LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND TRAINMEN FEBRUARY 2008

PUBLISHED BY THENEWS BLET, A DIVISION OF THE RAIL CONFERENCE, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS What has the BLET done for me lately? Often overlooked, fringe benefits an important part of compensation BLET provides its members

It’s a familiar refrain: “What has the BLET done toward the dental plan, and $121.92 per member, per The money values set forth in this study are com- for me lately?” The answer is quite a lot. year for the vision plan. puted on costs actually known as of January 2008, BLET collective bargaining agreements provide “Our medical benefits are among the best in the and the estimated value of fringe benefits accruing our members with some of the highest blue collar country,” BLET President Don Hahs said. “Our mem- to operating employees is based on annual wages of wages in the United States, and also include impor- bers deserve every penny of this fringe benefit.” $75,900 to $102,000, which are the maximum Tier 2 tant work rules that ensure our members’ safety on These fringe benefits also extend to Railroad Re- and Tier 1 Railroad Retirement taxes, respectively. duty. tirement payments. In fact, nearly half of the $31, It should also be noted that the study does not Often overlooked — but just as important — are 282.02 that BLET members receive each year in fringe take in to consideration vacations, holidays and other the fringe benefits provided to BLET members as part benefits goes toward Railroad Retirement payments. time off benefits, which vary by railroad, class of ser- of the Brotherhood’s collective bargaining agree- For each Class 1 railroad worker covered by the vice and seniority. ments. National Contract, rail carriers will contribute $6,324 “I am proud of the contracts negotiated by the In 2008, BLET members on average will receive per year in Railroad Retirement Tier 1 taxes and an BLET,” President Hahs said. “Railroad jobs are good more than $31,000 in fringe benefits, according to the additional $9,183.90 per year in Railroad Retirement jobs — the kind of jobs you can depend on to raise a BLET’s 2008 Fringe Benefit Study. Tier 2 taxes. That’s a total of $15,507.90. (As a side family. The wages and work rules are just as impor- The rail carriers will pay an average of $12,919.32 note, the same railroad workers will each pay $6,324 tant as the fringe benefits. So the next time someone toward membership health care benefits — that’s per year in Tier 1 taxes and $2,960.10 in Tier 2 taxes.) asks, ‘What has the union done for me lately?’, you $12,919.32 per member working under the National “Our Railroad Retirement system is strong and can point them to this study and show what the BLET Contract. healthy, and I hope it’ll be that way for generations is doing every day to provide its hard working mem- This does not include what the carriers’ contrib- to come,” President Hahs said. “As economists pro- bers with decent jobs and decent benefits.” ute toward the retirees’ health care plan, which is an vide a dire forecast for Social Security, it is good to Members may download the 2008 Fringe Benefits additional $1,331.76 per member, per year. It also does know that our members can depend on the reliabil- report from the BLET website at: not include benefits of $548.64 per member, per year ity of Railroad Retirement.” http://www.ble-t.org/FringeBenefits2008.pdf • Teamsters endorse Barack Members at Huron & Eastern short Obama for President

line ratify first BLET agreement Teamsters General Presi- local union and joint council dent Jim Hoffa announced on leaders and deliberations by Members of the Broth- sentative on May 11, 2006, crease of 3% per year in- February 20 that the union is the union’s democratically erhood of Locomotive Engi- workers at the Huron & East- stead of 2%. endorsing Sen. Barack Obama elected General Executive neers and Trainmen have ern were non-union “at will” Members also will re- for president. The endorse- Board. ratified their first-ever col- employees. ceive back pay in the form ment is the first step in mobi- “We have been fortunate to lective bargaining agree- Dan Lorenz, Local Chair- of profit sharing payments lizing the union’s 1.4 million have candidates throughout ment with the Huron & East- man of Division 327, said the that were withheld during members and their families to the Democratic primary who ern Railroad, a RailAmerica new contract provides security negotiations. Lorenz said elect Obama. are friends of working families short line headquartered in for members. the negotiating process “Senator Obama under- and the Teamsters Union,” Vassar, Mich. “The big reason we orga- lasted between 18 and 24 stands the challenges working Hoffa said. “We are pleased The four-year agree- nized and wanted to get in a months, and during that people face every day,” Hoffa that all of the Democratic can- ment was ratified on Dec. union was to create a policy, time management withheld said. “He is the candidate in didates have focused on issues 17, 2007, and went into ef- structure and guidelines to profit sharing to use as a the best position to lead our of importance to working fect on January 1. The hold management account- bargaining chip at the nego- movement to restore the people, including wages, agreement covers approxi- able,” Lorenz said. “The new tiating table. Lorenz said American dream for working health care, retirement secu- mately 25 members and pro- contract gives us those protec- members will receive profit people in this country. Senator rity, fair trade and vides general wage in- tions.” sharing payments from six Obama will fight for better outsourcing.” creases of 2% per year (8% The contract contains a previous quarters, which wages, real health care reform, The union’s endorsement over the life of the contract) “work safe” provision that al- will total several thousand stronger retirement security, immediately activates the in addition to bonuses lows members to earn quar- dollars for some members. fair trade and an end to the union’s 50-state election pro- earned through the terly bonuses for avoiding Midway through the ne- outsourcing of good jobs. He gram, with special emphasis company’s profit sharing workplace injuries. Payments gotiating process, Rail understands the importance of on swing states. program. The agreement under the work safe program America was sold. The giving workers a voice at work “Senator Obama will stand provided a 3% wage in- are awarded on an individual transaction threw a monkey and will fight for strong unions with the Teamsters when it crease from December 17 to basis and could be as high as wrench into the negotiating to help rebuild America’s comes to fighting for working December 31, along with the $780 per quarter. process and delayed the fi- middle class.” families,” Hoffa said. “This en- annual 2% wage increase In terms of profit sharing, nal outcome. The endorsement decision dorsement begins a partner- that went into effect on members have the right to opt “This property took follows a meeting in Austin, ship to change America. To- January 1. out of the program if it does not longer than normal for us to Texas, between Hoffa and gether we will reinvent the po- Prior to selecting the meet their expectations. In lieu Obama, and completes a litical process and give a voice BLET as their designated of profit sharing, members See Huron & Eastern, Page 7 months-long process that in- to those who have been ignored collective bargaining repre- would earn a general wage in- cluded scientific polling of Teamster members, surveys of See Obama, Page 7 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen • International Brotherhood of Teamsters Page 2 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · February 2008 LAST RUNS Division 34’s John Claytor championed safety at CSX

Brother John T. Claytor, a member Brother Claytor established SENSE of BLET Division 34 (Columbus, ), teams with team captains. “Team mem- ended his long and safety-conscious bers could then feel freer to contact railroad career when he made his Last their team captain with any SENSE is- Run on December 27, 2007. sues,” he said. Brother Claytor’s Last Run came as Brother Claytor has been actively a Locomotive Engineer for CSX Trans- involved in the BLE’s transformation to portation on a trip between Willard, the BLET through his Local Chairman Ohio and Marion, Ohio, operating a responsibilities and as District SENSE MAC 70 engine on mixed manifest train Coordinator. As Local Chairman, No. Q349. He then worked third trick Brother Claytor started a newsletter for on yard job Y301 at Parson Yard in Co- his members to keep them informed of lumbus, Ohio, until his retirement be- important news and changes within the came effective on January 3, 2008. Brotherhood. Claytor hired out in Chillicothe, Upon his retirement, he was Ohio, as an operator-clerk for the Bal- awarded a 40-year service pin from timore & Ohio Railroad in 1967. He CSX and was recognized for his contri- went firing for the Chessie System on butions to safety. He has also received June 6, 1977, and earned promotion to a 30-year honor pin from the BLET. Locomotive Engineer for the Chessie in He served four years in the United September of 1977. Throughout his rail- States Navy. His home port was Jack- road career, he worked out of Newark, sonville, Fla., and he served on the air- Ohio, from 1987 to 1988, and then on craft carrier USS Shangri-la. He also the Columbus Sub/Huntington Division received special military citations for from September 1988 until his retire- his Vietnam service. ment. Brother Claytor and his wife Linda He first joined the Brotherhood on were married on March 22, 1968. The June 5, 1977, and transferred to Divi- couple has two sons, Christopher and sion 34 in September of 1988. He served Scott, and three granddaughters: Division 34 as Local Chairman from Cameron, 9, Sheridon, 4; and Lorelei, 8 Jan. 1, 2001 to Jan. 1, 2004, and has months. served as the District SENSE Coordi- He has a special interest in his nator of the Columbus/Marysville Dis- church and do-it-yourself projects. Dur- “Being able to make a difference portant part of railroading. I am proud trict from Feb. 2001 through his retire- ing his retirement, he plans to start these last eight years by active involve- to have been a part of implementing ment on January 3. Structured Em- playing golf while catching up on home ment in the BLET as a Local Chairman good ideas from fellow railroaders who ployee Network for Safety Empower- improvement projects. He is also look- and a SENSE District Coordinator cared enough to make everyone’s job ment, or SENSE, is the system wide ing forward to spending more time at helped make the job more rewarding,” better and safer. I hope it continues.” safety program at CSX home and enjoying time with his fam- he said. “I was able to see the union Claytor lives at: 321 Fairway As District Coordinator for SENSE, ily. grow and also see safety become an im- Ave., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-1218. • Former NJ legislative chairman Ken Michel retires

Ken G. Michel, former sion 235. In a special election ing table. I credit our National years,” Brother Michel said. This is close to Lake Otsego Chairman of the in 1988, he was elected Local Division leadership and affili- “During that time I served as where I spend a lot of time fish- State Legislative Board, re- Chairman and held that posi- ation with the International Division Delegate to three Qua- ing. I have also taken up golf tired effective January 1, 2007. tion until 1999, when he did not Brotherhood of Teamsters for drennial Conventions, and as and spend as much non-fishing Brother Michel hired out seek reelection. expanding the involvement a staff member for a fourth.” time as possible on the golf as a fireman on the former In 2000, as 1st Vice Chair- and activities of our State Leg- He graduated from Will- course. We also enjoy traveling Penn Central in Weehawken, man for the New Jersey State islative Boards. We have iam Paterson State College in to visit our kids and grandchil- N.J., in 1974. Legislative Board, achieved many small New Jersey with a Bachelor of dren on both coasts. “I was reluctant to hire out he assumed the advances, not the Arts degree in secondary edu- “Membership in the BLET sooner as I had watched my position of State least of which is the cation. He and his wife Marga- has provided me many friends father, a former Cen- Chairman upon recently passed Rail ret (Mitch) were married in over the years. Active partici- tral Engineer and BLE mem- the resignation of Security Act.” 1974. They have three daugh- pation in our Organization pro- ber, work many long hours and James P. Since the NJ Leg- ters, Terri Lynn, Janette and vided immense knowledge of be subject to call on the extra Chappelle. islative Chairman’s Jacqueline (twins) and one son our industry and the difficult list,” Michel said. “Since there Brother Michel position was a part Ken. The couple has been task of achieving hard fought were still firemen on several was subsequently time position, blessed with five grandchil- benefits. I only hope that new assignments, after being hired, elected Chairman Brother Michel had dren ranging in age from four Brothers and Sisters will not I was able to hold a position as later in 2000. to maintain a regular to 16. sit on the sidelines allowing fireman on a regular run be- “While my assignment. Brother Michel’s father others to do all the work. Par- tween North Bergen, N.J. and commitment was “Fortunately, I was hired out on the New York Cen- ticipation as an officer in your Selkirk, N.Y.” always to my members as Lo- able to hold a day yard assign- tral in 1944 as a fireman. He Division can be a very reward- He earned promotion to cal Chairman, by far, my most ment, the YY-120 in North was promoted to Engineer in ing job. I also urge all members Locomotive Engineer in 1976 satisfying position was that of Bergen, where I began my ca- the late 50’s and worked until to participate in the BLET PAC after completing Engineer State Legislative Chairman,” reer,” Brother Michel said. “By his retirement in 1980. My son program. Help your Union Training School in New Haven, Brother Michel said. “I only this time, Penn Central had be- Ken hired out as a trainman level the playing field with the Conn. For a period of about served the Brothers and Sis- come , which was then with Conrail in 1998 and was carriers by contributing and three years he worked as a ters of New Jersey for six years purchased by CSX.” promoted to Engineer in 1999. supporting our battles in hostler in Selkirk before being as Chairman, but felt that the An unexpected illness in He is currently employed by NJ Washington D.C. and State promoted as needed to Engi- Legislative Branch of our September 2006 forced him to Transit as an Engineer in Legislatures. neer. Brotherhood would prove to stop work to recover. Subse- training. “I wish all as rewarding a Brother Michel became a play an important role in the quently, he was advised that he “So far, retirement has career as I have enjoyed,” he member of BLE Division 235 future of our organization. should consider ending his ca- been very good,” Brother concluded. (Union City, N.J.) on December “The position provided the reer and did so effective Janu- Michel said. “We sold our home Old friends may write to 1, 1975. In 1986, he was elected opportunity to address issues ary 1, 2007. in Northern New Jersey and Brother Michel at: 1803 Secretary-Treasurer and Leg- legislatively which were meet- “I have been a proud active moved to a home and a few Margerum Ave., Lake Como, islative Representative of Divi- ing opposition at the negotiat- member of the BLET for 32 acres in Cooperstown, N.Y. NJ 07719. • Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · February 2008 Page 3 FOURTH QUARTER 2007 Burlington Northern Santa Fe○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Canadian National Railway Burlington Northern Santa Fe CN posted a 67% jump in fourth-quar- Corporation reported quar- ter net income, aided by gains from a tax terly earnings of $1.46 per di- adjustment and the sales of its Montreal luted share, compared with station complex and stake in the English fourth-quarter 2006 earnings of $1.42 per share. Highlights included: Welsh & Scottish Railway. Net income for • Quarterly earnings were $1.46 per diluted share, compared with fourth- the fourth quarter of 2007 was C$833 mil- quarter 2006 earnings of $1.42 per diluted share. lion, including a deferred income tax recovery of C$284 million resulting from • Freight revenues increased $352 million, or 9 percent, to $4.12 billion com- the enactment of corporate income tax rate changes in Canada, and the after- pared with $3.77 billion in the fourth quarter of 2006, principally due to strong tax gains on the sale of the CSC of C$64 million and the Company’s investment in yields and an increase in fuel surcharges of approximately $120 million. EWS of C$41 million. Excluding the three items, CN reported adjusted diluted • Operating income was $950 million, compared to $943 million in the fourth EPS of C$0.90. quarter of 2006. Operating income reflects a $257 million increase in fuel ex- The operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of rev- pense, principally resulting from higher fuel prices. enues, was 62.1 percent during the quarter, compared with 62.2 percent for the • Full-year 2007 earnings per diluted share were $5.10. This compared to fourth quarter of 2006, a 0.1-point decrease. earnings per diluted share of $5.11 for 2006. In 2008, CN also plans to invest approximately C$1.5 billion in capital pro- • For 2007, BNSF exceeded $1 billion in free cash flow before dividends and grams, of which more than C$1 billion will be targeted on track infrastructure to achieved $738 million in free cash flow after dividends. For the full year of 2007, maintain a safe railway and improve the productivity and fluidity of the net-

operating revenues reached a record $15.8 billion, a 5 % increase over 2006. • work. •

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Canadian Pacific Railway○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ CSX Corporation Fourth quarter net income at CSX Corporation reported fourth quarter in- 2007 net earnings of $365 million, or 86 cents creased to $342 million in 2007 per share, including a penny per share from compared with $146 million in insurance gains. In the fourth quarter of last 2006 primarily due to lower year, the company reported earnings of $347 future Canadian income tax million, or 75 cents per share, including 18 rates. For the full year 2007, cents per share from insurance gains, a gain net income improved 19 per cent to $946 million compared with $796 million in on Conrail property and the resolution of certain tax matters. On a reported ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 2006. This improvement was driven by an increase in operating income and a basis, earnings per share increased 15% percent on a year-over- year basis. foreign exchange gain on long-term debt. In 2007, CP recorded a full year future CSX’s surface transportation businesses produced record fourth quarter op- tax benefit of $163 million compared with a tax benefit in 2006 of $176 million, erating income of $609 million versus $505 million in the same quarter last year. both due to lower future Canadian income tax rates. Diluted earnings per share These results included insurance gains of $8 million and $27 million, respec- was $2.21 in fourth-quarter 2007 compared with $0.92 in fourth-quarter 2006 tively. On a comparable basis, excluding the insurance gains, operating income and $6.08 for the full year 2007 and $5.02 in 2006. rose 26 percent on a year-over-year basis. Improvements in CSX’s safety record For the fourth quarter 2007, the railway’s operating ratio was 74.3 resulted in a favorable personal injury reserve adjustment for the quarter. percompared to the same quarter of 200 cent compared with 73.1 percent com- Earnings growth in 2007 was supported by surface transportation revenues pared to the same quarter of 2006. that exceeded $10 billion for the first time in CSX’s history, and record surface Freight revenue, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, grew in the fourth transportation operating income of more than $2.2 billion. The company’s oper-

quarter by five per cent. • ating ratio for the full year improved to its best level in a decade. • ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Kansas City Southern○○○○○○○○○○○○ Norfolk Southern Kansas City Southern reported record fourth quarter 2007 Norfolk Southern revenues of $460.3 million, a 4.0% increase over the corre- reported record sponding 2006 period. Revenue growth was primarily the fourth-quarter result of a continued strong pricing environment as well as 2007 net income volume growth in some key commodity segments. Fourth of $399 million, an increase of 4 percent, compared with $385 million for fourth-

quarter 2007 highlights: ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ quarter 2006. Diluted earnings per share were $1.02 compared with the $0.95 • Record revenues of $460.3 million, a 4.0 % increase; per diluted share earned in the fourth quarter of 2006. Net income for 2007 was • Operating expenses of $351.6, a decrease of 0.7%; $1.5 billion, down 1 percent, compared with record net income for 2006. Diluted • Record operating income of $108.7 million, a 23.2% increase; earnings per share increased 3 percent, or 11 cents, to $3.68. • Operating ratio of 76.4%, a 3.7 point improvement; and NS set the following fourth-quarter records: Operating revenues reached $2.5 • Diluted EPS of $0.56, a 36.6% increase. billion; Income from rail operations rose 12 percent to $686 million; Net income For the full-year 2007, highlights included: increased 4 percent to $399 million; and Diluted earnings per share climbed 7 • Record annual revenues of $1.74 billion, a 5.0% increase; percent to $1.02. NS set the following records for the year: Operating revenues • Record operating income of $362.4 million, a 19.1% increase; and increased $25 million to $9.4 billion; Income from rail operations rose $28 mil- • Operating ratio of 79.2%, compares favorably with 81.7% in 2006. lion to $2.6 billion; and Diluted earnings per share increased 3 percent to $3.68. For the quarter, new business was a significant contributor to a 12.0% rev- The fourth-quarter operating ratio improved by 1.5 percentage points to 72.0 enue increase in chemical & petroleum. Led by increased volumes in Mexico, percent, compared with the same quarter of 2006. For the year, the operating

intermodal revenues grew by 11.6%. • ratio was 72.6, down slightly from the year before. •

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Business volumes in fourth quarter 2007, as measured by total revenue car- Union Pacific Corp. loads, were flat at 2.4 million. UP’s 2007 average quarterly fuel price, including transportation and taxes, was up 34 percent to $2.59 per gallon compared to Union Pacific Corporation reported 2007 fourth quarter net $1.94 in 2006. income of $491 million, or $1.86 per diluted share, compared UP’s fuel consumption rate, as measured by gallons per thousand gross ton- to $485 million, or $1.78 per diluted share in the fourth quar- miles, was a fourth quarter-best rate of 1.25 versus 1.27 in the fourth quarter ter of 2006. 2006. UP repurchased nearly 2.4 million common shares at an average share In the fourth quarter of 2007, Union Pacific reported op- price of $127.35 in the fourth quarter of 2007. erating income of $864 million compared to $810 million in Fourth quarter 2007 commodity revenue summary versus 2006: Chemicals fourth quarter 2006, a 7 percent improvement. up 12 percent; Energy up 8 percent; Agricultural up 7 percent; Automotive and UP’s operating ratio improved to 79.4 percent versus 79.6 Intermodal each up 4 percent; and Industrial Products up 1 percent percent in 2006. Full year 2007 net income was $1.86 billion, or $6.91 per diluted share, ver- UP’s commodity revenue grew 6 percent in 2007 to a fourth quarter best of sus $1.6 billion, or $5.91 per diluted share reported in 2006. Full year operating $4.0 billion. All six business groups posted record fourth quarter revenue, and ratio improved 2.2 points to 79.3 percent in 2007 versus 81.5 percent in 2006. Agricultural revenue set an all-time mark. The main component of the growth Business volumes in 2007, as measured by total revenue carloads, decreased was a 6 percent increase in average revenue per car (ARC), which reached an 1 percent to 9.7 million. Operating income was a record $3.4 billion in 2007, a 17 all-time quarterly record of $1,638 per car in the fourth quarter 2007, driven percent increase from $2.9 billion in 2006. UP’s fuel consumption rate was a full- primarily by yield gains. year best at 1.26 versus 1.28 in 2006. • Page 4 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · February 2008 LAST RUNS Division 404’s Paul Fessenbecker retires

Brother Paul G. Fessenbecker said. “Serving as Fessenbecker, former Local local chairman was the most Chairman of Division 404 in personally fulfilling and exhila- Chicago, retired on February 1, rating experience of my life.” 2007. He and his wife, Margie, He completed his Last Run were married on August 27, as a Union Pacific Locomotive 1966. The couple has two chil- Engineer on job PRCBA on dren, Kim and Steve, and two January 30, 2007, a through grandchildren Stacie and freight assignment between Emily. Proviso and Clinton, Iowa. He Brother Fessenbecker re- deadheaded home the next ports that his only hobby at the day. present time is hot rodding. “As UP bought the Chicago “I am currently hot rodding & NorthWestern, it was nice to a 1934 Oldsmobile that has a make the trip on two repainted Corvette engine and suspen- C&NW SD40s,” he said. sion and I plan to tour it when Brother Fessenbecker completed,” he said. “Plans are hired out on the C&NW in Mil- also in the works for a V8 pow- waukee, Wisc., as a brakeman ered Miata.” on August 6, 1966, and was He plans to continue build- promoted to conductor in June ing cars and traveling during of 1970. He worked local way his retirement. freight, through passenger, “I have met some outstand- Just because former Local Chairman Paul Fessenbecker (left) officially retired, don’t think for a moment that commuter passenger and ing union people over the last he’s not still participating in BLET activities with Division 404. Incoming Local Chairman Dick Crow (right) says through freight. 15 years that have helped me Paul’s 40 years on the railroad, with 15 of those as Local Chairman, “makes him a great source of information, He transferred to Chicago accomplish many fine things,” ideas, and advice.” And that’s not limited to union topics, either. Paul’s former position supervising the on the Galena Division and had Fessenbecker said. locomotive simulator makes him still much sought-after by young engineers looking for help on rules a fireman’s date of May 6, 1971. During his long and distin- compliance and safe train handling. BLET National Vice President and Director of Arbitration Rick Radek Brother Fessenbecker earned guished railroad career, (center) said, “Paul Fessenbecker will remain a great resource for years to come.” For all of us who have had the promotion to Locomotive Engi- Brother Fessenbecker helped chance to work with him, and will do so in the future, we say, “Thanks, Paul!” (Photo and caption submitted by neer on May 30, 1972. He with the development of a Brother Dave Hawley, a member of BLET Division 404 in Chicago.) worked local and way freight, safety program for the UP’s switch runs, through freight, Chicago Service Unit; joined in switch engine, through passen- the BLE’s mobilization fight lot. It is disheartening that the all; all union officers work for ter place to work. Unfortu- ger and commuter passenger. with the UTU over the single BLET has not reaped the full the membership; and we, the nately, change is slow, but with He joined BLE Division 404 craft issue; developed student benefits and leverage of our BLET, are governed and orga- the help of many fine union on December 13, 1990, and was engineer and engineer training Locomotive Engineer Certifi- nized from the bottom up and people we may have made a elected local chairman in De- programs; and trained local cates. not from the top down. It’s all start. The work is never done cember of 1991. He held that chairmen. “Some meaningful words about the membership. Too and the struggle will never position until December 31, “I am proudest of my rep- of wisdom passed on to me that many union officers forget who end.” 2006. resentation of engineers on I will pass on are: the job of the they work for. Friends may write to “I loved railroading, but certification issues,” he said. union is to lead in the struggle “When I decided to run for Brother Fessenbecker at: 393 even more, I loved being a lo- “With the help of my union for control of the work place; local chairman all I wanted Grandview, Glen Ellyn, Ill., cal chairman,” Brother brothers we accomplished a an injury to one is an injury to was to make the railroad a bet- 60137. •

Retirees honored at annual LIRR Dinner-Dance Div. 375’s Rowell enjoys retirement Members of BLET Division 269/ hon- Brother Frank E. the Brotherhood on June 1, ored 13 retirees at their annual Rowell of BLET Division 375 1973. From 1978-1981, Dinner-Dance in late 2007. (Spencer, N.C.) made his Brother Rowell served as With more than 430 mem- last run on March 28, 2004 the Local Chairman of BLE bers, Division 269 is the larg- as a locomotive engineer for Division 375 (Danville Dis- est single division in the BLET. Norfolk Southern. trict). The 13 retirees (and the Brother Rowell began Brother Rowell and his date of their retirement) are as his railroad career in 1968 wife Elma have one son, follows: as a trainman on the east- Danny and a granddaugh- • Ray Spagnuolo, 2-1-07; ern division of the Southern ter. He enjoys fishing. • Joseph Erland, 6-1-07; Railway. He earned promo- Rowell lives at: 414 • Robert Wargas, 6-1-07; tion to locomotive engineer South Fulton Street, • Brian Eletti, 7-1-07; on July 5, 1973, and joined Salisbury, N.C. 28144. • • Jack Marsala, 7-1-07; • Stephen Hurst, 7-1-07; • Christopher Merkle, 7-1-07; • William Knote, 9-1-07; • Vicki Allen-Hughes, 12-1-07; • Shaun Byrne, 11-1-07; • Matthew Fuller, 11-1-07 • Peter Conrad, 11-1-07; and • Paul Stewart, 12-1-07.

Mickey Quinn, LIRR Gen- eral Chairman, said the BLET Front row, from left: John Bove, Division 269 Secretary-Treasurer; and is proud of its membership Scott Decker, Division 269 President. pension plan at LIRR. When BLET members retire, they re- Second row: James Brown, LIRR GCA S-T; BLET National President Don Brother Frank E. Rowell has enjoyed fishing and spending time ceive pension benefits from the Hahs; Bob Olsen, Division 269; Mickey Quinn, LIRR General Chairman; with his family during retirement. LIRR in addition to their Rail- Ed Rodzwicz, BLET First Vice President; and John Tolman, BLET Vice road Retirement benefits. • President and National Legislative Representative. Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · February 2008 Page 5 BLET NEWS Archival BLET photos used in art exhibit

Four photographs from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) archives are currently on display in an art and pho- tography exhibit at the Carnegie Arts Center in Alli- ance, Neb. The exhibition, sponsored by the Center for Railroad Pho- tography & Art, is titled “It’s Work: 150 Years of Railroad Workers at Work.” The show runs from January 8-March 2. The BLET photographs are by the late Richard J. Cook, former Director of Public Re- lations for the union, and were taken on September 26, 1983. They were originally published in the October 21, 1983, issue of “The Locomotive Engineer,” at the time the Brotherhood’s official monthly newspaper. The photos feature members of BLET Division 622 in Alliance, Neb. One of the photos used in the exhibit, a 1983 photograph of Joel and Barbara Schafer, is on the Center’s Internet archive, railroadheritage.org. Above: Barbara and Joel Schafer in a photo published October 21, 1983, in “The Locomotive Engineer,” the Brotherhood’s monthly newsletter. Joel is a member of Division Below: Nearly 25 years later, the happy couple at Joel’s retirement party in July of 2007. Barbara is still a working engineer. 622 and retired on July 1, 2006; she is working as a BNSF lo- “Barb and I had been married about a year at the time the photo was comotive engineer. The images taken,” Joel recalls. “We combined two families for a total of seven were made available courtesy children. That first year we had one in every grade from six through12. of John Bentley of the BLET Those seven have given us 21 grandchildren. It really was a shock to see Public Relations Department what we looked like back at the beginning of our careers. I had been in , Ohio. railroading six years and Barb four at the time the picture was taken. The Center exhibit is a part of “Railroad Art,” which “When we lost the brakemen jobs, Barb became an Engineer,” Joel includes paintings by Greg continues. “Within just a few years she had enough seniority that we were Garnett of Alliance. Mike and able to hold consecutive turns in our Alliance/Ravenna blueprint pool, Medelice Wirtz are co-sponsor- which we continued to hold until my retirement in July 2007. It was a nice ing “Railroad Art” with the way to work until I reached retirement age. Barb has about a year and a Burlington Northern Santa Fe half until her retirement. She never complains, but I know it must be Foundation at the Carnegie tough when she has to go to work in the middle of the night and I don't. Center, located at 204 West 4th Street, Alliance. “It has been a rough lifestyle the past 30 years. Not everyone can do it,” Appropriately, the photo- Joel concludes. “On the other hand, the railroad has provided us with a graphs are on display in a busy better living than any of the other jobs available in this area. We have railroad community that been able travel quite a lot, something I'm sure we couldn't have done serves the Powder River Basin otherwise. Looking back, Barb and I are both sure we made the right coalmines. Alliance is the decision to make the railroad our careers.” county seat for Box Butte County, which had 1,209 rail- Brother Schafer also noted that he and Barb have quite a few family road employees in 2005, ac- members who railroad. They have a son-in-law who is an engineer and cording to the Railroad Retire- another who is a conductor. Two of Barb's brothers are railroaders — one a conductor and the other an engineer. Joel has a nephew who is a ment Board. conductor, too, and both of their sons-in law are the sons of engineers. For this exhibit, the center presents 38 photographs from other industries. The exhibit historians across the country across North America, begin- had its origins in a three-year to interpret the intersection of ning with a copy of a da- program, “Representations of railroads, art, and culture. guerreotype of the crew and lo- Railroad Work,” funded by the While maintaining its focus on comotive Tioga, built for the North American Railway Foun- exhibits, publications, confer- Philadelphia & Columbia rail- dation (NARF). ences, and a web site road in 1848. The images trace From its beginnings in (www.railphoto-art.org), the some of the changes in the rail- 1997, the Center for Railroad Center has expanded to in- road work environment, from Photography & Art, a nonprofit clude an ambitious Internet the age of steam to the age of arts organized based in Madi- archive, railroadheritage.org, microchips. This exhibit high- son, Wisc., has grown into a an initiative funded by the lights the human face of an in- nationally recognized organi- North American Railway Foun- dustry that is dominated by zation, the foremost group in dation and private gifts. machines and hardware. Tech- America for promoting an un- Some of the Alliance pho- nology has made the machines derstanding of the place of rail- tos may be seen at more powerful and the equip- roading in America’s visual railroadheritage.org. ment more sophisticated, but culture. It is committed to pre- The Center is located at This photo of Jack L. Scott, a retired member of BLET Division 622 in behind technology are people serving Railroad Heritage in 1914 Monroe St., P.O. Box Alliance, Neb., was also used in the Center For Railroad Photograph & who toil in an environment that all its facets, and works with 259330, Madison, WI 53725- Art’s exhibit. Brother Scott retired on January 22, 1998. is a world apart from most photographers, writers, and 9330, phone 608-513-5291. • Page 6 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · February 2008 BLET NEWS BLET launches ‘get out the vote’ drive

The BLET’s Pennsylvania Legisla- The BLET Pennsylvania Legisla- the amount of money that unions spent tive Board has launched “VOTE Change tive Board plans to organize a similar to increase voter turnout rose by 50 per- ‘’08,” a program that encourages its movement in the weeks leading up to cent, according to the Center for Re- members to register and vote in the the April 22 Pennsylvania primary and sponsive Politics. A recent story in the upcoming presidential primary and the November 4 general election. The Wall Street Journal reported that general elections. goal for “VOTE Change ‘’08” is to reg- union officials’’ efforts may be paying In the first stage of the program, ister transportation workers living in off by the recent successful endeavors which is already in progress, the Pa. Pennsylvania, their families, friends conducted in the primary states. Legislative Board will encourage its and co-workers. A get out the vote program is one members to register to vote in the up- The BLET Pennsylvania Legisla- of the fastest-growing elements of the coming election. The second stage will tive Board is organized into 21 Divi- labor spending. Unions spent $70 mil- encourage friends, family, neighbors sions across the Commonwealth. lion getting members to vote in 2004 and co-workers to also register to vote. Kertesz said the Pa. Board plans to and 2006. That’’s up 145 percent from “We expect to have a more orga- train division representatives on how $28.8 million in the two previous elec- nized impact on the 2008 elections,” to make sure all labor union members tions, according to the center’’s figures. Ken Kertesz, Chairman of the Pennsylvania said Ken Kertesz, Chairman of the are registered to vote. Their webpage, The money is spent to persuade mem- State Legislative Board. BLET’s Pennsylvania Legislative www.pslb-blet.org, has a link to the of- bers to back the union’s candidates and Board. ficial state voting website so that mem- then make sure they vote. SEPTA). Labor unions nationwide have al- bers can easily register others. Pennsylvania Legislative Board of “I applaud Brother Ken’s initiative ready started demonstrating their po- “We plan to work with other Penn- the BLET represents approximately and encourage all other BLET State tential influence on this year’’s presi- sylvania labor unions to make this ef- 1,300 professional locomotive engi- Legislative Board Chairmen to do the dential race. In the states that have al- fort a success,” he said. “By deploying neers and trainmen who operate trains same,” said John Tolman, BLET Vice ready conducted their primaries, labor new strategies to use their money, for Class I freight railroads (including President and National Legislative Rep- unions deployed paid staffers and vol- unions have regained their position as Norfolk Southern, Canadian Pacific, resentative. “The November elections unteers to knock on doors and get out the single-strongest force in elections.” Canadian National and CSXT), and for are extremely important and the House the vote for their chosen candidates. During the previous two elections, commuter railroads ( and of Labor must make its voice heard.” • General Chairmen, Legislative Chairmen to hold joint meeting

All BLET General Chairmen and State Legisla- focus on an agenda that provides maximum benefits sharing of information and planning for the future of tive Board Chairmen are invited to a joint meeting at to all BLET members. the BLET. Its members are the General Chairmen who the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on May 1. Tim Smith, Chairman of the NASLBC, said the represent railroads in the western U.S. As in years The meeting comes on the heels of meetings of group will conduct three days of business meetings, past, the WGCA members will participate in the National Association of State Legislative Board which includes training for officers in the legislative roundtable discussions on the many serious issues Chairmen (NASLBC) and the Western General arena. Also, the NASLBC will discuss strategies re- facing the BLET, according to WGCA Chairman Mike Chairmen’s Association (WGCA). garding the upcoming elections in November, the Priester, General Chairman CP Rail-US/Metra North/ All meetings will be held in Reno at the Grand BLET-PAC fund, as well as a host of other legislative, ISRR. “This format allows for open, serious and frank Sierra Resort & Casino. The goal of the joint meeting political and regulatory issues that impact the lives discussions and provides for the kind of education is to facilitate a closer working relationship between and working conditions of BLET members. that can only strengthen the Association and the the BLET’s legislative and protective bodies and to The WGCA meeting is designed for the collective BLET as we move forward,” Priester said. • Health care advisory regarding GA-23111 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · February 2008 Page 7 BLET NEWS Enhanced plans for BLET General Chairman members under GA-23111 Rightnowar re-elected The Cooperating Railway Labor by these three new options. Organizations (CRLO) have worked Individuals who are not yet eligible with United Healthcare to develop a for Medicare and need coverage will Charlie Rightnowar was re- sion 915 (Alexandria, La.) and Wes new set of benefit plans under GA- find these plans helpful. Because of elected to the office of General Chair- Taylor of Division 118 (Belleville, Ill.) 23111, which offer more comprehensive these changes, the open enrollment man at the Union Pacific-Central Re- were elected to the additional Gen- coverage and more choices for eligible period, which is the time to sign up for gion General Committee’s quadren- eral Committee Executive Commit- persons who are of Medicare age but these new plans, will start early by one nial meetings in St. Louis on Janu- tee positions. have spouses that are not yet covered month for this year. In 2008, open en- ary 8. In attendance were: BLET Vice under Medicare. As a result, three new rollment will begin in April and con- Brother Rightnowar is a mem- President Lee Pruitt; Union Pacific- benefit plans were recently approved, tinue through May. Anyone selecting ber of BLET Division 724 (Salem, Southern Region General Chairmen with availability set for the upcoming one of the new plans will be covered Ill.), and joined the Brotherhood of Gil Gore; Union Pacific-Western open enrollment in 2008. effective June 1, 2008. July 1, 1974. This is his third term Lines General Chairman Bill These new benefit plans, called More information about these plan as General Chairman of the UP-Cen- Hannah; Teamsters representative Plans A, B and C, will provide three new choices will be available on the BLET tral Region General Committee. David Cameron; Arkansas State options with different costs and plan website in March, and will subse- Also elected were: 1st Vice Legislative Chairman Terry Todd; designs, allowing members to select the quently be published in the March 2008 Chairman Ronnie Rhodes, Division and former UP-Central Region Gen- plan best suited for their needs. The issue of the Locomotive Engineers and 915 (Alexandria, La.); 2nd Vice eral Chairman Dennis Penning. current Plans B and C will be replaced Trainmen News. • Chairman Bob Law, Division 491 Designated attorneys from the (Kansas City, Mo.); 3rd Vice Chair- firms of Yaeger, Jungbauer & man Chuck Jones, Division 724 (Sa- Barczak, Schlichter, Bogard & Important income tax update from lem, Ill.); and 4th Vice Chairman Denton, and Bauer & Baebler ad- Dave Grimes, Division 42 (St. Louis). dressed the delegates. BLET Tax Compliance Department Kevin Leyerle of Division 81 The BLET’s UP-Central Region (Kansas City, Kan.) was elected to General Committee of Adjustment Internal Revenue Service regula- Specifically, 5 percent of your $34 the office of Secretary-Treasurer of encompasses 22 BLET Divisions in tions require that the BLET National monthly dues to the National Division the GCofA, while Norman Baker of six different states (Arkansas, Loui- Division inform its members that a cer- are not tax deductible. Division 585 (North Little Rock, siana, Missouri, , Kansas and tain portion of your National Division That 5 percent reflects expenses Ark.) was elected as Alternate Sec- Iowa), and represents approxi- dues are not tax deducible as a miscel- associated with political lobbying ef- retary-Treasurer. Nate Krig of Divi- mately 1,400 members. • laneous itemized deduction on your forts by the union, which are not tax personal tax returns. deductible. • Members at Huron & Eastern, a RailAmerica shortline ratify first contract

Lorenz said the creation of a contract in principle.” rail line. In January 2004, massive grain elevators about Huron & Eastern a guaranteed extra board was “ I want to thank Justin RailAmerica purchased the every 20 miles and its major Continued from Page 1 a huge benefit for members Brandt, who assisted Dan and Central Railway and customers include Consumer and a main reason the contract I during the contract process, combined it with the Huron & Energy in Essexville and four get the first contract due to was ratified. and the membership for having Eastern, creating a combined Pioneer Sugar plants. RailAmerica being bought by “Now we have an assigned the patience and sticking to- railroad with approximately BLET members operate lo- Fortress Inc.,” said John day off per week,” he said. gether through this lengthy 250 miles of track. comotives hauling goods such Mullen, the BLET’s Director of “That is huge.” process,” Mullen said. “I also It interchanges with as grain, coal, lumber, sugar Shortlines. “We actually went The agreement also estab- thank Vice President Geiger Saginaw Bay Southern (for- beets, molasses, and various several months not knowing lishes work rules, a scope rule who helped us close the deal.” merly CSX lines) in Saginaw, other agricultural items. who we were going to be deal- and a seniority system. In terms of BLET organi- Mich., the The railroad also serves ing with.” Joining Brother Lorenz on zational structure, the Huron in Bay City, Mich., the Cana- Dow Chemical in Midland, The new contract also the BLET negotiating team & Eastern membership now dian National Railway in Mich., which boasts one of the maintains a 401k program and were; Justin Brandt, Alternate belong to Division 327 and they Durand, Mich., and the Great largest chemical complexes in includes a company match. Local Chairman; and John are a part of the new Regional Lakes Central Railway in the United States outside of On January 1, BLET mem- Mullen, BLET Director of and Shortline General Commit- Durand, Mich. Its lines service Louisiana and Texas. • bers were switched from an Shortlines. When health rea- tee of Adjustment, which was hourly rate of pay to a basic sons prevented Mullen from formed in early 2007. day. The daily rate of pay is for attending a negotiating ses- RailAmerica is one of the 10 hours of work, and overtime sion, BLET National Vice largest short line owners in the is paid at a rate of time and a President Merle Geiger United States and Canada. It Locomotive Engineers & Conductors half for work over and above stepped up to the plate. operates 41 railroads that ser- Mutual Protective Association 10 hours per day. “I want to give a big thanks vice approximately 7,800 miles 535 Griswold • Suite 1210 • Detroit, MI 48226-3689 In terms of health and wel- to John Mullen and Merle Gei- of track. fare, the new contract main- ger,” Lorenz said. “We were at In 1986, RailAmerica pur- (800) 514-0010 • (313) 962-1512 tains medical benefits, but they a stalemate, but Merle and chased the Huron & Eastern, FAX: (877) 633-1910 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • WEB: www.lecmpa.org are now under Blue Cross/Blue John came in with a lot of opti- which represented its first rail Shield. Members will also re- mism and enthusiasm. Before acquisition. The short line, ceive dental benefits and vision it was all said and done, we headquartered in Vassar, benefits. made a lot of progress and got Mich., operates 174 miles of

Teamsters endorse Barack Obama for President

infrastructure, a key priority of ing America and Barack Obama the Teamsters Union. Obama will be that presi- Continued from Page 1 “Senator Obama will fight dent.” to rebuild our transportation The International by the Bush administration infrastructure,” Hoffa said. Brotherhood of Teamsters for the past eight years.” “He will work with us to ad- represents more than 1.4 Hoffa emphasized dress critical issues from our million hardworking men Obama’s commitment to re- ports to our highways, rails and women throughout the Job Protection Headquarters for Transportation Employees building and strengthening and airports. We need a presi- United States, Canada and Since 1910 the national transportation dent who is focused on rebuild- Puerto Rico. • Page 8 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · February 2008 BLET NEWS A message from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa FEBRUARY 2008 Stimulus package must CALENDAR & EVENTS MARCH 9-14... Education & Training Dept. Legislative Rep. Workshop, Washington, D.C. The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a workshop for Legislative Representatives help unemployed, add jobs at Teamster Headquarters in Washington, D.C. For details, call (202) 624-8776.

MARCH 30-APRIL 3... Education & Training Dept. General Chairman Workshop, St. Louis The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a workshop for BLET General Chairmen or their designated representatives in St. Louis, Mo. For details, call Ken Kroeger at (216) 272-0986.

APRIL 4... U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Informational Conference, Covina, Calif. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will hold a free seminar at Blake’s at the Radisson Suites Hotel, 1211 East Garvey St. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Program begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. Elected BLET officers only, please!

JUNE 15-19... 81st Annual Southeastern Meeting Association, Montgomery, Ala. Chairman Jason Popwell of BLET Division 495 will host the 81st annual SMA at the Embassy Suites in Montgomery, Ala. Details to come soon!

JULY 6-10... 70th Annual Eastern Union Meeting Association, Huron, Ohio Arrangements Chairman Rodney Cutlip is planning the 2008 EUMA at Sawmill Creek Resort, which is a 45-minute drive east of BLET National Division headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. More details to come!

AUGUST 17-20... 68th International Western Convention, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Chairman Mike Galvani hosts the 2008 IWC at the Embassy Suites Hotel-San Luis Obisop. Details to come soon!

SEPTEMBER 14-18... 73rd Southwestern Convention Meeting, St. Louis, Mo. It looks like hard times are ahead It’s also past time to make a real Chairman David Grimes and the members of Division 42 host the 2008 SWCM at the St. Louis Hilton at of us. If or when the economy bottoms commitment to repairing our roads and the Ballpark (One South Broadway, St. Louis, Mo.). More details to come! out, many Americans will have lost bridges. Fixing our crumbling infra- their jobs, their homes and their sav- structure will create more jobs directly ings. — and indirectly by making it more ef- Recently, our political leaders made a ficient to move goods. Advisory Board December Activity small start to solve our economic prob- Predatory lenders have forced In accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET Advisory lems. some people to lose their homes. It’s a Board members’ activities are published monthly:

Congress and the Bush administra- good thing that the negotiators agreed National President Don M. Hahs—National Division office: General supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Boggs tion cut a deal that to allow more bor- arbitration, Charleston, W.Va.; Vacation & holidays. First Vice-President & Alternate President Edward W. Rodzwicz— Assisted President in general operation of National Division would give at least rowers facing de- Office; Various correspondence & phone calls; U.S.-Mexico cross border committee; Vacation & holidays. $300 to just about fault to refinance National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert—General supervision of BLET financial, record depts.; ND office; BLET Teamsters endorse Barack Education & Training Dept.; Internal Organizing, Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Safety Task Force; Meetings with vendors everyone who takes their sub prime and financial institutions; Standard Building operations oversight; Secretary-Treasurer workshop, Cleveland; Vacation & holidays. Vice-President Paul T. Sorrow—Assigned to CSX, NS and GTW general committees of adjustment; Assist CSX-Northern Lines at a paycheck home. Obama for President loans. But we mtg. w/ Division 937 and CSXT-Chicago Division officers; Assist Eastern Lines with various issues, including mtg. w/ Labor Rela- tions; Assisted Western Lines with various issues, including but not limited to dispute resolution; Assisted Grand Trunk GCA with Most wage earners — See Page 1 for details should look for issues as called upon by General Chairman; Work on PLB cases, correspondence, telephone calls; Vacation & holidays. Vice-President Richard K. Radek— ND Office; BLET Decertification Helpline services; Director of Arbitration Dept; National would get $600. more ways to keep Railroad Adjustment Board (NRAB); Illinois Central; Wisconsin Central; Harbor Belt; METRA; Belt Rwy. of Chicago; Chi- For those who people in their cago Central & Pacific; Iowa, Chicago & Eastern; IC&E L/M mtgs., Mason City, Iowa; Special GCofA mtgs., CN/WC, Green Bay & Kaukauna, Wisc.; Metra L/M mtg., Chicago; EJ&E, Metra negotiations, contract, Joliet/Chicago; Routine office duties, Cleve- don’t have a paycheck because they homes if they’ve been victims of unscru- land; CN/WC town hall mtgs., Stevens Point, Wisc., Chicago; FRA 240.409 dockets this month: EQAL 05-71, 04-28, 01-06.; Vacation & holidays. don’t have a job, there’s no more help. pulous lenders. Vice-President Dale McPherson — CP Rail; Port. Term. RR; Longview Portland & Northern; Longview Switching Co.; Indiana RR; The right thing to do is to extend un- All these are short-term solutions. W&LE RR; Utah Railroad; UP Eastern Dist.; UP former CNW; DM&IR RR; Portland & Western RR; Great Western RR; Appalachian & Ohio RR; Public Law Boards 5604, 5681, 5721, 6040, 6281, 6449, 6558, 6589; SBA 585; UP work/rest projects; RSAC positive employment insurance and add to it. What Americans really need are long- train control cmte.; National wage/rules; General office duties, correspondence, phone; UP-Edelstien ID Section 4 mtgs., Kansas City, Mo.; Mtgs. w/ UP Gen. Chairmen, re: Alt. compensation; BNSF ETMS demonstration, Texas. People who don’t have jobs will spend term solutions to make the economy Vice-President Merle W. Geiger Jr.— Assigned to: BLET Trainmen’s Department; Kansas City Southern; Gateway Western; that money immediately. Any plan to stronger. What Americans need are Midsouth Rail; Southrail; Texas-Mexican Rwy.; Springfield Terminal, & Hudson; Indiana & Ohio RR; Louisville & Indiana RR; St. Lawrence & Atlantic RR; Indiana Southern RR; Montreal, Maine and Atlantic RR; Div. 573 Christmas dinner, Rockwall, Texas; stimulate the economy should aim to good jobs with good wages. BNSF GCofA Christmas party, Fort Worth, Texas; Preparation for PLB 7084, Tex-Mex, and session, Chicago; BNSF ETMS presen- tation and train ride, Fort Worth; Vacation & holidays; Research, correspondence and general office duties. create more good-paying jobs. It must In the long run, what Americans Vice-President Stephen D. Speagle—Assigned to Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Montana Rail Link, Pacific Harbor Line, Mis- also protect those who have jobs that need is for us to fix these so-called free- souri & Northern Arkansas (M&NA), National Wage/Rule Committee; Wabash Hospital mtg.; Division 75 Christmas dinner, Kansas City; Wabash luncheon, mtg., Decatur; ETMS train ride, Fort Worth, Texas; Travel; Vacation & holidays. are in danger of disappearing. trade policies that send good American Vice-President E.L. “Lee” Pruitt — Assisted general chairmen & members of: UP-Western Lines; UP-Western Region; UP-Central Region; UP-Southern Region; UP-Tacoma Belt; Assisting GC Rightnowar, NY Dock negotiations, UPCR; Assisting GC Gore, ebb & Falling property values mean state jobs to China and Mexico. flow negotiations, UPSR; Assisting GC Hannah, marking rest dispute, UPWL; Assisting GC Hannah & LC Loudermilk, Division 126 and local governments have fewer tax meeting, UPWL; Office work, paper work, filing and calls; Vacation & holidays. Vice-President & National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman — Assigned to BLET Washington, D.C. office; BLET dollars. That could mean layoffs for po- Security Officer; General office duties, telephone, correspondence; Coordinate content of NLO website; Continued coordination w/ IBT Government Affairs Dept.; Coordinated PAC contributions; SLBC conference call; JC 41; Interviews for NLO Office Admin- lice officers, teachers, bus drivers and istrator position; arbitration; BNSF ETMS demonstration, Fort Worth, Texas; Vacation & holidays. Vice-President Marcus J. Ruef — Assigned to Amtrak Long Island Railroad; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; prison guards. Congress should send New Jersey Transit; Port Authority Trans Hudson; Norfolk Southern (Northern Lines/W&LE); Norfolk Southern (Eastern Lines); aid to cities and states so those employ- Norfolk Southern (Southern Lines); Union Railroad (URR); Allegheny Ludlum Steel Co.; and Birmingham Southern; PLB 7086 adoption, NS-S; Path general assistance; URR Article 10 submission, research, writing, exhibits; Assist Division 375, NS-S, with ees can keep their jobs and keep spend- James P. Hoffa loding / hours of service question; Vacation and holidays; Discipline assistance, NS-N; Discibline hearing preparation, Birm. Southern; Discuss ETMS demonstration, home office; URR review UTU submission; Assist Division 77 w/ discipline hearing prepa- ing money. General President ration, Amtrak.

LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND TRAINMEN NEWS Decertification PERIODICALS Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen POSTAGE A Division of the Rail Conference, International Brotherhood of Teamsters PAID AT Helpline CLEVELAND, OH BLET Publications Committee: Don M. Hahs, National President Edward W. Rodzwicz, First Vice-President & Alternate President William C. Walpert, National Secretary-Treasurer (800) 393-2716 John P. Tolman, Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Rep. John V. Bentley Jr., Editor www.ble-t.org • (216) 241-2630

The railroad industry’s COPYRIGHT 2008, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED first and only hotline VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 2 • February 2008 for engineers facing LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) is published monthly by the possible decertification Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, 1370 Street, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. events, offered Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. exclusively by the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Records Department, 1370 Ontario Street, Mezzanine Locomotive Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. Engineers and Trainmen 0208