BLET Division-56
 404 N. 7th St Colton, CA 92324
(909) 514-0274  Fax (909) 514-0314

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
Union Pacific Railroad - Western Lines - service unit

 

Next Meeting:

June 10 2009

9:00 A.M.

 


 

 

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  TWIC Card, Yes you must get your card

Don't shoot the messenger.

The Carrier has done everything possible to have a TSA mobile unit sent to Colton for our convenience. However, the UP has found someone a bit more arrogant then themselves. I don't like this anymore than you do, however this is FEDERAL mandated law, without currently any agreement provisions to cover such.
(SEE SUPERINTENDENTS BULLETIN # 83, SECTION M BELOW)

Effective May 30, 2009 everyone bidding on the SP760/RT08 and/or June 12, 2009 on the (SP760), RE/RE09, XE/XT10, (CS720) AE10/AT11, must have in their possession a TWIC card to continue to work and/or successfully bid for these assignments shown above, which will be per-advertised 7-Days in advance or Saturday, June 6, 2009. The process of your card can be tracked by you and the Carrier via the TSA Web Site, SEE BELOW.
(https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/StatusCheckPrep.do)

Furthermore, everyone else on the Service Unit is going to be required to obtain TWIC card, which currently is scheduled for Phase 3, July 12, 2009.

You can per-enroll for the TWIC card at: (https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/Privacy.do)

EXAMPLE: (Card Status)
Applicant ID ABCDEFGH

First Name: Last

Last Name: Minute

Your Status: Adjudication Processing - In Progress

Adjudication processing has been scheduled with TSA. Due to the current backlog of cases, this process can take several weeks depending on your background and immigration status.

Status Date: May 22, 2009 - 04:53 PM EDT

You Enrolled At: Long Beach, CA



SECTION: M
AMENDED: May 21, 2009

SUBJECT: TWIC PROGRAM - See new information.
Effective June 1, 2009 the TWIC cutover will occur. This will be
accomplished as follows:

In order to hold any jobs on any boards listed below, you will be
required to contact CMS and verify you have in your possession a TWIC
card and give CMS your identifying TWIC card number located on the
lower left hand side below the bar-code.
Once it is established that you have a valid TWIC card, your
application for the following boards will be accepted.

Identified Jobs will be Pre - Advertised with TWIC Required

Phase 1:
05/30/09
RT08 pool at SP760

Phase 2:
06/12/09
RE09, RT09, XE10 and XT10 at SP760.
AT11 AT CS720

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All active employees as of January 28, 2009
under the General Superintendent have been prepaid. Each TWIC
location has a list. Should you arrive at a TWIC card issuing site
listed below and your name is not on the list you may pay for this
card ($132.50) and recoup your expense on a Personal Expense Form
32252. These forms can be secured from your manager.
Below is a list of locations that are open on the Los Angeles Service
Unit. It is your responsibility to acquire the TWIC card prior to the
deadline. Hours of Operation at Terminal Island and Long Beach
office have been extended from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. No appointment
is required at the Long Beach location.

TWIC Sites
TWIC Enrollment Center TWIC Enrollment Center
Suite 500 Suite B
301 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802 San Pedro, CA 90731

TWIC Enrollment Center *Pick Up Only
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802-6331

There is a quick reference guide available for TWIC registration on
the TE&Y Portal.

Step 1 Log onto TE&Y Portal
Step 2 Click the help tab on left side of portal
Step 3 Click TE&Y Reference
Step 4 Click TWIC Registration

 Yes it will require TWO trips to Long Beach, ONE - To Enroll and ONE - *To Pick Up Card. Each process takes less than 30-Minutes.




Larry R. Law
Local Chairman,
BLET - Division 56

 


 

From Brother Richards

Rule 5.8.1 & 5.8.2

 
 

 Ringing the Engine's Bell

 

Recent changes to Rule 5.8.1 and 5.8.2 give additional warning to anyone near the track.

5.8.1: Ringing Engine Bell

Ring the engine bell under any of the following conditions:

  • Before moving, except when making momentary stop and start switching movements.
  • As a warning signal anytime it is necessary.
  • When approaching an employee or equipment on or near the track.
  • When moving on the main track or siding, ring bell continuously while passing standing equipment on an adjacent track.
  • When whistle signal (7) is required.
  • When approaching public crossings at grade with the engine in front and sounding the whistle is prohibited, start signal at the crossing sign. If no sign, or if movement begins between sign and crossing, start the signal before the crossing to provide warning. Continue ringing bell until the crossing is occupied.

5.8.2: Sounding Whistle

The whistle may be used at any time as a warning, regardless of any whistle prohibitions. When approaching areas where it is known employees are working on a track adjacent to a main track or siding, sound warning 5.8.2 (1).

When other employees are working in the immediate area, sound the required whistle signal before moving.

Other forms of communications may be used in place of whistle signals, except signals (1), (7) and (8). See following chart.

The required whistle signals are illustrated by "o" for short sounds and "-" for longer sounds.

Sound

Indication

[1] Sound whistle to attempt to attract attention to the train

Use when persons or livestock are on the track at other than road crossings at grade. Use when within quiet zones when engineer believes such action is appropriate.

[2] -

When stopped: air brakes are applied, pressure equalized.

[3] - - Release brakes. Proceed
[4] o o Acknowledgement of any signal not otherwise provided for.
[5] o o o

When stopped: back up. Acknowledgment of hand signal to back up.

[6] o o o o

Request for signal to be given or repeated if not understood.

[7]- - o -

When approaching public crossings at grade, with engine in front, sound signal as follows:

  1. At speeds in excess of 45 MPH, start signal at or about the crossing sign but not more than 1/4 mile before the crossing.
  2. At speeds of 45 MPH or less, start signal at least 15 seconds, but not more than 20 seconds, before entering the crossing.
  3. If no crossing sign, start signal at least 15 seconds, but not more than 20 seconds, before entering crossing, but not more than 1/4 mile before the crossing.
  4. If movement starts less than 1/4 mile from a crossing, signal may be sounded less than 15 seconds before entering the crossing when it is clearly seen traffic is not approaching the crossing, traffic is not stopped at the crossing or when crossing gates are fully lowered.

Prolong or repeat signal until the engine completely occupies the crossing(s).

At locations where crossing signs are displayed sound whistle as required above regardless of the type of crossing train is approaching.

In the states of California and Montana sound whistle signal at all crossings, public and private.

[8] - o

Approaching men or equipment on or near the track, regardless of any whistle prohibitions.

After this initial warning, sound whistle signal (4) intermittently until the head end of train has passed the men or equipment.


 

TWIC Card

  Anyone currently assigned and/or called for a BASIN TURN, should upon arrival at Long Beach, request a RIDE to the Queen Mary to apply for and/or pick up their TWIC card. The Carrier has agreed to provide transportation in order for you to obtain your TWIC card. Please make every effort to do so at your earliest opportunity.
 
LONG BEACH/TERMINIAL ISLAND TWIC ACTIVATION CENTER
1126 QUEENS HIGHWAY
LONG BEACH, CA 90802-6331
M - F:  08:00 AM  TO 07:00 PM
 
    The Activation Center is located in a blue, single-story building in front of the Queen Mary ship.

 

Pool Trades

Verbiage and questions for requesting pool swaps.  By agreement trades can only be made with vacation vacancies, with each other and turns NOT being held.  All parties must be rested. 

Use the format below when calling in a pool trade.

 

Name_____________ , (rest status) Y / N  would like to make a pool trade.

I'm in turn #________X times out on the SP760 re09, re10, re13, re15

I follow turn # _____

Trade with Engr (name)_____________Turn#_____ X times 0ut____

Follow turn #________   Status__________

_______________________________________________________________________

 

Prior Rights

CO398/AE10 - NO CHANGES NEEDED.
(Oxnard)
LOF63=SP

CO452/AE10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
(Gemco)
LOF31=SP
LOF42=SP
LOF65=SP
LOF49=SP
ER01=CM

CO452/LE10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
(Gemco)
ELO1=CM
ELO2=CM

CX809/AE10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
(LA)
OW10=SP
OW20=CM

CW220/AE10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
(Anaheim)
LOA32=SP
LOA21=CM

WH009/AE10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON (Los Nietos)
RCL

CX809/YE11 - THE FOLLWOING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
(LA)
LA51=SP
LA32=UP
LA12=CM
LA65=CM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SP760/RE09 - THE FOLLOWING TURNS ARE NOW COMMON
SP23 TO CM
SP35 TO CM
SP05 TO CM
SP13 TO CM
SP38 TO CM
SP34 TO CM
SP81 TO CM
SP88 TO CM
SP46 TO CM
SP02 TO CM
SP84 TO CM
SP33 TO CM
SP45 TO CM
SP08 TO CM
UP81 TO CM
UP80 TO CM
UP84 TO CM
UP71 TO CM
Note: After the change it should be 20=SP TURNS & 05=UP TURNS (ALL OTHER TURNS COMMON "CM")
SP760/RE10 - NO CHANGES NEEDED
SP760/RE11 - NO CHANGES NEEDED
SP760/RE13 - THE FOLLOWING TRUNS ARE NOW COMMON
SP15 TO CM
Note: After the change the first turn should be SP and EVERY OTHER TURN COMMON "CM")
SP760/RE15 - NO CHANGES NEEDED
SP760/AE10 - NO CHANGES NEEDED
OQ25=SP
OQ47=UP
CO512/AE10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
OB28=SP
OB29=SP
OH32=CM
OH43=SP
OH42=SP
OS48=CM
OH45=CM
CX777/AE10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
OB32=UP
OB34=UP
OB40=UP
OB33=CM
OB45=CM
ER01=CM
CX650/EH10 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
TT01=UP
Note: After the change the first turn should be UP and EVERY OTHER TURN COMMON "CM")
CO486/AE11 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
YCI20=SP
OS41=UP
OS27=SP
CI19=SP
OS24=SP
CI26=SP
OS29=SP
OS49=CM
CI21=CM
OS42=UP
CI30=CM
ER17=CM
JP016/AE11 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
LI13=SP
OI11=SP
OI19=SP
OI21=SP
OI23=SP
OI31=SP
OI39=CM
ER01=CM
ER02=CM
TR29=CM
CS720/AE11 - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE NOW COMMON
OG42=UP
OG44=UP
IT IS AGREED:
1. Los Angeles Hub
A new seniority district shall be created that encompasses the following area: UP territory including milepost 164.42 East of Yermo westward to end of track in the Los Angeles Basin and SP territory from (not including) Santa Barbara and milepost 460.0 at (including) Hivolt, and between Burbank Jct and Palmdale Jct, East to milepost 731.5 at (not including) Yuma including all tracks in the Los Angeles Basin and shall include all main and branch lines, industrial leads and stations between the points identified.
NOTE 1: Engineers with home terminals within the hub may work to points outside the Hub without infringing on the rights of other engineers in other Hubs and engineers outside the Hub may work to points inside the Hub without infringing on the rights of engineers inside the Los Angeles Hub. The Hub identifies the on duty points for assignments and not the boundaries of assignments. (This note is further explained in side letter No. 3)

If. Seniority and Work Consolidation.
The following seniority consolidations will be made:
A. A new seniority district will be formed and a master Engineer roster(s) shall be created for the Los Angeles Hub for the engineers on the current SP seniority roster and the current UP Seniority roster and PE Seniority roster or on a SP auxiliary board from a point inside the Hub but working outside the Hub or UP engineer borrowed out to other locations that will return to the Hub upon release. It does not include borrow outs or auxiliary board engineers to the Hub, if any. All such engineers must be on one of these rosters or in training on January 13, 1998.
B. The new roster will be created as follows:

1. UP, SP and PE Engineers will be dovetailed based upon the current engineer seniority date within the Hub. This shall include any engineer working in trainman/fireman service with an engineer's seniority date. If this process results in engineers having identical seniority dates, seniority ranking will be determined by the engineer's earliest retained hire date with the Carrier.
2. All engineers who entered training after January 13, 1998 and are promoted in the Hub after January 13, 1998 will be considered common engineers(holding no prior rights), and placed on the bottom of the roster. Those engineers who entered training prior to January 13, 1998 and are promoted after that date will be entitled to any prior rights set forth in this agreement. This includes those who entered training and have been hostling.
3. All engineers placed on the rosters may work all assignments protected by the roster in accordance with their seniority and the provisions set forth in this Agreement.
4. Engineers placed on the Los Angeles Hub Roster shall relinquish all seniority outside the new roster area upon implementation of this Agreement and all seniority inside the Los Angeles Hub held by engineers outside the Hub shall be eliminated.
5. For the purposes of prior rights, SP San Joaquin engineers who remain in the LA Hub, SP Los Angeles and PE engineers will be dovetailed into one SP prior right roster.
NOTE: San Joaquin engineers who have a right in the Roseville Hub Agreement to bid and relocate on assignments where work is moved will continue to do so in accord with those agreement provisions. Until that time they shall remain on the LA Hub roster,
C. Engineers who are on an authorized leave of absence or who are dismissed and later reinstated will have the right to displace to the appropriate roster, provided his/her seniority at time of displacement would have permitted him/her to hold that selection. The parties will create an inactive roster for all such engineers until they return to service in a Hub or other location at which time they will be placed on the appropriate seniority rosters and removed from the inactive roster.
D. Prior rights and dovetail rights shall be governed by the following:
1 . Until new. extra boards are established the current ones shall be prior righted and protect the same assignments that they protected pre-merger. Once new extra boards are established they shall be filled from the dovetail rosters.
Road switchers and work trains that go on duty at pre-merger points that were clearly an SP or a UP point shall be filled using the prior right roster.
Road Switchers, local freights and work trains that go on duty at a premerger point that was a joint location or at a point where on duty points are consolidated, shall be filled as follows:
Harbor area:70% SP and 30% UP
City of Industry 75% SP and 25% UP
Engineers will be required to fill their prior right positions in the pre merger part of the above two areas first. For example, UP engineers will fill Paramount and Mead positions if available prior to former SP positions in the Harbor area.
NOTE: When on duty points of the two former Carriers are consolidated a ten (10) day advance notice will be given.
4. Locals that run to or from Yermo shall be prior righted to the UP roster regardless of the on duty point. Locals that run West (such as Oxnard, Gemco, Palmdale and Santa Barbara) to pre merger SP destinations shall be prior righted to the SP roster regardless of the on duty point. This does not apply to locals that run to the Harbor area as that has been a joint area. All other locals shall be prior righted based on the on duty point.
5. Extra work trains shall be filled from the extra boards.
6. Victorville helpers shall be UP prior righted and'Colton Helpers shall. be SP prior righted.
7. Except as otherwise provided for in this agreement, all assignments at LATC/East Yard shall be prior righted on a 50/50 percentage basis per shift, at West Colton they shall be SP prior righted and at Yermo they shall be UP prior righted. Any new facility assignments established at other locations after the merger shall be filled from the dovetail roster. (This does not apply to expansions of existing facilities)
8. Pools that run only to Yermo shall be UP prior righted and pools that run only to Yuma and/or Indio shall be SP prior righted up to the baseline number for the specific destination. The baseline number shall be 99(SP) and 37(UP). (The numbers 99 and 37 come from the number of pool turns the respective properties have had for the past two years). Turns above the baseline number shall be filled in one of the two following methods:
a. If either the UP or SP drop below the baseline by a minimum of three turns and the other pools increase by a minimum of three then the Local Chairman may request that the increase in turns, up to the number decreased in the other pools, be prior righted to the roster that lost the turns. These turns will be the first ones whose prior rights are phased out in E, 2, below.
b. All increases not filled by a, above shall be filled from the dovetail roster.
9. In determining the baseline, the SP shall add up the number of turns that go to Indio and Yuma, whether from West Colton or LATC/East Yard and subtract from that 35 (which represents their premerger portion of the West Colton-Basin Pool). The UP shall add up the number of turns that go to Yermo, whether from the West Colton or LATC/East Yard and subtract 9 (which represents their premerger portion of the West Colton-Basin Pool). Since there is more than one pool the Local Chairman shall designate how the prior right turns are allocated between the pools and once designated they cannot be changed.
Example: The SP baseline is 99. After implementation the West ColtonYuma pool has 45 turns and the LATC/East Yard-Yuma pool has 25. The total is 70. When one adds the 35 allocated to the West Colton-Basin pool the total comes to 105. This is 6 over the baseline. The Local Chairman must designate how many of the 45 and 25 turns are prior righted leaving six non prior right turns. If he designates all 25 in the LATC/East Yard and 39 in the West Colton pools then he cannot later change the designation.
10. The West Colton-Basin pool shall be prior righted on an 80(SP)/20(UP) basis up to the number 44 and shall be filled on a dovetailed basis after that number. The attached chart shows the specific job allocation.
11. Assignments at Yuma, both regular and extra board, protected by the West Colton source of supply shall be governed as follows:
a.The assignments shall be prior righted to SP engineers holding seniority in the Los Angeles Hub on the day this agreement is implemented.
b.If an assignment goes no bid/application then it shall be filled by an engineer from the adjoining Hub.
c. LA Hub SP prior rig ht engineers shall have bid/application rights to vacancies on these assignments and shall not have displacement rights to them if they are held by an engineer from the adjoining Hub for a period of time not to exceed 6 months from the date the engineer from the other Hub holding the assignment is assigned, unless the 6 month period of time is waived by the engineer holding the assignment.
NOTE: These provisions shall become applicable when the adjoining area is under a merger agreement/award.
12. Engineers who are on assignments on the day of implementation shall remain on those assignments unless they make application to another vacancy or are displaced by engineers with displacement rights under the controlling CBA. This agreement does not create displacement rights due to its implementation.
E. Prior rights shall be phased out on the following basis:
1. Non pool freight prior right assignments shall have the prior rights phased out at the rate of 25% per year beginning with the start of year eight and 25 % with the start of year nine. The local chairman shall designate in writing 30 days prior to the end of each year the assignments that will no longer be prior righted the next year. Failure to do so will result in the Carrier selecting the assignments. The remaining prior rights (50%) shall be phased out through attrition.
2. Pool freight prior right assignments shall have the prior rights phased out at the rate of 25% per year beginning with the start of year eight and 25 % with the start of year nine. The remaining prior rights (50%) shall be phased out through attrition.
3. Yuma positions shall be prior righted until attrited.

 


 


 

 Unlimited pool swaps for the following pools:

Engineers at West Colton, (SP760) on the RE09, RE10, RE13 and RE15, excluding the SP760/RE11 (West Colton to Yermo) which I have NO jurisdiction, can swap turns.

 

 Effective immediately. Division 56, was able to obtain an agreement, at our members request which allows Engineers to make UNLIMITED POOL TRADES/SWAPS as shown below. The BLE Local Chairman, must call Crew Services an request that the turns be swapped, notifying them of each turn number the swappers will follow.


Example;
Engineer M. E. MILEAGEHOG IN TURN SP02 (12 TIMES OUT) WHO FOLLOWS TURN SP01,
SWAPS WITH
Engineer I. M. NOWAY IN TURN SP03 (02 TIMES OUT) WHO
FOLLOWS TURN SP04.

Agreement:


I am in agreement as follows:

Effective February 19, 2009, Engineers at West Colton, (SP760) on the RE09, RE10, RE13 and RE15, excluding the SP760/RE11 (West Colton to Yermo) which I have NO jurisdiction, can swap turns (UNLIMITED) only by a BLET - Local Chairman and Crew Services. NO swaps will be allowed between ENGINEERS and CREW CALLERS. It is understood that this is only a PILOT project and can be canceled by either the Carrier (Union Pacific) and/or the BLET (Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers, BLET- Division 56, Local Chairman).

 

LR Law, BLET Division-56
Local Chairman

TPA People: same rules as before for trading down, you will get treated.

 


 

Railroad Retirement Tier I and II Earnings Limits Increase
January 19, 2009 |




The amounts of compensation subject to Railroad Retirement Tier I and Tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2009; however, the Tier I tax rate on employees and employers remains unchanged.
Tier I and Medicare Tax in 2009 will remain at 6.20 percent and 1.45 percent respectively; however, the maximum amount of an employee's earnings subject to the 6.20 percent rate will increase to $106,800 in 2009 from $102,000 in 2008.
Railroad Retirement Tier II tax rate on employees will remain at 3.9 percent in 2009, and the rate on employers will remain at 12.1 percent; however, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Railroad Retirement Tier II taxes will increase to $79,200 in 2009 from $75,900 in 2008.
The unemployment insurance tax rates on railroad employers in 2009 will range from 2.15 percent (the minimum basic rate of 0.65 percent plus the 1.5 percent surcharge) to a maximum of 12 percent on monthly compensation up to $1,330.
If you have questions about Railroad Retirement, or railroad unemployment and sickness benefits, please visit the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or call your local RRB office. See Year 2009 Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance Taxes for more information on Tier I and II taxes.

 

 


 Claim: Waiting for lodging

August 6, 2008
 
Claiming 8 hours penalty payment account after working train (include full symbol train ZLAMN 02 etc. )  and off duty at (time) on  (date)  I was delayed in obtaining lodging due to ….. (Choose All  that apply from the bulleted list below and include the text in bold in your remarks and include the information required for each delay reason).
 
· Delayed waiting on carrier provided transportation.  We were picked up at (location) at (time) and arrived at the hotel. (hotel name and time).
 
· Delayed waiting on a clean, suitable room, we waited at the hotel from (hotel name &time) until (time) when we were given access to a room.
 
· Delayed due to being transported to a second lodging facility (list hotel name) under instruction of (carrier officer’s name and position) due to primary lodging facility having no vacancies.  Transportation from primary lodging to secondary lodging occurred between ( time you left 1st hotel) and (time you arrived second hotel) .
 
Delayed due to traffic congestion, we departed (location) at (time) and did not obtain a room until (time).
 
Reference PLB 6312, Case 269, Award 269, dated 07-28-2007,
FRA Memorandum Food Lodging at Designated Terminals & HOS Interpretation, dated 02-03-2004 and FRA memorandum of 12-30-1990 and for violation of BLE&T
 
Choose applicable agreement.
 
Engineers use: Agreement, 11-01-1982, Article 32 8 (g)
 
Trainmen use: UTU conductor and Trainmen’s agreement appendix dated June 12, 1974, Gen 2-46-2 CT B24
 

Do NOT submit these claims if you stop enroute to hotel.
 
 
 
Thanks to Dan Martin who put this together.
 
For the Committee:
Larry R. Law
Local Chairman,
BLET - Division 56
 

Reserve Board
 

 I will try to explain the Engineers Reserve Board agreement, WESTERN LINES, (1991 Local Agreement, Former Southern Pacific Eastern Lines, Article 3), pasted below. 

    Section 11 (a) (2) - Reserve boards will be established at the following locations: Los Angeles, Colton, etc..

Note: These boards will be established although the needs of service at a source of supply may preclude engineers from being assigned.

preclude

Verb[-cluding, -cluded] Formal to make impossible to happen [Latin prae before + claudere to close]

 In other words Engineers at other locations will not be entitled to bid from one source of supply to a Reserve Board at another source of supply.

(At the time of merger a Reserve Board was established at  (CX809) the agreed upon ONE TIME generic location and  was available to everyone on the service unit)

 Section 11 (a) (4) - If any of the extra board locations listed in (a) above are eliminated as an extra board location for any reason, the reserve board positions at the eliminated extra board location will be relocated to the new extra board location. Reserve board positions shall be awarded based on the applicant's relative seniority at the source of supply.

 In other words Engineers at other locations will not be entitled to bid from one source of supply to a Reserve Board at another source of supply. 

Section 11 (c) (2) - Commencing three months after the date of the initial reserve board assignments and each three months thereafter, if reserve board positions are available the will be advertised for seniority choice at each extra board location.

 

    Q AND A

(Side Letter No. 1)

 Q. May an engineer bid to a reserve board at another location from his source of supply?

 A. NO. In order to be eligible for assignment to a reserve board, and engineer must be identified with an assignment (regular or extra) at the reserve board location or within the area protected by the extra board at the reserve board location prior to the time bulletin is issued advertising reserve board positions. 

In other words Engineers at other locations will not be entitled to bid from one source of supply to a Reserve Board at another source of supply. 

Note: The requirement to bulletin such jobs has been replaced by the May 13, 2004 Engineer Compensation and Utilization agreement - Article VII - APPLICATION (STANDING BID)SYSTEM.

 In other words Engineers must have an application on file at the same source of supply to be PICKED_UP on a Reserve Board.

 SEE & READ AGREEMENTS BELOW

 Note: The Carrier's position is that NO other source of supply on the Los Angeles Service Unit is and/or has qualified for a Reserve Board, example CX809. Trainmen have been FURGOLADED, however, NO Engineers have been cut-back into train service at any other source of supply, except SP760. 

Fraternally,Larry R. Law
Local Chairman, BLET - Division 56

 

cc: D. W. Hannah
 R. Saunders
 D. W. Carroll

 

 
 
 
 
SEE RESERVE BOARD AGREEMENT BELOW
 
 
 

Engineer Reserve Boards (Western Lines)

(1991 Local Agreement, Former Southern Pacific Western Lines, Article 3)

 

SECTION 11. (a) (1)  The Company will establish reserve boards for engineers on Southern PacificUnion Pacific (Western Lines), including former Pacific Electric and EP&SW.

 

11. (a) (2) Reserve boards will be established at the following extra board locations:  Portland; Eugene; Albany; Klamath Falls; Roseburg; Dunsmuir; Roseville; Sparks; Ogden; Oakland; San Francisco; San Jose; Salinas; Watsonville; San Luis Obispo; Tracy; Fresno; Bakersfield; Los Angeles; Colton; Yuma; Phoenix; Tucson; El Paso and Tucumcari.  These boards will be established although the needs of service at a source of supply may preclude engineers from being assigned.

 

11. (a) (3) Applications will be accepted based upon the needs of service at each extra board location.

 

11. (a) (4) If any of the extra board locations listed in (b) above are eliminated as an extra board location for any reason, the reserve board positions at the eliminated extra board location will be relocated to the new extra board location.  Reserve board positions shall be awarded based on the applicants' relative seniority at the source of supply.

 

11. (b)  (1) Engineers on reserve boards will receive $1,750.00 per semi‑monthly pay period.  Periods of less than a month will be prorated at the rate of $116.67 for each calendar day in reserve status.

 

11. (b)  (2) No other compensation will be paid to or on behalf of an engineer in reserve status, except for payment of premiums under applicable health and welfare plans (including Side Letter 4 of agreement dated June 28, 1991 and/or compensation payable to them under Article 7 of agreement dated June 28, 1991. Deductions from reserve pay will be made for income, employment or payroll taxes (including Railroad Retirement Taxes), pursuant to federal, state and local law, deductions of dues pursuant to an applicable union shop agreement, and any other deductions authorized by agreement or legally required deductions.

 

11. (b)  (3) Reserve pay will be subject to any future wage and/or cost‑of‑living adjustments provided for in agreements reached between the parties, either locally or nationally, except that only 70% of any such adjustment will apply to reserve pay.

 

11. (b)  (4) Other non‑railroad employment while in reserve status is permissible so long as there is no conflict of interest.  There shall be no offset for outside earnings.

 

11. (b) (5) Any monies received from settlements of disputed grievances or back pay/lump sum allowances resulting from concerted wage and rule move­ments do not offset reserve board payments, nor shall any reserve board payments be used in determining any amount due as a result of settlement of concerted wage and rule movements.

 

11. (c)  (1) An engineer assigned to reserve status must remain thereon for at least three months, or until: 

 

(i)        discharged from employment by the Company in accordance with applicable discipline rules;

(ii)       resigns from the Company's employment;

(iii)      recalled to active service;

(iv)      retires on a disability annuity.

 

11. (c) (2) Commencing three months after the date of the initial reserve board assignments and each three months thereafter, if reserve board posi­tions are available they will be advertised for seniority choice at each extra board location.

 

                         Q AND A

                         (Side Letter No. 1)

 

Q. May an engineer bid to a reserve board at another location from his source of supply?

 

A. No. In order to be eligible for assignment to a reserve board, an engineer must be identified with an assignment (regular or extra) at the reserve board location or within the area protected by the extra board at the reserve board location prior to the time bulletin is issued advertising reserve board positions.

 

 

11. (c) (3) The BLE Local Chairman shall be permitted first right to a position on a reserve board established hereunder, subject to written approval of the appropriate BLE Division President.

 

11. (c) (4) Runs held by engineers taking reserve status will be bulletined as provided for in Section 10(a) of Article 32.

 

11. (d)  (1) An engineer in reserve status must be available for return to service upon 30 days' written notice by Certified Mail, with restricted delivery to addressee only and a copy to the Local Chairman.  Reserve pay will continue for only seven (7) days after postmark and the employee must return to service within thirty (30) days of attempted delivery.  Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in forfeiture of all seniority rights subject to the provisions of Article 32, Section 21 of the engineers' agreement, or appropriate EP&SW Discipline Rule, including the Pacific Electric Discipline Rule.

 

 

 

11. (d) (2) The recall of an engineer from reserve status will be in reverse order of seniority and based solely on the need for service at the extra board location from which he accepted reserve status.  Upon recall, such engineer will be allowed a full right of displace­ment.  Once an engineer has reported for service, that engineer's use will be governed by the collective bargaining agreement.

 

11. (d) (3) An engineer in reserve status must maintain his work profi­ciencies, including successfully completing any retraining or refresher programs the Company may require and passing any tests or examinations (include­ing physical examinations) administered for purposes of determining whether such profi­ciencies have been maintained.  Such tests and examinations will be consistent in context with those administered to active employees.  The Company will give a reserve engineer 30 days' advance written notice by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, of refresher programs, rules classes, or examinations the engineer is required to attend to maintain such work proficiencies.  Unless so stated, such notice should not be construed to be a return to duty notice.

 

11. (d) (4) Reserve engineers shall be considered in active service.

 

11. (e)  Vacation pay received while on a reserve board status will offset pay received under Section 2(a).  Time spent in reserve status will not count toward determining whether the employee is eligible for vacation in succeeding years.  It will count as time in determining the length of the vacation to which an employee, otherwise eligible, is entitled.

 

(f)                   11. (f) Engineers on the reserve board are not eligible for Holiday Pay, Bereave­ment Leave, Jury Pay, Personal Leave, or other similar allowances.

 


H


f
 



 

 


 
 
Summary of tentative RLBC/NCCC agreement

CLEVELAND, March 5 — The following is an outline summary of the major elements of the tentative agreement reached February 28, 2007, between the Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition (RLBC) and the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC). This outline is not intended to provide a comprehensive description or analysis of the Agreement.

The BLET will hold a meeting the week of March 19, 2007, to provide detailed information to the General Chairmen. Additionally, a packet of information explaining the tentative agreement in detail will be sent to each member as part of his or her ratification ballot. It is expected that the agreement will become effective June 1, 2007, if ratified by the membership.

WAGES

 

  • General wage increases on the following schedule:

     
      July 1, 2005 – 2.5%
      July 1, 2006 – 3.0%
      July 1, 2007 – 3.0%
      July 1, 2008 – 4.0%
      July 1, 2009 – 4.5%


    HEALTH & WELFARE

     
  • Expansion of in-network benefits and co-pays to employees who cannot obtain them today effective on July 1, 2007.

     
      • In-network availability for over 90% of all employees, up from 75% today.

      • Changes to in-network co-pays to pay for network expansion as follows:

      • Visit to family doctor from $15 to $20.

      • Visit to specialist from $15 to $35.

      • ER visit (when not admitted as patient) from $30 to $50.

      Prescription drugs:
      • Retail - $10 generic; $20 brand name; $30 non-formulary.
      • Mail order - $20 generic; $30 brand name; $60 non-formulary.


     
  • Employee cost-sharing payments are 15% of monthly premium (employees currently pay about 14-15% through employee contributions starting on January 1, 2007 to pay for enhanced network coverage.

     
  • Cost share adjustments will be made on January 1, 2008; January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010.

     
  • Employee cost sharing on January 1, 2010 will be capped at $200 per month, or 15% of the January 1, 2009 rate whichever is greater. There will be no increase during the period unions and railroads bargain over next contract.

     
  • Elimination of the “Harris COLA.”

     
  • Carriers will withdraw all work rules proposals regarding staffing/consolidation, manpower utilization and productivity improvements, and job actions.

    Monday, March 05, 2007
     

  •  


                                       

    9/26/06

    Expanded Drug Tests Help Ensure Safety

    Effective Oct. 1, Union Pacific will expand company drug tests to include five additional categories of drugs.

    "Federal Railroad Administration and Union Pacific research shows an increase in the use of a number of drugs that UP has not been testing. Although federal law does not yet require testing for these additional drugs, Union Pacific has the authority to exceed minimum requirements to ensure safety," said Bob Grimaila, senior assistant vice president-safety and environment.

    "Expanding the drug tests, along with our well supported Employee Assistance and RedBlock programs, will help ensure that we maintain the safest possible work environment for our employees."

    Drugs covered under the current tests are:

    • Amphetamines, including methamphetamine
    • Cocaine
    • Cannabinoids
    • Opiates
    • PCP

    The new drugs that will be added to the current tests are:

    • Barbiturates
    • Benzodiazephines
    • Methadone
    • Oxycodone
    • Ecstacy

    Union Pacific’s Drug and Alcohol Policy does not prohibit the use of a controlled substance prescribed or authorized by a medical practitioner who has determined (based on the employee's medical condition and assigned duties) that the authorized dosage level is consistent with the safe performance of the employee's duties. The railroad requires employees to have a written copy of their treating medical practitioner’s evaluation/determination available upon request of their manager or the Medical Review Officer (MRO). Any use of another person’s prescribed medicine is prohibited.

    For help with a drug problem, contact the National Employee Assistance Help Line at 1-800-779-1212.

    For questions about UP’s drug and alcohol testing policy, contact Penny Lyons, manager-regulatory compliance, at 1-402-544-5961. Information on UP's Drug and Alcohol Program also is available on the Employees site.



    6/l4/06

    Claims:

    When your claim is denied call the shortage clerk.  Tell the shortage clerk you want a declination or approval sent to your local chairman in the form of a "heat ticket".
    Your local chairman needs a copy of your pay stub that part showing trips, amount paid and your denial (all portions other than first page that show your gross). Local chairman also needs, dates, times, turn, pool, and supportive information such as a
    snap shot for your claims.  It is your job to supply this information.

    With the increase amount of claims this office has received we have noticed a decrease in supportive information.  In simple terms we are getting lazy.

    Ray Carver
    President, BLET Division-56


    CMTS Help Line

    1-800 621-8953
     


     Values hot line

    The value hot line phone number is:

    800-998-2000
     


                          E-Payroll
          Do not participate!


    This is worth a lot of money to the Union Pacific. It saves them printing, mailing, postage, handing and employees to get it done and the cost of paper, paper, paper. If they want this E-pay, make them Pay at the bargaining table. For you nonbelieivers remember the basin agreement, 18 hour tie-ups on the re-10 pool and overtime after 12 for the new employees. They all came at the bargaining table. Give them nothing for FREE.

    Ray Carver
    President, BLET Division-56
     



     


    May 15, 2005

    Division 56 is out of the (FMLA)
    Family Medical Leave of Absence business
    .

    From this point forward FMLA is between you, your doctor and the carrier.

    If you feel that the carrier is not living up to the FMLA Federal Law you need to call the Department of Labor.
    FMLA is not a collective bargaining issue. The phone number for the Department of Labor is:

    1 (866) 487-2365

    Once you receive your FMLA from your doctor, if you wish you may fax it to this office and we will fax it to the carrier. This way we will have a time dated receipt for the office.

    The Division is in the process of taking volunteers for a committee you can call for help with FMLA procedures.
    If interested please call the office.

    For the Committee,
    Ray Carver
    President, BLET Division-56
     


    What to do when injured on the job.

    This new program was established at our last Union Meeting and will be a work in progress. This committee is co-chaired by Joanne Sebelius and Dan Holmes. What would your spouse do if you were injured at work? Who would they call, what insurances cover you? how many days do you have to make a claim to railroad retirement?, how long until railroad retirement mails a check?
    If you have any questions or suggestions for this committee e-mail them to:

    webmaster@blet56.org  

     

    Here are a few things you need to do as the injured party:

    Note any defects in equipment or work area; photograph if possible.

    Note names of all possible witnesses.

    Fill out accident report for the company; keep a copy.

    Do not give any written or recorded statements.

    Contact your local chairman or union legal council.

    Give your doctor a complete history of how your injury happened.

     

    Ray Carver
    President, BLET Division-56


         Welcome to Division 56

     For the benefit of new members, let me introduce you to your Local Committee of Adjustment.

    Your Secretary-Treasurer is Rod Fry.  This job is very important and many times Rod’s effort goes un-noticed.  He handles the Division 56 finances and keeps the members advised of the division’s finances.  He keeps all records from all meetings.  Rod handles union dues and in this Division he sells job insurance.  If you don’t have any job insurance you need to check into it.  Rod’s e-mail address is frod55@aol.com The way we know Rod is doing his job is that he complains any time we spend any money.

    Your Legislative Representative is KA (Kent) Richards.  He works for more healthful and sanitary conditions on the locomotives.  He helps educate members on their political rights, supports legislation that benefits, and opposes legislation that will injure the people we represent.  Kents's email address is ble56lr@aol.com                  

     Your Local Chairman is L.R. (Larry) Law.  His duties are to handle claims, grievances and appeals. If you get in trouble, Larry will represent you in your investigation.  With regard to claims, your Local Chairman handles pay shortages.  We understand that money is the reason most of us are here. Larry is so busy with claims, we ask that you make an appointment so Larry can give you his full attention.  Remember claims have a 60-day period to be answered after the company denies them.  Larry's e-mail address is ERanger@aol.com   

    On a personal note I would like to remind you of a few things.  Firstly, I would like to remind you that things take time, they don’t happen overnight.  For example, the Air Conditioner Project; it has taken us five years to get to this point.  Secondly, our Local Chairman is very accessible and there is no need to page/call him in the middle of the night for small things, such as a crew dispatcher yelling at you or giving you a wrong call, or a pay shortage.  If you get in big trouble, an accident, or being pulled out of service go ahead and make that page/call.  That’s what we’re here for.

    In most cases union meetings are the second Wednesday of the month.  I’m proud to say that Division 56 is very involved and  has good turn-outs.  The meetings are held at our office in the rear of 404 north 7th St. Colton California.

    Hope to see you there.
    Ray Carver
    webmaster@blet56.org

    President,
    Division 56



    Old and still useful

    68 minutes to do your job, are you doing it?

     

    Mr. M.L. Irvine, General Superintendent

    Los Angeles Service Unit

    Union Pacific Railroad

    19100 S lover Avenue

    Bloomington, CA 92316

    Dear Sir:

    Please refer to your Superintendent's Notice Number 81, dated March 8, 1999, and my Lotus Note to you about the same Notice dated March 10, 1999.

    The language in Notice 81 creates an oxymoron of "damned if we do and damned if we don't." It simply is impossible to comply with the General Code of Operating Rules, and with Los Angeles Superintendent's Notice Number 81. They contradict one another.

    Helper Engineers, or any engineer for that matter, assuming duty on the Los Angeles Service Unit are required to comply with General Code of Operating Rule 1.3; Rule 1.3.2 (using =ON function); Rule 3.0; Rule 3.3; Rule 15.0; and Rule 15. 1. They are also required to comply with System Special Instructions ITEM 1; ITEM 10-A, 15.15; ITEM 14; ITEM 17; and ITEM 18.

    Rule 1.3 Rules

    Rule 1.3.1 Rules, Regulations, and Instructions

    Rule 1.3.2 General Orders

    Rule 3.0 Standard Time

    Rule 3.3 Time Comparison

    Rule 15.0 TRACK BULLETIN RULES

    Rule 15.1 Track Bulletin

    System Special Instructions

     

    Effective 000 1 Sunday, October 25, 1998

    Item 1. TIME COMPARISON

    Item 10-A. Operating Rules Chapters I to 20

    Item 15.15 Mechanical Transmission of Track Bulletins

    Item 14. OPERATING WITH FOREIGN RAILROADS

    ITEM 17. JOB BRIEFING ITEM 18. ACCESSING GENERAL ORDER AND SUPERINTENDENT BULLETINS ELECTRONIC FILES

    Under Rule 1.3.2. - General Orders - "before beginning each day's work or trip, trainmen, enginemen, and others must review general orders that apply to the territory they will work." Using the =ON function or command each operating employee must check each day the "System Special Instructions" for the latest "System General Orders" and make sure that they understand their applicable meaning and understand the rule change by cross referencing the Safety Rules, General Code of Operating Rules, Timetable/Special Instructions.

    Following is a break down in time: Checking "System Special Instructions" (General Orders) Time - 03 minutes to look and 10 minutes for each change. Minimal time without any changes 03 minutes. (This does NOT include checking Metro Link, PHL or BNSF as required by Item 14 of System Special Instructions).

    Checking "Subdivision General Orders" Time - 03 minutes to look at each subdivision (13 subdivisions) & 10 minutes for each change. Minimal time without any changes 39 minutes.

    Checking "Superintendent Bulletins" Time - 03 minutes to look and 10 minutes for each change Minimal time without any-changes 03 minutes. (Note: This does not take into account working with a new employee and ensuring that they are familiar with their duties and/or knowledge of the rules. Nor does it take into account how long it will take to instruct them, when necessary. See Rule 1.47[c].)

    And we have the dubious honor of having to work under TWO different

    Superintendent which requires us to comply with Los Angeles and Tucson

    Superintendent Bulletins, which also takes more preparatory time.

    Checking "Time" Time - 02 minutes just to check Minimal time 02 minutes and up to 04 minutes if you need to set your watch.

    Check "Track Bulletins"

    Minimal time - 15 minutes just to check and understand. (Note 25 to 30 Track Bulletins a day on Service Unit).

    Misc: Checking Locomotives (Li/UP3206) Minimal time - 03 minutes to type and print a list of a 4 unit consist.

    Calling "Train Dispatcher" - For information. Minimal time - 03 minutes to dial and talk to dispatcher - IF THEY ANSWER IMMEDIATELY. AND THAT'S A JOKE!

    These figure total SIXTY EIGHT (68) minutes if you don't have any changes to the above; if the engineer happens to be a computer expert; IF THERE IS A COMPUTER AVAILABLE, and if all the dominoes fall in place and in order.

    In Superintendent's Notice 81 you state in pertinent part as follows: "Crew members are not to do =PE. " I consider this a unilateral violation of our collective bargaining agreement, established past practice on the property, and commitments made to us by senior management regarding the Carrier electronic timekeeping process, and I have immediately appealed your actions to the General Committee for assistance.

    So to sum it up - when a Helper Engineer assumes duty on the Los Angeles Service Unit - THEY'RE FIRED! If they comply with the General Code of Operating Rules they cannot comply with Los Angeles Superintendent's Notice 8 1. If they comply with Los Angeles Superintendent's Notice 8 1, they cannot comply with the General Code of Operating Rules.

    If you cut off a few more clerks, who used to do the majority of the work listed herein, I believe you can get engineers up to 3 or 4 hours a day of clerical time. That should really help expedite your freight trains.

    I have previously echoed these complaints to you in multiple meetings that you and I have had since October 1998 when the Carrier initiated tile new =ON process. You promised to have the Road Foremen "roll the boards" so that the crews could be educated as to the process. That has NOT happened, and crews still don't know how to use the system. I think your terminal staff also needs to attend class or have their "boards rolled" so that they can see what is required of a crew when they assume duty.

    Respectfully I call you attention to Section 6, of Article 25 of the current agreement covering engineers.

    For the committee

    D.W. Hannah,
    Local Chairman
    cc: R.D. Carver
    E.L. Pruitt