Stheignalman’s Journal Volume 93 • Number 2 2nd Quarter 2012

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DIRECTORY features:

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: GEC Endorses Barack Obama for President...... 4 917 Shenandoah Shores Road Front Royal, VA 22630-6418 Members of the BRS Grand Executive Council (540) 622-6522 Fax: (540) 622-6532 [email protected] elected to unanimously endorse Barack Obama for Dan Pickett, President President of the United States. (ext. 525) • [email protected] Jerry Boles, Secretary-Treasurer (ext. 527) • [email protected] Kelly Haley, Vice President Headquarters House Republicans Take Aim at Railroad Retirement Benefits ...... 5 (ext. 524) • [email protected] John Bragg, Vice President NRAB Relco Ruling Upheld ...... 6 (ext. 524) • [email protected] The New Railroad Information Depot ...... 7 Mike Baldwin, Director of Research No Call, No Text, No Update Behind the Wheel ...... 8 (ext. 531) • [email protected] Jim Finnegan, Grand Lodge Representative Changes to PTC Regulations ...... 11 (ext. 568) • [email protected] 2012 National Agreement and Revision Packet Now Available ...... 12 Tim Tarrant, Grand Lodge Representative (ext. 565) • [email protected] Updated Locomotive Safety Standards ...... 12 Healthcare — Mobile Phone Applications Available ...... 13 WASHINGTON OFFICE: Implementation of Adjacent Track Protection Final Rule Postponed by FRA ...... 16 304 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Signalmen’s Political League ...... 17 Washington, D.C. 20003 Leonard Parker, National Legislative Director Glaucoma Awareness — Tips to Help Keep Your Health on Track! ...... 18 (202) 543-9841 • [email protected] In Memoriam — John Truett Bass ...... 19 National Labor College to Sell Campus ...... 20 FIELD OFFICES: Dennis Boston, Vice President American Income Life, National Income Life and the BRS ...... 20 Commuter, Passenger, Transit/Political Director In Memoriam — Richard C. “Dick” Howard...... 21 6523 White Post Road, Centreville, VA 20121 (703) 830-6907 • [email protected] AFL-CIO Statement on Citizens United ...... 24 Floyd Mason, Vice President East 2511 Smith Harbour Drive, Denver, NC 28037 AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement Opposing Cynical “JOBS Act” ...... 25 (704) 483-1655 • [email protected] Retail Clinic vs. Urgent Care Clinic — Comparing Convenience and Cost ...... 26 Joe Mattingly, Vice President Midwest 400 Contessa Lane, Trenton, KY 42286 A Helping Hand — The Thomson Foundation ...... 27 (270) 466-0405 • [email protected] Union Plus Credit Card ...... 27 Mark Ciurej, Vice President West Hazardous Materials Training ...... 29 8634 Crysler Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64138 (816) 313-6304 • [email protected] Letter to the Editor ...... 31 William L. Phillips, General Counsel How to Buy Union Made Tires ...... 31 100 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1605, Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 419-8170 • [email protected] Look for the Union “Bug”! ...... 36 AFL-CIO — Do Buy List ...... 37 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Railroad Committee Collaborates to Prevent Roadway Worker Fatalities...... 40 Mike Owens, Chairman 13022 County Line Road, Crown Point, IN 46307 2012 Air Force Graduation — Jared Barkemeyer ...... 41 (219) 988-2393 Napioroski Retirement and Local 60 Meeting ...... 41 Kim Poole, Secretary 1921 Adair Avenue North, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Photo Highlights from Local 18 Meeting ...... 42 (612) 247-5465 Photo Highlights from Local 71 Meeting ...... 42 Gus Demott, Member P.O. Box 888, Clinton, SC 29325 Photo Highlights from Local 1 Meeting ...... 43 (864) 938-0353 AFL-CIO — Do Not Buy ...... 44 OFFICERS EMERITUS: DEpartments: C.J. Chamberlain, President Emeritus 2901 Albert Drive, McHenry, IL 60050 From the President ...... 2 Washington Report ...... 14 The Signalman’s Journal (ISSN-0037-5020) is published quarterly by the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Railroad Retirement Questions & Answers ...... 22 917 Shenandoah Shores Road Designated Legal Counsel ...... 28 Front Royal, VA 22630-6418. Periodicals Postage Paid at Continuous Membership ...... 30 Front Royal, VA and additional offices. Benefits Directory ...... 33 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Signalman’s Journal, Obituaries ...... 34 The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630-6418. Signalman’s Store ...... 38 Subscription Rates: $10.00 per year, sold only in the Photo Contest Winners for Second Quarter 2012 ...... 45 United States and Canada. Single copy price is $3.00. COVER: Sun Maid Junction off the main line in Fresno, CA. This Canteliever Signal is maintained by the BNSF. Photo submitted by D.T. Chaparro Local 161 member. The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 1 2 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 TheSignalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter From the President A Unsafe andunhealthy environments have becomegen- they spendtheir timeandenergydefending themselves. When peopleare afraid,intimidated, orthreatened, productivity ishigh. their managersandsupervisors, When peopleenjoy theirwork andreceive respect from ronments. ferently canleadtoharassmentandhostilework envi- others even aswe respect ourselves.” Treating peopledif- respectof whatever station,deserves . We musteach respect Emerson stated,“Every humanbeing,ofwhatever origin, religion, gender, size, age,ornationality. Ralph Waldo kindness. Treat peoplethesamenomatter theirrace, ful actions. Treat peoplewithcourtesy, politeness,and You candemonstraterespect withsimple,yet power- strongare influencesinwhatwe very think,say, anddo. spiritual beliefs—whetheractively practicedornot— Culturally imprintedbeliefsand attitudes,religion and Day, LaborDay, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving). Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence on celebratingournationalpride(Martin Luther King (Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween) or selves. Holidays are basedonreligious orethnicbeliefs who cametoAmericaseekingthefreedom tobethem- the United States, we have beeninfluencedby ancestors origin orbeliefsinstilledinusthrough ourfamilies.In ers, comefrom areligious how we interactwithoth- we maymake toothersor which drive thecomments Many ofouropinions, others. courtesy. Respect alsomeansshowing considerationfor others isbasedontheconceptofproper acceptanceor diversity and tolerancefordifferences andacceptanceof work done. A“respectful workplace” isoneinwhich fairly, creating thefreedom tofocusongetting feel reasonably safeandwhere theyare treated respectful workplace isonewhere employees can and supervisors, productivity ishigh. and supervisors, R But whatisrespect, really? And, how isrespect demonstrated atwork? You know whenyou have respect, andyou know whenyou donot. of themwouldlikelyhave thedesire tobetreated withdignityandrespect. anyofyourAsk co-workers how wouldliketobetreated they atwork; most receive respect from theirmanagers When peopleenjoy theirwork and espect forWorkers sister labororganizationsof whatrespect lookslike. be ashiningexampletoRailroad Management andour ters withrespect. If we live eachday, by thisrule we can Organizations, we musttreat ourown brothers andsis- As membersofonethemost respected RailLabor protecting you from beingsomeoneelse’s target. to reduce thejob-related stress involved, foreveryone Having positive work relationships withotherscanhelp things you candotobeaco-worker otherswillrespect. ation andthelevel ofstress inyour workplace, there are workers experiencemore stress. Regardless ofyour situ- With increased pressures onthejob, you andyour co- tive andallow ustotakeprideinthework thatwe do. workplace goesalongwaytomakeourattitudesposi- ers. receiving Respect between as co-workers isjustasimportant Regardless, theemployee respect stilldeserves . he mayneedhelpinlearninghow todothejobbetter. ity thanexpected,thisshouldindicatetothemanager demeaned unnecessarily. If hiswork isoflower qual- is stillbeingcriticized, heispermittinghimselftobe of work they do. If anemployee’s work is goodand receive theydo,shouldhe negative comments abouteverything If amanager criticizes thework ofemployees using their immediatesupervisors. employees beingtreated withoutdignityandrespect by where toooftenwebe seenintheRailroad see industry erally known ashostile environments. This problem can Respect andmanagersinthe from our supervisors respect becauseheistheboss?If anemployee respect andmanag- from our supervisors

respect regardless ofthetype to betreated withdignityand is theboss?Everyone deserves better thanheisjustbecause acknowledging thatthebossis accepts criticism,istheemployee

Just as it is important to respect our co-workers, it is tions we work hard for each and every day. respect equally important to those people we come in While many of our elected officials are asking federal contact with throughout our days who are attempting employees and other middle-class workers to bear to make an honest living, support a family, and live a the burden of deficit reduction, they refuse to ask the better life. Some examples of those we may encounter wealthy to contribute a single penny and have even in the workforce might be a hotel clerk as we travel for called for new tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. work, or a server at a local restaurant, or maybe even a These elected individual’s priorities are crystal clear, nurse at your doctor’s office. All of these people are sim- and a top-notch workforce competitive with the private ply trying to make a living and enjoy life as you are, and sector is not among them. How can our elected leaders respect they definitely deserve our . show such a lack of respect for us and in turn expect us Some of the people we may encounter as we go about to vote for them, let alone respect them? our day may have been affected by the economy and America’s middle class and workers are under attack. are working in a job due to circumstances beyond their Our failed and reckless economic policies, the Wall control because their previous employer may have laid Street raid on Main Street, the coddling of millionaires them off, or even worse as we see in the Railroad envi- and billionaires, and the gaming of a tax system that ronment far too often, they may have been terminated favors big corporations and offshore tax havens — taken with no cause. They, more than ever, deserve to be together, all of these amount to an attempt to silence respect treated with . American workers and profit at their expense. Is this an There is another obstacle that can affect the respect that example of how to respect workers? workers deserve, and sometimes it can be a silent threat It is not working. What started in Wisconsin with thou- that strikes from nowhere without warning. That threat sands of union members clad in red, battling to keep comes from the political leaders of this country. the rights they earned through their collective voice, Working people everywhere — no matter what nation- has transformed into a national struggle. The stakes are ality, ethnicity, or gender — must have equal rights and high, and there is no place for bystanders. the opportunity to achieve a better life. These are the Even if some do not believe, as I do, that organized values that have carried our nation to prosperity. Today, labor is the surest path to a solid middle class and that we see a group of special interests — the 1% — who collective bargaining creates the type of shared prosper- seek to divide and weaken the collective power of work- ity we need in this country, you must join the fight for ing people. They are trying to limit the freedom of fairness and respect. This is not about union or non- working people to vote or to join together in a union union. It is about respect for all American workers and at the workplace, or to live without fear of harassment the value of their labor. or discrimination. This is a prime example of a lack of respect by those who run this country and the corpora- continued on page 17

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The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 3 Grand Executive Council Endorses Barack Obama for President

n April 5, 2012, the members of the BRS Grand drowned out the voices of working people in America.” Executive Council elected to unanimously President Obama has worked hard to create good jobs. Oendorse Barack Obama for President of the High-speed rail and the modernization and expan- United States. sion of the nation’s railroad infrastructure are integral “As President of the BRS, it is my responsibility to monitor to Obama’s jobs agenda. He has moved aggressively rail legislation and promote candidates whose values and to protect workers’ rights, pay, and health and safety voting record reflect the needs of Signalmen and work- on the job; he has worked for a fair resolution of the ing families. I understand housing crisis; and he put his that your vote is a personal confidence and administra- choice, which is why I hope “...We need a President that tion unequivocally behind the this endorsement will be use- supports the rights of workers and workers and companies in the ful when you go to the voting who will support legislation and American auto industry — a booths in November to cast programs that provide jobs and move that saved hundreds of your vote.” — Dan Pickett. improve safety for BRS members.” thousands of American jobs and In March, the AFL-CIO is helping to revive the economy released a statement on their now and for the future. endorsement of Barack Obama, “President Obama President Pickett added, “The anti-labor forces that are honors the values of hard work, of mutual respect, and of present in Congress would like nothing better than for solving problems together — not every person for himself labor to stay away from the polls and sit out this election. or herself. He believes that together we will get through the However, in order to succeed as an Organization, it is crit- most challenging economic crisis in memory and restore ical to look out for the interests of BRS members and the opportunity for all. Each of the Republican presidential working men and women of America. We need a President candidates, on the other hand, has pledged to uphold the that supports the rights of workers and who will support special privileges of Wall Street and the 1% — privileges legislation and programs that provide jobs and improve that have produced historic economic inequality and safety for BRS members.” 

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4 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 House Republicans Take Aim at Railroad Retirement Benefits

n late March, House Republicans voted to reduce This measure, passed by the House, completely ignores Railroad Retirement benefits. the relationship between Railroad Retirement and Social Security. All Railroad Retirement benefits above Social I In their Budget Report, the House of Security benefit levels — whether Tier I benefits or Tier Representatives’ Committee on the Budget, led by II benefits — are fully funded by railroad workers and Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-R), believes that their employers. None of these benefits are funded from cutting back on Railroad Retirement benefits would save the general treasury. taxpayers “$2 billion over 10 years.” Railroad Retirement payroll taxes, like Railroad One of the measures in that report calls for aligning Retirement benefits, are calculated on a two-tier basis. Railroad Retirement Tier I Railroad employees and benefits with Social Security employers pay Tier I taxes benefits. According to the Register to vote now, and on Election at the same rate as Social report, “Tier I benefits for Day, vote as if your retirement security Security taxes. When railroad railroad retirees are supposed depends on it. Because it does! employees retire, the Tier I to mimic Social Security benefits replicate the ben- benefits, but they are more efits railroad workers would generous than Social Security in many ways. This option receive if they were covered by Social Security. Railroad would conform Tier I so that its benefits would equal those employees and employers both pay an additional retire- of Social Security, with an estimated savings to taxpayers of ment tax, Tier II, which is used to finance Railroad $2 billion over 10 years.” Retirement benefit payments above those levels found in This statement is inaccurate and establishes a glar- Social Security. ing misunderstanding regarding how our Railroad Retirement System functions. The rest of the House continued on page 32 Republicans, as well as poten- tial Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney, have followed suit in supporting this misplaced attack on Rail Labor. “The House budget and my own plan share the same path for- ward: pro-growth tax cuts, getting federal spending under control and strengthening entitlement programs for future generations,” Romney said. The proposed budget was passed by the House by a vote of 228–191. All 181 House Democrats stood in a firm, unanimous statement against this measure and were joined by ten Republicans who agreed that toeing the party line was not in our nation’s best interests.

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 5 Relco Ruling Upheld

three-member panel formed by the National The judge concluded that Relco engaged in “certain Labor Relations Board, affirmed the decision of unfair labor practices” when they terminated two A Administrative Law Judge William L. Schmidt employees in 2010 because Relco insisted “employees in the termination case of four Relco Locomotive, Inc. sign its overly broad nondisclosure agreement.” employees. The Board considered the judge’s decision The BRS believes that the organizing campaign was and the record in light of the exceptions and briefs and unsuccessful at least partially because of Relco’s unfair decided to affirm the judge’s rulings, findings, and con- labor practices. clusions to adopt the recommended order as modified. The judge also concluded that the termination of two The initial ruling by Judge Schmidt stated that Relco other employees in 2009 violated fair labor practices, Locomotives, Inc., did, in fact, violate the National and that Relco must pay the employees all back wages Labor Relations Act when it terminated four workers and benefits. who engaged in union organizing. In affirming the judge’s findings that the company’s The judge stated that Relco Locomotives, Inc. shall discharge of two employees was unlawful, it was cease terminating employees for engaging in activities emphasized that the credited evidence established that on behalf of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Relco asserted reasons for both discharges — safety or other protected organizations. Relco must also violations, absenteeism, and insubordination — were stop having employees sign nondisclosure agreements pretexts designed to mask Relco’s true motivation, the designed to keep employees from joining unions. employees’ union activity.  In 2009, a group of Relco employees interested in forming a union con- tacted a repre- sentative of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. Relco manage- ment learned of the union organizing campaign and responded by contesting the merits of unionization in a one-hour meeting with employees and also sent a letter to employees.

6 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 The New Railroad Information Depot ONE STOP FOR YOUR BENEFIT NEEDS

ouldn’t it be nice to • Information regarding Medical Care, know there is one place Mental Health & Substance Abuse, WRailroad employees can Disease Management, Wellness go to find information about most Programs, Pharmacy, Dental, Life, of their benefit needs, regardless Vision, and Supplemental Sickness of which benefit administrator benefits, regardless of the benefit provides coverage? The newly administrator. redesigned Railroad Information • Links to find network providers, help Depot is available at www.rrin- ful tools and educational materials, fodepot.com. Anyone already contact information, and various forms familiar with the existing Railroad you may need. Information Depot web site will find the new web site contains not • Dedicated Retirement section that only all the prior available infor- provides information and links to assist mation, but much, much more! The content has been those transitioning into retirement. upgraded and enhanced, and the look of the web site • Railroad Enrollment Services information to help has undergone a dramatic makeover to provide Railroad educate railroad employees regarding coverage under employees with a one-stop information center that the Plan and the documentation that is required. addresses many of your benefit needs, regardless of the The newly designed website provides easier access to company administering your benefits. benefit information for all employees. Here are some of the categories you will find at the Along the journey of life, arrive wiser, arrive new and improved Railroad Information Depot: healthier, arrive happier! • Alerts and Important Dates highlighted, for example, (Note: Information on this site does not apply to the Annual Open Enrollment Period. AMTRAK employees.)  • Current Topics of Interest and News regarding specific health issues like Glaucoma or Congenital Heart Defects. • On-line access to each of the Summary Plan Descriptions (i.e., Employee Plan booklets).

Each of the benefit administrators shown below have a homepage at the Railroad Information Depot, providing Railroad employees with a central point of access to all of them:

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 7 No Call, No Text, No Update Behind the Wheel NTSB CALLS FOR NATIONWIDE BAN ON PEDS WHILE DRIVING

he National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Since then, the NTSB has seen the deadliness of distrac- called for the first-ever nationwide ban on driver tion across all modes of transportation. use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) while T • In 2004, an experienced motorcoach driver, distract- operating a motor vehicle. ed on his hands-free cell phone, failed to move to The safety recommendation specifically calls for the 50 the center lane and struck the underside of an arched states and the District of Columbia to ban the nonemer- stone bridge on the George Washington Parkway in gency use of PEDs (other than those designed to support Alexandria, Virginia. Eleven of the 27 high school the driving task) for all drivers. The safety recommen- students on board were injured. dation also urges use of the National Highway Traffic • In the 2008 collision of a commuter train with a Safety Administration (NHTSA) model of high-visibility freight train in Chatsworth, enforcement to support California, the commuter these bans and implementa- The National Highway Traffic Safety train engineer, who had tion of targeted communi- Administration (NHTSA) estimates that a history of using his cell cation campaigns to inform phone for personal commu- motorists of the new law in the year 2009, nearly 5,500 people nications while on duty, ran and heightened enforce- died and 450,000 people were injured in a red signal while texting. ment. distraction-related accidents. That train collided head on “According to NHTSA, more with a freight train, killing than 3,000 people lost their 25 and injuring dozens. lives last year in distraction-related accidents,” said NTSB • In 2009, two airline pilots were out of radio com- Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “It is time for all of us munication with air traffic control for more than an to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when hour because they were distracted by their personal driving. No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life.” laptops. They overflew their destination by more On August 5, 2010, on a section of Interstate 44 in Gray than 100 miles, only realizing their error when a Summit, Missouri, a pickup truck ran into the back of a flight attendant inquired about preparing for arrival. truck-tractor that had slowed due to an active construc- • In Philadelphia in 2010, a barge being towed by a tion zone. The pickup truck, in turn, was struck from tugboat ran over an amphibious “duck” boat in the behind by a school bus. That school bus was then hit by Delaware River, killing two Hungarian tourists. The a second school bus that had been following. As a result, tugboat mate failed to maintain a proper lookout due two people died and 38 others were injured. to repeated use of a cell-phone and laptop computer. The NTSB's investigation revealed that the pickup driver • In 2010, near Munfordville, Kentucky, a truck-trac- sent and received 11 text messages in the 11 minutes pre- tor in combination with a 53-foot-long trailer, left its ceding the accident. The last text was received moments lane, crossed the median, and collided with a 15-pas- before the pickup struck the truck-tractor. senger van. The truck driver failed to maintain con- The Missouri accident is the most recent distraction acci- trol of his vehicle because he was distracted by use of dent the NTSB has investigated. However, the first inves- his cell-phone. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities. tigation involving distraction from a wireless electronic “In the last decade, the NTSB has identified the use of a device occurred in 2002, when a novice driver, distracted portable electronic device as a factor in the probable cause by a conversation on her cell phone, veered off the road- of eight accidents and incidents across all transportation way in Largo, Maryland, crossed the median, flipped the modes. Forty-six people died and 181 were injured in these car over, and killed five people. events,” said NTSB Vice Chairman Hart. “In light of this

8 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 and the growing penetration of portable electronic devices in HELP WANTED the United States, the NTSB is concerned and believes that now is the time to act to preserve safety for everyone on our RAILROAD INSPECTOR I roadways.” Globally, there are 5.3 billion mobile phone SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL INSPECTOR subscribers or 77 percent of the world population. In the The State of Maryland, The Department of Labor, United States, that percentage is even higher. Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), Division of Labor and The NHTSA estimates that in the year 2009, nearly Industry is accepting applications from qualified candidates 5,500 people died and 450,000 people were injured in for the position of Railroad Inspector I — Signal and Train Control. distraction-related accidents. This is entry level work in the enforcement and promotion The findings from analysis of police-reported crashes of Federal and State railroad safety standards. This position indicate that 11 percent of crashes involve some form performs regulatory inspections and monitors all railroad of distraction. The NHTSA’s “100-car study” found carriers operating within the State of Maryland to reduce that 23 percent of recorded crashes can be attributed to railroad-related accidents, injury, deaths, and property dam- driver distraction. Texting while driving is one distrac- age. Candidates must have one year of experience perform- tion that has consistently been found to impair driving ing railroad safety or regulation compliance inspections performance. A study of commercial driver distraction related to signals, train control, and grade crossing systems. conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Conducting scheduled (VTTI) found that drivers were 23 times more likely to and unscheduled inspections of interstate and intrastate experience a safety-critical event when they were involved railroad carriers, private industries, excursion railroads in texting. In one simulator study, drivers engaged in (i.e. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, B&O Railroad text messaging had slower reaction times (35 percent Museum) and assists amusement ride inspectors on railroad slower) and poor lateral vehicle control. Another simula- related equipment (signal and train control). In addition to tor study found that sending and receiving text messages the health, retirement, and leave benefits, this position also led to poorer performance on safety-critical driving has paid mileage and offers a flexible work schedule. measures, including lateral position maintenance, detec- TO APPLY: All qualified applicants must submit a com- tion of road signs, and time with eyes off the road. A pleted Maryland State application (MS-100) and a copy of fourth study reported that texting drivers in a simulator their high school diploma/GED to the address below: responded more slowly to the onset of brake lights and DLLR Office of Human Resources demonstrated forward and lateral control impairments. Recruitment & Examination Unit In addition, text-messaging drivers were involved in 1100 N Eutaw Street, Room 100 more simulated crashes. A Texas Transportation Institute Baltimore, MD 21201 study found that drivers responded more slowly when Attn: RRI-STC/PSC either reading or writing text messages. In addition to RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY texting devices, the use of other forms of PEDs (such as PORTION OF THE APPLICATION. Writing, “See music players and gaming units, cell phones, and com- Resume” or “See Attached” is NOT acceptable. Incomplete puter tablets) has been found to result in visual, auditory, applications will be disqualified. manual, and cognitive distractions — which have been shown to increase the likelihood of an accident. A VTTI Applications are available by visiting the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Office of Human study found that, among light vehicle drivers, the use of Resources or by calling (410) 230-6300 Monday–Friday handheld wireless devices was the most common type of during business hours or by visiting: http://dbm.maryland. distraction and resulted in the most near crashes. A safe- gov/jobseekers/Pages/StateApp.aspx ty-critical event was 6.7 times more likely when a driver The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is an equal was reaching for or using an electronic device, such as a opportunity employer. It is the policy of DLLR that all persons cell phone. A VTTI study of commercial drivers found have equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities, services, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, that a safety-critical event was 163 times more likely if a age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, driver was texting, e-mailing, or reaching, locating, and sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. continued on page 10 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 9 No Call, No Text, No Update Behind the Wheel NTSB CALLS FOR NATIONWIDE BAN ON PEDS WHILE DRIVING continued from page 9

operating PEDs. “Whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, touching the dash- board, or waving at a windshield, it can be distracting,” Manufacturers of PEDs play a vital role in promoting the Hersman said. “What is the price of our desire to be mobile safe use of their products. Although a majority of people and connected at the same time? Can any message, call or are aware of the risks associated with cell phones and text be worth someone’s life?” Hersman urged automak- driving, almost three-fourths of cell phone owners report ers to avoid using distracting technologies. “Our recom- using their phones while driving. It is possible that this mendation is focused on portable devices,” she said in an disconnect may be due to a common driver mispercep- interview. But she added, “We are continuing to look at tion: that you are a safer driver than others and better in-vehicle technologies.” able to safely multitask. It is also possible that drivers A total of 35 states — includ- gravitate to PEDs in times Both hand-held and hands-free calls ing Michigan — bar texting of low driving workload increase the risk of a crash four times. behind the wheel; nine states — a temptation that could have barred hand-held calls. But quickly increase the risk of no state has gone as far as the experiencing a critical event. Some cellular providers have NTSB wants in barring hands-free calls. Thirty states bar begun offering mobile phone applications that disable all cellphone use by young drivers. NTSB board member texting and block nonemergency calls when a vehicle is Robert Sumwalt called the issue of distracted driving in motion; and third-party devices are currently available “an epidemic” and pointed to a study that found both that allow motorists to voluntarily disable nonemergency hand-held and hands-free calls increase the risk of a crash calls on their cell phones while driving. four times. “There is no difference between hands-held and hands-free,” said Sumwalt. The NTSB maintains that for those devices designed for use while driving or that are frequently used while driving “The data is clear; the time to act is now. How many more — such as cell phones and computer tablets — manufac- lives will be lost before we, as a society, change our attitudes turers and providers of these devices should be sensitive about the deadliness of distractions?” Hersman said.  to the distractions that this equipment could cause and disable features that do not provide an emer- gency or driving-related benefit when the vehicle is in motion. The NTSB concluded that manufac- turers and providers of PEDs known to be fre- quently used while driving should reduce the potential of these devices to distract drivers by developing fea- tures that discourage their use or that limit their non- driving or nonemergency- related functionality while a vehicle is in operation.

10 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Changes to PTC Regulations

ransportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced lions of dollars even as they improve rail safety,” said FRA changes to regulations governing the installation Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “The steps we are taking T of positive train control (PTC) equipment that will continue the momentum achieved in implementing will give railroads additional flexibility, save money, and PTC.” maintain a high level of safety. Under the revisions announced, railroads will no longer “Under President Obama’s leadership, the Department of have to conduct risk analyses to obtain approval to not Transportation is committed to ensuring the safety of our install PTC or take other costly risk mitigation measures nation’s railroads while reducing regulatory barriers,” said on an estimated 10,000 miles of track that will not carry U.S. Transportation Secretary passenger trains or poison inhala- Ray LaHood. “These changes will PTC is a system of integrated tion hazard (PIH) commodities provide significant regulatory relief, after December 2015. Railroads are while ensuring that safety remains technologies capable of pre- expected to save approximately $335 our highest priority.” venting collisions, over-speed million over the first five years, and up to $775 million over 20 years, by PTC is a system of integrated derailments and unintended utilizing safety measures other than technologies capable of preventing train movements. PTC, where appropriate. collisions, over-speed derailments, and unintended train movements. The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA) mandates widespread installation of PTC Earlier this year, President Obama called for a govern- systems by December 2015 on rail lines which carry at ment-wide review of regulations in order to identify least five million gross tons of freight annually, on Class I those that needed to be changed or removed because railroads that ship PIH commodities, and on lines where they were unnecessary, out-of-date, excessively burden- intercity passenger rail and commuter service is regularly some, or overly costly. operated.  “As a result of this review, the revised regulations will provide greater flexibility to railroads and save hundreds of mil-

Take the Buy Union Pledge

tand up. Fight back. Tell the world you’ve had to inferior, non-union goods and services. enough. Union families are telling merchants “we On the wholesale and institutional level — we’re getting want UNIONMADE products” on store shelves S together to send the message to school systems, charities, and showrooms. Hundreds have already taken the Buy churches, political parties, municipalities, states, counties, Union Pledge. Add your name to the list. and the federal government that when they make buying If you can’t find it union made, maybe you don’t need it. decisions, they need to give top priority to those suppliers who support good jobs, the kind that make for quality Union workers are fighting this battle on two fronts — communities — union jobs. retail purchases and institutional buying. On the consum- er front, our buying power (14 million union members Take the Buy Union Pledge. Go online to www.unionla- and the families they support) are prepared to just say no bel.org and get with the program. 

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 11 2012 National Agreement and Revision

Packet Now Available APPENDIX C-1 The scope and purpose of this Append the Act, for fair and equitable arrangements to prot Railroad affected by discontinuances of section 405 of the Act; therefore, fluctuations and including an estimateemployment of the brought number about of empl by other causes are not within the changes. ix are to provide, pursuant to section 405 of At the request1. ofDEFINITIONS either Railroad or representatives of such interested em Agreement or the “New Orleansnegotiations Conditions forin thethis purposeAppendix of andreaching in the agreement event of conflict with respect in definitions, to app those terms and conditionscontrolling. of this In Appendixaddition, shallwhenever commence used immediatelyin Intercity and Rail continue Passenger for Service subject to protection afforded employees by the Washington Agreemen — The definitions in Article I of the Agreementect the interestand in theof employees of “New Orleans Conditions.” more than twentyotherwise:,” (20)as thedays most from importantthe date of single notice.oyees benefit Each of each transaction or class affected which wby the intended a dismissal or displacement(a) “Transaction” of employees means ora discontin ARTICLE I changes in volume or character of he 2012 National Agreement is now available 3. Section 7 of the Appendix effectivelypursuant eliminat to the provisionst as ofincorporated the Act. into the and accept separation pay inthe lieu selection of the other of forces benefits from pro all employees involved on basis application in the particular case and any assignment of employees ma employee only 7 days following his dismi (b) “Displacedes the employee” employee’s means option an to employ resignee of R purview of this Appendix. the transactiontransaction shall be ismade placed on inthe a basisworse posi the Washington Agreement as incor section 4. If atgoverning the end his of workingthe twentyvided conditions. him(20) because day period it allows there anis a failure for viewing and can be downloaded from the an affected employee 30 days within whichssal to in which to exercise his option. Section 9 ofthis Appendix, unless its context requires negotiationsporated shall terminate into the “Newand either Orleans party Conditions” to the dispute provides may su by Appendix Section 7 does not allow a man(c) “Dismissedsu employee” means rearrangement an employee of forces,Rai shall provide for in accordancetransaction with the following is deprived procedures: of employment with Railroaduance of Intercity Raillication Passengerployees, of the Service make a consideredMaster decision on so important a exercisematter. Indeed, this option. The 7 days provided in the Act shall be position or the loss thereof as the result of th Act apply BRS website in the members-only area. the short time allowed to them(a) the Within dismi five (5) daysfficient from thetime terminati to assess his situation and neutral refereeemployee and in the whose event position they are is abolished unable to as agree a resulttion within with o saidrespect five to(5) his compensation and rules train discontinuance won’t even be aware of of an agreement accepted or decision as appropriate underill result this for notin the selection of(d)ssed said “Protective employeesreferee, period”then affected the means it National byis probablethe that propo Medi period that dueof timeto T it should they desire to do so. dismissed employee is to be provided prot ailroad who, as a result of a appoint a referee. 4. Appendix SectionNational 8 purportson which anthe employee existence is of displaced this right orin dismisstime tosed exercise May 1 de necessary by (b) No later than twenty (20) days after a referee has been designated a h benefits as does Sectionthe 8 dispute of the Washingtonshallprovided, commence. however, A that the protective per to protect employees against losson of of negotiations their fringe the parties shall select a In addition to the complete Master National Washington Agreement protects ancontinue affected for emp a longer period following the date he was di lroad to who,agree, as the a result of a (c) The decision of the referee shall be final, binding, and conclu bmitbecause it for adjustmentof the abolition of his employees on his homerendered railroad withinperiod enjoy thirty during (30)such dayswhich greementben from such the employee(“New commencem Orleans”). was in the However, e thee exercise of seniority rights by an displacement or hisloyee’s dismissal. fringe Fo benefits so long as otherf a transaction. protects an employee’sAgreement fringe(d) The benefits salary andonly expenses for of the referee shall be borne equally by the p Agreement, you will find a revision packet that is long as other employeesthe proceeding; have suchservice all other shall expenses be determinedefits sha whereas in accordance Appendix wi Sectionectionation hereunder Board8 shall and immediately extends from the date Washington Job 6Protection years following Agreement his adverseof May, 19 effect or as during which a displaced or 5. Appendix SectionNotwithstanding 9 eliminatesbenefits aany of — the whichever foregoing is provisions the of this section,ed toat the the expiration complet ofdays 6 years upon therefrom, under Section 10 theof twentythe Washington (20) 2.day The notice ratesAgreement period of pay, or (Newrules, on May working 1, 1971, conditions as the caseandiod aformay any be, particularR employee shall not rights, privileges and benefits (includingshorter continuatio provision when an employeeproceed with is requiredthe transaction,most providedvaluable that protection a afforded period. employees available for download which only contains the BookRailroad’s employees under applicabler purposes laws of this Appendix, an employee’s length of for his wage loss duringrearranged, the time etc.) ne shall be provided with all of the rights and benefits of this Appendi agreements or otherwise shall Orleans).be preser Underent ofthe themploy latterhearing of Railroad of the dispute.priorearing to the on date of his from the time they are to affected move his through place llofto be residenceexpiration paid by the heof partyisthe reimbursed seventy-fifthincurring them.splaced (75th) or dismissed than the thereafter (not to exceed twobargaining workingcessary agreementsdays) for which him or tohe applicable transfer may and statutes. for a reasonable time sive and shall be residence in his newfollowing location. the dateSection of notice9 of the of Appendthe intended transaction. T th the provisions of section 7 (b) of the revised pages that can be inserted into the current addition to the3. protectionNothing in periodthis Appendix defined shallin Article be construed I, Paragraph as de (d) protection against wage loss to three work 36. proceeding rightsresults or benefitsin displacement, or eliminating dismis any useobligations in securing a place of him and his family to move to the new loc ix wouldll employees restrict an affected employee’s (displaced, dismissed, provided byany Railroad existing at job the securitying time days ofor regardless otherthe transaction protective of the timepending necessary the outcome for of arties to 6. Section 9 of the Appendix by virtue of one m ll collective bargaining and other proceedings,there all shallemployees be noation duplicationaffected and toby secureor the pyramiding transaction a place of in ben duringwhich tothe live. npenden of pension rights and benefits) of 8½"x11" copy of the National Agreement to make it protection which “New Orleans”further, affordsthat the employees benefits under this Appendix, or and/or existing collective bargaining proceeding shall be made whole. ved unless changed by futureion ofcollective time due to the changes construedeffected by to theinclude carrier. the Sconditions,inor responsibilitiesword change eliminates the ailroad may changes in place 5.of residencebenefits. “which are not a resultwho of t are required to move a second displacementDISPLACEMENT as he is unable, ALLOWANCES in the normal exercise of his seniority right ection 8 of the Appendix provideshis protection that shall be in current. subsequent toagreements, the initial changerules4. When and or Railroad practices,which grocontemplates to obtain a positiona transactionsal, producingrearrangement, after Maycompensation etc. other e than as twenty (20) days written notice of such intended tra which such employee may have under rights” are notor exceedingto be considered the compensation protected hechanges. received in thehe transaction,position from conditions which which are he or wasmade arrangements;priving di any employee provided,x of that any bulletin boards convenientw toout the of interested the normal employees exercise of seniority day appears in heSection shall, during9 (c) hisof theprotective Washington period, beAgreemen paid a monthly displacement allowan . If the above companies and other enterprises covered by Article III ofefits thi to any employees, and, provided Secretary hasthe differenceeffectively between eliminated the monthlythe protect compensationBy — changing(a) receivedSo long the afterbyword a “and”displaced as it employee’s registered mail notice to the representatives of such inter subsequentwhich moves he iscaused retained by andthe thechanges average put monthl any other arrangement, shall be contemplates a transaction on May 1, 1971,t (New it sh Orleans) to “or,” the To access the National Agreement go to www.brs. interesting,position and not from a whichlittle heconfusing, was displaced. to note thation App to be afforded employeesand obligations in accompanying such such contains a similar provisionafter the withsigning regard of this to Agreement,loss on the into prior effectto May by the railroads. It is cy of such Each displacedand adequate employee’s statement displacement of the proposed allowance changes shall be determined b the “New separatelyOrleans Conditions” by 12 the totalwithout compensation c receiv endix Section 12 (b) which 1, 1971,s under it shall existing give at least org. The 2012 National Agreement and the Revision 7. Sectionwhich 10he ofwas the paid Appendix during eliminatesthehanging last 12“and” retroactive months to sale “or.” in of prot homeswhich hewas p adoptednsaction from by posting a notice on adverselyimmediately affected in precedinganticipation the of thedate discontinu of his displacement as a re of Railroad (including terminal by eliminating(thereby from producing the end average of the monthlysentence compensat the words “asy compensation received by him in qualthe to ection for employees affected.”the The test quoted period). words Both arethe foundabove in “total Se compensance of intercity rail passengerhim s inservice Appendix) the position splaced, and inby sending Packet are located in the Member Resources Menu. all give theested notice employees; asce soon equal as if to possibleRailroad Orleans)was and paid” appear shall to be be adjusted the only towords reflect which the reductionwere r on of an the annua date1, 1971. when Such he noticewas so shall contain a full would have occurred during the specifiedction twelve 12 of month theed byWashington period the employee had AgreementPublic and Law the (Newtotal time for it was placed in the Appendix. to be effected by such transaction, 8. Theamending arbitration the Hours provision of Service set forth Act in of Section 1907, been inemoved effect throughout from that provisionsuch perio when An online account is needed to sign into the mem- continuing litigation because it is one of two ar ion and average monthly time paidy fordividing in of which purport to govern disputes over the “applic 11 of the Appendix will be aerformed source ofservices document. In addition, provisions for the constitutionbitration o ation”provisions and thein the“totalsult Appendix, timeof the for bothtransactionwhich he bers-only area.  the decisions of the committee within the strict c ation” of the provisions of such arbitration when more than one union is involved in t f the arbitration committee render ontrol of the railroadl basis, party if toany, the which he proceeding. Section 11 (b) of the 91-169, U-6 d (i.e.,

U-2 U-7

Updated Locomotive Safety Standards

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced evolve. The rule addresses reliability and performance a final locomotive safety rule that eliminates unnec- criteria for the design, operation, inspection, testing, essary regulatory burdens, facilitates the use of new maintenance, repair, and record-keeping for various technologies, and incorporates existing industry and mechanical and electronic components, as well as cer- engineering best practices. tain safety appliances and control systems. The new rule is in keeping with President Obama’s Many of the requirements in the final rule are based directive to agencies to reduce the burdens of regula- on existing waivers that have been granted by the tory red tape. FRA’s Safety Board to address railroad or geographic specific conditions, and the revised regulations provide “Safety is our top priority,” said Secretary LaHood. efficiencies by doing away with the need to go through “This rule will help improve safety and working condi- a waiver process. tions while also providing significant regulatory relief to the railroad industry.” “We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) Locomotive Safety The final rule modernizes and streamlines the Federal Standards Working Group for providing valuable input Railroad Administration’s (FRA) safety regulatory pro- across the board and reaching consensus on several key gram for locomotives by consolidating existing regu- issues,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. lations and addressing technological advancements. Szabo. “Ensuring that railroads operate and maintain Some provisions of the existing rule had not been locomotives safely is a cornerstone of federal rail safety updated in the previous 30 years, while technology, oversight.”  industry standards, and best practices continued to

12 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Healthcare — Mobile Phone Apps Available

f you are an employee covered under the Railroad You can download them just like any other application Employees National Health and Welfare Plan for your device, and get started with your mobile experi- I or the National Railway Carriers and United ence! Transportation Union Health and Welfare Plan (“National Railroad Plans”), your health information is No app? No problem! always with you with mobile solutions. Information and tools are also available on your secure Now, more than ever, the amount of information avail- internet sites, which can be accessed by any personal able is limited only by our ability to access it. For many computer via a unique and secure user ID and password. people access to information has become as mobile as These sites have been optimized for viewing on your they are. smartphone’s mobile browser. You can find the online tools on any internet browser So much information right on by logging into or registering for access to your secure your Smartphone device member sites. Y our health insurance providers have all recognized • Aetna: www.aetna.com this new wave of information delivery and have created “on the go” tools to help you: —— Select Aetna Navigator Member Log In or, for new members, Register • Obtain your ID card information —— Use the same process for computer or mobile —— Pull up your member number and other perti- device nent information, even print a temporary medi- cal ID card • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield: www.highmarkbcbs.com • Get cost and quality data for certain providers and services —— Visit the “Choose Providers” tab and download the application with a registration code you can —— Member transparency tools can help you make obtain on the Highmark website more informed choices • UnitedHealthcare: www.myuhc.com • Access claims information, popular tools and Explanations of Benefits —— Visit myuhc.com on your mobile device and use your same username and password you already • Find providers in your area, call them and get direc- use to login to myuhc.com on your computer tions right from your phone • Medco: www.medco.com • Check your benefits and coverage information • Contact member services by phone or email Apps are available for iPhone, Blackberry and Droid platforms New features, tools, and info are constantly being added! • Aetna: Aetna Mobile • Highmark BCBS: Health @ Hand Sign Up and • United Healthcare: DocGPS, Health4Me (currently for iPhone; Android by mid-April), The HealthCare Download Your App Today! Cost Estimator • Medco: Medco Pharmacy mobile app

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 13 Washington Report

• Amtrak on Pace to Set New Ridership Record • House Passes 90-Day SAFETEA-LU Extension • Senate Subcommittee Approves Transportation-HUD bill

Amtrak on Pace to Set way law (SAFETEA-LU) through September 30, 2012. New Ridership Record At the time of the vote, House Republican Leadership explained that the 90-day extension was not intended Amtrak is on pace to set another new annual ridership to result in another short-term extension of existing law, record as passenger counts across its national network but rather as a vehicle to get to a conference committee for the first six months of fiscal year (FY) 2012 (October with the Senate. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 2011–March 2012) are up 3.7 percent over the same peri- 21st Century (MAP-21) bill was passed by the Senate on od last year when the current record was established. March 14, 2012, and authorizes funding levels for two A closer look at the numbers shows all Amtrak business years at current rates while consolidating programs and lines experienced growth in the first half of FY 2012 as eliminating earmarks. The two chambers of Congress compared to the same period the prior year, including the must still negotiate a final multi-year surface transporta- Northeast Corridor (NEC)(up 5.2 percent), long-distance tion bill in committee. trains (up 3.0 percent), and state-supported and other H.R.4348, brought to the House floor April 18, 2012, short-distance routes (up 2.7 percent). This ridership includes: growth continues a long-term trend that has led to eight records in the last nine years, including 30.2 million pas- • provisions approving the permit of the Keystone XL sengers in FY 2011. pipeline; In an April 2012 News Release, Amtrak President and • a modified version of the RESTORE Act. The RESTORE Act, among other things, establishes the CEO Joseph Boardman stated, “Amtrak achieving rider- Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. The legislation ship records is important, but it is more critical that the right credits to the Trust Fund amounts equal to 80 percent infrastructure be in place to continue this trend in the years to of all administrative, civil, and criminal penalties paid come and to provide safe, efficient and reliable rail transpor- by BP or any other responsible party in connection tation for all current and future passengers. To do this in the with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, together with Northeast, we must advance our proposed Gateway Program, any additional appropriations provided by law; as it is essential for the future growth and economic develop- ment of the entire region.” • and three amendments made by the House Rules Committee: one to incorporate the project and Boardman explained the NEC, in particular, has seen environmental streamlining provisions originally strong ridership growth in recent years and demand for included in H.R.7 — the bill the Transportation and passenger rail service on this line is expected to signifi- Infrastructure (T&I) Committee reported out back cantly increase as population grows, highway and airport in February. Amendments to guarantee spending of congestion worsen, and gas prices rise throughout the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund receipts, as well as region. He added that Amtrak is preparing to meet these legislation shifting enforcement responsibilities for challenges by beginning work on a comprehensive, long- Federal coal ash rules to the states. All three amend- term plan to improve the NEC and expand high-speed ments considered were approved by the House and rail service, including through its Gateway Program to included in the final bill. build increased tunnel, track and station capacity into the The amendment adding H.R.7’s streamlining project pro- heart of New York City for intercity and commuter trains. visions was made after some Republicans expressed con- SAFETEA-LU Extension Passed cern that House conferees would be left in a weak negoti- The House of Representatives passed a bill (H.R.4348) ating position if they went to a conference committee with authorizing another 90-day extension of transit and high- “shell” legislation that lacked any of the substantive policy

14 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 provisions included in the House committee-passed bill. Richard Hanna (NY), Steve Southerland (FL), James The White House issued a Statement of Lankford (OK), Reid Ribble (WI), Fred Upton (MI), Administration Policy on the bill, threatening a veto Ed Whitfield (KY), Doc Hastings (WA), Rob Bishop over the bill’s approval of the Keystone XL pipeline: (UT), Ralph Hall (TX), Chip Cravaack (MN), Dave Camp (MI), and Patrick Tiberi (OH). “Further, the Administration is strongly opposed to this bill because it seeks to circumvent a longstanding and proven process for determining whether cross-border pipelines are HUD Appropriations Bill Approved in the national interest and for assessing the environmental Progress on the FY 2013 Appropriations process began impacts by mandating the permitting of the Keystone XL in the Senate as appropriators marked up the FY 2013 pipeline project, despite the fact that the pipeline route has Transportation, Housing and Urban Development yet to be identified and there is no complete assessment of its and Related Agencies (THUD) appropriations bill in potential impacts, including impacts on health and safety, subcommittee on April 17. In the absence of authoriza- the economy, foreign policy, energy security, and the envi- tion legislation for FY 2013, the $53.4 billion spending ronment.” bill sets funding for highway and transit programs at current levels. It appropriates $10.6 billion for transit The Senate named 14 Senators to the conference com- programs, including $2.044 billion for New Starts. In mittee. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) will chair the committee, addition, the subcommittee approved bill provides: and will be joined by fellow Democrats Max Baucus • $500 million (equal to the FY 2012 funding (MT), Jay Rockefeller (WV), Dick Durbin (IL), Tim level) for Significant Transportation Projects (the Johnson (SD), Chuck Schumer (NY), Bill Nelson “TIGER” program) to support projects in a wide (FL), and Robert Menendez (NJ). The six Republican variety of modes, including highways and bridges, Senators named to the committee include: James Inhofe public transportation, passenger and freight rail- (OK), David Vitter (LA), Orrin Hatch (UT), Richard roads, and port infrastructure; Shelby (AL), Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX), and John Hoeven (ND). • $39.1 billion (equal to the FY 2012 funding level) for the annual Federal-aid Highway program to House Conferees were appointed to negotiate on provi- sions of the legislation specific continued on page 21 to the committees on which they serve. On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, the Speaker named 33 Representatives to the conference committee. The 13 Democrats are: Nick Rahall (WV), Peter DeFazio (OR), Jerry Costello (IL), Jerrold Nadler (NY), Corrine Brown (FL), Elijah Cummings (MD), Leonard Boswell (IA), Tim Bishop (NY), Henry Waxman (CA), Ed Markey (MA), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX), Earl Blumenauer (OR), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).The 20 Republican Members include: John Mica (FL), Don Young (AK), John Duncan (TN), Bill Shuster (PA), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Rick Crawford (AR), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA), Larry Buschon (IN),

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 15 Implementation of Adjacent Track Protection Final Rule Postponed by FRA RAILROADS FILE PETITIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE FINAL RULE

n November 2011, the FRA published its Final • FRA should clarify that work limits can be released Rule on adjacent track protection. The rule was when work group is in the clear; I to go into effect on May 1, 2012. However, in • FRA should exclude mechanics performing main- January 2012, the Association of American Railroads tenance and repair of Roadway Maintenance (AAR), the American Short Line and Regional Machines from mandatory adjacent track protec- Railroad Association (ASLRRA), and the American tion. Public Transit Association (APTA) filed Petitions for Reconsideration of the Final Rule. Based upon these The petition for reconsideration filed by APTA is petitions, the FRA has delayed implementation of the based upon the following arguments: Final Rule until July 1, 2013. • APTA fully supports the joint petition filed by The Final Rule would amend existing regulations to AAR/ASLRRA; require mandatory protection of adjacent controlled • The final rule substantially increases cost to com- tracks to protect workers from the movement of trains muter RR operations; or other on-track equipment. The postponed rule • FRA should raise the speed threshold for ceasing defines adjacent controlled track as “a controlled track work from 25 MPH to 40 MPH; whose track center is spaced 19 feet or less from the track center of the occupied track.” • FRA cost analysis does not address the impact of the rule on scheduled passenger trains. The AAR and ASLRRA filed a joint petition for reconsideration of the Final Rule based on the fol- After nearly six years of delay in publishing a final lowing arguments: rule on adjacent track protection, the BRS and the BMWED are disappointed that the rule has been • The costs outweighs the benefits; continued on page 19 • The effective date does not accommodate railroad training schedules; • The exception for high-rail vehi- cles is too narrow; • The exceptions should be extend- ed to rail-bound visual inspection vehicles; • The exception where equipment provides a barrier is too narrow; • FRA should not require addition- al protection for work between a controlled track and a non- controlled track; • FRA should permit work to resume when the head-end of train passes on an adjacent track;

16 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Signalmen’s Political League

articipation in the political process is at the fore- tributing $51 or more per month. This entitles the mem- front of everyone’s mind these days, and continues ber to an SPL Watch, SPL Jacket, SPL Shirt, SPL Hat, P to be a fundamental tradition of the Brotherhood and/or SPL Gold Pin with stone. of Railroad Signalmen. Throughout our 111-year history, Vice President’s Club — This level of the Signalmen’s Signalmen have recognized the great importance of sup- Political League program is for members contributing in porting political candidates for public office. The BRS, the range of $20 to $50 per month. This contribution now more than ever, understands the impor- entitles the member to an SPL Jacket, SPL Hat, tance of continued support by the candi- and/or SPL Gold Pin. dates of working men and women, both at home and in the workplace. Senator’s Club — Members who con- tribute between $10 to $19 per month In 1972, the Brotherhood of are entitled to an SPL Shirt, SPL Hat, Railroad Signalmen established a and/or SPL Silver Pin. political action committee called the Signalmen’s Political League (SPL) in Representative’s Club — This is the an effort to coordinate and expand the lowest level of contribution to the participation of individual members in Signalmen’s Political League that ranges political activities. between $5 to $9 per month. Members who contribute are entitled to an SPL Hat Awards Program and/or SPL Silver Pin. The BRS SPL awards program currently has four levels of To sign-up for the Signalmen’s Political League go to contribution. Also, the quality and style of SPL gifts has www.brs.org. The SPL sign-up form is located in the been updated. Member Resources Menu. An online account is needed President’s Club — This is the highest level of the to sign in to this members-only area.  Signalmen’s Political League program for members con-

FROM THE PRESIDENT continued from page 3 The few at the top are grabbing all the gains for them- we work, shop, and eat places that everyone can enjoy selves, leaving nothing for the workers whose increased as they try and make a living and a better life for them- productivity has resulted in record company profits. selves. And who knows, maybe the respect you show CEO pay jumped 27 percent in 2010, while the pay of towards others will be returned to you two-fold. workers in the private sector grew a little over two per- respect cent. This fundamental unfairness and lack of In Solidarity, must come to an end. This battle will be fought at the worksite and at every polling place in America. I ask that you join me in respecting all workers, whether they are your managers, your co-workers, or people you come in contact with as you go about your W. Dan Pickett day. Respect can go a long way in making the places BRS President

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 17 GLAUCOMA AWARENESS Tips to Help Keep Your Health On Track!

laucoma is the second leading cause of blindness should all pay close attention to and have checked out by in the U.S. and the third leading cause world- an eye physician should any of these occur: wide. It affects more than 3 million people in the G • Any loss of vision • Haloes U.S. alone. Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” • Unexplained eye pain • Blurred vision because usually no symptoms are apparent and once the • Unusual or unexpected eye redness vision is gone, the loss is permanent. A person with undi- agnosed glaucoma can lose up to 40% of their vision What are the risk factors associated with glaucoma? without even realizing it. Glaucoma can affect anyone; however, certain individuals are at a greater risk than others for developing it. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is categorized as an eye disease that gradually • People with a family history of glaucoma takes an individual’s eye sight without warning. While it • People with uncontrolled high-blood pressure can affect people of any age, the most common form of • People middle-aged and the elderly glaucoma mainly affects middle-aged and elderly people. • People who are severely nearsighted or farsighted For most glaucoma patients, damage to the optic nerve is • People with diabetes what causes the loss of vision. The optic nerve acts simi- • People with high-blood pressure lar to an electric cable, containing over a million wires, • People of certain ethnic groups and is responsible for transporting images from the eye What can I expect if I am tested for glaucoma? to the brain. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for During an eye examination to rule-out glaucoma, the glaucoma but medication and/or surgery can slow down following is what you can usually expect your eye physi- or prevent further loss of vision. cian to perform: What are the types of glaucoma? • Your central vision will be checked using an eye chart. There are two main types of glaucoma: • The front of your eyes will be checked using a special • Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) — This microscope called a slit lamp. is the most common form of glaucoma and is the • The pressure inside the eyes is checked with an result of optic nerve damage which progresses over instrument called a tonometer. time. A loss of optic nerve fibers is typical and, gen- • The optic nerves are examined for any damage. erally, there is no pain associated with the increase in • Your pupils may be dilated to ensure that the optic eye pressure. The loss in vision usually begins with nerves have been thoroughly examined. peripheral or side vision; without being aware, an • Your peripheral vision may be checked using an individual starts turning their head to the side to automated visual field machine. compensate. When to contact your doctor? • Angle-Closure Glaucoma — Less than 10% of Due to the lack of symptoms associated with glaucoma, the glaucoma cases in the U.S. are due to this regular annual eye examinations are extremely important. type which is caused by a sudden increase in pres- However, if you suspect you may have glaucoma or you sure inside the eye and the results are very serious. are at high risk, contact your eye physician immediately. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent optic It is important to understand that if you already have nerve damage or vision loss. one eye with glaucoma, the other eye is at an increased What are the symptoms of glaucoma? risk of future damage.  Most individuals with glaucoma have no symptoms and This information is intended as informational only; not as a it is only discovered once a significant amount of vision replacement for the medical advice of your physician. loss has occurred. There are, however, a few things we

18 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 John Truett Bass • 1922–2011

he Brother- filling the unexpired term of former Vice President R. In Memoriamhood of T. Bates, on July 1, 1970. Brother Bass served as Vice T Railroad President of the West until his retirement in April of Signalmen 1984. mourns the death In announcing his retirement, Brother Bass wrote a letter of former BRS to the General Chairmen under his jurisdiction, in it he Vice President said: John Truett Bass. Brother “I have served the Brotherhood for 31 years as Local Bass passed away Chairman, General Chairman, Grand Lodge Representative December 1, and Vice President, and have enjoyed it all, especially since 2011. July, 1970, when I began working as Vice President of the Western Region…Thank you for the support and respect you In 1941, Brother Bass began his signaling career as a have shown me throughout the years. I have the same per- Signal Helper for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. sonal and professional respect for you. We wish each of you Brother Bass then joined the U.S. Army, serving in the the very best in life and in your work.” European Theatre for four years during WWII. Brother Bass then returned to the railroad and eventually was In addition to his interests in the labor movement, elected as General Chairman of the L&N General Brother Bass was also a Master Mason and devoted Committee in 1960. He served the BRS in this capacity member of the First Baptist Church in Falmouth, for seven years. Nebraska. On October 16, 1967, Brother Bass was appoint- We thank Brother Bass for his many years of service to ed Grand Lodge Representative. He served as a our organization and his community.  Representative until he was appointed Vice President,

Implementation of Adjacent Track Protection Final Rule Postponed by FRA continued from page 16 delayed for at least another year due to these petitions The FRA published the AAR/ASLRRA and APTA peti- filed by the carriers. Rick Inclima, BMWED Director tions in the March 8, 2012, Federal Register and also of Safety said, “The safety of BMWED members is para- announced the delay in implementation of the rule mount, and this delay in implementation of the Final Rule until July 1, 2013. The BMWED will submit com- does nothing to reduce the risk of serious injury or death to ments to the docket in response to the Petitions for roadway workers performing work in close proximity to live Reconsideration and work to convince the FRA to pre- adjacent tracks. We will not rest until our members have serve the life-saving provisions we have worked so hard to achieve in the Final Rule. The BMWED’s efforts will the protections they and their families deserve.” BMWED focus on maintaining the integrity of the rule, clarify President Freddie Simpson said, “These petitions are confusing elements of the rule, and limit the expansion largely frivolous and the attempt by the carriers to water of additional exceptions from the rule. Members can down the protections in the Final Rule is unconscionable. access the docket and review the Final Rule, the Petitions BMWED will work tirelessly to defend this rule and secure for Reconsideration, and comments filed by visiting the the life-saving provisions of mandatory adjacent track protec- docket management system at www.regulations.gov, under tion for our members.” docket number “FRA-2008-0059”. 

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 19 National Labor College to Sell Campus

he National Labor College (NLC) Board of “National Labor College (NLC) is open for business. The Trustees authorized the college to sell the entire College’s educational programs are continuing without inter- T property in Silver Spring, Maryland, including all ruption. Students’ online courses, support services, and regis- land, buildings, and the Kirkland Conference Center and tration processes are continuing. The College is working hard residence halls. The decision to sell the campus was not to continue its core mission of educating union workers and made lightly. Because the campus is located in such an their families, now and in the future.” expensive metropolitan area, operations and maintenance The NLC will still be fully accredited and will maintain costs have made it financially impossible to sustain the the gold standard of accreditation and students will still status quo. Also, students have increasingly expressed be able to get degrees from the NLC. Since the NLC is a preference for online courses since they do not incur regionally accredited, all students who start a program of travel costs or require time off from work. study at the NLC will be able to earn a degree from the Once the property is sold, the NLC staff and faculty NLC. Registration for Summer 2012 is available through will move to another location in the greater Washington, Self-Service. Registration for Fall 2012 is currently open. DC, area, but this process may take months or even The NLC will stop operating the Kirkland Conference years. Center and the George Meany Memorial Archives Although the campus in Silver Spring is being sold, the and Library by August 31, 2012. The George Meany NLC is not closing. The NLC does not need to remain Memorial Archives and Library belong to the AFL-CIO physically located on the current campus to offer high and they are considering many options to preserve these quality programs. In fact, for several years the NLC important records and collections. The National Workers has been offering online college degree programs. NLC Memorial located on the NLC campus will be relocated President Paula E. Peinovich, Ph.D. stated, that the to an appropriate location. 

American Income Life, National Income Life and the BRS

merican Income Life (AIL) takes pride in helping members and their families. working families, and one of our strongest ways AIL also offers a no-cost Child Safe Kit© that allows par- of doing so is through AIL’s no-cost benefits. A ents to collect vital information about each of their chil- The Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) dren; this information can assist authorities in the event benefit continues to be a vital component of AIL’s no- a child goes missing.  cost benefits package. Under the plan, each BRS mem- AIL is a 100 percent union company which operates with an ber in good standing with their union is provided with ongoing commitment to integrity, superior capitalization, and the no-cost AD&D coverage. highest levels of service throughout the marketplace. Our com- mitment to supporting the labor movement and the interests of There were over 9,848 BRS members are covered under working families has been recognized by more than 20,000 union AIL’s no-cost AD&D policies in 2011. locals with over two million policy holders with whom we are priv- ileged to work. AIL, and its New York subsidiary NILICO, have Since 1990, over $235,100 in life, health, and no-cost 9.2 million union members covered with our insurance products. AD&D benefits have been paid by AIL and National AIL hold $17 billion dollars of coverage on union members under its no-cost benefits and over $35.2 billion dollars of life insurance Income Life Insurance Company (NILICO) to BRS in force.

20 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Richard C. “Dick” Howard In Memoriam1916–2012

ichard C. labor political consciousness and the most Howard essential source of energy for their [politi- R passed cal] machine.” Brother Howard retired in away on February 1984 after 26 years with LABOR 5, 2012. Brother newspaper. Howard began Brother Howard served as his railroad career Chairman of the Association as a Maintainer of Railway Labor Editors. He on the Pittsburgh division of the Pennsylvania Railroad also served as Vice President and member of Local 62 in September of 1941. In and President of the International January of 1947, Brother Howard came to Grand Lodge Labor Press Association (now the headquarters to work as the Office Manager. He became International Labor Communications the editor and manager of The Signalman’s Journal in Association). Brother Howard was also October of 1948. Brother Howard served the BRS in this very active in his community, belonging capacity for ten years. to the Lamb of God Lutheran Church, On September 1, 1958, Brother Howard became the Moose Lodge, the Masonic Lodge, and Secretary-Treasurer of LABOR newspaper. LABOR was the American Legion. a national, non-profit newspaper owned by unions with The BRS is immensely grateful to membership in railroads, airlines, and related transport Brother Howard for his many contribu- fields; it printed for 70 years, from 1919-1989. Historian tions to our Organization and the Rail Erik Olssen wrote, “the newspaper was a tool for raising rail Labor Movement. 

Washington Report continued from page 15

support essential investments in roads and bridges in Development Fund for the Sustainable Communities every state across the country. Initiative to promote integrated housing and trans- • $1.75 billion for rail infrastructure, including $100 portation planning. million for the High Performance Intercity Passenger The subcommittee approved the bill by a vote of 15–1. Rail grant program to assist states with the improve- The Senate Appropriations Committee quickly fol- ment of existing intercity services, congestion mitiga- lowed the April 17, 2012, subcommittee mark-up of the tion, and multi-state planning initiatives and $1.45 THUD bill with a full-committee mark-up on April 19, billion for Amtrak; 2012. The full-committee made appropriations based on • $150 million is provided for grants to the SAFETEA-LU levels in the current extension and on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for assumption that current funding levels would continue capital investments, with the highest priority on proj- to be authorized through Fiscal Year 2013. As the new ects that will improve the safety of the transit system; authorization law is just now entering conference com- • $50 million within HUD’s Community mittee, it is unclear how the final appropriations bill for the year will be affected. 

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 21 Benefits Under Railroad Retirement and Social Security Employers and employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act pay higher retirement taxes than those covered by the Social Security Act, so that railroad retirement benefits remain higher than social security benefits, especially for career employees. The following questions and answers show the differences in railroad retire- ment and social security benefits payable at the close of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011. They also show the differences in age requirements and payroll taxes under the two systems.

How do the average monthly How much are the disability benefits 3 1 railroad retirement and social security currently awarded? Q benefits paid to retired employees Q Disabled railroad workers retiring directly from the and spouses compare? railroad industry at the end of fiscal year 2011 were The average age annuity being paid by the Railroad awarded more than $2,840 a month on the average Retirement Board (RRB) at the end of fiscal year 2011 while awards for disabled workers under social security to career rail employees was $2,835 a month, and for all averaged about $1,150. retired rail employees the average was $2,245. The aver- While both the Railroad Retirement and Social Security age age retirement benefit being paid under social securi- Acts provide benefits to workers who are totally disabled ty was almost $1,185 a month. Spouse benefits averaged for any regular work, the Railroad Retirement Act also $840 a month under railroad retirement compared to provides disability benefits specifically for career employ- $565 under social security. ees who are disabled for work in their regular railroad The Railroad Retirement Act also provides supplemental occupation. Career employees may be eligible for such railroad retirement annuities of between $23 and $43 an occupational disability annuity at age 60 with 10 a month, which are payable to employees who retire years of service, or at any age with 20 years of service. directly from the rail industry with 25 or more years of service. Can railroaders receive benefits at 4 earlier ages than workers under Are the benefits awarded to recent retirees Q social security? 2 generally greater than the benefits Q Railroad employees with 30 or more years of creditable payable to those who retired years ago? service are eligible for regular annuities based on age Yes, because recent awards are based on higher aver- and service the first full month they are age 60, and rail age earnings. Age annuities awarded to career railroad employees with less than 30 years of creditable service employees retiring at the end of fiscal year 2011 aver- are eligible for regular annuities based on age and service aged nearly $3,405 a month while monthly benefits the first full month they are age 62. awarded to workers retiring at full retirement age under No early retirement reduction applies if a rail employee social security averaged some $1,640. If spouse benefits retires at age 60 or older with 30 years of service and his are added, the combined benefits for the employee and or her retirement is after 2001, or if the employee retired spouse would total $4,805 under railroad retirement before 2002 at age 62 or older with 30 years of service. coverage, compared to $2,465 under social security. Adding a supplemental annuity to the railroad family’s Early retirement reductions are otherwise applied to benefit increases average total benefits for current career annuities awarded before full retirement age, the age at rail retirees to over $4,835 a month. which an employee can receive full benefits with no

22 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 reduction for early retirement. This ranges from age 65 Benefits awarded by the RRB at the end of fiscal year for those born before 1938 to age 67 for those born in 2011 to aged and disabled widow(er)s of railroaders aver- 1960 or later, the same as under social security. aged nearly $1,785 a month, compared to almost $895 Under social security, a worker cannot begin receiving under social security. retirement benefits based on age until age 62, regardless The annuities being paid at the end of fiscal year 2011 to of how long he or she worked, and social security retire- widowed mothers/fathers averaged $1,665 a month and ment benefits are reduced for retirement prior to full children’s annuities averaged $940, compared to $855 retirement age regardless of years of coverage. and $755 a month for widowed mothers/fathers and chil- dren, respectively, under social security. Does social security offer any benefits 5 Those awarded at the end of fiscal year 2011 averaged Q that are not available under railroad $1,450 a month for widowed mothers/fathers and $1,230 retirement? a month for children under railroad retirement, compared Social security does pay certain types of benefits that are to $820 and $750 for widowed mothers/fathers and chil- not available under railroad retirement. For example, dren, respectively, under social security. social security provides children’s benefits when an How do railroad retirement and social employee is disabled, retired or deceased. Under current 7 law, the Railroad Retirement Act only provides children’s Q security lump-sum death benefit benefits if the employee is deceased. provisions differ? However, the Railroad Retirement Act includes a special Both the railroad retirement and social security systems minimum guaranty provision which ensures that railroad provide a lump-sum death benefit. The railroad retire- families will not receive less in monthly benefits than they ment lump-sum benefit is generally payable only if would have if railroad earnings were covered by social survivor annuities are not immediately due upon an security rather than railroad retirement laws. This guar- employee’s death. The social security lump-sum benefit anty is intended to cover situations in which one or more may be payable regardless of whether monthly benefits members of a family would otherwise be eligible for a are also due. Both railroad retirement and social security type of social security benefit that is not provided under provide a lump-sum benefit of $255. However, if a rail- the Railroad Retirement Act. Therefore, if a retired rail road employee completed 10 years of creditable railroad employee has children who would otherwise be eligible service before 1975, the average railroad retirement lump- for a benefit under social security, the employee’s annuity sum benefit payable is $1,000. Also, if an employee had can be increased to reflect what social security would pay less than 10 years of service, but had at least 5 years of the family. such service after 1995, he or she would have to have had an insured status under social security law (counting both How much are monthly benefits for railroad retirement and social security credits) in order for 6 Qsurvivors under railroad retirement the $255 lump-sum benefit to be payable. and social security? The social security lump sum is generally only payable Survivor benefits are generally higher if payable by the to the widow(er) living with the employee at the time of RRB rather than social security. At the end of fiscal year death. Under railroad retirement, if the employee had 10 2011, the average annuity being paid to all aged and dis- years of service before 1975, and was not survived by a abled widow(er)s averaged $1,360 a month, compared to living-with widow(er), the lump sum may be paid to the $1,115 under social security. funeral home or the payer of the funeral expenses. 

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 23 AFL-CIO Statement on Citizens United

wo years ago, the Supreme Court seriously are aimed at seizing partisan advantage through disen- undermined our democracy when, continu- franchisement. And, we oppose misleadingly labeled T ing a trend of deregulatory campaign finance “paycheck protection” measures that would exacerbate decisions, it ruled to allow unlimited independent inequality by hampering union political activity while campaign spending by business corporations and other leaving corporate and rich individuals’ political spend- groups. ing unimpeded. The Citizens United ruling further tilted the playing The Citizens United ruling has opened the floodgates field in favor of the 1% and against the 99%, whose to massive spending by corporations and even more so voices are being drowned out by by wealthy donors. They are pour- excessive spending and influence ing money into our electoral sys- by corporations and the wealthy. Unions are transparent tem and threaten to drown out the Since the Citizens United rul- organizations — all of our voices of hard-working Americans. ing came down, and particularly spending, including our Common-sense restrictions on since the rise of the Occupy political spending, is dis- their spending are needed, along Wall Street movement, there has with robust disclosure of their closed in great detail to the contributions and expenditures — been growing momentum in general public and union support of public policy solu- including their contributions to tions aimed at curbing exces- members, as required by organizations engaged in electoral sive corporate influence and statute since 1959 activity. restoring greater balance in our The AFL-CIO also supports political process. From federal reforms aimed at restoring busi- and state initiatives to bring about greater transpar- ness corporations to their proper role as commercial ency and disclosure of spending by corporate interests institutions and limiting their influence in the political and wealthy donors, to proposals for a constitutional sphere. Business corporations are not people — they amendment restoring Congress’ ability to regulate are manmade creatures of law that exist to generate campaign spending, to calls for abolishing corporate economic activity and create jobs and income in com- “personhood,” people from coast to coast have sounded munities. The notion that they should enjoy the same the alarm about the need for reforms to rein in exces- rights and protections as natural persons is absurd and sive corporate influence in our democracy. it is destructive to our democracy. At the same time, The AFL-CIO supports the overturning of the for more than a century, corporations have enjoyed Citizens United decision and calls for immediate certain constitutional protections, such as due process action to end the dominance of our political system protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, by corporations and the 1%. The AFL-CIO has long which are consistent with basic American values. We advocated for measures to bring about greater fairness, support reforms, including changes to our tax laws openness, and participation in elections — reforms and corporate laws, that address corporate dominance that enfranchise voters and ensure that wealth does not of our political system and that restore corporations to wield disproportionate influence. We support public their proper role in our democracy. financing of campaigns, limitations on individual Congress should pass and the Supreme Court should contributions to candidates and parties, and public uphold the necessary reforms to protect our democ- disclosure of political expenditures. We also support racy from the power of money. As long as Citizens measures to enable citizens to vote more easily, and we United remains the law of the land, constitutional oppose voter identification and similar measures that change may be the only option. Amending the U.S.

24 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Constitution should be a rare act, done with the great- Our unions bring us together in our union halls, our est of care. To earn our support, any such amendment workplaces, and our homes to discuss the issues facing must be carefully and narrowly crafted to protect our our nation and to come together to make our voices democracy from the economic power of the 1%, while heard in the political process. Unions are transparent at the same time protecting the public’s right to orga- organizations — all of our spending, including our nize politically through democratic organizations and political spending, is disclosed in great detail to the movements. general public and union members, as required by stat- Working people have a long and proud history of ute since 1959. Any campaign finance reform needs participating in our nation’s public life through our to recognize the fundamental distinction between unions. Unions are, by tradition and law, democratic the democratically governed communications among organizations, run on the basis of one member, one working people through unions and the unaccountable vote. In a union, dollars do not vote — people do. spending by corporations and the rich. 

AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement Opposing Cynical “JOBS Act”

merica needs jobs. Yet Congress cannot enact that recently have experimented with deregulated such basic legislation as the reauthorization of securities markets. In the 1990s, Canadian regula- Athe Surface Transportation bill that would cre- tors condemned the “continuing occurrence of shams, ate hundreds of thousands of jobs. Instead, Congress swindles and market manipulations” on the Vancouver once again is looking to deregulate Wall Street — this Stock Exchange of loosely regulated small company time in the form of the cynically named JOBS Act, stocks. More recently, the London Stock Exchange’s which would weaken the ability Alternative Investment Market has been of the Securities and Exchange We want jobs, not cynical described as a “casino” for its highly Commission to regulate our Wall Street scams. speculative small company stock list- capital markets and allow com- ings. panies to sell stock to the public without providing Workers’ retirement savings will be at greater risk of three years of audited financial statements, without fraud and speculation if securities market deregula- having adequate internal controls, and without com- tion once again is railroaded through Congress. Once plying with key corporate governance reforms in the again our economy will be at risk from the folly of recently passed Dodd-Frank Act. policymakers promoting financial bubbles and ignor- We still have millions of unemployed workers as a ing the needs of the real economy. The AFL-CIO calls direct result of decades of financial deregulation. on Congress to set aside the politics of the 1%, the Workers’ pension funds have yet to recover from the old game of special favors for Wall Street, and turn to effects of the last time we created a bubble in IPOs the business of real job creation. The labor movement during the late 1990s. And yet members of both par- strongly opposes the JOBS Act and any other effort to ties in Congress seem bent on repeating these experi- weaken the Dodd-Frank Act. ences, even as congressional Republicans block any We support the efforts of Senate Democrats such as initiative that might really create jobs and set our Jack Reed, Carl Levin, and Mary Landrieu to amend economy toward the path of long-term prosperity. the “JOBS Act” to lessen the harm it does to investors, In case our own ugly history with stock bubbles pension funds, and the U.S. economy. and financial fraud is not enough, Congress should We want jobs, not cynical Wall Street scams.  heed the warnings from other developed countries

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 25 RETAIL CLINIC vs. URGENT CARE CENTER

Convenient Care Clinic — A convenient, comparable option to Office Visits • Small retail-based clinic that provides basic and preventive health care services seven days a week, including eve- nings and weekends. Retail Clinics are generally located in drug stores and staffed by Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) that diagnose and treat common health problems, such as colds, the flu, or poison ivy. — Examples: Minute Clinic, Take Care Clinic, LGH Wellcare Express

Urgent Care Center — A convenient, lower cost option to ER Visits • Freestanding, full-service, walk-in health care clinic that is accessible 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday and eight hours each on Saturday and Sunday with no appointment required. Urgent Care Centers generally provide the same services as a family or primary medical care physician, such as treatment of minor illnesses, sprains and other injuries, physicals and immunizations, as well as some testing services, like x-rays and blood tests. — Examples: MedExpress, Urgent Care Center, Patient First

COMPARING CONVENIENCE AND COST

Family Physician Convenient Care Urgent Care Emergency or PCP Clinic Center Room • Appointment required • No appointment • No appointment • No appointment • Knows your history, required, available on required, available on required, available on conditions, etc. weekends weekends weekends • Less wait than ER • Less wait than ER • Patients can experience • Staffed by Certified • Staffed by Physician long wait, especially Registered Nurse for non-life threatening • Able to treat asthma, problems Practitioner broken bones, stitches • Staffed by Physicians • Treat common health • Also treat common problems like colds, ear health problems like • Treat life-threatening infections, flu, poison colds, ear infections, problems, broken bones ivy, pink eye, etc. flu, poison ivy, pink eye that require surgery

$20 Copayment $10 Copayment $20 Copayment $75 Copayment

The above copays go into effect July 1, 2012.

26 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 A Helping Hand — The Thomson Foundation Financial Assistance for Daughters of Deceased Railroad Employees

ohn Edgar Thomson was the third president of the the daughter and the surviving parent remaining unmar- Pennsylvania Railroad and led the company from ried. Family income and expenses are also considered J1852 to 1874. Although John Thomson never had when determining eligibility. children of his own, he often pondered on the difficul- The monthly allowance made under the grant may cover ties of orphaned girls. In that era, a fatherless boy could the period from infancy to high school graduation, and usually get a trade school education or find employment; in some circumstances to age 24, to assist the grantees a girl had little opportunity for either. that are pursuing a higher education. The Foundation In his will, Mr. Thomson dedicated a portion of his also offers special healthcare benefits. estate in the form of a trust fund for the education and Funding for the work of the Foundation is completely maintenance of female orphans of railway employees independent of any railroad. It neither solicits nor whose fathers may have died while in the discharge receives funds from the public.  of their duties. After his death in 1874, the trust fund was established for the daughters of men killed in rail- road service. Subsequently, The John Edgar Thomson Further information and applications may be Foundation was founded when Mrs. Thomson opened obtained by writing to: a girl’s boarding school in Philadelphia, in December of Sheila Cohen, Director 1882. The John Edgar Thomson Foundation Today, the Foundation continues its objective by pro- 201 S. Eighteenth Street, Suite 318 viding aid to a substantial number of girls throughout Philadelphia, PA 19103 the United States in the form of financial assistance and Telephone: (215) 545-6083 healthcare benefits. To be eligible, the employee must Fax: (215) 545-5102 have been actively employed by any United States rail- Toll free: (800) 888-1278 road at the time of his or her death; the cause does not Email: [email protected] need to be work related. Eligibility is also dependent on

Union Plus Credit Card

apital One has purchased the HSBC credit card programs in North America, including the Union CPlus Credit Card program. The purchase has now been approved by all government regulatory bodies. The change to Capital One will be seamless for Union Plus cardholders, with little change to the program's such as card solicitations, billing statements, and other operations; servicing and processing centers will remain cardholder communications. There are no additional the same. The only difference BRS members will see is changes (such as new credit card plastic) anticipated for that “Capital One” will replace “HSBC” on documents several months. 

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 27 BRS Designated counsel When Signalmen suffer a work-related injury or illness, BRS members or their families are encouraged to determine their rights and benefits under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act before agreeing to any settlement with the railroad employer. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen has designated the attorneys listed in this directory to serve as quali- fied counsel for BRS members in employee injury cases covered by FELA. Attorneys are listed by state and are designated to serve BRS members living or working in the general region of their offices. Designation of FELA counsel is by authority of the BRS Executive Council only. BRS members are encouraged to provide information regarding FELA cases, including criticism or commendations regarding the service of designated counsel, and information on injuries and settlements. This information, which will be used in the continuing evaluation of this program, should be sent to W. Dan Pickett, President, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630-6418.

ALABAMA DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS NEW YORK TEXAS W.C. Tucker, Jr. COLUMBIA Robert T. Naumes Michael Flynn Weldon Granger Petway & Tucker, LLC Larry Mann Thornton & Naumes, LLP Flynn & Wietzke PC Jones, Granger, 510 Park Place Tower Alper & Mann, PC 100 Summer Street 1205 Franklin Avenue Tramuto, & Halstead 2001 Park Place North 9205 Redwood Avenue 30th Floor Garden City, NY 11530 www.jonesgranger.com Birmingham, AL 35203 Bethesda, MD 20817 Boston, MA 02110 Tel. (516) 877-1234 Tel. (205) 733-1595 Tel. (202) 298-9191 Tel. (617) 720-1333 866-877-3352 Robert M. Tramuto 800-365-1631 800-747-6266 800-431-4600 www.felaattorney.com 10000 Memorial Drive www.tenlaw.com Suite 888 Arizona FLORIDA OHIO Houston, TX 77024 Lloyd L. Rabb, III Alva A. Hollon, Jr. MICHIGAN Andrew J. Thompson Tel. (713) 668-0230 Rabb & Beal, PLLC Sams & Hollon, PA Arvin J. Pearlman Dubyak Connick Thompson 800-231-3359 3320 North Campbell Avenue 9424 Baymeadows Road Pearlman & Pianin, PLLC & Bloom, LLC Suite 150, Tucson, AZ 85719 Suite 160 24725 W. 12-Mile Rd. 3401 Enterprise Parkway UTAH Tel. (520) 888-6740 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Suite 220 Suite 205 Brent O. Hatch 800-354-3352 Tel. (904) 737-1995 Southfield, MI 48034 Cleveland, OH 44122 Hatch, James & Dodge www.firstinjurylaw.com 800-327-4552 Tel. (248) 356-5000 Tel. (216) 364-0500 10 West Broadway, Suite 400 800-272-5400 888-902-1499 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 CALIFORNIA Howard A. Spier www.pearlpi.com www.dctblaw.com Tel. (801) 363-6363 John D. Gilbert Rossman, Baumberger, 800-574-6310 Law Office of John D. Gilbert Reboso, Spier & Connolly MINNESOTA PENNSYLVANIA 2173 Salk Avenue, Suite 250 Courthouse Tower Randal W. LeNeave Mitchell A. Kaye VIRGINIA Carlsbad, CA 92008 44 West Flagler Street Hunegs, LeNeave Coffey, Kaye, Meyers & Olley Willard J. Moody, Sr. 760-579-7604 23rd Floor & Kvas, PA Two Bala Plaza, Suite 718 The Moody Law Firm, Inc. 800-499-9904 Miami, FL 33130-1808 900 Second Avenue S. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 500 Crawford Street, Suite 300 Tel. (305) 373-0708 Jay A. Kaplan Suite 1650 Tel. (610) 668-9800 Portsmouth, VA 23704 800-775-6511 Minneapolis, MN 800-334-2500 Tel. (757) 393-4093 Kaplan Law Corporation 55402-3339 800-368-1033 Michael Y. Kleeman 1801 Avenue of the Stars ILLINOIS Tel. (612) 339-4511 www.moodyrrlaw.com Suite 600, Frank W. Petro 800-328-4340 Kleeman, Abloeser & C. Richard Cranwell Los Angeles, CA 90067 Petro & Petro www.hlklaw.com DiGiovanni, PC Tel. (310) 407-2265 100 N. LaSalle Street 1819 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Cranwell, Moore & Emick, PLC 800-552-7526 Suite 1605 Gregory T. Yaeger Suite 350 P.O. Box 11804 www.kaplanlawcorp.com Chicago, IL 60602 Yaeger, Jungbauer Philadelphia, PA 19103 Roanoke, VA 24022-1804 Anthony S. Petru Tel. (312) 332-9596 & Barczak, PLC Tel. (215) 963-0187 Tel. (540) 344-1000 2550 University Avenue West 800-221-5697 877-632-3352 Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson 800-472-5729 Suite 345N [email protected] www.cranwellmoorelaw.com Westlake Building Daniel J. Downes, PC St. Paul, MN 55114 350 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 60 W. Randolph Street Tel. (651) 288-9500 TEXAS WASHINGTON 4th FL Chicago, IL 60601 800-435-7888 Sara Youngdahl George A. Thornton Oakland, CA 94612-2006 Tel. (312) 781-1852 www.yjblaw.com Youngdahl & Citti, PC Thornton Mostul, PLLC Tel. (510) 451-6732 800-624-2121 12621 Featherwood Drive 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 3310 800-448-7575 (CA) www.dandownes.com MISSOURI Suite 240 Seattle, WA 89104 800-447-7500 Gene C. Napier Houston, TX 77034 Tel. (206) 621-0600 www.hmnlaw.com MARYLAND Hubbell Peak O’Neal Tel. (281) 996-0750 800-525-3352 P. Matthew Darby, LLP COLORADO Napier & Leach 866-996-0750 www.tmraillaw.com Berman, Sobin, Gross, Union Station www.youngdahl.com John J. Rossi Feldman & Darby, LLP Rossi Cox Vucinovich Flaskamp PC 30 West Pershing Road See Colorado 32 West Road Suite 350 3801 E. Florida Avenue Suite 210 Suite 905 Kansas City, MO Towson, Maryland 21204 64108-2463 Denver, CO 80210-2500 Tel. (410) 769-5400 Tel. (303) 759-3500 Tel. (816) 221-5666 800-248-3352 800-821-5257 800-325-4014 www.bsgfdlaw.com www.rcvpc.com www.hubbellfirm.com Drew C. Baebler 10900 NE 8th Street Suite 1122 Bauer & Baebler, PC Bellevue, WA 98004-4456 1716 South Broadway Tel. (425) 646-8004 St. Louis, MO 63104-4049 866-357-RAIL (7245) Tel. (314) 241-7700 800-682-4529 www.raillaw.com

28 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Hazardous Materials Training

he Rail train the trainer course and BECOME A REGIONAL Workers PEER TRAINER. THazardous Visit our website at: http://www.hazmatgmc.org and Materials Training sign up today to become a part of this exciting pro- Program is build- gram. Contact [email protected] for questions regarding ing a nationwide prerequisites. pool of peer instructors to Training Dates: deliver hazmat July 16–21, 2012 (five day Hazmat Course or Online training. This Course completion required) DOT-funded July 22–27, 2012 (No prerequisite required) train-the-trainer The grant provides transportation, lodging, meals and course provides a stipend of $175 per day of training to offset lost regional peer wages. trainers with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver this awareness level hazmat training at their Railway Workers Hazardous job-sites, union meetings, and in their communi- Materials Training Program ties. Two courses will be offered this summer on the 10000 New Hampshire Avenue National Labor College (NLC) campus in Silver Silver Spring, Maryland 20903 Spring, MD. We realize many of the members want- (301) 439-2440 • (301) 628-0165 fax ing to attend this training have not been able to afford [email protected] the additional time away from work, home, and fam- ily. To accommodate the needs of these workers the July 22–27, 2012, course offering will include an eight hour awareness course on the first scheduled meeting date. For the July 16–21, 2012, the completion of an eight hour Hazardous Materials awareness course, hazmat awareness online, or the Chemical Emergency Response in the four or five day format offered by this program, will be a pre- requisite to attend. If you want to educate and protect yourself and your co-workers, sign up for the DOT HMIT

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 29 continuous membership The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, in recognition of BRS members’ contributions to the Signalman’s craft and their dedication to the principle of trade unionism, has established a Continuous Service program to honor longtime BRS members. Continuous Service lapel pins are presented to members every five years, beginning with their 25th year of membership.

The following is a list of the members who recently 30 Years 30 Years received Continuous Service pins in recognition of of Service of Service their years as BRS Members: JB Clouse 1 PT Chiaramonte 84 40 Years 35 Years WF Ammerer 5 J Pruett 84 of Service of Service WA Armstrong 5 SL Young 87 PM Maranzano 14 MJ Durand 48 ST Giblin 5 DG Brown 94 MH Adams 16 DJ Whitesell 58 JP Huxley 5 DM Monroe 110 TN Benton 16 G Hopf 60 RL Jakobsohn 5 TS Omaye 130 DJ Lackey 16 RJ Seifert 68 RA Webb 8 DL Ward 136 JA Yancey, Jr. 16 JW Martz 72 SR Godfrey 9 CB Davis 161 LA Cassity 20 LB Roberts 72 VE Krassow 10 JE Carlyle 55 GL Spencer 77 GR Ott 168 JH Driggs 77 CG Heaps, Jr. 87 BJ Stimson 14 NK Mount 174 TB Rollison 89 RJ Earnhart 94 RA Hogan 16 RL Padberg 174 RK McFarland 111 ME Eckstein 94 JL Irons 16 JE Pruitt 179 WM Endecott 129 JA Miles 99 WL Jeffords, Jr. 16 GF Daniels 183 WD Dowdell 154 JM Weaver 108 JN Maness 16 B Fletcher 185 MW Durham 157 SM Foreman 114 GL West 16 DL Thomas 228 RL Fergusson 157 DA Cantone 120 HC Steele, Jr. 19 ML Hoagland 229 DR Haderly 226 DW Hague 121 SE Tvedt 19 DE Cooke 237 MA Bollinger 228 H Nunez 121 LA Aylsworth 24 25 Years 35 Years DM Karp 123 TL Fletcher 24 of Service of Service JH Zimbelman 126 MS McDaniel 2 JA Robinson 157 RC Roller 24 DB Hickok 29 TA Mickey 2 RW Malden 161 MR Day 35 RJ Dexter 33 ME Brunton 8 KM Riley 161 MN Pearce 35 CA Webb 49 BC Fritz 8 W Dunsworth 183 A Gardner 49 AL MacDonald 56 RL Smith 183 JP Higgins, II 8 GS Kearney 56 BH McHerrin 56 GD Nightingale 188 CV Robbins 8 CJ Kicas 56 GP Olsen 56 KG Mattingly 13 WR Murphy 194 JT Palminteri 56 CJ Smith 56 WT Sorg 13 EH Reeves 208 MC Quinn 56 R Parkhurst 58 P Munoz, Jr. 19 RA Grim 216 RA Greiner 58 PJ Reichelt 20 RR Davis 228 HD Hamblin 77 SV Rowe 24 RR Brown 229 HT Cooke 72 EV Sottile 120 ME Breeden 33 JJ Westbrook 230 PW Rice 77 AE Laird 129 BD Ryba 40 RL Ewing 234 CJ Weston 80 PK Stutz 185

30 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 LETTER TO THE EDITOR HOW TO BUY Voters Rights Union Made Tires he U.S. Department of Transportation requires that all tires sold in the United States carry a code which Dear President Pickett: T shows, among other things, the company and plant that You don’t have to be told that union membership made the tire. The code would look like this: DOT BE XX in the United States has plummeted over the past XXX XXX The two symbols (either two letters or a letter and a number) that follow “DOT” indicate the company and the 60 years, nor are you unaware that big business is plant where a tire was manufactured. For example, the above using its death grip on the government to kill off code indicates a tire made by B. F. Goodrich in Tuscaloosa, the labor movement, but you may not have heard AL. The following is a listing of all U.S. and Canadian union- about the cure. ized tire plants and their DOT codes. By comparing this list to the code on the tire you are buying, you can be certain you are Support for a Voters’ Rights Amendment getting a USW-made tire. (USVRA) to the Constitution is growing rapidly CODE COMPANY, CITY and you, your leadership team, and your mem- BE B.F. Goodrich — Tuscaloosa, AL bers have to get in front of it. It’s good for labor, BF B.F. Goodrich — Woodburn, IN it’s good for your members, and it’s good for the VE country. YE Bridgestone/Firestone — De Moines, IA The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United YU is a powerful motivator, and the bipartisan outrage 8B it has caused has led to a number of proposals to D2 reverse it through a constitutional amendment. E3 Bridgestone/Firestone The best known of these is the one by Move to W1 Lavergne, TN Amend, which restricts constitutional rights to Y7 natural persons only and which disallows the 2C 4D Bridgestone/Firestone equation of money and free speech. 5D Morrison, TN The Move to Amend proposal is a good start; UP Cooper — Findlay, OH however, it does not go far enough. In fact, after a UT Cooper — Texarkana, AR long and difficult amendment process, we will be JU Goodyear — Medicine Hat, Alberta back where we were the day before the decision, PC which wasn’t such a great place to be. UK DY Denman Tire — Warren, Ohio The USVRA includes the Move to Amend pro- JJ Goodyear — Gadsden, AL posal, but goes further to clearly establish that the MD right to cast an effective vote is an inherent right PU under the Constitution, and in addition, it pro- DA Dunlop — Buffalo, NY vides for a national paid voting holiday, a national JN Goodyear — Topeka, KN hand-countable paper ballot, and a process for the MJ people to have a more direct role in the formula- PY tion of public policy. Finally, it mandates voter JE Goodyear — Danville, VA registration and prohibits voter suppression. MC Sincerely, PT JT Goodyear — Union City, TN William John Cox MK For more information go to: http://www.usvra.us TA JF Kelly-Springfield — Fayvetteville, NC [William John Cox is an American public inter- MM PJ est lawyer, retired prosecutor, author, and political CC Yokohama Tire — Salem, VA activist.] In addition to company brands, these codes will also appear on “Associate Brand” and “Private Brand” tires manufactured at the above plants. The key, then, to being sure of getting a USW-made tire is the DOT code. Be sure and check it with this listing. The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 31 House Republicans Take Aim at Railroad Retirement Benefits continued from page 5

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reimburses of railroad employees and their families.” the Railroad Retirement Trust Fund for all benefits The BRS worked closely with various Senators and paid that are identical to Social Security benefits and their staff to make certain that the offending lan- nothing more. The SSA does NOT reimburse the guage was not passed during this session and is not Railroad Retirement Trust Fund for benefits that are progressed in any subsequent session. In a vote on unavailable under the Social Security Act. All annu- Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the Senate rejected the ity payments which are above those provided by the budget proposal 58–41. Five Republicans joined Social Security Act are funded by Tier II taxes. There them. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) said, “We will are no public funds or general tax revenues used to not allow the debt and deficit to be reduced on the backs pay these annuities; therefore, there are no taxpayer of the middle class and most vulnerable Americans with- savings observed by the House Budget plan. The out calling on the wealthiest to contribute. That is not assertion that reducing Railroad Retirement benefits fair, it's not what the American people want, and it's would somehow save tax dollars is simply untrue. simply not going to happen.” “The Republicans’ so-called ‘Path to Prosperity’ budget If you are a railroad worker or retiree and care about leads me to wonder, ‘prosperity for who?’ These propos- your retirement security, the election will be the most als target the retirement plan funded by hardworking important ever. Register to vote now, and on Election railroad employees and their employers — employees that Day, vote as if your retirement security depends on it. are the bread and butter of America’s thriving trans- Because it does!  portation industry,” said BRS President Dan Pickett. “Railroad employees receive more in retirement benefits because they, and their employers, invest more into their retirement system than those who pay into Social Security. These politicians are pretending that these drastic measures will significantly save taxpayers, yet are unwill- ing to recognize that the Railroad Retirement System is not taxpayer funded. This harmful legisla- tion, if adopted, would have a devastating impact on the lives of thousands

32 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Benefits Directory Where to file claims for all UnitedHealthcare Insurance policies (except Plan F): UnitedHealthcare Railroad Claims P.O. Box 30985 • Salt Lake City, UT • 84130-0985 1-800-842-5252 Where to file claims for UnitedHealthcare Policy GA-23111 (Plan F): UnitedHealthcare P.O. Box 30304 • Salt Lake City, UT • 84130-0404 1-800-842-5252

UnitedHealthcare Mental Health and GA-23000 Medical Management Substance Abuse Benefits Managed Medical Care Programs (MMCP) & For treatment, claims or inquiries call: Comprehensive Health Care Benefit (CHCB) United Behavioral Health 1-800-842-9905 1-866-850-6212 www.myuhc.com www.liveandworkwell.com Access code: Railroad Aetna Managed Care 3541 Winchester Road Supplemental Sickness Benefits Allentown, PA 18195 Under Group Policy No. R-5000 1-800-842-4044 Aetna Life Insurance Company www.aetnaushealthcare.com P.O. Box 189145 Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Plantation, FL 33318-9145 1-800-205-7651 • Fax: 954-452-4124 Railroad Dedicated Unit You may file online at: www.wkabsystem.com P.O. Box 890381 Company identifier: RR Camp Hill, PA 17089-0381 1-866-267-3320 Dental Benefits under Group Policy www.bcbs.com No. GP-12000 Life Insurance Claim Aetna Information under MetLife Policy GA-23000 P.O. Box 14094 MetLife Lexington, KY 40512-4094 P.O. Box 6122 1-877-277-3368 Utica, NY 13504-6122 www.aetnaushealthcare.com 1-800-310-7770 Managed Pharmacy Benefit www.metlife.com Medco Rx Services Vision Service Plan Retail pharmacy network provides medication for P.O. Box 997105 acute, short-term care. Mail-order prescription service Sacramento, CA 95899-7100 provides medication for chronic, long-term care. Member Services UnitedHealthcare Plans GA-23000 and GA-46000 1-888-877-4782 1-800-842-0070 www.vsp.com www.medco.com Railroad Retirement Board 1-877-772-5772 — Automated Help Line www.rrb.gov The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 33 OBITUARIES

Charles w. adamo—retired member of LOCAL 56. donald n. bush—retired member of LOCAL 75. Brother Adamo retired in 1996 after 29 years of service Brother Bush retired in 1984 after 38 years of service with the Long Island Rail Road. Brother Adamo was a with the Delaware & Hudson Railroad. Brother Bush Signal Inspector at Jamaica, New York, at the time of his was a Signal Inspector at Afton, New York, at the time retirement. of his retirement. Russell w. annear—retired member of LOCAL 43. Albert g. cinna—retired member of LOCAL 193. Brother Annear retired in 1993 after 39 years of service Brother Cinna retired in 1984 after 30 years of service with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Brother with the Union Railroad. Brother Cinna was a Signal Annear was a Gang Signalman at Sioux City, Iowa, at Helper at Duquesne, Pennsylvania, at the time of his the time of his retirement. retirement. Larry D. Asher—retired member of LOCAL 92. kevin r. clem—active member of LOCAL 119. Brother Asher retired in 1996 after 35 years of service Brother Clem had 32 years of service with the BNSF with the Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific Railroads. Railway Company. Brother Clem was a Signal Foreman Brother Asher was a Signal Maintainer at Merced, at Havelock, Nebraska, at the time of his passing. California, at the time of his retirement. Archi f. consla—retired member of LOCAL 109. Robert I. Barber—retired member of LOCAL 19. Brother Consla retired in 1977 after 30 years of service Brother Barber retired in 1981 after 42 years of service with Conrail. Brother Consla was a C&S Maintainer at with the Union Pacific Railroad. Brother Barber was a Wheatland, Pennsylvania, at the time of his retirement. CTC Signal Maintainer at Delta, Utah, at the time of his retirement. ron l. couch—retired member of LOCAL 229. Brother Couch retired in 2001 after 31 years of service Ralph H. Barnard—retired member of LOCAL with the Western Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. 145. Brother Barnard retired in 1975 after 26 years Brother Couch was a Signal Inspector at Keddie, of service with the Erie Lackawana Railroad. Brother California, at the time of his retirement. Barnard was a Lead Signalman at Whitney Point, New York, at the time of his retirement. vern R. crawford—retired member of LOCAL 152. Brother Crawford retired in 1993 after 40 years clifton e. barth—retired member of LOCAL 93. of service with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Brother Brother Barth retired in 1984 after 32 years of service Crawford was a Signal Maintainer at Oakridge, Oregon, with Conrail. Brother Barth was a Signal Maintainer at at the time of his retirement. East Syracuse, New York, at the time of his retirement. Robert dau—retired member of LOCAL 154. Dale a. beatty—retired member of LOCAL 40. Brother Dau retired in 1985 after 41 years of service Brother Beatty retired in 1983 after 38 years of service with the Burlington Northern Railroad. Brother Dau with Conrail. Brother Beatty was a C&S Maintainer was a CTC Signal Maintainer at Casselton, North at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, at the time of his retirement. Dakota, at the time of his retirement. Brother Beatty also served as Local Recording-Financial Secretary. Joseph b. dismuke—retired member of LOCAL 16. Brother Dismuke retired in 1986 after 22 years of ser- L. C. Blair—retired member of LOCAL 85. Brother vice with CSX Transportation. Brother Dismuke was a Blair retired in 1987 after 44 years of service with the Signal Foreman at the time of his retirement. Illionis Central Gulf Railroad. Brother Blair was a Signal Maintainer at Higginsville, Missouri, at the time of his delbert L. Finch—retired member of LOCAL 111. retirement. Brother Finch retired in 1991 after 41 years of service with the Union Pacific Railroad. Brother Finch was a gary c. brophy—active member of LOCAL 65. CTC Signal Maintainer at Caldwell, Idaho, at the time Brother Brophy had 35 years of service with Amtrak. of his retirement. Brother Finch also served as Local Brother Brophy was an Electronic Technician at President. Washington, D.C., at the time of his passing. Brother Brophy also served as Local Recording-Financial jose m. galego—retired member of LOCAL 57. Secretary and Second Vice President. Brother Brophy is Brother Galego retired in 2000 after 25 years of service a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. with Conrail. Brother Galego was an Assistant Foreman at Newark, New Jersey, at the time of his retirement. George l. burch—retired member of LOCAL 52. Brother Burch retired in 1993 after 40 years of service robert w. godek—retired member of LOCAL 56. with the Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail. Brother Brother Godek retired in 1977 after 33 years of service Burch was a Signalman at Richmond, Indiana, at the with the Long Island Rail Road. Brother Godek was a time of his retirement. Signal Maintainer at Jamaica, New York, at the time of his retirement.

34 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 Carl l. green—retired member of LOCAL 87. Loren p. kringle—retired member of LOCAL 130. Brother Green retired in 1991 after 23 years of service Brother Kringle retired in 2008 after 35 years of service with the Burlington Northern Railroad. Brother Green with the Milwaukee, Chicago & Northwestern, and was a CTC Signal Maintainer at Chester, Montana, at the Union Pacific Railroads. Brother Kringle was a Signal time of his retirement. Maintainer at Northlake, Illinois, at the time of his retire- ment. ralph e. hall—retired member of LOCAL 21. Brother Hall retired in 1989 after 45 years of service with joseph e. larbig—retired member of LOCAL 42. the Kansas City Terminal Railroad. Brother Hall was a Brother Larbig retired in 2009 after 30 years of service Signal Foreman at Kansas City, Missouri, at the time of with Conrail and CSX Transportation. Brother Larbig his retirement. was an Electronic Specialist at Indianapolis, Indiana, at elmon b. harris—retired member of LOCAL 208. the time of his retirement. Brother Larbig also served as Brother Harris retired in 1983 after 42 years of service Local Trustee. with the Seaboard System Railroad. Brother Harris was a Lead Signalman at Atlanta, Georgia, at the time of his jerdon h. lester—retired member of LOCAL 16. retirement. Brother Lester retired in 2010 after 30 years of service with CSX Transportation. Brother Lester was a Signalman emory s. hartley—retired member of LOCAL at Marion, Ohio, at the time of his retirement. 16. Brother Hartley retired in 1993 after 42 years of service with the Seaboard System Railroad and CSX harold d. majors—retired member of LOCAL Transportation. Brother Hartley was a Signal Maintainer 31. Brother Majors retired in 1995 after 44 years of at Columbia, South Carolina, at the time of his retire- service with the Baltimore & Ohio and Chessie System ment. Railroads, and CSX Transportation. Brother Majors was a Signal Inspector at Zelienople, Pennsylvania, at the time vernon f. hartsock LOCAL —retired member of of his retirement. 31. Brother Hartsock retired in 1984 after 34 years of service with the Baltimore & Ohio and Chessie System Devin w. mathison—retired member of LOCAL 154. Railroads. Brother Hartsock was a Signal Maintainer at Brother Mathison retired in 2006 after 32 years of service Baltimore, Maryland, at the time of his retirement. with the BSNF Railway Company. Brother Mathison was hobart d. holt—retired member of LOCAL 46. a Signal Maintainer at Fridley, Minnesota, at the time of Brother Holt retired in 1981 after 37 years of service with his retirment. the Illinois Central Railroad. Brother Holt was a Signal Maintainer at Princeton, Kentucky, at the time of his Donald p. mcguirk—retired member of LOCAL retirement. Brother Holt also served as Local President. 134. Brother McGuirk retired in 1988 after 39 years of service with Conrail. Brother McGuirk was a Signal elmer howard—retired member of LOCAL 166. Maintainer at Oil City, Pennsylvania, at the time of Brother Howard retired in 1981 after 39 years of service his retirement. Brother McGuirk also served as Local with the Norfolk & Western Railroad. Brother Howard President. was a Maintainer Helper at Claypool, Indiana, at the time of his retirement. ricky c. meador—active member of LOCAL 13. Brother Meador had 36 years of service with the gaylord e. hunt LOCAL 213 —retired member of . Louisville & Nashville Railroad and CSX Transportation. Brother Hunt retired in 1992 after 43 years of service Brother Meador was a Lead Signal Maintainer headquar- with the New York Central and Penn Central Railroads, tered at Osbourne Yard in Louisville, Kentucky, at the and Conrail. Brother Hunt was a Maintainer Test at West time of his passing. Brother Meador also served as Local Springfield, Massachusetts, at the time of his retirement. Trustee. Steve a. jones—retired member of LOCAL 77. Brother Jones retired in 2006 after 32 years of service L. A. Meeks—retired member of LOCAL 110. Brother with the Norfolk & Western Railroad. Brother Jones Meeks retired in 1988 after 44 years of service with was a Signalman at Roanoke, Virginia, at the time of his the Southern Railroad. Brother Meeks was a Signal retirement. Maintainer at Toccoa, Georgia, at the time of his retire- ment. Brother Meeks also served as Local Recording- Alfred t. kongshaug—retired member of LOCAL Financial Secretary. 168. Brother Kongshaug retired in 1992 after 39 years of service with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. William C. Meeks—retired member of LOCAL 110. Brother Kongshaug was a Signal Maintainer at Hudson, Brother Meeks retired in 1984 after 42 years of service Wisconsin, at the time of his retirement. Brother with the Southern Railroad. Brother Meeks was a Signal Kongshaug is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as an Maintainer at Cornelia, Georgia, at the time of his retire- aircraft mechanic. ment. Brother Meeks also served as Local Chairman.

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 35 August oldham—retired member of LOCAL 13. melvin l. slocum—retired member of LOCAL 52. Brother Oldham retired in 1988 after 43 years of service Brother Slocum retired in 1981 after 33 years of service with the Louisville & Nashville and Seaboard System with the Pennsylvania and Penn Central Railroads, and Railroad, and CSX Transportation. Brother Oldham was Conrail. Brother Slocum was an Electonic Specialist at a Signal Maintainer at Louisville, Kentucky, at the time Columbus, Ohio, at the time of his retirement. of his retirement. Brother Oldham also served as Local leo smith, jr.—retired member of LOCAL 228. Recording-Financial Secretary. Brother Smith retired in 1995 after 44 years of service O. J. Reach—retired member of LOCAL 49. Brother with the Wabash and Norfolk Southern Railroads. Reach retired in 1985 after 33 years of service with Brother Smith was a Signal Maintainer at Bloomington, the Southern Railroad. Brother Reach was a Signal Illinois, at the time of his retirement. Maintainer at Pell City, Alabama, at the time of his retire- george l. springer—retired member of LOCAL ment. 206. Brother Springer retired in 1987 after 39 years Thomas p. richardson—retired member of LOCAL of service with the Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific 3. Brother Richardson retired in 1970 after 20 years of Railroads. Brother Springer was a Signalman at San service with the Southern Railroad. Brother Richardson Antonio, Texas, at the time of his retirement. was a Signalman at Chattanooga, Tennesee, at the time of John f. urban—retired member of LOCAL 59. his retirement. Brother Urban retired in 1984 after 38 years of service J. H. Rollins—retired member of LOCAL 92. Brother with the Reading Railroad and Conrail. Brother Urban Rollins retired in 2000 after 42 years of service with the was a Signal Maintainer at Lehighton, Pennsylvania, at Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific Railroads. Brother the time of his retirement. Brother Urban also served on Rollins was a Signal Technician at Oakland, California, at the Local Grievance Committee. the time of his retirement. dennis j. valley—retired member of LOCAL 43. Robert c. Shaw—active member of LOCAL 94. Brother Valley retired in 1994 after 16 years of service Brother Shaw had 30 years of service with the Baltimore with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Brother & Ohio Railroad, and CSX Transportation. Brother Shaw Valley was a Signalman at Jefferson, Iowa, at the time of was a Signal Technician at Queensgate in Cincinnati, his retirement. Ohio, at the time of his passing. Brother Shaw also served Grant n. vincent—retired member of LOCAL 28. as General Committee Trustee. Brother Vincent retired in 1993 after 31 years of service Wayne l. simonson—retired member of LOCAL 154. with Conrail. Brother Vincent was an Assistant Inspector Brother Simonson retired in 1998 after 42 years of service at Dearborn, Michigan, at the time of his retirement. with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Brother Simonson was a CTC Signal Maintainer at Karlsruhe, Editor’s Note: Please notify Grand Lodge of the passing of retired BRS North Dakota, at the time of his retirement. members. Email: [email protected]

DON’T LOOK for this Bug... LOOK FOR

THE UNION “Bug”!

A Union Member Has Just Purchased Your Goods or Services We are proud “Union Workers.” We earn and spend Union Wages and promote all Union made prod- ucts. When making a purchase, we look for the Union Label, as well as American made products. Every job counts. Without the benefit of Unions this purchase might not have been possible. Unions set the standard for fair wages and benefits. Many other Union members are customers, too. If we are doing okay, you are doing okay. Think about it. Encourage everyone to Buy Union and Buy American- made products!

36 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 AN ALL UNION VACATION — YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU TRY!

Planning a Summer Vacation— Wherever you go for a summer vacation, your family is likely to enjoy the services of MAKE IT UNION! union members — getting you to your desti- nation safely, on time and comfortably; preparing and delivering food, keeping you safe and enter- taining you. Check out the Union Plus website (www.unionplus.org). Its travel and entertainment section offers exclusive discounts for union members. When you take in a live performance, a concert or show, a major sporting event, stay in a comfort- able hotel or take a meal in a classy restaurant…more than likely, union members will be part of the experience.

Did you know that the most success- Interior Department workers who staff federal ful U.S. theme parks are staffed by parks and monuments are also union-represent- thousands of union members? ed — by NFFE, an affiliate of the IAM. AFGE represents many employees who build exhib- Disney’s two major parks: Orlando and Ana- its, conduct research and maintain the world heim employ some 36,000 union members from renowned Smithsonian Institute Museum in 18 different unions — including musicians, ac- Washington, D.C. tors, stage hands, hotel and restaurant person- nel from UNITE HERE, Teamsters and many Thousands of employees working in Major more. Likewise, Sea World—which recently League baseball stadiums are represented by began a major expansion to double its size — several unions — including AFSCME, UNITE employs thousands of union members who inter- HERE and the Service Employees. The Actors’ act with the public as well as others responsible Equity Association recently concluded a master for the care and feeding of the park’s featured agreement covering cast members working in marine animals. smaller theme parks. AFSCME represents thousands of municipal workers at city and state parks and zoos. U.S.

If you’re planning a family vacation, check the Union Label website (www.unionlabel.org) for hotels, airlines, rail service and highway transportation available in the region you’ll be visiting. Most major U.S. airlines (with the exception of Jet Blue and Delta) are union front to back. Continental has union pilots, but other elements of the line are non-union. Amtrak passenger service is all union. Greyhound buses are operated and maintained by members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) which also represents the operators, drivers and support workers for the Metro (Washington) transit system. Signalman’s Store Spalding top flite xl® golf balls with the BRS ORDER FORM logo. $7.50 for a box of 3 or ITEM QUANTITY pRICE TOTAL $26.25 per dozen. Lapel Pin/Tie Tack 4.75 BRS Afghan 32.00 Lapel Pin/Tie Tack has the BRS Flag (3’ x 5’) 103.00 BRS searchlight signal logo with outline and letters in gold. BRS Flag (2’x3’) 39.00 5/8” in diameter. Makes an Golf Balls (3) 7.50 ideal hat pin! Golf Balls (12) 26.25 Reflective Decals (2 inch) .35 BRS AFGHAN — BRS logo Non-Reflective Decals (4 inch) .45 embroidered on 48”x67”, Inside Window Decals (3 inch) .50 2-layer, blue afghan. Coffee Mug 8.50 Decals have the BRS searchlight logo and are available in three Set of 4 Coffee Mugs 31.50 diameter sizes. The 2” decals have a reflective image of the BRS Pocket Watch 94.50 searchlight signal and are the perfect size for hard hats. The 4” Wrist Watch 115.50 decals have a non-reflective image of the BRS searchlight signal and are the perfect size for windows and bumpers. The 3” inside Mantle/Desk Clock 132.00 window decals have a non-reflective image of the BRS searchlight 8-Pocket Tool Pouch 52.00 signal and can be placed inside to resist the elements. These pres- BRS Mouse Pad 3.25 sure-sensitive decals are long lasting and easy to apply. GOLF CAPS Klein Tools — 8-Pocket Tool Pouch is made of double- Pink 16.00 layered Cordura® Plus. Constructed of puncture-resistant Cor- Black w/colorlight on brim 18.00 dura® Plus with reinforced bottom, heavy-duty, nylon webbing Black w/BRS lettering on brim 14.00 keeps pocket open for easy access to supplies and tools, double White 11.00 nylon-stitched and rivet reinforced for durability, versatile pouches and holders are removable and interchangeable with Black 11.00 PowerLine™ padded belt. Blue 11.00 Gray 11.00 BRS Watches have a gold BRS logo traced on the faces. T-SHIRTS S M L XL 2X 3X Golf Caps have the BRS colorlight emblem stitched on the front. Signal Graphic 13.00 Made of medium-weight cotton, they have an adjustable headband SWEATSHIRTS S M L XL 2X 3X and come in different styles and colors. Blue 37.00 SIGNAL GRAPHIC T-Shirts are made of quality 100% cotton. GOLF SHIRTS S M L XL 2X 3X Golf Shirts made of a cotton/polyester blend; each has the Blue (Logo on sleeve) 37.00 BRS logo embroidered in red and green on either the shirt front Blue (Logo on front) 37.00 or left sleeve. The white golf shirt has embroidered one-color BRS Beige (Logo on sleeve) 37.00 emblem on front. Beige (Logo on front) 37.00 White 37.00 CANVAS COAT made of 100% cotton canvas and has the BRS Wind Shirt 34.00 colorlight logo embroidered in red and green. Available in black or brown. JACKETS S M L XL 2X 3X Blue 63.00 WOOL/LEATHER BRS JACKETS have a heavyweight wool shell, COATS S M L XL 2X 3X 4X a nylon lining, with leather sleeves and collar. Embroidered four- color BRS emblem. Available in black only. Black Wool & Leather 175.00 Black Canvas 69.00 WINDSHIRT made of a medium-weight polyester/cotton blend Brown Canvas 69.00 material, elastic wrist and waistbands. Embroidered two-tone blue OXFORD SHIRTS S M L XL 2X 3X BRS emblem. Available in blue only. Blue Oxford 37.00 SWEATSHIRT is made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. White Oxford 37.00 Features hood, full zip front, elastic wrist and waistbands. Available sizes in un-shaded boxes only Embroidered two-tone blue BRS emblem. Available in blue only. *Available while supplies last. TOTAL MEN’S CLASSIC OXFORD DRESS LONG SLEEVE — 60% Cotton/40% polyester oxford with wrinkle-resistant finish, seven- NAME button top set placket, button-down collar, matte pearl buttons, left chest patch pocket, shaped shirt tail hem, easy care machine CERTIFICATE NUMBER wash and dry. Embroidered two-tone BRS emblem. Available in blue and white. STREET

Make check or money order payable to: CITY STATE ZIP Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen UNION-MADE Mail payment and order to: PHONE EMAIL Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen 917 Shenandoah Shores Road MADE IN USA Front Royal, VA 22630-6418 Purchases can also be placed on the BRS website, www.brs.org Quality UNION-MADE Items MADE IN USA

THE Signalman’s STORE www.brs.org • (540) 622-6522

Signal Graphic T-Shirt

Windshirt Brown Canvas Coat Black Wool & Leather Coat Blue Jacket Black Canvas Coat

Also available in White BRS logo available on front or left sleeve BRS logo available on front or left sleeve Blue Oxford Blue Golf Shirt Beige Golf Shirt White Golf Shirt Sweatshirt

Large Selection

Black w/BRS Pink w/BRS Black w/colorlight lettering on brim lettering on brim on brim Golf caps have the BRS colorlight emblem stitched on the When you purchase a Pink BRS Cap, a $5 donation will front. Made of medium-weight cotton, they have an adjust- be sent to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. able headband and come in different styles and colors.

Golf Caps ToolTool P Pouchouch

Mantle Clock Flag Pocket Watch Wrist Watch BRS Afghan Railroad Committee Collaborates to Prevent Roadway Worker Impact Fatalities

he Presidents of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), W. Dan Pickett, and the T Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division - IBT (BMWED), Freddie Simpson, jointly commended the work of the Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES) Committee and called for the rail industry to take the necessary steps to eliminate impact fatali- ber goes home safe each night. When it comes to roadway ties and injuries to railroad roadway workers. worker safety, we truly must be our Brother’s keepers.” The FAMES Committee is a voluntary, consensus- The FAMES Committee will periodically issue find- based work group focused on identifying risks, trends, ings and recommendations based upon its review of and factors impacting available safety data. So far, the FAMES roadway worker safety. “Our goal must always be ZERO fatalities,” The Committee is rep- Committee has inves- resented by 23 individ- — W. DAN PICKETT tigated 39 fatal-impact uals from labor, man- accidents, which agement, and the Federal Railroad Administration. occurred between The FAMES Committee issued their first report, Fatal January 1997 and the end of 2011, involving 41 road- Accidents Involving Roadway Workers-In-Charge way workers when they or their equipment was struck and Lone Workers, June 1, 2012, which analyzes the by a train or other on-track equipment. higher than expected number of fatal accidents where The Fatal Accidents Involving Roadway Workers- the roadway worker responsible for the on-track safety, In-Charge and Lone Workers report, and the of themselves or the work crew, was the employee who Introduction to the FAMES Committee report can be was fatally injured when struck by a train or on-track downloaded from either the BRS website, www.brs.org, equipment. or the BMWED website, www.bmwe.org.  “Our goal must always be ZERO fatalities,” BRS President W. Dan Pickett stated. “The rec- ommendations from the FAMES Committee, if embraced by workers and managment, will save lives.” “We have to find ways to increase on-track safety protec- tion beyond the regulations,” said BMWED President Freddie N. Simpson. “Tragedy can strike any time workers are out on the tracks. I urge every member to take the FAMES analysis and recommendations to heart, and to go above and beyond the regulatory require- ments to assure that every mem- 40 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 MEMBER photos 2012 Air Force Graduation — Jared Barkemeyer

Jared Barkemeyer, son of BRS Local 172 Local Chairman Jake Barkemeyer, graduated with honors during the 2012 Air Force Graduation ceremony. Jared, shown at left with his mother, Debbie, and father, Jake. Graduated as an Air Force cadet Squad Leader. President Barack Obama was a speaker at the 2012 Graduation ceremony and is shown at right congratulating Jared during the ceremony.

Napioroski Retirement and Local 60 Meeting

On March 24, 2012, during a Local 60 meeting, BRS President Dan Pickett and Vice President Dennis Boston presented, retired BRS member, Bob Napiorski with an engraved plaque and mantle clock in appreciation of his 41 years of service to the Brotherhood.

Members of Local 60 pictured on the left.

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 41 MEETING photos

Local 18 — Philadelphia, PA

Local 71 — Quarterly Meeting BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Donnie Clary, Steve Higgins, Randy Shocklee, Jim Steinfeld, Chad Whitsell, and Brian Watson.

FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Klauss, Bill Cundiff, BJ Siebe, Randy Boren, and Tracy Brasher.

42 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 meetingtraining photos Local 1 Harrisburg, PA

During a meeting held on January 14, 2012, former Local 1 President Ron Myers, presented the Local’s original seal to BRS Midwest Vice President Joe Mattingly. The seal is currently displayed at BRS Headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.

LOCAL 1 HISTORY — H.G. Detwiler, leader of the Altoona pioneers, has been called the Father of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen because of his work in preparing the first charter, Constitution and Ritual. Brother Detwiler also prepared the original seal, shown in the photo above, and created the original charter of “Mountain City Lodge No. 1.”

The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 43 PHOTO CONTEST PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS FOR 2ND QUARTER 2012

SignalmanTroy Spence of Local 136, is shown working on a new cantilever for the Allegany Subdivision on CSXT Chesapeake and Ohio. Photo submit- ted by Local 136 member Cindy Hawkins.

44 The Signalman’s Journal 2nd Quarter 2012 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS FOR 2ND QUARTER 2012

Assistant Signalman Jason Leuenberger of Local 226 adjust- ing a GRS switch machine on the Soo Line Railroad, Canadian Pacific Rail. Brother Leuenberger is training under the watchful eye of Signal Maintainer Jim Kresh, as he applies the tech- niques recently taught in signal school to everyday situations on the rail. Photo submitted by Local 226 member Jim Kresh.

Signalman SUBMIT Jason Shelton YOUR of Local 136, installing a PHOTOS signal cante- liver on the [email protected] Chesapeake and Ohio OR MAIL ENTRIES TO: East Region EDITOR — Construction The Signalman’s Journal Division, in 917 Shenandoah Logan, West Shores Road Virginia. Front Royal, VA Photo sub- 22630-6418 mitted by Local 216 member Patrick Teleford.