chick- surer Jason G. Ogden, Division 711 (Bay- dedicated service to our Brotherhood, iel H. Underwood, Division 139 (Hous- asha, Okla.); 2nd Vice Chairman John town, Texas). and extend best wishes for a happy and ton, Texas). Incumbent UP-SR M. Prokop, Division 475 (Smithville, The following alternate officers were healthy retirement.” General Chairman Dana L. Marlow Texas); 3rd Vice Chairman Fernando M. also elected: 1st Alternate Vice Chair- The Union Pacific-Southern Region retired and did not seek reelection. Paz, Division 620 (Fort Worth, Texas); man Kevin DeArment, Division 139 GCA consists of 28 BLET Divisions and Also elected during the 2020 quadren- 4th Vice Chairman Tyler Gray, Division (Houston, Texas); 2nd Vice Chairman represents nearly 3,000 active and re- nial meeting were: 1st Vice Chairman 755 (DeQuincy, La.); and Secretary-Trea- Randy Gorzell, Division 197 (San An- tired members. •

RAILROAD UNEMPLOYMENT AND SICKNESS BENEFITS WILL SEE SLIGHT DECREASE IN NEW SEQUESTRATION REDUCTION RATE nder the Budget Control Act of 2011, and 5.7 percent, down from the current 5.9 percent The current daily benefit rate for both un- ing in a further reduction of 7.65 percent. Ap- a subsequent sequestration order to im- reduction, as required by law. The adjusted re- employment and sickness is $80.00. Applying plying the 5.7 percent reduction to these sick- U plement mandated cuts, railroad unem- duction amount is based on revised projections the sequestration rate of 5.7 percent, the max- ness benefits will result in a maximum 2-week ployment and sickness insurance benefits are re- of benefit claims and payments under the Rail- imum amount payable in a 2-week period will total of $696.69. duced by a set percentage that is subject to revision road Unemployment Insurance Act and will re- be reduced from $800.00 to $754.40. Sickness In fiscal year 2019, the RRB paid about $13 at the beginning of each fiscal year. main in effect through September 30, 2021, the benefits paid to an employee within six months billion in retirement and survivor benefits to about Starting October 1, 2020, the U.S. Railroad end of the fiscal year. Reductions in future fiscal from the date last worked for a reason other 535,000 beneficiaries, and net unemployment- Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad un- years, should they occur, will be calculated based than an on-the-job injury are also subject to sickness benefits of about $93.4 million to ap- employment and sickness insurance benefits by on applicable law. regular tier I railroad retirement taxes, result- proximately 23,000 claimants. • OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2020 5

Pacific Harbor Line and BLET sign new agreement acific Harbor Line, Inc. (PHL) and the Brotherhood of Loco- motive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) have signed a new five- yearP labor agreement. The contract, effec- tive September 20, governs rates of pay, benefits and work rules for 150 of PHL’s 189 employees. In a joint announcement, PHL-BLET said, “The new agreement includes wage increases, a matching 401(k) savings plan, a signing bonus, and no increases in em- ployee health and welfare contributions for the life of the contract.” The contract was ratified on Septem- ber 4 by a majority of the BLET’s PHL members, and signed September 15 at PHL’s offices in Wilmington, Calif. BLET’s Division 214 in Long Beach, Calif., has represented PHL’s employees since the railroad was formed in 1998. Subsequently, union employment has grown from 27 employees to more than 150 today. For contract negotiations, Di- BLET General Chairman Brian Carr (blue shirt) and PHL President Otis Cliatt II at the signing ceremony on September 15. vision 214 is represented by the BLET’s exciting to share this positive announce- “Although it took more than one I also thank General Chairman Carr Union Pacific-Western Lines General ment during otherwise troubled times.” attempt, the BLET negotiating team for bringing these negotiations to a Committee of Adjustment (UP-WL GCA). The BLET negotiating team was led by was able to reach an agreement that successful conclusion.” PHL President Otis Cliatt II said, “The Union Pacific-Western Lines/PHL Gen- was ratified by the membership,” BLET The Ports of Long Beach and Los An- year 2020 will be remembered for the vast eral Chairman Brian P. Carr and Divi- National President Dennis R. Pierce geles welcomed the new contract, which array of negatively impactful events that sion 214 Local Chairman Jose L. Covarru- said. “I thank the membership for will enhance the railroad network and weigh heavily on the minds of employ- bias, with assistance from National Vice their solidarity and perseverance ensure the fluid movement of cargo in ees, staff, customers and myself. Yet, it’s President Mark Wallace. throughout the negotiating process. the harbor. •

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Nunnenkamp elected Chairman of BLET Kansas State Legislative Board randon D. Nunnenkamp of BLET ELECTION NEWS with the utmost diligence and profession- Division 130 (Kansas City, alism. I also wish to thank outgoing Chair- Kan.) was elected Chairman “I congratulate and thank Brother man Tyler Jones for his dedicated service of the Kansas State Legisla- Nunnenkamp and all officers of the to our Brotherhood.” tive Board at its quadrenni- Kansas SLB,” President Pierce said. Brother Nunnekamp’s railroad career alB meeting in Wichita, Kan., September began in February of 1995 when hired out 9-11, 2020. “I know they will represent the interests of as a conductor with the ATSF in Newton, Brother Nunnenkamp is a BNSF lo- our Kansas Brothers and Sisters with the Kan. After being furloughed in Newton, comotive engineer who has served BLET utmost diligence and professionalism.” he moved to Kansas City, Kan., in late 1995. Division 130 as Legislative Representa- He earned promotion to locomotive en- tive for seven years. In 2016, he was elect- – PRESIDENT DENNIS PIERCE gineer in June of 1997 and joined BLET ed to serve the Kansas SLB as Alternate ternate Secretary-Treasurer Shad M. BLET National Division. Additional spe- Division 130 shortly thereafter. In 2017, Secretary-Treasurer. He has held contin- Bremer, Division 261 (Herington, Kan.). cial guests included: Calvin Groose, Brother Nunnenkamp successfully com- uous membership in the BLET since No- Elected to serve as Trustees were: Phil Chairman of the BLET Missouri State pleted the BLET Education & Training vember 1, 1997. D. Taylor, Division 130 (Kansas City, Legislative Board; and Rep. Ponka- Department’s Legislative Representative Also elected during the quadrennial Kan.); John D. Whistler, Division 364 We Victors, Kansas State House of Rep- Training Class in Washington D.C., and meeting were: 1st Vice Chairman Ryan (Wichita, Kan.); and Toby A. Becker, Di- resentatives (District 103). has attended LR workshops at various BLET P. Lautzenhiser, Division 777 (Argen- vision 261 (Herington, Kan.). “I congratulate and thank Brother Nun- regional meetings over the years. tine, Kan.); 2nd Vice Chairman Sam L. BLET National President Dennis R. nenkamp and all officers of the Kansas The BLET’s Kansas State Legislative Vail, Division 179 (Parsons, Kan.); Sec- Pierce and Vice President & National Leg- State Legislative Board,” President Pierce Board represents more than 1,800 active retary-Treasurer Willie E. Tilsworth, Di- islative Representative John P. Tolman said. “I know they will represent the inter- and retired members from 15 different vision 130 (Kansas City, Kan.); and Al- addressed the delegates on behalf of the ests of our Kansas Brothers and Sisters BLET Divisions. • Pearson reelected Colorado State Legislative Board Chairman rother Paul E. Pearson of BLET BLET ELECTION NEWS Legislative Affairs Robert F. Hagan. Division 133 (Denver, Colo.) “I congratulate and thank Brother was reelected by acclamation “Brother Pearson was part of the coalition Pearson and all officers of the Colora- to his second term as Chair- that successfully lobbied for passage of a do State Legislative Board,” President man of the Colorado State two-person crew bill. I am sure he will Pierce said. “Brother Pearson was part BLegislative Board at its seventh quadren- of the coalition that successfully lob- nial meeting on September 24, 2020. continue to do an excellent job representing bied for passage of a two-person crew A Union Pacific locomotive engineer, the best interests of Colorado’s BLET members bill, which the Governor of Colorado Brother Pearson hired out with the during his second term as Chairman.” signed into law during 2019. I am sure Southern Pacific in August of 1994. He he will continue to do an excellent job – PRESIDENT DENNIS PIERCE earned promotion to locomotive engi- representing the best interests of Colo- neer in 1995 and joined the Brother- orado SLB’s 2016 quadrennial meeting. tary Treasurer: Jordan Lucero, Division rado’s BLET members during his sec- hood effective August 1, 1995. Over the Brother Pearson serves as Mobilization 505 (La Junta, Colo.). ond term as Chairman.” years, Brother Pearson has served Di- Captain for the BLET’s Union Pacific Elected by acclamation to serve as Trust- Additional special guests included: vision 133 as Legislative Representative, membership in Colorado. ees were: Richard Aguilar, Division 256 Dennis Daugherty, Colorado AFL-CIO Trustee, Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Also elected by acclamation during (Denver, Colo.); Michael Dunkelberger, Executive Director; Karl Hanlon, can- and Alternate Legislative Representa- the 2020 quadrennial meeting were: 1st Division 256 (Denver, Colo.); and Ryan didate for Colorado State Senate District tive. Brother Pearson’s service to the Vice Chairman: Michael Bevirt, Divi- Parker, Division 29 (Pueblo, Colo.). 8; and several BLET State Legislative Colorado State Legislative Board began sion 940 (Denver, Colo.); 2nd Vice Chair- Representing the BLET National Di- Board Chairmen. in 2008 when he was elected to serve as man: Scott Burkey, Division 727 (Ster- vision at the meeting were: National Pres- The Colorado State Legislative Board Secretary-Treasurer, an office he was ling, Colo.); Secretary Treasurer: ident Dennis R. Pierce; Vice President represents 11 BLET Divisions and ap- reelected to by acclamation in 2012. He Christopher J. Sherwood, Division 505 & National Legislative Representative proximately 1,000 active and retired was first elected Chairman at the Col- (La Junta, Colo.); and Alternate Secre- John P. Tolman; Director of Political and members. •

Division shall give an opinion concern- have control over all procedural mat- have the burden of establishing that ing the adequacy of the escrow amounts ters affecting the arbitration in order the reduced fees set forth in the report maintained pursuant to Section 10, and to fulfill the need for an informed are lawful. later will verify the existence and the and expeditious arbitration. H. If the arbitrator shall determine 2021 FEES OBJECTOR POLICY audits of money in any escrow account. Each party to the arbitration shall that more than one day of hearing is C. 1. EMPLOYEES’ RIGHTS provided to each new employee when ing unit) or employer representatives bear its own costs. The appellants shall necessary, hearings shall be scheduled A. Any employee covered by a union s/he first becomes subject to a union regarding working conditions, benefits 6. REPORT OF CHARGEABLE SHARE have the option of paying a prorata por- to continue from day to day until com- or agency shop agreement in the United shop agreement. and contract rights; AND BASIS OF ITS CALCULATION tion of the arbitrator’s fees and expens- pleted. The parties to the appeal shall States has the legal right to be or remain C. Convention expenses and other The BLET shall report the determi- es. The balance of such fees and expens- have the right to file a brief within fif- a nonmember of the Union. Nonmem- 3. MAKING OBJECTION KNOWN union internal governance and man- nation no later than September 30. This es shall be paid by the BLET. teen (15) days after the transcript of the bers have the legal right (1) to object to Objecting nonmembers must pro- agement expenses; report shall include an analysis of the D. A court reporter shall make a hearing is available, but in no case no paying for Union activities not related vide notice of objection by notifying the D. Social activities and union busi- major categories of union expenses that transcript of all proceedings before the more than thirty (30) days after the hear- to collective bargaining, contract ad- National SecretaryTreasurer of the ob- ness meeting expenses; are chargeable and nonchargeable. A arbitrator. This transcript shall be pre- ing closes. The arbitrator shall issue a ministration and grievance adjustment, jection in writing by firstclass mail post- E. Publication expenses to the ex- copy of the report shall be sent to all pared within 15 days of the close of the decision within fortyfive (45) days af- and to obtain a reduction in fees for such marked during the month of November tent coverage relates to chargeable ac- nonmembers whose timely objections hearing and shall be the official record ter the submission of posthearing briefs activities; (2) to be given sufficient in- preceding the calendar year to which s/ tivities; have not been revoked. of the proceedings which may be pur- or within such other reasonable period formation to intelligently decide wheth- he objects, or within (30) days after s/ F. Expenses of litigation related to chased by the appellants. If appellants as is consistent with the rules established er to object; and (3) to be apprised of he first begins paying fees and receiv- collective bargaining, contract admin- 7. CHALLENGE PROCEDURE do not purchase a copy of the transcript, by the AAA. internal Union procedures for filing ob- ing notices of these procedures. The ob- istration and internal governance; Each person entitled to receive the a copy shall be available for inspection I. The arbitrator shall give full con- jections. Employees who choose to ob- jection shall contain the objector’s cur- G. Expenses for legislative and ad- BLET’s report may challenge the valid- at the National Division during normal sideration to the legal requirements lim- ject have the right to be apprised of the rent home address. Each nonmember ministrative agency activities to effec- ity of the calculations by filing an ap- business hours. iting the amounts that objectors may be percentage of the reduction, the basis wishing to continue his/her objection tuate collective bargaining agreements; peal with the National SecretaryTrea- E. Appellants may, at their expense, charged, and shall set forth in the deci- for the calculation, and the right to chal- from year to year must renew the objec- H. All expenses for the education surer. Such appeal must be made by be represented by counsel or other rep- sion the legal and arithmetic basis for lenge these figures. Objecting nonmem- tion each year as specified in this para- and training of officers and staff intend- sending a letter to the National Secret- resentative of choice. Appellants need such decision. bers who are public employees have the graph. Objections may only be made by ed to prepare the participants to better aryTreasurer postmarked no later than not appear at the hearing and shall be legal right not to pay any fees. individual employees. No petition ob- perform chargeable activities; October 31. permitted to file written statements with 9. PAYMENT OF REDUCED FEES B. To the extent permitted by law, jections will be honored. I. All costs of strikes and other law- the arbitrator at the time of the hearing Objectors shall pay reduced month- nonmembers may not participate in ful economic actions. 8. ARBITRATION OF CHALLENGES instead of appearing. ly fees based on the most recent report Union elections as a voter or as a can- 4. MAJOR CATEGORIES OF A. After the close of appeals period, F. Fourteen (14) days prior to the pending determination of the objection didate; attend Union meetings; serve as CHARGEABLE EXPENSES 5. DETERMINATION OF CHARGEABLE SHARE the National SecretaryTreasurer shall start of the first hearing, appellants shall year’s chargeable ratio. delegates to the Convention, or partic- All objectors shall pay their fair The BLET shall engage an outside provide a list of appellants to the Amer- be provided with a list of all exhibits in- ipate in the selection of such delegates; share of expenses germane to collective auditor to perform an independent au- ican Arbitration Association (AAA). All tended to be introduced at the hearing 10. ESCROW OF DISPUTED FUNDS or participate in the process by which bargaining including: dit of the records of the National Divi- appeals shall be consolidated. The AAA and a list of all witnesses intended to be All monthly fees paid by objectors collective bargaining agreements are A. All expenses concerning the ne- sion annually. Based on this audit, the shall appoint an arbitrator pursuant to called, except for exhibits and witness- shall be placed in an interestbearing ratified. gotiation of agreements, practices and BLET shall determine the percentage of its Rules for Impartial Determination es that may be introduced for rebuttal. escrow account pending final deter- working conditions; expenditures that fall within the cate- of Union Fees. The AAA shall inform On written request from an appellant, mination of the chargeable share. Es- 2. PUBLICATION OF POLICY B. All expenses concerning the ad- gories specified in Section 4. The amount the National SecretaryTreasurer and the copies of exhibits (or in case of volumi- crowed funds shall be disbursed to The fees objector policy shall be ministration of agreements, practices of expenditures that fall within Section appellant(s) of the arbitrator selected. nous exhibits, summaries thereof) shall objectors and the Union upon issu- published annually in the BLET’s news- and working conditions, including griev- 4 shall be the basis for calculating the B. The arbitration shall com- be provided to them. Additionally, cop- ance of the arbitrator’s decision or fif- letter in the month preceding the ob- ance handling, all activities related to reduced fees that must be paid by the mence by December 1 or as soon ies of exhibits shall be available for in- teen days after the conclusion of the jection notice period and mailed an- arbitration, and discussion with em- objector. The auditing firm conducting thereafter as the AAA can schedule spection and copying at the hearing. appeal period if there are no challeng- nually to each objector. It shall also be ployees in the craft or class (or bargain- the annual audit of the BLET National the arbitration. The arbitrator shall G. The National Division shall es to the determination. OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2020 7

BLET’s John Tolman retires VINCE VERNA IS NEW VICE PRESIDENT & NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE fter a distinguished railroad career that be- President Dennis R. Pierce said. “I think it is much more filling vacancies on the Advisory Board, including when gan nearly 50 years ago, BLET Vice Pres- accurate to say that his unique style cannot be duplicat- a National Division Officer retires. Having won election ident & National Legislative Representa- ed. However, Brother Vince Verna has had many years to by acclamation to the office of First Alternate Vice Pres- tive John P. Tolman retired on November learn the territory under Brother Tolman’s mentorship, ident & National Legislative Representative at the BLET’s 4, 2020. His alternate, Vincent G. Verna, and I am confident that Brother Verna will continue the Fourth National Convention in 2018, Brother Verna will succeededA to his place on the BLET Advisory Board BLET’s high level of legislative leadership that has been automatically fill the office vacated by Brother Tolman’s the following day. established during John Tolman’s remarkable tenure as retirement. Verna has worked out of the BLET’s Nation- “It would be trite to merely state that John Tolman’s Vice President and National Legislative Representative.” al Legislative office for the past nine years, having served retirement will leave big shoes to fill,” BLET National The BLET Bylaws dictate the order of succession in as Director of Regulatory Affairs since August 1, 2011. VICE PRESIDENT TOLMAN Vice President Tolman’s railroad career began in 1971 shortly after he graduated from high school. He hired out as a hostler at Beacon Yard in Bos- ton and earned promotion to locomo- tive engineer in 1974. Brother Tolman is a second generation railroader and union leader, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a General Chair- man with the United Transportation Union for many years. Brother Tolman operated passenger and freight trains during the first 25 years of his rail- road career, working for the Penn Cen- tral Railroad, Conrail, Boston and Maine Railroad, MBCR, and Amtrak. Brother Tolman also made time to earn both a Bachelor’s degree in Market- ing and a Masters’ degree in Business VP & NLR Verna and President Pierce at Teamster headquarters in Washington, D.C. Administration while working full-time John Tolman prepares to testify before Congress for the railroad. VICE PRESIDENT VERNA Brother Tolman joined the Brother- Brother Vincent G. Verna elevated hood of Locomotive Engineers on March to office of BLET Vice President and 1, 1980. He served in several Division National Legislative Representative offices, and in 1992 helped to create the (VP&NLR) upon the retirement of long- BLE’s Massachusetts State Legislative serving VP&NLR John P. Tolman. Broth- Board, subsequently being elected as its er Verna was elected by acclamation first Chairman. It was as Chairman of the to the office of First Alternate VP&NLR Massachusetts SLB that he began fight- at the BLET’s Fourth National Conven- ing for the humane treatment of train tion in Las Vegas on October 4, 2018. crew members who were involved in Brother Verna’s railroad career critical incidents, a legacy that helped to began in 1994 when he hired out as forge national standards for railroad a brakeman for the Southern Pacific worker critical incident stress relief. Railroad in Los Angeles, Calif. He In 1996, Brother Tolman was hired transferred to engine service in March by the BLE International Division as a The BLET’s National Legislative office, from left: Vince Verna; Bob Hagan; and John Tolman. of 1995 in Tucson, Ariz., and joined Special Representative. Brother John, BLET Division 28 (Tucson, Ariz.) on his wife Chris and their three children, Vice President Tolman also has testi- November 17, 1995. Verna became Brother Verna during a recent Caroline, Jeff and Johanna, moved from fied before the U.S. House and Senate actively involved in the Brotherhood BLET Education & Training Boston to the Cleveland area. Just pri- more than a dozen times regarding rail almost immediately, serving as Al- Department class. or to being hired by the BLE, he also worker safety, Amtrak funding, Posi- ternate Legislative Representative of portation Safety Board the Transpor- was the Chairman of the Democratic tive Train Control, and other issues of Division 28 in 1995, and as Vice Lo- tation Security Administration, and City Committee in Melrose, Mass., and importance to BLET members. cal Chairman in 1999. Brother Vince the Transportation Research Board, was elected to serve on the Board of Working to assist various State Leg- continued in both positions until be- among others agencies and organi- Aldermen for the city. islative Board Chairmen, Brother Tol- coming Division 28’s Legislative Rep- zations. He also prepared the union’s During his 10 years with the BLE In- man’s office has helped introduce var- resentative in 2006 and full-time Lo- responses to various agencies’ pro- ternational and BLET National Division ious legislation across the country at cal Chairman in 2008. He was posals for rulemakings and proposed Office (1996-2006), Tolman managed the state and local level, including the reelected Local Chairman in 2009. rules, and prepared responses to pe- many different roles, including: Orga- recent passage of two-person crew bills Brother Verna also began serving as titions for waiver from compliance nizing, Education & Training Coordina- in numerous states. He has consistent- Chairman of the Arizona State Leg- with FRA regulations. tor, Coordinator of the Safety Task ly worked in the successful effort to islative Board in 2008, a position he Brother Verna is proud to be a Force, Chief of Staff, and Political Di- stall national right-to-work laws that was reelected to in 2009. He was third generation railroader. His father rector. In 2006, Brother Tolman was have been proposed in the House and Tolman addresses members elected by acclamation to the office Fred retired as a conductor from UP elected to the office of Vice President Senate, and has lobbied for steady at a BLET regional meeting of First Alternate VP&NLR at the BLET’s in 2010 after 48 years of service. Also, and National Legislative Representa- Amtrak funding, which has been suc- in the fight against workplace harass- Third National Convention in Las Ve- his great uncle was a conductor for tive. He was subsequently reelected by cessful but challenging at times. He has ment and intimidation by the carriers gas on October 1, 2014. the Penn Central and the Southern Pa- acclamation at BLET National Conven- met with each President and Vice Pres- led to a revolutionary change in statu- Brother Verna began working full cific, and his brother Tony is a BLET tions in 2010, 2014 and 2018. ident of the United States since 2007, tory whistleblower protections for rail- time for the BLET National Division on member and locomotive engineer In the past 14 years as Vice Presi- except for the current administration, road workers in 2007 that continues August 1, 2011, when he was appoint- working at Union Pacific dent & National Legislative Represen- having met with only Vice President to protect and benefit BLET members. ed to the position of Director of Reg- Incoming Vice President and Na- tative, Vice President Tolman has ac- Pence. Among the major pieces of leg- He coordinated the efforts of our Broth- ulatory Affairs by President Pierce. tional Legislative Representative Verna complished many things to improve the islation passed during his tenure in- erhood’s legislative and protective of- In his role as Director of Regula- holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History quality of life and working conditions clude whistleblower protections for rail- ficers in support of the Rail Safety Im- tory Affairs, Verna represented the from California State University at San for BLET members and all railroaders road workers in 2007 and the Rail provement Act of 2008, which was the BLET on numerous rail safety and hu- Bernardino (1994) and a Master’s De- throughout the United States. During Safety Improvement Act of 2008. most significant piece of rail safety leg- man factors endeavors, such as the gree in Legal and Ethical Studies from his tenure, he logged more than a thou- “For the past 14 years, Brother John islation in more than two decades.” Rail Safety Advisory Committee The University of Baltimore (2003). He sand visits to Congressional offices, Tolman’s service as Vice President and President Pierce gave his personal (RSAC) of the Federal Railroad Ad- and his wife, Julie, reside in the Wash- lobbying alongside BLET National Di- National Legislative Representative has thanks to Brother Tolman for his efforts ministration. He also represented the ington D.C. area. When he has spare vision officers, General Chairmen, State placed the BLET at the forefront of Rail on behalf of the Brotherhood over these interests of BLET members in regula- time, Brother Verna enjoys reading, Legislative Board Chairmen, Division Labor’s legislative efforts in our nation’s many years, and extended best wishes tory matters before the Department art, exercising, writing and recording officers, and rank-and-file members. capital,” Pierce said. “His leadership for a long, happy and healthy retirement. of Transportation, the National Trans- music, and traveling. • OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2020 8

Advisory Board August/September 2020 Activity Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen News In accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET Advisory Board members’ activities are published monthly: Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen NATIONAL PRESIDENT DENNIS R. PIERCE: National Division Office, Independence, Ohio; and Olean, N.Y.; W&LE PLB 7906; NYS&W Section 6 negotiations; Springfield Terminal Section 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road General supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Correspondence and telephone 6 negotiations, North Billerica, MA; Louisville & Indiana PLB 7945. communications; Supervision of Office Administration; General Supervision of Special Repre- VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. PRIESTER — Assigned to all BNSF (former ATSF, former C&S, Independence, Ohio 44131 sentatives; President, Teamsters Rail Conference; Policy Committee, Teamsters Rail Conference; CRI&P, FWD, former STL-SF, BNSF/MRL), Panhandle Northern, Great Western Railway of Chairman, CRLO; BLET UP-E GCA mtg.; BLET Advisory Board mtg.; Collective bargaining Colorado; Missouri & North Arkansas, Montana Rail Link, Otter Tail; General office duties, BLET Publications Committee: mtg.; UP-S GCA mtg.; Kansas SLB mtg.; TTD-RLD mtg.; Wisconsin SLB mtg.; Colorado SLB mtg. telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; Conference call with all BNSF GCs; Dennis R. Pierce, National President FIRST VICE PRESIDENT E.L. (LEE) PRUITT — National Duties include but not limited to: Train- Multiple BNSF operations update conference calls w/ BLET GCs; BLET Advisory Board mtg.,; E. “Lee” Pruitt, First Vice President & Alternate President men’s Dept.; National Publications Committee; National Legislative Board; Teamsters Rail Con- Conference call w/ President Pierce and BNSF GCs; PLB 7886 w/ Arbiter Phillips, assisting GC Stephen J. Bruno, National Secretary-Treasurer ference Policy Committee; and PRAC; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence Brown; Prep for PLB 7477; Hearing for PLB 7477 w/ Arbiter Meyers, assisting GC Cunningham. John P. Tolman, Vice President & National Legislative Rep. communications, etc.; BLET Advisory Board mtg. VICE PRESIDENT R.C. (RICK) GIBBONS — Assigned to: All Norfolk Southern General Com- John V. Bentley Jr., Director of Public Relations & Editor NATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER STEPHEN J. BRUNO — General supervision of Account- mittees (Northern, Eastern and Southern Lines); Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern; Indiana & Ohio Bill Joyce, Art Director & Associate Editor ing Dept., Record Dept., Online Services Dept., Tax Compliance Dept.; Safety Task Force; PAC (G&W); General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications; Vice President duties; On duty at home office; BLET National Division officers and staff conference call; BLET www.ble-t.org • (216) 241-2630 and FEC reports and filings; Implementation and training for BLET membership database/Union Track; Pension, STD, 457 plan Trustee; Mtgs. with vendors and financial institutions; Union Advisory Board mtg.; PLB 7668, assisting GC Dehart; Indiana & Ohio Rwy. negotiations, assisting COPYRIGHT 2020, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Track issues, development, testing, status updates; Merrill Lynch, BLET finance committee; BLET GC Cole; Prep for PLB 7238; Hearing for PLB 7238, assisting GC Fannon. VOLUME 34 • NUMBER 7 • October–December 2020 Advisory Board mtg. VICE PRESIDENT JAMES P. LOUIS — National Division Department Head, BLET Education VICE PRESIDENT & NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. TOLMAN — As- & Training Dept.; Department Head of the BLET Internal Organizing, Mobilizing & Strategic LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) signed to BLET Washington, DC office; General office duties, telephone and correspondence Planning Dept.; Department Head, BLET Passenger Dept.; Assigned Amtrak; Keolis Commuter is published monthly by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, communications, Washington, D.C.; Various receptions and office visits with members of Con- Services; Keolis Rail Services of Virginia, LLC; TransitAmerica Services, Inc.; Long Island Rail 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131 gress and the leadership of both the GOP and Democratic parties, Washington, D.C.; BLET Ad- Road; New York & Atlantic; Metro-North; New Jersey Transit; PATH; National Division technol- visory Board mtg. ogy group mtgs.; E&T issues; Regional meeting and convention hotel planning and related is- sues; BLET Advisory Board mtg.; Various hearings and mtgs. regarding PLB 5210, assisting PATH USPS: 0002-244 ISSN: 0898-8625 VICE PRESIDENT MARCUS J. RUEF — Chairman, National Railroad Adjustment Board GC Blakey; Contract issues, assisting LIRR GC Sexton; SBA 940, assisting NJ Transit GC Brown; (NRAB); National Mediation Board (NMB) Advisory Forum–Labor Member; Department Head, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SEPTA BLET Auxiliary mtg., assisting GC Hill; CPG mtg.; Mobilization mtgs., assisting Amtrak BLET Arbitration Department; Assigned to CN-Wisconsin Central, CN-Illinois Central, Indiana GC Kenny; Vacation; GCA issues, assisting Amtrak GC Kenny; IBT-E&T mtg.; GCA issues, as- Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Record Department, Harbor Belt, Metra (Chicago), CP Rail System/US (Soo); Arb. website development, ND; Review sisting PATH GC Blakey. 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. 11/2 0 submissions for GC Hau, WC; NRAB annual mtg. arrangements; Assist GC Semenek w/ discipline appeals and rules issue, CP; Terri Brown & Jeanie Arnold mtg., re: Section 3 issues, NRAB; BLET VICE PRESIDENT MARK L. WALLACE — Assigned to all Union Pacific GCAs (Eastern Dis- Advisory Board mtg.; Assist GC Evans w/ certification issue, IC; Vacation; NRAB admin issues, trict, Northern Region (former C&NW), Western Lines (Pacific Harbor Lines), Western Region Chicago; Assist GC Burns w/ NRAB filings, IHB; New expense filing system (Certify), assisting (Portland & Western RR), Central Region, and Southern Region); Utah RR; Longview Portland Photo of the Month: October–December 2020 J. Charvat w/ testing; Annotate awards for Circular I-91, ND; Assist GC Burns w/ NRAB submis- & Northern and Longview Switching, and Portland Terminal; General office duties, telephone, sions, IHB (IR); Interim GCA mtg., WC; Prep for DL 486; Referee Betts, DL 486; Labor member emails, correspondence, communications, etc.; On duty at home office; Assist UP GC’s with CSX’S SPIRIT OF OUR ARMED FORCES: CSX train Q020 heads east through the CP Draw at Buffalo, New York — with unit 1776 caucus & ROAR Committee, NRAB, Chicago; NRAB annual mtg. & NMB Section 3 briefing; Arb. various on-property issues; Finalize PLB 7228 w/ GC Leyshon; UP-ED GCA mtg.; BLET Advisory Dept. mtg., re: website development; Assist GC Semenek w/ ratification vote count, ISRR; Prep for Board mtg.; BLET UP-ED Executive Committee mtg.; Assist GC Carr w/ pep for PLB 7721; As- in the lead — on May 2, 2019. Dubbed “The Spirit of Our Armed Forces,” locomotive 1776 was painted at the CSX locomotive shop in DL 484, 485, 492 and 497, NRAB. sist GC Lambert w/ prep for PLB 7173; National Wage Team mtg.; Bargaining session w/ NCCC; Photo: by Brother Cory Rusch, Assist UP-Southern GCA w/ GCA quadrennial mtg.; PLB 7721, assisting GC Carr; PLB 7173, as- Huntington, W.Va., with a special paint scheme that honors veterans and recognizes the five branches of our military service. VICE PRESIDENT MIKE TWOMBLY — Department Head and designated representative of the sisting GC Lambert; UP-Southern Region GCA mtg. w/ new GC James Logan; PLB 7332, assisting a member of BLET Division 659 in Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Rusch is a conductor with Norfolk Southern and a regular contributor to BLET publications. BLET National Short Line Division (NSLD) and Organizing Department with responsibility for GC Logan; Coordinated Bargaining Coalition mtg. hearings, conferences, appeals, First Division Appeals and all other daily business involving the NSLD assigned railroads in conjunction with Carrier Officers and advancement of BLET orga- VICE PRESIDENT J. ALAN HOLDCRAFT — Assigned to all CSX Transportation GCAs (East- nizing strategies and opportunities; NVP assigned to: CN–Grand Trunk Western; Springfield ern Lines, Western Lines, Northern Lines (Bombardier Transportation Services), Conrail Shared Terminal; Delaware & Hudson; St. Lawrence & Atlantic; New York Susquehanna & Western; Con- Assets/CSX Northern District); KCS–Kansas City Southern/Louisiana & Ark. RR.; KCS–Texas necticut Southern; New England Central; Louisville & Indiana; Huron & Eastern; Wheeling & Mexican Railway; KCS–Mid South Rail, South Rail, Gateway Western RR, Illinois Midland Lake Erie; Tacoma Municipal Belt Line Railroad; National Short Line Division (Local Division (G&W); General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; BLET 16) railroads: Union Railroad, Belt Railway of Chicago, South Buffalo Railway, Western New York Advisory Board mtg.; Assist GC Evans in contract discussions w/ KCS management, re: Mid- & Pennsylvania and Gary Railway; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence com- South/Southrail CBA; Board Member on PLB 7084 with GC Michael Ball; Mtg. w/ GC Ball and munications, etc.; On duty at home office, NVB and NSLB Department Head combined daily re- members of Division 244 (Laredo, Texas); Mtg. w/ CSX management and all BLET CSXT General sponsibilities; Huron & Eastern Section 6 negotiations; Local Division 16 monthly mtgs. (August Chairmen; Mtgs. between BLET and CSXT, re: RCO dispute; Caucus w/ members of Coordinated & September); BLET Advisory Board mtg.; WNY&P discipline investigations at Meadville, Pa. Bargaining Group, re: National Negotiations. Members can view RRB pre-retirement seminar information online BLET Editor’s Note: able resource to RRB customers and employ- gram by selecting a seminar topic on the same The following message ees alike. It helps promote a better understand- web page. Available topics include: Retired to Rail Labor from ing of our benefit programs among the railroad Employee and Spouse Benefits, Spouse Annu- John Bragg, Labor community, and in turn, improves the effec- ities, Working After Retirement, Survivor Ben- Member of the U.S. tiveness of our benefit program operations. efits, and Items Affecting All Retirement and Railroad Retirement While we typically conduct several semi- Survivor Benefits. Board, was published nars across the country annually, we were forced At this time, unemployment and sickness on October 26, 2020. to cancel all in-person events this year due to benefits are not covered in the program be- the COVID-19 outbreak. This provided us with cause of the ongoing uncertainty of addition- he Office of the Labor Member is the unique opportunity to reimagine our plat- al COVID-19 relief legislation. We recommend pleased to announce that our Pre- form capabilities and prioritize creating a web visiting www.rrb.gov/coronavirus for the most Retirement Seminar presentation version of the seminar. up-to-date information. is now available to view online. We To access the video online, visit www.rrb. The success of our educational program- The National Division’s images to the “Photo of the Month” section of the News- Please note only high resolution images can be Are you a photographer? Tdesigned this program to help educate those gov/PRS and click on View Pre-Retirement ming is made possible with your long-stand- Public Relations Department, which produces the News- letter. If you’d like to submit a photo for consideration, used. Members are also encouraged to review their nearing retirement about the benefits available Seminar Presentation. Because we cover sev- ing partnership. In these challenging times letter each month, has received numerous inquiries late- you may call Editor John Bentley at (216) 241-2630, ext. employer’s policies regarding the use of cameras and to them, and what they can expect during the eral aspects of railroad retirement benefits in we are especially grateful for you, and ap- ly from BLET members volunteering to contribute their 248, or you can email: [email protected]. other electronic devices while on duty. application process. great detail, the entire presentation is over an preciate your support in promoting this valu- • This popular program has become a valu- hour long. View shorter segments of the pro- able program. • •