2018 Q3 Signalman's Journal
Volume 99 3RD QUARTER 2018 WIRELESS DISCOUNTS
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Learn more at unionplus.org/mortgage Official Publication of the BROTHERHOOD OF RAILROAD SIGNALMEN WWW.BRS.ORG VOLUME 99 • 3rd Quarter 2018
DIRECTORY Canadian Pacific — Soo Line Railroad Company NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: BRS Members Ratify Agreement 917 Shenandoah Shores Road Front Royal, VA 22630-6418 BRS Midwest Vice President Joe Mattingly and BRS CP/SOO Line General (540) 622-6522 Fax: (540) 622-6532 [email protected] Committee Chairman Keith Huebner negotiated the final terms of the new contract Floyd E. Mason, President that was signed on May 31, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota ...... 6 (ext. 525) • [email protected] Jerry Boles, Secretary-Treasurer (ext. 527) • [email protected] BRS Members Unite for Historic Signal Project Kelly Haley, Vice President Headquarters (ext. 524) • [email protected] Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) members unite to completely rebuild John Bragg, Vice President NRAB Canadian National Railway’s (CN) historic Homewood Interlocking Plant ...... 7 (ext. 524) • [email protected] Brandon Elvey, Director of Research (ext. 596) • [email protected] 52nd Regular BRS Convention Cory Claypool, Grand Lodge Representative (ext. 595) • [email protected] in Boston, Massachusetts Mike Efaw, Grand Lodge Representative (ext. 571) • [email protected] A summary of the minutes from the 52nd Regular Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Convention, WASHINGTON OFFICE: 815 16th Street NW, 4th Floor held the week of August 6, 2018, in Boston, Washington, D.C. 20006 Massachusetts ...... 12 Leonard Parker, National Legislative Director (202) 637-5382 • [email protected] FIELD VICE PRESIDENTS: Michael Efaw Appointed Grand Lodge Representative ...... 4 Joe Mattingly, Vice President Midwest 400 Contessa Lane, Trenton, KY 42286 Union Plus — FREE College Benefit ...... 5 (270) 466-0405 • [email protected] Mike Baldwin, Vice President West BRS Convention Photo Highlights ...... 8, 9, 10, 11, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 622-6522 (ext. 531) • [email protected] BRS Grand Lodge Representative — Help Wanted ...... 9 Jim Finnegan, Vice President Commuter, Passenger, Transit Rail Workers — Hazardous Materials Training Progam ...... 26 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630 AFL-CIO Do Buy List ...... 27 (540) 622-6522 (ext. 568) • [email protected] Tim Tarrant, Vice President East Voter Registration FAQs ...... 30 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 622-6522 (ext. 565) • [email protected] Did You Know? ...... 34 Tips to Help Keep Your Health On Track — Ways to Boost Your Energy...... 35 William L. Phillips, General Counsel 33 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60602 (847) 644-1901 • [email protected] Union Plus — Medicare Enrollment Period ...... 41 AFL-CIO Don’t Buy List ...... 46 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Mike Owens, Chairman A Helping Hand — The Thomson Foundation ...... 47 13022 County Line Road, Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 988-2393 Union Plus Scholarship Program ...... 47 Gus Demott, Secretary P.O. Box 888, Clinton, SC 29325 Member News — Local 71 News, Robert R. Klauss Retires ...... 57 (864) 938-0353 John McArthur, Member Member News — Local 34 News, Ted Macken and Family Fundraiser ...... 57 P.O. Box 960639, El Paso, TX 79996 (775) 846-1794 Member News — Local 152 News, Joseph Meyers Celebrates 100 Years ...... 57
OFFICERS EMERITUS: Union Sportmen’s Alliance — USA’s 2019 Calendar ...... 58 V.M. “Butch” Speakman, Jr., President Emeritus 14212 Viola Place, Huntley , IL 60142 From the President ...... 2
The Signalman’s Journal (ISSN-0037-5020) is published Washington Report ...... 28 quarterly by the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630-6418. Endorsements ...... 31 Periodicals Postage Paid at Front Royal, VA and additional offices. Railroad Retirement Questions & Answers ...... 36 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Designated Legal Counsel ...... 38 The Signalman’s Journal, The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630-6418. Benefits Directory ...... 39 Subscription Rates: $10.00 per year, sold only in the Continuous Membership ...... 40 United States and Canada. Single copy price is $3.00. Obituaries ...... 42 Signalman’s Store ...... 44 2018 Third Quarter Photo Contest Winners ...... 56
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 1 FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Turn of the Tide of
The Turn of the Tide of Success, this was what Thomas closed around Ferguson and the Loyalists. Ferguson was Jefferson called the first major Patriot victory after the shot dead from his horse, and the Loyalists raised the British victories in Charleston and Camden, South white flag. The American victory devasted Cornwallis Carolina. Major General Charles Cornwallis felt confi- and Loyalist support for the British in the South. The dent he could move his army against North Carolina. He battle ended with 29 Patriots dead and 58 wounded; assigned Major Patrick Loyalists suffered 250 loss- Ferguson and Loyalists es with 163 wounded and to secure lands east “Janus is not about free speech, it is 668 captured. Cornwallis and west of the Blue about reducing our power that we was forced to withdraw Ridge Mountains; the into South Carolina. A campaign initially dis- have gained through our collective little over a year after the persed numerous unco- voice, our good wages and benefits battle at King’s Mountain, ordinated rebel militia. that provide for our families...” Washington accepted the Ferguson threatened to surrender of Cornwallis at march his army west Yorktown. over the mountains, Historians consider the Battle of King’s Mountain to hang their leaders and “lay the country waste with fire be the turning point in the South in America’s War for and sword.” In what is today’s western North Carolina Independence. A war fought against overwhelming forces and Tennessee, resistance was ignited. These Patriots with what, at first, seemed little chance of success. who did not swear allegiance to the King gathered under Colonel William Campbell, marched four days through Today, organized labor, including rail labor, and the snow, and began searching for Ferguson and his Signalmen face a similar threat to lay waste our home 1000 Loyalists. These “over mountain men” were skilled and coutrysidse, through the Supreme Court Ruling in hunters, could handle rough terrain, were adept at killing Janus v. the American Federation of State, Municipal and moving prey, and did not like threats to their homes and County Employees (AFSCME). In a perverted interpreta- land. tion of First Amendment Rights, purportedly to protect the right of free speech, the Supreme Court undermined Ferguson set up camp on King’s Mountain, in present the interests of America’s public sector employees. Some day South Carolina, near what is now Charlotte, North in the rail industry now want to jump on this gravy train Carolina. Campbell’s smaller group of militiamen found to steal from their employees. With the decision, public- Ferguson. Campbell surrounded and advanced up the sector employees around the nation will no longer have ridge, firing rifles, which were hunting weapons used to pay union dues as required by so-called fair share laws, regularly by families on the frontier. British Loyalists an outcome of a previous court decision called Abood v. were armed mainly with muskets and bayonets designed Detroit Board of Education. In Abood’s case, it was held for short-range fighting. When the Loyalists made bayo- that public school teachers in Detroit would have to pay net and short-range attacks, as was customary, Americans fees or dues to cover the costs of collective bargaining for withdrew, hid in the rugged terrain they were accus- their improved wages and benefits. tomed to, and returned the attack. Gradually, the ring
2 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 The Janus Decision, which overturns the Abood precen- Firstly, the Janus Decision was not about railroads or dent, is the result of a shill, Mark Janus, an employee Signalmen, we are covered under different laws, govern- of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family ing different agreements, for a different group of hard Services, who argued that his union’s attempts to nego- working Americans. Secondly, like the over mountain tiate on his behalf did not take into account the fiscal men, we are skilled, rugged, and willing to hunt down, crises in Illinois and that he basically disagreed with the and surround those that threaten our homes and way union’s position in trying to negotiate for higher wages of life. If they threaten our standard of living, which and benefits. This so-called free speech argument was we have earned through hard work, determination, and supported by the majority opinion in Janus, written by years of training and experience, by threatening our Justice Samuel Alito, ruling that states and public-sector Union, we will band together and take the fight to them. unions “may no longer extract agency fees from nonconsent- The over mountain men, 238 years ago this very month, ing employees…The procedure violates the First Amendment fought against the Loyalists initially only to protect their and cannot continue.” This shill, after the damage was land until Ferguson threatened to march over the moun- done, went to work for the Illinois Policy Institute, an tain to destroy their countryside. anti-union think tank that helped take “his” case to We can take inspiration from those few that stood up the Supreme Court. This was not about free speech to British threats to take away what they had earned for public workers; it was a well-orchestrated effort by with their sweat and toil. Rather than wait to defend, well-financed groups that want to undermine the collec- they marched, found, surrounded, and defeated those tive power of public sector unions and the overall labor that threatened their way of life. So it is today, the Janus movement. There is some effort to spread the applica- Decision is a call for our home and countryside and tion of this miscarriage of justice to some of our brothers like those King’s Mountain heroes of today’s freedom, and sisters on commuter rail.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 3 we must band together in solidarity to fight, filled with But like what faced those at King’s Mountain, some determination against those that would come for us. things are worth fighting for. Speech is important, but our right to live in dignity as Americans, as Union Janus is not about free speech, it is about reducing Members that are part of the successful American econ- our power that we have gained through our collective omy, in critically important rail transportation jobs, is of voice, our good wages and benefits that provide for our higher importance than the right of a shill that portends families, our ability to live in dignity during and after that paying for representation interferes with his right to decades of work, sometimes in hard weather, sometimes speak. when we are off-duty, and at all times as the highly skilled professionals that we are. Emotions play a role, and there is a time for controlled anger. Signalmen will march upon and fight those that No shill serving his own selfish interest or those of try to take away our rights. Just as we have done when the well-financed, anti-worker organizations intent on the challenge seemed overwhelming in previous fights undermining our hard work of over a century will cause against powerful opponents. None of us can do it alone, our Union to cower. We are mindful that our union, like but we can’t do it if we don’t accept the challenge and other unions, is a group of collective members with a try. Just as King’s Mountain was a fight by a small group comradery that spans this nation. We look out for each against a powerful force, the collective action of a few other and, when challenged, we fight back. Commuter skilled fighters can indeed be the Turn of the Tide of rail and freight rail alike, if they threaten to come for us, Success. we take the fight to them, united as Signalmen, and as Union members. One must wonder if there were advisors and sages dur- In Solidarity, ing the Revolutionary War time, and would they advise against challenging the powerful Britain. Would they advise them to pay homage to Britain’s leaders like Cornwallis, accept the edicts, and beg the favor of the Floyd E. Mason King. They might. BRS President
Michael Efaw Appointed Grand Lodge Representative
Brother Efaw began his and reached a multi-year Agreement with the Signal and Railroad career more than Communications Department with the CFER. 25 years ago with CSX Brother Efaw is a strong Union activist and supported Transportation on the the West Virginia Teachers, Service Personnel, and all Seaboard Coast Line, and public employees during the Public School Employee subsequently transferred to the Strike earlier this year speaking out in a local television B&O in 1993. Brother Efaw interview, and speaking to the striking teachers on the served as Local Chairman West Virginia Capitol floor. Brother Efaw’s wife and and Financial Secretary in oldest daughter are both very active in their Local AFT Local Lodge 31 before being Lodge and have seen benefits due to the teachers’ success. elected General Chairman of the B&O System General Committee in 2010. While Brother Efaw is happily married to his wife of over serving as General Chairman, Brother Efaw reached a 27 years, Valerie, and has four (4) children, Kathryn number of Agreements with CSXT, Assisted in orga- (Ricky) Musgrove, Michael, Samantha, and Constance nizing the Maintenance of Way employees on the and also has two (2) grandchildren, Andrew and Oliver Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad (CFER), Musgrove.
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FLY-BRS-FREECOLLEGE-L0118 CANADIAN PACIFIC - SOO LINE RAILROAD COMPANY BRS Members Ratify Agreement Signalmen employed • Agreement Rule No. 31 was amended to allow all by the Canadian Pacific claims and grievances to be presented electroni- - SOO Line Railroad cally by or on behalf of the employee involved. Company (CP/SOO • Agreement Rule No. 32 was adjusted to provide a Line) have ratified a faster claim process for discipline claims. new six-year contract. The new Agreement • Agreement Rule No. 37 was amended that in the settles all issues aris- event an employee is called outside of his regular ing from the Railway assigned hours, such employee may be provided Labor Act (RLA), Section VI Notice dated January a Company vehicle or, if a vehicle is not made 26, 2015 that was served on the CP/SOO Line available, the employee shall be paid actual mile- by the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS). age (to a maximum of 50 miles each way) at 65% The Agreement was signed on May 31, 2018, in of the IRS annual mileage rate per mile from his Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an effective date of July residence to his headquarter point and back. 1, 2018. The BRS members on the CP/SOO Line were among The Agreement provided for six general wage increas- the only employees working for a Class I Railroad that es. The first general wage increase was 2% retroactive were not a party to National Contract Negotiations to January 1, 2016. The second general wage increase between the National Carriers’ Conference was 2% and retroactive to August 1, 2017. The third Committee (NCCC) and the BRS. However, the general wage increase was 2% and became effective CP/SOO Line Railroad did elect to stand-by for The August 1, 2018. The forth general wage increase is Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare 2% and becomes effective August 1, 2019. The fifth Plan. Subsequently, all The Railroad Employees general wage increase is 2% and becomes effective National Health and Welfare Plan changes that were August 1, 2020, and the sixth general wage increase hammered out between the NCCC and the BRS were is 2% and becomes effective August 1, 2021. The adopted by the parties to this Agreement. Agreement also calls for possible additional general BRS Midwest Vice President J.L. “Joe” Mattingly and wage increases of up to 1% for the years 2020 and BRS CP/SOO Line General Committee Chairman 2021. The additional increases are only triggered Keith Huebner negotiated the final terms of the based on the Company’s year-over-year Revenue Ton new contract. Brother Huebner also serves as Local Mileage (RTM) metric performance. Chairman for BRS Local Lodge No. 226. Following In order to resolve local work rule issues, the CP/ the Agreement’s ratification, BRS Vice President SOO Line agreed to amend several BRS Agreement Mattingly stated: “This was a long and protracted Rules. Among those changes were: negotiated agreement to say the least. As both the politi- cal and economic landscape change, so did the Carrier’s • An amendment was made to Agreement Rule position. The fact that the Railroad choose to stand-by for No. 21 to address signal maintainer subject to call National Health & Welfare benefits only complicated the issues. process. It was a hard fought battle until a couple of those • Agreement Rule No. 24 (B) was amended to factors stabilized.” increase the meal allowance and adjust it up or The terms of the Agreement run to January 1, 2022. down annually, based on the same percentage However, either party may serve a new contract notice change of the previous year’s CPI-U adjustment. after September 1, 2021.
6 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 BRS Members Unite FOR HISTORIC SIGNAL PROJECT TACKLING CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY’S HOMEWOOD INTERLOCKING
project was slated to begin June 22, 2018, with crews working continuously through July 3, 2018, if needed. The company agreed to utilize signal construction crews and IC signal inspectors, on a voluntary basis, for the work. Crews and inspectors worked an 11 to 11 schedule, meaning two shifts of around-the-clock workers. Crews were also allowed uniform meal periods, with meals being provided by the company during each work shift. An unprecedented agreement was reached between the BRS IC, GT&W, and the WC General Committees to accommodate the project. This type of agreement is commonly referred to as an Incursion Agreement. It is called an Incursion Agreement because the work was being performed on the former Illinois Central property and allowed both GT&W and WC signal construction employees to assist with the work. The historic agree- ment was hammered out by BRS Illinois Central General Committee, chaired by Brian Lowe; BRS Northeast General Committee, chaired by Doug VanderJagt and BRS Wisconsin Central General Committee, chaired by Butch Hillila. They were assisted in negotiations by BRS Midwest Vice President J.L. “Joe” Mattingly. When asked about the project Vice President Mattingly said, “This was a huge project for both the CN and our craft. In anticipation of the project, three (3) BRS General In what can only be described as a monumental project Committees worked tirelessly to coordinate the efforts for our on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, Brotherhood of signal construction crews, foremen, and inspectors. Once Railroad Signalmen (BRS) members united to com- again, BRS members did a tremendous job to complete the pletely rebuild Canadian National Railway’s (CN) work in a safe, efficient and timely manner. South Chicago historic Homewood Interlocking Plant. Signal construc- has always been a high density train traffic area and some tion crews and signal inspectors from the former Illinois joint teamwork was simply needed. This complete inter- Central (IC) were joined by former Grand Trunk & locking rebuild was highly complex in nature and was no Western (GT&W) signal construction crews and former easy task. Every member is to be commended for their joint Wisconsin Central (WC) signal construction crews to effort.” knock out the complete rebuild of the Interlocking, as well as the territory north of the Interlocking, up to and The Homewood Interlocking and its associated approach- including 16th Street. es were upgraded from a conventional electro-mechanical relay-based system to a new microprocessor-based inter- The Signal Project was completed in record time thanks locking system. The new system will help accommodate to an agreement that was reached between the CN and the federally mandated positive train control signal system the BRS. The Agreement allowed several gangs from each being installed in and around the greater Chicago area by property to assemble in the Chicago area to begin prepa- Canadian National Railway. rations and complete work on this massive project. The
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 7 brs CONVENTION 2018 b o s ton brs CONVENTION b o s ton
2018
The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Grand Executive Council is Accepting Resumés for Future Grand Lodge Representative(s) The role of the Grand Lodge Representative is primarily involved in the preparation of submissions for grievance resolution and other labor/employee related functions.
If interested in submitting resumés for future The BRS President will assign duties and duties may vary. openings, please send to: [email protected] or mail to the address below: Qualifications: Only active BRS members are eligible for appointment to these positions. Union activism is a fundamen- Floyd E. Mason, President tal quality. Successful candidates will be detail oriented and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen have strong writing, communications, and organizational skills. 917 Shenandoah Shores Road Computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Front Royal, Virginia 22630 suite is a plus. brs CONVENTION 2018
b o s ton
10 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION b o s ton
“Well, I have a message for every politician, Republican and Democrat, who wants to
delay or derail our progress. Here is what I
say to them: Get on board or get the hell out 2018 of the way because the Labor Movement is coming on through. I promise you that!” — AFL-CIO PRESIDENT RICHARD TRUMKA
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 11 brs CONVENTION Solidarity Takes Center Stage AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
The 52nd Regular Convention Congressman of the Brotherhood of Railroad Mike Capuano Signalmen, AFL-CIO, tak- Congressman ing place at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, Mike Capuano Massachusetts, convened at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, representing the August 6, 7th Congressional 2018, BRS District, mem- President ber of the House 2018 W. Dan Transportation
Pickett pre- and Infrastructure siding. Committee and The Colors Rail Labor Subcommittee, spoke about the persistent were pre- war on labor, taking away workers’ rights piece-by-piece. sented Congressman Capuano brought up the recent decision to by the permit trains from different countries to enter the United Boston Fire States without abiding by U.S. regulations. Congressman Department Honor Guard, in conjunction with the Capuano highlighted that although it is only 10 miles singing of the National Anthem by Christine Tarrant. now, without collective action and union members standing up it could be 50 miles next week, or 100 miles b o s ton Chaplain Kurt Mullins, General Chairman of the Norfolk Southern General Committee, Local 228, gave next month. Congressman Capuano thanked the BRS the invocation. for their friendship and support, concluding that politi- cians need not be afraid to say the word “UNION”. Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman BRS President W. Dan Pickett BRS Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Boles introduced BRS President W. Dan Pickett. President Pickett welcomed the Grand Executive Council, delegates, families and friends to the 52nd Regular Convention. President Pickett spoke to the fellowship and work that will take place over the course of the Convention, which will shape the future of our Organization. President Pickett spoke to our history, the hard-fought victories that have provided the benefits that we all enjoy today; as well as the present times and our duty to protect and further our President W. Dan Pickett introduced Massachusetts progress. President Pickett drew attention to the “right- AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman, who was a fellow to-work for less” legislation that strips away workers’ railroader from Amtrak. Brother Tolman discussed our rights and is slowly destroying the middle class. President pension under Railroad Retirement that provides dignity Pickett criticized the use of corrupt politicians by the cor- and prestige for all rail workers. Brother Tolman also porate elite to attack our Railroad Retirement system and addressed the attack on our Labor Movement, including ability to protect our agreement through arbitration. the recent Janus vs. AFSCME Supreme Court decision. President Pickett spoke about the in-depth research Brother Tolman warned that while the Janus decision is and background check the BRS does on the political directed towards public sector employees, an attack on candidates that we support. President Pickett elaborated one is an attack on all. on how the corporate lobbying has paid dividends with
12 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 boston 2018 (BLET). Brother Pierce Pierce (BLET). Brother spoke of his struggles a non-union jobworking joining the union onbefore Northern the Burlington Pierce Brother Railroad. spoke about his gratitude, of and appreciation respect, withthe solidarity shared the BRS in coalitions over of nationalmultiple rounds fits. Brother Barrows applauded Barrows fits. Brother underthe disability benefits that are Retirement Railroad far superior to any disability in the nation. Brother program - the prom spoke to Barrows the chief from ising report actuary trust fund that shows consistency for thecash flow Barrows Brother next 75 years.
3rd QuarterThe Signalman’s Journal 3rd 2018 13 tage BLET President Dennis Pierce of the President is the current Pierce Dennis Trainmen and Engineers of Locomotive Brotherhood delegates that the reminded Pierce bargaining. Brother and share craft lines do not take away the unity we Brother union workers. struggles face as railroad we and we stated that a union house divided will fall Pierce our fight against the not alone, in must stand together, railroads. profit-rich RRB Member, Barrows Walt is the current Barrows Walt Board. Retirement on the Railroad Labor Member railroad explained that the current Barrows Brother bene- $2 million in retirement with over retires worker issues with the administration’s cautioned of the current on the use of funds for support servicesrestrictions and - frames for pro field office staffing that extends the time cessing of paperwork, 11 months for disability including encouraged the delegates to pay Barrows cases. Brother tax and socialattention and fight changes in payroll retirement. affect railroad security because they directly
Representative for the Representative TTD. Willis Brother highlighted the impor- that thetance, and role TTD plays in ensuring infra- that our nation’s is properlystructure Brother funded and fixed. pointed to theWillis rhetoric about the need - invest for infrastructure REGULAR CONVENTION nd brs CONVENTION brs
olidarity Takes Center S Center Takes olidarity in the Rail Division of the TTD. of the in the Rail Division President Pickett introduced Larry Willis, President President LarryWillis, introduced Pickett President Department, AFL- Trades Transportation of the served has previously asWillis CIO (TTD). Brother Counsel, and Legislative General Secretary-Treasurer, thement, but lack of commitment and action from touched on theWillis administration. Brother current and infra- tunnels will replace which Gateway Project good- providing Corridor, along the Northeast structure paying union jobs and quality transportation for our thanked theWillis busiest rail section. Brother country’s and leadership BRS for their dedicated work TTD President Larry Willis a Supreme Court Judge, resulting in the recent Janus Janus in the recent resulting Court Judge, a Supreme warned that although this Pickett decision. President union affect us, it affects our fellow decision should not added that some Pickett and sisters. President brothers that the Janus likely going to claim commuter lines are - pro Pickett President their railroad. decision applies to will fight for our members for asclaimed that the BRS President standing alone. are we if long as it takes, even highlighting the BRS’ success inby followed Pickett workers more organizing new members and providing commended Pickett President on the job. with a voice the backbone ofthe delegates for being the leaders and and he called upon them to keep upthe Organization, the fight. to educate the challenged the delegates Pickett President and the Keeper” new members on being a “Brother’s solidar- through principles of the union movement core not to encouraged all delegates Pickett President ity. as share and duties we forget the pride, common threads, and union members. Signalmen
52 THE BRS AT S brs CONVENTION The BRS Gets to Business AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
The 52nd Regular Convention ing people overturning “Right-to-Work” laws. Brother of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trumka continued by pointing out the enjoyment of Signalmen, AFL-CIO, tak- rail travel and the lack of our country’s investment in ing place at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, rail compared to other countries. Brother Trumka pro- Massachusetts, reconvened at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, claimed that keeping America safe and sound is not a August 7, 2018, BRS President W. Dan Pickett presid- part-time job and the same holds true for keeping our ing. unions strong. Brother Trumka concluded by stating that the sun is rising for working people, and we will achieve 2018 BRS President W. Dan Pickett a brighter future by working together rather than alone. President W. Dan Pickett opened with remarks about the relationship between the BRS and the United TCU President and Chairman of the Mineworkers of America (UMWA). President Pickett CRLO Bob Scardelletti reflected on standing side by side with the coal miners President Pickett introduced speaker, TCU President during the Pittston Coal Company strike of 1989 and and Chairman of the CRLO, Bob Scardelletti. Brother the solidarity that led to a successful strike. President Scardelletti is a life-long railworker starting his career as a Pickett spoke to his friendship and brotherhood with Yard Clerk in Cleveland in 1967 and has been President AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. of the TCU since 1991, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka serving many b o s ton President Pickett introduced AFL-CIO President roles in the Richard Trumka. Brother Trumka is a former President labor move- of the UMWA, former Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL- ment. Brother CIO, and current President of the AFL-CIO. Brother Scardelletti Trumka opened by expressing his appreciation for the praised the solidarity and fellowship that Signalmen have shared BRS for our with the mineworkers and AFL-CIO. Brother Trumka relentless work mentioned our most recent fight to save the pension and contribu- system for the retired mineworkers. Brother Trumka tion in getting also highlighted the vote on “Prop A” taking place in the Railroad Missouri and the potential for a historic victory of work- Retirement Improvement Act of 2001 passed. Brother Scardelletti pointed out that organized labor is under siege because of our successful work and fight against the corporate elite. Brother Scardelletti explained that it has taken active and relentless work by union members over centuries to gain the ben- efits we enjoy today. Brother Scardelletti spoke to the positive talks heard on the campaign trail about trade and infrastructure but the lack of action from the current administration. Brother Scardelletti encouraged the delegates to remain guardians of a safe and decent livelihood for our brothers and sisters.
14 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION The BRS Gets to Business AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
Committee Reports Amend Article III, Section 1, Secretary-Treasurer Boles gave an updated report from removing for each seniority dis- the Credentials Committee as follows: 250 delegates trict from the Paragraph 1. The registered; 14 registered delegates-at-large; 11 registered Committee’s recommendation b o s ton Elective delegates-at-large, for a total of 275. was adopted. Delegate-at-Large Hugh Campbell, Local 18, Chair of Amend Article I, Section 127, to publish and distribute, the Rules Committee, reported that the Committee rec- at least semiannually, “The Signalman’s Journal”. ommended adoption of the statutory Rules and Order The Committee’s recommendation to adopt the report of Business as outlined in the BRS Constitution. Motion was rejected. passed. Letters had been received by BRS headquarters from the following indicating their intent to run for office: The following committees had no business to report as of • President W. Dan Pickett yet: Committee on Appeals, Committee on Resolutions, and Officers’ Reports Committee. • Secretary-Treasurer Jerry C. Boles 2018 The Committee on Laws chaired by Grand Lodge • Vice President Headquarters Kelly A. Haley Trustee Mike Owens put forth the following recommen- • Vice President East Floyd E. Mason dations: • Vice President Midwest Joseph L. Mattingly Reject Resolution C, a proposal to require a regional Vice President reside within the “jurisdictional” limits to • Vice President Commuter/Passenger James M. which they are assigned. Discussion was held on the floor Finnegan regarding the cost benefits and increased effectiveness • Vice President West Michael S. Baldwin of having the Vice Presidents headquartered together. • Vice President NRAB John D. Bragg Discussion was raised about the requirement of moving, whether to Headquarters or the assigned field office. The • Grand Lodge Trustee Michael Owens Committee’s recommendation to reject was adopted. • Grand Lodge Trustee R. Gus Demott Adopt, as amended, Resolution A, a proposal to increase • Grand Lodge Trustee John O. McArthur the per capita tax refunds provided to the Local Lodges Following Convention announcements, the Tuesday ses- based on thresholds of the General Fund and total sion of the Convention recessed for the day at 12:28 p.m. funds under Article I, Section 141, Paragraph 3. The Committee’s recommendation to reject was adopted. Amend Article I, Section 131, Paragraph 2, to allow amendments to the Constitution and Ritual, Report and Recommendations from the Committee on Laws, as well as local meeting notices under Article II, Section 60, to be made available electronically. The Committee’s recommendation was adopted, with a further amend- ment to Article II, Section 60. Amend Article I, Section 18, to shorten the title of Vice President Commuter, Passenger, Transit/Political Director to Vice President Commuter/Passenger. The Committee’s recommendation was adopted.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 15 brs CONVENTION Election Day AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
The 52nd Regular that the Boilermakers and Convention of the Signalmen have played a Brotherhood of Railroad key role in America’s story, Signalmen, AFL-CIO, taking place at the Westin building the foundation Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts, reconvened of a bustling economy. at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, BRS Brother Jones spoke to the President, W. Dan Pickett presiding. dangers on the job and the
2018 vigilance that Signalmen
BRS President W. Dan Pickett must maintain to remain President W. Dan Pickett opened by announc- safe of the job 24 hours a ing the victory for working people in Missouri as day. Brother Jones com- they voted NO on “Prop A”, and rejected “Right to mended the working people of Missouri for their victory Work”. President Pickett introduced Brother Newton in defeating “Prop A” and encouraged the delegates to Jones, President of the International Brotherhood of remain active in our fight for the working class. Boilermakers (IBB). Committee Reports IBB International President Newton Jones Secretary-Treasurer Boles gave an updated report from Brother Jones began his service as a full-time union- the Credentials Committee as follows: 250 delegates reg- b o s ton ist in 1981 working as an organizer and is the cur- istered, 249 present; 14 registered delegates-at-large, 14 rent International President of the IBB. Brother Jones present; 11 registered elective delegates-at-large, 11 pres- thanked the BRS for our long-lasting friendship and ent; for a total of 275 registered, 274 present. solidarity at all levels of the organizations, local to The following committees had no business to report national. Brother Jones gave a brief history of the IBB, as of yet: Committee on Appeals, Committee on which began 138 years ago building steam locomotives Resolutions, and Officers’ Reports Committee. and steam-powered ships. Brother Jones highlighted Elections The first order of business was the election of the President. Secretary-Treasurer Boles assumed the Chair for the purpose of conducting the nominations for President.
W. Dan Pickett Local Financial-Recording Secretary, Local Elective Delegate-at-Large, Northeast Chairman, Vice President Southeast from Committee General Chairman Doug 1985 to 1992, when he was first elected VanderJagt placed the name of W. Dan President of the BRS and continued to serve Pickett, BRS President, into nomination. He as BRS President for 26 years. He pointed to cited his 50-plus-year career with the rail- Brother Pickett’s leadership and guidance of road joining the BRS in 1968 within Local the BRS and noted his military service in the 77 of the Norfolk and Western General Vietnam War. Brother Pickett received a host Committee. He had held the position of of seconds to his nomination.
16 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION Election Day AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
Floyd Mason ing with health benefits. Jerry Elective Delegate-at-Large, Senior received a host of seconds. There
Vice General Chairman of the being no further nominations, b o s ton Union Pacific General Committee, Jerry Boles was elected by acclamation for another four- Harry Doucet placed the name of year term as Secretary-Treasurer. He thanked the hard- Floyd E. Mason into nomination. working staff at Headquarters that allow him to do the He cited his 40-plus-year railroad things that need to be done with our membership, which career starting in 1974 within he looked forward to serving for another four years. Jerry Local 52 of the United General thanked his family for their support. Committee. He had held the posi- tion of Vice President Headquarters in 1991, elected Vice Kelly Haley President Southeast in 1994, elected Vice President East President Pickett opened nominations for the position of
in 2002, the position which he currently held. He pointed Vice President of Headquarters held by Kelly Haley.
to Brother Mason’s academic background, including being 2018 Nominations were opened for a graduate of the National Labor College and completing the position of Vice President courses at Harvard. Brother Mason received a host of sec- of Headquarters held by Kelly onds to his nomination. Haley. Delegate Keith Huebner, Voting instructions were given by Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Local 226, nominated Kelly Boles and the delegates lined up to cast their ballots while Haley, which was seconded by Convention stood at ease. Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Boles Elective Delegate-at-Large Chris announced the results as follows: Out of 260 votes cast, Natale, Local 56, and several oth- Floyd Mason received 142 votes; W. Dan Pickett received ers. Each speaking to the work he 118 votes. Floyd Mason was declared the winner. does behind the scenes and his participation in FAMES. There being no further nomina- President-elect Mason thanked his wife, Sandy, for joining tions, Kelly Haley was elected by acclamation. Kelly appre- him in Boston. He also thanked the delegates for casting ciated the kind words and thanked his wife, Cynthia, for their votes and promised to work hard to represent them her years of support. all. President Pickett thanked his family for standing by him John Bragg and always having his back. He thanked the delegates for Nominations were opened for the position of Vice Elections supporting him in his 26 years as BRS President. President NRAB. Elective Delegate-at-Large Kurt Mullins nominated John Bragg, which was seconded by Delegate- Jerry Boles at-Large Jason Worcester, United General Committee, President Pickett opened nominations for the position of as well as many others. Each showing their appreciation Secretary-Treasurer held by Jerry Boles. for the work John has done with Secretary-Treasurer was the next arbitration and local chairman position up for election. Delegate training. There being no further Mike Sullivan, Local 56, placed nomination, John Bragg was the name of Jerry Boles, current elected by acclamation. John Secretary-Treasurer, into nomina- appreciated the trust the delegates tion, citing the bond of brother- have in him and the work the hood spanning the different walks local chairmen are doing in the of life and his work with assist- field.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 17 brs CONVENTION Election Day AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
Mike Baldwin Delegate-at-Large Kurt Mullins, Local 77, removed Nominations were opened for his name from nomination. There being no further the position of Vice President West. Delegate Richard nomination, Tim Tarrant was elected by acclamation. Martinez, Local 182, nominated Tim thanked Brother Kurt for the gesture in unity and Mike Baldwin, which was second- thanked his family for their support. ed by Delegate Charlie Magnett, Local 8, and several others. Each Joe Mattingly 2018 speaking to Mike’s attendance to Nominations were opened for Local Lodge meetings and work- the position of Vice President ing with the committees on their Midwest. Delegate-at-Large issues. There being no further Butch Hillilla, Local 239, nomi- nomination, Mike Baldwin was nated Joe Mattingly, which was elected by acclamation. Mike seconded by Delegate Jared thanked the headquarters staff for Crosswhite, Local 162, and sev- their work and thanked his family for their support. eral others. Each delegate cited their appreciation for Joe’s guid- Jim Finnegan ance and hard work. There being Nominations were opened for no other nominations, Joe Mattingly was elected by b o s ton the position of Vice President acclamation. He thanked President Pickett for appoint- Passenger/Commuter. Elective ing him to Grand Lodge and being his mentor. He also Delegate-at-Large Chris Natale, thanked his devoted family for their support. Local 56, nominated Jim Finnegan, which was seconded Mike Owens by Elective Delegate-at-Large Rich Clark, Local 60, and several The final offices to be filled were for the three Grand others. Each speaking to Jim’s Lodge Trustees, nominations were opened for the first research and assistance on the office of Trustee Chairman, a position currently held issues on their respective properties. There being no by Mike Owens. Owens’ name further nomination, Jim Finnegan was elected by accla- was placed in nomination by Local mation. Jim thanked the members for their support and 183 Delegate Bill Kirkpatrick. He thanked his wife, Chrissie, for her support. thanked Owens for the innovative ways in which he handled Metra, Tim Tarrant and asked the brothers to sup- port Owens. The nomination was Nominations were opened for the position of Vice seconded by Local 183 Delegates President East. Delegate Kevin Kevin Lavin, Alex Burgos, Matt Lavin, Local 183, nominated Tim Urban, and Edgar Vargas. There Tarrant, which was seconded by being no other nominations, Mike Delegate Charlie Magnett, Local Owens was elected by acclamation. Owens thanked the 8, and several others. Delegate delegates for honoring him with another term as Grand Herb Denney, Local 228, nomi- Lodge Trustee and for continuing to give the Board nated Kurt Mullins, which was direction. He also recognized first-time delegates and seconded by Elective Delegate- encouraged them to introduce themselves to members at-Large Jason Harkleroad, Local from other committees. 2, and several others. Elective
18 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION Election Day AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
Gus Demott McArthur, and Local 182 Nominations were then opened for the second Delegate Richard Martinez sec- office of Trustee, a position currently held by Gus onded the nomination. There b o s ton Demott. Southeast General being no other nominations, Committee Elective Delegate- John McArthur was elected at-Large Bill Yates, Local by acclamation. McArthur 16, placed Demott’s name thanked the delegates and his in nomination, which was wife for their support. seconded by Long Island The final order of business General Committee Elective was the site selection process Delegate-at-Large Chris for the next BRS Convention Natale, Local 56, and Local in 2022. In accordance with 126 Delegate Rex Grant. the Constitution, nine cit- 2018 There being no other nomi- ies were researched for consideration. They included nations, Gus Demott was elected by acclamation. Las Vegas, Orlando, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Demott thanked the delegates and pledged to keep the San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and San BRS in the forefront of all his work as Trustee. Antonio. San Diego received 139, a majority, and was named as the next convention site. John McArthur Nominations were then opened for the final office of Following convention announcements, the Trustee, a position currently held by John McArthur. Wednesday session of the Convention recessed for Local 8 Delegate Charlie Magnett nominated John the day at 1:28 p.m.
Delegates Continue Discussion & Debate AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
The 52nd Regular Convention of the Brotherhood maintenance and upgrades that are in the near future, of Railroad Signalmen, AFL-CIO, taking place at the with some PTC equipment already being ten years old. Westin Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts, recon- Batory answered several questions posed regarding the vened at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2018, BRS status of RSAC and Signalmen Certification, C3RS, and President W. Dan Pickett presiding. the funding for Amtrak. Batory informed the delegates that the RSAC process would be re-chartered and is not FRA Administrator Ronald Batory dead. He stated that he felt the RSAC process is the President Pickett introduced FRA Administrator Ronald right forum for Signalmen Certification to be addressed. Batory. He gave a summary of his railroad career, which Batory concluded with his belief that long distance involved the DT&I, GTW, CMW, Belt Railway of Amtrak trains get a bad rap, touching on the on-time Chicago, and Conrail. Batory talked about how the percentage being misleading and having to work with railroads are the backbone of America and our economy. the equipment provided when funds are not provided. He spoke on how Signalmen play a key role in building and maintaining that backbone. Batory spoke on the
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 19 brs CONVENTION Delegates Continue Discussion & Debate AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
Amend Article I, Section 65, to allow for members to vote by electronic ballot on a national tentative agree- ment. The recommendation was amended to allow for Brother Steve the Local, under Article II, Section 15, and General Smith, Local 56 Committee, under Article III, Section 8, to have an President Pickett option to utilize electronic balloting to conduct elec- invited Brother Smith, tions. The Committee’s recommendation was adopted. a Tech Sergeant and 2018 Reject Resolution B, which sought to remove the lan-
Special Missions guage pertaining to having “dues in advance” through Aviator in the United amendments of Article I, Sections 56, 137, 163, 164, States Air Force. 167, 173, 174, 180, and 185. Additionally, Resolution President Pickett told B sought to add a paragraph to Appendix B, Section V the delegates of how Expenditures, which would remove the requirement to Brother Smith flew collect dues from new hires during the process of apply- the BRS flag on his ing for membership, as well as require the Local Lodge helicopter over Iraq, which was given by Brother Smith to refund one quarter’s worth of dues under certain to be on display at BRS Grand Lodge. Brother Smith circumstances. Discussion and debate took place on the expressed his appreciation to the delegates and all of his floor. The Committee on Laws report was rejected, the
b o s ton Brothers for their support and spoke to his four deploy- issue was tabled for further discussion on the following ments performing combat rescue. He informed the day. delegates that at Convention he had raised $15,000 for a family of one of his fallen brothers from the battlefield. Reject Resolution D, seeking to amend Article I, Brother Smith spoke about VA benefits involved with Sections 32, 33, 35, and 67. Resolution D sought apprenticeship and encouraged fellow military service to create a weighted voting on mid-term elections members to reach out to him if they have questions con- with the creation of a General Committee Executive cerning it. Board. Discussion and debate took place on the floor. The Committee on Laws report was accepted, and Committee Reports Resolution D was rejected. Secretary-Treasurer Boles gave an updated report from Following convention announcements, the Thursday ses- the Credentials Committee as follows: 250 delegates sion of the Convention recessed for the day at 2:24 p.m. registered, 250 delegates checked in; 14 registered delegates-at-large, 14 delegates- at-large checked in; 11 registered elective delegates-at-large, 11 elective delegates-at- large checked in for a total of 275. The following committees had no busi- ness to report as of yet: Committee on Appeals, Committee on Resolutions, and Officers’ Reports Committee. The Committee on Laws chaired by Grand Lodge Trustee Mike Owens put forth the following reports and recom- mendations:
20 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION Delegates Continue Discussion & Debate The Signalmen are Coming... AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
THE SIGNALMEN ARE COMING, tive delegates-at-large, 9 elective READY TO BATTLE CORPORATE GREED delegates-at-large checked in; for a total of 259 delegates checked
The 52nd Regular Convention of the Brotherhood b o s ton in. Brother Boles thanked the Credentials Committee for of Railroad Signalmen, AFL-CIO, taking place at the their hard work and a job well done. Westin Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts, recon- vened at 9:00 a.m., BRS President W. Dan Pickett presid- The Committee on Laws reports and resolutions were ing. again addressed. Delegate Charlie Magnett, Local 8, motioned to untable Resolution B, which was seconded BRS President W. Dan Pickett by Elective Delegate-at-Large Kurt Mullins, Local President Pickett opened the final day of Convention 228, and the delegates voted to untable Resolution B. with an announcement about Brother Ted Macken, a Delegate-at-Large Ron Behrens, Local 8, respectfully retired General Chairman. Pickett informed the delegates made a motion to withdraw Resolution B, which was sec-
that Brother Macken had lost his house and everything in onded by Delegate-at-Large Jason Worcester, Local 232,
it to the wildfires in California. Pickett informed the del- and the delegates voted to withdraw Resolution B. The 2018 egation that George Jones, retired Grand Lodge Officer, Committee on Laws was dismissed. was taking up donations from the Brotherhood to send The Committee on Officers’ Reports was chaired by and assist Brother Macken. President Pickett introduced Elective Delegate-at-Large Carlton Everett, Local 110. the next speaker, Rich Edelman, who is a labor attorney Brother Everett provided the Committee’s report, which that has worked closely with the BRS. found three issues that included some misspellings on pages 27, 53, and 86. The Committee was dismissed. Attorney Rich Edelman Edelman thanked and commended President Pickett for Delegate-at-Large Jeremy Huckabee, Local 129, was his years spent advancing the interests of Signalmen and Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions and pro- workers in general. Edelman mentioned President-Elect vided the report of the Committee. Brother Huckabee Mason’s creative advocacy and ability to find a way. He thanked the members who served on the committee and looked forward to continue to provide counsel and rep- reported that there were no resolutions received. The resentation for the BRS. Edelman talked at length on the Committee was dismissed. recent Janus decision and the Supreme Court’s decision to The Committee on Rules was dismissed. President disregard precedent, bringing politics into their decision. Pickett thanked the members of the Committee for their Edelman warned that the big money foundations behind work and making sure that our Convention was run in the Janus case will come for the private sector next. He an orderly fashion. gave a brief history of the “Right-to-Work” or “Right-to- Free Ride” legislation and the threats that these laws pose Delegate Mike Sullivan, Local 56, gave the report for the to labor and the overall working class. Edelman spoke Committee on Appeals and reported that there were no that his work in defending workers in court can only go appeals received. The Committee was dismissed. so far and encouraged the delegation to answer the call, standing up and standing together as union members to defend our rights.
Committee Reports Secretary-Treasurer Boles gave an updated report from the Credentials Committee as follows: 250 delegates regis- tered, 237 delegates checked in; 14 registered delegates-at- large, 14 delegates-at-large checked in; 11 registered elec-
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 21 brs CONVENTION Closing Remarks AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President West, Mike Baldwin Jerry Boles Brother Baldwin expressed appreciation for the opportu- Brother Boles thanked his fam- nity to continue to serve the Brotherhood and the honor ily for their support in allowing him to do the work he it is to be a leader for the organization. He thanked loves. He thanked the BRS staff at headquarters for their President Pickett for his friendship and mentorship. work for the Brotherhood and their work in making the 52nd Convention a success. Jerry thanked the Grand Vice President Commuter/Passenger, Jim Executive Council and retirees for their leadership in Finnegan 2018 times past, as well as the present. He closed by thanking Brother Finnegan spoke to the fight ahead against Janus
President Pickett for his mentorship and his leadership. and the unity that was demonstrated at the Convention. He reiterated the importance of the delegation to go Vice President East/ back to the field unified and ready to fight the powers President-Elect, Floyd Mason set against us. He thanked President Pickett for his lead- Brother Mason expressed his appreciation for the work ership over the years and all that was accomplished. He that the delegation had done throughout the week, with spoke to supporting President-Elect Mason and do his passionate debates and coming together in unity. He part to ensure he is a successful leader. promised the delegates that he would work to the best of his ability to lead the Brotherhood. Director of Research/ Vice President East-
b o s ton Elect, Tim Tarrant Vice President Midwest, Joe Mattingly Brother Tarrant thanked President Pickett for the oppor- Brother Mattingly encouraged the delegates to return tunity and his mentorship. He spoke to the passion, per- to their local and talk to them about what was accom- severance, sacrifice, courage, determination, understand- plished at the Convention and the unity that our ing, and brotherhood that was demonstrated throughout Brotherhood is based on. He spoke to the dangers of the week at Convention. He thanked the staff at BRS “Right-to-Work” legislation and the fight we have ahead headquarters for their work to keep the engine running to protect ourselves from the free loaders, or “leeches”, at Grand Lodge. He expressed his excitement for his new that come with “Right-to-Work” and try to bleed out the position and pledged to fight hard for the betterment of union. the Brotherhood.
Vice President Headquarters, Kelly Haley National Legislative Director, Leonard Parker Brother Haley thanked President Pickett for leading by Brother Parker encouraged the delegates to lock hands example and promised to carry on that example. He and stand together. He spoke to the strength and power encouraged the delegates, stating that we will win against we possess when we stand united, sharing the burden the powers that seek to divide us and called the delegates and becoming victorious in the end. to go back to their locals to educate and encourage our brothers and sisters in the field. Grand Lodge Representative, Brandon Elvey Brother Elvey thanked the Grand Executive Council for Vice President NRAB, John Bragg their guidance and wisdom. He spoke to the solidarity Brother Bragg spoke to the inspiration he has gained and unity demonstrated by the delegation and encour- from the members fighting the good fight in the field. aged them to take that unity back to their locals. He expressed his pride and honor in serving the mem- bership as a leader and his work in arbitration. He Grand Lodge Representative, Mike Efaw pledged to continue to fight for the Brotherhood in the Brother Efaw thanked President Pickett for the oppor- coming years. tunity and the Grand Executive Council for their guid-
22 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION
ance. He thanked his fellow representatives and the staff his union dues and the benefits for their encouragement and assistance. Additionally, he the union provides. He refer-
thanked his family for their support and encouraged the enced the struggles of times past b o s ton delegates, speaking to our strength and ability to over- that were overcome to get us to where we are today as a come our obstacles. Brotherhood.
Grand Lodge Trustee, Mike Owens Retiree, Walt Lauer Brother Owens spoke to the special experience of the Brother Lauer explained that as union members we are 52nd Convention and witnessing delegates, both young the voice of working people and we cannot be silenced and old, coming together to complete the important by those in power. He encouraged the delegates to work at Convention. He encouraged the delegates to remain strong and unite in representing our membership carry on the spirit of unity as they return home. and the working class.
Grand Lodge Trustee, Gus Demott Retiree, Charlie McGraw 2018 Brother Demott pointed out the common thread that Brother McGraw expressed the honor and appreciation connects us as Signalmen and the work that we all do to he had for the opportunity to be at the Convention. He represent our membership. He showed his appreciation spoke to the enjoyment of meeting new delegates and and pride in serving the membership and fighting to reconnecting with old delegates. provide a better life for each Signalman. Retiree, George Jones Grand Lodge Trustee, John McArthur Brother Jones congratulated the delegates on conduct- Brother McArthur showed his appreciation for the ing themselves in a professional manner and sticking opportunity to serve the membership and thanked his together to tackle the issues at hand. He congratulated General Committee for their support. He thanked the the newly elected and re-elected Grand Lodge Officers membership and the Grand Executive Council for their and thanked President Pickett for his years of leadership. work and leadership. He encouraged the delegation to keep fighting, both the big battles and the small battles Retiree, Mark Ciurej on each property. Brother Ciurej warned against some of the powers and ideas that are present in our culture that threaten democ- Parliamentarian/General Counsel, racy and our country. He encouraged the delegates to Bill Phillips continue to fight for all working people and fight against Phillips thanked President Pickett for the opportunity to powers of injustice. serve and counsel the BRS. He touched on the battles that we face ahead and encouraged the membership to Retiree, Dennis Boston educate themselves on issues facing working people and Brother Boston thanked President Pickett for his friend- make their vote matter. ship and leadership. He promised to have the back of each brother, reiterating that an injustice to one brother Retiree, Witt Harwell is an injustice to us all. Brother Harwell shared his enjoyment in retirement. He showed his appreciation for how Grand Lodge had Retiree, Bill Little treated him and his family throughout the week. Brother Brother Little expressed his appreciation for the opportu- Harwell reminded the delegates of his experience work- nity to attend the Convention and shared his enjoyment ing without a union and expressed his pride in paying of meeting with the delegates.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 23 brs CONVENTION Closing Remarks AT THE BRS 52nd REGULAR CONVENTION
Retiree, Bill Saar starting as a Lineman on Norfolk and Western and Brother Saar congratulated the spending 44 years of service as a full-time union activ- Grand Lodge Officers who were ist. He promised to do his part in making the transition elected and reiterated the gratitude to President Pickett smooth and keep the Brotherhood strong. President for his years of service to the BRS. Pickett thanked the Grand Executive Council, Grand Lodge Trustees, and Grand Lodge Representatives for Retiree, Bill Wilson their work, friendship, and guidance. President Pickett Brother Wilson thanked the staff and Grand Executive highlighted the teamwork at Grand Lodge and how the 2018 Council for their work to support the entire member- Council’s thoughts helped him make informed decisions
ship. He thanked the Delegates for their work and on key issues. He thanked the staff at Grand Lodge for congratulated President Pickett on all that he has accom- their hard work and spoke on their commitment to the plished as a leader of the BRS. BRS, as if they were a Signalman themselves. President Pickett thanked his wife, Jackie, and the rest of his fam- Retiree, Bill Duncan ily for their support and always being there for him dur- Brother Duncan thanked the membership for the oppor- ing his service to the BRS. He expressed his gratitude to tunity to serve in several leadership roles over his career. the delegates at Convention for allowing him to serve He reiterated the importance of taking the essence of as President of the BRS for 26 years and expressed his unity and solidarity back to the Local. He expressed his pride and love for being a Signalman, a union leader, and a defender of the rights for his brothers and sisters.
b o s ton appreciation for all the benefits and friendships that the BRS had provided for him, and so many others. President Pickett called the delegation to stand strong and unified in the years to come. President, W. Dan Pickett Brother Kurt Mullins serving as Chaplain provided the President Pickett reflected on his 53-year railroad career, closing prayer and Convention was closed at 12:11 p.m.
24 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION ere’ ll ne nion W ONEA TEAM, ONEO FIGHTU
During the 52nd Regular BRS Convention held in Boston, Massachusetts, Brother Steve Smith of Local 56, presented President W. Dan Pickett with a BRS flag that he had flown during his last mission in Iraq. b o s ton Sergeant Smith, a Tech Sergeant and Special Missions Aviator in the U.S. Air Force, has completed four deployments in combat rescue, rescuing the injured overseas and tasked with delivering them so they can receive the proper assistance. Unfortunately, during this last mission, seven of Sergeant Smith’s Brothers-in- Arms lost their lives. “I came to Convention here Sunday night, Monday morning and raised 15 grand for one of the families that left behind a two and three-year old — It was my honor 2018 to do that for the family”. Sergeant Smith was recently approved for an appren- ticeship through the G.I. Bill and he mentioned that he appreciates everyone’s support and he will continue to serve the military and Local 56. He also thanked everyone for their solidarity and sup- port — “It’s great to see everyone has your back. You can look to your left, to your right, or to the guys behind you, because we’re all one union, one team, one fight”. President Pickett stated that the BRS flag will be dis- played at our Headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia. RAIL WORKERS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRAINING PROGRAM Peer trainers dedicated to providing quality education & awareness of hazardous materials, empowering rail workers & communities. Rail Hazmat Chemical/Emergency Response Training Programs
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26 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018
Washington Report How Does the Judicial Branch Affect My Life?
Article III of the United States Constitution establishes Act of 1789 conflicted with the Constitution, Chief the judicial branch of the government. With Article III, Justice John Marshall struck down the relevant por- came the creation of the Supreme Court, however, it tion of the Judiciary Act in the U.S. Supreme Court’s did not establish the number of justices that sit on the first ever declaration that American federal courts have Supreme Court. The number has actually fluctuated the power to refuse to give any effect to congressional from six to ten; Congress passed the Judiciary Act of legislation that is inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s 1869, which set the number of justices at nine, and it interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. Many laws has not been amended have a general ambiguity since then. Justices that leaves the door open are appointed by the “We must not become complacent for the Supreme Court to President and confirmed in using our voices to choose set a precedent not even by the Senate. They contemplated by lawmakers serve a life term but can who will represent us.” when drafting the legisla- be impeached. Generally, tion. When a vacancy on the the Supreme Court hears Court is created by a retire- appellate cases but they also have original jurisdiction. ment or death, the President appointing the justice to fill the vacancy has a great opportunity to influence public Parties who are not satisfied with the decision of a lower policy. One justice can swing the Court’s decision in the court must petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear other direction. their case. The primary means to petition the court for review is to ask it to grant a writ of certiorari. This is a Most relevant to our current political climate, the request that the Supreme Court order a lower court to Supreme Court’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME dealt a send up the record of the case for review. The Court blow to public sector workers in the name of the First usually is not under any obligation to hear these cases, Amendment right of freedom of speech. The Court and it usually only does so if the case could have nation- asserted that public sector union bargaining may affect al significance, might harmonize conflicting decisions in public policy (such as budgets). Therefore, the Court the federal Circuit courts, and/or could have precedential ruled, an Illinois law that required state employees to pay value. The Court receives about 7,000–10,000 requests dues (or a fair share) “compelled” employees to support for review each year, of those it usually accepts 70 to union policies they might disagree with. This, the Court 100. Four out of the nine justices must agree for a writ said, violated the First Amendment. This ruling applies of certiorari to be granted. to non-members in that they will no longer be required to pay the “fair share” or “free rider” fee, and it also com- It is here where you can begin to see the power the pels unions to still represent non-members not paying Supreme Court possesses. It has the ability to shape pub- any dues or “fair share” fee in matters of representation lic policy merely by choosing which cases to hear and and arbitration. These employees also still enjoy the which ones to let go; justices have the ability to shape wages and benefits of the collective bargaining agreement the national conversation on many topics. The biggest negotiated by the union they do not wish to support. source of federal power possessed by the Supreme Court is in interpreting laws. In 1803, the Supreme Court’s Make no mistake, corporations are not gifting you decision in Marbury v. Madison established the concept higher wages out of the goodness of their hearts. Union of judicial review. After ruling that Congress’ Judiciary members enjoy higher wages and stronger benefit pack-
28 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 ages than non-union members because they negotiated power and weakens the unions’ voices in determining them through their union. Unions are stronger because the quality of life for these valuable professions in the of a collective voice of craft employees who know their name of free speech. While this decision is limited to value and demand fair compensation. The ruling in public sector employees, an attack on one of us is an Janus v. AFSCME damages the collective voice of teach- attack on all of us and we must remain vigilant in pro- ers, police officers, fire fighters, municipal workers, etc. tecting what we have fought for. We must not become because non-member employees drag the resources complacent in using our voices to choose who will of the union without contributing to the effort. One represent us. It is important to know when choosing a could argue that public sector employees are some of representative in Congress, especially the Senators who the most important employees in our communities. confirm presidential appointees, how the candidates This Supreme Court ruling gives the government more stand on these topics.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 29 VOTER REGISTRATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I registered to vote? registration record should always reflect your current • Many states let you check your registration status residence. online. How do I update my name or address for my • Most states will send you a voter registration card voter registration? within a few weeks if you’ve successfully registered to vote or a notification if there is a problem with your • If your state has online voter registration, you can application. usually do this online. • Check with your state or territory election office for • In most cases, you can use the National Mail Voter procedures for your location. Registration Form to report a change of name or address. A few states and territories require you to use Where do I register? their state/territory form. • You can begin your voter registration online at • Some states let you report a change of name or Vote.USA.gov. Depending on your state’s rules, the address by phone. site can help you register online, download the Voter • Check with your state or territory election office for Registration Form, or find guidance for states and ter- procedures in your area. ritories with different registration procedures. • You can call your state or territory election office to What party am I registered with? have a mail-in voter registration form sent to you. • You may be able to find this information on your • You may be able to register to vote in person at public voter registration card or in an online voter registra- facilities, such as state or local voter registration and/ tion look-up. or election offices, the Department of Motor Vehicles, • You can contact your state or territory election office armed services recruitment centers, and state or coun- for help finding this information. ty public assistance offices. Check with your state or • It’s possible that you’re not registered with any politi- territory election office before heading to any of these cal party, either because your state doesn’t accept locations. party affiliations or because you didn’t indicate a party preference when you registered to vote. You can reg- How can I find out what state I’m registered ister to vote and participate in general elections and in? I have moved several times. nonpartisan primary elections without ever choosing • You must register to vote in the state or territory a party affiliation. where you legally reside. You cannot be registered to vote in more than one place at a time. • In some states, you must register with a party if you want to take part in that party’s primary election, cau- • If you don’t know whether you’re registered under cus, or convention. your current legal address, check with your state or territory election office. Many states let you check How to Research Candidates your registration status online. When evaluating candidates for public office, it’s impor- • When you register to vote in a new location, you’ll be tant to decide what strengths you’re looking for in a can- asked for the address where you were last registered didate, to research their positions on the issues, to learn to vote. Your new election office will send a cancella- about their leadership abilities, and to recognize any dis- tion form to your previous election office. Your voter tortions in the information and opinions they express.
30 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 2018 ENDORSEMENTS Key Description A Auditor G Governor S3 Senate Cycle 3 (2020) AG Attorney General LC Labor Commissioner S4 Senate Special Election AL At-Large LD Land Commissioner SS Secretary of State CA Commissioner of Agriculture LG Lieutenant Governor SE State School Superintendent CI Commissioner of Insurance S1 Senate Cycle 1 (2022) T Treasurer CM Comptroller S2 Senate Cycle 2 (2018) TC Tax Commissioner CN Controller
Alabama California California District of Columbia G - Walt Maddox (D) T - Fiona Ma (D) 42 - Julia Peacock (D) 00 - Eleanor Holmes LG - Will Boyd (D) SP - Tony Thurmond (D) 43 - Maxine Waters (D) Norton (D) AG - Joseph Siegelman (D) CI - Ricardo Lara (D) 44 - Nanette Barragan (D) SS - John Merrill (R) S2 - Kevin De León (D) 45 - Katie Porter (D) Florida A - Miranda Joseph (D) 01 - Audrey Denney (D) 46 - Lou Correa (D) G - Andrew Gillum (D) 01 - Robert Kennedy, Jr. (D) 02 - Jared Huffman (D) 47 - Alan Lowenthal (D) AG - Sean Shaw (D) 02 - Tabitha Isner (D) 03 - John Garamendi (D) 48 - Harley Rouda (D) T - Jeremy Ring (D) 03 - Mallory Hagan (D) 04 - Jessica Morse (D) 50 - Ammar Campa- CA - Nikki Fried (D) 04 - Lee Auman (D) 05 - Mike Thompson (D) Najjar (D) S2 - Bill Nelson (D) 05 - Peter Joffrion (D) 06 - Doris Matsui (D) 51 - Juan Vargas (D) 03 - Yvonne Hayes 06 - Danner Kline (D) 08 - Paul Cook (R) Hinson (D) 07 - Terri Sewell (D) 09 - Jerry McNerney (D) Colorado 04 - Ges Selmont (D) 10 - Josh Harder (D) G - Jared Polis (D) 05 - Al Lawson (D) Alaska 11 - Mark DeSaulnier (D) AG - Phil Weiser (D) 06 - Nancy Soderberg (D) G - Bill Walker (I) 12 - Nancy Pelosi (D) SS - Jena Griswold (D) 07 - Stephanie Murphy (D) LG - Byron Mallot (D) 13 - Barbara Lee (D) T - Dave Young (D) 08 - Sanjay Patel (D) 01 - Diana DeGette (D) 09 - Darren Soto (D) Arizona 14 - Jackie Speier (D) 15 - Eric Swalwell (D) 02 - Joe Neguse (D) 10 - Val Demings (D) G - David Garcia (D) 17 - Ro Khanna (D) 03 - Diane Mitsch Bush (D) 13 - Charlie Crist (D) AG - January Contreras (D) 18 - Anna Eshoo (D) 04 - Karen McCormick (D) 14 - Kathy Castor (D) SS - Katie Hobbs (D) 19 - Zoe Lofgren (D) 05 - Stephany Rose 15 - Kristen Carlson (D) SP - Kathy Hoffman (D) 20 - Jimmy Panetta (D) Spaulding (D) 16 - David Shapiro (D) S2 - Kyrsten Sinema (D) 21 - T.J. Cox (D) 06 - Jason Crow (D) 18 - Lauren Baer (D) 02 - Ann Kirkpatrick (D) 22 - Andrew Janz (D) 07 - Ed Perlmutter (D) 19 - David Holden (D) 03 - Raúl Grijalva (D) 23 - Tatiana Matta (D) 20 - Alcee Hastings (D) 07 - Ruben Gallego (D) Connecticut 24 - Salud Carbajal (D) 21 - Lois Frankel (D) 08 - Hiral Tipirneni (D) G - Ned Lamont (D) 25 - Katie Hill (D) 22 - Ted Deutch (D) 09 - Greg Stanton (D) AG - William Tong (D) 26 - Julia Brownley (D) 23 - Debbie Wasserman SS - Denise Merrill (D) Shultz (D) 27 - Judy Chu (D) Arkansas CM- Kevin Lembo (D) 24 - Frederica Wilson (D) 28 - Adam Schiff (D) G - Jared Henderson (D) T - Shawn Wooden (D) 25 - Mario Diaz-Balart (R) 29 - Tony Cardenas (D) LG - Anthony Bland (D) LD - Susan Bysiewicz (D) 26 - Debbie Mucarsel- AG - Mike Lee (R) 30 - Brad Sherman (D) S2 - Chris Murphy (D) Powell (D) SS - Susan Inman (D) 31 - Pete Aguilar (D) 01 - John Larson (D) 27 - Donna Shalala (D) 01 - Chintan Desai (D) 32 - Grace Napolitano (D) 02 - Joe Courtney (D) 02 - Clarke Tucker (D) 33 - Ted Lieu (D) 03 - Rosa DeLauro (D) Georgia 03 - Joshua Mahony (D) 34 - Jimmy Gomez (D) 04 - Jim Hines (D) G - Stacey Abrams (D) 04 - Hayden Shamel (D) 35 - Norma Torres (D) 05 - Jahana Hayes (D) LG - Sarah Riggs Amico (D) 36 - Raul Ruiz (D) AG - Charlie Bailey (D) California 37 - Karen Bass (D) Delaware SS - John Barrow (D) LG - Ed Hernandez (D) 38 - Linda Sanchez (D) AG - Tim Mullaney (D) LC - Richard Keatley (D) AG - Xavier Becerra (D) 39 - Gil Cisneros (D) A - Kathy McGuiness (D) CI - Janice Laws (D) SS - Alex Padilla (D) 40 - Lucille Roybal-Allard (D) S2 - Tom Carper (D) CA - Fred Swann (D) CN - Betty Yee (D) 41 - Mark Takano (D) 01 - Lisa Blunt Rochester (D) SE - Otha Thornton (D)
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 31 2018 ENDORSEMENTS Georgia Indiana Maryland Minnesota 01 - Lisa Ring (D) 01 - Peter Visclosky (D) S2 - Ben Cardin (D) AG - Keith Ellison (DFL) 03 - Chuck Enderlin (D) 02 - Mel Hall (D) 01 - Jesse Colvin (D) SS - Steve Simon (DFL) 06 - Lucy McBath (D) 03 - Courtney Tritch (D) 02 - C.A. Dutch A - Julie Blaha (DFL) 07 - Carolyn Bourdeaux (D) 04 - Tobi Beck (D) Ruppersberger (D) S2 - Amy Klobuchar (DFL) 09 - Josh McCall (D) 05 - Dee Thornton (D) 03 - John Sarbanes (D) S4 - Tina Smith (DFL) 11 - Flynn Broady, Jr. (D) 06 - Jeannine Lee Lake (D) 04 - Anthony Brown (D) 01 - Dan Feehan (DFL) 12 - Francys Johnson (D) 07 - André Carson (D) 05 - Steny Hoyer (D) 02 - Angela Craig (DFL) 08 - William Tanoos (D) 06 - Roger Manno (D) 03 - Dean Phillips (DFL) Hawaii 09 - Liz Watson (D) 07 - Elijah Cummings (D) 04 - Betty McCollum (DFL) G - Colleen Hanabusa (D) 08 - Jamie Raskin (D) 05 - Ilhan Omar (DFL) S2 - Mazie Hirono (D) Iowa 06 - Ian Todd (DFL) 02 - Tulsi Gabbard (D) G - Fred Hubbell (D) Massachusetts 07 - Collin Peterson (DFL) AG - Tom Miller (D) G - Jay Gonzalez (D) Idaho 08 - Joe Radinovich (DFL) SS - Diedre DeJear (D) LG - Quentin Palfrey (D) LG - Kristin Collum (D) T - Mike Fitzgerald (D) AG - Maura Healey (D) Mississippi AG - Lawrence Wasden (R) A - Rob Sand (D) SS - Bill Gavin (D) S2 - David Baria (D) SS - Jill Humble (D) CA - Tim Gannon (D) T - Deb Goldberg (D) 01 - Randy Wadkins (D) SP - Cindy Wilson (D) 01 - Abby Finkenauer (D) A - Suzanne Bump (D) 02 - Bennie Thompson (D) 01 - Christina McNeil (D) 02 - David Loebsack (D) S2 - Elizabeth Warren (D) 03 - Michael Ted Evans (D) 02 - Aaron Swisher (D) 03 - Cindy Axne (D) 01 - Richard Neal (D) 04 - Jeramey Anderson (D) Illinois 04 - J.D. Scholten (D) 02 - Jim McGovern (D) 03 - Lori Trahan (D) Missouri G - J.B. Pritzker (D) Kansas 04 - Joe Kennedy, III (D) A - Nicole Galloway (D) LG - Juliana Stratton (D) G - Laura Kelly (D) 05 - Katherine Clark (D) S2 - Claire McCaskill (D) AG - Kwame Raoul (D) LG - Lynn Rogers (D) 06 - Seth Moulton (D) 01 - William Lacy Clay (D) SS - Jesse White (D) AG - Sarah Swain (D) 08 - Stephen Lynch (D) 02 - Cort VanOstran (D) CM- Susan Mendoza (D) SS - Brian McClendon (D) 09 - Bill Keating (D) 03 - Katy Geppert (D) T - Mike Frerichs (D) T - Marci Francisco (D) 04 - Renee Hoagenson (D) 01 - Bobby Rush (D) CI - Vicki Schmidt (D) Michigan 05 - Emanuel Cleaver (D) 02 - Robin Kelly (D) 01 - Alan LaPolice (D) G - Gretchen Whitmer (D) 06 - Sam Graves (R) 03 - Dan Lipinski (D) 02 - Paul Davis (D) LG - Garlin Gilchrist (D) 07 - Jamie Schoolcraft (D) 04 - Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D) 03 - Sharice Davids (D) AG - Dana Nessel (D) 08 - Kathryn Ellis (D) 05 - Mike Quigley (D) 04 - James Thompson (D) SS - Jocelyn Benson (D) 06 - Sean Casten (D) Montana S2 - Debbie Stabenow (D) 07 - Danny K. Davis (D) S2 - Jon Tester (D) Kentucky 01 - Matt Morgan (D) 08 - Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) 01 - Kathleen Williams (D) 01 - Paul Walker (D) 02 - Rob Davidson (D) 09 - Jan Schakowsky (D) 02 - Hank Linderman (D) 03 - Cathy Albro (D) 10 - Brad Schneider (D) Nebraska 03 - John Yarmuth (D) 04 - Jerry Hilliard (D) 11 - Bill Foster (D) G - Bob Krist (D) 04 - Seth Hall (D) 05 - Dan Kildee (D) 12 - Brendan Kelly (D) SS - Spencer Danner (D) 05 - Ken Stepp (D) 06 - Matt Longjohn (D) 13 - Betsy Dirksen S2 - Jane Raybould (D) 06 - Amy McGrath (D) 07 - Gretchen Driskell (D) Londrigan (D) 01 - Jessica McClure (D) 08 - Elissa Slotkin (D) 14 - Lauren Underwood (D) 02 - Kara Eastman (D) Maine 09 - Andy Levin (D) 15 - Kevin Gaither (D) 03 - Paul Theobald (D) G - Janet Mills (D) 11 - Haley Stevens (D) 16 - Sara Dady (D) S2 - Angus King (I) 12 - Debbie Dingell (D) Nevada 17 - Cheri Bustos (D) 01 - Chellie Pingree (D) 13 - Rashida Tlaib (D) G - Steve Sisolak (D) Indiana 02 - Jared Golden (D) 14 - Brenda Lawrence (D) LG - Kate Marshall (D) SS - Jim Harper (D) AG - Aaron Ford (D) T - John Aguilera (D) Maryland Minnesota SS - Nelson Araujo (D) A - Joselyn Whitticker (D) G - Ben Jealous (D) G - Tim Walz (DFL) CN - Catherine Byrne (D) S2 - Joe Donnelly (D) AG - Brian Frosh (D) LG - Peggy Flanagan (DFL) T - Zach Conine (D)
32 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 2018 ENDORSEMENTS Nevada New York Ohio AG - Constance S2 - Jacky Rosen (D) 02 - Liuba Grechen SS - Kathleen Clyde (D) Anastapoulo (D) 01 - Dina Titus (D) Shirley (D) T - Rob Richardson (D) SS - Melvin Whittenburg (D) 02 - Clint Koble (D) 03 - Tom Suozzi (D) A - Zack Space (D) 01 - Joe Cunningham (D) 03 - Susie Lee (D) 05 - Gregory Meeks (D) S2 - Sherrod Brown (D) 02 - Annabelle Robertson (D) 04 - Steven Horsford (D) 06 - Grace Meng (D) 01 - Aftab Pureval (D) 03 - Mary Geren (D) 07 - Nydia Velazquez (D) 07 - Ken Harbaugh (D) 04 - Lee Turner (D) New Hampshire 08 - Hakeem Jeffries (D) 09 - Marcy Kaptur (D) 05 - Archie Parnell (D) G - Molly Kelly (D) 09 - Yvette Clark (D) 11 - Marcia Fudge (D) 06 - Jim Clyburn (D) 01 - Chris Pappas (D) 10 - Jerrold Nadler (D) 12 - Danny O’Connor (D) 07 - Mal Hyman (D) 02 - Annie Kuster (D) 11 - Dan Donovan (R) 13 - Tim Ryan (D) 12 - Carolyn Maloney (D) Tennessee New Jersey 13 - Adriano Espaillat (D) Oklahoma G - Karl Dean (D) S2 - Phil Bredesen (D) S2 - Bob Menendez (D) 14 - Alexandria Ocasio- G - Drew Edmondson (D) 01 - Marty Olsen (D) 01 - Donald Norcross (D) Cortez (D) LC - Leslie Osborn (R) 03 - Danielle Mitchell (D) 02 - Jeff Van Drew (D) 15 - Jose Serrano (D) 05 - Kendra Horn (D) 04 - Mariah Phillips (D) 03 - Andy Kim (D) 16 - Eliot Engel (D) Oregon 05 - Jim Cooper (D) 04 - Chris Smith (R) 17 - Nita Lowey (D) G - Kate Brown (D) 06 - Dawn Barlow (D) 05 - Josh Gottheimer (D) 19 - Antonio Delgado (D) LC - Val Hoyle (D) 07 - Justin Kanew (D) 06 - Frank Pallone (D) 20 - Paul Tonko (D) 01 - Suzanne Bonamici (D) 09 - Steve Cohen (D) 07 - Tom Malinowski (D) 21 - Tedra Cobb (D) 22 - Anthony Brindisi (D) 03 - Earl Blumenauer (D) 08 - Albio Sires (D) 04 - Peter DeFazio (D) Texas 09 - Bill Pascrell (D) 23 - Tracy Mitrano (D) G - Lupe Valdez (D) 10 - Donald Payne, Jr. (D) 25 - Joseph Morelle (D) Pennsylvania LG - Mike Collier (D) 11 - Rebecca “Mikie” 26 - Brian Higgins (D) G - Tom Wolf (D) AG - Justin Nelson (D) Sherrill (D) 27 - Nate McMurray (D) S2 - Bob Casey, Jr. (D) CM- Joi Chevalier (D) 12 - Bonnie Watson- 01 - Brian Fitzpatrick (D) LC - Tex Morgan (D) Coleman (D) North Carolina 02 - Breadan Boyle (D) LD - Miguel Suazo (D) 01 - G.K. Butterfield (D) 03 - Dwight Evans (D) New Mexico 02 - Linda Coleman (D) CA - Kim Olson (D) 04 - Madeleine Dean (D) RC - Roman McAllen (D) G - Michelle Lujan 04 - David Price (D) 05 - Mary Gay Scanlon (D) Grisham (D) S2 - Beto O’Rourke (D) 05 - D.D. Ads (D) 06 - Christina Houlahan (D) LG - Howie Morales (D) 01 - Shirley McKellar (D) 07 - Kyle Horton (D) 07 - Susan Wild (D) AG - Hector Balderas (D) 02 - Todd Litton (D) 08 - Frank McNeill (D) 08 - Matt Cartwright (D) SS - Maggie Toulouse 05 - Dan Wood (D) 09 - Dan McCready (D) 09 - Denny Wolff (D) Oliver (D) 06 - Jana Lynne 10 - David Wilson Brown (D) 10 - George Scott (D) T - Tim Eichenberg (D) Sanchez (D) 11 - Phillip Price (D) 11 - Jess King (D) A - Brian Colon (D) 07 - Laura Moser (D) 12 - Alma Adams (D) 12 - Marc Friedenberg (D) LD - Stephanie Garcia 13 - Kathy Manning (D) 08 - Steven David (D) Richard (D) 13 - Brent Ottaway (D) 09 - Al Green (D) S2 - Martin Heinrich (D) North Dakota 14 - Bibiana Boerio (D) 10 - Mike Siegel (D) 15 - Susan Boser (D) 01 - Deb Haaland (D) AG - Dave Thompson (D) 12 - Vanessa Adia (D) 16 - Ron DiNicola (D) 02 - Xochitl Torres-Small (D) SS - Josh Boschee (D) 13 - Greg Sagan (D) 17 - Conor Lamb (D) 03 - Ben Ray Luján (D) CA - Jim Dotzenrod (D) 14 - Adrienne Bell (D) 18 - Michael Doyle (D) TC - Kylie Overse (D) 15 - Vicente Gonzalez (D) New York S2 - Heidi Heitkamp (D) Rhode Island 16 - Veronica Escobar (D) G - Andrew Cuomo (D) 01 - Mac Schneider (D) S2 - Sheldon Whitehouse (D) 17 - Rick Kennedy (D) LG - Kathy Hochul (D) 01 - David Cicilline (D) 18 - Sheila Jackson Lee (D) AG - Letitia “Tish” James (D) Ohio 02 - James Langevin (D) 19 - Miguel Levario (D) CM- Tom DiNapoli (D) G - Richard Cordray (D) 20 - Joaquin Castro (D) S2 - Kirsten Gilibrand (D) LG - Betty Sutton (D) South Carolina 21 - Joseph Kopser (D) 01 - Perry Gershon (D) AG - Stevel Dettelbach (D) G - James Smith (D) 22 - Sri Kulkarni (D)
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 33 2018 ENDORSEMENTS Texas Utah Virginia West Virginia 23 - Gina Ortiz Jones (D) 03 - John Curtis (R) 05 - Leslie Cockburn (D) S2 - Joe Manchin (D) 24 - Jan McDowell (D) 04 - Ben McAdams (D) 06 - Jennifer Lewis (D) 02 - Talley Sergent (D) 25 - Julie Oliver (D) 07 - Abigail Spanberger (D) 03 - Richard Ojeda (D) 26 - Linsey Fagan (D) Vermont 08 - Don Beyer (D) 27 - Eric Holguin (D) G - James Ehlers (D) 09 - Anthony Flaccavento (D) Wisconsin 29 - Sylvia Garcia (D) LG - David Zuckerman (D) 10 - Jennifer Wexton (D) G - Tony Evers (D) 30 - Eddie Bernice AG - T.J. Donovan (D) 11 - Gerry Connolly (D) LG - Mandela Barnes (D) Johnson (D) SS - Jim Condos (D) Washington AG - Josh Kaul (D) 31 - Mary Jennings T - Beth Pearce (D) S2 - Tammy Baldwin (D) S2 - Maria Cantwell (D) MJ Hegar (D) A - Doug Hoffer (D) 01 - Randy Bryce (D) 01 - Suzan DelBene (D) 32 - Colin Allred (D) S2 - Bernie Sanders (I) 02 - Mark Pocan (D) 02 - Rick Larsen (D) 33 - Marc Veasey (D) 01 - Peter Welch (D) 04 - Gwen Moore (D) 03 - Carolyn Long (D) 34 - Filemon Vela (D) 05 - Tom Palzewicz (D) 04 - Christine Brown (D) 35 - Lloyd Doggett (D) Virginia 05 - Lisa Brown (D) 06 - Dan Kohl (D) 36 - Dayna Steele (D) S2 - Tim Kaine (D) 06 - Derek Kilmer (D) 07 - Margaret Engebretson (D) 01 - Vangie Williams (D) 07 - Pramila Jayapal (D) Utah 02 - Elaine Luria (D) 08 - Kim Schrier (D) 08 - Beau Liegeois (D) S2 - Jenny Wilson (D) 03 - Bobby Scott (D) 09 - Adam Smith (D) 02 - Shireen Ghorbani (D) 04 - Donald McEachin (D) 10 - Denny Heck (D)
election news Liuba Grechen Shirley DID YOU KNOW?
Ms. Shirley is running against Peter King who is the repub- Title 49: Transportation lican incumbent for the 2nd §236.6 HAND-OPERATED SWITCH District of New York. She is EQUIPPED WITH SWITCH a strong advocate for workers’ rights and affordable, com- CIRCUIT CONTROLLER prehensive healthcare for all, not just the 1%. Ms. Shirley’s Hand-operated switch equipped with switch circuit family has lived in Long Island controller connected to the point, or with facing- for five generations, and she is point lock and circuit controller, shall be so main- passionate about serving her neighbors, tained that when point is open one-fourth inch or more on facing-point switch and three-eights inch “I’m running for Congress because I believe healthcare is a or more on trailing-point switch, track or control human right. I’m running for Congress because there are too circuits will be opened or shunted or both, and many barriers for women to succeed in this country. I’m run- if equipped with facing-point lock with circuit ning for Congress because our kids deserve to feel safe from gun controller, switch cannot be locked. On such hand- violence. I’m running for Congress because working people across operated switch, switch circuit controllers, facing- this country are hurting, while corporations and special interests point locks, switch-and-lock movements, and their rake in cash.” connections shall be securely fastened in place, and Liuba holds an MBA with specializations in Management, contacts maintained with an opening of not less Economics, and Social Innovation from New York than one-sixteenth inch when open. University’s Stern School of Business, and a BA in Politics and Russian from NYU.
34 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY Tips to Help Keep Your Health on Track!
Waking up already tired can be frustrating, especially • Perform a special task each day — If you have any- because your day hasn’t even begun yet. Many of us reach thing special that brings you joy or makes you feel for a caffeinated beverage to help get us through the day. good because it’s helping others, try and incorporate What is really needed, however, is a plan to manage your it into your daily life. Surprisingly, just taking the energy throughout the day to help keep you more ener- time to read a book or listen to a favorite song can getic, more productive, and happier. lift your spirits and inspire you. • Surround yourself with positive people — It’s easy Energy management to understand why people who exude positivity are Energy management is using your energy throughout the better to be around than those who complain and day based on your personal factors, such as sleep require- generate negativity. Surrounding yourself with kind ments, stress levels, medical issues, lifestyle, and age. The people over those who are toxic will help energize decisions you make and how you function throughout you. your day will determine how much energy is being expended and how much is being conserved. If you don’t • Focus on positive thoughts — It’s easy to judge oth- manage it efficiently, you may find yourself tired and run- ers. Try making each day more positive by thinking down well before your day has ended. good thoughts towards others as often as you are able. Negative behavior not only brings stress and Ways to manage your energy tension to your life but saps your energy as well. You can’t always predict how your day will go. Issues can Maintaining energy management arise and require you to use more energy than you have. You may, however, be able to maintain or even increase Pay attention to how your daily activities impact your your energy level by following some energy management energy level and mood. The following self-checks may practices. help you better manage what is helping or hurting your efforts. • Eat a balanced diet — Eating a balanced, low-fat diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and grains isn’t • Check your energy — Do a self-check at different just for losing weight. It will also help preserve your times throughout the day to monitor your energy energy levels throughout the course of your day. level. Whether you find your energy level is low, medium or high, include what you were doing at the • Get enough sleep — Sleeping at least seven hours time of the self-check to help identify what is driving each night will not only help you start your day with your energy level. maximum energy but may also help prevent health • Surround yourself in positivity — As you identify the issues that can arise from sleep deprivation. people, events or activities that sap your energy and • Exercise regularly — Including exercise into your enthusiasm, think about the changes you can make. weekly activity not only helps your body work more Be careful that you don’t add to your stress by trying efficiently but it can help relieve stress, make you to make too many changes at once. Sorting through stronger, and improve your overall endurance. the areas that need change will be less stressful and • Minimize exposure to negative media — Staying overwhelming if you are realistic with your approach. informed of local and world events is important. • Planning and setting priorities — Planning and set- However, many times what you hear and read can ting priorities may come easier if you do it when you be stressful. If you find that more of what you are feel most energized. If you have a particular time hearing or reading is negative, focus on the good of the day when this happens, use that time to take things happening to keep that negative energy from stock of what tasks need to be done first so you don’t consuming you. become overwhelmed. This is informational only, not a replacement for the medical advice of your physician.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 35 The Importance of a Current Connection for Railroad Retirement Benefits Under the Railroad Retirement Act, a “current connection with the railroad industry” is one of the eligibility requirements for occupational disability annuities and is one of the factors that determines whether the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) or the Q Social Security Administration has jurisdiction over the payment of monthly benefits to survivors of a railroad employee. It is also one of & the eligibility requirements for supplemental annuities. The following questions and answers describe the current connection A requirement and the ways the requirement can be met.
How is a current connection determined an employee’s annuity begins, or the month of death if under the Railroad Retirement Act? earlier, can break a current connection, even where the To meet the current connection requirement, an earnings are minimal. Self-employment in an unincor- employee must generally have been credited with rail- porated business will not break a current connection. road service in at least 12 months of the 30 months However, if the business is incorporated the individual immediately preceding the month his or her railroad is considered to be an employee of the corporation, and retirement annuity begins. If the employee died before such self-employment can break a current connection. retirement, railroad service in at least 12 months in the Federal employment with the Department of 30 months before the month of death will meet the cur- Transportation, National Transportation Safety Board, rent connection requirement for the purpose of paying Surface Transportation Board, National Mediation survivor benefits. Board, Railroad Retirement Board, or Transportation However, if an employee does not qualify on this basis, Security Administration will not break a current connec- but has 12 months of service in an earlier 30-month tion. State employment with the Alaska Railroad, as long period, he or she may still meet the current connection as that railroad remains an entity of the State of Alaska, requirement. This alternative generally applies if the will not break a current connection. Also, railroad service employee did not have any regular employment outside in Canada for a Canadian railroad will neither break nor the railroad industry after the end of the last 30-month preserve a current connection. period which included 12 months of railroad service, and before the month the annuity begins or the date of Are there any exceptions to these normal death. procedures for determining a current connection? Once a current connection is established at the time the railroad retirement annuity begins, an employee never A current connection can also be maintained, for pur- loses it, no matter what kind of work is performed there- poses of survivor and supplemental annuities, but not after. for an occupational disability annuity, if the employee completed 25 years of railroad service, was involuntarily Can nonrailroad work before retirement terminated without fault from his or her last job in the break a former railroad employee’s current railroad industry, and did not thereafter decline an offer of employment in the same class or craft in the railroad connection? industry regardless of the distance to the new position. Yes. Full or part-time work for a nonrailroad employer in the interval between the end of the last 30-month period If all of these requirements are met, an employee’s including 12 months of railroad service and the month current connection may not be broken, even if the
36 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 employee works in regular nonrailroad employment What if the buy-out agreement allows the after the 30-month period and before retirement or employee to retain job rights and receive death. This exception to the normal current connection monthly payments until retirement age? requirement became effective October 1, 1981, but only The RRB considers the buy-out to be a dismissal allow- for employees still living on that date who left the rail ance. When a monthly dismissal allowance is paid, the industry on or after October 1, 1975, or who were on employee retains job rights, at least until the end of the leave of absence, on furlough, or absent due to injury on period covered by the dismissal allowance. If the period October 1, 1975. covered by the dismissal allowance continues up to the beginning date of the railroad retirement annuity, rail- Would the acceptance of a buy-out have any road service months would be credited to those months. effect on determining whether an employee These railroad service months would provide at least 12 could maintain a current connection under railroad service months in the 30 months immediately this exception provision? before the annuity beginning date and maintain a regu- Generally, in cases where an employee has no option to lar current connection. They will also increase the num- remain in the service of his or her railroad employer, the ber of railroad service months used in the calculation of termination of the employment is considered involun- the railroad retirement annuity. tary, regardless of whether the employee does or does not receive a buy-out. Could the exception provision apply in cases However, if an employee has the choice of either accept- where an employee has 25 years of railroad ing a position in the same class or craft in the railroad retirement coverage and a company reorga- industry or termination with a buy-out, accepting the nization results in the employee’s job being buy-out is a part of his or her voluntary termination, placed under social security coverage? and the employee would not maintain a current connec- The exception provision has been considered applicable tion under the exception provision. by the RRB in cases where a 25-year employee’s last job in the railroad industry changed from railroad retirement An employee with 25 years of service is coverage to social security coverage and the employee offered a buy-out with the option of either had, in effect, no choice available to remain in railroad taking payment in a single lump sum or of retirement covered service. Such 25-year employees have receiving monthly payments until retirement been deemed to have a current connection for purposes age. Could the method of payment affect of supplemental and survivor annuities. the employee’s current connection under the exception provision? Where can a person get more specific The employee must always relinquish job rights in order information on the current connection to accept the buy-out, regardless of whether it is paid in requirement? a lump sum or in monthly payments. Neither payment More information is available by visiting the RRB’s option would extend the 30-month period. The deter- website, RRB.gov, or by calling an RRB office toll-free mining factor for the exception provision to apply when at 1-877-772-5772. Persons can also find the address of a buy-out is paid is not the payment option. It is wheth- the RRB office servicing their area by calling the toll-free er or not the employee stopped working involuntarily. number, or by clicking on the Field Office Locator tab RRB.gov An employee considering accepting a buy-out should at . Most RRB offices are open to the public also be aware that if he or she relinquishes job rights to on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except on accept the buy-out, the compensation cannot be used to Wednesdays when offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to credit additional service months beyond the month in 12:00 p.m. RRB offices are closed on Federal holidays. which the employee severed his or her employment rela- tion, regardless of whether payment is made in a lump sum or on a periodic basis.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 37 BRSON-THE-JOB DesignatedFELA RAIL LABOR counselINFO LAW RAILROAD SIGNALMEN INJURY EMPLOYEE RIGHTS CLAIM
ALABAMA ILLINOIS MINNESOTA OHIO UTAH W.C. Tucker, Jr. Daniel Petro Gregory T. Yaeger Andrew J. Thompson, Esq. Brent O. Hatch Maples, Tucker & Jacobs, LLC The Petro Law Firm Yaeger & Weiner, PLC Shapero | Roloff Co., LPA Hatch, James & Dodge, PC 2001 Park Place North One North LaSalle Street 2701 University Avenue SE 1350 Euclid Avenue 10 West Broadway Suite 1325 Suite 3150 Suite 202 Suite 1550 Suite 400 Birmingham, AL 35203 Chicago, IL 60602 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Cleveland, OH 44115 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Tel. (205) 322-2333 Tel. (312) 332-9596 Tel. (612) 345-9797 Tel. (216) 781-1700 Tel. (801) 363-6363 www.mtandj.com (800) 472-5729 www.yw-law.com (800) 321-9199 www.hjdlaw.com www.petrofelalaw.com www.shaperoroloff.com Arizona Daniel J. Downes MISSOURI VIRGINIA Lloyd L. Rabb, III Ridge & Downes Gene C. Napier Willard J. Moody, Sr. Rabb & Rabb, PLLC 101 N. Wacker Drive Hunegs, LeNeave & Kvas PENNSYLVANIA The Moody Law Firm, Inc. 7442 N. LA Cholla Blvd. Suite 200 1712 Main Street Michael J. Olley 500 Crawford Street Chicago, IL 60606 Suite 266 Suite 200 Tucson, AZ 85728 Coffey, Kaye, Myers & Olley Tel. (800) 572-1136 Kansas City, MO 64108 Portsmouth, VA 23704 Tel. (520) 888-6740 Two Bala Plaza (800) 624-2121 Tel. (913) 484-3884 Tel. (757) 393-4093 (800) 354-3352 Suite 718 www.1stinjurylaw.com www.ridgedownes.com (800) 368-1033 Drew C. Baebler Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 www.moodyrrlaw.com The Baebler Firm, LLC Tel. (610) 668-9800 Arkansas MARYLAND 60 Crestwood Executive Ctr. (800) 334-2500 C. Richard Cranwell Chris Christy P. Matthew Darby St. Louis, MO 63126 www.ckmo.com Cranwell, Moore & Emick, PLC Law Office of H. Chris Christy Berman, Sobin, Gross, Tel. (314) 270-9900 111 W. Virginia Avenue 201 W. Broadway Street Feldman & Darby LLP www.raillaw.com Vinton, VA 24179 Suite G12 Heaver Plaza TEXAS Tel. (540) 904-1621 North Little Rock, AR 72114 1301 York Road NEBRASKA Weldon Granger (888) 635-6304 Tel. (501) 454-3949 Suite 600 See Minnesota Jones, Granger, www.cranwellmoorelaw.com Lutherville, MD 21093 Tramuto, & Halstead Tel. (410) 769-5400 www.jonesgranger.com WASHINGTON CALIFORNIA (800) 248-3352 NEW YORK James K. Vucinovich Jay A. Kaplan www.bsgfdlaw.com Marc Wietzke Rossi Vucinovich PC Kaplan Law Corporation Flynn & Wietzke, PC Robert M. Tramuto 400 Oceangate 10000 Memorial Drive 1000 Second Avenue MASSACHUSETTS 1205 Franklin Avenue Suite 1780 Suite 1125 Garden City, NY 11530 Suite 888 Long Beach, CA 90802 Robert T. Naumes Houston, TX 77210 Seattle, WA 98104 Tel. (516) 877-1234 (866) 357-RAIL (7245) Tel. (562) 372-0506 Naumes Law Group, LLC (866) 877-3352 Tel. (713) 668-0230 (800) 552-7526 2 Center Plaza www.felaattorney.com (800) 231-3359 www.railroad-injuries.com www.kaplanlawcorp.com Suite 620 Boston, MA 02108 Anthony S. Petru Tel. (617) 227-8444 Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson (844) 826-8445 When Signalmen suffer a work-related injury or illness, BRS members or their fami- Westlake Building www.naumeslaw.com 350 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza lies are encouraged to determine their rights and benefits under the Federal Employers’ 4th Floor Liability Act before agreeing to any settlement with the railroad employer. The Oakland, CA 94612 MICHIGAN Tel. (510) 451-6732 Arvin J. Pearlman Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen has designated the attorneys listed in this directory to (800) 689-7066 Sommers Swartz, PC serve as qualified counsel for BRS members in employee injury cases covered by FELA. www.hmnlaw.com 1 Towne Square Suite 1700 DISTRICT OF Southfield, MI 48076 Attorneys are listed by state and are designated to serve COLUMBIA Tel. (248) 356-5000 (800) 272-5400 BRS members living or working in the general region Larry Mann www.sommerspc.com Alper & Mann, PC of their offices. Designation of FELA counsel is by 9205 Redwood Avenue authority of the BRS Executive Council only. Bethesda, MD 20817 MINNESOTA Tel. (202) 298-9191 Randal W. LeNeave (800) 747-6266 Hunegs, LeNeave BRS members are encouraged to provide information & Kvas regarding FELA cases, including criticism or commen- 1000 Twelve Oaks FLORIDA Center Drive dations regarding the service of designated counsel, and Howard A. Spier Suite 101 Rossman Baumberger Reboso & Wayzata, MN 55391 information on injuries and settlements. Spier, PA Tel. (612) 339-4511 9155 S. Dadeland Boulevard (800) 328-4340 This information, which will be used in the continuing Suite 1200 www.hlklaw.com Miami, FL 33156 evaluation of this program, should be sent to: Tel. (305) 373-0708 6035 Binney Street (800) 775-6511 Omaha, NE 68104 W. Dan Pickett, President, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen www.rbrlaw.com Tel. (402) 341-2020 917 Shenandoah Shores Road, Front Royal, VA 22630-6418
38 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 INSURANCEBenefitsCLAIMS GROUP D POLICIESirectoryINFO RAILROAD RETIREMENT HEALTH PHARMACY BENEFIT PLANS
UnitedHealthcare Mental Health and Substance Abuse Benefits National Plan — GA-23000 Managed Medical Care Programs (MMCP) & For treatment, claims or inquiries call: Comprehensive Health Care Benefit (CHCB) United Behavioral Health 1-866-850-6212 1-800-842-9905 www.myuhc.com www.liveandworkwell.com Access code: Railroad Retiree Claims — GA-46000 UnitedHealthcare P.O. Box 30985 Supplemental Sickness Benefits Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0985 Under Group Policy No. R-5000 1-800-842-5252 Aetna Retiree Supplemental — GA-23111 P.O. Box 189145 Plantation, FL 33318-9145 UnitedHealthcare 1-800-205-7651 • Fax: 954-452-4124 P.O. Box 30304 You may file online at: www.wkabsystem.com Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0404 Company identifier: RR 1-800-842-5252 Aetna Healthcare Dental Benefits under Group Policy Aetna No. GP-12000 3541 Winchester Road Allentown, PA 18195 Aetna 1-800-842-4044 P.O. Box 14094 www.aetna.com Lexington, KY 40512-4094 1-877-277-3368 Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield www.aetna.com Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Railroad Dedicated Unit P.O. Box 890381 Managed Pharmacy Benefit Camp Hill, PA 17089-0381 Express Scripts 1-866-267-3320 Retail pharmacy network provides medication www.bcbs.com for acute, short-term care. Life Insurance Mail-order prescription service provides medication for chronic, long-term care. MetLife UnitedHealthcare Plans GA-23000 and P.O. Box 6122 GA-46000 Utica, NY 13504-6122 1-800-842-0070 1-800-310-7770 www.express-scripts.com www.metlife.com Vision Service Plan Railroad Retirement Board EyeMed 1-877-772-5772 — Automated Help Line Member Support www.rrb.gov 1-855-212-6003 www.eyemedvisioncare.com/railroad Railroad Info — Your Track to Health Union Plus www.yourtracktohealth.com Mortgage (Wells Fargo) • AT&T Discount (Note: Information on this site does not Credit Card • Scholarships and much more apply to Amtrak employees) www.unionplus.org
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 39 The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, in recognition of BRS members’ contributions to the Signalman’s craft and their dedication to the principle of trade unionism, has established a Continuous Service program to honor longtime BRS members. Continuous Service lapel pins are presented to members every five years, beginning with their 25th year of membership.
The following is a list of the active members Years of Years of Service Service who recently received Continuous Service pins in 35 30 recognition of their years as BRS Members: RJ Mihok 102 DL Noland 161 WL Reaves 102 A Esparza 173 Years of Years of MD Eubank 129 JD Randolph 178 50 Service 40 Service MR Prowell 152 KR Downs 183 TB Huber 72 WD Pickett 77 MB Jolly 206 JW Price 183 SC Owens 72 HI Storie 152 JW Sanders 206 RH Ware, Jr. 185 GO Bryson 87 Years of Years of MD Ogrin 188 45 Service CH Minix 99 30 Service JR Wurzauf 188 GJ Bodyl 57 KN Pavlica 99 TJ Joyce 5 AR Tullos 206 CG Reyna, Jr. 99 RL Lyons 99 E McIntosh 5 DP Radick 228 CG Everett 110 TW Jones 130 JT Wheelock 5 SE Fisher 229 JR Everhart, Jr. 110 RD Wise 138 TM Feeney 8 RL Gage 229 T Stewart 155 RC Lance 110 RL Duckett 18 Years of Years of EA Gandara 121 EM Leeson 20 25 Service 40 Service KE Strickland 121 DJ Dunigan 33 RS Saltsman 2 DN Feaster 1 BR Nixon 126 DD Oliver 48 MA Burks 13 RP Bohan 8 C Guerra 130 T Fonden 60 WN Fowler 14 AW Kalskett 8 R Storbeck 141 S Quigley 84 RK Wilkes 16 CL Ziegler 8 MD Espinosa 155 TR Fontaine 87 CW Moyers 20 AH Dembski 10 DT Chaparro 161 RS Zorn 87 KJ Walker 20 RL Cooper 16 LE Riley 161 JE Dunahee 94 ML Efaw 31 E Hadden, Jr. 16 DL Cassidy 178 GR Szymoniak 97 KS Harris 31 KL Murray 16 GD Nightingale 188 EM Nava 99 GH Jones 31 GS Powell 16 LE Broyles 198 RJ Morris 120 TL Ratzlaff 33 DO Rogers 16 MA Mattison 226 LB Burns 126 L Estell 49 R Timmons 16 Years of SG Parker 126 LW Hildinger 52 Service AD Todd 16 35 DP Kulzer 147 ST Rogers 53 DK Clayton 19 MC McGowan 19 TL Crisp 148 WJ Carter, Jr. 55 TJ O’Brien 20 GA Graham 24 LW Johnson 154 BK Crosier 55 JB Nickel 33 FT Middlecamp, Jr. 65 JP Strang 154 MT Griffin 55 LR Sharpless 48 JH Geteles 84 GP Williams 156 CE Howe 55 JE Boyce, Jr. 49 DJ Spoores 94 ML Holloway 157 AD Carter 60 TE Coleman 62 RL Swetnam 94 AS Weissinger 157 M Fadeski 60 DR Clary 71 PT Liberty 102 DL Burch 161 CT Brasher 71 40 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 Years of 25 Service BK Watson 71 Annual Enrollment HB Hughes 72 FIND A MEDICARE PLAN TODAY TJ Watring 72 K Sarris 84 Do you want to make changes to plan offers drug coverage). JP Dombkowski 92 your Medicare coverage? There are • Enroll in a Part D prescription certain times when you can make RD Coggins 110 drug plan. these changes; some of these time TL Hall 110 periods are different depending on • Change from one Medicare ER Heller 110 the type of Medicare plan. prescription drug plan to another. JJ Leimann 121 For Medicare Advantage (also JC Smith 137 known as Medicare Part C) and • Opt out of Medicare prescrip- tion drug coverage completely. JB Boyett 141 Medicare prescription drug plans, CD Clemens 141 there’s an Annual Enrollment Period Changes you make during the AEP (AEP) when you can sign up for, go into effect January 1 of the next TH Henderson 141 change, or disenroll from the plan. year. RT Pugh 141 The AEP runs from October 15 Union Plus has partnered with KA Thornton 141 to December 7 each year. If you eHealth to offer union retirees PA Buchholz 154 didn’t sign up for one of these plans the Union Plus Retiree Health WJ Easley 156 when you first became eligible Insurance Program. The resources TS Tompkins 157 for Medicare (during your Initial offered by eHealth can help you Enrollment Period), the AEP is LL Anderson 161 navigate your Medicare Plan generally your chance to make these options and choose the right RB Sullivan 172 changes, unless you qualify for a Medicare plan for you and your ML Dorland 173 Special Election Period (SEP). spouse, based on your budget and JR Welsh 173 needs. eHealth can provide infor- BK Rodgers 178 What changes can you make mation about many different insur- during the AEP? ance companies and Medicare plans TW Worley 178 Here’s a quick rundown of what at no additional cost to you with no JB Blackburn 188 you can do during the Annual obligation to enroll. LM Migala 188 Enrollment Period: If you need personalized help RE Whitney 188 • Change to a Medicare over the phone, you can call an DJ Lawler 194 Advantage plan from Original eHealth licensed insurance agent AJ Przewoznik 194 Medicare, Part A and Part B. at 888-680-4770 (TTY users 711) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 CA Hensley 198 • Change from a Medicare p.m. Eastern Time during AEP to Advantage plan to Original ST Marlow 208 help you compare Medicare plan Medicare, Part A and Part B. MJ McGee 208 options available in your area or you JC Moore 208 • Change from one Medicare can visit unionplusmedicare.com. PL Burns 226 Advantage plan to another (regardless of whether either DM Snyder 237 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 41 OBITUARIES
ALBERT L. BAKER—retired member of LOCAL 157. MITCHELL L. HECK —retired member of LOCAL 31. Brother Baker retired in 1990 after 39 years of service with Brother Heck retired in 2013 after 39 years of service with the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific and Cotton Belt Route the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and CSX Transportation. Railroads. Brother Baker was a Signal Maintainer at Dalhoit, Brother Heck was a Signal Maintainer at Martinsburg to Texas, at the time of his retirement. Cherry Run, West Virginia, at the time of his retirement. ROBERT J. BOLDA—retired member of LOCAL 3. RUDOLPH J. HEINLE, JR. —retired member of Brother Bolda retired in 1991 after 44 years of service with LOCAL 6. Brother Heinle retired in 1980 after 44 years the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. Brother Bolda was a Signal of service with the Soo Line Railroad. Brother Heinle was a Inspector at Hammond, Indiana, at the time of his retire- Signal Maintainer at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, at the time ment. Brother Bolda served as Local President and Recording- of his retirement. Brother Heinle served as Chief Signalman Financial Secretary. and Trustee. Brother Heinle is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served from 1942–1945. RUSSEL E. BRONSON—retired member of LOCAL 147. Brother Bronson retired in 1987 after 36 years of service RAYMOND C. HIVELY—retired member of LOCAL 2. with the Delaware & Hudson Railway. Brother Bronson was a Brother Hively retired in 1984 after 28 years of service with Signal Maintainer at St. Edward, New York, at the time of his the Pennsylvania and Penn Central Railroads and Conrail. retirement. Brother Hively was a Signal Foreman at Mansfield, Ohio, at the time of his retirement. DAVID A. CHINN—active member of LOCAL 71. Brother Chinn had 22 years of service with CSX Transportation. ELMER O. HORNER, JR.—retired member of LOCAL Brother Chinn was a Signal Maintainer at Owensboro, 216. Brother Horner retired in 1986 after 34 years of service Kentucky, at the time of his passing. with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Brother Horner was CHARLES T. CISLO—active member of LOCAL 3. a Signal Maintainer at Walbridge, Ohio, at the time of his Brother Cislo had 7 years of service with the Indiana Harbor retirement. Belt Railroad. Brother Cislo was a Shift Maintainer at the Blue FRANCIS E. HORVATH—retired member of LOCAL Island Substation at the time of his passing. 153. Brother Horvath retired in 2011 after 42 years of ser- JON P. CLEVELAND—retired member of LOCAL 120. vice with the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. Brother Cleveland retired in 2017 after 35 years of service Brother Horvath was a Signal Maintainer at Paso Robles, with the Boston & Maine Railroad. Brother Cleveland was a California, at the time of his retirement. Signalman at the time of his retirement. Brother Cleveland is a ROBERT L. HOUCK, JR.—retired member of LOCAL U.S. Navy Veteran who served from 1973 to 1976. 155. Brother Houck retired in 2002 after 38 years of service JAMES “JIMMY” C. COGGIN—active member of with the Union Pacific Railroad. Brother Houck, was a Signal LOCAL 129. Brother Coggin had 21 years of service with the Maintainer at Seattle, Washington, at the time of his retire- BNSF Railway Company. Brother Coggin was a Foreman at ment. Amory, Mississippi, at the time of his passing. ROBERT F. HOWARD, JR.—retired member of FRANK HALL —retired member of LOCAL 13. Brother LOCAL 16. Brother Howard retired in 1989 after 38 years Hall retired in 1982 after 23 years of service with the of service with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and CSX Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Brother Hall was a Signal Transportation. Brother Howard was a Signal Maintainer at Maintainer at Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, at the time of his St. Petersburg, Florida, at the time of his retirement. retirement. WILLIAM D. HUGGINS—retired member of LOCAL HAL M. HAMMEL —retired member of LOCAL 101. 137. Brother Huggins retired in 1989 after 36 years of Brother Hammel retired in 1963 after 26 years of service service with the Louisville & Nashville Railroad and CSX with the Erie Lackawanna Railway. Brother Hammel was a Transportation. Brother Huggins was a Signal Maintainer at Foreman at Rochester, New York, at the time of his retire- Flomaton, Alabama, at the time of his retirement. ment. LARRY F. HUMPHREY—retired member of LOCAL RUSH D. HARDIN—retired member of LOCAL 110. 43. Brother Humphrey retired in 1987 after 44 years of ser- Brother Hardin retired in 1984 after 39 years of service vice with the Chicago & North Western Railway. Brother with the Southern Railroad. Brother Hardin was a Signal Humphrey was a Leading Signal Maintainer at Clinton, Iowa, Maintainer at Spartanburg, South Carolina, at the time of his at the time of his retirement. retirement. Brother Hardin served as Local Chairman. CLAYTON A. HUNTER—retired member of LOCAL VERNON C. HARRINGTON—retired member of 126. Brother Hunter retired in 2001 after 30 years of ser- LOCAL 28. Brother Harrington retired in 1981 after 38 years vice with the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. of service with the New York Central Railroad and Conrail. Brother Hunter was an Electronic Technician at Del Rio, Brother Harrington was a Signal Maintainer at Three Rivers, Texas, at the time of his retirement. Brother Hunter served as Michigan, at the time of his retirement. a Local Chairman.
42 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 ROOSEVELT JACKSON—retired member of LOCAL FLOYD J. KRIESEL—retired member of LOCAL 220. 68. Brother Jackson retired in 2002 after 23 years of service Brother Kriesel retired in 1981 after 40 years of service with with the Norfolk Southern Railway and Conrail. Brother the Milwaukee Road Railroad. Brother Kriesel was a Signal Jackson was a Signal Maintainer at Elkhart, Indiana, at the Maintainer at Winona, Minnesota, at the time of his retire- time of his retirement. ment. Brother Kriesel served as a Local Trustee for 12 years. SAMUEL L. JACKSON—retired member of LOCAL WILLIAM “BILL” F. MESSNER—retired member of 229. Brother Jackson retired in 2009 after 30 years of service LOCAL 40. Brother Messner retired in 1991 after 42 years of with the Western Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. Brother service with the Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail. Brother Jackson was a Maintenance Foreman at San Jose, California, at Messner was a Signalman at South Park, Pennsylvania, at the the time of his retirement. time of his retirement. ROBERT “BOBBY” E. PARCELL—retired member of WALLACE R. JACKSON—retired member of LOCAL LOCAL 138. Brother Parcell retired in 1984 after 35 years of 104. Brother Jackson retired in 1988 after 41 years of service service with the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac and with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Brother Jackson was a Seaboard Coast Line Railroads. Brother Parcell was a Signal Signal Maintainer at Bloomington, California, at the time of Electrical Technician at Richmond, Virginia, at the time of his retirement. Brother Jackson is a Veteran who served during his retirement. Brother Parcell served as General Chairman. World War II. Brother Parcell is a U.S. Army Purple Heart Veteran who served during the Korean War. CLIFFORD T. JOHNSON—retired member of LOCAL 33. Brother Johnson retired in 2006 after 36 years of service NORMAN L. PRALLE—retired member of LOCAL 8. with the BNSF Railway Company. Brother Johnson was a Brother Pralle retired in 1996 after 43 years of service with the Signalman at Kansas City, Kansas, at the time of his retire- Union Pacific Railroad. Brother Pralle was a CTC Maintainer ment. Brother Johnson served as Second Vice President. at Harroman, Wyoming, at the time of his retirement.
LEO J. JOHNSON—retired member of LOCAL 86. EDWIN O. ROSEBURE—retired member of LOCAL Brother Johnson retired in 1990 after 41 years of service with 104. Brother Rosebure retired in 1996 after 43 years of ser- Conrail. Brother Johnson was an Electronic Technician at vice with the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. Utica, New York, at the time of his retirement. Brother Rosebure was a Signal Maintainer at West Colton, California, at the time of his retirement. Brother Rosebure CECIL E. JONES—retired member of LOCAL 227. served as Vice General Chairman and Local Chairman. Brother Jones retired in 1994 after 42 years of service with the GEORGE B. STANISCIA—retired member of LOCAL New York Central, Milwaukee Road, and Soo Line Railroads. 40. Brother Staniscia retired in 1988 after 40 years of service Brother Jones was a System Signal Testman at the time of his with the Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail. Brother Staniscia retirement. was a Signalman at the time of his retirement. W.A. JUST—retired member of LOCAL 87. Brother Just MARK T. TANSEY—active member of LOCAL 102. retired in 1995 after 42 years of service with the Burlington Brother Tansey had 9 years of service with Amtrak. Brother Northern Railroad. Brother Just was a Signal Maintainer at Tansey was a Signal Maintainer at Newark, New Jersey, at the Medora, North Dakota, at the time of his retirement. Brother time of his passing. Just served as a Local Vice President. HARVEY R. VANDALL, JR.—retired member of LOCAL 123 JOHN T. KARP—retired member of LOCAL 102. . Brother Vandall retired in 1991 after 46 years Brother Karp retired in 2000 after 38 years of service with of service with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and CSX the Pennsylvania and Penn Central Railroads, Conrail, and Transportation. Brother Vandall was a Signal Inspector at Amtrak. Brother Karp was a Supervisor C&S at Morrisville, Livonia, Michigan, at the time of his retirement. Brother Pennsylvania, at the time of his retirement. Vandall served as Local President and Local Vice President. Brother Vandall is a Veteran who served during the Korean D.H. KENNEDY—retired member of LOCAL 1. Brother War. Kennedy retired in 1990 after 42 years of service with the THOMAS “TOM” D. WHITE—retired member of Pennsylvania and Penn Central Railroads, and Conrail. LOCAL 188. Brother White retired in 1996 after 30 years of Brother Kennedy was a Maintainer Testman at Lewistown, service with the Burlington Northern Railroad. Brother White Pennsylvania, at the time of his retirement. Brother Kennedy was a Signal Maintainer at Cheney, Washington, at the time served as Local Chairman. of his retirement. Brother White served as Local President. Brother White served in the National Guard. KENNETH “KENNY” S. KRALIK—retired member of LOCAL 138. Brother Kralik retired in 2018 after 35 years EDITOR’S NOTE: of service with Amtrak and the Richmond, Fredericksburg Please notify Grand Lodge of the passing & Potomac Railroad. Brother Kralik was a Signalman at of retired BRS members. Fredericksburg, Virginia, at the time of his retirement. Email: [email protected]
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 43 Make checkormoneyorderpayableto: PHONE CITY STREET NAME Brotherhood ofRailroadBrotherhood Signalmen MAIL PAYMENT ANDORDERTO: Signalman’s Store Signalman’s StoreFulfillment fade resistant material. from wrinkle resistant, snag-proof, GOLF SHIRTS—are constructed material. cotton and40%polyester from ablendConstructed of60% placket with pearl-tonebuttons. bandedcollar,button-down anddress dress shirtscontainadouble yoke, OXFORD SHIRTS — seam pockets. nylon taffetalining. Includes side microfiber withpolyester 100% NAVY WINDSHIRT—100% available. Many different styles andcolors Caps on theface. BRS Watches fits all. long. Limegreen/reflective, onesize Thread 8½” Band,approximately of 100%acrylic with 3MReflective SAFETY KNITBEANIE emblem. Available inblackonly. lar. Embroidered four-colorBRS lining, with leather sleeves andcol- shell,nylon wool — Heavyweight WOOL/LEATHER BRSJACKETS Available inblackorbrown. logo embroidered inred andgreen. cotton canvaswith BRScolorlight CANVAS COAT 4801 Viewpoint Place Cheverly, MD20781 — Adjustable headband. — Made of 100% — Madeof100% — Gold BRS logo — GoldBRSlogo
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A Helping Hand — The Thomson Foundation Financial Assistance for Daughters of Deceased Railroad Employees
ohn Edgar Thomson was the third president of the need to be work related. Eligibility is also dependent on Pennsylvania Railroad and led the company from the daughter and the surviving parent remaining unmar- J1852 to 1874. Although John Thomson never had ried. Family income and expenses are also considered children of his own, he often pondered on the difficul- when determining eligibility. ties of orphaned girls. In that era, a fatherless boy could The monthly allowance made under the grant may cover usually get a trade school education or find employment; the period from infancy to high school graduation, and a girl had little opportunity for either. in some circumstances to age 24, to assist the grantees In his will, Mr. Thomson dedicated a portion of his that are pursuing a higher education. The Foundation estate in the form of a trust fund for the education and also offers special healthcare benefits. maintenance of female orphans of railway employees Funding for the work of the Foundation is completely whose fathers may have died while in the discharge independent of any railroad. It neither solicits nor of their duties. After his death in 1874, the trust fund receives funds from the public. was established for the daughters of men killed in rail- road service. Subsequently, The John Edgar Thomson Foundation was founded when Mrs. Thomson opened Further information and applications may be a girl’s boarding school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in obtained by writing to: December of 1882. The John Edgar Thomson Foundation Today, the Foundation continues its objective by pro- 201 S. 18th Street, Suite 318 viding aid to a substantial number of girls throughout Philadelphia, PA 19103 the United States in the form of financial assistance and Telephone: (215) 545-6083 healthcare benefits. To be eligible, the employee must Fax: (215) 545-5102 • Toll free: (800) 888-1278 have been actively employed by any United States rail- Email: [email protected] road at the time of his or her death; the cause does not Website: www.jethomsonfoundation.com
Union Plus Scholarship Program
ELIGIBILITY — Current and retired members of each year. During the first week of June award recipients participating unions, their spouses and their dependent will be individually notified by mail, and all applicants children (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one will be sent an email with notification that the award list year of continuous union membership by the applicant, is posted. Please note that due to the volume of applica- applicant’s spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). tions we cannot provide any information on the status of The one-year membership minimum must be satisfied an application before award announcements are made. by May 31, 2019. OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS APPLICATION TIMELINE — Applications are avail- The students selected for university, college, trade or able starting in mid-June, and a complete application technical school scholarships represent a wide sampling must be received on or before 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplish- on January 31, 2019. Applications received after this ments. The selection process is very competitive since we deadline will not be considered. receive over 5,000 applications each year. SCHOLARSHIP AWARD AMOUNTS — Amounts To receive mobile text alerts about education-related range from $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards deadlines and information, text STUDENT to 22555. are for study beginning in the Fall of 2019. Students may www.unionplus.org/benefits/money/union-plus-scholarships re-apply each year. AWARD DATE — The Scholarship Committee will determine recipients of scholarship awards by May 31 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 47 brs CONVENTION “There’s some- thing wrong in America when corporations are making bil- lions of dollars in profits, and they’re asking their workers to give up on benefits and to pay more on health care.” — MASSACHUSETTS AFL-CIO
2018 PRESIDENT STEVE TOLMAN
b o s ton
48 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION
“The union has your back, from the first day on the job to the last day of your life.” — TCU PRESIDENT AND CRLO CHAIRMAN BOB SCARDELLETTI b o s ton
2018
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 49 brs CONVENTION 2018
“You’ve been part of a movement that was the first movement in mankind to create a middleclass, there was never a middle-class anywhere in the world before unions emerged.” — CONGRESSMAN MIKE CAPUANO b o s ton
50 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION b o s ton
2018
“It is only through the diligence of your union, your superb training, your commitment to fighting for stronger safety rules, and your desire to stand up for one another that the lives and health of Brother and Sister Signalmen are protected.”
— IBB INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT NEWTON JONES
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 51 brs CONVENTION 2018
b o s ton “The future of our benefits will always be dependent on strong labor unions built on strong member activism.”
— RRB LABOR MEMBER WALT BARROWS
52 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION b o s ton
2018
“We were proud to pay our union dues because we knew what that benefit got us.” — BLET PRESIDENT DENNIS PIERCE
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 53 brs CONVENTION 2018
b o s ton
“So, we have a chance this November, like President Trumka said, we can send a message to all those politicians who seek to destroy our movement. Pack your bags. This November, we’re going to run you out of town on a rail.” — TCU PRESIDENT AND CRLO CHAIRMAN BOB SCARDELLETTI
54 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 brs CONVENTION b o s ton
“I’ll never forget the size and the power of that strike. I’ll never forget the way the company tried to break the union, but they didn’t break that union.”
— PRESIDENT W. DAN PICKETT 2018 SPEAKING ON THE STRIKE AGAINST THE PITTSTON COAL COMPANY.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 55 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS FOR 3rd Quarter 2018
A rainbow appears after a spring shower over the westbound signals at HN Cabin interlocker where the CSXT crosses the Alton and Southern in Washington Park, Illinois. Photo submitted by Local 132 member Anthony Holdener.
Matthew Breasbois, a member of Local 24, works on a pole line to restore power on the Tennessee pass in southern Colorado. Photo submitted by Matthew Breasbois.
56 The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 member NEWS LOCAL 71 NEWS ROBERT R. KLAUSS RETIRES
Photo of retired Local 71 Recording-Financial Secretary Robert.R. Klauss at his retirement party in Evansville, Indiana, on September 1, 2018. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Retired Local 71 member J.S. “Steve” Higgins, R.R. “Bob” Klauss, Retired Local 71 member Bill Cundiff, and Local 71 President, J.E. “Jason” Wade.
LOCAL 34 NEWS BROTHER TED MACKEN AND FAMILY FUNDRAISER A fundraiser spearheaded by retired BRS Vice President Committee, lost his home and all his belongings to a wild- West George E. Jones has raised $2,130 for Brother Ted fire near Redding, California. Macken and his family. The funds have been collected and forwarded to Brother Brother Macken, a retired member of Local 34 and a Macken who would like to thank all who donated and former General Chairman with the Union Pacific General wished him well during this very difficult time.
LOCAL 152 NEWS JOSEPH MEYERS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
Brother Meyers started his railroad career in 1942 as a section hand on the Southern Pacific Railroad. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during WWII. After returning from war in 1945, he held the positions of Section Hand, Assistant Signalman, Signalman, and finally Lead Signalman with the railroad. Joseph spent several years on the Cascade mountains as Lead Signalman, then transferring to Salem where he spent 17 years in the same territory. After 37 years of service, Brother Meyers retired on his 60th birthday and was officially a centenarian on September 16, 2018.
The Signalman’s Journal 3rd Quarter 2018 57