•          AS  Daily news updates T  JANUARY 2014  F  Y • O  T  WWW.BLE-T.ORG R Volume 28, Issue 1 ocomotive E n g i n ee r s  r a i n m e n e w s C  E T F  N

&    E

A 







S





L 

H  



4

Published by the BLET, a division of the Rail Conference,O International Brotherhood of Teamsters

1 •

•

T 4 •  L 5 I -  N 6 E: 0   80 -3   0  n December, the BLET mile radius of the derailment spills in the U.S. The BLET Safety Task Force  Safety Task Force (STF) site. BLET Safety Task Force  •Also on December 30, a assists federal agencies in the dispatched two teams of responder D.B. Kenner, Divi- Union Pacific train collided investigation of rail accidents, responders to assist the sion 195 (Forsyth, Mont.), rep- with a parked BNSF train near helping to determine probable STF INational Transportation Safe- resented the BLET as Keithville, La. Multiple causes and making safety rec- ty Board with investigations part of the NTSB in- TASK F crew members ommendations. The STF will TY O following derailments in Cas- vestigation. The E R were injured, ac- study the accident from the

selton, N.D., and Keithville, La. wind chill factor F C cording to media viewpoint of locomotive engi- E A

Teams On December 30, a at the accident S reports. BLET neers and trainmen to help de- BNSF Railway grain train de- scene was about H Safety Task Force termine how the accident oc- O 4 1 34 degrees be- T 4 responders Russell curred and how to prevent railed and a train traveling in L I -5 the opposite direction carry- low zero. Following NE 6 Elley, Division 197 similar accidents from happen- : 800-30 Launched ing crude oil struck the derail- the Casselton derail- (San Antonio, Texas) ing in the future. ment and derailed. There was ment, an NTSB accident sum- and Timothy Dickerson, Divi- The NTSB will handle re- Safety Task Force dispatched a significant post-crash fire, mary reported that 400,000 of sion 216 (Tampa, Fla.) repre- lease of details regarding these to North Dakota oil train fire, which sparked the evacuation crude oil spilled, making it one sented the BLET during the derailments as the on-site in- Louisiana derailment of 2,300 residents within a five- of the largest rail-related oil NTSB investigation. vestigation unfolds. •

A MASS TRANSIT SUPER BOWL The NFL's grand finale this year is being called the "mass transit" Super Bowl. It will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on February 2, 2014. Fans are being encouraged to take trains to Super Bowl XLVIII — particularly Transit and — so it'll be up to the professional members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to get everyone to and from the game in a safe and efficient manner. Here, an Amtrak Acela trainset and a NJ Transit train observe a station stop at Linden, N.J. Photo: courtesy Chase Gunnoe

BLET members to keep Health FSA plan for 2014 embers of the Brotherhood of dollars per year in taxes. Health & Welfare portion of the most re- couraged more members to sign up for of Locomotive Engineers The 2012 Agreement stipulates that at cent National Agreement, dated January the 2015 Plan Year and beyond. and Trainmen will keep least 5% of eligible engineers must par- 5, 2012. The national Health FSA is dis- “I believe this is a good program that their Health Flexible Spend- ticipate in the Health FSA in the 2014 Plan tinct and separate from the on-property will help members save money,” Presi- ingM Accounts (Health FSA) through 2014 Year or the Carriers would have the right BNSF Health FSA plan. The participa- dent Pierce said. “I am optimistic that thanks to an increased level of participa- to terminate the plan. Following the con- tion rates identified in this News Flash participation levels will increase as mem- tion in the money-saving plan. clusion of the Open Enrollment for 2014, do not apply to BNSF engineers. bers spread the word about its benefits A negotiated benefit obtained in 8.45% of eligible BLET members had en- BLET National President Dennis R. and become more familiar with the pos- the 2012 National Agreement, the Health rolled in the program. In 2015 and fu- Pierce thanked all BLET members who itive aspects of the plan.” • FSA allows members to use pretax dol- ture Plan Years, participation levels must are participating in the plan and credit- lars to pay for certain medical expenses reach and maintain a minimum of 7.5%. ed the efforts of the BLET’s National Mo- Members with questions about that are not covered under any health Except as noted at the end of this para- bilization network and the grass-roots the FSA should call United plan (including a railroad health & wel- graph, members eligible for the plan in- approach of our local officers for helping Healthcare at (888) 298-9754 or fare plan) or any other source. The plan clude locomotive engineers and Tex-Mex the Organization to reach the necessary visit Your Track to Health at: could allow members to save hundreds train service employees covered by the participation level this year. He also en- www.yourtracktohealth.com

BLET President’s Message 2014 Scholarship Directory Please Donate Taking a look back A dozen scholarships are available Help ailing daughter at the year 2013 pg. 2 for children of BLET members pgs. 4-6 of BLET member pg. 6 Register• for News Flash email alerts at: www.ble-t.org Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BLETNational• 2 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

BLET PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY DENNIS R. PIERCE A look back at 2013 ith the year 2013 campaign, which launched a now behind us, I grassroots effort by active and am proud to look retired BLET members, the BLET back at our many Auxiliary, and their families to accomplishmentsW during what encourage their legislators to sign was truly a remarkable and his- on as co-sponsors of the Safe toric year for our Brotherhood. Freight Act. Fittingly, the year drew to a Mere days after that effort, yet close with my attendance at a another tragedy turned nation’s Brotherhood meeting in the field. attention to railroad safety. On Following through on my com- December 1, 2013, a Metro-North mitment to attend as many regu- train derailed in The Bronx, leav- lar Division and Town Hall meet- ing four passengers dead. In their ings as possible, it was my pleasure initial findings, investigators to participate in a Town Hall have indicated that Positive Train meeting hosted by BNSF Divi- Control likely would have pre- sions in Kansas City, Mo., on De- vented these fatalities. The BLET cember 10, followed by another once again stepped into the na- Town Hall meeting and retire- tional spotlight and demanded ment luncheon on December 11 the immediate implementation hosted by the UP Divisions rep- of PTC. We also drew public at- resenting the Kansas City Hub. tention to our Safe Freight Act President Pierce at the Town Hall Meeting/Retirees Lunch in Kansas City, Mo., on December 11, 2013. I was proud to represent the and the need for two-person National Division at these Town dance publicly recognized and dent Willard Knight, Special were Positive Train Control and crews on all freight trains Hall meetings, where many of hailed the contribution that the Representative Jim Bradford, and two-person crews. throughout the United States. the future leaders of our Broth- men and women of the BLET Special Representative and Co- Sadly, it often takes a major 2013 also was a year of mem- erhood were on hand to honor make to the industry, the nation’s ordinator of Education & Train- tragedy before the public at large bership action. In June, our mem- the careers of several dedicated commerce, and to building a ing Ken Kroeger retired. The Na- pays attention to railroad safety. bers at Tacoma Rail ratified a new retirees. These young Brothers strong middle class America. tional Division lost 135 years of Such was the case on July 6, 2013, 5-year contract agreement. In Au- and Sisters are steadily gaining From each and every speaker, we institutional knowledge and ex- when a train carrying crude oil gust, we successfully organized a the experience and wisdom nec- heard personal stories about the perience when those three Broth- derailed in the town of Lac-Me- new short line railroad — the Tex- essary to take the throttle of lead- ways in which the BLET and its ers retired, and they are now en- gantic, Quebec. The resulting as-Pacifico in West Texas. In Sep- ership and power our Brother- membership had made a differ- joying a well-earned and much fireball completely engulfed the tember, about 100 BLET mem- hood into the next century. It ence, and are still making a dif- deserved retirement. Thankful- town’s core and caused 47 fatal- bers struck the Wheeling & Lake was a pleasure to do my part in ference. That to me was especial- ly new leaders are stepping for- ities. The train was operated by Erie Railway throughout Ohio helping nourish the growth of ly rewarding, because there is no ward each day in our Brother- a lone employee. and Pennsylvania. our future strength, and also to union without the membership. hood, and I am just as proud of In response, the BLET strong- But not everything in 2013 recognize the contributions of To me, honoring the contribu- the new Brothers and Sisters on ly and publicly denounced the was good news. Our fight against the generation of members that tions of our Brothers and Sisters our team today as I was over operation of trains by a single- inward facing cameras in loco- are reaching retirement age. today as well as those who came summer when we first welcomed person crew. Working jointly motive cabs is just beginning, The year 2013 also saw our his- before us over the past century them aboard. Our members are with the SMART Transportation the War on Workers is continu- toric 150th anniversary. It was a and a half was the highlight of all benefitting from the dedica- Division (former UTU), we suc- ing to rage, and our opponents significant milestone not only for our anniversary celebration . tion and hard work of National cessfully lobbied Congress to in- are fighting tooth and nail to halt the BLET, but for the entire labor We selected Detroit as the Vice President Rick Gibbons, troduce sweeping legislation that the expansion of high-speed rail. movement. As the oldest labor host city for our celebration be- Special Representative Megan would mandate by federal law As I look back on last year, I union in North America, we cause that’s where we were Mead, and Special Representa- that two qualified individuals can say I’m proud of all we ac- proudly marked our 150th anni- founded in 1863. Members who tive and Coordinator of Educa- are in the cab of each freight train complished as a Brotherhood. versary on May 8, 2013, with a could not make it to Detroit were tion & Training Jason Wright, as operating in the United States. While it is plain that we have day-long celebration featuring 24 still included in our anniversa- well as Temporary Special Rep- The Safe Freight Act, H.R. much more difficult work in 2014 guest speakers and a commemo- ry celebration. All active and re- resentatives Matt Kronyak and 3040, was introduced by Michael and beyond, I am optimistic rative 150th anniversary video. tired members were mailed a Kevin Sexton. Michaud (D-ME) and Chellie about our future. Looking ahead, It was our goal to have an in- BLET history book and a spe- It was not all pomp and cir- Pingree (D-ME) on August 2. In I am reminded of this quote from dustry-wide celebration that rec- cially designed key chain to cumstance during 2013, howev- late November, the BLET and Senator Edward Kennedy: “… ognized not just the contributions commemorate the Brother- er. Apart from the festivities, your SMART–TD jointly lobbied on the work goes on, the cause en- of the Brotherhood, but more im- hood’s historic achievement. elected BLET leadership spent Capitol Hill to encourage more dures, the hope still lives, and portantly the contributions of the This summer, we bid a fond, much of the year fighting for safe- legislators to sign on as co-spon- the dream shall never die.” proud members, active and re- yet bittersweet farewell to three ty improvements, and the two sors of the bill. That effort was In the coming months, I will tired, who are the backbone of the dedicated Brothers. Vice Presi- main themes throughout the year followed by a BLET Mobilization utilize this column to educate union. Our guest speakers in De- and inform you on the develop- troit included other union Presi- I was proud to represent the National Division ing issues, and to lay out the part dents, carrier officers, and regu- you must play in order for our latory agency directors. at these Town Hall meetings, where many of the struggle to succeed. We succeeded in creating one future leaders of our Brotherhood were on hand day in 150 years where every in- Dennis R. Pierce dustry spokesperson in atten- to honor the careers of several dedicated retirees. BLET National President BLET National Division Electronic Communications Policy fficial communications be- interpretations are made they have refer- the appropriate officer or staff for a time- cy is intended to allow the National Presi- tween BLET members and ence to a specific request and can be used ly response; however, an e-mail message is dent to be aware of the opinions and sug- the National Division require in future correspondence. not considered an official communication. gestions of the membership, while at the a hard copy of the correspon- The volume of e-mails received makes Moreover, anonymous e-mails and e- same time providing a timely response to dence,O bearing a signature, being received it impossible for the National President mails that do not provide sufficient in- the member’s unofficial communication, by the National President to be consid- to answer all unofficial communications. formation concerning the sender to en- if a response is necessary, without need- ered an “official communication.” This is Therefore, it is the policy of the BLET that able National Division staff to confirm the lessly expending limited BLET resources. to provide that the actual question(s) are e-mails addressed to the National Presi- sender’s membership status will not receive Adopted at Cleveland, Ohio on addressed, and ensures that when official dent will be reviewed and forwarded to any reply or acknowledgement. This poli- July 22, 2010. • JANUARY 2014 3

GENERAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY JAMES P. HOFFA Extending Long-Term Unemployment Benefits is Essential ongress erred in Decem- cies like NAFTA, their jobs were is right. For years, they have focused ber when it approved a increasingly shifted overseas and their efforts on helping corporate budget compromise that these hard workers were left with cronies looking for tax breaks whose did not extend long- two options — bad and worse. companies in turn take in record Cterm unemployment benefits for The federal government needs profits and then sit on them and some of the nation’s most vulner- to support hardworking Americans pay bonuses to their top executives. able citizens. Across the U.S., 1.3 who are having a tough time get- They don’t create jobs. million people lost their benefits on ting back on their feet in an econ- Republicans should stop trying Dec. 28, and that number will grow omy that is still unforgiving for to divide the nation on this ques- as more people surpass the lower many in the middle class. tion of giving assistance to those threshold for the program. For What can’t be allowed to happen still looking for work. This is a sit- most, that is 26 weeks. is letting millions of people fall by uation that knows no color, educa- The problem is not with the the wayside. Besides the 1.3 million tion level or income bracket. Leav- American worker. Time and time who have lost unemployment ben- ing the unemployed holding the again, men and women with mid- efits already, an additional 73,000 bag is not a solution that betters dle-class dreams have stepped up people a week will lose benefits as America. and done as they were supposed to well. Beyond those initially affected, do at the workplace. Many took cuts there are an additional 3.6 million Fraternally, to both their salaries and retire- who will get less aid than they would ments and took on added respon- if the program isn’t extended. James P. Hoffa sibilities as needed. But due to the GOP leaders in the House and Teamsters General implementation of bad trade poli- Senate need to step up and do what President This is a situation that knows no color, education level or income bracket. Leaving the unemployed holding the bag is not a solution that betters America. Southern Hospitality Attention retirees: Information about GA-23111 Plan F etired BLET members are being advised of the avail- ability of coverage in addi- tion to Medicare for railroad employees, their dependents, parents and parents-in-law. RIf you or your dependents are covered SAVANNAH HOSTS BLET by Medicare and become confined in a hospital, Medicare Part A and Part B pay FOR 87TH ANNUAL SMA a large portion of your hospital and phy- The historic city of Savannah, Ga., will host the BLET and its members for the South- sician charges. However, you will still owe the hospital the Medicare Part A eastern Meeting Association's (SMA) 87th annual convention. The 2014 SMA runs deductible. In addition, you will also be from June 15-19. Guests will stay at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and responsible for the Medicare Part B de- Spa. Brother D.C. Dickey, Local Chairman of Division 646, will show BLET members ductible and generally 20% of the amount Medicare approves as covered for physi- some true southern hospitality as Arrangements Chairman of the 2014 SMA. For ho- cian charges. Depending on the nature tel information, visit www.westinsavannah.com. Anyone with questions may email of the medical/surgical treatment you Brother Dickey at: [email protected]. More details regarding the 2014 SMA receive, you or your dependents could be responsible for hundreds or even thou- will be available soon! Photos: courtesy Savannah Convention & Visitors Bureau sands of dollars. Through UnitedHealthcare, you can secure coverage for a substantial portion of these expenses by enrolling in Group Policy GA-23111 Plan F regardless of your current health status.

A two-page flyer from UnitedHealthcare explains Group Policy GA-23111 Plan F in greater detail: www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/ GA_23111_Plan_F.pdf 4 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

2014 BLET SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTORY ach year, the BLET National Division compiles a list of scholarship opportuni- ties available to the children of BLET members. Numerous financial aid Eopportunities are published here in the 2014 BLET Scholarship Directory. The scholarship opportunities vary widely. The following comprehensive list provides members and their families with contact information for each scholarship program. The BLET National Division does not maintain its own scholarship program, so interested parties are advised to contact the individual scholarship providers listed below for additional information. Those aware of additional scholarship opportunities not included in this Directory are urged to contact the BLET Public Relations Department at: [email protected].

THE 2014 BLET SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTORY IS AS FOLLOWS: James R. Hoffa Memorial $1,000 scholarships annually to help the to both the BLET Auxiliary scholarships EUMA Vice Chairman, Conrail SAA/ Scholarship children of BLET and Auxiliary members as well as the IWC-only scholarships. CSXT Northern District, GCA, 1807 El- The James R. Hoffa Memorial Schol- realize their goals in life. Auxiliary application forms are avail- mwood Ave., Suite #179, Buffalo, NY 14207. arship Fund awards scholarships annu- For the second year in a row, the BLET able online at: http://www.bletauxiliary. For more details, contact Brother Louis at: ally to outstanding high school seniors. Auxiliary has two additional $1,000 schol- net, or you can link to the Auxiliary web- (716) 876-2303 or [email protected]. The deadline for this year’s program is arships for the school year 2014-2015 to site from the BLET Website under “De- Applications are available on March 31, 2014. award to children of members of both the partments.” Please check the website for the BLET website: www.ble-t.org/pr/ Recipients are selected by an impar- Auxiliary and BLET — the Leona A. Lou- updated scholarship information and pdf/EUMA_Scholarship_App_0113.pdf tial committee of university admissions is Memorial Scholarship and the John O. forms. In addition to the application, the and financial aid directors based on aca- & Brenda Casteel Scholarship. Auxiliary website provides scholarship ap- Southwestern Convention demic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, char- There are two very strict guidelines plicants with more detailed instructions Meeting (SWCM) acter, potential and financial need. The that must be met in order to be eligible for on the application process. The Southwestern Convention Meet- Teamsters consider all applicants without Auxiliary scholarships. Applicants must Please remember that the applicant ing (SWCM) awards approximately three regard to race, religion, gender, disability, be a son or daughter of a BLET Auxiliary must have one parent who is a member of dozen scholarships annually based on ac- or any other legally protected status. member and a Brotherhood of Locomo- the BLET and one parent who is a mem- ademic achievement and financial One category of awards totals $10,000 tive Engineers and Trainmen member ber of the Auxiliary in order to apply for need, granting 37 awards in 2013 totaling each. These four-year scholarships are dis- (living or deceased), with each being a a BLET Auxiliary scholarship. $26,500. bursed at the rate of $2,500 per year and member for at least two years, and who Mail completed forms to: Applicants must be the child of an ac- are renewable annually. Other awards are has been accepted by an accredited school Lawana Poss tive, retired or deceased BLET member one-time $1,000 grants. These scholar- for admission. (Exception: Children of a BLET Auxiliary National Secretary whose division belongs to the Southwest- ships are disbursed to the college or uni- single parent who has been a BLET mem- 1394 Bywood Court ern Convention Meeting. Applicants must versity at the beginning of the recipient’s ber for at least two years and has main- Suwanee, GA 30024 be accepted for admission to an accred- freshman year. tained at least two years of membership For details or clarification of ited college, university or institution of Due to the highly competitive nature as a BLET Auxiliary Associate Member eligibility call (770) 497-8898 higher learning. Only divisions belonging of the program and the large number of ap- are eligible to apply for a BLET Auxiliary or email Sister Lawana at to the SWCM are eligible. plicants, students should visit the Team- scholarship). [email protected]. SWCM application forms can be filled ster website and carefully consider the cri- In addition to its own scholarship pro- out on your computer screen with the in- teria before submitting an application. The gram, the BLET Auxiliary administers Eastern Union Meeting teractive PDF form available on the JRH Scholarship Fund has established the scholarship program for the Interna- Association (EUMA) BLET website. Deadline is August 1, 2014. some guidelines to be used by students tional Western Convention (IWC). One The Eastern Union Meeting Associa- The 2014 convention begins on Septem- when deciding whether or not to apply for thousand dollar scholarships are available tion awards several scholarships each year, ber 7, and Divisions must have paid their this program. Applicants should: 1. Rank for the children and grandchildren of ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,000, annual SWCM convention dues for appli- in the top 15 percent of their high school BLET members whose division belongs including memorial scholarships honor- cants from their Division to be eligible. class; 2. Have, or expect to have, excellent to the IWC (International Western Con- ing the memories and accomplishments Beginning in 2014, the SWCM Schol- SAT or ACT scores; and 3. Demonstrate vention). The BLET Divisions that are el- of Brothers Robert F. Donoghue, Robert arship Committee created two applica- financial need. igible to participate in the IWC are locat- W. Godwin and Robert T. Pentland. tion forms — one for incoming fresh- A full list of specific eligibility ed in the following states: Arizona, The scholarships are awarded based on men and one for current college students. requirements can be found on the California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, academic excellence and financial need. Be sure to use the correct form when ap- Teamster website: teamster.org/ Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Only children of BLET members (living plying as incorrect applications will not benefits/jrh-scholarship Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wis- or deceased) belonging to divisions par- be accepted. If you need additional assistance, consin, and Wyoming. Auxiliary mem- ticipating in the EUMA are eligible to ap- please contact: James R. Hoffa bership is not a requirement to apply for ply. Division must be square on the books Download application instructions: Memorial Scholarship Fund, 25 the IWC-Only Scholarships. for the child to qualify. States represented www.ble-t.org/pr/swcmsch.asp Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington, If the applicant is a graduate student or in EUMA are Connecticut, Delaware, Il- DC 20001, Phone: (202) 624-8735, returning to school as a sophomore, ju- linois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Mas- Application form for Email: [email protected]. nior, or senior, he or she must have a 3.0 sachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, incoming freshmen: grade point average or better to be consid- New Jersey, , Ohio, Pennsylva- www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/ BLET Auxiliary and Interna- ered. The applicant must also be accepted nia, Vermont, Washington D.C., and 2014_incoming_freshman_app.pdf tional Western Convention to an accredited school. Scholarship appli- West Virginia. (IWC) Scholarships cations must be received by April 1, 2014, The 2013 EUMA scholarship applica- Application form for current The BLET Auxiliary and the Interna- to be accepted. Late applications will not tion and dues deadline is July 7, 2014. Send college students: www.ble-t.org/pr/ tional Western Convention (IWC) offer be considered. These requirements apply completed applications to: Jim Louis, pdf/2014_college_student_app.pdf JANUARY 2014 5

Southeastern Meeting also represents what he had in his heart: New for 2014! braska, Illinois or Arkansas. Association (SMA) an unsurpassed passion to help people BLET Division 622 The Foundation, established in 2004, The Southeastern Meeting Association who are trying to get ahead in life yet may BLET Division 622 (Alliance, Neb.) is led by a diverse Board of Directors rep- (SMA) Scholarship Committee awards not have the resources to accomplish will, for the first time, award two $500 resenting several different railroads and Geiger-Brendle Scholarships each year to their dream.” scholarships in 2014. Only the children of labor unions. The Foundation’s mission the children of active or retired BLET Scholarship applications and all Division 622 members are eligible to ap- “is to collectively use the generous resourc- members whose divisions participate in accompanying documents must be ply. Scholarship winners will be chosen at es of many to ensure the further educa- the SMA. received by June 30, 2014. Specific random during a Division meeting in Au- tion of those blessed with knowledge, but Please check with your division Secre- eligibility requirements, detailed gust. Applications must be received by burdened with need. In addition, we strive tary-Treasurer to ensure that your divi- instructions and application July 31, 2014. For more specifics, please to unite all railroads/railroad crafts sion participates. In general, the SMA in- forms (PDF) are available for visit the Division 622 website and click on throughout the Midwest in a valiant ef- cludes divisions located in states east of download from the BLET National “scholarships:” www.blet622.com. fort to give of their time and resources so the Mississippi River, and south of the Division website: www.ble-t.org/pr/ Application and instructions are the future of our children will be bright Ohio River and the Mason-Dixon Line. pdf/Ill_SLB_Scholarship_2014.pdf also available from the National and productive.” Also, Divisions must be current with their Division website: www.ble-t.org/pr/ Greg Shy, President of MWRCSF and SMA dues in order for the applicant to be For questions or assistance in pdf/Div_622_Scholarship_App_2014.pdf . a retired member of BLET Division 777 eligible. No fax or electronic copies of the completing the application, (Argentine, Kan.) said MWRCSF award- application will be accepted. contact Brother Dunn at (618) 755-4929 Midwest Rail Craft ed $8,000 in scholarships last year to stu- SMA scholarship winners are usually or [email protected]. Scholarship dents who are connected to the various selected and announced at the SMA’s an- Foundation (MWRCSF) railroad crafts throughout the Midwest. nual business meeting held during the con- BLET Division 269 Thanks to the generosity and hard work “Our objective is to concentrate the vention. This year’s SMA will be June 15- BLET Division 269 (Jamaica, Long Is- of many people, including its Board of Di- scholarship applicants geographically in 19 in Savannah, Ga. Please see your division land, N.Y.) offers two $500 scholarships to rectors, the Midwest Rail Craft Scholar- correspondence to the enormous support officers for an application or for more de- the children of BLET members who are ship Foundation (MWRCSF) is able to we have had from railroad workers in these tails. Deadline this year is June 1, 2014. already enrolled in college. Participation help several children of railroaders each states,” Shy said. “This is a great opportu- Application forms are available is limited to members of Division 269 only. year with their educational expenses. nity for those railroad families in need of here: www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/sma_2014_ Winners are picked at random at the Scholarships from the MWRCSF are avail- financial support for the higher education scholarship_app.pdf division’s Christmas party. For de- able to children of railroaders from all of their children.” tails, watch your Division 269 newsletter crafts and union affiliations. Applicants The scholarships are funded through California State or contact Division President John A. Ka- must hold residence in Kansas, Missouri, an annual golf tournament, contributions Legislative Board vanaugh Jr. at (631) 813-2234. Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Ne- and sponsorships. This year’s golf tour- The BLET’s CSLB will again be award- ing a scholarship to a graduating high school senior who will attend a college/ trade/ vocational school in 2014. The ap- plicant’s parent or guardian must be a THE JAMES R. HOFFA member in good standing in a BLET di- MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND vision represented by the CSLB. Last year, the Board awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Rules, applications and dead- line information are available on the 2014-2015 Board’s website: www.cslb.ws. ACADEMIC YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS All applications should be mailed to the CSLB home office address: Cali- For High School Seniors who are Children fornia State Legislative Board, BLET/ or Dependents of Teamster Members IBT, 610 Auburn Ravine Rd., Suite C, Auburn, CA 95603. New for 2014! Illinois State Legislative Board The BLET’s Illinois State Legisla- Education for your tive Board is currently accepting applica- tions for its Don Little Memorial Schol- arship Fund, which was established in 2013. One $1,000 and two $500 scholarships will be awarded to applicants whose par- ent or guardian is a BLET member in good standing with a BLET Local Divi- sion represented by the Illinois State Leg- islative Board. Applicants must be 26 years of age or younger. Brother Don Little was a locomotive engineer with Metra in Chicago and a proud member of BLET Division 294 (Bensenville, Ill.) for 35 years. Brother Little served for more than 10 years on the Executive Commit- tee of the Illinois State Legislative Board and always had a dream of establishing a scholarship program for the family members of fellow Brothers and Sisters who worked in Illinois. Unfortunately, Brother Little passed away before his dream was realized. In 2013, Paul Piekarski (Chairman of the Illinois State Legislative Board) and Timothy Dunn (Secretary-Treasurer of the Board) helped make Brother Little’s dream a reality. “It is with great pleasure that we can an- nounce that the Illinois State Legislative Board has established the first annual Don Little Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact your Few people were more devoted to family, local Teamsters Union office or visit friends and public service than Don. Don’s www.teamster.org legacy is one of a great union Brother, hus- band, father, friend and colleague. This scholarship not only honors his name but Union Plus Scholarships Online application now available!

“For me it is not a ver 2,300 students in union families have matter of if I can make received money for college through the Union change, but when I Plus Scholarship. The online application is will make change. O now available! You can complete the application in The union spirit has been an amazing stages and save your answers before you submit. inspiration to me.” Who can apply: Holly LaCount Current and retired participating union members, their spouses and their children. What kind of school is eligible: The scholarship is open to students who attend or plan to attend a U.S. college, university, community college, or a technical/trade school. Students attending undergraduate or graduate schools are eligible. Apply Online Scholarship amounts: Recipients will receive $500 to $4,000. Now! Deadline to apply: January 31, 12pm (noon), Eastern Time Scholarship recipients announced: May 31 Details and online application available at: UnionPlus.org/Scholarships

To receive6 WWW.BLE-T.ORG mobile text alerts about education-related deadlines and information, text STUDENT to 22555. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. Reply HELP or contact [email protected] for help. Expect no more than 2msgs/mo.

nament is slated for September 21-22, 2014. Please use the scholarship application on the MWRCSF website. Fill it out elec- Please donate tronically, print it, attach the proper sig- Holly LaCount natures and mail it to the address provid- of Eureka, CA. Daughter of a NALC ed. The deadline for receiving applications to help daughter Branch 348 member. Holly is a three- is June 15 every year. Awards are present- time Union Plus scholarship recipient. ed on a one-time basis; and winners must reapply if they wish to be considered more of BLET member than once during their college career. Union Plus To downloadUnionPlus.org/ a copy of the ScholarshipsScholarships application, and for other informa- Union Plus has recently awarded tion about the MWRCSF, please $150,000 in scholarships to 115 stu- visit: www.mwrcsf.org. dents representing 36 unions in the 2013 Union Printed in the U.S.A. Union Plus Scholarship Program.FLY-SCHOL-L0413 BR&CF Scholarship Program Rising education costs are making The Brotherhood’s Relief and Com- it difficult for many union families to pensation Fund (BR&CF) is pleased to afford the cost of tuition. That’s one provide opportunities for the sons and reason Union Plus, which provides im- daughters of BR&CF members to partic- portant consumer benefits to union ipate in the Luther G. Smith Scholar- members and retirees, offers a unique ship Program. scholarship program that in just over Children, including adopted and step- two decades has awarded over $3.5 mil- Above left: Vanessa Tice, right, with her younger sister. children, of BR&CF members who are in lion in education funding to more than Above right: Vanessa’s high school senior photo. “Good and Regular Standing,” are eligi- 2,300 union members, spouses and de- he National Division of the ic surgery at age 15 and was hospitalized ble. Applicants must be 27 years of age or pendent children. Recipients are se- Brotherhood of Locomotive with organ failure in June of 2011. younger. Applicants may be current high lected based on academic ability, so- Engineers and Trainmen is The Tice family has established a web- school students who have applied for ad- cial awareness, financial need and asking all members to extend site detailing Vanessa’s many medical is- mission as full-time students in accred- appreciation of labor. a financial helping hand to a sues including her fight against CRPS. ited post-secondary schools or may be at- In addition to the Union Plus Schol- BLET member whose daughter is in need The family is asking for donations to help tending or enrolled as full-time students arships, the following benefit also Tof medical assistance. offset the cost of travel to Rhode Island in accredited post-secondary schools. helps union families afford higher ed- Brother Mark Tice of BLET Division and for Vanessa’s medical treatments at International President J. M. Robb ad- ucation: 348 (Elkhart, Ind.) is a Norfolk Southern the Calmar Pain Relief Center. Accord- vises that 20 scholarships of $1,000 each • Discounts of 15 to 60 percent on locomotive engineer. According to mem- ing to Brother Tice’s wife Anna, the pain are awarded every year. college and graduate school test prepa- bers of his Division, Brother Tice rarely relief treatments are not covered by insur- The BR&CF’s 2014 scholarship pro- ration courses from The Princeton Re- misses work and provides well for his fam- ance. Their goal is to raise $7,500, and thus gram commenced on October 1, 2013, view. Discounts are available for class- ily. However, he is going to miss the next far they have received $5,895 in donations. with applications due on March 3, 2014. room, online and private tutoring for two weeks while he takes his daughter Van- But Brother Tice and his family would The 2015 program begins October 1, 2014, the SAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE and essa, an 18-year-old high school senior, to like to do more than just ask for help. with a deadline of March 2, 2015. MCAT as well as college affordability Rhode Island to undergo treatment for CRPS They want to spread the word about CRPS BR&CF members with questions and admissions online courses. Vis- — Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. and to educate members about the some- may contact Linda Garber at (800) 233- it UnionPlus.org/CollegePrep or call CRPS is a chronic disease character- what rare disease. Please visit the BLET 7080. Members may obtain an appli- (888) 243-7737. ized by severe pain, swelling, and chang- website for information about Complex cation form by calling or writing Visit UnionPlus.org/Education to es in the skin. CRPS worsens over time Regional Pain Syndrome and a video to 2150 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, learn more and apply for the scholar- and initially affects arms or legs before about Calmar Pain Relief Center and PA 17110 or emailing [email protected]. ship program. • usually spreading throughout the body. CRPS treatment. • It is described as one of the most painful long-term conditions. To read more about Vanessa’s Vanessa was born prematurely and medical condition and PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS suffers from a host of medical condi- to make a tax-free personal tions, including epilepsy, scoliosis, and donation, please visit: asthma. She underwent cardiothorac- www.gofundme.com/628dxc

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Auxiliary Scholarship John O. & Brenda Casteel Auxiliary Scholarship: & IWC Scholarship: Scholarship: Mariah Burrola, Melanie Wilmesher, Ariel Johnson, daughter daughter of Oscar and Susie daughter of James and Kay of Owen and Beate Johnson. Burrola Wilmesher

LECMPA job insurance Auxiliary Scholarship Auxiliary Scholarship: Auxiliary Scholarship: & IWC Scholarship: Mark Willard, son of Alexander Evans, son of is your ticket to value. Allyson Booth, daughter Kenneth and Kathy Willard James and Nancy Evans of James and Anne Booth • You receive the difference in wage if you are decertified and accept a lower paying job. • Claim payments are deposited in your account every week. • Payment up to your policy limits even if you sign a waiver.

(800) 514-0010 www.lecmpa.org Auxiliary Scholarship: Auxiliary Scholarship: Auxiliary Scholarship: Kyle Willard, son of Kyle Radtke, son of James Morgan Rossow, daughter Transportation workers protecting each other since 1910. Kenneth and Kathy Willard and Marme Radtke. of Peter and Beth Rossow JANUARY 2014 7

EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUND BLET JOB BANK: THIRD ANNUAL REPORT BALANCE REPORT FOR 2013 ON BLET EDUCATION FUND BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2013 $33,763 MONTANA & TRAINING FUND REVENUES hen delegates attending vice, including those holding of- Wthe BLET’s Second Na- ficial positions with the carrier EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUND DUES $382,475 RAIL LINK tional Convention in Reno, Ne- and those employed exclusively REIMBURSED EXPENDITURES 152,510 ontana Rail Link has contacted vada, established a dedicated fund by the BLET, shall pay $1.00 per TOTAL REVENUES $534,985 the BLET National Division to for Education and Training in Oc- month dues to establish and main- Madvise that the railroad is re- tober of 2010, they stipulated that tain and education and training EXPENDITURES cruiting 10 certified locomotive engineers. an annual accounting of funds be fund, subject to the provisions of WAGES, TAXES, AND BENEFITS 393,678 Applications are being accepted through published in the January issue of Section 29 — National Division BUSINESS TRAVEL 175,819 February 28, 2014. A PDF flyer announc- the BLET’s newsletter. Rules. Funds received from such ing the job vacancies and explaining ap- Specifically, members pay $1 dues shall be used for education MAILING EXPENSE 32,572 per month to fund and maintain and training classes and/or work- plication process is available here on the MEETING EXPENSES 71,878 BLET website: www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/MRL_ an BLET Education and Training shops for officers and members Job_Bank_Feb_2014.pdf • Department. Section 7 (g) — Na- of the BLET. A balance report out- TOTAL EXPENDITURES 673,947 tional Division Rules of the BLET lining the disbursements from the NET EXPENDITURES EXCEEDING REVENUES 138,962 Bylaws (Pg. 25) reads as follows: fund will be published in the FUND BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2013 -$105,199 “All members in active ser- newsletter each January.” • Sign up for BLET News Flashes! Register at www.ble-t.org The News Flash alerts are news ar- enter your email address to begin re- to get Brotherhood news ticles from the BLET National Division ceiving the most current news from the emailed to you website that are automatically emailed BLET National Division. Stay up-to-date with the latest Broth- to you. It is a great way to keep informed on erhood news by going to the BLET web- To register, just go to www. the most recent issues impacting your site and signing up to receive BLET News ble-t.org. In the lower right hand cor- job, your contract and your Brother- Flash alerts via email. ner of the page, you will find an area to hood.

2 0 1 4 Calendar & Events MARK YOUR CALENDARS! There is a BLET REGIONAL MEETINGS June 15-19, 2014 87th Annual Southeastern difference. Meeting Association (SMA) SAVANNAH, GA. Arrangements Chairman D.C. Dickey, Local Chairman of Division 646, welcomes all BLET members to beautiful Compare monthly costs. Savannah, Ga., for the 2014 SMA. At the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Get the best value from the BR&CF. Resort & Spa. More details to come! Difference on June 29-July 3, 2014 Daily Benefit $100 $150 $200 $200. With 74th Annual International Level ($102*) ($201*) BR&CF You Save. Western Convention (IWC) BR&CF $38.00 $57.00 $76.00 MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. LECMPA (*) $59.50 $87.50 $117.25 $41.25 every month Arrangements Chairman David K. Brown, Chairman of the Minnesota State Legislative UTU $66.00 $99.00 $132.00 $56.00 every month Board and Legislative Rep. of Division 517, will host the 2014 IWC at the Hilton The BR&CF is the least expensive protection when disciplined Minneapolis. More details to come! for eligible occurrences and is committed to remaining affordable. You could save up to $672 each year. The August 4-8, 2014 BR&CF offers you the best price, value and service. 76th Annual Eastern Union Meeting Association (EUMA) CLEVELAND, OHIO The BR&CF is a not-for-profit organization with a proven Arrangements Chairman Patrick Redmond, track record of giving back to members and the rail labor Local Chairman of Division 607, community. The BR&CF created the North American Railway and Co-Chair James R. Blum, Legislative Rep. Foundation to help make things better for all of us. of Division 526, welcome all BLET members to Cleveland for the 2014 EUMA. Compare apples to apples. Guests will stay at the newly-renovated Westin Cleveland, within It’s clear the BR&CF works for you. easy walking distance of BLET National Division headquarters. More details to come! To apply for membership and become a part of the BR&CF... act today... ask a BR&CF member where you work for an application September 7-11, 2014 or visit our web site at www.brcf.org or call us toll free at 79th Annual Southwestern Convention Meeting (SWCM) ST. LOUIS, MO. 800 233-7080 Arrangements Chairman Dave W. Grimes, Local Chairman of Division 42, LECMPA and UTU rates are accurate will host the 2014 SWCM at the Hilton and effective on date of print. St. Louis at the Ballpark Hotel. For more information, visit the SWCM website: bletswcm.org. J A N U A RY 2 014 8

Advisory Board October & November 2013 Activity Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen News Periodicals Postage In accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET Advisory Board members’ activities are published monthly: Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen PAID NATIONAL PRESIDENT DENNIS R. PIERCE: National Division Office, Cleveland; General su- Section 4 negotiations, Hurst, Texas; Utah Railway, Article 10 terminal switching dispute negotia- A Division Of The Rail Conference, at Cleveland, OH. pervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Correspondence and telephone communi- tions, Draper, Utah. cations; Supervision of Office Administration; General Supervision of Special Representatives; VICE PRESIDENT GIL GORE —Assigned to all CSX; Grand Trunk Western; Union Pacific-South- International Brotherhood Of Teamsters President, Teamsters Rail Conference; Policy Committee, Teamsters Rail Conference; General ern Region GCA special assignment; Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) issues, CSXT; General Chairmen class, St. Louis, Mo.; UP Central GCA Local Chairmen class, Little Rock, Ark.; Metro- office duties, paperwork, correspondence, emails, telephone calls, etc.; Shared Assets negotia- BLET Publications Committee: North mtg., New York; Long Island RR/Div. 269 retirement Dinner Dance, Hauppauge, N.Y.; Nor- tions, Conrail-CSX, Philadelphia; Conference call, web mtg. CSX GCs Huntington Pilot Project, Dennis R. Pierce, National President folk Southern GCA Local Chairmen training, Baltimore, Md. 2014 neg.; Harris mtg. w/ GC Lyons, Indianapolis; Division 803 mtg., Savannah, Ga., re: Waycross E. “Lee” Pruitt, First Vice President & Alternate President FIRST VICE PRESIDENT E.L. (LEE) PRUITT: National Duties include but not limited to: Director, relo.; Conference call, re: Inward facing cameras; Pre SSA 2014 negotiations, CSX, Jacksonville; William C. Walpert, National Secretary-Treasurer Passenger Dept.; Shortline Organizing Dept.; Trainmen’s Dept.; National Publications Commit- Attendance conference call w/ CSX GCs; Conference call, re: Bombardier seniority and inward John P. Tolman, Vice President & National Legislative Rep. tee; National Legislative Board; Teamsters Rail Conference Policy Committee; PRAC; and Nation- facing cameras, CSX GCs. John V. Bentley Jr., Editor al Negotiations; LA pool freight mtgs., Redlands, Calif.; KCS inward facing cameras, Kansas City, VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. PRIESTER: Assigned to all BNSF (former ATSF, former C&S, Bill Joyce, Art Director/Assistant Editor Mo.; GC class, St. Louis, Mo.; UP C GCA LC class, Little Rock, Ark.; Div. 398 125th anniversary, CRI&P, FWD, former STL-SF, BNSF/MRL), Panhandle Northern, Missouri & North Arkansas, www.ble-t.org (216) 241-2630 Los Angeles, Calif.; ID & NYD arbitration, Chicago; NS Trainmen training, Baltimore, Md.; NYD Montana Rail Link, Austin Western RR, Great Western; General office duties, telephone, email, negotiations, Dallas; Vacation; Holiday. correspondence communications, etc.; BNSF Safety Coordinators mtg., w/ GCs Wilson, Brown, COPYRIGHT 2013, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER WILLIAM C. WALPERT: General supervision of Account- Holdcraft and Thurman, Fort Worth, Texas; Texas Pacifico Section 6 negotiations, w/ GC Hold- VOLUME 28 NUMBER 1 January 2014 ing Dept., Records Dept., Online Services Dept., Tax Compliance Dept.; Education & Training craft, San Angelo; MRL mtgs., w/ GC Wilson, Seattle; Vacation; PLB 7503, prep. and work w/ Dept.; Internal Organizing, Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Safety Task Force; Meetings GC Brown, Amarillo; PLB 7503 w/ GC Brown, Chicago; Mtgs. w/ Divisions 69, 202 and 695 w/ LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) with vendors and financial institutions; Publications Committee; Teamsters Rail Conference GC Wilson, BNSF, Minot, N.D.; Division 398 125th anniversary celebration w/ GC Holdcraft, is published monthly by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, Policy Committee; Trustee, National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust (NRRIT); NS-N Ontario, Calif.; Mtgs. w/ Divisions 446, 791 and 400, w/ GC Holdcraft, Albuquerque, N.M.; Mtgs. 1370 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. GCA mtg., Cleveland; Local Chairmen’s Workshop, Baltimore, Md.; Pre-hearing conference with w/ BNSF and GC Wilson, Seattle; Division 299 mtg. (Panhandle Northern), w/ GC Holdcraft, Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. NTSB, re: Metro-North accident, Washington, D.C.; Advanced Local Chairmen’s Workshop, Bal- Amarillo; Mtgs. w/ Divisions 871 and 811, w/ GC Holdcraft, Lubbock, Texas; Funeral for LC Bor- timore, Md.; NTSB public hearing, re: Metro-North accident, Washington, D.C.; Long Island RR/ rego, w/ GC Holdcraft, Ontario, Calif.; Mtg. w/ Division 232 (Billings, Mont.) and w/ Division 262 USPS: 0002-244 ISSN: 0898-8625 Div. 269 retirement Dinner Dance, Long Island, N.Y.; NS-S Local Chairmen’s Workshop, Balti- (Missoula, Mont.), w/ GC Wilson, Montana Rail Link; Vacation. more, Md.; NRRIT mtg., Washington, D.C. VICE PRESIDENT COLE W. DAVIS: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Assigned to: Kansas City Southern (MidSouth Rail, South- VICE PRESIDENT & NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. TOLMAN: Rail, Gateway Western, Illinois & Midland), Texas Mexican Rwy.; CP Rail System/US (Indiana Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Records Department, Assigned to BLET Washington, DC office; General office duties, telephone and correspondence commu- Southern, Iowa, Chicago & Eastern, Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern); Springfield Terminal (St. 1370 Ontario Street, Mezzanine Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. 1/14 nications; Coordinate content of NLO website; Weekly PAC committee and legislative mtgs.; Lawrence & Atlantic, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic, Delaware & Hudson), Cedar River, Louisville Attended IBT Political Coordinators Monthly mtg.; NS Northern Lines/W&LE GCA quadren- & Indiana, Huron & Eastern; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence commu- nial session, Cleveland; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Gala, Washington, D.C.; Mtg. w/ Rep. nications, etc.; NS North/W&LE GCA mtg., Cleveland; KCS issues, assist GC Parker; Mid South Photo of the Month: January 2014 Grimm’s office, Washington, D.C.; Railway Age mtg., Washington, D.C.; Rail Safety Advisory issues, assist GC Craddock; NS North issues, assist GC Dehart; Louisville & Indiana contract, Committee working group; Full emergency RSAC; Mtg. w/ Senator Rockefeller’s office, Washing- Assist GC Hartill; Tex Mex issues, assist GC Rodriguez; Springfield Terminal and D&H issues, as- ton, D.C.; Function for Rep. DeFazio’s office, Washington, D.C.; OneRail mtg., Washington, D.C.; sist GC Moore; CP Rail issues and DM&E issues, assist GC Semenek; W&LE Mediation, assist GC CSX POWER: CSX locomotive 3052 powers a coal train from Madisonville, Ky., to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Widows Creek Fossil Plant Mtg. w/ Rep. Andrews, Senator Whitehouse, Senator King, Senator Stabenow, and Re. Shuster’s Dehart; Huron & Eastern issues, assist GC Barriger; Division 527 mtg., w/ GC Parker, Pittsburg, near Bridgeport, Ala. BLET Member Paul Zuzich, Division 129 (Nashville, Tenn.), snapped this photo just outside of Nashville on April 17, 2013. offices, Washington, D.C.; Received an award from Irish Echo, 100 Labor Leaders, ; Kan.; Mtg. on KCS inward facing cameras, w/ GC Parker, Kansas City, Mo.; Division 426 mtg., w/ Metro-North mtg., 46th annual BLET LIRR/Div. 269 Dinner Dance, Long Island, N.Y.; Mtg. at GC Parker, Baton Rouge, La.; Long Island RR/Div. 269 retirement dinner, Long Island, N.Y.; Mtg. EPA re: Coal issue, Washington, D.C.; Group lobbying effort with numerous BLET SLBC, making w/ GC Quinn, LIRR, Long Island, N.Y. over 150 visits and personally attending over 25 mtgs.; Mtg. w/ former Congressman Steve LaTo- VICE PRESIDENT STEPHEN J. BRUNO: Assigned to various Rail Safety Advisory Committees urette; Mtg. w/ Elizabeth Harmon of IAFF, re: grant proposal, Washington, D.C.; Function for (RSAC); Regulatory duties as assigned by the President; Amtrak; ; New Grace Napolitano, Rep. Thompson, Senator Clarke, the Freshmen class and Frontline members, York & Atlantic; Metro North; New Jersey Transit; PATH; SEPTA; Metra; Union Railroad; Bir- Rep. Blumenauer, Mike Capuano and Senator Murray, Washington, D.C.; Various receptions and mingham Southern; Telephone calls, correspondence, email, general office duties, etc.; Vacation; meetings with members of U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Numerous Metro-North meetings, Town Hall mtgs., site visit, conference calls, etc., New York; VICE PRESIDENT MARCUS J. RUEF: Vice Chairman, full NRAB; Labor Member, 1st Division; Division 11 retirement Dinner, Amtrak, Jersey City, N.J.; Assist & prep. for NJ Transit contract Labor Member, National Mediation Board Arbitration Advisory Forum; Director of Arbitration negotiations, Rockaway, N.J.; Mtg. w/ IBT Economist Kimball, NJT/LIRR, Philadelphia; Metra Dept; Assigned to Illinois Central; Wisconsin Central; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; Indiana Harbor contract negotiations, Chicago; NTSB public hearing, re: Metro-North accident in Bridgeport, Belt; and Belt Railway of Chicago; Special Division mtg. for IC tentative agreement, Mt. Vernon, Conn., Washington, D.C.; Long Island RR/Div. 269 retirement Dinner Dance, Happauge, N.Y.; Ill.; Assist GC Reynolds w/ discipline cases, WC, Chicago; LC workshop, Baltimore, Md.; BLE his- SEPTA contract negotiations mtg. w/ General Counsel Wolly, Washington, D.C.; Metra contract torical memorabilia mtg., Parkersburg, W.Va.; Conference call, EJ&E/WC equity issues; Advanced negotiations conference call, Philadelphia. LC Workshop, Baltimore; Assist VP Priester and GC Brown w/ PLB 7503 preparation, BNSF; Gen- VICE PRESIDENT R.C. (RICK) GIBBONS: Assigned to: All Norfolk Southern General Commit- eral Chairmen workshop, St. Louis, Mo.; Ratification failure survey, WC, Chicago; UP-WL NRAB tees; Wheeling & Lake Erie; Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern; New York, Susquehanna & West- grievance mediation, Chicago; IC agreement codification, Chicago; NS GCA trainmen workshop, ern; New England Central; Connecticut Southern; Western New York & Pennsylvania; Indiana & Baltimore, Md.; Assist GC Reynolds, WC, Section 6 mediation; Vacation; Holiday. Ohio; Ohio Central; RSAC/RSIA Fatigue Management Group; General office duties, telephone, VICE PRESIDENT MIKE TWOMBLY: Assigned to all Union Pacific GCAs (Eastern District, email, correspondence communications; NS North Lines/W&LE GCA mtg., Cleveland; Division Northern Region (former C&NW), Western Lines (Pacific Harbor Lines), Western Region (Port- 120 regular mtg., NS-North, North Kansas City, Mo.; Joint mtg. of Divisions 316, 328 and 698, land & Western), Central Region, Southern Region; On duty at home office; General office duties, NS GCA, Marietta, Ga.; NS crew management annual conference, Marietta, Ga.; SBA 1063, assist telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; Union Pacific Western Lines GCA Ar- GC Dewayne Dehart/Bob Linsey, St. Louis, Mo.; SBA 1063 hearing, assist GC Dehart, Chapel ticle IX Interdivisional Run negotiations, Redlands, Calif.; Tacoma Rail, Article 8, Section 1 (F), Hill, N.C.; Work at BLET headquarters, Cleveland; Long Island RR/Div. 269 annual retirement Unanticipated Service Need dispute, conference at Tacoma, Wash.; UP-Central Region grievance Dinner Dance, Long Island, N.Y.; Mtg. w/ Divisions 79 and 234, NS-North, Columbus, Ohio; Mtg. mediation, Chicago; UP-Western Lines GCA Article IX Interdivisional Run arbitration, Chicago; w/ Divisions 79, 234 and 110, NS-North and NS-Southern, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; NS UP-Southern Region GCA, PLB 7158, Estero, Fla.; UP-Southern Region GCA, New York Dock, Southern GCA Local Chairmen workshop, Baltimore, Md.; Observer Thanksgiving holiday. JOIN US ON THE BROTHERHOOD’S NEW FACEBOOK PAGE! The BLET National Division has been ramping up its Facebook presence since the middle of November and all members are encouraged to log on and check it out at www.facebook.com/BLETNational. Members will enjoy exclusive content, breaking news, and daily updates on important issues Are you a photographer? The National Division’s images to the “Photo of the Month” section of the News- Please note only high resolution images can be 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 effecting the railroad industry and the labor movement. It's also a great place for letter each month, has received numerous inquiries lately you may call Editor John Bentley at (216) 241-2630, ext. employer’s policies regarding the use of cameras and sharing photos and keeping in touch with members throughout the country. from BLET members volunteering to contribute their 248, or you can email: [email protected]. other electronic devices while on duty. • CHECK IT OUT! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLETNATIONAL •