FEBRUARY 2018 Volume 32, Issue 2

Daily news updates ocomotive WWW.BLE-T.ORG LE n g i n ee r s & T r a i n m e n N e w s Published by the BLET, a division of the Rail Conference,• International Brotherhood of Teamsters VP TOLMAN TESTIFIES BEFORE HOUSE ON PTC URGES CONGRESS & REGULATORS TO ENSURE THAT POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL IS FULLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE DEADLINE PG 4

AMTRAK’S SILVER METEOR On January 27, 2015, Amtrak’s Silver Meteor whips up the snow in Elizabeth, N.J., which was dumped by Winter Storm Juno the day before. It will soon arrive in Newark for a brief stop before continuing north to New York and ultimately, Boston. Photo: by Eric Williams, www.ericwilliams.photography MARK YOUR CALENDARS Monterey and Washington D.C. will host BLET for 2018 regional meetings he BLET National Divi- banquet on Thursday night. Travel JUNE 18-22 AUGUST 13-17 sion is hosting two region- home is on Friday for each meeting MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON, D.C. al meetings 2018, and they (June 22 for Monterey and August 17 are as follows: June 18-22 in for Washington, D.C.). TMonterey, California; and August 13- Per the BLET Bylaws, regional 17 in Washington, D.C. meetings are held “for the purposes The Monterey regional meeting of membership training, education will be held at the Hyatt Regency and and discussion of matters of impor- the Washington, D.C. regional will be tance to the membership.” Addition- held at the Capital Hilton. ally, the meetings are structured to As with the 2017 regional meetings, include options for fellowship with the 2018 meetings will be arranged on other members and their families, a Monday through Friday schedule. entertainment, fun and relaxation. Travel to the meeting, registration and More specific details about the a welcome reception for each of the Monterey meeting are on Page 5. Reg- two meetings will be on Monday (June istration information is available on- 18 for Monterey and August 13 for line at the BLET National Division’s Washington, D.C.). Meetings, train- regional meeting website (www.ble- ing classes and other events will be tregionals.org). All members are en- scheduled throughout the remainder couraged to attend one or both of of the week and will include a closing these regional meetings. • Photos: courtesy of seemonterey.com Photos: courtesy of washington.org

BLET President’s Message In the Line of Duty BLET Advisory Board Changes Criminalization of Division 35 member Lyons elected Trustee; rail workers is unfair pg. 2 Michael Kempf pg. 3 Wilson retires pg. 6 Register• for News Flash email alerts at: www.ble-t.org/newsflash Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BLETNational• 2 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

BLET PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY DENNIS R. PIERCE Criminal Prosecution for Unintentional Mistakes is Blatantly Unfair to Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen n the wake of recent dra- matic and highly visible railroad accidents in the United States and Cana- da,I there has been a trend to criminalize railroad workers and prosecute them as the sole cause of these tragedies. The Brotherhood of Locomotive En- gineers and Trainmen stands opposed to such actions. It is a travesty that criminal charges were filed against three former employees of the Mon- treal, Maine & Atlantic Railway for the tragedy of July 5, 2013 in Lac-Megantic, Quebec. The tri- al against them began in Sep- tember of 2017 and concluded on January 19, 2018. What ju- rors found out is that railroad- ing is a complex system of op- erations, and many factors go into a safe operation. Determin- ing the root cause of a particu- President Pierce (center) with class attendees and instructors at a recent training class for Local Chairmen at BLET National Division lar accident is far more complex headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Also pictured are Steve Bruno, BLET National Secretary-Treasurer (far right), Jim Louis, BLET National than simply blaming the work- Vice President (second from right), and Doug Davidson, Director of the BLET Arbitration Department (to President Pierce’s left). ers, but that all too often is what crew trains and locomotives — bers are not given enough time feedback regarding unsafe op- test to railroad managers about many rail carriers and govern- locomotive engineers, conduc- to simply rest and have a nor- erations. Such feedback is cru- hazardous operations, but their ment agencies have done. tors, brakemen and switchmen mal life. On the Amtrak prop- cial to safe train operations. protests simply go unheeded. In 2017, criminal charges were — have extraordinary safety- erty, many of our locomotive To please Wall Street inves- Properly maintained equipment brought against the locomotive critical tasks and responsibili- engineers work six-day assign- tors, railroads have furloughed and tracks are essential to safe engineer of Amtrak train 188, ties not found in other indus- ments resulting in operations so many workers that the few train operations. which crashed in Philadelphia tries. An operating employee’s in excess of 2,500-3,000 miles who remain are often over- This is not to make excuses, on May 12, 2015. Those charges readiness for safety-critical con- per week. At times, the crew worked and stretched too thin. but an effort to explain that it were dismissed in 2017 after a stant vigilance is a personal ob- members are harassed and in- Railroads are increasing the takes more than just blaming judge ruled that the crash was ligation. But this personal duty timidated if they repeatedly re- length of freight trains to dan- the worker to determine the root accidental, not criminal. The en- must be effectively supported quest to lay off for needed rest. gerous levels, trying to do more cause of railroad accidents. Our gineer’s lawyer argued in part: — not thwarted — by a man- Moreover, they have to contend with fewer workers. Well-rest- thoughts and prayers continue “The law recognizes there’s a big agement devoted fully to the with abiding by unrealistic at- ed crew members are essential to be with the victims, families difference between an accident fundamentals of safety. tendance policy standards im- to safe train operations. and workers touched by the ac- and a crime.” However, a second Railroad crew members posed by the carrier that often Railroad crew members some- cidents mentioned above. But judge has ruled that dismissal of sometimes go on duty without result in disciplinary action de- times complain that they are not criminalizing the worker is not those charges was wrong, and being allowed sufficient rest, spite the fact that additional given sufficient familiarization part of the solution to eradicate has reinstated charges of reck- and with accumulated sleep time off is both necessary and trips to become acquainted with similar tragic accidents from less endangerment, involuntary deficits, consequently consti- fully warranted. Crew mem- the lines over which they oper- happening again. manslaughter, and one count of tuting a profound safety prob- bers who are harassed and in- ate. Proper training is essential causing a catastrophe. lem on and along the tracks. timidated by railroad manag- to safe train operations. Dennis R. Pierce The operating employees who Laws are such that crew mem- ers are less likely to provide At times, crew members pro- BLET National President

What jurors found out is that railroading is a complex system of operations, and many factors go into a safe operation. Determining the root cause of a particular accident is far more complex than simply blaming the workers, but that all too often is what many rail carriers and government agencies have done.

BLET NATIONAL DIVISION ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY fficial communications between BLET reference to a specific request and can be used response; however, an e-mail message is not con- President to be aware of the opinions and sug- members and the National Division in future correspondence. sidered an official communication. gestions of the membership, while at the same require a hard copy of the correspon- The volume of e-mails received makes it im- Moreover, anonymous e-mails and e-mails time providing a timely response to the mem- dence,O bearing a signature, being received by the possible for the National President to answer all that do not provide sufficient information con- ber’s unofficial communication, if a response is National President to be considered an “official unofficial communications. Therefore, it is the cerning the sender to enable National Division necessary, without needlessly expending limit- communication.” This is to provide that the ac- policy of the BLET that e-mails addressed to the staff to confirm the sender’s membership status ed BLET resources. tual question(s) are addressed, and ensures that National President will be reviewed and forward- will not receive any reply or acknowledgement. Adopted at Cleveland, Ohio on July when official interpretations are made they have ed to the appropriate officer or staff for a timely This policy is intended to allow the National 22, 2010. • FEBRUARY 2018 3

GENERAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY JAMES P. HOFFA Workers Need to Take Control of Their Future orking Americans are fac- leased earlier this year by the Bureau of ing many challenges on Labor Statistics (BLS) shows the number the job front. While un- of workers belonging to a union grew by employment is low, so is 262,000 last year to 14.8 million overall Wpay. Corporations may be pulling in mas- in 2017. Private industry workers who sive profits, but it’s all going to the top, are organized grew by 0.1 percent. In- with those who are making these busi- terestingly, union growth was greatest nesses succeed getting little in return. in several anti-union Southern states, The struggle is real, and it isn’t just those with Texas leading the way. being hit the hardest who realize it. Black- Why join a union? Because union jobs Rock chief executive Larry Fink told The pay more! The BLS reports that union Washington Post, “Since the financial cri- members had a median weekly income sis, those with capital have reaped enor- of $1,041, compared to non-union work- mous benefits. At the same time, many in- ers, who on average earned $829 a week. dividuals across the world are facing a That’s a difference of more than $11,000 combination of low rates, low wage growth, a year. It also doesn’t address the fact and inadequate retirement systems.” that union workers generally receive bet- So how do we change this? Increased ter benefits as well. unionization! America had a thriving Workers have seen for decades what middle class during the mid-20th cen- happens when they leave it to lawmak- tury, all thanks to a significant union ers to solve the problems of the middle presence that topped out at more than a class — not much. It’s time for hardwork- third of the workforce. But big business ing Americans to take control of their and their corporate cronies buckled down own destiny and join with their co-work- and pushed “no rights at work” legisla- ers to gain power in the workplace. That’s tion in states across the country. Lower what a union can do! wages followed. Increasingly, however, workers are Fraternally, getting wise to corporate America’s games. And they are responding by get- James P. Hoffa ting organized. The latest numbers re- Teamsters General President Why join a union? Because union jobs pay more! The BLS reports that union members had a median weekly income of $1,041, compared to non-union workers, who on average earned $829 a week.

In the Line of Duty MICHAEL KEMPF BLET MEMBER MICHAEL KEMPF, a member of BLET Division 35 in Jacksonville, Fla., was killed when his Amtrak train collided with a CSX train tied down in a siding near Columbia, S.C., on February 4, 2018. Brother Kempf was 54 years old. Also killed in the crash was 36-year-old conductor Michael Cella. Employed by Amtrak, Brother Kempf first joined the BLET on February 1, 2014. He had worked at Amtrak and also at CSX over the years. Prior to his railroad career, Brother Kempf spent 20 years in the U.S. Army serving as a tank commander. He was stationed in Panama and South Korea, among oth- er locations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident. In addition to the two fatalities, 116 people were injured when Amtrak train 91 entered a siding at Cayce, S.C., and struck a stationary CSX train. The NTSB reported that the switch leading to the siding was improperly aligned, diverting the Amtrak train from the main- line to the siding. Brother Kempf is survived by his wife and three children. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. “On behalf of all members of the Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, I extend deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother Michael Kempf,” BLET Nation- al President Dennis R. Pierce said. “Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.” • Brother Kempf is survived by his wife Divas (upper right), his mother Catherin, and three children. Photos: Kempf family 4 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

Vice President Tolman testifies before House on PTC LET Vice President and Na- tional Legislative Represen- tative John P. Tolman urged Congress, the railroads, and governmental regulators to ensure that Positive Train Control (PTC) Bis fully implemented by the current dead- line of December 31, 2018. During his tes- timony, Vice President Tolman also dis- cussed the problem of electronic device distraction (Trip Optimizer and LEAD- ER); the government and industry’s failure to address rail worker fatigue; the danger of excessive train lengths; and the need for two person train crews. Tolman began his testimony by ex- pressing his anger and frustration at hav- ing to yet again testify at a hearing where preventable rail accidents and fatalities were the main topic of discussion. “We strongly urge you to take all ap- propriate measures to ensure the current PTC deadline is met,” Vice President Tol- man testified on February 15 before a BLET Vice President and National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman delivers his oral testimony hearing of the U.S. House of Representa- before the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials on February 15, 2018. tives’ Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipe- ed that deadline until the end of granted an eleventh hour extension,” Vice are currently no federal regulations or lines and Hazardous Materials. “It is time 2018. Many PTC-preventable crashes and President Tolman testified. “We warned laws that address train length. This needs to get past decades of the industry’s ‘can’t deaths have occurred during the three Congress in 2015 that their actions would to change.” do’ excuses, and it is time for all of Con- year deadline extension. result in people dying from collisions that Vice President Tolman encouraged all gress to get on board the safety train.” “Some railroads have dragged their feet PTC could prevent. Congress was con- members of Congress to consider bipar- With passage of the Rail Safety Im- since the [2008] mandate and persuaded vinced by the railroad industry that more tisan support for two-person crew bills provement Act of 2008 (RSIA), Congress Congress to go along with the dithering time was needed. Here we are years later that are progressing though the House mandated the implementation of PTC and — with the [2015] deadline looming and PTC is not fully implemented. Safety and Senate. He thanked Representative nationwide by the end of 2015, then — in the face of threats to cripple the econo- has waited too long and lives have been Don Young for introducing the Safe under pressure from railroads — extend- my and strand passengers — Congress lost during the last extension.” Freight Act (H.R. 233) and Senator Heidi According to a 2015 report from the Heitkamp for introducing S. 2360, a com- National Transportation Safety Board, panion bill in the Senate. Both measures PTC could have prevented 145 major rail would require two-person train crews on Like Us On FacebOOk accidents that killed 288 people and in- freight trains. jured 6,574 since 1969, when the agency “On the railroad, train crews consist- first recommended the technology. ing of Engineers and Conductors form a Regarding electronic device distrac- solid team that moves trains across the tion, Brother Tolman was critical of the United States safely every day,” Vice Pres- Trip Optimizer and LEADER systems in ident Tolman said. “True safety requires use on certain North American rail car- two crew members on every freight train, riers. “Human factor issues will require and such a goal should have no party close attention to be paid to human-ma- lines.” chine interface problems as more screens The hearing was titled “Oversight of with more buttons and submenus come Positive Train Control Implementation online to interface with PTC,” Tolman in the United States.” Additional witness- said. “We also recognize the challenges es included: Richard Anderson, Chief Ex- PTC will place on train crews who will ecutive Officer, Amtrak; Juan D. Reyes be forced to interact with more comput- III, Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Ad- er screens in the locomotive cab. This will ministration; Robert Sumwalt, Chairman, only increase the potential for electronic National Transportation Safety Board; device distraction, given the already wide- Edward Hamberger, President and Chief spread use of technologies such as Trip Executive Officer, Association of Amer- Your Peace of Mind Optimizer and LEADER.” ican Railroads; and Paul Skoutelas, Pres- While PTC was mandated by the RSIA ident and Chief Executive Officer, Amer- of 2008, the law also addressed the issue ican Public Transportation Association. Policy of rail worker fatigue. However, the fa- tigue has not been sufficiently addressed A copy of Vice President • Protect your income and your in the past 10 years. Vice President Tol- Tolman’s testimony can be man reminded Congress of this glaring found here (PDF): www.ble-t.org/ family oversight during his testimony. pr/pdf/PTC_final_2.15.18.pdf “[Fatigue] has been wrestled with for • Matching accidental death benefit decades and Congress made an attempt on most policies, covering both you to alleviate it in the RSIA in 2008. How- ever, the regulator’s effort in meeting the and your beneficiary 24/7* requirements of the Act has not produced • Receive your full daily benefit if any measurable results a full decade af- ter Congress mandated that the manage- you are decertified and decline to ment sit down with labor and work out exercise your seniority genuine fatigue mitigation plans.” Vice President Tolman warned Con- *Accidental Death coverage is not available in California. gress about the danger of excessive train Beneficiary Accidental Death coverage is not available in Texas. lengths. “Freight trains have been getting longer and heavier in recent years. Some of these trains have been over three miles (800) 514-0010 long. This creates technical challenges www.lecmpa.org with maintaining brake pipe pressure that Vice President Tolman responds to aids a train in slowing and stopping. There questions from members of the Committee. Transportation workers protecting each other since 1910. FEBRUARY 2018 5

Registration open for BLET’s Monterey regional meeting egistration is now open seven miles from Carmel River FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE BLET WEBSITE, for the BLET region- State Beach. Other nearby attrac- FACEBOOK PAGE, AND WWW.BLETREGIONALS.ORG al meeting at the Hy- tions include the iconic Cannery att Monterey Hotel & Row, Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Big Spa in Monterey, Ca- Sur coastline, Pacific Grove, and lif., June 18-22, 2018. the renowned National Steinbeck RThe BLET National Division is Center Museum in Salinas. planning a meeting filled with ed- Workshops will be held for Lo- ucational opportunities and enter- cal Chairmen, Secretary-Treasur- taining leisure time activities. ers and Legislative Representa- Guests will stay at the Hyatt Mon- tives throughout the day on terey Hotel & Spa (1 Old Golf Thursday, June 21. The BLET’s Course Rd., Monterey, Calif., (831) Monterey regional meeting will 372-1234). BLET convention reg- conclude with a banquet the eve- istration as well as hotel registra- ning of June 21. Attendees will tion can be made through the travel home on June 22. BLET’s regional meeting web- There is no cost for BLET mem- site, http://www.bletregionals.org. bers who wish to attend the June If making reservations by tele- 19 meetings and June 21 work- phone, you must mention the group shops only; however, there will be code “BLET Regional Meeting.” fees for those members who choose Room reservations must be made to attend the meals. The cost of by May 21, 2018. full registration (including all The Monterey regional meeting meetings, workshops, the banquet kicks off with registration and a and all BLET sponsored meals) is welcome reception on Monday, $200.00 per person. The cost is June 18 for those who purchased $150.00 to register for all of the tickets for the event. Opening cer- above EXCEPT the banquet. Ad- emonies will take place the morn- ditionally, reduced children’s reg- ing of Tuesday, June 19, with a istration and a la carte meal reg- closed meeting for BLET members istration options are also available that afternoon. A golf tournament Please visit http://www.bletregion- will be held on Wednesday, June als.org for more information about 20, at the Del Monte Golf Course. the registration process. There is an additional cost to reg- The website http://www.bletre- ister for the golf tournament. Non- gionals.org is a one-stop shopping golfers will be on their own to ex- opportunity for all current and fu- plore the many entertainment ture BLET regional meetings. Reg- options that Monterey has to offer. istration will be open soon for the The Hyatt Monterey Hotel is BLET’s second regional meeting three miles from the Monterey Bay in 2018 — in Washington, D.C., seemonterey.com courtesy of Aquarium, two miles from the which will be held August 13-17,

Monterey Regional Airport and 2018. • Photos: Heitkamp introduces two-person crew bill in U.S. Senate n January 30, 2018, Sena- and Representative Young and all co- lision between a crude oil train and a ery of the multiple crew members who tor Heidi Heitkamp (D- sponsors for their support of safe freight derailed grain train in Casselton, N.D., were aboard the locomotive. ND) introduced S. 2360, train operations in the United States.” on December 30, 2013, which caused According to the Federal Railroad Ad- a bill that would mandate Senator Heitkamp (D-ND) has long a huge fire and evacuation. The impact ministration (FRA), “the heroic actions a minimum crew size for been an advocate for rail safety im- of the Casselton derailment was less- of the grain train’s (three) crewmembers freight trains in the United States. provements, even more so since a col- ened significantly thanks to the brav- potentially prevented the environmental OThe bill was read twice and referred and property damages from being much to the Committee on Commerce, Science worse” in the Casselton derailment. They and Transportation. It immediately gar- pulled a cut of 50 tank cars to safety away nered four Senate co-sponsors: Senator from the burning derailed cars. The crew Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); Senator Ed Mar- later went back and removed 20 addition- key (D-MA); Senator Sherrod Brown (D- al cars from the scene of the fire. “That OH); Senator Angus King (I-ME). wouldn’t have happened if there were only This bill marks the first time a mini- one-person crews,” President Pierce said. mum crew-size bill has been introduced “The BLET continues to oppose single- in the United States Senate. Representa- person freight operations as adverse to tive Don Young (R-AK) introduced a com- worker and public safety.” panion bill — H.R. 233, known as The Like Senator Heitkamp, Senator King Safe Freight Act —in the 115th House of (D-ME) is also an advocate for rail safe- Representatives on January 3, 2017. It cur- ty. His home state of Maine is near Lac- rently has 75 bipartisan co-sponsors. Megantic, Quebec, where an oil train de- “The Brotherhood of Locomotive En- railment and subsequent fire resulted in gineers and Trainmen has long advocat- 47 fatalities on July 5, 2013. A one-person ed for the safety benefits that come from train crew operated the oil train in the having a minimum of two persons in Lac-Megantic tragedy. • the cab of the locomotive,” BLET Na- tional President Dennis R. Pierce said. Details of the bill “We support this legislation and are ac- can be found at: tively lobbying for additional co-spon- www.congress.gov/bill/ Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 233) and the U.S. Senate (S. 2360) sors in both the House and Senate. Our would mandate a minimum crew size for freight trains in the United States. 115th-congress/senate-bill/ Brotherhood thanks Senator Heitkamp 2360/cosponsors 6 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

Lyons elected BLET National Division Trustee; Matt Wilson retires illiam P. Lyons was Bruno for the confidence they have shown elected unanimously in electing me to the Trustee’s office,” by the BLET Adviso- Brother Lyons said. “I wish Brother Matt ry Board to serve as the best in his retirement and I look for- a National Division ward to serving the Brotherhood in this Trustee effective February 1, 2018. He re- new capacity.” Wplaces outgoing Trustee Matt O. Wilson, “I am proud to welcome Brother Ly- who has retired. ons on board as a National Division Trust- Brother Lyons is currently serving the ee,” BLET National President Dennis R. Brotherhood as General Chairman of the Pierce said. “He is a tenacious defender CSXT-Northern Lines General Commit- of our members who has fostered a sense tee of Adjustment (GCA), which repre- of Brotherhood throughout his General sents nearly 3,000 active and retired mem- Committee, and he makes an excellent bers. He was elected to his first full term addition to our Advisory Board.” of office as General Chairman in May of Delegates at the BLET’s Third Nation- 2013 and was reelected by acclamation in al Convention in 2014 established three May of 2017. Trustee positions to audit the books of Brother Lyons began his railroad ca- the National Division on a regular basis. reer when he hired out as a conductor for Matt Wilson was one of the first men in CSXT at Columbus, Ohio, on February the history of the Brotherhood to be elect- 28, 2000. He joined BLET Division 34 in ed to the Trustee office. Columbus, Ohio, on September 1, 2003, CSXT-Northern Lines General Chairman William P. Lyons, left, was elected Brother Wilson has been a BLET mem- to also serve as a National Division Trustee effective February 1, 2018. where he immediately became an active ber since July 1, 1980. He first began serv- He replaces Brother Matt O. Wilson, right, who has retired. and involved leader. In 2004, Brother Ly- ing as General Chairman on April 8, ons became Division 34’s first-ever Local al Division in various capacities. In 2010, on-property agreement with Bombardier 2008, following the promotion of then- Chairman of trainmen after the BLE he was elected by acclamation to serve Transportation Services for his members General Chairman Dennis R. Pierce to merged with the International Brother- as Fifth Alternate National Vice Presi- working in MARC passenger rail service. the BLET Advisory Board. Brother Wil- hood of Teamsters. One year later, he be- dent at the BLET’s Second National Con- He was assigned to the National Wage son became a full time Vice General came the GCA’s first-ever conductor to vention. In 2014, he was elected by ac- Committee in the recently concluded Chairman for the BNSF/MRL GCA in be elected to the office of Regional Vice clamation to the office of Fourth round of national bargaining as the rep- 1999, moving his family from Spokane, General Chairman. Alternate National Vice President at the resentative of the BLET’s Eastern Gener- Wash., to Ft. Worth, Texas, to serve the In 2009, Brother Lyons was nominat- BLET’s Third National Convention. He al Chairmen’s Association. Brotherhood. He was elected by accla- ed and elected to the GCA’s Second Vice also served as a member of the National Prior to his railroad career, Brother mation as General Chairman in 2010 General Chairman office, a full-time po- Division’s Arrangements Committee Lyons attended Eastern Kentucky Uni- and 2013 and 1st Vice General Chair- sition that required him to relocate to during the 2010 and 2014 conventions. versity where he studied Fire Science En- man in 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2016. Florida. Over the next three years, he was He has twice been elected as his GCA’s gineering. He and his wife Angie were “I thank Brother Matt Wilson for his elevated to serve the GCA as First Vice delegate to the IBT International Con- married in 2003 and reside in Jackson- many years of dedicated service to our General Chairman and Acting General vention, in 2011 and 2016. ville Beach, Fla. Brotherhood,” President Pierce said. “On Chairman. In 2013, he was elected Gen- As General Chairman and Vice Gen- “I am grateful to the entire BLET Ad- behalf of the Advisory Board, I am eral Chairman, and was reelected by ac- eral Chairman, Brother Lyons participat- visory Board and the Executive Commit- pleased to extend our best wishes to Matt clamation in 2017. ed in on-property negotiations with CSXT. tee of President Pierce, First Vice President and Diann for a long, happy, and healthy Brother Lyons has served the Nation- He also recently led negotiations for an Pruitt and National Secretary-Treasurer retirement.” • MOODY LAW FIRM NTSB cites undiagnosed OFFERS FREE CONSULTATION obstructive sleep apnea in TO THOSE TARGETED recent commuter rail crashes n February 6, the Na- board also determined that these or lack thereof, solely determine wheth- BY CSX FMLA tional Transporta- safety issues were not unique to these er the train stops before the end of the tion Safety Board pub- two properties, but exist through- track. According to the FRA there are INVESTIGATIONS lished determinations out the country at many intercity currently no mechanisms installed in he office of Willard J. tional Division office, Moody that two commuter passenger and commuter passenger the U.S. that will automatically stop a Moody, Esq. has ex- wrote: “If you have members railroad terminal accidents in the train terminals. train at the end of the track if the en- T tended an offer of ser- who have been pulled out of NewO York city area were caused by en- In a statement issued in August gineer is incapacitated, inattentive or vice to BLET members who may service and are being subject- gineer fatigue resulting from undiag- 2017 the NTSB expressed its “disap- disengaged. Some railroads have over- have been unjustly fired for al- ed to adverse action by CSX nosed severe obstructive sleep apnea. pointment” with the withdrawal of a speed capabilities, including New Jer- leged Family and Medical for alleged abuse of FMLA The Sept. 29, 2016, accident on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making by sey Transit and the LIRR. However, as Leave Act (FMLA) violations. leave, please let them know New Jersey Transit railroad at Hobo- the Federal Railroad Administration shown in these two accidents, once the According to media re- we are available for free con- ken, N.J., killed one person, injured and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety engineer slowed the train to the pre- ports, CSX pulled dozens of sultation regarding their rights 110, and resulted in major damage Administration stating, “Obstructive scribed speed, the system did not stop BLET and SMART TD members and may want to include them to the station. The Jan. 4, 2017, acci- sleep apnea has been in the probable the trains before they reached the end from service after they took in the action that we are con- dent on the Long Island Rail Road cause of 10 highway and rail accidents of the track. FMLA days over the Christ- templating. There are limita- at the Atlantic Terminal in Brook- investigated by the NTSB in the past In addition to recommending safe- mas and New Year holidays. tions on how railroads may lyn, N.Y., injured 108 people. Both 17 years … Medical fitness and fa- ty-sensitive personnel be screened for FMLA protects workers’ jobs treat employees who they be- accidents involved trains that struck tigue, two of the NTSB’s 10 Most Want- obstructive sleep apnea, the board rec- and allows for unpaid leave lieve may have misused FMLA end-of-track bumping posts and ed List of Transportation Safety Im- ommended the use of technology, such from work for medical or fam- leave, and we believe CSX crashed into stations. provements for 2017 – 2018, are tied as positive train control, in terminal ily reasons. may have overstepped its le- The NTSB found the two acci- to obstructive sleep apnea.” stations and improving the effective- Moody said in an email gal rights in doing what it has dents had “almost identical” prob- When operating a train into a ter- ness of system safety program plans that about 150 CSX employ- done to employees who are able causes and safety issues. The minating track, the engineer’s actions, to improve terminal operations. • ees were taken out of service currently out of service.” and targeted for investigation To contact Moody or Nick “Obstructive sleep apnea has been in the probable cause of 10 highway and for the alleged violations. Thompson, an attorney with rail accidents investigated by the NTSB in the past 17 years ... Medical Pending the results of the in- The Moody Law Firm who fitness and fatigue, two of the NTSB’s 10 Most Wanted List of Transportation vestigation, those workers has experience in FELA and Safety Improvements for 2017 – 2018, are tied to obstructive sleep apnea.” could lose their jobs. FMLA cases, call (800) 368- — NTSB Statement excerpt In an email to the BLET Na- 1033. • FEBRUARY 2018 7

RRB announces spring 2018 conferences and pre-retirement seminars he U.S. Railroad Retirement APRIL 20, 2018: Cincinnati, Ohio* but still seeking pre-retirement informa- APRIL 13, 2018: Patterson, N.J. Board (RRB) has announced Huntington Center, tion should contact the RRB field office Robert A. Roe Federal Building, a schedule of dates for the 23rd Floor Conference Room, where they live. Individual retirement 200 Federal Plaza, agency’s spring 2018 infor- 525 Vine St. counseling is available in person or by 5th Floor (Room 527) mational conferences and phone. Contact the RRB toll-free at (877) pre-retirement seminars. APRIL 20, 2018: New York, N.Y.* 772-5772. MAY 11, 2018: Roanoke, Va. TAttendance at the informational con- Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, Roanoke South ferences is limited to elected union offi- 6th Floor Dates and locations of the County Library, cers only, while the pre-retirement semi- Conference Room A/B RRB’s spring 2018 pre-retirement 6303 Merriman Rd. nars are designed for railroad employees seminars are as follows: and spouses planning to retire within five APRIL 27, 2018: Romulus, Mich. MARCH 23, 2018: Roseville, Calif. MAY 23, 2018: Bismarck, N.D. years or less. Registration is required for Holiday Inn Romulus, Maidu Community Center, 1500 IBEW Local 714 Union Hall, both types of meetings. 8400 Merriman Rd. Maidu Dr. 1800 Commerce Dr. •

Informational APRIL 27, 2018: Ashland, Neb.* Conferences Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Started in 1957 by the RRB’s Office 28500 West Park Highway BLET PICKS CORNERSTONE of the Labor Member, informational con- ferences are designed to provide rail MAY 4, 2018: Kansas City, Mo. union officers with a comprehensive Sheet Metal Workers TO MANAGE ITS overview of the provisions and financ- Local Union No. 2, ing of the railroad retirement and un- 2902 Blue Ridge Blvd. SHORT TERM employment insurance systems. These officials, in turn, are better prepared to MAY 4, 2018: St. Paul, Minn. * share accurate, reliable information with Corporate Conference Center, DISABILITY PLAN the members they represent. 180 East 5th St., he BLET is pleased to announce that Cor- agreement to administer the benefits with Cor- Online registration is being offered for 2nd Floor nerstone Benefits Management and their nerstone on December 15, 2017. most conferences. While mail and fax T affiliates have been selected as the Third Open-enrollment dates for Part B of the Plan registration is still available, members can MAY 11, 2018: Altoona, Pa. Party Administrator for the BLET Short-Term Dis- (on-the-job STD coverage) are currently being go paperless and register online at Hampton Inn Altoona, ability (Part A and B) Benefit with MetLife, which scheduled and will be announced shortly. Eligi- the RRB’s website, www.rrb.gov. 180 Charlotte Dr. was created pursuant to Article IV, Part A, Section bility requirements will be described in more de- Informational Conferences are open 5 of the December 16, 2003 National Agreement. tail in the upcoming announcement for open-en- to union officials and their spouses by MAY 11, 2018: Little Rock, Ark. To improve the overall effectiveness and mem- rollment. For questions about BLET’s MetLife invitation only. Labor representatives Comfort Inn & ber experience of the Plan, the BLET’s Disability Short-Term Disability coverage, please call Cor- who do not receive an invitation to a con- Suites Presidential, and Welfare Benefit Trust Fund entered into an nerstone at (224) 848-4941. • ference in their area should contact the 707 Interstate 30 RRB toll-free at (877) 772-5772 and re- quest that they be added to the agency’s MAY 18, 2018: Parma, Ohio invitation database. Registration typi- Sheet Metal Workers cally begins at 8:00 a.m., with the pro- Local Union No. 33, grams beginning at 8:30 a.m. and end- 12515 Corporate Dr. ing at 12:15 p.m. MAY 18, 2018: Lakewood, Colo. Tips for attendees: Holiday Inn Lakewood, >> If you plan on attending with your 7390 West Hampden Ave. spouse or another guest, please indicate so when you register; Pre-Retirement Seminars >> Please let RRB know if you register Designed for railroad employees and for a conference and then become unable spouses planning to retire within five to attend; years or less, Pre-Retirement Seminars will familiarize attendees with the re- >> Please bring your photo identifica- tirement benefits available to them, Start saving today with tion for entry into Federal buildings (no and also guide them through the ap- membership in the BR&CF. weapons allowed); and plication process. Sponsored by the Of- fice of the Labor Member, the program We offer multiple benefit levels >> Expect parking fees at locations began in 2014 on a pilot basis. Pre-Re- to meet your needs. marked with an asterisk (*) below. tirement Seminars are open to rank If you have any questions and file railroad employees. However, call our office at: Dates and locations persons wishing to attend must regis- of the RRB’s spring ter by submitting one of the registra- 2018 informational tion forms available on the RRB web- (800) 233-7080 conferences are site, www.rrb.gov. as follows: Seminar space is limited and regis- MARCH 23, 2018: Atlanta, Ga. tration is accepted on a first-come, first- The leading provider of job income protection since 1912! Country Inn & Suites, served basis. Completed forms should 4500 Circle 75 Parkway be mailed or faxed to the RRB field of- DAILY BENEFIT $80/*$81 $120 $150 $200/*$201 $250/*$252 fice listed on the form as soon as pos- MARCH 23, 2018: Roseville, Calif. sible. Check-in for each seminar begins BR&CF $30.40 $45.60 $57.00 $76.00 $95.00 Maidu Community Center, at 8:30 a.m., with the program starting Monthly Dues 1500 Maidu Dr. at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 1:00 p.m. Individuals who have not previously *LE&CMPA #16 $47.25 $70.00 $87.50 $117.25 $147.00 APRIL 13, 2018: Sandston, Va. submitted documents required for filing Monthly Premium Hilton Garden Inn a railroad retirement annuity application -Richmond Airport, 4 (such as proof of age, marriage, or mili- SMART - TD (UTU) $64.80 $97.20 $121.50 $162.00 Not Offered 41 International tary service) are encouraged to bring this Monthly Assessment Center Dr. material to the seminar (original docu- ments or certified copies required). At- APRIL 13, 2018: St. Louis, Mo. tendees should also bring along an addi- Drury Inn & Suites tional copy of each item to leave with the Apply today - (St. Louis Forest Park), RRB seminar staff. www.brcf.org 2111 Sulphur Ave. Those unable to attend the seminars FEBRUARY 2018 8

Advisory Board January 2018 Activity Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen News In accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET Advisory Board members’ activities are published monthly: Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen NATIONAL PRESIDENT DENNIS R. PIERCE: National Division Office, Independence, Ohio; VICE PRESIDENT GIL GORE: Assigned to all CSX; Grand Trunk Western; Union Pacific- 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road General supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Correspondence and telephone Southern Region GCA special assignment; Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) issues, communications; Supervision of Office Administration; General Supervision of Special Rep- CSXT; General office duties, paperwork, correspondence, emails, telephone calls, etc.; Independence, Ohio 44131 resentatives; President, Teamsters Rail Conference; Policy Committee, Teamsters Rail Con- Paperwork assisting GTW GCA; Conference call, assist GC Driscoll w/ Galles letter; PLB ference; Amtrak CEO meeting, Washington, D.C.; Cooperating Rail Labor Organizations 7265 review (web mtg.); LIRC trackage rights, assist GC Kerley; DRG prep.; CSXT FMLA BLET Publications Committee: (CRLO) mtg., Hollywood, Fla.; Secretary-Treasurer training class, Independence, Ohio. investigations; GTW-PLB executed awards 48-50; Division 332 mtg., Troy, Ala.; Training pay conference call; DRC agenda; GTW negotiations prep.; CSXT back pay calculations; ID Dennis R. Pierce, National President FIRST VICE PRESIDENT E.L. (LEE) PRUITT: National Duties include but not limited to: service call, assist GC Lyons. E. “Lee” Pruitt, First Vice President & Alternate President Shortline Organizing Dept.; Trainmen’s Dept.; National Publications Committee; National Stephen J. Bruno, National Secretary-Treasurer Legislative Board; Teamsters Rail Conference Policy Committee; PRAC; and National Nego- VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. PRIESTER: Assigned to all BNSF (former ATSF, former C&S, John P. Tolman, Vice President & National Legislative Rep. tiations; National duties, Independence, Ohio; General office duties, telephone, email, cor- CRI&P, FWD, former STL-SF, BNSF/MRL), Panhandle Northern, Missouri & North Arkan- John V. Bentley Jr., Director of Public Relations & Editor respondence communications, etc.; Holiday. sas, Montana Rail Link, Great Western; General office duties, telephone, email, correspon- dence communications, etc.; PLB 7503, preparation and assist GC Brown, Amarillo, Texas; Bill Joyce, Art Director & Associate Editor NATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER STEPHEN J. BRUNO: General supervision of Ac- PLB 7477 and PLB 771, preparation and hearing, assist GC Thurman and GC Holdcraft, counting Dept., Record Dept., Online Services Dept., Tax Compliance Dept.; Safety Task www.ble-t.org (216) 241-2630 Rosemont, Ill.; Article IX mtg. w/ BNSF General Chairmen and President Pierce, Indepen- Force; PAC and FEC reports and filings; Implementation and training for BLET membership dence, Ohio; PLB 7503 hearing w/ GC Brown, Rosemont, Ill. COPYRIGHT 2018, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED database/Union Track; Pension, STD, 457 plan Trustee; Division, General Committee and VOLUME 32 NUMBER 2 February 2018 SLB monthly Trustee reports; Mtgs. with vendors and financial institutions; Union Track VICE PRESIDENT COLE W. DAVIS: Assigned to: Kansas City Southern (MidSouth Rail, issues, testing, status updates, etc.; Triennial election planning and oversight issues. SouthRail, Gateway Western, Illinois & Midland), Texas Mexican Rwy.; CP Rail System/US (Indiana Southern, Iowa, Chicago & Eastern, Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern); Springfield LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) VICE PRESIDENT & NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. TOLMAN: As- Terminal (St. Lawrence & Atlantic, Delaware & Hudson), Louisville & Indiana, Huron & is published monthly by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, signed to BLET Washington, DC office; General office duties, telephone and correspondence Eastern; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; Soo 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131 communications; BNSF-ATSF GCA mtg., San Diego, Calif.; 2017 National Legislative Board mtg., contract issues, DM&E issues, assist GC Semenek; MidSouth issues, assist GC Craddock; Tex Cleveland, Ohio; Advisory Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Town Hall mtg., Tucson, Ariz.; Telefo- Mex issues, assist GC Hiese; D&H and Springfield Terminal issues, assist GC Moore; KCS USPS: 0002-244 ISSN: 0898-8625 rum updating Teamsters on NAFTA negotiations w/ Teamsters President Hoffa & Congressman issues, assist GC Spradlin; Huron & Eastern issues, assist GC Ladrig; Louisville & Indiana Brian Higgins, Washington, D.C.; Mtg. w/ Teamsters President Hoffa, Washington, D.C.; Mtg. w/ issues, assist GC Hogan; PLB 7239, assist GC Craddock, Ft. Meyers, Fla.; PLB 6884, assist GC POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Senate Senior Advisors for the Joint Economic Committee, Washington, D.C.; Conference call w/ Spradlin, Ft. Meyers, Fla.; W&LE issues, assist GC Fannon; Discuss international crews at Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Record Department, Department of Political & Legislative Action Team, Washington, D.C.; Reception in honor of MA Laredo, Texas, assist GC Hiese; Cross border hearing, assist GC Semenek, Toronto. 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. 2/18 Delegation, Washington, D.C.; Numerous receptions and office visits with members of Congress and the leadership of both the GOP and Democratic parties, Washington, D.C. VICE PRESIDENT R.C. (RICK) GIBBONS: Assigned to: All Norfolk Southern General Com- mittees; Wheeling & Lake Erie; Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern; New York, Susquehanna & VICE PRESIDENT MARCUS J. RUEF: Vice Chairman, National Railroad Adjustment Board Western; New England Central; Connecticut Southern; Western New York & Pennsylvania; (NRAB); National Mediation Board (NMB) Arb. Adv. Forum; Department Head, BLET Ar- Indiana & Ohio; RSAC/RSIA Fatigue Management Group; General office duties, telephone, Photo of the Month: February 2018 bitration Department; Assigned to Illinois Central, Wisconsin Central, CN-Cedar River, email, correspondence communications; Vice President duties; On duty at home office; PLB Indiana Harbor Belt, Belt Railway of Chicago, Metra, GRR, Illinois RR and Union Railroad; 7855, assist GC Cole, Estero, Fla.; CSOR negotiations, assist GC Moore, Hartford, Conn. CN OIL TRAIN Canadian National EMD SD70M-2 No. 8901 leads a crude oil train toward Milwaukee on the railroad’s Waukesha Subdivision Assist GC Burns w/ discipline appeals and prep. for PLB 7683, IHB/IR, Chicago; Assist VP Priester w/ PLB 7503 case prep; Assist GC Reynolds w/ discipline cases, WC, Chicago; PLB VICE PRESIDENT JAMES P. LOUIS: Assigned Amtrak; Long Island Rail Road; New York & Photo: in Richfield, Wisc., on February 11, 2017. Chase Gunnoe 7683 (Myers), IHB, Chicago; Assist 3rd Division Labor member, NRAB, Chicago; Draft First Atlantic; Metro North; New Jersey Transit; PATH; SEPTA; Metra; National Division Depart- Division Circular 88, NRAB, Chicago; IFC award, UP-N, Chicago; NMB case coding project, ment Head, Education & Training Dept.; National Division Department Head, Internal Or- NRAB, Chicago; NRAB review award proposals and admin., NRAB, Chicago. ganizing, Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Union Track mtgs. and training; Education & Training issues; BLET Regional Meeting planning; SBA 940 arbitration review, assist GC VICE PRESIDENT MIKE TWOMBLY: Assigned to all Union Pacific GCAs (Eastern District, Brown, NJ Transit; PATH contract talks, assist GC Basile; Planning for 2018 regional mtgs. Northern Region (former C&NW), Western Lines (Pacific Harbor Lines), Western Region (Port- and 4th BLET National Division Convention, Independence, Ohio; Division 269 monthly land & Western), Central Region, Southern Region; Tacoma Belt RR, Utah RR, Longview Portland mtg., Long Island, N.Y.; SEPTA contract talks, assist GC Hill; CalTrain contract talks, assist & Northern NO & Longview Switch, Portland Terminal; On duty at home office; General office GC Kenny; Secretary-Treasurer training class, Independence, Ohio; Amtrak contract talks, duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; UP-Eastern District PLB 7173, assist GC Kenny, Philadelphia. Estero, Fla.; UP-Western Region PLB 7228, Chicago; UP-ED/UP-CR GM-0120, New Orleans, La.

FRA delays passenger railroads to develop Senate confirms road Administration. He was and implement a system safety first nominated to the po- deadline for program. FRA on Feb. 10, 2017, Batory as sition on July 10, 2017. The system safety stayed the rule’s requirements Administrator 46-year rail industry veteran until March 21, 2017, and then retired from Conrail in the program extended the stay until May 22, of FRA spring of 2017. He previous- he Federal Railroad Ad- 2017, June 5, 2017, and then De- n February 13, 2018, ly served as president of The ministration (FRA) has cember 4, 2017. Most recently, in the U.S. Senate unan- Belt Railway Co. of Chicago. delayed for another year a Federal Register notice pub- imously confirmed In November 2017, he was theT effective date of a 2016 fi- lished on November 30, 2017, Oformer Conrail president appointed as a rail adviser nal rule it issued that would re- FRA has extended the stay un- Ronald Batory as Admin- to U.S. Transportation Sec- quire commuter and intercity til December 4, 2018. • istrator of the Federal Rail- retary Elaine Chao. • SIGN UP FOR BLET NEWS FLASHES! Register at www.ble-t.org to get Brotherhood news emailed to you Stay up-to-date with the latest Brotherhood news by go- To register online, just go to www.ble-t.org/ ing to the BLET website and signing up to receive BLET newsflash. On this page, you will find an area to enter Are you a photographer? The National Division’s images to the “Photo of the Month” section of the News- Please note only high resolution images can be News Flash alerts via email. your email address and click subcribe to begin receiving the Public Relations Department, which produces the News- letter. If you’d like to submit a photo for consideration, used. Members are also encouraged to review their The News Flash alerts are news articles from the BLET most current news from the BLET National Division. letter each month, has received numerous inquiries lately you may call Editor John Bentley at (216) 241-2630, ext. employer’s policies regarding the use of cameras and National Division website that are automatically emailed It is a great way to keep informed on the most recent issues from BLET members volunteering to contribute their 248, or you can email: [email protected]. other electronic devices while on duty. to you. impacting your job, your contract and your Brotherhood. • •