THE LOCOMOTIVE NGINEER ENEWSLETTER · JULY 2002 Procedures set for remote control arbitration The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers an- in the dispute. UTU was also a part of the January other than locomotive engineers to operate locomo- nounced on June 25 that it has negotiated a set of court ruling issued by the U.S. District Court in Chi- tives via remote control in connection with the move- procedures to be followed in upcoming arbitration cago. ment of cars, trains and/or engines in terminal op- hearings, which will determine whether Locomotive “The BLE is going to work hard and fight aggres- erations is a violation of the exclusive rights of loco- Engineers or trainmen have the right to operate re- sively to keep Locomotive Engineers from losing their motive engineers to perform such service pursuant mote control technology. jobs,” BLE International President Don M. Hahs said. to existing BLE Agreements and established prac- The tripartite arbitration decision — between the The three parties could not agree on a single tice.” BLE, United Transportation Union and six railroad question to pose to the arbitrators, so each party sub- Due to the timelines established in the agreement, companies (BNSF, Conrail, CSX, KCS, NS and UP) — mitted its own question. The merits arbitration panel it is expected that the dispute will be resolved around was reached after months of negotiations. The UTU will render a decision on the questions posed on page the end of the year. is a party to the hearing because its collective bar- 6 of the arbitration agreement. A copy of the six-page arbitration agreement is gaining agreements, as well as BLE’s, are involved The BLE question states, “The assignment of available on the BLE website. • Hahs testifies at Senate BLE scores Tex Mex victory hearing on rail A majority of workers nized the many Tex Mex em- BLE’s affiliation with the AFL- that a fight against the BLE on the Texas-Mexican Rail- ployees who spent time cam- CIO and its pending merger/ is a fight against all of labor. safety, fatigue way selected the Brother- paigning for the BLE. He also affiliation with the Teamsters “I thank Presidents hood of Locomotive Engi- thanked Special Representa- swayed many votes in favor of Sweeney and Hoffa for their BLE President Don M. neers as their designated tive Tom Miller for helping the BLE. participation in our organiz- Hahs told the Senate’s Surface collective bargaining repre- guide the representation elec- The AFL-CIO and IBT par- ing drive,” President Hahs Transportation Subcommittee sentative in a National Me- tion to a successful conclusion. ticipated in the BLE’s letter said. “Their letters had a that the Brotherhood of Loco- diation Board certified elec- He also thanked the AFL-CIO writing campaign, and letters tremendous effect.” motive Engineers has created tion on July 15. and the International Brother- from AFL-CIO President John President Hahs also a fatigue counter-measure One-hundred and nine hood of Teamsters for assist- Sweeney and Teamster Presi- thanked AFL-CIO President plan that would greatly im- of 115 eligible voters cast ing in the BLE’s organizing dent James Hoffa were deliv- Sweeney for dispatching or- prove safety in the railroad in- ballots, and a 60-49 major- campaign. ered to all Tex Mex employees. ganizer Ed Tynes to the dustry. ity voted for the BLE over Following the victory, These letters explained property to assist the BLE. Drawing a link between the United Transportation President Hahs revealed por- why the Tex Mex workers He spent a great deal of time safety of employees and the Union. tions of the BLE’s organizing should support the BLE over in the field with Tex Mex economic health of railroad BLE International strategy that made the cam- an organization not affiliated companies, President Hahs See Tex Mex, Page 7 President Don Hahs recog- paign a success. He said the with the AFL-CIO, and stated spoke at length about worker fatigue at a hearing on July 10. Citing unreliable work sched- ules, under-staffing, and Hours BLE, Rail Labor fighting to save Amtrak of Service loopholes, the BLE President noted that there are many causes of fatigue, but Bankruptcy threatens 23,000 Amtrak jobs; Members asked to contact Congress, White House said that each employee has an BLE International Presi- individual threshold for toler- dent Don M. Hahs is working ating it. steadily to secure funding for The three-pronged BLE Amtrak that will keep the na- approach to eliminating fa- tional passenger railroad on tigue would focus on educa- track now and in the future. tion, information and empow- In mid-June, Amtrak Presi- erment. It would empower rail dent David Gunn announced operating employees with the that the railroad would discon- right to call off work if they are tinue service nationwide if it fatigued after completing a set did not receive $100 million in amount of work each month. emercency funding. Following The BLE President asked the announcement, President that Congress serve as a me- Hahs and other rail and trans- diator and facilitator to bring portation union leaders the essential parties together scrambled to help save the na- to address fatigue as a way of tional passenger railroad from BLE legislative and political leaders were joined on Capitol Hill by Teamster General President James Hoffa in a improving rail safety. He also bankruptcy. lobbying effort to save Amtrak. Front row, from left: Dale McPherson, BLE Vice-President; John Mullen, BNSF noted that the Hours of Service During the last week of General Chairman; James Hoffa, IBT General President; Don Hahs, BLE International President; Ken Kertesz, Act covers rail workers but not June in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania State Legislative Board Chairman; and Brian Gallaher, Secretary of the New York State Legislative workers employed by outside President Hahs and key BLE Board. Back row, from left: John Tolman, assistant to the International President; Darrell Blake, West Virginia contractors, who often perform State Legislative Board Chairman; J.T. Norris, Virginia State Legislative Board Chairman; Raymond Holmes, the same work as railroad em- BLE Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Rep.; and Tommy Roberts, Conrail General Chairman. See Amtrak, Page 2 (Not all BLE participants are pictured; Photo courtesy Steven K. Ostrowski, Secretary-Treasurer, BLE Division 127.) See Senate, Page 8
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Since 1863, a tradition of forward thinking Page 2 Locomotive Engineer Newsletter · July 2002 BLE NEWS CN reaches another ground-breaking agreement with BLE Canadian National (CN) and the job security for all BLE members cur- vice-president, said: “This agreement thinking displayed by both the BLE and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers rently qualified as locomotive engi- mirrors the success we had in negoti- CN labor relations officers is relegat- (BLE) announced the signing of a pro- neers. The new agreement would also ating a new compensation model for ing age-old labor-management prac- gressive labor agreement covering 415 see engineers paid an hourly wage, a our members on CN’s Wisconsin Cen- tices to the past. This is an important locomotive engineers who work on CN’s modernization of the mileage- and rule- tral Division. This innovative approach step in an industry whose traditionally former Illinois Central properties in the based compensation system that dates to rail industry wage and working con- complex labor agreements for train and United States. from the era of the steam locomotive ditions will improve labor relations on engine employees have for years gen- The tentative agreement — mod- but remains standard in the rail indus- the railroad and secure a better bal- erated misunderstanding and confron- eled on one ratified by BLE members try. ance between work and home life for tation. With this agreement, CN on CN’s Wisconsin Central Division The three-year agreement, which is our members.” achieves greatly enhanced employee earlier this year — would eliminate all subject to BLE ratification, would take E. Hunter Harrison, CN’s executive productivity while BLE members obtain prior work rules and agreements in effect Aug. 1, 2002. vice-president and chief operating of- job security and significant lifestyle im- exchange for guaranteed time off and Rick Radek, BLE international ficer, said: “The fresh and innovative provements.” • BLE, BNSF sign agreement to create new era in employee safety
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) by BLE members and negotiated by the four BLE ployees,” said M. David Dealy, BNSF’s vice president, and The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway general chairmen, with the assistance of the Inter- Transportation. “Both BLE and BNSF will focus on Company (BNSF) announced an agreement in June national Division of the BLE — will allow our mem- root cause analysis and corrective action to prevent that will launch a new era in railroad employee safety bers to fully participate in creating a safer working injuries caused by behavior as well as injuries caused programs. environment.” by environmental conditions.” Through the agreement, which has been ratified The agreement provides for BLE-represented Brother Speagle concluded, “The BLE believes by BLE members, a new safety culture will be intro- safety people to assure that the agreement’s proce- that the new approach to discipline, which places a duced that focuses on the active participation of em- dures are being implemented and interpreted uni- higher emphasis on training and counseling, will also ployees and BLE and BNSF leadership working as a formly across BNSF’s 33,000-route-mile system. contribute to a better and safer work place. team to create a safer workplace. The agreement also Safety forums at different BNSF locations will ad- “The overwhelming ratification of the agreement establishes an approach to discipline that further dress conditions that have to be corrected to improve by the BLE membership is further evidence of the stresses training and counseling instead of punitive safe production, replacing the previous reporting, need for change. We are hoping the appointment of discipline. cataloguing and investigative process. BLE Safety Coordinators and the implementation of “The BLE is happy to be a full partner with BNSF Workplace coaching, counseling and retraining the new agreement will provide for the change that when it comes to safety,” BLE International Vice- will replace the existing discipline process for non- everyone agrees is necessary. President Stephen Speagle said. “Accidents cost repetitive and non-serious rules violations. “We are proud to work with BNSF to make the BNSF millions of dollars each year, but they cost our “This agreement represents a fundamental work place safer for not just our members, but for members their lives. The joint agreement — ratified change in our approach to safety for operating em- everybody working at BNSF.” •
dressed a special BLE-Teamster coali- Committee. He urged Congress to sup- Amtrak tion of legislative and political leaders port short-term funding for Amtrak Be On Alert! Continued from Page 1 during a meeting at the White House. while endorsing its long-term survival. BLE President Hahs attended the meet- Congress should fund passenger rail to FRA to increase ing with James P. Hoffa, General Presi- the same extent that it funds America’s legislative leaders met with dozens of dent of the International Brotherhood highways and airports, he said. Prop- efficiency testing congressional leaders to lobby for of Teamsters. In addition to Hoffa and erly funded, Amtrak would make the Amtrak funding. Key political figures, Hahs, other Teamster and BLE Inter- promise of high-speed rail a reality. The Brotherhood of Locomo- such as Secretary of Transportation national Officers, BLE State Legislative “Make rail passenger service a vi- tive Engineers has been informed Norman Y. Mineta and Amtrak CEO Board Chairmen, the BLE national ne- able alternative,” he urged. by the Federal Railroad Adminis- David Gunn, held private meetings with gotiating team, and more than 150 As this issue of the Newsletter went tration that, due to the recent in- the BLE President. Teamster legislative leaders attended to press, President Hahs and all BLE crease in accidents, efficiency First Vice-President & Alternate the Bush address. Labor Secretary leaders were still working diligently to testing by the FRA will signifi- President Ed Rodzwicz and Vice-Presi- Elaine Chao also spoke to the BLE- save Amtrak. cantly increase immediately. dent & U.S. National Legislative Rep- Teamster group, as did Senior Adviser The AFL-CIO’s Transportation The majority of these in- resentative Raymond Holmes also par- to President Bush Karl Rove. Trades Department is asking BLE creased efficiency tests will occur ticipated in these high-level meetings. Following this meeting, the Bush members to contact Congress and the on the Burlington Northern-Santa In addition, more than 25 members, Administration and Amtrak reached an President to ask that they fund at least Fe and Amtrak. However, crews including several BLE State Legislative agreement to keep the railroad running $205 million for Amtrak to continue na- on all railroads need to maintain Board Chairmen and Amtrak General through September. However, many tional service through the end of the fis- increased vigilance to rules com- Chairman Mark Kenny, were called in congressional supporters of Amtrak cal year on September 30, and then vote pliance. to Capitol Hill. They assisted in the lob- are skeptical of this plan, believing it at least $1.2 billion for Amtrak in the The BLE International Divi- bying campaign, which was held in con- merely delays the railroad’s inevitable next fiscal year 2003. sion encourages all of its mem- junction with other AFL-CIO affiliated shutdown. Calls to Congress can be made to bers to continue their long-stand- unions under the direction of the Trans- On July 10, President Hahs testi- the Capitol Switchboard at: (202) 224- ing tradition of strict rules com- portation Trades Department. fied in favor of Amtrak funding at a 3121. Calls to President Bush can be pliance while on the job. President George W. Bush ad- hearing before the Senate’s Commerce made at: (202) 456-1414. • Upcoming Railroad Retirement Board informational conferences The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will offer September 20 • Tampa, Fla. October 18 • Fort Worth, Texas free informational conferences for elected BLE of- Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Holiday Inn South, 100 Alta Mesa East Blvd. ficials throughout the 2002 calendar year. 2225 N. Lois Ave. Registration for all informational conferences October 25 • Albany, N.Y. begins at 8 a.m.. The program will begin promptly September 27 • Louisville, Ky. Quality Inn of Albany at 8:30 a.m. and will end at 12:30 p.m. No meet- Executive Inn, 978 Phillips Lane 3 Watervliet Ave. Extension, AV Room ings are scheduled for August. October 4 • Philadelphia, Pa. November 8 • Metairie, La. September 6 • Harrisburg, Pa. Wyndham Philadelphia at Franklin Plaza Holiday Inn Metairie Harrisburg East Holiday Inn 17th and Race Streets 3400 S. I-10 & Causeway Blvd. 4751 Lindle Road October 11 • Houston, Texas November 15 • Charlotte, N.C. September 20 • Decatur, Ill. University Hilton Hotel Sheraton Hotel Airport Best Value Inn & Suites, 450 E. Pershing Rd. 4800 Calhoun Rd. 3315 S. I-85 & Billy Graham Parkway Locomotive Engineer Newsletter · July 2002 Page 3 CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT New fatigue countermeasures established in Canada In a major step to eliminate fatigue- Hucker said “Brother Don Anderson and then immediately back on duty 2003. The department will closely moni- related accidents in the railway indus- was on the drafting committee since its while en route, expressly for the pur- tor industry compliance with the rules try, the Canadian government has ap- inception and saw the project to its pose of circumventing the maximum and will make appropriate adjustments proved new work/rest guidelines for completion. We all owe him a great deal daily on-duty time provisions; based on new research or emerging rail operating employees. of gratitude.” • require that employees being safety issues. The Brotherhood of Locomotive En- Brother Anderson, Provincial Leg- asked to work a second shift be involved Since the new rules were filed by gineers played a leading role in the de- islative Board Chairman for Alberta, in the decision-making process, since the RAC on behalf of its member rail- velopment of the new fatigue counter- was the BLE’s representative on the they are best able to assess their own ways, those other federally regulated measures, which were approved by working group that drafted the new condition; railways that are not members of the Canada’s Minister of Transport David rule. • define important terms like “fit RAC will be ordered to file similar rules Collenette on June 18. “The new rule closes up the previ- for duty,” “tour of duty,” (shift) and covering their respective operations. BLE Vice-President & National Leg- ous rule and gives a much clearer in- “emergency conditions,” to ensure that The 28 railway companies party to islative Representative-Canada George terpretation of some of the areas that rules are interpreted and applied con- the work/rest rules are: Agence Hucker said, “The new rule enhances have caused us problems in the past,” sistently; and Métropolitaine de Transport; Algoma the principles that were provided from Brother Anderson said. • include hours of rest provisions Central Railway; Arnaud Railway; the Canalert Project and give us clear The rules will effect the U.S.-based for employees to be given periods of un- Burlington Northern (Manitoba) Ltd.; guidelines for fatigue management in locomotive engineers as they come into disturbed rest prior to being called Canadian National Railways; Canadian the railway industry.” Canada, Brother Hucker said. If their back to duty. This would require at least Pacific Railway; Chermin de fer de Ia The new rules, which will become final destination is a Canadian termi- eight hours of undisturbed rest at their Matapédia et du Golfe; Devco Railway; effective April 1, 2003, will apply to 28 nal, then the entire Work/Rest provi- home terminal, or at least six hours of CSX Transportation; ECORAIL Inc.; federally regulated railways. The rules sions will apply. The new rules also: undisturbed rest when away from their Ferroequus Railway Company Limited; generally set a maximum of 12 hours • require that general fatigue man- home terminal. Great Canadian Railtour Co. Ltd.; Nor- of work for a single shift but allow an agement plans be filed, as well as spe- The railways and the unions must folk Southern; National Railroad Pas- employee to work more than one shift cific plans in those exceptional cases formulate fatigue management plans senger Corporation; Ontario Northland per day, up to a maximum of 18 hours when the 64-hour weekly limit will be that have to be filed with Transport Transportation Commission; Ottawa in total (for example, the 18 hours can- exceeded, and in emergency situations; Canada by Jan. 31, 2003 Central Railway; Quebec North Shore not be worked continuously, and a rest • include railway employees who Specific fatigue management plans and Labrador Railway Company; break must be taken prior to commenc- were not covered under the old rule, must be filed with Transport Canada RailLink Canada Limited; St. Lawrence ing a second shift). A cap of 64 hours namely yard employees and railway by Feb. 14, 2003. and Atlantic; Sault Ste. Marie Bridge per week has also been established, but management employees who perform The Minister retains the right to re- Company; Essex Terminal Railway may be exceeded under certain condi- operational duties, such as running lo- quire changes to the new rules before Company; Greater Toronto Transit tions. Previously, no explicit weekly cap comotives or performing switching op- they come into effect, should any new Authority; Toronto Terminals Railway existed. erations; information on fatigue in the rail sec- Company Limited; VIA Rail Canada “It feels good to finally have a new • prevent improper practices such tor indicate the need for such changes. Inc.; Wabush Lake Railway Co.; West start to work/rest in Canada for the lo- as “ticket-splitting,” which occurs when Transport Canada will begin en- Coast Express; White Pass & Yukon comotive engineers,” Vice-President employees place themselves off duty forcement of the new rules on April 1, Route; and Wisconsin Central. • Nouvelles mesures de prévention contre la fatigue établies au Canada Dans un effort majeur pour “C’est bien de finalement avoir un • empêchent des pratiques oeuvre, si de nouveaux renseignements éliminer les accidents associés à la fa- nouveau départ concernant le temps de inappropriées telles que les «␣ affecta- sur la fatigue dans le secteur tigue dans l’industrie ferroviaire, le travail et de repos au Canada pour les tions fractionnées␣ », lesquelles ont lieu ferroviaire devaient le justifier. Gouvernement Canadien a approuvé de ingénieurs de locomotives␣ », a dit Vice- lorsqu’un employé termine le service et Transports Canada commencera à nouvelles règles relatives au temps de président Hucker. «␣ Confrère Don le reprend immédiatement lorsqu’il est appliquer les nouvelles règles à travail et de repos du personnel Anderson était sur le comité d’ébauche en route, expressément dans le but de compter du 1er avril 2003. Le Ministère d’exploitation ferroviaire. depuis le début et a suivi le projet contourner les dispositions sur la surveillera étroitement l’application de La Fraternité des ingénieurs de lo- jusqu’à la fin, et nous lui devons tous période maximale quotidienne de ser- ces règles par l’industrie et apportera comotives a joué un rôle de premier une grande reconnaissance␣ ». vice; les ajustements appropriés en fonction plan dans le développement des Le Confrère Anderson, Président • exigent que l’employé à qui l’on des nouvelles recherches ou des nouvelles mesures de prévention contre du Comité législatif provincial de demande d’effectuer un second quart préoccupations de sécurité la fatigue, lesquelles ont été l’Alberta, était le représentant de la FIL de travail puisse prendre part au pro- émergeantes. approuvées le 18 juin par le Ministre sur le groupe de travail qui a fait cessus de décisions, puisqu’il est à Étant donné que les nouvelles des Transports du Canada David l’ébauche des nouvelles règles. même de juger de sa propre condition; règles ont été soumises par L’ACFC Collenette. “La nouvelle règle se rapproche de • définissent des termes pour le compte de ses société Le Vice-président et Représentant la règle précédente et donne une importants tels que «␣ frais et dispos␣ », ferroviaire membres, les autres législatif national-Canada de la FIL, interprétation plus précise de certaines «␣ tour de service␣ » (quart de travail) sociétés ferroviaires qui sont George Hucker a dit␣ : «␣ Les nouvelles parties qui nous ont occasionné des et «␣ conditions d’ur gence␣ », afin que réglementées par le gouvernement règles mettent l’emphase sur les problèmes dans le passé␣ », a dit le les règles soient interprétées et fédéral mais ne font pas partie de principes qui ont découlés du Projet Confrère Anderson. appliquées de façon uniforme; et l’ACFC devront soumettre des règles Canalert et nous donnent une directive Les règles affecteront les • prévoient des dispositions sur les semblables pour leurs opérations précise des programmes de gestion de ingénieurs de locomotives des États- heures de repos afin qu’un employé respectives. la fatigue dans l’industrie ferroviaire␣ ». Unis qui se rendent au Canada, a dit le puisse disposer d’une période Les 28 sociétés ferroviaires qui Les nouvelles règles seront en Confrère Hucker. Si leur destination ininterrompue de repos avant d’être participent au dépôt des règles rela- vigueur le 1er avril 2003 et finale est une gare Canadienne, alors rappelé au travail. Cela comprendrait tives au temps de travail et de repos s’appliqueront à 28 sociétés les dispositions relatives au temps de une période ininterrompue d’au moins sont: Agence Métropolitaine de Trans- ferroviaires réglementées par le travail et de repos s’appliqueront. huit heures de repos au terminal port; Algoma Central; Arnaud Rwy.; gouvernement fédéral. Les règles De plus, les nouvelles règles : d’attache ou une période Burlington Northern (Manitoba) Ltd.; fixent en général une période maximale • exigent que les programmes ininterrompue d’au moins six heures Canadian National; Canadian Pacific; de service de 12 heures de travail par généraux de gestion de la fatigue soient de repos quand l’employé ne se trouve Chermin de fer de Ia Matapédia et du quart de travail, mais permettent à un remplis, ainsi que les programmes pas au terminal d’attache. Golfe; Devco Railway; CSXT; ECORAIL employé de faire plus d’un quart de tra- précis dans les circonstances Les Compagnies de chemins de fer Inc.; Ferroequus Rwy. Co. Ltd.; Great vail par jour, jusqu’à concurrence de 18 exceptionnelles ou l’on doit franchir la et les syndicats doivent formuler des Canadian Railtour Co. Ltd.; Norfolk heures au total (par exemple, ces 18 limite hebdomadaire des 64 heures, ou programmes de gestion de fatigue qui Southern; Amtrak; Ontario Northland heures ne doivent pas être travaillées lors de situations d’urgence; doivent être soumises à Transports Transportation Commission; Ottawa de façon consécutive, et une pause doit • s’appliquent à des employés de Canada au plus tard le 31 janvier 2003. Central; Quebec North Shore & Labra- être prévue avant que l’employé chemin de fer qui n’étaient pas touchés Les programmes de gestion de la dor; RailLink Canada Limited; St. n’entreprenne un second quart de tra- par l’ancienne règle, en l’occurrence les fatigue précis doivent être soumis à Lawrence & Atlantic; Sault Ste. Marie vail). Une limite hebdomadaire de 64 employés de manœuvre et les employés Transports Canada au plus tard le 14 Bridge Co.; Essex Terminal Rwy. Co.; heures a aussi été prévue, mais peut de la gestion ferroviaire qui exercent février 2003. Greater Toronto Transit Authority; être excédée selon certaines condi- des fonctions d’exploitation telles que Le Ministre se réserve le droit Toronto Terminals Railway Co. Ltd.; tions. Il n’existait pas auparavant de la condition de locomotives ou les d’exiger des modifications aux VIA Rail; Wabush Lake Rwy.; West limite hebdomadaire explicite. opérations d’aiguillage; nouvelles règles avant leur mise en Coast Express; White Pass & Yukon Route; and Wisconsin Central. • Page 4 Locomotive Engineer Newsletter · July 2002 SOUTHEASTERN MEETING ASSOCIATION
Robert D. Broka, Director of the BLE’s Records Department, provides instruction during the Secretary-Treasurer workshop. Every state belonging to the SMA is represented each year during the annual GIA flag ceremony.
Two old head engineers and two future engineers at the SMA banquet. From left: Paul Wingo, Secretary-Treasurer of the Norfolk Southern-Southern Lines General Committee of Adjustment, and Ray Wallace, Norfolk Southern-Southern Lines Steve Christian of BLE Division 524 (Van Buren, Ark.), receives assistance from his wife, Trefana, General Chairman. during the Secretary-Treasurer workshop. Brother Christian is Local Chairman and Secretary- Treasurer of Division 524, and is S-T of the Arkansas State Legislative Borad.
First Vice-President & Alternate President Ed Rodzwicz, right, BLE International President Don Hahs (far right, podium) fields questions during the closed meeting. Seated, from congratulates SMA Chairman T.C. Emory for the fine job he and his left, is Vice-President Paul Sorrow; First Vice-President & Alternate President Ed Rodzwicz; Vice-President Merle organizing committee members did in planning the 75th annual SMA. Geiger; Vice-President Steve Speagle; General Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert; Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Representative Raymond Holmes; and Vice-President Joseph A. Cassidy Jr.
International Vice-President Paul Sorrow, left, takes time for a one-on-one conversation with From left: Tennessee State Legislative Board Chairman J.L. Brittain and Kentucky Brother Herman M. Connell, Local Chairman of BLE Division 291 in Crewe, Va. State Legislative Board Chairman Tommy Mayne. Locomotive Engineer Newsletter · July 2002 Page 5 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.
BLE International Officers during the closed session, from left: Vice-President Stephen D. Speagle; First Vice-President & Alternate President Ed Rodzwicz; and General Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert.
BLE International President Don M. Hahs, standing, gives his welcome address during opening ceremonies at the 75th annual Southeastern Meeting Association. Seated is SMA Chairman T.C. Emory, who serves as Local Chairman of BLE Division 456 (Norfolk, Va.).
Friendly faces welcome guests at the registration booth. From left: David T. Fernald, Local Chairman of BLE Division 2 (Jackson, Mich.); and Larry W. Sykes, General Chairman of the Norfolk Southern-Northern Lines and a member of BLE Division 1 (Detroit, Mich.).
First in line to ask questions during the BLE closed meeting is Tony Smith, General Chairman of the CSX Transportation-Eastern Lines. Brother E.L. McCulloch, former BLE International Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Representative and a retired member of BLE Division 182 (North Little Rock, Ark.).
Tony Wayland is a retired member of BLE Division 620 (Fort Worth, Texas) and Onita Wayland is International President of the Grand Internatinal Auxiliary. BLE State Legislative Board Chairmen and Division Legislative Representatives discuss the November elections during the SMA’s legislative workshop. Page 6 Locomotive Engineer Newsletter · July 2002 BLE NEWS BLE welcomes Tex Mex members
A prominent safety reminder for Tex Mex operating employees.
Tex Mex Engineer Steven Vella, a member of BLE Division 244 (Laredo, Texas). He is one of the organizers who assisted in the Tex Mex representation election, in which the BLE won the right to represent the Tex Mex operating employees.
Houston Locomotive Engineer Pat McGuire, seated in an engine in the Tex Mex terminal, as he is about to handle a train bound for Laredo. At BLE “campaign headquarters” in Laredo, Texas. From left: Arnold Salinas, Secretary-Treasurer of BLE Division 244; Tom Miller, BLE Special Representative; and Joe Zawada, Local Chairman of BLE Division 232.
Shown here is the U.S. Customs inspection building for trains crossing the Rio Grande River at Laredo, Texas. The Union Pacific locomotives shown are completing the crossing of the international bridge from Mexico. Tex Mex and UP utilize Carl Stair, Tex Mex Locomotive Engineer, in a locomotive at the the bridge to receive trains that originated in Mexico. Houston Tex Mex terminal.
Brother Tavy Villarreal Jr., a member of BLE Division 244 (Laredo, Texas), is one The Tex Mex Brothers visit the BLE’s Cleveland headquarters following the representation of the Team Captains who election. Seated, from left: Caesar Carerra; David Snow; J.J. Vara; and Tavy Villarreal Jr. assisted in the Tex Mex Standing, from left: Bill Walpert, General Secretary-Treasurer; Don Hahs, International representation election. President; and Ed Rodzwicz, First Vice-President & Alternate President. Locomotive Engineer Newsletter · July 2002 Page 7 BLE NEWS Tex Mex workers select BLE over UTU
UTU International delayed the election, Tex Mex arguing that, “The proper craft or class Continued from Page 1 on Tex Mex is Train and Engine Ser- vice Employees.” The NMB decided the issue in workers explaining the benefits of be- March of 2000, ruling in favor of the longing to a union affiliated with the UTU’s petition to combine operating AFL-CIO. crafts and dismissing the BLE’s peti- In addition to AFL-CIO and Team- tion. The NMB ruled that because of the ster influence, the BLE was assisted by creation of a single operating craft, a some of its own. Special Representa- two-year ban on representation elec- tive Tom Miller played an integral role tions was necessary to promote “labor in the BLE’s success. He worked closely stability” on the Tex Mex. with several Tex Mex employees who Once the two-year ban was lifted, spent weeks campaigning on BLE’s the BLE petitioned the NMB again, behalf, including Tavy Villarreal Jr., seeking to hold a representation elec- Caesar Carrera, David Snow, J.J. Vara, tion for the combined “train and engine and George Leyendecker. service employee” craft, which was “Brother Miller and our new Tex forced upon the employees by the UTU Mex members deserve congratulations petition. The results, 60-49 in favor of for their hard fought victory,” President the BLE, were certified by the NMB on Hahs said. “On behalf of the men and July 15. women of the BLE, I thank them.” “While we don’t agree with the con- The BLE victory concludes a nearly cept of combining operating crafts, the three-year battle for representation craft of train and engine service em- rights on Tex Mex. ployee was forced on the workers by In September of 1999, the BLE pe- the UTU’s previous petition, and we titioned the National Mediation Board were required to work under the con- A northbound KCS train sits on the international railroad bridge over the Rio Grande River in to hold a representation election for fines of the NMB’s decision,” President Laredo, Texas. Crews on the Texas-Mexican Railway will handle the train from this point to its only the locomotive engineer craft. The Hahs said. • destination in Houston.
67th Annual Southwestern Convention Meeting SWCM 2002 Golf Outing Fort Worth, Texas • September 23-26, 2002 Monday, September 23 Pre-Registration Form Mountain Valley Country Club
HOTEL RESERVATIONS The cost is $40 per person, which includes green fees, lunch, Radisson Hotel, 815 Main St., Fort Worth, Texas refreshments, transportation, and various prizes. (800) 333-3333 (BLE room rate is $97 per night) Name: SWCM INFORMATION Handicap:
Name of Attendee: Make checks or money orders payable to “SWCM golf” and mail to:
Address: Mike Sharber SWCM 2002 Golf Chairman City: State: Zip: P.O. Box 1916 Burleson, TX 76028 Phone: E-mail: BLE Division: Office: BLE’s Franklin P. Greene Fund Spouse: GIA Div.& Office: resumes lending to college-bound REGISTRATION FEE $75.00 per person attending 2002 BLE/GIA SWCM (golf registration separate) The Franklin P. Greene Fund, the Soo Line from 1895 to 1940. Before which suspended lending in 2001, is his death at age 86, Brother Greene ACTIVITIES (Please indicate number attending each activity) now accepting loan applications from wrote Grand Chief Engineer Guy L. Monday: Open reception sponsored by DLC ( ) (for those not playing golf, check registration college-bound sons of BLE members. Brown of his intention to establish the packet for information regarding places to go and things to do in Forth Worth) Don M. Hahs, BLE International educational loan fund. Tuesday: Luncheon ( ) Bar-B-Q ( ) Transportation Furnished President and Trustee of the Greene “Everything I have I owe to the Fund, announced on June 15 that four Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers,” Wednesday: Luncheon ( ) Banquet ( ) loans in the amount of $2,500 each will he wrote. “And I want to take this be available. means of showing my appreciation for For additional information, contact Chairman Mark Banton at: The Franklin P. Greene Educa- what the organization has done for me.” (817) 641-4606 or
General President Hoffa AUGUST 4-7… National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen Annual Meeting To be held at the Thunderbird Hotel and Convention Center, 2201 East 78th St., Bloomington, Minn. A room rate of $85 per night has been secured, and reservations can be made by calling (800) 328-1931. The hotel provides a 24-hour shuttle service from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. For more details, on UTU’s smear of BLE please contact NASLBC Secretary-Treasurer Perry Renfro at:
BLE Editor’s Note: On July 4, the crossed an informational picket estab- AUGUST 18-22… 64th Annual Eastern Union Meeting Association, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. United Transportation Union car- lished by Teamsters Local 657 to pro- Arrangements Chairman Ken Kertesz and members of BLE Division 263 will host the 2002 EUMA in Wilkes- ried an article on its website falsely test the use of a low-wage, nonunion Barre, Pa., at the Woodlands Inn & Resort. Members will enjoy a discounted room rate of $95 per night accusing BLE of crossing a subcontractor by labor scofflaw (plus tax) for a single or double. Room rates include a fully cooked breakfast each morning and a shuttle Teamster picket line in Union Pacific. service to and from the Wilkes Barre-Scranton International Airport. Reservations can be made by calling (570) 824-9831 or (800) 762-2222. Be sure to mention the EUMA in order to receive the discounted room Laredo, Texas. “Our beef is not with the hard- rate. Tentative activities include golf tournament, formal banquet and a tour of the Poconos. For details, Teamsters General Presi- working members of the UTU, contact Brother Kertesz by phone at (570) 675-2417 or by e-mail at:
trol technology. Safety President Hahs offered follow-up Advisory Board June Activity Continued from Page 1 testimony to rebut the Association of By action of the delegates at the Fifth Quinquennial Convention, summa- American Railroads’ allegation that ries of BLE Advisory Board members’ activities are published monthly: ployees. This loophole often compro- data from Canada indicates an in- International President Don M. Hahs—International Office: General supervision of BLE activities; General office duties; Democratic convention, Boston; Mtg. w/ CN officers Paul Tellier & Hunter Harrison, Montreal; Mtg. w/ UP CEO Ike Evans & BLE General Chairmen, mises safety. crease in safety in yards where Remote re: Remote control, Omaha; TTD mtg., D.C.; Rail Labor mtg. at White House w/ Bush’s Domestic Policy Adviser & Deputy Political Director, D.C.; SMA, Virginia Beach; NCCC negotiations, D.C.; Mtg. w/ DOT Sec’y. Mineta, re: Amtrak; Fox News Channel interview, Speaking on behalf of the BLE as Control Locomotives (RCL) are used national TV broacast; Mtg. w/ Special Reps; Amtrak lobbying & mtgs. w/ various legislators, Cong. Don Young (R-AK), Cong. Kucinich (D-OH), Cong. Brown (D-OH), Senator Lieberman (D-CT), Senator Specter (R-PA), Cong. Pat Kennedy (D-RI); Mtgs. w/ General well as the AFL-CIO’s Transportation instead of conventional switching op- President Hoffa & IBT; Amtrak lobbying effort & mtgs. w/ BLE State Legislative Board Chairmen. First Vice-President & Alternate President Edward W. Rodzwicz— Assisted President in general operation of ID office; General Trades Department, President Hahs erations. office duties; IBT Special Convention; Mtg. w/ IBT President James Hoffa & IBT General Counsel; Mtgs. w/ NCCC, national handling; Two vacation days; Telephone and correspondence; Holiday; Phone conference w/ various engineers & trainmen on Tex Mex RR. discussed staffing issues related to the “In so far as RCL in yard service is General Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert—General supervision of BLE financial and record depts.; ID office; BLE Education & Training Dept.; Internal Organizing, Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; BLE Safety Task Force; Mtgs. w/ vendors and financial Signalmen and Maintenance of Way concerned, we are not yet convinced at institutions; Local Chairmen training classes, University of California, Berkeley, Calif.; Southeastern Meeting Association, Virginia Beach, Va. crafts, and the negative impact of in- this time that accident statistics pro- Vice-President Paul T. Sorrow—General office duties; Public Law Board 6470 (CSX); Section Six strategy session, Grand Trunk committee; Executive Session w/ Referee Vaughn; Executive Session w/ Arbitrator Ben (PL days, CSX-Eastern Lines); SMA; Nat’l. Wage/ adequate staffing on rail safety. Staff- vided by salesmen are entirely accurate Rules committee mtg. w/ NCCC; Attended dinner mtg. of Divisions 246, 742, 154 and 7; Assisted NS, CSX, GTW committees with various issues. ing reductions in these crafts, as well and we will provide additional written Vice-President Joseph A. Cassidy Jr.— Conference w/ FRA, re: security issues; Attended Ridgewood Democratic Club dinner; General office duties; Mtg. w/ EJ&E grievance committee; Mtg. w/ Gen’l. Chairman Hall, EJ&E; Attended Division 520 mtg.; Confer- as a cut in the number of track inspec- documentation on this subject for the ence w/ NYS&W General Chairman; LIRR memorial golf outing; Attended Southeastern Meeting Association, Virginia Beach, Va.; Mtg. w/ BLE Executive Committee; Conference w/ legislative representatives, re: Amtrak; Study & paperwork. record,” the BLE President said. Vice-President & U.S. Nat’l Legislative Representative Raymond A. Holmes — Washington D.C. office; Texas; Reception: Cong. tors, has contributed to a significant in- Rodriquez (D-TX);, Cong. Baird (D-WA), Edwards (R-TX), Pelosi (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic Candidate, U.S. Senate, N.H.); AFL-CIO admin. mtg.; TTD legis. mtg.; TTD/Rail Div. mtg.; Mtg. w/ staff, House T&I Committee, re: Fatigue; SMA; IBT political/ crease in track-caused derailments President Hahs concluded by issu- legislative mtgs.; White House briefing; Press conference at Union Station, re: Amtrak; Mtg. w/ DOT Secretary Mineta, re: Amtrak; Labor press conference call; IBT congressional reception; Montana AFL-CIO mtgs.; TTD conference call, re: Amtrak update and S. nationwide. ing a call for Congress to support short- 1991; Briefing/reception, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT). Vice-President Merle W. Geiger Jr.— Assigned to following properties: KCS; Midsouth; South Rail; Gateway Western; Springfield President Hahs also testified re- term funding for Amtrak while endors- Terminal; Contract negotiations, Indiana & Ohio; SMA; PLB 6145 (Springfield Terminal); Contract negotiations, Springfield Terminal; Prepare for public law board; General office duties & paperwork. garding the need for Positive Train Con- ing its long-term survival. Congress Vice-President Stephen D. Speagle— ARMSE mtgs., Las Vegas; Mtg. w/ BNSF hospital assoc.; Mtg. w/ CSX hospital assoc.; Mtg. w/ BNSF CEO Matt Rose; Mtg. on merging seniority dispute, BNSF; Div. 777 mtg., Kansas City; SMA; Mtg. w/ BNSF safety coordinators; trol (PTC). While costly, PTC should be should fund passenger rail to the same Attended BNSF safety summit; Div. 662 mtg.; Div. 398 mtg.; Mtg. on equity between BNSF & UP helpers. Vice-President E.L. “Lee” Pruitt — Assisted general chairmen & members of the following properties: UP-Western Lines; UP-Western implemented as a way of saving lives. extent that it funds America’s highways Region; UP-Central Region; UP-Southern Region; Tacoma Belt; General office duties; PLB 4450, PLB 4451 & PLB 4452, Houston; Assist General Chairmen & members, UPRR/Tacoma Rail; Remote control mtgs, UP-North, Kansas City, assisting GC Rightnowar & mem- Hahs said that several recent accidents and airports, he said. Properly funded, bers; Remote control mtgs. w/ UP management; Work/rest mtgs. w/ UP management. Vice-President Richard K. Radek— ID Office; BLE Decertification Helpline services; Director of Arbitration Dept; National Railroad could have been prevented, and lives Amtrak would make the promise of Adjustment Board (NRAB); Illinois Central; Wisconsin Central; Indiana Harbor Belt; METRA; Belt Rwy. of Chicago; Paducah & Louisville; Chicago Central & Pacific; CN/IC contract negotiations, Tampa, Fla., Chicago, Memphis, Tenn.; Div. 173 mtg., CN/WC, Fon du Lac, saved, if PTC had been in use. high-speed rail a reality. Wisc.; 2002-2003 Metra operating budget mtg., Chicago; Remote control dispute, Chicago; NRAB arbitration, Chicago; Div. 114 mtgs., CN/IC, Waterloo, Iowa; FRA Part 240.409 dockets this month: EQAL 01-23 (UP), 01-06 (CSX), 00-67 (UP), 00-51 (UP). Hahs noted that 27 BLE members “Make rail passenger service a vi- Vice-President Dale McPherson — UP Eastern Lines; CP/U.S. (Soo); I&MRL; M&NA; LP&N; Longview Sw. Co; TRRA-St. Louis; General office duties, telephone, correspondence; Mtg. w/ Gen. Chrmn. Browning, B&S RR, Birmingham, Ala.; Contract negotiations, have been killed in the line of duty since able alternative,” he urged. B&S RR; NCCC/BLE negotiations, Ft. Worth; Mtg. w/ GC Priester, IMRL/DME sale, Kansas City. Vice-President & Canadian Director Gilles Hallé—Ottawa Office; CFIL negotiations, Montreal; CN Community Fund, Montreal; A copy of the BLE President’s writ- Mtgs. w/ CN Rail; Mtg. w/ VIA Rail; CN pension mtg. w/ General Chairmen; CN Senior Officers mtgs.; Div. 885 Grand Mere Div. golf 1996. Many of these fatal accidents had tournament; CNR LTD mtgs.; RCTC national negotiations. Vice-President & National Legislative Representative-Canada T. George Hucker—Ottawa Office; National Legislative Board- fatigue-related causes, or could have ten testimony is available on the BLE Canada; CPR return to work senior policy cmte. mtg., Calgary; CPR fatigue policy mtg., Calgary; Labour artibtration seminar, Calgary; CALM conference, Vancouver; CP LTD Trustee mtgs., Toronto; Manitoba Labour Relations Board, Ottawa; Work on Hours of Service been prevented by Positive Train Con- website. • regulations, Ottawa.
THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER NEWSLETTER PERIODICALS Decertification Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers POSTAGE PAID AT Since 1863, a Tradition of Forward Thinking CLEVELAND, OH Helpline and additional mailing offices BLE Publications Committee: Don M. Hahs, International President Edward W. Rodzwicz, First Vice-President & Alternate President William C. Walpert, General Secretary-Treasurer (800) 393-2716 Raymond A. Holmes, Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Rep. John V. Bentley Jr., Editor Contact us: www.ble.org • (216) 241-2630 The railroad industry’s Kathleen Policy, Associate Editor first and only hotline COPYRIGHT 2002, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 7 • JULY 2002 for engineers facing THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER NEWSLETTER (ISSN No. 0898-8625) possible decertification is published monthly by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, 1370 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. events, offered Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH and additional mailing offices. exclusively by the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Brotherhood of BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS Records Department, 1370 Ontario Street, Mezzanine Locomotive Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. Engineers. 0702