SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Volume 31, Issue 9

Daily news updates ocomotive WWW.BLE-T.ORG LE n g i n ee r s & T r a i n m e n N e w s Published by the BLET, a division of the Rail Conference,• International Brotherhood of Teamsters SPECIAL REPORT: NATIONAL CONTRACT UPDATE COORDINATED BARGAINING GROUP UNIONS REACH TENTATIVE NATIONAL CONTRACT AGREEMENT ail Unions making up the Co- ordinated Bargaining Group (CBG) announced on Octo- ber 6th that they hadreached aR Tentative National Agreement with the Nation’s Freight Rail Carriers. The CBG is comprised of six unions: the Ameri- Transportation Workers (SMART TD). spective membership of each Union. 13.14% over the 5-year contract term (this can Train Dispatchers Association; the On Wednesday, October 4, the CBG’s The Tentative Agreement, which will includes the First General Wage Increase Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers full Negotiating Team met in Indepen- be submitted to the memberships of each of 3% implemented on January 1, 2015). and Trainmen (a Division of the Rail dence, Ohio, for a review of the terms of involved Union in the coming weeks, in- All benefits under the existing Health Conference of the International Broth- the proposed voluntary agreement. Fol- cludes an immediate wage increase of and Welfare Plan will remain in effect erhood of Teamsters); the Brotherhood lowing that review, each of the CBG 4.04%, with an additional 2.5% six months unchanged and there are no disruptions of Railroad Signalmen; the International Unions’ Negotiating Teams unanimous- later on July 1, 2018 and an additional 3% to the existing healthcare networks. While Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship ly endorsed the Tentative Agreement. On one year later on July 1, 2019. In addition, some employee participation costs are in- Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Help- Thursday, October 5, the involved Gen- wage increases of 2% effective July 1, 2016 creased, the tentative agreement main- ers; the National Conference of Firemen eral Chairpersons of SMART TD, BRS and another 2% effective July 1, 2017 will tains reasonable maximum out-of-pock- and Oilers / SEIU; and the Transporta- and BLET met as well and those groups be fully retroactive through implemen- et protections for our members. The TA tion Division of the International As- also unanimously endorsed the Tentative tation, for a compounded increase of also adds several new benefits to the sociation of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Agreement for consideration by the re- 9.84% over an 18-month period and Continued on page 4 •

ON APRIL 6, 2017, a BNSF Railway intermodal train bound for Barstow, Calif., meets another freight train headed to Bakersfield, Calif., at the Tehachapi loop during TEHACHAPI an unusually green and mild spring season. The Tehachapi Loop is a 0.73-mile long spiral, or helix, on the Union Pacific Railroad Mojave Subdivision through Tehachapi Pass, of the Tehachapi Mountains in Kern County, south-central California. The line sees about 40 trains each day, making it one of the busiest single-track mainlines in LOOP the world. Photo: courtesy Chase Gunnoe

BLET President’s Message Guest Column: National Contract Contract Summary It’s Time for Straight Talk An open letter from BLET VP Read a synopsis of the tentative on Contract Negotiations pg. 2 & NLR John P. Tolman pg. 4 national contract pg. 5 Register• for News Flash email alerts at: www.ble-t.org/newsflash Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BLETNational• 2 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

BLET PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY DENNIS R. PIERCE It’s Time for Straight Talk on Contract Negotiations his edition of the Lo- ment worthy of your consider- comotive Engineers & ation. Our bargaining group Trainmen News fo- represents railroad employees cuses on the Tenta- from one end of the railroad pay tiveT Agreement between the na- scale to the other, and has been tion’s freight carriers, the BLET, the model for Union Solidarity at and five other Unions making the bargaining table. In consid- up the Coordinated Bargain- eration of all that confronts us, ing Group. By now, those mem- the bargaining teams from all six bers eligible to vote on the Ten- of these Unions unanimously en- tative Agreement should have dorsed the proposed agreement, received a letter from me ex- as did the General Chairmen of plaining how the bargaining each Union. round has transpired, and It is also worth noting that for where we now find ourselves the first time in my 40 years of when it comes to our options. railroading, all operating em- As I said in my letter, BLET ployees will vote on the same is at a crossroads in these nego- contract at the same time. BLE/ tiations. On the one hand, the BLET and UTU/SMART TD members will be given the dem- have been criticized for years by ocratic right to vote on a pro- some for not working together. posed voluntary settlement of President Pierce addresses the Secretary-Treasurer Class This time we have and that is our contract. On the other hand, at the BLET Training Center on September 26, 2017. why so many things are NOT in if the membership rejects the for straight talk on our pro- agreement will in all likelihood roactive application of any wage the Tentative Agreement — in- Tentative Agreement, we will in posed contract: place the final disposition of our increase, and no back pay. cluding harmful work rule all likelihood be saddled with a 1. BLET served Section 6 No- contract in the hands of the Fed- 4. The employee’s monthly changes. Despite the Carriers’ contract crafted, and potential- tices on the Rail Carriers in De- eral Government under the terms cost-sharing contribution is fro- best efforts to change rules to ly imposed, by the Federal Gov- cember of 2014. Those notices in- and conditions of the Railway La- zen at its current rate of $228.29. make you do more work for less ernment under the remaining cluded a long list of improvements bor Act. All references to the employees money, your bargaining team steps of the Railway Labor Act, to our Collective Bargaining Here is more straight talk paying 15% of the Carriers’ achieved an agreement that re- and Congressional authority un- Agreements, many submitted di- about what is actually in the Ten- monthly premium payment are jects all of their proposed chang- der the Commerce Clause of the rectly by members and officers of tative Agreement: eliminated, and in application, es—existing rules remain as-is United States Constitution. BLET Local Divisions and Gen- 1. The January 1, 2015 GWI is the employees will be paying and, unlike what happened after In an effort to ensure that all eral Committees of Adjustment. part of this deal. The 2011/2012 closer to 10% of that payment PEB 219, there is nothing forc- BLET members have the infor- 2. All of the items in those Sec- National Agreements for all by the end of the term of the TA ing either Union to negotiate on mation that they need to make tion 6 Notices were also put on Unions accepting that GWI in- due to increased premium costs. crew size. an informed decision, we have the bargaining table and propos- clude a Side Letter that makes Under the TA, all of those in- The Agreement before you added comparisons of the po- als were submitted to the Carri- clear that (1) the January 1, 2015 creases are the responsibility of provides real wage increases, lim- tential outcomes of both paths ers in an effort to obtain the re- GWI would be paid during the the Railroads. its any increase to your health noted above to the BLET Web- quested improvements. No stones period covered by the current Ten- 5. While there are no chang- care costs, and protects you from site at www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/ were left unturned in our efforts tative Agreement, and (2) that it es to the coverage provided by an overreaching contract crafted CBG-NCCC_TA_BLET_Slides. to obtain every possible item im- would become the GWI for the the insurance benefits, there are by the government. Our bargain- pdf . I would again ask that you portant to the BLET membership. calendar year 2015 if the dispute adjustments to who pays those ing group has shown solidarity review those comparisons to 3. As with any contract nego- were to be presented to a PEB or costs at the “point of service”. from the beginning, and I for one better understand the choice tiations, both sides bring a long arbitration board. Even with these adjustments, the am proud to be a part of such a now before us. This edition of list of demands, and this round 2. On an increasable base sal- TA requires that the railroads diverse group of railroad employ- the News also includes member was no exception insofar as the ary of $100,000 per year, the total continue to pay 90% of those ees. Compared to what certain and officer comments and per- demands brought by your em- value of the five (5) GWIs covered costs on average, which is con- Rail Carriers would still like to spectives about the proposed ployers. during this contract term is over sidered “Platinum Plan” cover- gain via a Government Settle- settlement, and I would encour- 4. After two years and 10 $33,000 per employee. The value age under the ACA. ment, we’ve achieved a lot at the age you to read them as well. months at the bargaining table, of the already paid January 1, 2015 6. All Carrier demands for bargaining table, and I will not When I became National Pres- your negotiating team reached a GWI is approximately $15,000 of work rules are off of the table in apologize to anyone for giving ident of our proud Union, I prom- proposed voluntary settlement that value, but the four addition- the Tentative Agreement. Those BLET’s membership the demo- ised all members that they would based upon a full consideration al GWIs included in the TA gen- demands are detailed in the syn- cratic right to decide its own fu- only hear the truth from me. As of all of the events that have, and erate an additional $18,000 per opsis, and the Carriers have been ture. You will soon have an agree- with any contract ratification, you could, impact the final settlement employee in just over 2 years’ time. clear that they will be back in play ment in your hands worthy of will hear comments from those of this contract round. No 3. The Tentative Agreement should our dispute go to the Fed- your consideration, and I, along in favor of the agreement and “crumbs” were left on the bar- includes back pay going back to eral Government. with your Advisory Board, rec- those opposed. Some, with their gaining table. July 1, 2016, and will put thou- 7. Additional examples show- ommend that you vote YES on own agenda, will even misrepre- 5. Rejecting the proposed sands of dollars of overdue wages ing the impact of the TA are in- the proposal before you. Please sent what is in the contract and agreement will NOT return your into the hands of all BLET mem- cluded in this edition of the News. participate in the vote when your what will happen if the agreement negotiating team to the table be- bers within sixty (60) days of the BLET has spent well over two ballot arrives. is not ratified. cause the Carriers have made it Agreement date. The industry years at the bargaining table with In this piece, I intend to stick clear they will not be there. In- position should we reject the pro- five other Unions fighting to pro- Dennis R. Pierce to the facts; the time has come stead, rejecting the proposed posal is that there will be no ret- vide our members with an agree- BLET National President BLET NATIONAL DIVISION ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY fficial communications between BLET reference to a specific request and can be used response; however, an e-mail message is not con- President to be aware of the opinions and sug- members and the National Division in future correspondence. sidered an official communication. gestions of the membership, while at the same require a hard copy of the correspon- The volume of e-mails received makes it im- Moreover, anonymous e-mails and e-mails time providing a timely response to the mem- dence,O bearing a signature, being received by the possible for the National President to answer all that do not provide sufficient information con- ber’s unofficial communication, if a response is National President to be considered an “official unofficial communications. Therefore, it is the cerning the sender to enable National Division necessary, without needlessly expending limit- communication.” This is to provide that the ac- policy of the BLET that e-mails addressed to the staff to confirm the sender’s membership status ed BLET resources. tual question(s) are addressed, and ensures that National President will be reviewed and forward- will not receive any reply or acknowledgement. Adopted at Cleveland, Ohio on July when official interpretations are made they have ed to the appropriate officer or staff for a timely This policy is intended to allow the National 22, 2010. • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 3

GENERAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY JAMES P. HOFFA New Data Doesn’t Dispel Income Inequality ecently, the media reported fresh num- equality. Similarly, the people became more like- bers from the Census Bureau — the U.S. ly to support efforts by major companies to re- median income rose to record levels last duce pay gaps,” academics Leslie McCall and year while poverty decreased. Good news Jennifer Richeson wrote in The Washington Post. Rfor workers, right? Of course, there is something workers and pol- But hidden beneath those top-line numbers was icymakers could do that would improve incomes the real truth. Income inequality, an issue that nationwide — expand unions. If more workers or- gained traction with the public in the wake of the ganized with the support of states that encourage Great Recession, is still a big problem. union membership, workers would have higher The sunniest of the census data also shielded salaries, better benefits and a retirement nest egg. what’s happening to many people of color in this But that’s not happening right now. country. While white families take in just north of Instead, corporations, CEOs and the top one $65,000 a year on average, Latino families only percent are rigging the rules. As a result, corporate earn $47,675. And African-American families trail profits skyrocket and it’s harder for working peo- even further behind, at $39,490. That doesn’t seem ple to make ends meet. While they might be work- like progress. ing harder than ever, the American dream contin- Workers are getting a raw deal, plain and sim- ues to slip away. ple, and a new survey backs that up. Americans, The American economy benefits when unions when informed about the state of economic in- are strong. The more money workers have to spend, equality in this country, are less likely to believe the more products they buy, creating more jobs they and others can get a fair shake, the poll and better wages of all workers. It’s time for elect- finds. They also want government to do some- ed officials to wake up to this reality. thing about it. “Among people who read about inequality, 53 Fraternally, percent indicated some degree of support for government efforts to reduce the income gap, James P. Hoffa compared to 43 percent who did not read in- Teamsters General President Workers are getting a raw deal, plain and simple, and a new survey backs that up. Americans, when informed about the state of economic inequality in this country, are less likely to believe they and others can get a fair shake, the poll finds. Three rail hazmat training classes available THE DATES ARE: JANUARY 7-12, 2018; FEBRUARY 11-16, 2018; AND MARCH 18-23, 2018 he Rail Workers Hazardous OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Out- Materials Training Program reach requirements. The programs are is hosting three rail work- delivered using interactive classroom in- er training sessions in 2018. struction, small group activities, hands- The dates are as follows: Jan- on drills and a simulated hazmat re- uary 7-12, 2018; February 11-16, 2018; sponse in full safety gear. Tand March 18-23, 2018. The funding provides the following These 40-hour chemical emergency student expenses: travel, lodging and response training courses will run on a meals. In addition, an incentive of Sunday through Friday basis, with an $175.00 per day is available to all train- orientation session at 5:30 p.m. on Sun- ing participants of these programs, ex- day and departure on Friday. All train- cept those who are able to secure regu- ing will be conducted at the Houston lar pay through their employer, or are Fire Department’s Val Jahnke Training paid union officers. Facility, 8030 Braniff St., Houston, Tex- It is recommended that rail workers as, 77061. complete the 40-hour chemical emer- The Rail Workers Hazardous Mate- gency response training courses once rials Training Program is funded by a every three years. Please use the follow- federal grant from the National Institute ing website to register: http://railwork- of Environmental Health Sciences ertrainingprogram.org (NIEHS) to provide hazmat training to For more information, please call the rail workers. These five-day hazmat Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Train- Workers will participate in a simulated hazmat response while wearing full safety training courses will provide rail work- ing Program at (202) 624-6963. • gear as part of the Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program. ​ ers the essential knowledge, skills, and response actions in the case of an unin- tentional release. These tools will allow rail workers to protect themselves, their co-workers and their communities. Sign up for BLET News Flashes! This training addresses OSHA and Register at www.ble-t.org to get Brotherhood To register online, just go to www.ble-t.org/ DOT required training in addition to news emailed to you newsflash. On this page, you will find an area to enter your procedures, different levels of response Stay up-to-date with the latest Brotherhood news by go- email address and click subcribe to begin receiving the most and worker protection in a hazardous ing to the BLET website and signing up to receive BLET News current news from the BLET National Division. materials emergency or release, weap- Flash alerts via email. It is a great way to keep informed on the most recent ons of mass destruction awareness, and The News Flash alerts are news articles from the BLET Na- issues impacting your job, your contract and your Broth- the incident command system. The train- tional Division website that are automatically emailed to you. erhood. ing also provides completion of the 4 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

SPECIAL REPORT: NATIONAL CONTRACT UPDATE An open letter to BLET members regarding the tentative national contract and, of course, the BLET. GUEST When the SMART TD and the BLET COMMENTARY decided to negotiate together for the first BY JOHN P. TOLMAN time since 1964, it was history in the mak- BLET Vice President & ing. After all the years when both unions National Legislative Representative were at odds over the issues of the day, or just plain old disagreements between the Dear BLET Brothers and Sisters: two great unions, we finally got it right. As the BLET’s Vice President and Na- It takes intelligent people to work to- tional Legislative Representative, I don’t gether to put the past behind and move often speak about collective bargaining is- forward for the good of the membership. sues, but I would be remiss if I didn’t dis- The negotiating teams — led by BLET cuss the current agreement proposal. This President Dennis Pierce and the SMART is truly a historical time for the rail labor TD President John Previsich — should movement. The Coordinated Bargaining be commended for their vision and Group (CBG) is a group consisting of six thoughtfulness. The negative battles of great union leaders and their members. the past have been left in the past to pro- Together, the CBG has managed to nego- vide for our members’ futures. tiate a voluntary agreement with the rail- This is not to take anything away from roads. This involved a long, concerted and the other great unions of the CBG, but one Solidarity has always defined success an agreement with the railroads. In fact, sustained effort. cannot ignore the significance of our two in the labor movement. Without soli- the carriers’ work rule changes (more work These six unions all have to be applaud- Unions working together as they have in darity of purpose, early organizing for less pay) and health care increases that ed for negotiating a tentative contract in these negotiaions.. drives would have failed. Without soli- were taken off the bargaining table will be these crazy times in Washington, D.C.: Eugene Debs said it best when he said: darity at the bargaining table it would resurrected if a Presidential Emergency the American Train Dispatchers Associ- “What can Labor do for itself? The an- be impossible to negotiate equitable con- Board is chosen to impose the carriers’ ation; the Brotherhood of Railroad Sig- swer is not difficult. Labor can organize, tracts. And without solidarity when it terms on the BLET should the agreement nalmen; the International Brotherhood it can unify; it can consolidate its forces. became necessary to strike or engage proposal fail to ratify. of Boilermakers; the National Conference This done, it can demand and command.” in other types of job actions, employ- The negotiations produced one more of Firemen and Oilers–SEIU; the Trans- The six labor unions making up the ers would have succeeded in destroy- extremely positive outcome: greater uni- portation Division of the International CBG embodied Debs’ comment through ing the labor movement. ty between the unions that represent Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and their actions and solidarity at the bar- As a result of the CBG’s hard work, and America’s railroad workers. In the end, Transportation Workers (SMART TD); gaining table. in large part because we remained unified that may be the most important victory throughout the bargaining process, none we achieved because it will make us stron- of the union leaders in the CBG let their ger in the years ahead as we work togeth- ego get in the way of the unified goal. Be- er to improve the lives of everyone who Like Us On FacebOOk cause of this, you and 85,000 other rail- works to keep America on the move. road workers will have the opportunity to Henry Ford once said, “Coming to- ratify a contract. Is the contract perfect? gether is a beginning. Keeping together Of course not. But in an era in which work- is progress. Working together is success.” ers’ wages are stagnant, health care costs All Rail Labor has to work together in are skyrocketing, and companies are shed- solidarity to make the lives of all our ding millions of jobs through outsourcing Brothers and Sisters better for tomorrow. and automation, I believe the Tentative I deeply appreciate all the support you Agreement is a remarkable achievement have given throughout the talks, and sin- — and certainly far better than anything cerely hope that you will vote “Yes” for that would be imposed on us by a Presi- an agreement that puts the our members Accidents are dential Emergency Board if we don’t reach on track for a better, brighter future. • “In an era in which workers’ wages are stagnant, health care costs unavoidable. are skyrocketing, and companies are shedding millions of jobs through outsourcing and automation, I believe the Tentative Agreement is a remarkable achievement — and certainly far better Losing your income than anything that would be imposed on us by a Presidential Emergency Board if we don’t reach an agreement with the railroads.” doesn’t have to be. – John Tolman provides for absolutely no changes in work Tentative contract agreement • Highest daily rate in the industry rules for any of the involved unions. Continued from page 1 • “This Tentative Agreement provides • Claim payments up to your policy Health and Welfare Plan for the mem- real wage increases over and above in- bers of the involved unions and, impor- flation, health care cost increases far be- limit even if you sign a waiver tantly, it requires that the Rail Carriers low what the carriers were demanding, • Receive your full daily benefit if will, on average, continue to pay 90% of freezes our monthly health plan cost all of our members’ point of service costs. contribution at the current level, pro- you are decertified and decline On a matter of critical importance, the vides significant retroactive pay and im- to exercise your seniority employees’ monthly premium contribu- poses no changes to any of our work tion is frozen at the current rate of $228.89. rules,” said the CBG Union Presidents. • Claim payments deposited in The frozen rate can only be increased by “This is a very positive outcome for a your account every week mutual agreement at the conclusion of very difficult round of negotiations. We negotiations in the next round of bar- look forward to presenting the Tentative gaining that begins in 2020. Agreement to our respective member- In addition, the CBG steadfastly re- ships for their consideration.” • fused to accept the carriers’ demands for changes to work rules that would have A copy of the Tenative (800) 514-0010 imposed significant negative impacts on Agreement is at: every one of our members. As a result of www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/ www.lecmpa.org that rejection, the Tentative Agreement CBG_BLET_Initials.oct_2017.pdf Transportation workers protecting each other since 1910 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 5

SPECIAL REPORT: NATIONAL CONTRACT UPDATE Synopsis of Tentative Agreement n October 5th, the BLET pute be placed before a Presidential Emer- contribution is raised to the maximum Mail order prescription copays (90-day — along with the five (5) gency Board (PEB). allowable under law, with a $500 cap on supply) would increase by $5 for generic other Unions that com- These GWIs provide real wage in- annual adjustments. drugs, by $10 for brand formulary drugs, prise the Coordinat- creases because they are measurably high- In addition, Mental Health Substance and by $30 for brand non-formulary ed Bargaining Group — er than past and projected rates of infla- Abuse services would no longer be sub- drugs. reached a Tentative Agreement with the tion. The accepted inflation index ject to separate deductibles and out-of- For services not covered by the above NationalO Carriers’ Conference Commit- historically used to calculate cost of liv- pocket maximums. Also, the NCCC has copays, the following schedule would ap- tee (NCCC). The term of the Tentative ing applicable to rail contracts is the CPI– agreed to drop its demand for mandato- ply: Agreement is for five (5) years, from 2015– Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Work- ry Plan Design changes to keep Plan val- • MMCP In-Network coinsurance 2019. The relevant provisions of the Ten- ers (1967=100) series published by the ue below the Cadillac tax threshold. would be 10% and deductibles would go tative Agreement fall into two categories: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of There also are a number of Plan De- from current $200 (individual) / $400 Wages and Health & Welfare. Labor Statistics. The annual rate of in- sign changes that would set and main- (family) to $325/$650 in 2018 and Regarding the proposed Wage settle- flation for the past five years has been as tain a threshold for the railroads to pay $350/$700 in 2019. ment, a general wage increase (GWI) of follows: 2012 – 2.1%; 2013 – 1.4%; 2014 90% of plan costs. This 90% level is clas- • MMCP In-Network out-of-pocket 3% was implemented effective January – 1.5%; 2015 – -0.4%; and 2016 – 1.0%. sified as “Platinum” coverage under the maximums would go from current 1, 2015. This GWI came as a result of the For 2015 and 2016, inflation was six tenths Affordable Care Act, and is far above the $1000/$2000 to $1800/$3600 in 2018 and January 5, 2012 National Agreement; of one percent (0.6%). For 2017–2020, the 70% level currently provided by most $2000/$4000 in 2019. however, Side Letter 3 of that Agreement Federal Open Market Committee fore- plans in the U.S. • MMCP Out-of-Network coinsur- expressly stated that this GWI was to be casts 1.6% for 2017, and an average of less Copayments for MMCP services would ance would be 30% and deductibles would paid during term covered by the Tenta- than 2% each for 2018 and 2019. In total, be as follows: Convenient Care Clinic go from current $300/$900 to $650/$1300 tive Agreement, and further that it would that is inflation of 6.2% over the five-year frozen at $10; Primary Care Physician in 2018 and $700/$1400 in 2019. be considered the GWI for the calendar term of the Tentative Agreement. With increases from $20 to $25; Specialist care • MMCP Out-of-Network out-of-pock- year 2015. The proposal also provides for general wage increases that add up to increases from $35 to $40; Urgent Care et maximums would go from current additional GWIs, providing in total: 13.1% when compounded, the Tentative Center increases from $20 to $25; and $2000/$4000 to $3600/$7200 in 2018 and • 3% effective January 1, 2015 Agreement provides increases that are Emergency Room increases from $75 to $4000/$8000 in 2019. • 2% effective July 1, 2016; more than double the rate of inflation. $100 (waived if the patient is admitted). • CHCB coinsurance would be 20% • 2% effective July 1, 2017; The Health & Welfare settlement con- Prescription copays at the retail level and deductibles would go from current • 2.5% effective July 1, 2018; and tained in the Tentative Agreement ex- (21-day supply) would increase by $5 for $200/$400 to $325/$650 in 2018 and • 3% effective July 1, 2019. pands some coverages, but does not re- generic and brand formulary drugs, and $350/$700 in 2019. The total of the GWIs payable during duce any existing coverages. The by $15 for brand non-formulary drugs. Continued on page 6 • the term of the Tentative Agreement is monthly employee premium cost-shar- 12.5%, resulting in a total compounded ing payment would be frozen at $228.89 increase to the rates in effect at the close for the life of the Agreement and would of the last contract period (December 31, not be subject to change until one is ne- Brotherhood’s Relief and Compensation Fund 2014) of 13.14%. The GWIs for 2016 and gotiated in a future bargaining round; 2150 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 2017 will be implemented on January 1, this provision would add over $800 in 2018 or as soon thereafter as practicable, value to the above wage increases as com- with back pay due based upon those pared to the industry’s position should GWIs’ retroactive application within six- our dispute go before the Federal Gov- A NotForProfit Organization Established in 1912 ty (60) days of the Agreement date. Six ernment. Also, the previous requirement The BR&CF is not an insurance company (6) months later the July 1, 2018 2.5% that employees pay 15% of the carriers’ GWI will be implemented, and the July monthly payment rate has been elimi- BR&CF Officers and Directors are Railroaders 1, 2019 3% GWI will be implemented one nated; employees should only be paying 160 years of railroad experience year after that. In other words, between approximately 10% of that monthly pay- January 1, 2018 and July 1, 2019 GWIs ment rate by the end of the term of the totaling 9.5% — and 9.84% compound- Tentative Agreement. New Members Start with 150 Days of Benefit Eligibility ed — will be made to increasable work- The following additional benefits Maximum of 365 days after 5 years of beneficial membership ing rates of pay, with back pay due going would be added to coverage under the back to July 1, 2016. Managed Medical Care Program Lowest Membership Dues in the Industry A locomotive engineer who earned (MMCP), all without copays or coinsur- $75,000 of non-frozen pay elements in ance unless otherwise noted: 2014 will gain nearly $25,000 in addi- • expert second opinions; $50,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit tional compensation from the GWIs im- • member advocacy services; Applicable while on duty only plemented during the 2015–2019 term • end-of-life counseling; of the Tentative Agreement ($11,250 from • Telemedicine (a $10 copay would ap- Lump Sum “Retirement” Benefit ply); and the January 1, 2015 GWI already paid $500 for the first 10 years of membership and $50 for each year thereafter and nearly $13,600 from the additional • the Centers of Excellence benefit GWIs in the Tentative Agreement). A would be expanded to include Cleveland locomotive engineer who earned $100,000 Clinic for specialized cardiac care dur- Education Scholarships of non-frozen pay elements in 2014 will ing the first year, and for orthopedic and 20 scholarships of $1,000 awarded each year gain over $33,000 in additional compen- spine care beginning in the second year. sation from the GWIs implemented dur- Further, benefits under the Vision Plan DAILY BENEFIT $100/*$102 $150 $200/*$201 $250/*$252 ing the term ($15,000 from the January would be improved by providing for a BR&CF 1, 2015 GWI already paid and $18,000 covered eye exam every calendar year $38.00 $57.00 $76.00 $95.00 from the additional GWIs in the Tenta- (instead of the current once every 12 Monthly Dues tive Agreement). And a locomotive en- months), and lenses/frames once every *LE&CMPA #16 $59.50 $87.50 $117.25 $147.00 gineer who earned $125,000 of non-fro- 2 calendar years (instead of the current Monthly Premium zen pay elements in 2014 will gain over once every 24 months). The Flexible SMART TD (UTU) Not $41,000 in additional compensation from Spending Account would be improved $81.00 $121.50 $162.00 these GWIs ($18,750 from the January as follows: Monthly Assessment Offered 1, 2015 GWI already paid and over • NCCC’s right to terminate for fail- RATES ACCURATE AT TIME OF PRINTING $22,600 from the additional GWIs in ure to meet minimum enrollment levels the Tentative Agreement). These values is suspended through at least 2020; apply today – www.brcf.org are approximately $5000, $6300 and, • the grace period is extended from $7700, respectively, more than the January 31 to March 15 starting 2019; (Initial 2 months of membership provided at no cost) NCCC’s June proposal, which will serve and as the industry’s position should this dis- • also beginning in 2019, maximum Call the BR&CF at (800) 2337080 if you have any questions! 6 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

SPECIAL REPORT: NATIONAL CONTRACT UPDATE An open letter to UP-Central Region BLET members cision that prohibit the Union Pacific from Upon submission of the PEB report, the GUEST using Article IX to modify the runs that parties are required to maintain the status COMMENTARY were agreed to in the Hub negotiations. quo for an additional, or third 30-day cool- BY RONNIE E. RHODES We have fought hard for these agree- ing-off period (they may mutually agree General Chairman, ments, awards and court decisions. to extend the period of status quo). The Union Pacific-Central Region GCA Unfortunately, there is a lot of misin- non-binding recommendations of the PEB formation out in the field right now. are expected to carry the weight of public Brothers and Sisters of the Below is the definition of a PEB. I opinion and induce a voluntary agreement BLET Central Region: made the last paragraph bold for a rea- among the parties. On October 6, I attended a meeting in son. I do not want the Congress to write At this point, the RLA has run its course. Cleveland where the current Tentative Na- our agreement; they know nothing about If no agreement has been reached, either tional Agreement was reviewed by all the railroading. side becomes free to act in its own eco- BLET General Chairmen. I supported the nomic interests — a work stoppage (or National President’s decision to put this WHAT IS A PEB? strike) by labor, a lockout by management, agreement before the membership for a Presidential Emergency Board or unilateral implementation of manage- ratification vote. I want you to be informed If either labor or management decline ment proposals (that generally would force when your ballots arrive so I will lay out voluntary arbitration, or if in the opinion a work stoppage). the facts in an attempt to help you make of the NMB the continuance of the con- However, Congress frequently impos- an informed decision. among other changes. troversy threatens substantially to inter- es its own settlement. Such congressio- If we vote against the proposed agree- Changes could also be made that stan- rupt interstate commerce in any section of nal action is not part of the RLA. The ment, please understand that all previous dardize some our local agreements that the nation, the NMB is required to notify constitutional authority for Congress to offers, including, but not limited to, the bring all Engineers under the same Na- the President of the United States, who impose its own settlements is found in tentative agreement are off the negotiat- tional Agreement. may, at his discretion, create a fact-finding Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution’s ing table. We will be assigned a Presiden- Currently, our General Committee has Presidential Emergency Board. commerce clause. tial Emergency Board by the President of one of the best vacation allocation agree- The parties must maintain the status Below is a quote from Referee Robert the United States. The parties will start ments in the rail industry. quo (no strikes or lockouts) for 30 days. If Harris. with their original positions. We are one of two General Commit- the president chooses not to appoint an Arbitrator Robert O. Harris told the I have a link to PEB 219 so you can see tees that do not have to qualify for Person- emergency board, strikes or lockouts may United Transportation Union (UTU) and how the Carriers told the board that their al Leave Days (just be marked up and in occur after the 30-day cooling-off period. railroads in 1991, then unable to agree at employees are overpaid and how they need- OK status). Emergency boards are comprised of the bargaining table, “Welcome to the old- ed changes in work rules to compete with We are the only General Committee neutral members whose job is to make an est established craps game in Washington. the trucking industry. Please take the time that can bank 200 Personal Leave Days for investigation and submit to the president, Like the suckers in ‘Guys and Dolls,’ you to read this PEB so you can read for your- retirement or emergencies. within 30 days of its creation, a fact-find- are risking your futures on the roll of the self how the Carriers tried to justify freez- Our General Committee has also ob- ing report with non-binding recommen- dice [when you fail to make a voluntary ing our wages and gaining work rule con- tained lodging for engineers forced over dations for procedures or terms on which agreement].” This was from a copy of Rail- cessions: http://bletupcr.org/PEB219.pdf. 100 miles from their home terminal. a dispute might be settled. During this pe- way Age. You will also find where “cost sharing” Our General Committee has in place riod, the parties must maintain the status I hope you find this informative and became part of your healthcare package arbitration awards backed by a court de- quo (a second 30-day cooling-off period). useful. • “Our General Committee has in place arbitration awards backed by a court decision that prohibit the Union Pacific from using Article IX to modify the runs that were agreed to in the Hub negotiations. We have fought hard for these agreements, awards and court decisions. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out in the field right now.” – Ronnie Rhodes

would pay $25.00 for the office visit, a will have satisfied the individual deduct- the next round of bargaining, which Tentative agreement synopsis $325 deductible, and $17.50 co-insurance ible for the year. Example #2 shows that starts in 2020. Continued from page 5 • (10% of the $175.00 not covered by the for a hospital stay costing $150,000, the Lastly, and significantly, there are no • CHCB out-of-pocket maximums deductible); the total out-of-pocket cost member will see increased costs of $925 work rules changes proposed in the Ten- would go from current $2000/$4000 to is $367.50. for the calendar year when compared to tative Agreement. We successfully reject- $2800/$5600 in 2018 and $3000/$6000 Example #2: A member suffers a cata- 2017, and is protected by the out-of-pock- ed NCCC’s demands for: the right to im- in 2019. strophic event, which includes hospital- et maximum that caps an employee’s an- pose automated job selection and Two examples can demonstrate the ization and incurs $150,000 in covered nual expenditures at a fixed amount. The placement; the right to impose self-sup- impact of these changes on an individu- expenses. Presently, the member pays a Tentative Agreement includes slight ad- porting pools, eliminating guaranteed al member, and in both cases we will use $200 deductible, and the out-of-pocket ditional increases for 2019, but for the extra boards; the right to impose regu- in-network numbers because nearly all maximum of $1,000.00 (the 5% co-insur- above examples the figures for 2018 were lation of pools based on starts rather than members utilize in-network services. In ance on the $149,800.00 not covered by used because that is where the most sig- miles; the right to broaden current “En- both cases it also is assumed that the ser- the deductible is $7,490.00); the total out- nificant change lies. hanced Customer Service” rules; and the vices described are the first medical ser- of-pocket cost is $1,200.00. In 2018, the It is important to note that members right to eliminate all distinctions between vices obtained in the year. member would pay a $325 deductible, and will be affected by any increased health road service and yard service. Example #1: A member visits their Pri- the out-of-pocket maximum of $1,800.00 care cost they may incur only after Jan- However, the carriers have stated that mary Care Physician, who orders an x- (the 10% co-insurance on the $149,675.00 uary 1, 2018, by which time they will rejection of the Tentative Agreement will ray that is covered for $500. Presently, not covered by the deductible is $14,967.50); have received thousands of dollars in lead them to place before a PEB much the member pays $20.00 for the office the total out-of-pocket cost is $2,125.00. back pay and a 4.04% pay increase from smaller GWIs, far more onerous Health visit, a $200 deductible, and $15.00 co- The examples above reveal some in- the current rates. It is also important to & Welfare changes, and all of the above insurance (5% of the $300.00 not covered teresting facts. The member in Example note that the member’s monthly con- work rules. All members should balance by the deductible); the total out-of-pock- #1 will pay $132.50 more in 2018 than he tribution is frozen at $228.89 and can- the risks and the rewards in deciding how et cost is $235.00. In 2018, the member or she would have been paid in 2017, and not be changed until the conclusion of to vote in the ratification. • BLET OFFICERS ELECTION RULES AND FORMS NOW AVAILABLE ursuant to Section 48 of the National Division Bylaws, To that end, a web page is being provided to the membership Rules Advisories, which provide interpretations of the Rules, Election the National Secretary-Treasurer is charged with super- under the authority of the National Secretary-Treasurer. The intent is Protest Committee Decisions, Advisory Board Decisions, and forms. vising the election of National Division officers. The du- to provide necessary petitions, forms, and other documents to can- The program Adobe Acrobat is required to download and view ties of the National Secretary-Treasurer shall include the didates who are planning to participate in the 2018 BLET National the documents, which are available here: http://www.ble-t. supervisionP of all phases of the National Division officer election in Division officer elections. org/2018election. accordance with the BLET Bylaws, the IBT Constitution, and applica- Additionally, the Rules for the 2018 BLET National Division Offi- Interested parties are advised to monitor this page for periodic ble federal law. cers Election are also provided on this web page, along with Election updates. • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 7

BLET still accepting donations to help victims of Hurricane Harvey he BLET National Division is continu- ing to accept dona- tions and applica- tions for its Perrien Fund to help members victim- izedT by Hurricane Harvey in Tex- as and Louisiana. As previously reported, the BLET’s National Division Advi- sory Board approved a recom- mendation from BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce on Au- gust 30 to re-activate and expand its Gary Perrien Fund to provide financial assistance to members living in Texas and Louisiana who have been the hardest hit by Hur- ricane Harvey. The Gary Perrien Fund was originally established by action of the delegates at BLET’s Second National Convention in 2010. Brother Gary Perrien, then an ac- tive member serving on the Con- vention’s Arrangements Commit- tee, fell ill and the delegates passed the hat to assist in his recovery. In a televised report back to the Board also authorized Presi- donation to the International sist fellow BLET members and please visit: http://www.ble-t.org/ convention from his hospital bed, dent Pierce’s request that Brotherhood of Teamsters Di- their families in need. perrien. Brother Perrien asked that the $20,000.00 be transferred from saster Relief Fund. “We know that there are Also, checks can be made pay- funds be used to help those more the Union’s General Fund to To date, more than 75 BLET members who want to assist able to the “Gary Perrien Medi- needy than him, leading the del- the Perrien Fund as part of the General Committees of Adjust- their Brothers and Sisters who cal Relief Fund” and mailed to: egates and the Advisory Board to associated fund raising effort ment, State Legislative Boards, have been harmed by the Perrien Fund–Harvey Relief later create the Gary Perrien Fund. on behalf of the Union’s mem- Local Divisions, and individual storm,” President Pierce said. BLET National Division Brother Perrien recovered and re- bers harmed by the storm. In members have made donations “One hundred percent of the 7061 East Pleasant tired in the years following the addition, the Advisory Board to supplement the National Di- money raised through this ef- Valley Road 2010 Convention. also approved President Pierce’s vision’s initial $20,000 gift. How- fort will go directly to as many Independence, OH 44131 As part of the expansion of recommendation that BLET ever, more donations would be members as possible.” Donations are not tax deduct- the Fund, the BLET Advisory make a matching $20,000.00 appreciated and would go to as- To make an online donation, ible. •

FOLLOWING IRMA, TEAMSTERS OFFER DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE IN FLORIDA RRB advises rail workers he International Brotherhood of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Teamsters is offering Disaster Re- Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, T lief assistance to members living DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, impacted by Harvey, Irma in Florida after Hurricane Irma damaged Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, High- homes and property beginning on Sep- lands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafay- (From a Railroad Retirement holidays. Field office locations can also be found tember 10, 2017. ette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Board press release.) online at www.rrb.gov. Available from the BLET website are Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, he U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Railroad unemployment benefits are nor- Teamster “Disaster Relief Alert Notices” Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm (RRB) is reminding rail employees mally paid for the number of days of unemploy- and “Request for Help” forms. If you Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sara- out of work due to the aftermath ment over four in 14-day registration periods. live in the affected area and experi- sota, Seminole, St. John’s, St. Lucie, Sum- to Hurricane Harvey or Hurricane The maximum daily benefit rate is currently enced a loss due to this FEMA-declared ter, Suwannee, Union and Volusia. Irma that they may qualify for un- $72. However, as a result of sequestration under major disaster, please download and Download the DR-4337 Request for employment benefits. To determine eligibility the Budget Control Act of 2011, unemployment submit the forms. For questions, contact Help form here: www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/ Tor file claims for benefits, affected railroad- benefits are reduced by 6.9 percent through Sep- the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund of- FL_DR_4337.pdf ers should call the RRB’s toll-free telephone tember 30, 2017, so the maximum benefit in a fice at (202) 624-8971. Please be sure to include all requested number (1-877-772-5772) or visit its website 2-week period is $670.32. Also, during the first Members living in the following Flori- documentation. The deadline to apply is at www.rrb.gov. 14-day claim period in a benefit year, benefits da counties are eligible to apply: December 15, 2017. • In order to file an application for benefits on- are payable for each day of unemployment in line via the website, an individual must have an excess of seven, rather than four, which basical- DEADLINE IS NOV. 15 FOR HURRICANE Internet Services Account with the agency. For ly creates a one-week waiting period. security purposes, first-time users must obtain To qualify for normal railroad unemploy- HARVEY DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE a unique password, which they can do by click- ment benefits in the benefit year that began s a reminder, BLET members have ties: Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cham- ing on the link for requesting a Password Re- July 1, 2017, an employee must have had rail- until November 15, 2017, to ap- bers, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galves- quest Code (PRC) in the Benefit Online Servic- road earnings of at least $3,673.50 in calendar A ply for Disaster Relief assistance ton, Goliad, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, es login section of the www.rrb.gov home page. year 2016, counting no more than $1,455 for from the International Brotherhood of Jefferson, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Individuals who have already established an any month. Those who were first employed in Teamsters if they have suffered a loss due Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Internet Services Account and password can go the rail industry in 2016 must also have at least to Hurricane Harvey. Refugio, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, online to file applications and claims for biweek- five months of creditable railroad service in On September 4, the Federal Emer- Victoria, Waller and Wharton. ly unemployment benefits, as well as conduct that year. gency Management Agency (FEMA) BLET members living in one of the coun- other business with the RRB over the Internet. Under certain conditions, employees with at amended the list of counties in Texas where ties listed here are eligible to apply for IBT For rail workers without power or Internet ac- least 10 years of service who do not qualify on it has declared a major disaster due to Disaster Relief assistance. Updated Disas- cess, the RRB encourages them to call the agen- the basis of their 2016 earnings may still be able Hurricane Harvey, which has opened the ter Relief forms are now on the BLET Na- cy toll-free at 1-877-772-5772. to receive benefits. For example, employees who way for the Teamsters to provide Disaster tional Division website at the link below. Claimants can also find the address of the RRB received normal benefits in the benefit year that Relief assistance in additional areas. The amended Disaster Relief Request office servicing their area and get information ended June 30, 2017, might still be eligible for The following counties were added on For Help form is now available here: www. about their claims and benefit payments by call- extended benefits. In addition, 10-year employ- September 4: Austin, Bastrop, DeWitt, Gon- ble-t.org/pr/pdf/TX_DR_4332.pdf ing this toll-free number. Most RRB offices are ees may be eligible for accelerated benefits if zalez, Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Polk, Tyler, and Please be sure to include all requested open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on they had rail earnings of at least $3,637.50 in Walker. FEMA has previously declared a documentation. The deadline to apply is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 9 2017, not counting earnings of more than $1,455 major disaster in the following Texas coun- November 15, 2017. • a.m. to noon on Wednesday, except on Federal a month. • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 8

Advisory Board August 2017 Activity Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen News Mosaic Indicia In accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET Advisory Board members’ activities are published monthly: Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen here NATIONAL PRESIDENT DENNIS R. PIERCE: National Division Office, Independence, Ohio; VICE PRESIDENT GIL GORE: Assigned to all CSX; Grand Trunk Western; Union Pacific-Southern 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road General supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Correspondence and telephone com- Region GCA special assignment; Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) issues, CSXT; General of- munications; Supervision of Office Administration; General Supervision of Special Representa- fice duties, paperwork, correspondence, emails, telephone calls, etc.; WGCA mtg., Las Vegas; Advi- Independence, Ohio 44131 tives; President, Teamsters Rail Conference; Policy Committee, Teamsters Rail Conference; Co- sory Board mtg., Las Vegas; Harrison letter w/ CSX GCs; CSX-NL GCA mtg., Pittsburgh, Pa.; Trip ordinated Bargaining Group national negotiations/mediation sessions, Washington, D.C.; BLET rate dispute conference call; UP-SR GCA retirement dinner for GC Warren Dent; CSX medical BLET Publications Committee: regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Advisory Board mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Vacation. quarterly update, New Orleans; GTW negotiations, Atlanta. Dennis R. Pierce, National President FIRST VICE PRESIDENT E.L. (LEE) PRUITT: National Duties include but not limited to: Short- VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. PRIESTER: Assigned to all BNSF (former ATSF, former C&S, E. “Lee” Pruitt, First Vice President & Alternate President line Organizing Dept.; Trainmen’s Dept.; National Publications Committee; National Legislative CRI&P, FWD, former STL-SF, BNSF/MRL), Panhandle Northern, Missouri & North Arkansas, Stephen J. Bruno, National Secretary-Treasurer Board; Teamsters Rail Conference Policy Committee; PRAC; and National Negotiations; National Montana Rail Link, Great Western; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence com- John P. Tolman, Vice President & National Legislative Rep. duties, Independence, Ohio; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communica- munications, etc.; PLB 7477, assist GC Holdcraft, Chicago; Mtg. w/ GC Brown and GC Holdcraft John V. Bentley Jr., Director of Public Relations & Editor tions, etc.; Coordinated Bargaining Group national negotiations/mediation sessions, Washington, w/ BNSF labor relations, Fort Worth; Interest-based mediation w/ GC LaPrath and GC Holdcraft D.C.; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; BLET Advisory Board mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C. and BNSF labor relations, Fort Worth; M&NA contract negotiations, assisting GC Thurman, Fort Bill Joyce, Art Director & Associate Editor Worth; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; BLET Advisory Board mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; NATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER STEPHEN J. BRUNO: General supervision of Account- www.ble-t.org (216) 241-2630 Panhandle Northern contract negotiations, assisting GC Holdcraft, Chicago; M&NA Division 178 ing Dept., Record Dept., Online Services Dept., Tax Compliance Dept.; Safety Task Force; PAC mtg. w/ GC Thurman, Carthage, Mo.; M&NA Division 116 mtgs. w/ GC Thurman, Batesville, Ark. and FEC reports and filings; Implementation and training for BLET membership database/Union COPYRIGHT 2017, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED and Mountain Home, Ark. VOLUME 31 NUMBER 9 September/October 2017 Track; Pension, STD, 457 plan Trustee; Division, General Committee and SLB monthly Trustee reports; Mtgs. with vendors and financial institutions; Coordinated Bargaining Group national VICE PRESIDENT COLE W. DAVIS: Assigned to: Kansas City Southern (MidSouth Rail, South- LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) negotiations/mediation sessions, Washington, D.C.; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; BLET Rail, Gateway Western, Illinois & Midland), Texas Mexican Rwy.; CP Rail System/US (Indiana is published monthly by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, Advisory Board mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C. Southern, Iowa, Chicago & Eastern, Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern); Springfield Terminal (St. Lawrence & Atlantic, Delaware & Hudson), Cedar River, Louisville & Indiana, Huron & Eastern; 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131 VICE PRESIDENT & NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. TOLMAN: Assigned General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; DM&E issues, assist to BLET Washington, DC office; General office duties, telephone and correspondence communica- GC Semenek; Huron & Eastern issues, assist GC Ladrig; Illinois Midland issues and Mid South USPS: 0002-244 ISSN: 0898-8625 tions; 2017 OneRail mtg., Washington, D.C.; BLET Legislative Representative training class, Wash- issues, assist GC Craddock; Tex Mex issues, assist GC Heise; KCS issues, assist GC Spradlin; Di- ington, D.C.; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Advisory Board mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; vision 273 mtg. w/ GC Heise, re: international crews at border, Laredo, Texas; D&H Springfield POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Trustee mtg., Cleveland; NCSL mtg., Moston; OneRail mtg., Washington, D.C.; Various receptions Terminal issues, assist GC Moore; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; BLET Advisory Board Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Record Department, and office visits with members of Congress and the leadership of both the GOP and Democratic mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Louisville & Indiana issues, assist GC Hogan; Mtg. w/ KCS and GC Heise, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. parties, Washington, D.C. 10/17 re: international crews, Kansas City, Mo.; Prep for PLB 7627, assist GC Semenek; St. Lawrence & VICE PRESIDENT MARCUS J. RUEF: Vice Chairman, National Railroad Adjustment Board Atlantic contract, assist GC Moore; Indiana Southern issues, assist GC Semenek; PLB 7627, assist (NRAB); National Mediation Board (NMB) Arb. Adv. Forum; Department Head, BLET Arbi- GC Semenek, Chicago. tration Department; Assigned to Illinois Central, Wisconsin Central, Indiana Harbor Belt, Belt VICE PRESIDENT R.C. (RICK) GIBBONS: Assigned to: All Norfolk Southern General Commit- Photo of the Month: September/October 2017 Railway of Chicago, Metra, GRR and Illinois RR; Assist GC Reynolds w/ draft Section 6 notice tees; Wheeling & Lake Erie; Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern; New York, Susquehanna & Western; and discipline appeals, WC, Chicago; Adopt awards for PLB 7154, IC, Chicago; Conference call w/ New England Central; Connecticut Southern; Western New York & Pennsylvania; Indiana & Ohio; GAO, re: NMB & Section 3, NRAB, Chicago; Referee Benn DL 393 hearing, NRAB, Chicago; NRAB NORFOLK SOUTHERN ON THE MOVE: Norfolk Southern train 179 moves west through downtown Columbus, Ohio, RSAC/RSIA Fatigue Management Group; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence annual mtg. planning and electronic filing project, NRAB admin, Chicago; Assist GC Balonek w/ Photo: communications; Vice President duties; On duty at home office; CSOR negotiations, assist GC on September 16, 2017. by Locomotive Engineer David Crossley, a member of BLET Division 34 (Columbus, Ohio). discipline appeal, Metra, Chicago; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; BLET Advisory Board Martin, Clifton Park, N.Y.; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; BLET Advisory Board mtg., mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Assist GC Craddock w/ rules issue, IC, Chicago; Vacation; Mtg. w/ NMB Myrtle Beach, S.C. COS Rainey and Dir. Arb. Watkins, NRAB, Chicago; Assist GC Craddock, med Arb case GM-103, hearings, Chicago; Assist VGC Evans w/ discipline submission, IC, Chicago. VICE PRESIDENT JAMES P. LOUIS: Assigned Amtrak; Long Island Rail Road; New York & At- lantic; Metro North; New Jersey Transit; PATH; SEPTA; Metra; Union Railroad; National Division VICE PRESIDENT MIKE TWOMBLY: Assigned to all Union Pacific GCAs (Eastern District, North- Department Head, Education & Training Dept.; National Division Department Head, Internal ern Region (former C&NW), Western Lines (Pacific Harbor Lines), Western Region (Portland & Organizing, Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Union Track mtgs. and training; Education & Western), Central Region, Southern Region; Tacoma Belt RR, Utah RR, Longview Portland & Training issues; BLET Regional Meeting planning; Convention planning mtg., Independence, Ohio; Northern NO & Longview Switch, Portland Terminal; On duty at home office; General office du- Online Trustee reporting, Independence, Ohio; LIRR contract talks, assist GC Sexton; WNYP in- ties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, vestigation, Olean, N.Y.; PATH contract talks, assist GC Basile; BLET regional mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; BLET Advisory Board mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; UP-Eastern District Local Division 88 mtg., S.C.; BLET Advisory Board mtg., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; SEPTA contract talks and assistance, assist North Platte, Neb.; UP-Western Region Article IX negotiations, Las Vegas. GC Dixon; Amtrak GCA issues, assist GC Kenny; Union RR contract issues, assist GC Bangham. GOFUNDME ACCOUNT TO HELP INJURED BLET MEMBER n September 14, BLET member Shane T. Mc- Donald of Division 46 (Albany, N.Y.) was se- verely injured in a CSX yard accident near Syracuse, N.Y., and a GoFundMe account hasO been established to help him and his family with medi- cal and living expenses. Mark Krajewski, Local Chairman of Division 46, re- ports that Brother McDonald, 45, lost his right leg in the accident. Brother McDonald joined the BLET on March 1, 2014, and was working as a conductor at the time of the accident. Brother McDonald and his wife Michelle have four chil- dren: Natalie, Aden, Colin and Brynn. The GoFundMe page was established by Brother McDonald’s sister Helen. Are you a photographer? The National Division’s images to the “Photo of the Month” section of the News- Please note only high resolution images can be Public Relations Department, which produces the News- letter. If you’d like to submit a photo for consideration, used. Members are also encouraged to review their To assist the family during letter each month, has received numerous inquiries lately you may call Editor John Bentley at (216) 241-2630, ext. employer’s policies regarding the use of cameras and from BLET members volunteering to contribute their 248, or you can email: [email protected]. other electronic devices while on duty. this difficult time, please visit: Brother Shane T. McDonald, a CSX locomotive • www.gofundme.com/4g1mbog engineer and member of BLET Division 46. •