MAY 2018 Volume 32, Issue 5

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

Honoring first responders Spanning the ex-Virginian Railway bridge at Slab Fork, Norfolk Southern’s “Honoring First Responders” EMD SD60E No. 911 leads empties toward Alloy Yard from Mullens on Watco’s Kanawha River Railroad on January 24, 2017. Photo: Chase Gunnoe BLET files joint comments regarding rail industry automation he Brotherhood of Locomo- Signatories to the 26-page joint sub- its mandate from Congress, which reads to protect the jobs and incomes of their tive Engineers and Train- mission were: National President Den- in part: “[i]n carrying out its duties, the members should not be used to discount men (BLET) was one of five nis R. Pierce, Brotherhood of Locomo- Administration shall consider the as- their arguments on behalf of safety. rail Brotherhoods to file tive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET); signment and maintenance of safety as “Discounting our safety concerns joint comments on May 7 President John Previsich, SMART Trans- the highest priority, recognizing the because we fight to preserve jobs and in response to the Federal Railroad Ad- portation Division; President W. Dan clear intent, encouragement, and ded- earnings is the most extreme form of Tministration’s (FRA) March 29 Request Pickett, Brotherhood of Railroad Signal- ication of Congress to the furtherance double standard, given the profit-seek- For Information (RFI) regarding auto- men (BRS); President F. Leo McCann, of the highest degree of safety in rail- ing goal of the industry underlying its mation in the railroad industry. American Train Dispatchers Association road transportation.” support of automation it may advocate,” In general, the unions asserted that (ATDA); and General President Richard “As such, safety must be first and fore- the unions wrote. public and worker safety is their top A. Johnson, Carmen Division/TCU. most when discussing the future of au- Another major assertion from the priority, and also stressed that any roll- The unions noted that safety should tomation of our nation’s railroads,” the unions is that a tight regulatory frame- out of new technologies and/or auto- be the top goal of all involved stake- unions wrote. “It would be unethical and work with clearly defined terminologies mation should only be done cautious- holders — especially the FRA — when would violate the mandate of Congress is a must when exploring the future of ly under well-defined government considering the future of rail automa- to sacrifice safety for potential profits.” automation. safety regulations. tion. The unions reminded the FRA of The unions also noted that their duty Continued on page 3 • “Discounting our safety concerns because we fight to preserve jobs and earnings is the most extreme form of double standard, given the profit-seeking goal of the industry underlying its support of automation it may advocate.” – Rail Brotherhood Joint Statement

BLET President’s Message California SLB Meeting Ohio, Missouri SLB Meetings Building strength Chairman Ryan Snow elected Ohio’s Price elected to first term; from the ground up pg. 2 to second term pg. 4 Groose new Chair in Mo. pg. 5 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 Building strength from the ground up s many of you know settled a member’s wrongly de- from having met nied claim; taking hard earned with me in the field, money back from the railroad getting to know our and putting it into the member’s rankA and file members on a one- pocket, where it belonged. to-one basis is a top priority for The BLET National Division me as your National President. is here to help those who are As I write this message for our elected. Our Education and May 2018 issue of the Locomo- Training Department helps our tive Engineers and Trainmen newly-elected Division officers News, I am energized from hav- get the training they need in or- ing attended BLET State Legis- der to succeed. Our specialized lative Board meetings in Michi- training classes can help the new- gan, California, Ohio and est Local Chairman learn to be Missouri, as well as a meeting of successful in representing mem- BLET’s Western General Chair- bers during investigations. Leg- men’s Association. It is always islative Representatives learn how invigorating to participate in to effectively lobby legislators and Brotherhood events where the President Pierce addresses delegates attending the to guide worker-friendly bills membership is so actively in- California State Legislative Board’s quadrennial meeting in April. through the halls of government. volved and dedicated to the each and every month. ally get their first chance to get leaders. This bottom-up struc- Secretary-Treasurers learn the union movement. It’s important to remember involved at the ground level of ture is the foundation of our proper way to handle dues re- I have worked very hard to be that our Brotherhood is a mem- union involvement. The desire of strength today and the basis of porting and how to file the nec- accessible to all members because ber-run and member-led organi- these proud Brothers and Sisters our success in the future. essary paperwork to keep their it enables me to better under- zation. As such, our success de- to make a difference and to make When I first became a Local financial records in order. More stand what is going on in the in- pends on the membership being our Union stronger is the back- Chairman, it was because I was advanced courses are offered to dustry through your experienc- involved, and more importantly, bone of our Organization, and it tired of the way I was being treat- officers with more experience. es. This is one of the most requires that a sufficient number is also what makes us different ed by the railroad, and thought With Local Division triennial important parts of my job, be- of members be involved as offi- from most other organizations. I could make a difference. I was elections just months away, now cause we are at our strongest as cers of each Local Division. There is no CEO in a labor told that I was too young, that I is the time for the next generation a Union when more and more With the Brotherhood’s trien- union who selects the next gen- didn’t have enough seniority, and of union members to step up and members become directly in- nial Local Division elections com- eration of the union’s young of- when I got elected I was tested make their contribution to the volved in our shared future. ing up later this year, I would en- ficers; it is the members who by members who did not sup- Brotherhood’s 155-year-old re- One of the best ways to be courage you to be involved in the own that right. There also is no port me. None of that dimin- cord of distinguished service. I involved with your Union is to process to ensure that your Local top down directive as to who ished my support of the Union strongly urge you to be a part of be involved in the activities of Division fills all officers’ positions should hold key positions in our movement, or my desire to do that process. your Local Division. This is with the most qualified members. Local Divisions; again, it is the right by all members that I rep- where the ground level democ- This local election process is membership’s right to select resented. I still remember the Dennis R. Pierce racy of our union is exercised where energetic members gener- their own representatives and pride I felt the first time that I BLET National President BLET CELEBRATES 155TH ANNIVERSARY he Brotherhood of Locomotive miles each month, regardless of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) time consumed. (BLE) was adopted at the first national T proudly marked its 155th anni- The BLET was the first labor organi- convention held in Indianapolis in Au- versary on May 9. The union was found- zation to obtain contracts with railroads. gust 1864. ed as the Brotherhood of the Footboard Among the earliest was an agreement Greater safety on the job and great- on May 8, 1863 in Marshall, Mich. In with the former New York Central in er safety for the shipping and travel- 1864, the union changed its name to 1875. Today, the BLET has hundreds of ing public have always been BLET’s Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers contracts with railroads large and small, goals. Legislative activities by the BLET (BLE), the name it retained for 140 years and represents locomotive engineers and other rail unions have resulted in until merging with the International on 98 percent of rail trackage in the the Locomotive Inspection Act and stat- Brotherhood of Teamsters on Jan. 1, United States. utes requiring the use of air brakes, 2004, when it became the BLET. The In the three decades before the found- automatic couplers, electric headlights, BLET is the oldest labor union in the ing of the BLET, locomotive engineers power-reverse gears and other tech- Western Hemisphere. suffered abominable working conditions. nological improvements. The BLET was The organization was formed in The 24-hour workday was common- 19 men of the craft together at his home elected Robinson as their Grand Chief again at the forefront in persuading the early 1860s when locomotive en- place. Railroad magnates ran roughshod in Marshall, Mich., and inspired them to Engineer (president), and named the Congress to include implementation of gineers on the Michigan Central Rail- over employees. Strikes were merciless- found the organization, which survives group the Brotherhood of the Foot- Positive Train Control technology to road became discouraged with pay ly crushed. today. A monument marking the event board. By August 1863, 10 Divisions make the rail industry safer and more cuts and the dismissal of their firemen. Several attempts to organize locomo- still stands in Marshall. had been established — Detroit and efficient, and important whistleblower During that time, locomotive engineers tive engineers were made between 1855 At a meeting in Detroit the follow- Marshall, Mich.; Michigan City, Ind.; provisions to protect workers who re- at the Michigan Central were paid at and 1860. It wasn’t until April 1863, how- ing month, a dozen men agreed to tie Adrian, Mich.; Norwalk, Ohio; two in port unsafe conditions while on duty, the rate of $60 a month on the con- ever, that William D. Robinson, a Michi- their destinies together. They cement- Chicago, Ill.; Lafayette, Ind.; Crestline, in the Railroad Safety Improvement dition that they ran at least 2,500 gan Central locomotive engineer, brought ed a common bond on May 8, 1863, Ohio; and La Porte, Ind. The name Act of 2008. • 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 require 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,O 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. • MAY 2018 3

GENERAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY JAMES P. HOFFA Workers Need a Way to Rise Up he falling U.S. unemploy- more investment is needed in edu- ment rate is not creating a cation and worker training. path to prosperity for low- Unfortunately, too many elected of- wage workers who continue ficials seem to be ignoring these facts. toT struggle to make ends meet. They relish the latest job numbers even A recent staff report by the Fed- though they do little to improve the eral Reserve Bank of New York finds quality of life for their constituents. that the nation’s 65 million workers Meanwhile, families continue to strug- currently scraping by in low-paying gle to keep a roof over their heads. service jobs have few ladders to ca- That’s why some are demanding reer success. As technology and glo- change. This week, pro-worker advo- balization have increasingly taken cates announced a plan to recreate hold, many traditional middle-class the “Poor People’s Campaign,” which jobs that used to support a family Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was plan- have vanished. ning at the time of his death in 1968. The result is workers in low-wage While the campaign went forward jobs are more likely to become unem- later that summer without him, the ployed or exit that workforce than loss of the movement’s leader under- move into a better-paying job. Only mined the effort. about five percent will be able to find The Teamsters have spent much of a job that allows them to enter the the first half of 2018 reviving its role as American middle class. a supporter of MLK’s legacy to bring As the document notes, the coun- dignity to working Americans. It’s time try’s economy would be functioning for pro-worker advocates to join togeth- properly if workers were moving from er to show there is strength in numbers. low-wage jobs to better paying op- portunities. Instead, too many hard- Fraternally, working Americans are getting trapped in such employment, with James P. Hoffa nowhere else to go. It’s a sign that Teamsters General President

The result is workers in low-wage jobs are more likely to become unemployed or exit that workforce than move into a better-paying job. Only about five percent will be able to find a job that allows them to enter the American middle class.

fined benefit retirement plan plummeted from Rail industry 28% in 1979 to just 2% in 2014, a period dur- automation comments ing which increases in productivity far out- NS sues its own Continued from page 1 • stripped increases in worker compensation. “New technology does not always mean au- The unions predicted that automating a sig- employees after tomated and it is important to make distinctions nificant sector of the American economy will when and where they exist. Automation does not exacerbate these negative trends, because in- always mean fully autonomous operation, which comes from that sector are likely to decline pre- March 18 accident is why FRA needs to provide clear definitions cipitously. Further, that automating a high-wage n April 9, 2018, the Her- signal that required them “to be when it reduces the real world adoption of auto- sector or industry like the railroad industry ald-Leader newspaper prepared to stop.” The suit says mation to written regulations. FRA’s power to would produce an outsized effect on the na- in Lexington, Ky., re- the two were negligent in failing define cannot be overstated in any instance, but tional economy, and that the railroads would ported that the Norfolk to maintain a reasonable lookout, when dealing with automation the agency must suffer declines in traffic as the purchasing pow- OSouthern Railway Co. had filed suit including a watch for wayside sig- take care to understand what is being explained er of workers whose jobs are automated out of against two crew members whom nals that govern the movement of and defined, as do all the stakeholders in the in- existence disappears. it says were negligent and failed the train. dustry, in this complex arena.... We also believe As a part of its March 29 RFI, the FRA also to prevent a March 18 train crash The suit says the two men are there is no appetite on the part of the public, reg- sought comment on a list of 25 specific ques- and derailment in Georgetown, Ky. liable for damages to the railway’s ulators, employees or railroads to have a fully tions regarding automation. The unions noted The suit filed April 5 in U.S. Dis- property, including, but not lim- automated system,” the unions wrote. that many of those questions because they could trict Court in Lexington says the ited to, damages to the locomo- The unions also warned that what wide- only be answered by the rail carriers, and they locomotive engineer and conduc- tives, rail cars, tracks, right of way, spread replacement of human labor by au- reserved the right to request an extension of tor failed to reduce the speed of the communications and signal equip- tonomous technology could create severe so- the May 7 deadline in order to have reasonable moving southbound train and pre- ment, expenses related to getting cietal disadvantages. They pointed out that time to review and comment on the rail indus- vent the collision with a stopped the train and car back on the track, hourly inflation-adjusted wages received by try responses. • northbound train. transporting the locomotives for the typical worker have barely risen, grow- The crash damaged two NS lo- repair, and damages for loss of use ing only 0.2% per year since the 1970s, and A copy of the 26-page submission is comotives and caused the derail- of the locomotives and rail cars. that the percentage of private-sector workers available at: www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/ ment of 13 rail cars. The suit says (Reporting from the Lexington Her- participating in an employment-based de- Joint_Labor_Comments_050718.pdf the two crew members ignored a ald-Leader) • SIGN UP FOR BLET NEWS FLASHES! Stay up-to-date with the latest Broth- sion website that are automatically gin receiving the most current news Register at erhood news by going to the BLET web- emailed to you. from the BLET National Division. www.ble-t.org to site and signing up to receive BLET To register online, just go to It is a great way to keep informed get Brotherhood News Flash alerts via email. www.ble-t.org/newsflash. On this on the most recent issues impacting news emailed to you The News Flash alerts are news ar- page, you will find an area to enter your your job, your contract and your ticles from the BLET National Divi- email address and click subcribe to be- Brotherhood. 4 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

Ryan Snow reelected to second term as Chairman of California State Legislative Board yan K. Snow was elected to his first full term as Chairman of the California State Legisla- tive Board during the Board’s 8th quadrennial session in Lake Tahoe, Calif., April 24-26, 2018. RA member of BLET Division 126 in Bakersfield, Calif., Brother Snow is a Union Pacific locomotive engineer. He first joined the Brotherhood on Decem- ber 1, 1999. He hired out with the Union Pacific at Bakersfield, Calif., in 1998 and earned promotion to locomotive engineer in 1999, learning from former Vice Chair- man Ron Marney. Brother Snow was elect- ed to the office of 1st Vice Chairman at the California State Legislative Board’s Officers, members and guests attend the California State 2010 quadrennial meeting and was re- Legislative Board’s quadrennial meeting in Lake Tahoe, April 25, 2018. Chairman Snow addresses delegates elected by acclamation in 2014. Brother Snow began serving his first term as mara, Division 283 (Oakland, Calif.); Chad Snow and all officers of the California gion Seven Chief Inspector Mark Gallegos; Chairman following the retirement of E. Castagnetti, Division 800 (Portola, Ca- State Legislative Board,” President Pierce and Brian Lewis and John Herriman of Timothy L. Smith on January 31, 2017. lif.); Lon Simmons, Division 660 (Los An- said. “I thank them for making time in the National Association of Retired and Also elected during the quadrennial geles); Christopher J. Delgado, Division their busy lives to serve our Brotherhood, Veteran Railway Employees (NARVRE). session were: 1st Vice Chairman John 415 (Roseville, Calif.); and R. L. (Rick) Ro- and I have every confidence that they will Many spouses of BLET members were B. Mobley, Division 398 (San Bernardi- driquez, Division 20 (Los Angeles, Calif.). do an excellent job of representing the in- in attendance to hear the presentation no, Calif.); 2nd Vice Chairman Jose M. Three members were elected to serve terests of our members in the proud State by Kathleen Bisbikis of the BLET Aux- Vargas, Division 214 (Long Beach, Ca- on the Board’s Audit Committee: Joshua of California.” iliary, and various BLET members were lif.); and Secretary-Treasurer A. O. S. Faulkner, Division 739 (Bakersfield, Special guests included: Mathew Park- also in attendance, including Oscar A. (Tony) Langel, Division 664 (San Luis Calif.); Christopher D. Camara, Division er, Nevada State Legislative Board Chair- Burrola, Local Chairman of Division Obispo, Calif.). Brother Langel was elect- 283 (Oakland, Calif.); and Stefan Alexis, man; Brian Carr, Union Pacific-Western 839 (Richmond, Calif.). Retired Broth- ed by acclamation. Division 56 (West Colton, Calif.). Lines General Chairman; Susie Burrola, er Darrell Azarcon, the long-serving The delegates elected the following National Division officers at the meet- National 1st Vice President, BLET Aux- former First Vice Chairman of the Cal- members to serve on the Board’s Execu- ing were: National President Dennis R. iliary; and Kathleen Bisbikis, 2nd Vice ifornia State Legislative Board, was also tive Committee: R. L. (Rick) Rodriguez, Pierce; First Vice President E. Lee Pruitt; President and National Legislative Rep- in attendance. Division 20 (Los Angeles, Calif.); Jose M. and Vice President & National Legisla- resentative, BLET Auxiliary. Brother Snow is a U.S. Navy veteran, Vargas, Division 214 (Long Beach, Calif.); tive Representative John P. Tolman. Also David O. Cameron, Assistant to the Di- having proudly served from 1982-1986. He Robert J. Tuttle, Division 692 (Tracy, Ca- representing the BLET National Division rector of the Teamsters Rail Conference, and his wife Verna were married in 1987. lif.); and Joshua S. Faulkner Division 739 were: Director of Regulatory Affairs Vin- was in attendance and gave a presentation The BLET California State Legisla- (Bakersfield, Calif.). cent G. Verna; and Director of Political on the California high-speed rail project. tive Board represents nearly 3,000 ac- The following were elected to serve on and Legislative​ Affairs Robert F. Hagan. Additional guest speakers included: Fed- tive and retired members in 19 differ- the Rules Committee: Christopher D. Ca- “I am pleased to congratulate Brother eral Railroad Administration (FRA) Re- ent Divisions. •

PIERCE, PRUITT AND JOYNT ELECTED TO LEAD TEAMSTERS RAIL CONFERENCE LET National President Dennis R. Pierce of rail workers represented by the BLET and was reelected by acclamation to his BMWED,” President Pierce said. B third term as President of the Team- Teamster International Vice President John sters Rail Conference at the Rail Conference’s Murphy serves as Rail Conference Director and Fourth Quadrennial Convention in Las Vegas was on hand to address the convention delegates on May 2, 2018. and to conduct the swearing in of Brothers Pierce, BLET First Vice President E. Lee Pruitt was also Pruitt and Joynt following the election. reelected by acclamation to his third term of of- As Rail Conference President, Pierce is the fice as Vice President of the Rail Conference. principal officer of the group and is responsi- BMWED Vice President David D. Joynt was ble for conducting its day-to-day affairs. He also elected by acclamation to the office of Rail also presides over meetings of the Rail Confer- Conference Secretary-Treasurer. He replaces ence Policy Committee and all meetings of the Perry Geller, who has announced his retirement Conference. later this year. Brother Geller was recognized The Teamsters Rail Conference represents by the delegates, officers and guests in atten- more than 70,000 rail workers employed as dance at the convention for his 12 years of ser- locomotive engineers, trainmen and mainte- vice as Rail Conference Secretary-Treasurer. nance of way workers across the United States “Brother Pruitt, Brother Joynt and I are all as members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive honored to serve the Teamsters Rail Confer- Engineers and Trainmen and Brotherhood of ence, and I look forwardto advancing the causes Maintenance of Way Employes Division. • From left: John Murphy, David Joynt, Dennis Pierce and Lee Pruitt MAY 2018 5

Tim Price reelected Ohio State Legislative Board Chairman imothy T. Price was elected by acclamation to his first full term as Chairman of the Ohio State Legislative Board at the Board’s 16th quadren- nial meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, AprilT 22-24, 2018. Delegates from all across the state of Ohio gathered with guests and guest speak- Officers and members attending ers from throughout the United States to the Ohio State Legislative Board’s reflect on the Ohio State Legislative Board quadrennial meeting in and BLET’s successes over the past four Columbus, Ohio, April 23, 2018. years, while delegates charted the Ohio Numerous special guests representing var- SLB’s course for the future. Members and guests of the Ohio State Legislative Board ious BLET General Committees of Adjust- “Our delegates gathered with excite- on a tour of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. ​ ment and State Legislative Boards were ment and resolve to continue the fight for meeting were: 1st Vice Chairman Tom Da- Director of Political and Legislative​ Af- also in attendance. Rail Labor, our members and their fami- vis, Division 511 (Portsmouth, Ohio); 2nd fairs, was also in attendance. Brother Hagan On the first day of the session, delegates, lies,” Brother Price said. Vice Chairman Kevin McGinty, Division is a member of BLET Division 757 and spouses, and guests participated in the A Norfolk Southern locomotive engi- 3 (Cleveland, Ohio); Secretary-Treasurer served for many years as an elected offi- Ohio SLB’s inaugural visit and tour of the neer, Brother Price is a member of BLET Brian D. Garrison, Division 306 (Crest- cial in the both the Ohio House of Repre- Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. They Division 607 (Cleveland, Ohio). He has line, Ohio); and Alternate Secretary-Trea- sentatives and the Ohio State Senate. were met by: Ohio House Representative held continuous BLET membership since surer Luke Tuckerman, Division 4 (Tole- “I am proud to thank and congratulate Michelle Lepore-Hagan, District 58 December 1, 1993. In 2006, he was elected do, Ohio). Brother Garrison was reelected Brother Price and all officers and mem- (Youngstown, Ohio), who is the wife of 2nd Vice Chairman of the Ohio State Leg- by acclamation. bers of the Ohio State Legislative Board,” BLET member Bob Hagan; and John Pat- islative Board, moving up to 1st Vice Chair- Representing the BLET National Divi- President Pierce said. “I am sure they will terson, Ohio House Representative, Dis- man a short time later. He was re-elected sion at the meeting were: National Presi- do an excellent job of representing our trict 99. Representative Lepore-Hagan dis- by acclamation to the office of 1st Vice dent Dennis R. Pierce; 1st Vice President members in Ohio and educating elected cussed the importance of rail legislation Chairman in 2010 and 2014. In 2015, Broth- E. Lee Pruitt; National Secretary-Treasur- officials regarding railroad safety and oth- currently in the House and Senate and the er Price was elevated to the office of Ohio er Stephen J. Bruno; and Vice President er issues of importance to the BLET.” process of educating the BLET member- State Legislative Board Chairman. and National Legislative Representative Delegates also heard from BLET Aux- ship in contacting their District Represen- Also elected during the quadrennial John P. Tolman. Robert F. Hagan, BLET iliary National President Sereena Hogan. tatives and Senators as to how they should vote on these issues. Representative Pat- terson spoke on a brief history of the Ohio House of Representatives and their proce- dures while in session. “It was a fantastic experience for all of us,” Brother Price said. The Ohio State Legislative Board is com- prised of 22 BLET Divisions and repre- sents approximately 2,700 active and re- tired members. • Groose elected Chairman of Missouri State Legislative Board alvin L. Groose was elect- ed the new Chairman of the Missouri State Legisla- tive Board at its quadrenni- al meeting in Jefferson, Mo., May 6-8, 2018. CBrother Groose is a Union Pacific lo- comotive engineer and member of BLET Division 609 in Jefferson City, Mo. He has held continuous membership in the Broth- erhood since January 1, 2000. He replac- es outgoing Chairman Brian P. Kelley, who did not seek reelection due to his From left: Bob Burns, Missouri House pending retirement. Brother Groose was of Representatives; Calvin Groose, elected to serve on the Board’s Executive Officers, members and guests attending the Missouri new Missouri SLBC; and Brian Kelley, Committee in 2010 and again in 2014. State Legislative Board’s quadrennial meeting in Jefferson, Mo., May 7, 2018. outgoing Missouri SLBC Also elected at the quadrennial meet- (Slater, Mo.); and Michael A. McGill, Di- a pleasure to work with him over the years May 7. On May 8, the Board concluded ing were: 1st Vice Chairman Steven C. vision 42 (St. Louis, Mo.). and I thank him for his years of distin- its meeting by visiting the State Capitol Gillett, Division 107 (St. Joseph, Mo.); Representing the BLET National Di- guished service to our union. On behalf where several Brothers climbed the 200- and 2nd Vice Chairman Michael A. Mc- vision at the meeting were: National Pres- of the entire BLET, I wish Brian Kelley a plus stairs to the top of the dome before Gill, Division 42 (St. Louis, Mo.). Re- ident Dennis R. Pierce; 1st Vice President long, happy and healthy retirement. You heading back to their respective homes elected by acclamation were: Secretary- E. Lee Pruitt; National Secretary-Trea- have earned it, Brother!” around the Show-Me State. Treasurer Tim L. Morgan, Division 86 surer Stephen J. Bruno; Vice President Special guests included: Pat Pfiefer, Ne- “Although the quadrennial only ran (Moberly, Mo.); and Alternate Secretary- and National Legislative Representative braska State Legislative Board Chairman; for about 42 hours total, it was a very pro- Treasurer William D. Honeycutt, Divi- John P. Tolman; and Vice President Cole and Tyler Jones, Kansas State Legislative ductive and festive event filled with ca- sion 285 (Thayer, Mo.). Elected to serve W. Davis. Board Chairman. Brother Pfeifer and maraderie and brotherhood,” outgoing on the Executive Committee were: Bri- “I am proud to congratulate Brother Brother Jones acted as parliamentarians Chairman Kelley said. “Thank you to all an J. Young, Division 48 (St. Louis, Mo.); Groose and all officers of the Missouri for the business portion of the meeting. who attended. I commend you for your and Alan J. Primanzon, Division 83 State Legislative Board,” President Pierce The Missouri State Legislative Board’s dedication and involvement to our Union (Springfield, Mo.). said. “They will have their work cut out 2018 quadrennial meeting in Jefferson and our Board.” The following Brothers were elected for them, but I have every confidence in City began with an “ice breaker” wel- The Missouri State Legislative Board to serve on the Auditing Committee: Jef- their ability to rise to the challenges that come reception/pizza dinner on May 6, represents more than 2,000 active and re- frey M. Gassen, Division 502 (Kansas lie ahead. Also, I wish all the best to out- followed by a full day of business con- tired BLET members in 22 different Di- City, Mo.); J.S. (Shawn) Early, Division 8 going Chairman Brian Kelley. It has been ducted by the delegates and officers on visions. • 6 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

Disability annuities for railroad employees he Railroad Retirement Act met if the employee worked for a rail- an employee has social security or rail- the third month after dialysis treatment provides disability annuities road in at least 12 of the 30 months im- road retirement earnings credits in 20 begins, or earlier under certain condi- for railroaders who become mediately preceding his or her annuity calendar quarters in a period of 40 con- tions. The Social Security Administra- totally or occupationally dis- beginning date. secutive quarters ending in, or after, the tion usually has jurisdiction of Medicare abled. Medicare coverage be- If an employee does not qualify for quarter in which the disability began. for those eligible on the basis of perma- fore age 65 is also available for totally dis- a current connection on this basis, but Unlike the two-tier annuities payable nent kidney failure. Tabled employees and those suffering from has 12 months of service in an earlier to a 10-year employee, disability annui- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or 30-month period, he or she may still ties payable to five-year employees are Do the railroad retirement chronic kidney disease. meet the current connection require- initially limited to a tier I social security disability annuity requirements The following questions and answers ment. This alternative generally applies equivalent benefit; a tier II benefit is not 6include a waiting period similar to the describe these disability benefits, their if the employee did not have any regu- payable in these cases until the employee one required for social security requirements, and how to apply for them. lar employment outside the railroad in- attains age 62. And, the employee’s tier II disability benefits? dustry after the end of the last 30-month benefit will be reduced for early retire- Yes. A five-month waiting period be- How do railroad retirement period which included 12 months of ment in the same manner as the tier II ginning with the month after the month provisions for total disability and railroad service, and before the month benefit of an employee who retired on the of the disability’s onset is required before 1occupational disability differ? the annuity begins. Full or part-time basis of age, rather than disability, at age railroad retirement disability annuity A total disability annuity is based work for a nonrailroad employer in the 62 with less than 30 years of service. payments can begin. However, an appli- on disability for all regular work and is interval between the end of the last cant need not wait until this five-month payable at any age to employees with at 30-month period including 12 months How do the standards for total period is over to file for benefits. least 10 years (120 months) of creditable of railroad service, and the month an disability and occupational An employee can be in compensated railroad service and, under certain con- employee’s annuity begins, can break a 3disability differ? service while filing a disability applica- ditions, to employees with 5 to 9 years of current connection. An employee is considered to be total- tion provided that the compensated ser- creditable railroad service after 1995. ly disabled if medical evidence shows a vice is not active service and terminates An occupational disability annuity Under what conditions can physical and/or mental impairment pre- within 90 days from the date of filing. is based on disability for the employee›s disabled employees with 5 to 9 venting the performance of any regular When an employee files a disability ap- regular railroad occupation and is pay- 2years of service be eligible for railroad and gainful work. An employee is con- plication while still in compensated ser- able at age 60 if the employee has 10 retirement disability annuities? sidered to be occupationally disabled if a vice, it will be necessary for the employee years (120 months) of railroad service, Employees with 5 to 9 years of ser- physical and/or mental impairment pre- to provide a specific ending date of the or at any age if the employee has at least vice after 1995, if at least 5 years were af- vents the employee from performing the compensation. 20 years (240 months) of service. A cur- ter 1995, may qualify for an annuity based duties of his or her regular railroad oc- Compensated service includes not rent connection with the railroad in- on total, but not occupational, disability cupation, even though the employee may only compensation with respect to ac- dustry is also required for an occupa- if they have a disability insured status un- be able to perform other kinds of work. tive service performed by an employee tional disability annuity. The current der social security law. A disability in- An employee’s regular occupation is gen- for an employer, but also includes pay connection requirement is normally sured status is generally established when erally that particular work he or she has for time lost, wage continuation pay- performed for hire in more calendar ments, certain employee protection pay- months, which may or may not be con- ments and any other payment for which secutive, than any other work during the the employee will receive additional cred- Like Us On FacebOOk last five years; or that work which was itable service. performed for hire in at least one-half of all the months, which must be consecu- What documentation is required tive, in which the employee worked for when filing for a railroad hire during the last 15 years. 7retirement disability annuity? Employees filing for disability an- How does the amount of a nuities are required to submit medical railroad retirement disability evidence supporting their claim. Ap- annuity4 compare to a social security plicants should be prepared to furnish disability benefit? dates of hospitalization, names and dos- Disabled railroad workers retiring di- ages of medication, names of doctors, rectly from the railroad industry at the etc. Applicants may also be asked to end of fiscal year 2017 were awarded al- take special medical examinations giv- most $2,920 a month on the average, while en by a doctor named by the RRB. If a awards for disabled workers under social disability applicant is receiving work- LECMPA security averaged over $1,295. ers’ compensation or public disability benefits, notice of such payments must When is early Medicare coverage be submitted. job insurance is your available for the disabled? Sources of medical evidence for rail- 5In general, Medicare coverage before road retirement disability purposes may age 65 may begin after a disabled em- include, but are not limited to, the ap- ticket to value. ployee annuitant has been entitled to plicant’s railroad employer, personal phy- monthly benefits based on total disabil- sician and hospital, the Social Security ity for at least 24 months and has a dis- Administration, or the agency paying • No money down to start policy, ability insured status under social se- workers’ compensation or public disabil- curity law. There is no 24-month ity benefits. This evidence generally discounts for annual and semi- waiting period for those who have ALS should not be more than 12 months old. annual payment (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also In addition, proof of age and proof of known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The fact any military service credit claimed and • Claim payments are deposited to that an employee is initially awarded a description of past work activity will your account every week an occupational disability annuity does also be required. not preclude early Medicare coverage, • You are paid up to your policy if the employee’s physical and/or men- What is the best way to apply for a limit even if you sign a waiver tal condition is such that he or she is railroad retirement disability totally disabled. 8annuity or early Medicare coverage? • Receive your full daily benefit if Medicare coverage on the basis of per- Applications for railroad retirement you are decertified and decline manent kidney failure requiring dialysis disability annuities are generally filed or a kidney transplant is available not only at one of the RRB’s field offices, or at to exercise your seniority to employee annuitants, but also to em- one of the office’s Customer Outreach ployees who have not retired but meet Program (CORP) service locations, or certain minimum service requirements, by telephone and mail. However, ap- (800) 514-0010 as well as spouses and dependent chil- plications by railroad employees for dren. For those suffering from chronic early Medicare coverage on the basis www.lecmpa.org kidney disease, coverage may begin with of kidney disease have to be filed with Transportation workers protecting each other since 1910 MAY 2018 7

an office of the Social Security Admin- ported promptly to avoid overpayments, istration, rather than the RRB. which are recoverable by the RRB and To expedite filing for a railroad re- may also include penalties. STB investigates as tirement disability annuity, disabled em- ployees or a family member should call, Does employment with a rail write, or send a secure message via Field labor organization affect shippers complain of Office Locator to the agency›s nearest 10eligibility for a disability annuity? field office to schedule an appointment. Payment of an employee’s disability For the appointment, claimants should annuity cannot begin earlier than the deteriorating rail service bring in any medical evidence in their day after the employee stops working in n March 16, 2018, the Sur- local service performance, service de- possession and any medical records they compensated service for any railroad face Transportation Board mand, communication strategies, and ca- can secure from their treating sources, employer, including labor organizations. (STB) requested that all pacity constraints. The STB said it was such as their regular physician. Employ- Such work includes service for more than Class I railroads provide “increasingly concerned” about the state ees who are unable to personally visit an $24.99 in a calendar month to a local their service outlook plans of freight rail service in the U.S. RRB office or meet an RRB representa- lodge or division of a railway labor or- in the near term and for the remainder of “In recent weeks, the Board has be- tive at a CORP service location may re- ganization. Also, work by a local lodge 2018O due to increased concerns over de- come increasingly concerned about the quest special assistance, such as having or division secretary collecting insur- teriorating service. overall state of rail service based on the an agency representative come to a hos- ance premiums, regardless of the amount One shipper’s association accused rail- weekly data collected by the Board pur- pital or the employee›s home. RRB per- of salary, is railroad work which must roads of trying to impress Wall Street in- suant to 49 C.F.R. pt. 1250,” the STB sonnel can assist disabled employees with be stopped. vestors rather than investing in their train wrote. “Although there are exceptions, their applications and advise them on crews and networks. In a March 10 letter most Class I railroads’ data indicate that how to obtain any additional medical Must an employee relinquish to the STB, the National Grain and Feed service is deteriorating, while system evidence required, or any other neces- employment rights in order to Association complained about deterio- average dwell time has climbed. For sary documents or records. receive11 a disability annuity? rating rail service due to lack of locomo- those same railroads, other key met- An employee can be in compensated, tives and train crews. rics-such as the average number of cars Can an individual continue to but non-active, service while filing a dis- “[T]here is a fundamental concern in revenue service that have not moved receive an employee disability ability annuity application as long as the among rail customers that the underlying in 48 hours or more-are trending in an 9annuity even if he or she does some compensated service terminates within root cause of these service... issues is Class unfavorable direction. The Board’s Rail work after it begins? 90 days from the date of filing. However, I railroads’ aggressive effort to reduce their Customer and Public Assistance Staff Special earnings rules apply to disabil- in order for a supplemental annuity to be operating ratios to impress Wall Street in- will begin holding weekly calls with ity annuitants and they are more strin- paid or for an eligible spouse to begin re- vestors and shareholders. This, in turn, these carriers.” gent than those that apply to annuitants ceiving benefits, a disability annuitant has resulted in the systemic shedding of STB leadership requested that each who have retired on the basis of age and under full retirement age must relinquish resources by Class I carriers, including lo- Class I railroad carrier to provide a writ- service. Disability annuities are not pay- employment rights. comotives and crews, that has degraded ten response related to their respective able for any month in which the annui- service to unacceptable levels, and result- outlooks for rail operations across their tant earns more than $920 in 2018 in any How can individuals get more ed in virtually non-existent surge capac- networks to address various issues related employment or self-employment, exclu- information about disability ity to meet rail customers’ needs.” to rail service adequacy, including: loco- sive of work-related expenses. Withheld 12annuities? The STB asked for information about motive availability; employee resources; payments will be restored if earnings for More information is available under each railroad’s network, including loco- local service performance; demand; com- 2018 are less than $11,500 after deduction the Benefits tab (Disability). Field Of- motive availability, employee resources, munication; and capacity restraints. • of disability-related work expenses. Fail- fice Locator provides easy access to any ure to report such earnings could involve field office web page where the street a significant penalty charge. address and other service information These disability work restrictions is posted, as well as the option to con- Brotherhood’s Relief cease upon a disabled employee annu- tact the office directly by using the fea- itant’s attainment of full retirement age ture labeled send a secure message. The and Compensation Fund (age 65 for those born before 1938 to agency’s toll-free number (1-877-772- age 67 for those born in 1960 or later). 5772) is equipped with an automated This transition is effective no earlier menu offering a variety of service op- A Not-For-Profit Organization Established in 1912 than full retirement age, even if the an- tions which include finding the street The BR&CF is not an insurance company nuitant had 30 years of service. Earn- address for a local field office, hearing ings deductions continue to apply to general information about benefits, and BR&CF Officers and Directors are Railroaders annuitants working for their last pre- being transferred to an office to speak 170 years of railroad experience retirement nonrailroad employer. with a representative or leave a mes- If a disabled annuitant works before sage. Most RRB field offices are open full retirement age, this may also raise to the public on weekdays from 9:00 New Members Start with 150 Days of Benefit Eligibility a question about the possibility of that a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except on Wednes- Maximum of 365 days after 5 years of beneficial membership individual’s recovery from disability, days when offices are open from 9:00 regardless of the amount of earnings. a.m. to noon. All RRB offices are closed Lowest Membership Dues in the Industry Consequently, any earnings must be re- on Federal holidays. • $50,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit Applicable while on duty only

News Briefs Lump Sum “Retirement” Benefit BEGEMAN BECOMES STB CHAIR HOMENDY NOMIATED $500 for the first 10 years of membership and $50 for each year thereafter On March 20, 2018, the White House desig- TO SERVE ON NTSB nated Ann Begeman chair of the Surface Trans- In mid-April, the White House announced its Education Scholarships portation Board (STB). A Republican, Begeman intention to nominate Jennifer L. Homendy to serve 20 scholarships of $1,000 awarded each year is serving her second five-year term on the STB, a five-year term on the National Transportation following her nomination by President Barack Safety Board (NTSB). She currently serves as Dem- DAILY BENEFIT Obama on December 7, 2016, and her unani- ocratic Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Rail- $100/*$102 $150 $200/*$201 $250/*$252 LEVEL mous confirmation by the U.S. Senate of Decem- roads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the ber 9, 2016. Her current term will expire on De- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, BR&CF cember 31, 2020. U.S. House of Representatives, a position she has $45.00 $67.50 $90.00 $112.50 Monthly Dues held since 2004. She advises members of Con- CLASS I EMPLOYMENT gress on legislation involving railroads, the safe- *LE&CMPA #16 $59.50 $87.50 $117.25 $147.00 UP A BIT IN MID-APRIL ty of oil and natural gas pipelines, and the trans- Monthly Premium As of mid-April, U.S. Class railroads employed portation of hazardous materials. She is certified 145,959 workers, up 0.59 percent since mid-March, by the International Association of Fire Fighters SMART - TD (UTU) Not $96.00 $144.00 $192.00 but down 2.11 percent compared with April 2017, on Core HazMat Operations and Missions-Specif- Monthly Assessment Offered according to Surface Transportation Board data. ic PPE and Product Control. From 1999 to 2004, All but one employment category — professional she was a Legislative Representative for the Inter- and administrative — reflected slight increases in national Brotherhood of Teamsters. Prior to that, the workforce on a month-over month basis. The Ms. Homendy worked for the Transportation Trades apply today – www.brcf.org number of transportation employees (train and en- Department, AFL-CIO, the American Iron and Steel (Initial 2 months of membership provided at no cost) gine) was up 0.99 percent to 60,891 when com- Institute, and the National Federation of Indepen- dent Business. • pared to mid-March 2018. Call the BR&CF at (717) 657-1890 if you have any questions! MAY 2018 8

Advisory Board April 2018 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; Gen- Northern NO & Longview Switch, Portland Terminal; On duty at home office; General office duties, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road eral supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Correspondence and telephone commu- telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; UP General Chairman’s update passenger nications; Supervision of Office Administration; General Supervision of Special Representatives; extra, Long Beach, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA; Vacation; Advisory Board and Rail Conference Independence, Ohio 44131 President, Teamsters Rail Conference; Policy Committee, Teamsters Rail Conference; CEO meet- mtgs., Las Vegas. ing, BNSF, Fort Worth, Texas; Ohio State Legislative Board mtg., Columbus, Ohio; California State VICE PRESIDENT GIL GORE: Assigned to all CSX; Grand Trunk Western; Union Pacific-Southern BLET Publications Committee: Legislative Board mtg., Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Advisory Board and Rail Conference mtgs., Las Vegas. Region GCA special assignment; Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) issues, CSXT; General office Dennis R. Pierce, National President FIRST VICE PRESIDENT E.L. (LEE) PRUITT: National Duties include but not limited to: Shortline duties, paperwork, correspondence, emails, telephone calls, etc.; Assist GC Kerley, IDRR agreement; E. “Lee” Pruitt, First Vice President & Alternate President Organizing Dept.; Trainmen’s Dept.; National Publications Committee; National Legislative Board; CSXT and GTW paperwork; Time Limits; FDV CD to SBRR; Conference call; IRR ratification mtg., Stephen J. Bruno, National Secretary-Treasurer Teamsters Rail Conference Policy Committee; PRAC; and National Negotiations; National duties, Sullivan, Ind.; Rail Conference and Advisory Board mtgs., Las Vegas. John P. Tolman, Vice President & National Legislative Rep. Independence, Ohio; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. PRIESTER: Assigned to all BNSF (former ATSF, former C&S, John V. Bentley Jr., Director of Public Relations & Editor Ohio State Legislative Board mtg., Columbus, Ohio; California State Legislative Board mtg., Lake CRI&P, FWD, former STL-SF, BNSF/MRL), Panhandle Northern, Missouri & North Arkansas, Tahoe, Calif.; Rail Conference and Advisory Board mtgs., Las Vegas. Bill Joyce, Art Director & Associate Editor Montana Rail Link, Great Western; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence com- www.ble-t.org (216) 241-2630 NATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER STEPHEN J. BRUNO: General supervision of Accounting munications, etc.; Santa Fe Secretary-Treasurers workshops, BNSF, Phoenix, Ariz. And Fort Worth, Dept., Record Dept., Online Services Dept., Tax Compliance Dept.; Safety Task Force; PAC and FEC Texas; MRL contract negotiations, assist GC LaPrath, Billings, Mont.; PLB 7771 Executive Session COPYRIGHT 2018, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED reports and filings; Implementation and training for BLET membership database/Union Track; Pen- conference call w/ Arbitrator Myers and BNSF LR, Henderson; Advisory Board and Rail Conference VOLUME 32 NUMBER 5 May 2018 sion, STD, 457 plan Trustee; Division, General Committee and SLB monthly Trustee reports; Mtgs. mtgs., Las Vegas. with vendors and financial institutions; Union Track issues, testing, status updates, etc.; Triennial VICE PRESIDENT COLE W. DAVIS: Assigned to: Kansas City Southern (MidSouth Rail, SouthRail, LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) election planning and oversight issues; Ohio State Legislative Board mtg., Columbus, Ohio; Vaca- Gateway Western, Illinois & Midland), Texas Mexican Rwy.; CP Rail System/US (Indiana South- is published monthly by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, tion; Rail Conference and Advisory Board mtgs., Las Vegas.; BNSF online training class. ern, Iowa, Chicago & Eastern, Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern); Springfield Terminal (St. Lawrence 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131 VICE PRESIDENT & NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. TOLMAN: Assigned & Atlantic, Delaware & Hudson), Louisville & Indiana, Huron & Eastern; General office duties, to BLET Washington, DC office; General office duties, telephone and correspondence communica- telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; DM&E and CP issues, assist GC Semenek; USPS: 0002-244 ISSN: 0898-8625 tions; Presentation on autonomous vehicles by Duke University Dr. Cummings, Washington, D.C.; Soo Line contract issues, assist GC Semenek; Mid South and I&M issues, assist GC Craddock; W&LE Ohio State Legislative Board mtg., Columbus, Ohio; California State Legislative Board mtg., Lake mediation/arbitration, assist GC Fannon, Chicago; D&H and Springfield Terminal issues, assist GC POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tahoe, Calif.; Attended Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee confirmation Moore; Tex Mex issues, assist GC Heise; KCS issues, assist GC Spradlin; Louisville & Indiana issues, Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Record Department, hearing on Patrick J. Fuchs, Washington, D.C.; OneRail mtg., Washington, D.C.; Advisory Board assist GC Hogan; WLE issues, assist GC Fannon; Division 599 mtgs. w/ GC Spradlin, Shreveport, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. 5/18 and Rail Conference mtgs., Las Vegas; Mtgs. w/ candidates for Governor and Congress, Washing- MS; Advisory Board and Rail Conference mtgs., Las Vegas. ton, D.C.; Various meetings with U.S. Senators working on rail issues; Numerous receptions and VICE PRESIDENT R.C. (RICK) GIBBONS: Assigned to: All Norfolk Southern General Commit- office visits with members of Congress and the leadership of both the GOP and Democratic parties, tees; Wheeling & Lake Erie; Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern; New York, Susquehanna & Western; Washington, D.C. New England Central; Connecticut Southern; Western New York & Pennsylvania; Indiana & Ohio; Photo of the Month: May 2018 VICE PRESIDENT MARCUS J. RUEF: Vice Chairman, National Railroad Adjustment Board RSAC/RSIA Fatigue Management Group; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence (NRAB); National Mediation Board (NMB) Arb. Adv. Forum; Department Head, BLET Arbitra- communications; Vice President duties; On duty at home office; Division 120 mtg., assist GC De- EJ&E REFLECTIONS: An Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E) locomotive (EMD SD 38) is crossing the Des Plaines River at Joliet, Ill., headed west- tion Department; Assigned to Illinois Central, Wisconsin Central, CN-Cedar River, Indiana Harbor hart, North Kansas City, Mo.; Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern mtgs., assist GC Dehart, Tampa, Fla.; Belt, Belt Railway of Chicago, Metra, GRR, Illinois RR and Union Railroad; Vacation; Assist GC Advisory Board and Rail Conference mtgs., Las Vegas. bound with a Joliet-to-BNSF Eola, Ill. transfer. Photo: taken with a Pentax K5II on October 12, 2012, by Brother Jay Norton, a member of BLET Division 404 in Chicago, Ill. Craddock, Semenek, and Balonek w/ Rule 16 issue, Metra, Chicago; Adopt awards PLB 7154, IC, VICE PRESIDENT JAMES P. LOUIS: Assigned Amtrak; Long Island Rail Road; New York & At- Chicago; Assist GC Reynolds w/ NYD, Section 6 issues and discipline issues, WC, Chicago; Assist lantic; Metro North; New Jersey Transit; PATH; SEPTA; Metra; National Division Department GC Burns w/ NRAB filing, IHB, Chicago; Assist GC Sexton w/ rules issues, LIRR, Chicago; Assist Head, Education & Training Dept.; National Division Department Head, Internal Organizing, GC Craddock w/ TA Synopsis, IC, Chicago; BNSF party pay issue, ND, Chicago; Assist GC Bangham Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Union Track mtgs. and training; Education & Training w/ approval process for TA, URR, Chicago; Rail Conference and Advisory Board mtgs., Las Vegas; issues; BLET Regional Meeting planning; BLET National Convention planning; PLB 7739, Con- Work on Circular 1-88, NRAB, Chicago. rail GCA; LIRR issues, assist GC Sexton; SEPTA issues, assist GC Hill; WNY&P investigation VICE PRESIDENT MIKE TWOMBLY: Assigned to all Union Pacific GCAs (Eastern District, North- and GCA issues, Meadville; MBCR contract talks, assist GC Kenny, Boston; SEPTA contract ern Region (former C&NW), Western Lines (Pacific Harbor Lines), Western Region (Portland talks, assist GC Hill; NY&A contract talks, assist GC Sexton; Advisory Board and Rail Confer- & Western), Central Region, Southern Region; Tacoma Belt RR, Utah RR, Longview Portland & ence mtgs., Las Vegas. Plan ahead for BLET’s Washington D.C. regional meeting he deadline for ho- Tuesday, August 14, with a tel reservations is ap- closed meeting for BLET proaching soon and members that afternoon. A TBLET members and guests are golf tournament will be held encouraged to register now for on Wednesday, August 15, the BLET’s regional meeting at the National Golf Club in at the Capital Hilton in Wash- Fort Washington, Md. There ington, D.C., which will be is an additional cost to reg- held August 13-17, 2018. ister for the golf tournament. Guests at the Washing- Non-golfers will be on their ton D.C. regional meeting own to explore the many en- will stay at the Capital Hil- tertainment options that ton (1001 16th Street NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. Washington, D.C. has to of- Washington, D.C., 20036, AUGUST 13-17,2018 fer. (800) 774-1500). BLET con- Workshops will be held vention registration as well for Local Chairmen, Secre- as hotel registration can be The Capital Hilton is sit- seum, National Museum of ington Monument. tary-Treasurers and Legisla- made through the BLET’s re- uated in the heart of Wash- American History, and the The Washington D.C. re- tive Representatives through- gional meeting website, www. ington D.C. just blocks from Smithsonian National Mu- gional meeting kicks off with out the day on Thursday, bletregionals.org. If making August 16. The BLET’s Wash- 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 the White House, the Nation- seum of Natural History. Na- registration and a welcome reservations by telephone, ington D.C. regional meeting 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 al Mall, and a multitude of tional monuments in the area reception on Monday, Au- you must mention the group significant national attrac- include the Lincoln Memo- gust 13 for those who pur- will conclude with a banquet 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 courtesy washington.org of code “BLET.” Room reserva- tions. Museums include the rial, Vietnam Veterans Me- chased tickets for the event. the evening of August 16. At- 248, or you can email: [email protected]. other electronic devices while on duty. from BLET members volunteering to contribute their tions must be made by July National Air and Space Mu- morial, National World War Opening ceremonies will tendees will travel home on • Photo: 7, 2018. seum, International Spy Mu- II Memorial, and the Wash- take place the morning of August 17. • •