BLET Distributes Checks from Perrien Fund in Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort

JANUARY 2018 Volume 32, Issue 1

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 BLET distributes checks from Perrien Fund in Hurricane Harvey relief effort OVER $91,000 DISTRIBUTED TO IMPACTED MEMBERS IN LATE DECEMBER 2017 n the aftermath of Hurri- Advisory Board also authorized cane Harvey, the BLET’s President Pierce’s request that National Division Advi- $20,000 be transferred from the sory Board approved an Union’s General Fund to the Per- expansion of its Gary rien Fund as part of the associ- Perrien Fund to provide finan- ated fund raising effort on be- Icial assistance to members living half of the Union’s members in Texas and Louisiana who had harmed by the storm. In the days suffered losses from the storm. and weeks that followed more Thanks to the generosity of than 70 BLET General Commit- BLET members and officers, the tees of Adjustment, State Legis- Perrien Fund raised more than lative Boards, Local Divisions, $91,000, which was distributed and individual members made to impacted members in the days donations to more than quadru- before Christmas. ple the National Division’s ini- On December 20, 2017, the tial $20,000 gift. BLET’s Executive Committee — “I am proud of the over- consisting of National President whelming level of generosity Dennis R. Pierce, First Vice Pres- shown by our members, officers, ident E. Lee Pruitt, and Nation- Divisions, State Legislative al Secretary-Treasurer Stephen help in your recovery from this the Convention’s Arrangements than him, leading the delegates Boards and General Commit- J. Bruno — mailed the checks to Disaster,” they wrote. Committee, fell ill and the del- and the Advisory Board to later tees of Adjustment,” President 17 members. “While no one can The Gary Perrien Fund was egates passed the hat to assist in create the Gary Perrien Fund. Pierce said. “For nearly 155 years ever be made completely whole originally established by action his recovery. In a televised re- Brother Perrien recovered and now, our Brotherhood has having endured such an event, of the delegates at BLET’s Sec- port back to the convention retired in the years following thrived on the principle of mem- it is our hope that this small to- ond National Convention in from his hospital bed, Brother the 2010 Convention. bers helping members and this ken of generosity from the mem- 2010. Brother Gary Perrien, then Perrien asked that the funds be As part of the expansion of is a shining example of what it bership of our Brotherhood will an active member serving on used to help those more needy the Fund in August, the BLET means to be a Brotherhood.”• DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW Operating with BNSF power, Norfolk Southern train 380 slithers south through the rolling hills of the NS West Virginia Secondary near Arbuckle, W.Va., on February 4, 2014, following a wet snowfall the day before. Photo: Chase Gunnoe

BLET President’s Message Not Guilty Financial Aid FELA under attack in Indiana Jury finds 3 railroaders innocent 2018 BLET Scholarship Directory pg. 2 in Lac-Megantic disaster pg. 3 pgs. 4-5 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 Elections Have Consequences – FELA Under Attack in Indiana his year marks the utes to the injury or death of a 110th anniversary of co-worker, then under the pro- the Federal Employers’ posed Indiana law, the co- Liability Act (FELA). worker would be subject to suit CongressT passed FELA in 1908 by the railroad. for the purpose of providing com- Through the hard work and pensation to railroad employees determination of Brother Far- who are injured on the job. It was kas, pro-worker legislators have created at a time when working stepped forward and secured an conditions were so perilous that amendment to the bill that 12,000 railroad workers were would strike the language that killed on the job in 1908 alone — would have allowed railroads to that’s over 32 fatalities per day. sue their own employees. I want Unlike state worker compen- to thank Brother Farkas for his sation systems, damages paid work in protecting FELA and to an injured railroad worker the rights of railroad workers in under FELA are not capped by Indiana. Our other State Legis- some one-size-fits-all chart. lative Board Chairmen should FELA damages are based upon take note in the event that sim- the severity and permanency ilar legislation is introduced in of an injury, and include all eco- their state legislatures. But the nomic damages, plus pain and fight isn’t over. The amended suffering. bill is expected to be approved It should come as no surprise, by the State Senate in early to then, the railroads have made mid-February, at which time the numerous attempts over the years State House of Representatives to weaken or repeal FELA. If the will take it up in committee. industry was to succeed in this I share this with you to rein- effort, literally millions of dol- force the fact that elections have lars would be transferred from consequences. Like I said two the pockets of injured and de- years ago, lawmakers can repeal ceased railroad workers and their or weaken FELA with the stroke families to the carriers’ already of a pen. When you consider who swollen bottom lines. to vote for, one of your main con- In one of my messages to you President Pierce (top) addresses BLET members attending the BLET Education & Training Department’s cerns should be what each can- training class for Secretary-Treasurer at BLET headquarters on January 23, 2018. two years ago, I discussed the didate says — and what each can- subject of FELA and explained Chairman Brian J. Farkas contributed to the injury. Add- der this chapter if liability in didate has done — regarding in detail about its history, its im- alerted the National Division ing insult to injury, the law was whole or in part relates to an FELA and similar worker pro- portance to railroaders, and how that an anti-worker, anti-FE- crafted in such a way that cor- occupational disease.” In oth- tection laws. the carriers have repeatedly tried LA bill would be considered porations whose negligence er words, Big Business — cor- The actions of politicians in to repeal it over the years. In that by the Indiana General Assem- causes or contributes to occu- porate manufacturers of loco- Indiana should serve as an im- piece, I warned BLET members bly in early 2018. As intro- pational diseases were exempt motives that are excessively mediate wake up call for all to consider carefully when cast- duced, Indiana Senate Bill No. from such potential claims. In noisy or spew dangerous die- BLET members. Collectively, we ing their votes at the ballot box 436 (S.B. 436) would allow rail- other words, workers were tar- sel fumes, and the manufac- need to wake up and see which and urged you all to strongly sup- roads to seek damages from geted for lawsuits while corpo- turers of tools that contribute lawmakers are working for port labor-friendly candidates. third parties to offset their fi- rations were exempted. This is to carpal tunnel syndrome, and working class Americans and Lawmakers can significantly nancial obligations in the event what happens when pro-cor- the corporate manufacturers which ones are working for Big weaken FELA with the stroke of they are found negligent and poration politicians act on be- of the various toxins to which Business. This is all the more a pen, and that is exactly what lose a FELA case in court. half of their benefactors. railroad workers are exposed urgent as national elections will anti-worker legislators are try- The original bill would have Section 5 of S.B. 436 stated in the workplace — all get a be held this Fall. ing to do in the State of Indiana. allowed railroads to sue the in- that a railroad “does not have free pass. However, if the court In late December, BLET In- jured employee’s co-workers as a right of action of contribu- determines that a railroad Dennis R. Pierce diana State Legislative Board third parties if their negligence tion against a third party un- worker’s negligence contrib- BLET National President

It should come as no surprise, then, the railroads have made numerous attempts over the years to weaken or repeal FELA. If the industry was to succeed in this effort, literally millions of dollars would be transferred from the pockets of injured and deceased railroad workers and their families to the carriers’ already swollen bottom lines.

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. • JANUARY 2018 3

GENERAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY JAMES P. HOFFA Legislative Districts Must Represent Public Views emocracy is supposed to function professor at the University of Chicago Law based on majority rule. But in- School, propose that a gap of 7 percent or creasingly, elected officials are us- higher should be enough to find that a state ing their powers to draw legisla- may have committed an unconstitutional Dtive districts that don’t accurately measure the partisan gerrymander.” will of the people. As it stands, there are currently 13 states There is nothing new about the process with at least five congressional districts that known as gerrymandering, where districts are violate this standard — 12 of which give an sometimes drawn with little thought to rea- advantage to Republicans. They make a back- son. Instead, it is all about manipulating the wards “C” shape, running from the upper electoral process to give an advantage to one Midwest through much of the East Coast and side over the other. into the deep South. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently con- Gerrymandering is jeopardizing democ- sidering a Wisconsin case that could make racy, and the public is catching on. How else, some headway in the discussion. In that case, for example, does one explain a North Caro- state legislative districts are being contested. lina brewery whipping up a new beer called At the center of the argument is the “effi- “Purple State” to raise money to fight the prob- ciency gap,” a relatively new measure of par- lem there? tisan gerrymandering. In California, an independent panel made As The New York Times described it re- up of citizens redrew the district lines in the cently: “The efficiency gap measurement aims Golden State for the first time in the lead up to summarize the effect of gerrymandering to the 2012 vote, and the result was the elec- by identifying all of the wasted votes in vic- tion of congressional members who more ac- tory and defeat for both parties. It then adds curately reflect the views of the electorate them up, finds the difference between the there. two sides, and divides that by the total num- Now that’s democracy in action. ber of votes in a state. This yields a single percentage figure: the efficiency gap. The Fraternally, creators of the measurement, Eric McGhee, research fellow at the Public Policy Institute James P. Hoffa of California, and Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Teamsters General President

Gerrymandering is jeopardizing democracy, and the public is catching on. How else, for example, does one explain a North Carolina brewery whipping up a new beer called “Purple State” to raise money to fight the problem there? BLET Statement on Not-Guilty Verdict in Lac-Megantic Trial The following is a statement begun the dangerous practice from Dennis R. Pierce, Na- of one-person train operations, tional President of the Broth- and the trial exposed how em- erhood of Locomotive Engi- ployees were forced to work neers and Trainmen (BLET) with equipment that contrib- and President of the Teamsters uted to the accident. Rail Conference. As the jurors rightly deter- lthough it re- mined, blaming the workers mains a traves- for the Lac-Megantic catas- ty that criminal trophe was the wrong thing charges were to do. Railroading is a com- ever filed, jus- plex system of operations, and tice was served in the unani- many factors go into a safe Amous not guilty verdict issued operation. Determining the by jurors in the Lac-Megantic root cause of this tragedy is trial in Sherbrooke, Quebec, more complex than simply on January 19, 2018. blaming the workers, but that The trial against three for- all too often is what many rail mer employees of the Montre- carriers and government al, Maine & Atlantic Railway agencies do. (MMA) began in September Our hearts and prayers of 2017, and the jury deliber- continue to be with the vic- ated for nine days prior to tims and their families who reaching their verdict. The tri- were touched by the tragedy al laid bare the dangerous ten- of July 5, 2013. It is our hope dency of certain rail carriers they — and the three workers to cut corners on safety. Lead- who were wrongly accused — ing up to the tragedy of July 5, can find some closure from Train engineer Thomas Harding leaves the courtroom after hearing the verdict 2013, the MMA Railway had this verdict. • on Friday, January 19, 2018 in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz 4 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

2018 BLET SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTORY ach year, the BLET National Division compiles a list of scholarship opportunities available to the children of BLET members. Numerous financial aid opportunities are published here in the 2018 BLET ScholarshipE Directory. The scholarship opportunities vary widely. The following comprehensive list provides members and their families with contact information for each scholarship program. The BLET National Division does not maintain its own scholarship program, so interested parties are advised to contact the individual scholarship providers listed below for additional information. Those aware of additional scholarship opportunities not included in this Directory are urged to contact the BLET Public Relations Department at: [email protected].

olution to establish the new scholarship a member at least one year. To qualify for tions received after that date will The 2018 BLET fund. The James R. Hoffa Memorial the LECMPA-funded scholarships, the not be considered. Scholarship Directory Scholarship Fund (JRHMSF) website BLET member in the family must also be Applications, instructions for outlines eligibility requirements and ap- a member of LECMPA for no less than scholarships, and mailing address for is as follows: plication procedures. one year. Children of an unmarried BLET submission may be found on the Auxil- James R. Hoffa Memorial The James R. Hoffa Memorial Schol- member who has been an Associate Mem- iary website at http://www.bletauxil- Scholarship Fund arship Fund is an independent organiza- ber of the BLET Auxiliary for at least one iary.net The James R. Hoffa Memorial Schol- tion established and registered as a tax- year are also eligible. arship Fund is now accepting applications exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of In addition, applicants must be ac- BLET UP-Southern for 2018. The deadline to apply is March the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund is cepted for admission by an accredited Region GCA 31, 2018. established solely to provide scholarships university, college, trade school, or in- The BLET’s Union Pacific-Southern For the first time, the application pro- to the child or dependent of a member of stitute of higher learning. Recipients Region General Committee of Adjustment cess is completely online this year. All ap- the International Brotherhood of Team- are chosen on the basis of academic re- (UP-SR GCA) offers annual scholarships plications must be completed through the sters, and contributions to the Fund are cord, leadership, character, and person- ranging from $750 to $2,000. Applicants on-line portal found on the Fund’s web- deductible as charitable contributions to al achievement. must be the son, daughter, financial de- site: http://www.jrhmsf.org . Applicants the extent permitted by law. Important: For high school seniors pendent or ward of a UP-SR GCA mem- must complete a brief registration process Assisting the sons, daughters and fi- entering an institute of higher learning ber in good standing per the BLET Bylaws in order to access the registration area, nancial dependents of Teamster members for the first time, a copy of ACT or SAT starting with the 2018-2019 school year. and should use the “Key” JRHMSF to be- with their educational goals is a tradition scores and a current copy of cumulative The deadline for applications gin the process. that we are proud to continue. grade point average (GPA) must accom- is March 1, 2018. The rules and appli- There are two types of scholarship ap- For general questions about pany the application. For graduate stu- cation can be found at http://www. plications available: Academic Scholar- the James R. Hoffa Memorial dents or students returning to an insti- bletsr.org or by contacting UP-SR GCA ships, which range up to $10,000, and Scholarship Fund, please call tute of higher learning, a copy of last Secretary-Treasurer Scott Piekarski Training/Vocational Scholarships, which (855) 670-ISTS (4787) or Email: term’s (or most current) GPA must ac- at [email protected]. range up to $2,000. The details and eligi- [email protected] . company the application. Applications bility requirements for each type of schol- submitted without these documents will California State arship are available on the Fund’s website BLET Auxiliary and LECMPA not be considered. Legislative Board at the link above. Scholarship Programs The LECMPA-funded scholarships will The BLET’s CSLB will award a $1,000 In 2017, the Fund awarded $1.4 mil- The BLET Auxiliary Scholarship Pro- be awarded to the two applicants who scholarship to a graduating high school lion in scholarship awards to students in gram provides $1,000 scholarships to qual- score the highest amongst those who qual- senior attending a college/trade/vocation- the U.S. and Canada, including 43 win- ifying students who wish to pursue high- ify (by having one parent who is an Aux- al school in 2018. The applicant’s parent ners from BLET families. The BLET boast- er education. The Auxiliary also offers iliary member for at least one year, and or guardian must be a member in good ed nine winners in the $10,000 scholar- two $2,500 scholarships annually in col- one parent who is a BLET member and standing in a BLET division represented ship category. laboration with Locomotive Engineers LECMPA member for at least one year). by CSLB. James R. Hoffa became a Teamster and Conductors Mutual Protective Asso- If an applicant meets the eligibility re- Rules, applications and deadline in- member in 1934 and served as General ciation (LECMPA). The two $2,500 schol- quirements for the LECMPA-funded schol- formation are available on the Board’s President for 14 years, and, in recogni- arships are fully funded by LECMPA. arships but is not selected for one of the website, www.cslb.ws. The deadline is tion of his tireless service to the union To apply for an Auxiliary Scholarship two $2,500 scholarships, he/she will still May 1, 2018. and its members, was honored as Gen- award, the applicant must be a son, daugh- be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. All applications should be mailed eral President Emeritus for life. At the ter, stepson, or stepdaughter of a BLET Completed applications must be to the CSLB home office address: November 1999 General Executive Board Auxiliary member and a Brotherhood of received by BLET Auxiliary Secretary California State Legislative Board, meeting, then-General Secretary-Trea- Locomotive Engineer and Trainmen mem- Helen Brand ([email protected]) BLET/IBT, 610 Auburn Ravine Rd., Suite surer C. Thomas Keegel presented a res- ber (living or deceased), with each being no later than April 1, 2018. Applica- C, Auburn, CA 95603. JANUARY 2018 5

Like Us On FacebOOk Illinois State Legislative Board already enrolled in college. Participation The BLET’s Illinois State Legislative is limited to members of Division 269 only. Board is currently accepting applications Winners are picked at random at the Di- for its Don Little Memorial Scholarship vision’s Christmas party. Fund, which was established in 2013. For details, watch your Division One $1,000 and two $500 scholarships 269’s mobile app or contact Division will be awarded to applicants whose par- President John A. Kavanaugh Jr. ent or guardian is a BLET member in good at (631) 813-2234. standing with a BLET Local Division represented by the Illinois State Legislative BLET Division 622 Board. Applicants must be 26 years of age BLET Division 622 (Alliance, Neb.) or younger. will award two $500 scholarships in 2018. Brother Don Little was a locomotive Only the children or dependents of Divi- engineer with Metra commuter rail in sion 622 members are eligible to apply. LECMPA Chicago and a proud member of BLET Scholarship winners will be chosen at Division 294 (Bensenville, Ill.) for 35 years. random during a Division meeting in Brother Little served for more than 10 August. Applications must be received by job insurance is your years on the Executive Committee of the July 31, 2018. Illinois State Legislative Board and always For more specifics, please visit the had a dream of establishing a scholarship Division 622 website (www.blet622.com) ticket to value. program for the family members of fel- and click on “Scholarship” or email low Brothers and Sisters who belonged to [email protected] . divisions chartered in Illinois. Unfortu- • No money down to start policy, nately, Brother Little passed away before BR&CF Scholarship Program his dream was realized. The Brotherhood’s Relief and Compen- discounts for annual and semi- In 2013, Paul Piekarski (Chairman of sation Fund (BR&CF) is pleased to pro- annual payment the Illinois State Legislative Board), Tim- vide opportunities for the sons and daugh- othy Dunn (former Secretary-Treasurer ters of BR&CF members to participate in • Claim payments are deposited to of the Board), and several others helped the Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program. your account every week make Brother Little’s dream a reality. Children, including adopted and step- Scholarship applications and all ac- children, of BR&CF members who are in • You are paid up to your policy companying documents must be received “Good and Regular Standing,” are eligi- limit even if you sign a waiver by May 1, 2018. Specific eligibility require- ble. Applicants must be 27 years of age or ments, detailed instructions and applica- younger. Applicants may be current high • Receive your full daily benefit if tion forms are available for download from school students who have applied for ad- you are decertified and decline the BLET National Division website, http:// mission as full-time students in accred- www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/Illinois_SLB_Schol- ited post-secondary schools or may be at- to exercise your seniority arship_2018.pdf . tending or enrolled as full-time students For questions or assistance in in accredited post-secondary schools. completing the application, contact International President Jesse Taylor ad- (800) 514-0010 Joyce A. Piekarski, Administrative vises that 20 scholarships of $1,000 each Secretary, at (630) 963-6099 or Joyce. are awarded every year. www.lecmpa.org [email protected]. The BR&CF’s 2018 scholarship pro- Transportation workers protecting each other since 1910 gram commenced on October 1, 2017, Wyoming State Legislative with applications due on March 1, 2018. Board BR&CF members with questions The BLET’s Wyoming State Legislative may contact Linda Garber at (800) Brotherhood’s Relief and Compensation Fund Board (WYSLB) is again offering a schol- 233-7080. Members may obtain an 2150 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 arship program for the upcoming school application form by calling our toll year. First offered for the 2014 academic free number noted above, or writing year, the scholarship deadline for 2018 is to 2150 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, June 1, 2018. PA 17110. A NotForProfit Organization Established in 1912 Wyoming State Legislative Board The BR&CF is not an insurance company Chairman Cory Runion said the Board Union Plus Scholarships will award either two $1,000 scholarships, Union Plus awarded approximately or, in the event of a single applicant, one $150,000 in scholarships to 106 students BR&CF Officers and Directors are Railroaders 160 years of railroad experience $1,000 scholarship each year to an imme- in the 2017 Union Plus Scholarship Pro- diate family member of a BLET member gram. Individual awards ranged from in good standing and holding member- $500 to $4,000. The deadline is January New Members Start with 150 Days of Benefit Eligibility ship in a Division chartered within the 31 each year. Maximum of 365 days after 5 years of beneficial membership state of Wyoming. The scholarships will Rising education costs are making it be awarded based on the application, along difficult for many union families to af- with the requested documentation, by the ford the cost of tuition. That’s one reason Lowest Membership Dues in the Industry WYSLB scholarship committee. Union Plus, which provides important Scholarship applications and all accom- consumer benefits to union members and $50,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit panying documents must be received by retirees, offers a unique scholarship pro- Applicable while on duty only June 1 of each year. Specific eligibility re- gram. It has distributed more than $4.2 quirements, detailed instructions and ap- million in scholarships to 2,800 union plication forms (PDF) are available for members and their children since 1991. Lump Sum “Retirement” Benefit download from the BLET National Divi- Recipients are selected based on academ- $500 for the first 10 years of membership and $50 for each year thereafter sion website, or can be requested from your ic ability, social awareness, financial need Division Legislative Representative. Cur- and appreciation of labor. Education Scholarships rently, the BLET has nine Divisions char- The students selected for university, 20 scholarships of $1,000 awarded each year tered in Wyoming — Division 31 (Bill); college, trade or technical school schol- Division 207 (Casper); Divisions 44, 103 arships represent a wide sampling of back- DAILY BENEFIT $100/*$102 $150 $200/*$201 $250/*$252 and 115 (Cheyenne); Division 94 (Gillette); grounds, union affiliations, goals and ac- Division 869 (Greybull); Division 142 (Raw- complishments. The selection process is BR&CF $38.00 $57.00 $76.00 $95.00 lins); and Division 624 (Sheridan). very competitive since Union Plus receives Monthly Dues For questions of assistance in complet- over 5,000 applications each year. The *LE&CMPA #16 ing the application please contact your Union Plus Scholarship Program is of- $59.50 $87.50 $117.25 $147.00 Monthly Premium Division Legislative Representative. fered through the Union Plus Education Information and application form Foundation, supported in part by contri- SMART TD (UTU) Not $81.00 $121.50 $162.00 available here at: www.ble-t.org/pr/ butions from the provider of the Union Monthly Assessment Offered pdf/Wyo_SLB_Scholarship_App.pdf. Plus Credit Card. You do not need to be RATES ACCURATE AT TIME OF PRINTING a Union Plus Credit Card holder to apply BLET Division 269 for this scholarship. BLET Division 269 (Jamaica, Long Is- Visit the Union Plus website to apply today – www.brcf.org land, N.Y.) offers two $500 scholarships learn more: www.unionplus.org/ (Initial 2 months of membership provided at no cost) to the children of BLET members who are scholarships. Call the BR&CF at (800) 2337080 if you have any questions! 6 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

43 BLET families win Hoffa scholarships in 2017, including nine $10,000 winners Forty-three BLET families were winners of scholarships from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2017, including nine $10,000 scholarship winners. The $10,000 awards are the highest honor bestowed by the Hoffa scholarship fund. THE NINE $10,000 WINNERS a Norfolk Southern locomotive engineer; Govern IV of BLET Division 644 (Galesburg, • Madison VanGinhoven, daughter of ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Claire Coelho, daughter of Steve R. Ill.), a BNSF Railway locomotive engineer; Richard C. VanGinhoven II of BLET Division • Edwin Bird, son of Edwin R. Bird of BLET Coelho of BLET Division 158 (Sparks, Nevada), • Melissa Meyer, daughter of D.R. Meyer 285 (Thayer, Mo.), a BNSF Railway locomotive Division 692 (Tracy, Calif.), a Union Pacific lo- a Union Pacific locomotive engineer; of BLET Division 497 (Jersey City, N.J.), a PATH engineer; and comotive engineer; • Rylee Crockett, daughter of Alan D. locomotive engineer; • Victoria Vastine, daughter of D.W. • Alexandria Cooper, daughter Antho- Crockett of BLET Division 777 (Argentine, Kan.), • Reanna Moll, daughter of Christopher Vastine of BLET Division 511 (Portsmouth, ny D. Cooper of BLET Division 37 (Norton, a BNSF Railway locomotive engineer; A. Moll of BLET Division 398 (San Bernardino, Ohio), a Norfolk Southern locomotive engineer. Va.), a Norfolk Southern locomotive engineer; • Madeline Cushman, daughter of Greg- Calif.), a BNSF Railway locomotive engineer; • Noah Damron, son of William B. Dam- ory J. Cushman of BLET Division 871 (Slaton, • Claire Nickell, daughter of Michael W. THERE WERE FOUR BLET WINNERS IN THE ron of BLET Division 698 (Ashland, Ky.), a CSX Texas), a BNSF Railway locomotive engineer; Coleman of BLET Division 561 (Richmond, VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORY, locomotive engineer; • Michael Davis, son of Michael H. Davis Va.), a CSX locomotive engineer; RANGING UP TO $2,000: • Parker DiPaolo, son of D. DiPaolo of of BLET Division 332 (Montgomery, Ala.), a • Jacob Norman, son of Jesse W. Norman • Spencer Cogdill, son of Michael L. Cog- BLET Division 26 (Richmond, Va.), a CSX lo- CSX locomotive engineer; of BLET Division 578 (Tulsa, Okla.), a BNSF dill of BLET Division 78 (Louisville, Ky.), a CSX comotive engineer; • Olivia Elkins, daughter of Mark A. El- Railway locomotive engineer; locomotive engineer; • Katherine and Maria Frascella, kins of BLET Division 271(Russell, Ky.), a CSX • Blake Pearson, son of Bobby E. Pear- • Isabella Jaramillo, daughter of Don daughters of Joseph A. Frascella of BLET Division locomotive engineer; son of BLET Division 779 (Manchester, Ga.), a L. Jaramillo of BLET Division 622 (Alliance, 382 (Buffalo, N.Y.), a CSX locomotive engineer; • Dylan Ernesti, son of Paul Yale of BLET CSX locomotive engineer; Neb.), a BNSF Railway locomotive engineer; • Zoey Hall, daughter of Michael C. Hall Division 622 (Alliance, Neb.), a BNSF Railway • Dustin Potter, son of Eric W. Potter of • John Ethan Jenkinson, son of John E. of BLET Division 88 (North Platte, Neb.), a locomotive engineer; BLET Division 120 (Kansas City, Mo.), a Nor- Jenkinson of BLET Division 265 (Florence, S.C.), Union Pacific locomotive engineer; • Madison Faller, daughter of Charles C. folk Southern locomotive engineer; a CSX locomotive engineer; and • Clarsey Hawkins, daughter of Stanton Faller of BLET Division 275 (Pensacola, Fla.), a • Breanna Pye, daughter of Michael B. Pye • Kaleb Meyer, son of Kevin S. Meyer of Capers of BLET Division 140 (Mobile, Ala.), a CSX locomotive engineer; Jr. of BLET Division 706 (Fitzgerald, Ga.), a CSX BLET Division 724 (Salem, Ill.), a Union Pacif- CSX locomotive engineer; and • Mason Flower, son of Keith A. Flower locomotive engineer; ic locomotive engineer. • • Samuel Stewart, son of John H. Stew- of BLET Division 462 (Arkansas City, Kan.), a • Abigail Reese, daughter of Perry E. Re- art of BLET Division 373 (Trenton, N.J.), a NJ BNSF Railway locomotive engineer; ese of BLET Division 508 (Fulton, Ky.), a CN/ ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIPS: Transit locomotive engineer. • Triston Hill, son of T.L. Hill of BLET IC locomotive engineer; The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund Division 811 (Clovis, N.M.), a BNSF Railway lo- • Hayden Rosenkrantz, son of Gary H. awards scholarships annually to outstanding high THERE WERE 30 BLET WINNERS comotive engineer; Rosenkrantz of BLET Division 846 (Salt Lake school seniors. The next application deadline is March IN THE $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP • Samuel Jenne, son of Brian A. Jenne of City, Utah); a Union Pacific locomotive engineer; 31, 2018. Recipients are selected by an impartial CATEGORY. THEY ARE: BLET Division 811 (Clovis, N.M.), a BNSF Rail- • Colin Schuetz, son of C.A. Schuetz of committee of university admissions and financial aid • Naomi Boyd, daughter of Michael A. Boyd way locomotive engineer; BLET Division 444 (East St. Louis, Ill.), a Nor- directors based on academic achievement, SAT/ACT Sr. of BLET Division 140 (Mobile, Ala.), a CSX • Jessica Kayden, daughter of C.J. Kayden folk Southern locomotive engineer; scores, character, potential and financial need. The locomotive engineer; Jr. of BLET Division 542 (Detroit, Mich.), a CSX • William Stone, son of Ted R. Stone of Teamsters consider all applicants without regard to • Emily Cassidy, daughter of Guy Cassidy locomotive engineer; BLET Division 88 (North Platte, Neb.), a Union race, religion, gender, disability, or any other legal- of BLET Division 155 (Decatur, Ill.), a Norfolk • Ethan Leonard, son of Michael B. Leon- Pacific locomotive engineer; ly protected status. In 2017 the Fund awarded $1.4 Southern locomotive engineer; ard of BLET Division 4 (Toledo, Ohio), a Nor- • Alyssa Thomas, daughter of Eric D. million in scholarships. For more information, please • Maria Ciminillo, daughter of Christo- folk Southern locomotive engineer; Thomas of BLET Division 681 (Milford, Utah), visit the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund pher A. Kopf of BLET Division 4 (Toledo, Ohio), • Reilly McGovern, daughter of J.J. Mc- a Union Pacific locomotive engineer; website (http://www.jrhmsf.org). SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT ON BLET EDUCATION & TRAINING FUND hen delegates attending the reads as follows: “All members in WBLET’s Second National Con- active service, including those hold- vention in Reno, Nevada, established ing official positions with the carrier a dedicated fund for Education and and those employed exclusively by Training in October of 2010, they stip- the BLET, shall pay $1.00 per month ulated that an accounting of funds be dues to establish and maintain an published in the first issue of the BLET’s education and training fund, subject newsletter each year. to the provisions of Section 29 –Na- Specifically, members pay $1 per tional Division Rules. Funds received month to fund and maintain a BLET from such dues shall be used for ed- Education and Training Department. ucation and training classes and/or Section 7 (g) — National Division workshops for officers and members Rules of the BLET Bylaws (Pg. 27) of the BLET.” • EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUND BALANCE REPORT FOR 2017 The Power of Education FUND BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2017 $255,199 REVENUES EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUND DUES $388,795 REIMBURSED EXPENDITURES $93,168 James R. Hoffa TOTAL REVENUES $481,963 Memorial Scholarship Fund EXPENDITURES Academic and Vocational/Training WAGES, TAXES, AND BENEFITS $380,385 Scholarships for 2018 BUSINESS TRAVEL AND EXPENSES $74,783 INFORMATION SERVICES $18,604 For the sons, daughters and financial dependents of Teamster GENERAL OFFICE EXPENSES $13,933 members. Academic scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 to EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE PURCHASES $6,501 $10,000 for high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university and Training/Vocational Program awards of TOTAL EXPENDITURES $494,206 up to $2,000 for use at community colleges and trade schools. NET EXPENDITURES EXCEEDING REVENUES ($12,242) Application deadline A new and improved on-line application process can be found FUND BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 $242,957 is March 31, 2018. on the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund’s website: Apply today! www.jrhmsf.org JANUARY 2018 7

UPSR GCA BLET STF helps NTSB investigate AWARDS 15 SCHOLARSHIPS Amtrak fatality in DuPont, Wash. n 2016, delegates attending the BLET Union hree people were killed and Pacific Southern-Region (UPSR) General Com- 70 injured when Amtrak I mittee of Adjustment’s quadrennial meeting Cascades train 501 derailed voted unanimously to establish the UPSR Schol- on December 18, 2017, in arship Program. The program was created to DuPont, Washington. The help students secure much needed financial as- BLET’s Safety Task Force is assisting the sistance to help offset the ever-rising costs of NationalT Transportation Safety Board higher education. (NTSB) with its official investigation. The inaugural UPSR Scholarship Program award- According to the NTSB’s preliminary ed 15 students — children of members of the UPSR report: “When the train derailed, it was GCA — with financial scholarships for the 2017- on its first regular passenger service trip 2018 academic school year. The UPSR Scholarship on a single main track (Lakewood sub- Program is open to all children or financial depen- division) at milepost (MP) 19.86. The lead dents of members of the UPSR GCA in good stand- locomotive, the power car, and two pas- ing, and are recent high school graduates or cur- senger railcars derailed onto Interstate 5. rent college students. Fourteen highway vehicles came into con- Applicants were evaluated on financial need, tact with the derailed equipment. At the scholastic achievements, and were required to sub- time of the accident, 77 passengers, 5 Am- mit a written essay titled, “Why Labor Unions are trak employees, and a Talgo Incorporat- still important in today’s world.” The scholarship ed technician were on the train. Of these award amounts ranged from $750 to $2,000. individuals, 3 passengers were killed, and “On behalf of the UPSR GCA, we congratu- 62 passengers and crewmembers were in- late the Scholarship Award winners,” General jured. Eight individuals in highway ve- Chairman Dana Marlow said. “We are proud to hicles were also injured. The damage is have been able to provide some financial assis- estimated to be more than $40.4 million.” NTSB engineers examine the data recorder from lead locomotive of Amtrak train 501, which derailed at DuPont, Wash., on December 18, 2017. Photo: Photo: NTSB Flickr tance to these students to help them reach their The day after the accident, BLET Na- educational goals. We wish them the best of luck tional President Dennis R. Pierce issued based upon the facts that are uncovered; in the area of the accident was 79-mph in their studies.” the following statement: sharing speculation based upon person- on approach to the 30-mph curve just “Members of the BLET’s Safety Task al opinions about the events under inves- before the bridge. A speed board (sign) THE 2017-2018 SCHOLARSHIP Force are on the scene assisting the Na- tigation does them all a disservice. was located about 2-miles before the WINNERS ARE: tional Transportation Safety Board “The BLET Safety Task Force (STF) curve. Positive Train Control is not in • Jackson Airhart, son of Jack Airhart, (NTSB) with the investigation into the assists federal agencies in the investiga- service on the line the train was operat- Division 944 (Dallas, Texas) tragic December 18 derailment of an Am- tion of rail accidents, helping to deter- ing on. Sound Transit reports that PTC • Rhiannon Akey, daughter of trak train in Washington State. As part mine probable causes and making safety is currently being installed, but instal- David Akey, Division 620 (Fort Worth, Texas) of our Party Status agreement with the recommendations. The STF will study lation is not complete. Preliminary in- • Alyssa Cain, daughter of Neal Cain, NTSB, the BLET does not make official this accident from the viewpoint of loco- dications from the rear locomotive event Division 857 (Tyler, Texas) comments about the details of any ongo- motive engineers and trainmen to help recorder show the train was traveling at • Samantha Cain, daughter of Neal Cain, ing accident investigation, nor does BLET determine how the accident occurred and about 80-mph before a sudden reduc- Division 857 (Tyler, Texas) speculate on the events that may have how to prevent similar accidents from tion in brake-pipe which initiated the • Mackenzie Coates, daughter contributed to such an accident during happening in the future. emergency train brakes.” of John Coates, Division 566 (Del Rio, Texas) the investigation. Any current or former “On behalf of all men and women of Further, the NTSB determined: “In • Joshua Coursey, son of Jesse Conger Jr., BLET members who choose to comment the BLET, I extend our most heartfelt con- this accident, PTC would have notified Division 944 (Dallas, Texas) on this event do not speak for, or repre- dolences to the victims and families of the engineer of train 501 about the speed • EmmaLeigh Elrod, daughter sent our Brotherhood or its members. All this tragedy.” reduction for the curve; if the engineer of Joel Elrod, Division 524 (Van Buren, Ark.) media inquiries should be directed to the On December 22, 2017, the NTSB pub- did not take appropriate action to con- • Haley Paz, daughter of Fernando Paz, NTSB, and the NTSB will handle release licly released initial details gathered from trol the train’s speed, PTC would have Division 620 (Fort Worth, Texas) of details regarding this accident as the the locomotive’s event data recorder and applied the train brakes to maintain com- • Daniel Perez, son of Rick Perez, on-site investigation unfolds. inward- and outward-facing cameras. pliance with the speed restriction and Division 566 (Del Rio, Texas) “Those who were hurt in the accident The crew was not observed to use any to stop the train.” • LaChanti Phillips, daughter of Lenard and the loved ones of those who lost their personal electronic devices. According The entire investigation is expected to Phillips Jr., Division 531 (New Orleans, La.) lives deserve to know what happened to the NTSB, “The authorized track speed last 12-24 months. • • Courtney Piekarski, daughter of Scott Piekarski, Division 620 (Fort Worth, Texas) • Kayleigh Piekarski, daughter of Scott Piekarski, Division 620 (Fort Worth, Texas) LAWMAKERS DEMAND ACTION ON PTC • Garrett Selby, son of Jay Selby, n response to Amtrak train 501’s derailment in DuPont, Washington, law- technology and when railroads will meet the PTC implementation deadline. Division 197 (San Antonio, Texas) makers in Washington demanded action to ensure the timely implemen- On January 11, 2018, Reps. DeFazio and Capuano introduced the Positive • Noah Smith, son of Charles Smith, I tation of Positive Train Control. Train Control Implementation and Financing Act, which seeks to speed up the Division 566 (Del Rio, Texas) In late December 2017, Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Ranking Member of the House implementation of PTC. The proposed legislation would mandate full imple- • Madison Threadgill, daughter of Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Michael Capuano (D-MA), mentation of PTC by the deadline of December 31, 2018, and would prohibit Samuel Threadgill, Division 834 (Mineola, Texas) Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous the Department of Transportation from further extending the implementation See page 4 of this issue for information about Materials, sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao requesting a deadline. The proposed bill would also provide more than $2.5 billion in grants applying for a 2018-2019 scholarship. • detailed status update on where the railroads are in fully implementing PTC to help passenger and commuter railroads meet the deadline. •

“BE STRONG:” INTERNATIONAL RAIL ORGANIZATIONS EXTEND SOLIDARITY, CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING AMTRAK CRASH IN WASHINGTON STATE hree international rail worker Organizations best wishes go out to the locomotive engineer and ers’ Foundation (ITF). “This shocking human trag- waymen). Laurent Brun, General Secretary, and have sent letters of solidarity, support and other members of your Union who were involved edy reiterates that we can never relax on accident David Gobe, ETF Railway Section, extended their T sympathy to the Brotherhood of Locomotive both during and following the accident and who prevention,” Brother Cotton wrote. “We stand with sorrow and condolences to the victims and their Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) National Division, its may have been traumatised as a result. We also you in your efforts to study this accident from the families, and also shared their solidarity with BLET members and the victims of the fatal Amtrak derail- extend our sincere sympathy and condolence to viewpoint of locomotive engineers and trainmen, and its members. “This tragic accident unfortunate- ment near Tacoma, Wash., on December 18, 2017. the families of those who have been killed or in- to determine how the accident occurred, and to ly is not rare,” they wrote. “We experienced 5 se- The 4,600 members of New Zealand’s Rail & jured in the train derailment. In NZ there is a say- prevent similar accidents from happening in the rious accidents in December in different countries Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) sent their “sin- ing, ‘Kia Kaha,’ which is Maori and when trans- future by calling for preventative measures to be in Europe... the lack of investment by the public au- cere and heartfelt feelings of sympathy and com- lated means ‘be strong.’ I close in wishing all of the implemented. Please offer our sincere sympathy thorities has a detrimental consequence on the rail- radeship” in a letter to BLET National President many victims of this incident a strident Kia Kaha.” and condolences to the victims and families affect- way men’s working conditions and rail safety.” Dennis Pierce dated December 21, 2017. Also on December 21, the BLET received a sim- ed by this tragedy at this most difficult time.” President Pierce thanked all three organiza- Wayne Butson, General Secretary of the ilar letter from Stephen Cotton, General Secretary The third letter comes from the Paris-based Fed- tions for their thoughtfulness and solidarity dur- 4,600-member RMTU, wrote: “Our thoughts and of the London-based International Transport Work- eration CGT Des Cheminots (CGT Federation of Rail- ing this tragedy. • JANUARY 2018 8

Advisory Board November/December 2017 Activity Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen News In accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET Advisory Board members’ activities are published monthly: Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen NATIONAL PRESIDENT DENNIS R. PIERCE: National Division Office, Independence, Ohio; General Longview Switch, Portland Terminal; On duty at home office; General office duties, telephone, email, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Correspondence and telephone communications; correspondence communications, etc.; UP-ED PLB 7283, Chicago; Advisory Board mtg., Cleveland, Supervision of Office Administration; General Supervision of Special Representatives; President, Team- Ohio; Division 88 Town Hall mtg.; Town Hall mtg. in Tucson, Ariz.; UP-WR, Portland & Western Sec- Independence, Ohio 44131 sters Rail Conference; Policy Committee, Teamsters Rail Conference; BNSF-ATSG GCA mtg., San Diego, tion 6 negotiations and tele-conference; UP-WL modernization agreement negotiations, Phoenix, Ariz.; Calif.; Rate Setting mtg., Washington, D.C.; General Chairman’s Training, Independence, Ohio; Town UP-WL PLB 7721, Chicago; UP-ED PLB 5604, Estero, Fla.; UP-SR PLB 7332, Chicago. BLET Publications Committee: Hall mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; National Legislative Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Advisory Board mtg., VICE PRESIDENT GIL GORE: Assigned to all CSX; Grand Trunk Western; Union Pacific-Southern Re- Cleveland, Ohio; Town Hall mtg., Tucson, Ariz.; IBT General Executive Board mtg., Washington, D.C.; Dennis R. Pierce, National President gion GCA special assignment; Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) issues, CSXT; General office duties, KC Hub joint mtg., Kansas City, Mo. E. “Lee” Pruitt, First Vice President & Alternate President paperwork, correspondence, emails, telephone calls, etc.; Paperwork assisting GTW GCA; PLB w/ GC Stephen J. Bruno, National Secretary-Treasurer FIRST VICE PRESIDENT E.L. (LEE) PRUITT: National Duties include but not limited to: Shortline Organiz- Best, Chicago; Advisory Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Holidays; Conference call w/ CSXT General Chair- John P. Tolman, Vice President & National Legislative Rep. ing Dept.; Trainmen’s Dept.; National Publications Committee; National Legislative Board; Teamsters men; IFC program; Local Chairmen mtg.; CSX medical quarterly update; Conference call, GTW awards; BLET-CSXT 401(k) semi annual review; LCAT 2 problems conference call. John V. Bentley Jr., Director of Public Relations & Editor Rail Conference Policy Committee; PRAC; and National Negotiations; National duties, Independence, Ohio; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; Advisory Board Bill Joyce, Art Director & Associate Editor VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. PRIESTER: Assigned to all BNSF (former ATSF, former C&S, CRI&P, mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Town Hall mtg., Newark, N.J.; Town Hall mtg., Tucson, Ariz.; Holidays; Vacation; www.ble-t.org (216) 241-2630 FWD, former STL-SF, BNSF/MRL), Panhandle Northern, Missouri & North Arkansas, Montana Rail Kansas City Hub mtgs., Kansas City, Mo. Link, Great Western; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; COPYRIGHT 2018, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER STEPHEN J. BRUNO: General supervision of Accounting Dept., BNSF-ATSF triennial meeting, GC Holdcraft, San Diego, Calif.; National Legislative Board mtg., Cleve- VOLUME 32 NUMBER 1 January 2018 Record Dept., Online Services Dept., Tax Compliance Dept.; Safety Task Force; PAC and FEC reports land, Ohio; Advisory Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Town Hall mtg. at Tucson, Ariz.; Holidays and vaca- and filings; Implementation and training for BLET membership database/Union Track; Pension, STD, tion; PLB 7477, assist GC Holdcraft, Chicago; Division 383 mtg. and retirement dinner for Eddie Trujillo, LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) 457 plan Trustee; Division, General Committee and SLB monthly Trustee reports; Mtgs. with vendors assist GC Holdcraft, Barstow, Calif.; Christy Mosser celebration of life and funeral, Lubbock, Texas. is published monthly by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, and financial institutions; BNSF-ATSF GCA mtg., San Diego, Calif.; Advisory Board mtg., Cleveland, VICE PRESIDENT COLE W. DAVIS: Assigned to: Kansas City Southern (MidSouth Rail, SouthRail, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131 Ohio; General Chairman’s training class, Independence, Ohio; Holidays and vacation; Town Hall mtg, Gateway Western, Illinois & Midland), Texas Mexican Rwy.; CP Rail System/US (Indiana Southern, Independence, Ohio. Iowa, Chicago & Eastern, Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern); Springfield Terminal (St. Lawrence & Atlantic, USPS: 0002-244 ISSN: 0898-8625 VICE PRESIDENT & NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. TOLMAN: Assigned to Delaware & Hudson), Cedar River, Louisville & Indiana, Huron & Eastern; General office duties, tele- BLET Washington, DC office; General office duties, telephone and correspondence communications; phone, email, correspondence communications, etc.; MidSouth and Illinois Midland issues, assist GC POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BNSF-ATSF GCA mtg., San Diego, Calif.; 2017 National Legislative Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Ad- Craddock; KCS issues, assist GC Spradlin; DM&E and Soo issues, assist GC Semenek; PLB 7666, assist GC Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Record Department, visory Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Town Hall mtg., Tucson, Ariz.; Teleforum updating Teamsters on Semenek, Chicago; Advisory Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Tex-Mex issues, assist GC Heise; Springfield 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. 1/18 NAFTA negotiations w/ Teamsters President Hoffa & Congressman Brian Higgins, Washington, D.C.; Terminal/D&H issues, assist GC Moore; Division 569 mtg., assist GC Spradlin, Poteau, Okla.; Mtg. w/ Mtg. w/ Teamsters President Hoffa, Washington, D.C.; Mtg. w/ Senate Senior Advisors for the Joint Eco- CP Rail management, assist GC Semenek, Chicago; WLE contract issues, assist GC Fannon; Louisville & nomic Committee, Washington, D.C.; Conference call w/ Departmetn of Political & Legislative Action Indiana issues, assist GC Hogan; St. Lawrence & Atlantic negotiations, assist GC Moore, Portland, Maine; Team, Washington, D.C.; Reception in honor of MA Delegation, Washington, D.C.; Numerous recep- Huron & Eastern issues, assist GC Ladrig; PLB 7627, assist GC Semenek, Chicago; Cedar Creek RR issues, Photo of the Month: January 2018 tions and office visits with members of Congress and the leadership of both the GOP and Democratic assist GC Craddock; Mtg. w/ Tex Mex, re: international crews at Laredo, Texas, Kansas City, Mo.; I&M parties, Washington, D.C. issues, assist GC Craddock. PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD HERITAGE: Norfolk Southern’s Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) heritage unit takes a journey on VICE PRESIDENT MARCUS J. RUEF: Vice Chairman, National Railroad Adjustment Board (NRAB); VICE PRESIDENT R.C. (RICK) GIBBONS: Assigned to: All Norfolk Southern General Committees; National Mediation Board (NMB) Arb. Adv. Forum; Department Head, BLET Arbitration Department; Wheeling & Lake Erie; Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern; New York, Susquehanna & Western; New England Photo: its home rails as it goes under a PRR signal bridge in Rochester, Pa just outside of Conway, Pa., on June 21, 2017. Brother Erik S. Reinert, Assigned to Illinois Central, Wisconsin Central, Indiana Harbor Belt, Belt Railway of Chicago, Metra, Central; Connecticut Southern; Western New York & Pennsylvania; Indiana & Ohio; RSAC/RSIA Fatigue a member of BLET Division 74 in Harrisburg, Pa. GRR and Illinois RR; Assist GC Semenek w/ PLB 7627, CP/Soo, Chicago; Attend Div. 682 mtg., IHB, Management Group; General office duties, telephone, email, correspondence communications; Vice Presi- Chicago; Assist GC Reynolds w/ discipline submissions, WC, Chicago; NRAB hearing, referee Meyers DL dent duties; On duty at home office; BNSF-ATSF GCA mtg., San Diego, Calif.; Advisory Board mtg., Cleve- 421, Chicago; Study DL 409, Referee Wesman, NRAB, Chicago; Assist GC Semenek at interview / Illinois land, Ohio; Holidays; PLB 7574 and NS GC mtgs., assisting GCs Wallace, Dehart and Fannon, Norfolk, IG ofc., Metra, Chicago; Advisory Board mtg., Cleveland, Ohio; Study cases for PLB 7154, IC, Chicago; Va.; NS-Southern GCA mtg., assist GC Wallace, Asheville, N.C.; SBA 1063, assist GC Dehart, Chicago. PLB 7154 hearing, IC, Chicago; NRAB hearing, DL 409 Referee Wesman, Chicago; Inward facing cam- VICE PRESIDENT JAMES P. LOUIS: Assigned Amtrak; Long Island Rail Road; New York & Atlantic; eras; Assist GC Burns w/ discipline appeal, IHB, Chicago; Assist GC Reynolds w/ arb prep. and discipline Metro North; New Jersey Transit; PATH; SEPTA; Metra; Union Railroad; National Division Depart- submissions, WC, Chicago; NRAB hearing, DL 421 Referee Meyers, NRAB; Vacation; Holidays; First ment Head, Education & Training Dept.; National Division Department Head, Internal Organizing, Division adoption session, NRAB, Chicago; NRAB hearing, DL 415 Referee Benn, Chicago; Study case Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Union Track mtgs. and training; Education & Training issues; materials for UP-N IFC Arb., Chicago; NRAB conference call, fruther discussion of Docket 48365; Assist BLET Regional Meeting planning; Town Hall mtg., Newark, N.J.; LIRR retirement dinner, Long Island, VGC Lough w/ discipline appeal, Metra, Chicago; NRAB Labor Member caucus/ROAR, Chicago; IFC N.Y.; General Chairman class, Independence, Ohio; Mobilization release & follow-up; SBA 940, assist GC hearing/arbitration, UP-N, Chicago; Assist VP Louis and GC Sexton w/ discipline submission, LIRR, Brown, NJ Transit, Boston; Caltrain contract talks, assist GC Kenny; NY&A contract review, assist GC Chicago; Vacation and holidays; Various NRAB administrative matters. Sexton; Holidays and vacation; Investigation prep. and hearing, WNYP, Olean, N.Y.; Arbitration revew, VICE PRESIDENT MIKE TWOMBLY: Assigned to all Union Pacific GCAs (Eastern District, Northern assist GC Sexton, LIRR; WNYP contract issues, Rathbun; Division 269 monthly mtg., assist GC Sexton, Region (former C&NW), Western Lines (Pacific Harbor Lines), Western Region (Portland & Western), Long Island, N.Y.; NY&A contract presentation, assist GC Sexton, Long Island, N.Y.; Arbitration reveiw, Central Region, Southern Region; Tacoma Belt RR, Utah RR, Longview Portland & Northern NO & assist GC Brown, NJ Transit; Assist GC Sexton w/ LIRR PLB, Queens, N.Y. Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance Taxes in 2018 he amounts of compensation on earnings subject to the 1.45 percent reflecting railroad retirement fund lev- for 2018, but will not increase the max- subject to railroad retirement Medicare rate. els. Depending on this ratio, the tier II imum 12 percent rate. There was also tier I and tier II payroll taxes An additional Medicare payroll tax tax rate for employees can be between a surcharge of 1.5 percent in 2015, 2016 Twill increase in 2018, while the tax rates of 0.9 percent applies to an individual’s 0 percent and 4.9 percent, while the tier and 2017, with no surcharge in 2013 on employers and employees will stay income exceeding $200,000, or II rate for employers can range between and 2014. the same. In addition, unemployment $250,000 for a married couple filing a 8.2 percent and 22.1 percent. As a result, the unemployment in- insurance contribution rates paid by joint tax return. While employers will Unemployment Insurance Con- surance contribution rates (including railroad employers will continue to in- begin withholding the additional Medi- tributions — Employers, but not em- the 1.5 percent surcharge) on railroad clude a 1.5 percent surcharge in 2018. care tax as soon as an individual’s wag- ployees, pay railroad unemployment employers in 2018 will range from the Tier I and Medicare Tax — The es exceed the $200,000 threshold, the insurance contributions, which are ex- minimum rate of 2.15 percent to the railroad retirement tier I payroll tax rate final amount owed or refunded will be perience-rated by employer. The Rail- maximum of 12 percent on monthly on covered rail employers and employ- calculated as part of the individual’s road Unemployment Insurance Act compensation up to $1,560, up from ees for 2018 remains at 7.65 percent. The Federal income tax return. also provides for a surcharge in the event $1,545 in 2017. railroad retirement tier I tax rate is the Tier II Tax — The railroad retire- the Railroad Unemployment Insurance In 2018, the minimum rate of 2.15 same as the social security tax, and for ment tier II tax rates in 2018 will re- Account balance falls below an indexed percent will apply to 78 percent of cov- withholding and reporting purposes is main at 4.9 percent for employees and threshold amount. The accrual balance ered employers, with 7 percent paying 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 divided into 6.20 percent for retirement 13.1 percent for employers. The maxi- of the Railroad Unemployment Insur- the maximum rate of 12 percent. New 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 and 1.45 percent for Medicare hospital mum amount of earnings subject to ance Account was $97.7 million on June employers will pay an unemployment 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 insurance. The maximum amount of railroad retirement tier II taxes in 2018 30, 2017. Since the balance is less than insurance contribution rate of 1.97 an employee’s earnings subject to the will increase from $94,500 to $95,400. the indexed threshold of $146.3 mil- percent, which represents the average from BLET members volunteering to contribute their 248, or you can email: [email protected]. other electronic devices while on duty. 6.20 percent rate increases from $127,200 Since 2004, tier II tax rates are based lion, a 1.5 percent surcharge will be rate paid by all employers in the peri- • to $128,400 in 2018, with no maximum on an average account benefits ratio added to the basic contribution rates od 2014-2016. • •