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Home , Amtrak, Ferromex, John Edgar Thomson

BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF WAY EMPLOYES DIVISION Of The International Brotherhood Of Teamsters

Volume 116 ■ Number 4 www.bmwe.org July/August 2007 Rail Conference Leaders Form Rail Study Group embers of the IBT Rail MConference Mexico Rail Study Group met in Laredo, , July 31 through August 2, 2007. The study group consists of Union Officers from the BMWED and BLET. Among the group’s goals is to protect rail workers from the negative effects flowing from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and to promote work opportunities which may result from increased rail traffic from Mexico. The group chose Laredo, Texas for its first meeting because of its geographical proximity to one of the gateways for traffic between the U.S. and Mexico at Nuevo Laredo, UP and Mexican locomotives coupled in Laredo, TX . Mexico. The North American Free Trade while being utilized in Mexico. And, at Government amended its constitution private companies. One of those rail Agreement became effective January the time, the rail industry in Mexico allowing for the privatization of the rail systems was sold to Mexican Railway 1, 1994. However, American Railroads was owned and operated by the industry. By 1999 Mexico had split up Transportation (TFM), a group which were initially reluctant to take advan- Mexican Government. the government railroad, Ferrocarriles included Mexican Maritime tage of the Agreement because of In 1995, apparently spurred on for Nacionales de Mexico (FNM) and had Transportation (TMM) and the lack of protection for their rail cars economic reasons, the Mexican sold seven separate rail systems to See Rail on Page 7 Runaway Imperils CSX Crew Quick Reactions by BMWED Members Avert Disaster onday morning July 23 began as Lashomb that runaway cars were and the prompt and orderly evacuation BMWED members of gang 6XC6 Ma typical day for CSX Curve Patch heading in their direction. The by the crew was remarkable. Their averted disaster and prevented horrific Gang No. 6XC6 working in Watertown, Roadway Worker In-Charge of the professionalism, safety consciousness, injuries and loss of human life.” NY. The 45-man curve patch and rail crew, Foreman B. Kacenski, immedi- and situational awareness prevented Rick Inclima, BMWED Director of laying crew established their Exclusive ately ordered his workers to vacate this incident from becoming a real Safety echoed Brother Long’s senti- Track Occupancy authority, conducted their machines and clear the track. At tragedy. The quick reaction by See Runaway on Page 7 their on-track safety briefing, and occu- 9:02 A.M., the runaway cars slammed pied the main track with men and into the maintenance machines left on equipment to begin replacing continu- the track and the propane exploded ous welded rail. upon impact. Unbeknown to the rail laying crew, Roads within a half mile of the derail- several cars located at nearby Fort ment were closed and residents and Drum military complex got away from businesses near the accident site were the loading dock at the base and evacuated. The collision and derail- began their high speed runaway ment caused extensive damage to the towards the rail gang. Two of the run- track and the vacated on-track mainte- away cars were carrying containers nance machines. However, due to the marked “explosives” and at least one emergency warning from Foreman car was carrying propane. According Lashomb, the quick reaction of to a report by the Post-Standard, the Roadway Worker In-Charge Kacenski, runaway cars traveled approximately and the immediate and orderly evacua- eight miles unmanned and unattended, tion by the track crew, injury and cata- building to speeds of 40-45 MPH. strophic loss of life was avoided. Minutes before the runaway cars Ed Long, Assistant General reached the location of the rail gang, Chairman of the BMWED Consolidated the work crew received a frantic warn- Rail System Federation said, “The ing over the radio from MW Foreman L. quick reaction of the foreman in-charge Track equipment destroyed by runaway train in NY.

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The BMWED Organizing Trackmen and eventually, the your union meetings and addressing and is owned by Genesee & Department had been meeting with Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way any issues that might arise,” said Vice Inc. the M&B employees over a number of Employes. It was there, on a hot months prior to the successful vote. “I summer day in 1887, that founder commend our new members for stay- John T. Wilson called together a group ing focused and achieving their goal of fellow Track Foremen to discuss of becoming union members,” said their plight of low wages, dangerous Crew Goes BMWED Director of Organizing Tim work and their family’s economic inse- McCall. curity. The new members on the Meridian History repeated itself on June 16, Seven Years Injury Free & Bigbee will be represented by the 2007 when, like their predecessors, Allied Eastern Federation. “We look the newly organized M&B employees ighteen BMWED track depart- VanDerMaelen. “Our crew has forward to the business of obtaining a met in Demopolis to discuss ways to Ement members headquartered gone seven years without injury, fair contract for our members at M&B,” improve their working conditions and at the MOW base in New Haven, and over 8 years without a contract! said General Chairman Dennis to identify issues of concern to be CT were recognized in July for I don’t blame the local managers Albers. “We have served notice on addressed in their first union contract. achieving a full seven years of for this, but someone up high in M&B for improvements in those areas “I was a member of the BMWE for 20 injury free service to Amtrak. A the Amtrak food chain needs to get identified by our members and are years before my road was sold,” said breakfast for the gang was hosted real and settle this contract. We eager to begin negotiations.” Track Foreman Jesse Holland. “The by local management to commem- work very hard to keep these The Meridian & Bigbee member’s most important issues to me would be orate this safety milestone and to tracks safe, and we live in one of first meeting was held in Demopolis, improving wages and vacation acknowledge the crew’s commit- the highest cost of living regions in AL, a place well known for being the allowance.” Representatives from the ment to safety. the northeast. We deserve to be All are members of BMWED fairly compensated.” Local Lodge 1718, Northeastern Joe Mattie is Vice General BMWE Division System Federation. The vast Chairman of the Northeastern majority of these members have System Federation and a Track 30+ years of service, having hired Foreman for Amtrak with 34 years JOURNAL CONTENTS on with Amtrak or transferred from of railroad service. “I think we the predecessor Penn Central have made significant gains in July/Aug. 2007 ■ BMWE DIVISION JOURNAL ■ VOLUME 116 ■ NUMBER 4 Railroad when Amtrak took over safety over the years and our The BMWED Journal is the official news publication of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division ownership of the Northeast record proves it,” said Mattie. of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Corridor (NEC) in 1976. “This has been a joint effort by Freddie N. Simpson Perry K. Geller, Sr. E. Randall Brassell The NEC basically splits at New everyone involved and I am proud President and Editor Secretary-Treasurer Associate Editor Haven, with on the Shoreline to be part of it. We try to watch out The BMWED Journal (ISSN 1049-3921 /USPS 067640) is published bi-monthly-6 times annually at 20300 Civic route traveling east and west and for one another and put our own Center Drive, Suite 320, Southfield, 48076-4169. Periodicals postage paid at Southfield, Michigan and safety, and the safety of Amtrak additional mailing offices. trains on the inland Hartford- ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Springfield Line running north and passengers, at the very top of our Send address changes to BMWED, 20300 Civic Center Drive, Suite 320, Southfield, Michigan 48076-4169. south through the center of agenda each and every day. We Subscription Price: U.S. and —$20.00 (U.S.) per year, in advance. . The 62-mile long are maintaining the fastest track in Hartford-Springfield line services the country, but our pay rates are www.bmwe.org the state capitals of both among the lowest in the land. Connecticut and . My crew steps up to the plate with Rail Conference Leaders Form Hazardous Materials Training The members headquartered at skill and dedication every single Mexico Rail Study Group 1 has Come A Long Way 3 New Haven work on both lines, day. It’s really past time for the Runaway Train Imperils Two RRs Partner with NLC for keeping Amtrak’s high-speed corporate big-wigs at Amtrak to CSX Track Crew 1 “Craft-Specific” HazMat Training trains moving safely along the step up to the plate and negotiate Quick Reactions by BMWED President’s Perspective 4 Shoreline’s FRA Class 6 & 7 track the kind of agreement these men Members Avert Disaster between New Haven and , deserve.” Message from Teamsters and maintaining Amtrak’s FRA President Simpson said, “The Meridian and Bigbee General President Jim Hoffa 4 Class 4 track between New Haven New Haven crew is typical of MW Employees Join BMWED 2 Future Staff Positions at and Springfield on the inland route. crews throughout the country. Amtrak Crew Goes BMWED National Division 5 The New Haven crew routinely They are highly skilled profession- Seven Years Injury Free 2 conducts tie, rail, and surfacing als who employ their well-honed Secretary-Treasurer’s Report 5 operations and has also been craft to provide safe passage for LEGAL AID PROGRAM LIST 3 Roll of Honor 6 engaged in major bridge replace- passenger and freight trains alike. Why Choose A BMWED- I want each and every Amtrak Death Benefits 6 ment projects and the recently Designated FELA Attorney? 3 completed electrification of the member to know that BMWED is BMWED Legislative Issues Ð NEC between New Haven, CT and committed to achieving a just and 110th Congress 8 Boston, MA. equitable settlement of their long- Around the Brotherhood 8 Dave VanDerMaelen, a 30+ year overdue contract. We are not con- Amtrak employee, is a MW tent with simply funding Amtrak, machine operator for Amtrak. “It’s we are working full-time in nice that the local management at , DC to make Amtrak Amtrak recognized our safety funding contingent upon settlement record. It’s something that we are of the Amtrak contract. I congratu- all very proud of, but a commemo- late the members of Lodge 1718 rative breakfast does not put food for their safety achievement and a on my family’s table,” said job well done.” © BMWED 2007 All rights reserved.

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2 BMWED JOURNAL ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ LEGAL AID PROGRAM LIST Hazardous Materials Training has Come ere is an updated list of the approved attorneys in the Jones & Granger Rossi, Cox & Vucinovich, P.C. Office 3801 E. Avenue HBMWED’s Legal Aid Program who can be called on for 1201 Peachtree St., N. E. Suite 905 A Long Way advice and assistance when needed in case of on-the-job 400 Colony Square, Ste. 1900 , CO 80210-2500 personal injury or death. Atlanta, GA 30361 TELEPHONE: (303) 366-3501 BMWED members who are injured on the job, or the TELEPHONE: (404) 522-4414 FAX: (303) 759-3180 Two RRs Partner with FAX: 404-872-9430 TOLL FREE dependents of members killed as a result of such injuries, TOLL FREE (800) 325-4014 NLC for “Craft-Specific” should ascertain their rights and protections under the NATIONAL: (800) 628-6470 www.rcvpc.com Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) before attempting www.jonesgranger.com HazMat Training any settlement with a railroad company. Rossi, Cox & Vucinovich, P.C. Under the Legal Aid Program, in case of personal injury Kaplan Law Corporation 1345 Corporate Center Curve Anyone with more than 25 years on 5909 West 3rd Street Suite 101 or death while employed on a railroad, a BMWED member , CA 90036 Eagan, MN 55121 the railroad probably remembers their or his family has access to competent legal counsel in mak- TELEPHONE: (323) 930-2744 TELEPHONE: (651) 688-7699 first on-the-job experience in hazardous ing claims under the FELA. FAX: 323-930-1476 Fax: 651-688-7785 materials identification. Today, we jok- The BMWED-approved legal aid attorneys are well quali- TOLL FREE TOLL FREE ingly refer to this dangerous practice NATIONAL: (800) 552-7526 NATIONAL (866) 900-FELA (3352) as the “Sniff, Dip, and Lick Method.” fied to handle cases under the FELA. www.kaplanlawcorp.com www.rcvpc.com In the bad old days before regula- Blunt & Associates, Ltd. Hubbell, Peak, O’Neal, Napier & Moody, Strople, Kloeppel, Basilone Rossi, Cox & Vucinovich, P.C. tions mandated hazardous materials 60 Edwardsville Professional Park Leach & Higginbotham 5000 Central Park Drive training for workers, identifying the P. O. Box 373 Attorneys at Law Suite 204 contents of a drum or barrel usually Edwardsville, IL 62025 30 West Pershing Road, Suite 350 500 Crawford Street, Suite 300 Lincoln, NE 68504 TELEPHONE: (618) 656-7744 Kansas City, MO 64108-2463 Portsmouth, VA 23704 (402) 434-9288 went something like this: 1) Open the FAX: (618) 656-7849 TELEPHONE: (816) 221-5666 TELEPHONE: (757) 393-4093 www.rcvpc.com drum and take a “sniff” of the contents; TOLL FREE FAX: 816-221-5259 FAX: 757-397-7257 2) If you can’t tell what’s inside by the NATIONAL: (800) 323-5538 TOLL FREE TOLL FREE Rossi, Cox & Vucinovich, P.C. smell, take a spike maul handle or tie www.bluntlaw.com NATIONAL: (800) 821-5257 NATIONAL: (800) 368-1033 10900 NE 8th Street plug and “dip” it inside to see what’s on www.hubbellfirm.com www.moodyrrlaw.com Suite 1122 The Crow Law Firm Bellevue, WA 98004-4456 it when you take it back out; 3) If you 700 “E” Street Ingebritson & Associates, P.A. Moody, Strople & Kloeppel, (425) 646-8003 still can’t tell what’s on the handle by Sacramento, CA 95814 Attorneys at Law Basilone & Higginbotham Inc. FAX: 425-646-8004 looking at it, “taste” it. If after following TELEPHONE: (916) 441-2980 Suite 1025 Medical Arts Bldg. Jacksonville, Florida Office TOLL FREE these three steps, you still can’t tell FAX: 916-441-3846 825 Nicollet Mall 7400 Baymeadow Way, Suite 105 (866) 357-RAIL (7245) TOLL FREE Minneapolis, MN 55402 Jacksonville, Florida 32256 www.rcvpc.com what’s in the barrel, consider going one NATIONAL: (800) 345-2889 TELEPHONE: (612) 340-8290 TELEPHONE: 904-256-0018 more step. 4) Roll the barrel out back www.crowlaw.com FAX: 612-342-2990 FAX: 904-256-0019 Sams & Hollon and empty the contents into a ditch or TOLL FREE www.moodyrrlaw.com 9424 Baymeadows Road a hole in the ground. After all, you can Daniel J. Downes, P.C. NATIONAL: (800) 282-6393 Suite 160 still use the barrel for something else, 111 W. Washington Street, Suite R. Edward Pfiester, Jr. Jacksonville, FL 32256 1100 Johnson & Hatch A Law Corporation TELEPHONE: (904) 737-1995 right? Though funny to remember, this , IL 60602-2705 10 West Broadway, Suite 400 2000 Riverside Drive, Suite 100 FAX: 904-737-3838 method shouldn’t have been accept- TELEPHONE: (312) 781-1852 , UT 84101 Los Angeles, CA 90039 TOLL FREE able then and it certainly is not accept- FAX: 312-781-1854 TELEPHONE: (801) 363-6363 TELEPHONE: (323) 662-6400 NATIONAL: (800) 327-4552 able now. TOLL FREE FAX: 801-363-6666 FAX: 323-669-8549 (800) 624-2121 TOLL FREE Thornton & Naumes, LLP Fast forward, from the late [email protected] Jones & Granger NATIONAL: (800) 344-3352 100 Summer Street, 30th Floor to 1998. “Hazardous Materials don’t kill P. O. Box 4340 www.pfiesterlaw.com Boston, MA 02110 people . . . people kill people,” says a Forceno & Arangio, L.L.P. , TX 77210-4340 TELEPHONE: (617) 720-1333 former full-time BMWE appointed Suite 1000, The Bourse TELEPHONE: (713) 668-0230 Pratt & Tobin, P.C. FAX: 617-720-2445 Safety Assistant from the Burlington 111 S. Independence Mall East FAX: 713-956-7139 P. O. Box 179 TOLL FREE , PA 19106-2574 TOLL FREE Route 111 at Drive NATIONAL: (800) 431-4600 Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) TELEPHONE: (215) 732-1630 TX ONLY: (800) 392-0620 East Alton, IL 62024 www.tenlaw.com Division. Referring to the rail- TOLL FREE NATIONAL: (800) 231-3359 TELEPHONE: (618) 259-8011 road industry’s mishandling of haz- (800) 222-3352 www.jonesgranger.com TOLL FREE ardous materials as a whole, “It is our FAX: (215) 923-8507 NATIONAL: (800) 851-5562 gross lack of understanding of the dan- gers inherent to the hazardous materi- als we are exposed to every day on the Why Choose A BMWED-Designated FELA Attorney? tracks, whether directly or indirectly, n this day of specialization, most try these lawsuits against the able railroad ¥ Must have an established record of which presents the greatest threat to Ilawyers, like most doctors and other counsel or too willing to settle a case for a successful litigation experience. the lives of railroad employees and professionals, tend to specialize. If you quick dollar.” ¥ Must furnish National Division with a their families.” have tax problems, you go to a lawyer Since most people don’t deal with summary of cases handled (insofar as Some said that his words were over- who knows the tax laws. If you have family lawyers except in a time of need, the such disclosure is consistent with “attor- ly dramatic. He responded to that matters to be handled, you go to a lawyer BMWED has a long-standing policy of ney-client” privilege). charge by explaining, “We’re lucky to who knows the laws about wills, estates, evaluating FELA law firms. Using estab- ¥ Must charge a contingency fee of no get 20 minutes to present the entire probate, divorce, etc. That is why, if you’re lished guidelines, the BMWED chooses more than 25 percent. module. If you’re only given 20 minutes, injured on the railroad, you need to go to the best to be on its approved or desig- ¥ Must give injured members free ad- once a year, to reach out to a brother a lawyer who knows the Federal nated list which is printed twice yearly in vice in connection with their injury and or sister and give them something as Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). the BMWED Journal. render free assistance to them in related FELA became law in 1908. Under Criteria used for evaluating FELA law matters. important as this, you have to get their FELA, an injured railroad employee or firms include: Because the BMWED recognizes the attention as quickly as you can. You’ve his/her family survivors have the right to importance of competent and fair legal got to be dramatic, so as to teach them recover damages in court (state or feder- counsel for its members, it regularly moni- in a way that helps them remember it al). They have the right to a jury trial tors the activities of the law firms on its list past the end of the day, just in case which can award damages based upon and makes changes when needed. their life depends on it ten months the railroad’s negligence that resulted in If you do not have a copy of the down the road.” the employee’s injury or death. approved list of attorneys when you need Fast forward to September 11, Choosing a BMWED-designated FELA it, just call your system division or federa- 2001. America learns how someone attorney is important because, as one tion office and they will give you names can turn a fully fueled airplane into a court case stated, “injured workers or their and other necessary information. In addi- families often fall prey ... to persuasive tion, all approved attorneys are issued Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD). claims adjusters eager to gain a quick and official BMWED credentials each year. If As railroad employees, BMWE mem- cheap settlement for their railroad employ- an attorney contacts you, be sure to ask bers immediately recognized the rail- ers, or to a lawyer either not competent to for his credential. See Hazardous on Page 7

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JULY/AUGUST 2007 3 ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

he recent bridge collapse in Minneapolis on August 1, 2007 is a tragic Texample of the state of our nation’s infrastructure. The cost in human life resulting from the collapse of I-35 is tragic, and my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who perished or were injured in this horrific event. In the aftermath of this human tragedy, the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis will face significant economic challenges as workers and interstate commerce struggle to compete for alternative routes over the river. Recovery, cleanup, and rebuilding will take months, if Freddie N. Simpson not years, and the economic and psychological impact on the twin cities and its citizens will be felt for many years to come. dents, BMWE has long advocated FRA to require the use of railroad bridge dis- This tragedy raises legitimate questions about our nation’s infrastructure placement technology as a means to provide trains and on-track equipment with across all modes of transportation, including railroads. Of course, the issue of advance warning of bridge displacements due to strikes by marine or vehicular railroad bridge safety has long been a concern to BMWED. In 1993 BMWE traffic. petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to promulgate regulations In August 2000, FRA issued a Final Statement of Agency Policy on the Safety governing the structural integrity of railroad bridges after several high-profile of Railroad Bridges. Rather than federally enforceable bridge safety standards, bridge mishaps. In our petition, BMWE cited specifications of the American the 2000 Bridge Safety Policy provides the industry with “guidelines” which high- Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) as an light best practices related to bridge inspection and bridge safety management. example of standards that should govern the design, construction, inspection The Policy Statement’s guidelines for the proper maintenance of bridge struc- and maintenance of railroad bridges. The BMWE further proposed that FRA tures are advisory in nature. This means that the policy does not have the force adopt and incorporate by reference the American Railway Engineering of regulations under which FRA can issue violations and assess civil penalties. Association’s (AREA) recommendations for the construction, maintenance and The safety of railroad bridges has been left pretty much up to the owners of inspection of timber, concrete, and steel bridge structures as a basis for federal the bridges. There are no federal safety standards, only voluntary guidelines. railroad bridge safety standards. Of course, these guidelines are useful for those willing to follow them, but follow- Structural deficiencies and the absence of federal regulations governing same ing them is only a suggestion under the current federal policy. It is timely to note are not the only threat to railroad bridges. Bridge displacements, such as that that these guidelines did not prevent the May 2007 collapse of a railroad bridge which occurred on September 22, 1993 when a barge struck the Bayou Canot in which gave way under the weight of a train carrying the space shut- Bridge near Mobile, AL are also a major railroad safety concern. In the Canot tle’s solid rocket boosters. Six persons on board the train were reported Bridge tragedy, 47 people lost their lives and 150 more were injured when injured, but thankfully no one was killed. Amtrak’s fell into the river after the bridge was displaced 38 inch- The Federal Railroad Administration has recently indicated its concern about es by river barge. Because of this tragedy and other bridge displacement inci- See Perspective on Page 7 Message from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa

Revealing Who Stands with during their effort to form a union and Workers in negotiations for a first contract. I applaud the recent majority The legal system that is supposed Senate vote in favor of the Employee to protect workers is broken, and Free Choice Act (EFCA), a significant workers are paying a terrible price. achievement in the fight to restore Corporations trample on workers with America’s middle class. The legisla- reckless disregard for the law and tion garnered majority support in the they must be stopped. Senate of 51-48, but required 60 votes to block Republican opposition The End of Fast Track to gain passage. Recently, President Bush’s “Fast The vote showed us who is stand- Track” trade negotiating authority ing with workers and which politicians expired for good. It has been a long are in collusion with corporate and difficult five years for workers America to destroy the middle class. everywhere. With the expiration of Workers have the support of a majori- Fast Track, perhaps this finally means ty in the U.S. Senate in their fight to that we can move in an entirely new We have lost more than 3 million begin to focus on job creation here at improve their economic futures, and direction on our trade and globaliza- manufacturing jobs since 2001, many home, we will continue to oppose there is no turning back. tion policies. to offshore outsourcing, while an such deals. In March, the House passed EFCA Since Fast Track, trade negotiations increasing number of white-collar ser- The Teamsters Union looks forward on a vote of 241-185. Introduced with have been accelerated to an alarming vice-sector jobs are also at risk. At to working with members of Congress bipartisan support in the House, speed, denying legislators and the the same time, our trade deficit has on a new economic trade model that EFCA is the first major attempt to public the appropriate time to consid- ballooned to nearly $800 billion. For creates jobs at home and lifts up reform labor law since the 1970s. er the serious ramifications of these the USTR to call for more Fast Trade workers everywhere. Employees face a 20 percent chance agreements. The U.S. Trade deals is ridiculous. of being fired if they actively cam- Representative (USTR) has used Fast The Teamsters Union strongly Fraternally, paign to unionize. EFCA establishes Track to push too many job killing, opposes these job-killing trade deals. James P. Hoffa penalties for violating workers’ rights NAFTA-style trade agreements. Until the U.S. trade model and policies General President

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4 BMWED JOURNAL ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT

Important Information for Retired Members and Officers Railroad or Union “Earnings” Will Adversely Affect RRB Benefits his is important information for any retired individuals receiving an employee or Tspouse annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act regarding how work and earn- ings from a “railroad employer” affect RRB benefits. Retired members and officers need to be aware that, under the Railroad Retirement Act, a railroad retirement annuity is not payable for any month in which you receive Perry K. Geller, Sr. “earnings” from a railroad or a railroad labor organization. This rule applies to all beneficiaries, including retired Trackman retired from the railroad month in which they received “earn- every retiree to be extremely careful employees and their spouses, regard- when he reached 60 years of age and ings” from the Local Lodge. about this peculiar aspect of the RRA less of age or amount of earnings. after performing over 30 years (360 If you are a retiree, please do not let to assure that the Local Lodge does Under certain conditions, a RRB months) of compensated railroad ser- this happen to you! Compensation not inadvertently impact a retired mem- annuitant can work for a non-railroad vice. He began receiving a $2,000.00 received from your Local Lodge could ber’s RRB monthly benefit. employer and still receive retirement monthly RRB retirement benefit on result in forfeiture of your monthly I strongly urge Local Lodge Secre- benefits from the Railroad Retirement June 1, 2007. Railroad Retirement benefit. Under tary-Treasurers to contact Brother Board (RRB) provided the earnings are Each August, Joe’s Local Lodge the RRA, both a railroad and a railroad Steve Mocher at the National Division within certain limits and meet other holds a family picnic. Joe was the union are considered “railroad employ- if they have any questions, and prior specific requirements. However, a chairman of the picnic committee for ers.” Retired annuitants can not receive to a Local Lodge beginning payments RRB annuitant receiving “earnings” in the past several years before his retire- RRB retirement benefits during any or reimbursements to retired members. any month from any railroad or rail- ment. The Lodge asked Brother Joe month they receive “earnings” (as Brother Mocher can be reached at 1- road labor organization (i.e., to help with the picnic because he was defined) from a “railroad employer,” 248-948-1010, Ext. 604 or 1-248-359- BMWED Local Lodge, System retired from the railroad and had both regardless of the amount. 2604. Together, we can all help pro- Federation/Division, or National the experience and time to plan a fun- There are limited exceptions under tect our retirees and their hard-earned Division) will trigger non-payment of filled family outing for the Lodge. the RRA for certain reimbursements by Railroad Retirement benefits. retirement benefits by the RRB, or a Brother Joe accepted the volunteer a Lodge to a retired annuitant that Further information about Railroad retroactive recovery of the monthly assignment and, with a lot of hard would not be considered “earnings” by Retirement can be obtained by con- RRB benefit(s) paid, for each month in work, the picnic turned out to be a the RRB and, therefore, not trigger a tacting the nearest railroad retirement which the annuitant received earning great success. All the members and withholding of retirement benefits. office or visiting the RRB website at from either a “railroad or a railroad their family’s were very pleased with However, I urge every Local Lodge and http://www.rrb.org. labor organization” (i.e., a railroad the way everything turned out, and a union). good time was had by all. Below are two typical examples of At a union meeting the following what can trigger a non-payment of week, an appreciative member made a Future Staff Positions at BMWED National Division RRB benefits for a retired BMWED motion that the Lodge compensate In recognition of the fact that many of below. Members submitting an expres- annuitant: Brother Joe $35.00 for his outstanding the current National Division officers sion of interest will be considered as Example #1: BMWED member efforts. The motion was seconded and, and staff will reach retirement age in acknowledging that an appointment to Bob Bridgeman retired after 35 years after discussion on the floor, it was the next 10 years, the National Division fill a future staff position vacancy will of service at age 60. At the time of his adopted by majority vote of the Lodge. Officers have unanimously passed a likely require a relocation of residence. retirement, Brother Bridgeman was the Brother Joe received a nice letter resolution to address the future person- In general, all staff positions within Secretary-Treasurer of his Local from the President of the Lodge along nel needs of the National Division. The the BMWED require strong writing and Lodge, a position he held since 1985. with a $35.00 check written on the resolution authorizes the National communications skills, demonstrated The Lodge wanted Brother Bridgeman Local Lodge’s account. Brother Joe Division to develop a transitional plan to organizational abilities, and basic com- to continue on as Lodge Secretary- cashed the check and decided to take educate and train a pool of interested puter literacy. As representatives of the Treasurer (ST) after his retirement, but his three grandchildren to MacDonalds BMWED members for consideration in BMWED, staff members must also pos- Brother Bridgeman told the Lodge that for lunch. As his grandchildren dug the filling of future staff vacancies within sess the ability to interact within all lev- his wife was ill and he could no longer into their hamburgers and fries, Joe the National Division. els of the BMWED and with our sister afford to pay dues on his retirement thought to himself, “That was very nice It is anticipated that such future unions; be able to represent the income. of the lodge; I’ll have to remember to vacancies will occur at the National BMWED before various agencies of At the next regular union meeting, send them a thank you card….” Division headquarters in Southfield, MI; the government; and have a thorough the Lodge discussed this matter and I would like to end these happy BMWED’s Third Division (arbitration) understanding of the maintenance of voted to reimburse Brother Bridgeman stories here, but unfortunately I can office in Chicago, IL; the Brotherhood’s way craft and the railroad industry. $65.00 per month for his union dues so not. Brothers Bridgeman and Washington, DC office, or wherever Any member desiring to be consid- that he could remain eligible to hold the Trackman each received a letter from such offices may be located in the ered for future BMWED staff positions ST position and serve the Lodge. the Railroad Retirement Board stating future. and associated training should send a The following month the Lodge that “RRB records indicate that you In order to establish a talent pool to detailed resume including: mailed Brother Bridgeman a $65.00 received earnings from a railroad replace outgoing personnel with mini- ¥ Any Brotherhood offices or posi- check on the Lodge’s account for reim- employer in the month of September.” mal operational disruptions, the tions held, including organizational or bursement of dues. Bob cashed the As such, the RRB advised both National Division invites members inter- administrative experience; check and was happy to use the Brother Trackman and Brother ested in being considered for future ¥ A representative sample of writing money to supplement his RRB pen- Bridgeman that, under the law, they staff positions within the BMWED to ability; sion…. were required to withhold payment of submit an expression of interest and ¥ Level of computer literacy; Example #2: BMWED member Joe their retirement checks for each resume to the president at the address See Staff on Page 6

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IVan D. Stoner USD-W 0686 1949 Randy J. Hulse USD-W 1402 1994 Adrian F. Szwanek USD-W 0686 1952 Elliott S. Imel USD-NW 1152 1997 ROLL OF Jackie R. Volesky USD-W 1133 1951 David Isi USD-W 0918 1990 Mark A. Kaiser USD-NW 1879 1997 Michael J. Keller USD-NW 1152 1997 year Randy J. Klapperick USD-NW 0343 1997 Kim W. Krigbaum USD-W 1381 1997 HONOR 20 Jed R. Lilly USD-NW 0298 1997 year MERIT AWARDS Robert A. Lucansky USD-NW 0377 1990 Andres L. Martinez USD-NW 2853 1997 Robert M. Mc Goldrick CRSD 2907 1991 40 LODGE MEMBER Anthony J. Mele Jr CRSD 2907 1995 MERIT AWARDS NAME SYSTEM NUMBER SINCE Juan V. Mercado Jr USD-W 1227 1997 Walter L. Abbott USD-W 0325 1985 Deion M. Miggins USD-NW 0377 1997 LODGE MEMBER Robert Ali CRSD 2907 1979 Mario R. Morales USD-W 1381 1997 year NAME SYSTEM NUMBER SINCE J. Baldwin USD-W 1020 1987 Reginald A. Morgan CRSD 2907 1991 Delbert L. Albin USD-W 0216 1957 Jose Baray USD-W 1227 1987 Michael J. Nowlin CRSD 2907 1994 Raymond L. Cooper USD-W 0899 1957 Glen A. Begay USD-W 1227 1987 James K. Popp USD-NW 0343 1997 60 John B. Holding USD-NW 1757 1967 Arnold Benally USD-W 1020 1987 Bill M. Prewitt USD-NW 0343 1997 MERIT AWARDS Ron L. Loch SP ATL 1659 1964 Scott L. Braddock USD-W 0325 1979 Michael D. Primich CRSD 2907 1988 James A. Marksman USD-W 1133 1957 Mel E. Brendle USD-W 0941 1978 Leandro M. Ramirez USD-W 0686 1997 LODGE MEMBER William P. Marksman USD-W 1133 1957 Thomas Carter USD-W 1020 1987 Theodore G. Rees USD-W 1227 1997 NAME SYSTEM NUMBER SINCE Keith E. Marlin USD-W 0757 1962 Wayne Castillo USD-W 1020 1987 Lawrence E. Robinson USD-W 0369 1997 Jerome W. Floerchinger USD-W 0216 1942 William E. Pratt CRSF 1900 1967 Bruce M. Charley USD-W 1020 1987 Pete Rodriquez USD-W 1216 1995 Chris T. Frank USD-W 1381 1942 Howard W. Sun USD-W 0874 1957 Roe S. Decker Jr USD-W 0874 1970 Chad E. Schmidt USD-W 1133 1993 Melvin Fries USD-W 0941 1943 William P. Tate USD-W 0325 1967 Steven R. Drew USD-W 1227 1987 James E. Schultz USD-W 0369 1997 C. E. Glenn FRISCO 0493 1946 Tony Tsosie Sr USD-W 1020 1967 Donald D. Engstrom USD-W 1216 1979 Eric C. Snyder USD-NW 1879 1997 Acel L. Hales USD-W 0686 1939 Leon Walton USD-NW 1152 1966 Robert C. Gablenz USD-W 0473 1978 Desmond Stevens USD-W 1227 1997 Otto A. Hochhalter USD-W 1381 1941 Marvin C. White USD-W 0757 1958 Larry Hardy USD-W 1020 1987 Rames Stevens USD-W 1227 1993 Paul B. Ketchmark USD-W 0686 1947 Ricky Hosteen USD-W 0757 1987 Michael M. Syracuse USD-W 0686 1997 Jose C. Maes USD-W 0918 1944 Jasper Jim USD-W 1020 1986 Robert J. Taylor USD-NW 2853 1997 Mikel B. Mc Million Jr AEF 0130 1946 Nelson Y. Kee USD-W 1020 1987 Robert Trevino USD-W 0134 1997 John A. Prayso Jr PENN 3073 1940 Edward Largo USD-W 1020 1987 Tyler J. Webb USD-W 0757 1997 Felix Recek USD-W 0216 1946 Thomas Lee MO PAC 2921 1979 James J. Wessel Jr USD-NW 2853 1997 Charles K. Weber USD-W 1133 1943 year Aregrero Martinez USD-W 1381 1987 Timothy J. Wheeler USD-W 1402 1997 Miles B. Whitehall USD-W 0941 1937 Calvin L. Martinez USD-W 1020 1987 Anthony W. Winship USD-NW 0342 1997 Ralph J. Wise USD-W 0473 1941 Erick J. Mazur USD-W 0216 1987 Terrill Yazzie USD-W 1020 1997 30 Curtis A. Robinson USD-NW 1046 1977 Cole K. Younger USD-NW 1152 1997 MERIT AWARDS Clifford A. Ruth USD-W 0134 1979 Michael J. Sandoval USD-W 1020 1987 LODGE MEMBER Bruce Teuber CRSD 2907 1978 Future Staff Continued from Page 5 NAME SYSTEM NUMBER SINCE Dale Tsosie USD-W 1020 1981 year James A. Andriac CRSD 2907 1974 Myles J. Winslow CRSD 2907 1983 ¥ Education and training; Scott N. Andriesen BURNOR 1426 1977 Lewis R. Woody USD-W 1020 1987 50 Scott N. Andriesen BURNOR 1426 1977 Amos Yazzie USD-W 1020 1982 ¥ A description of any experience in MERIT AWARDS Larry J. Bakeman USD-NW 0239 1977 the areas of claims and grievance han- Dave A. Bauer USD-W 0899 1977 dling, disciplinary hearings, contract Dominic Belmonte CRSD 2907 1977 LODGE MEMBER Herbert Benally USD-W 1020 1977 negotiations, research, finance, legisla- NAME SYSTEM NUMBER SINCE Billy Bigman USD-W 0918 1967 tive matters, safety and/or regulatory Robert M. Acocks USD-W 1227 1955 James A. Brown USD-W 1402 1976 year matters, newsletters/publications, and Joe A. Alcaraz USD-W 0686 1951 Mark D. Burgett BURNOR 1426 1977 arbitration. Vernon T. Anderson USD-W 0369 1953 Kenneth L. Byrd USD-W 1227 1976 Albert Ballow USD-W 1227 1951 Alfredo H. Cadena USD-NW 0591 1977 10 In the coming years, future staff posi- Charles D. Bryan USD-W 0757 1954 Manuel Carreon USD-W 1402 1977 MERIT AWARDS tion vacancies are anticipated for South- Jose R. Bustos USD-W 0686 1953 Charles Cobb ASF 0224 1977 field, MI, Chicago, IL and Washington, James B. Caldwell USD-W 0369 1955 Anthony J. Costaney CRSD 2907 1976 LODGE MEMBER Francis A. Cronin USD-W 1381 1950 Daniel Dooley CRSD 2907 1976 NAME SYSTEM NUMBER SINCE DC. Please indicate if you would not Harry W. De Haven USD-W 1381 1953 Jeffrey L. Dorsett USD-W 1218 1977 Juan G. Avila USD-NW 0377 1997 want to be considered for a staff vacan- Sipriano J. De Santiago USD-W 0216 1951 Robert Drobish CRSD 2907 1975 Elton G. Banks USD-NW 0342 1992 cy in one or more of these locations. In Cleo M. Ethridge USD-W 1381 1948 Paul Fontana CRSD 2907 1973 Gary J. Borgmeier USD-NW 0343 1997 addition, if you have a particular prefer- Donald D. Fletcher USD-W 0473 1953 Larry E. Frank USD-W 1381 1973 David L. Bowers USD-W 0874 1997 John N. Fletcher USD-W 0473 1951 Sylvester R. Frank BURNOR 1426 1977 David R. Bruesch USD-W 1381 1992 ence, please indicate the type of union Wilbur H. Fugate USD-W 1381 1950 Gerard P. Frankowski CRSD 2907 1976 Sean P. Campbell USD-W 0686 1997 staff work you are most interested in, Kenneth W. Gillmore USD-W 1381 1949 Curtis M. Gossage USD-W 1381 1977 Gerald D. Carpenter II USD-W 0899 1997 i.e., legislative, safety, research, com- Lawrence J. Haake USD-W 1133 1946 Charles J. Hazelton CRSD 2907 1976 Davis Castillo USD-W 1020 1992 Edgar J. Haycock USD-W 0686 1954 Joseph R. Hilligoss ICGF 2834 1976 Jeremy S. Cimmiyotti USD-W 0369 1997 munications, arbitration, etc. Richard E. Herman USD-W 1133 1955 Horace B. Jones USD-W 1227 1970 Frank E. Dedics CRSD 2907 1995 Expressions of interest and resumes William H. Hernandez USD-W 0686 1951 Jeffrey Krohn CRSD 2907 1977 Luis Fernandez USD-W 0134 1997 should be mailed to: Keith Hickenlooper USD-W 1381 1951 Gregory D. Largent USD-NW 1046 1973 Roger A. Fisher USD-W 1381 1997 Roy M. Huot USD-W 0369 1948 Lyle A. Leggett BURNOR 1426 1977 Kenneth C. Geiger USD-W 0473 1997 BMWED Staff Positions James K. Ivory USD-W 1218 1952 Ron L. Loch SP ATL 1659 1964 John E. Gramps USD-W 1381 1997 c/o Freddie N. Simpson, President Alfonso J. Jaramillo USD-W 0686 1951 Robert A. Loller CRSD 2907 1975 Lawrence Graziano CRSD 2907 1995 Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Jose C. Juarez USD-W 1133 1953 Daniel J. Love BURL 1105 1977 Alan C. Haupt USD-NW 0343 1997 Employes Division Paul D. Kennedy USD-W 0757 1956 Lloyd G. Maestas USD-W 1227 1973 Dane A. Henderson USD-NW 1152 1997 Richard J. Lehrer USD-W 0757 1953 Kelly G. Martinez USD-W 0941 1967 Jacob F. Hulke USD-NW 0239 1997 20300 Civic Center Drive, Suite 320 Jose M. Lucero Sr USD-W 0686 1953 Jose A. Mayoral USD-W 0686 1976 Hank E. Hull USD-W 0918 1997 Southfield, MI 48076 Rayneldo A. Maestas USD-W 0686 1953 Joseph B. Mc Andrew CRSD 2907 1976 L. F. Mascarenas USD-W 0686 1955 Robert E. Mc Guire CRSD 2907 1975 Stanley W. Matthews USD-W 1381 1953 Paul Noreika CRSD 2907 1975 Robert G. Mc Lain USD-W 1402 1955 William J. O Malley Jr CRSD 2907 1974 DEATH BENEFITS Alex B. Medina USD-W 0686 1955 Gary Ockinga USD-W 1133 1977 Blas Medina Jr USD-W 0686 1950 Jan H. Peterson USD-W 1227 1974 Elmer Mermis USD-W 1216 1954 Laurence F. Pino USD-W 0686 1977 Floyd A. Miller USD-W 0686 1946 Odilio Pino-cherry USD-W 0686 1977 Stanley Mitchell USD-W 0757 1949 Kenneth B. Poledna USD-W 0686 1975 Domingo A. Mondragon USD-W 0941 1950 Daniel K. Price USD-W 1227 1977 Report of Claims Paid during May thru June, 2007 Jose F. Mondragon USD-W 0686 1953 Mickel Radocesky Jr CRSD 2907 1976 Jose L. Mondragon USD-W 0686 1951 James M. Romanowski USD-NW 0591 1977 NAME LODGE NUMBER SYSTEM NAME LODGE NUMBER SYSTEM Harold Monfelt USD-W 1133 1948 Robin Rossmell CRSD 2907 1976 VERNON H. BAKER 1047 AEF GREEN KENDRICK 2057 SEAB Juan Navarro USD-W 0686 1947 Ken C. Saunders USD-W 0686 1976 ROY H. CARSON 1402 USD-W STANTON J. KIRBY 0519 USD-NW Joseph A. Paiz USD-W 0686 1950 David R. Scott USD-W 1402 1977 MARTIN G. CARRICO 0075 AEF GEORGE W. LAIRD 0652 ICGF Charles W. Paull Jr USD-W 0369 1956 CIRINO R. CHAVEZ 1227 USD-W ELIAZAR PAREDES 1664 NPW&LE George T. Slyter USD-W 1381 1977 RALPH L. CONLEY 0566 ASF EARL C. PARISH 0519 USD-NW John E. Queirolo USD-W 0757 1947 Calvin E. Smith BURL 1105 1977 WIBURN R. COPLEY 0613 ASF FRED B. PINNEKER 0899 USD-W Lloyd W. Ream USD-W 0757 1953 Robert T. Spangler USD-W 0874 1977 CARL R. CROTTS 0594 ASF LOWELL A. SHIRLEY 0899 USD-W James C. Rhoads USD-W 0941 1951 James D. Stevens USD-W 1402 1971 LOUIS CUSANO 2775 CRSF LESTER E. STEINBROOK 1316 BURL Howard E. Richards USD-W 1216 1950 Dave G. Stone USD-W 1381 1975 JOHN R. DAGGETT 1402 USD-W Erven Riehart USD-W 0473 1953 David A. Swane USD-NW 1071 1977 GEORGE R. DARDEEN 0505 CRSF Joe D. Romero USD-W 0686 1953 Larry J. Tarver USD-W 0941 1970 GALEN G. GROSSNICKLE 1216 USD-W PAID MAY 1, 2007 TO JUNE 30, 2007 $11,000.00 Gavino Sanchez USD-W 0686 1946 Robert A. Tilley USD-W 1133 1977 ARTHUR F. HINES 0899 USD-W AMOUNT PREVIOUSLY PAID $45,118,307.75 Marshell K. Smith USD-W 1381 1951 Randy L. Treanor USD-W 0874 1977 WYLIE N. JENNINGS 0355 FRISCO TOTAL AMOUNT PAID TO DATE. $45,129,307.75 Frank J. Sock USD-W 0473 1950 Donald J. Wysocki BURL 1105 1977 JAMES E. JOHNSON 0702 AEF NUMBER OF CLAIMS PAID -22

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RAIL CONFERENCE LEADERS FORM MEXICO RAIL STUDY GROUP Runaway Train Imperils CSX Track Crew Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 City Southern Industries (KCSI) and Teamster brothers in the Rail ments. “The reaction of the crew was happen. Regardless of on-track safety eventually became Kansas City Conference on this important issue,” amazing and all of BMWED congratu- protections, we still have to be mindful Southern de Mexico. In 2005, KCS said BMWED President Fred lates them for averting disaster. This that human or mechanical error ‘up took control of the Texas Mexican Simpson, who also serves as a mem- is a good example of the professional- stream’ can lead to breakdowns in our Railway (TexMex Railway) and the ber of the study group. “We have an ism of our members and their dedica- on-track safety protection. BMWED International Bridge in Laredo, Texas, obligation to our members to make tion to safety,” said Inclima. “It is also a members must always have their further streamlining operation sure that any increase in U. S. rail good example of how a routine day heads on a swivel, because even between the U. S. and Mexico. infrastructure due to increased rev- could be shattered in an instant. Even under the best of circumstances, main- Kansas City Southern is only one of enue from Mexico is performed by rail when you have Exclusive Track tenance of way work is very dangerous several U. S. Class I Railroads with labor.” The group also made visits to Occupancy authority, bad things can and unforgiving.” major ties to the Mexican rail industry. the International bridge connecting Union Pacific serves all six major the U. S. with Mexico and to the Port gateways into Mexico, including of Laredo Rail Yard. “It is important to Hazardous Materials Continued from Page 3 Laredo, and exchanges more than make sure rail labor continues to per- 60% of its shipments with Kansas City form work connected to our crafts, road’s vulnerability and the potential Said one participant of the class, Southern. In fact, Union Pacific owns including any new work that may threat that HazMat loaded tank cars, “The most important thing I learned 26% of the Railroad (FXE), result from the railroads’ expansion box cars, trailers, and land/sea contain- was how the various chemicals I one of three Class I Railroads operat- into Mexico,” said BMWED Vice ers posed to us and our families. We come into contact with each day ing in Mexico. BNSF moves freight President and study group member immediately realized that we are sur- transfer to my boots and clothing and, between the U. S. and Mexico through Roger Sanchez. rounded by potential WMDs. According as a result, can be brought into my five separate entrances in California The study group will continue to to the Association of American home.” and Texas. And, all of the major rail- meet and work toward increasing Railroads (AAR), an estimated 10,000 And, most recently, in May of 2007 roads are looking to expand business jobs and opportunities in the U. S. shipments of hazardous materials are ...BNSF’s Seery was so pleased with in Mexico. for its members that may result from moved by rail in the U.S. each day. the training results achieved during the The Mexico Rail Study Group spent the expansion into Mexico. The Members of the BMWE asked the October ’06 training session that he two days in Laredo reviewing the cur- BMWED members of the committee question, “What can we do to better secured authorization for a second rent effects of NAFTA on rail labor are President Fred Simpson, Secre- protect ourselves and the communities class during the week of May 14. This and researching ways to protect rail- tary Treasurer Perry Geller, Director we live in from future accidental or time around there was a mix of BNSF road workers in the future. “It is evi- of Strategic Coordination and Re- deliberate releases of hazardous mate- Structures and Maintenance of Way dent that U. S. Railroads are reaping search Don Griffin and Vice Presi- rials into our work environment?” The Safety Assistants, and full time Signal the benefits from NAFTA which has dents Randy Cook, Leon Fenhaus, answer from the railroads usually went department trainers in attendance for caused the loss of so many U. S. jobs. Roger Sanchez, David Tanner and something like this . . . “We’ve got a the four day HazMat experience. We look forward to working with our Henry Wise. plan for that scenario but, for security The goal of these cooperative reasons, we can’t tell you very much Labor/Management efforts is to about it. As far as craft level HazMat or improve safety and hazmat awareness PERSPECTIVE Continued from Page 4 Security training is concerned, keep a both on the jobsite and in the class- sharp lookout for anything suspicious. room. “Everybody wins when we put the safety of railroad bridges. FRA absolutely foolhardy for the railroads We’ll let you know what to do if some- safety first,” says Rick Inclima, Director Administrator Joe Boardman chaired to retire these experienced bridge thing happens.” of Safety and Education for the a bridge safety roundtable panel on inspectors without first mentoring the Fast forward, from 2001 to BMWED. “We have been a solid sup- June 26, 2007 in conjunction with a next generation of inspectors. Our October of 2006. It’s the final day of a porter and an active participant in the meeting of the Rail Safety Advisory Brothers and Sisters in train and four day First Responder’s HazMat NLC Rail Workers’ Hazardous Committee (RSAC). BMWED engine service, members of the Course, presented by the National Materials Training Program since its Director of Safety Rick Inclima repre- riding public, and communities Labor College (NLC) and its peer inception in 1991. It’s great to see that sented the BMWED and Rail Labor along the right-of-way deserve struc- instructors through invitation from the at least two railroads have been on the panel. All other panel partici- turally safe and reliable railroad Burlington Northern SantaFe Railroad. enlightened enough to work coopera- pants were railroad bridge engineers bridges. Twenty full-time BMWED-appointed tively with our nationally-recognized and/or railroad management. Restoring the ranks of qualified BNSF Safety Assistants are participat- hazmat training program. It’s a win-win Brother Inclima was the only panel BMWED-represented Bridge and ing in a HazMat simulation exercise at for the safety of the workers, the rail- participant who spoke in favor of reg- Building (B&B) employees would be Olive Branch, Mississippi. Also partici- road, and the public-at-large.” ulating bridge structural safety in an important first step toward improv- pating in the training and mock emer- Today, a total of eight rail unions, place of the current guidelines. ing railroad bridge inspection and gency response exercise with the who collectively represent approxi- Brother Inclima argued, “For those maintenance. I strongly believe that Safety Assistants under his direction is mately 150,000 rail employees, are railroads doing a good job of inspect- it’s critical for the railroads to increase Craig Seery, the Director of Field Safety part of NLC/Rail Union cooperative ing and maintaining their bridges, their B&B forces and place our Ð Engineering at BNSF. BMWED mem- effort. One of the key elements in the they have nothing to fear from federal younger members with the more qual- ber B.J. Greigo, a peer instructor with success of the NLC’s program is the regulations. Federal regulations gov- ified and experienced BMWED the NLC and a full-time BNSF safety fact that much of this program’s training erning the structural integrity of rail- inspectors who undoubtedly know assistant, worked with Mr. Seery to is provided by peer trainers who are full road bridges makes safety sense and these bridges like the backs of their bring the NLC’s nationally recognized time rail workers Ð members and/or would provide FRA with the hammer hands. The industry can ill afford to program to the BNSF safety assistants local officers from the eight affiliated it needs to assure that all railroads lose our veteran members’ years of as part of their ongoing safety training. rail unions. The BMWED is especially adhere to minimum bridge safety experience and knowledge prior to Fast forward, to March of 2007. proud of the fact that, of the 18 peer requirements. Today, the FRA has passing it on to the next generation of , a commuter railroad which trainers associated with the NLC pro- no such hammer.” B&B employees. operates a 495 mile rail system in the gram, four of them are BMWED At the roundtable, BMWED also BMWED has long been concerned Greater Chicago area, also worked Brothers. They are BJ Griego (AT&SF), advocated for increased bridge about railroad bridge safety and the cooperatively with the NLC to sched- Daryl Begaye (PacFed), Henry Jajuga inspections, better training of inspec- lack of federal regulations. These ule a two week long series of classes, (PacFed), and Bill Fletcher (BURL). tors, and a nationwide risk and vul- concerns have undoubtedly been presented by the NLC peer trainers, at Rick Inclima handles recruitment for nerability assessment to determine raised to an even higher level nation- Metra’s Western Avenue and the BMWED, is a member of the pro- which bridges would most benefit wide following the deadly collapse of Kensington Yard locations. During the gram’s Hazmat Advisory Board, and from bridge displacement technology. I-35 in Minneapolis. Members can be last week of February and the first frequently doubles as a program BMWED pointed out that the railroad assured that I will do everything possi- week of March, over 500 Metra instructor along side the peer instruc- industry is losing many experienced ble to keep BMWED in the forefront of Engineering Department employees tions. To learn more about the Rail MW employees, including qualified the national debate over the safety of attend the NLC’s 8 hour Rail Workers Workers’ Hazardous Materials Training bridge inspectors, to retirement over railroad bridges and our nation’s vital HazMat program, an abbreviated ver- program at the NLC, go to the next several years. It would be infrastructure. sion of the NLC’s 40-hour program. http://www.hazmatgmc.org.

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JULY/AUGUST 2007 7 ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ BMWED Legislative Issues – 110th Congress Amtrak Funding FY 08 Michele Bachmann’s (R-MN) amend- and the Teamsters Rail Conference mendations of the September 11 n July 24 the House passed a ment would have shifted $106 million testified before Chairman Lauten- Commission (HR 1). Negotiators O$104 billion transportation and from Amtrak into a HUD grant program berg’s subcommittee on the proposed dropped the controversial provision housing bill for FY 08 by a vote of 268- for the homeless. They were defeated, legislation. that would have extended union 153, enough to sustain a promised 139-283 and 110-308, respectively. Both the House and Senate bills protection to 45,000 federal veto by President Bush. The bill (HR Overall the bill contains almost $1.5 address limbo time and hours of ser- screeners. The Senate approved 3074) authorizes a 4% increase for billion for Amtrak, with $925 million for vice and face strong opposition from the measure by of a vote of 85 to 8, transportation programs. capital and debt service. the railroads. BMWED continues to followed by the House vote of Democrats held firm as a few work with committee staff to ensure 371 to 40. Republicans made unsuccessful Rail Safety that the final rail safety bill will abolish Concerning rail security, this bill attempts to cut Amtrak funding. Sen. (D-NJ), the long-standing practice of providing authorizes more than $4 billion in Rep. Jeff Flake’s (R-AZ) amendment Chairman of the Senate Transportation sleeping quarters through the use of grants over four years for rail, transit would have slashed $475 million from Subcommittee, introduced the Senate camp cars, and also strengthens whis- and security. Amtrak’s operating funds; it was defeat- companion bill to The Federal Railroad tle-blower protections for employees In related action, the Senate also ed, 94-328. Another would have Safety Improvement Act of 2007 (HR who report unsafe conditions and per- passed on July 27 its $40.6 billion ver- slashed $475 million from Amtrak’s 2095) reported on in the last issue of sonal injuries. sion of the Department of Homeland capital funds; it was defeated 104-312. the Journal. Security FY 08 budget. The House Rep. Pete Session’s (R-TX) amend- On July 26, the Federal Railroad Rail Security passed its bill (HR 2638) on June 15. ment would have cut funding for the Administration, the Association of On July 27 Congress gave final Both bills provide $800 million for port Sunset Limited, which runs from New American Railroads, the Southern approval on the long-stalled legisla- and rail security grants, about double Orleans to Los Angeles, and Rep. California Regional Railroad Authority, tion to implement a number of recom- Bush’s request. Around the Brotherhood Financial Assistance for Families of Funding for the work of the Spent Nuclear Fuel and Emergency Response Radiological Deceased Railway Employees Foundation is completely independent High Level Radioactive Waste from Transportation Training (MERRTT) he John Edgar Thomson of any railroad. It neither solicits nor DOE sites to storage and disposal course. Training will be conducted on TFoundation, established in 1882 receives funds from the public. facilities. With the increase in rail the George Meany of the and endowed by the will of Mr. Further information and applications shipments comes the increased risk National Labor College in Silver Spring, Thomson, third president of the may be obtained by writing to: Sheila for rail incidents involving radioactive MD. Railroad, offers limited Cohen, Director, The John Edgar material. The program dates are: November financial aid to daughters of a Thomson Foundation, 201 South The Rail Workers Hazardous 5-8, 2007, April 14-16, 2008 and May deceased parent. The parent must Eighteenth Street, Suite 318, Materials Training Program has been 12-14, 2008. Funding for these have been in the active employ of any Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, funded to provide this training by a courses will cover travel costs, railroad in the at the time Phone: 215-545-6083 or 800-888- federal grant from the National overnight room accommodations and of death, although the cause need not 1278. Institute of Environmental Health three meals a day at NLC. Call Carol be work related. Whatever grant is Sciences (NIEHS) which provides Rodgers at the Hazmat office (301- awarded usually services to benefit all National Labor College Offers transportation, lodging, and meals for 439-2440) for more information. members of the family. Radiological Transportation Training training participants, and also spon- Since space for this course is limit- The monthly allowance made under The US Department of Energy sored in part by funding from the ed, BMWED members are encouraged the grant may cover the period from (DOE) has shipped large amounts North American Railway Foundation to register as soon as possible. Only infancy to age 18; under certain cir- and a variety of radioactive material (NARF) to support peer trainer those selected to attend will be notified. cumstances to age 22, to assist by rail for years. The number of rail activities. Interested rail workers may call the grantees who are pursuing higher edu- shipments is expected to increase in A 10 hour hazmat awareness and Hazmat office to register by phone, or cational goals. The Foundation also coming years, beginning as early as security training course will be followed register online at http://www.hazmat- offers special health care benefits. 2007, with a 38-year DOE project to by a two-day DOE-sponsored Modular gmc.org.

Periodicals Postage Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division PAID 20300 Civic Center Drive Southfield, Michigan Suite 320 and additional offices Southfield, Michigan 48076-4169

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28 BMWED JOURNAL