News
High Alert
Message from BLET Western Lines Mobilization Network
13 December 2011
Attached at the end of this article is a copy of the Tentative Agreement recently reached between the BLET and the NCCC, and the agreement synopsis. Also is a power point presentation to further describe the negotiation process and information concerning the tentative agreement. The BLET website www.ble-t.org/agreement will also contain a wealth of information to inform members of the issues and help in making this all=importatnt decision. Please distribute this iformation through the mobilzation network.
Voting instructions on the tentative agreement for wage rules/health and welfare will be mailed to eligible BLET members on December 16, 2011.
BLET members have been given the right to vote on this tentative agreement and this responsibility should not be taken lightly as it is the backbone of BLET democracy. The National Mobilization Team is conducting a Get Out the Vote campaign for the ratification vote on the tentative agreement, and as in previous GOTV campaigns, we will be using the network to contact members one on one asking them to cast their ballot. Please get your mobilization netowrk fired up to make sure that each and every member exercises his/her vote on this agreement.
As always, the National Mobilization Team is not instructing members on how to vote. We are simply asking them to make their decision and cast their vote. They may make their selection by phone or electronically via the internet. All votes must be cast by 3:00 PM EST on January 5, 2012. We are encouraging members to vote as soon as possible.
We will be personally contacting each General Chairman or designated GCA Mobilization Coordinators in the near future and ask each of you to do the same to make sure we have a great voter turnout on this extremely important tentative agreement.
The BLET has set the bar on membership involvement, and we are only getting better with each mobilization effort. Let's show them once again what the BLET is made of.
Please distribute the attached information through the network as soon as possible. We need every member to vote! A 100% voting effort by every eligible member sends a strong message to those in our country who think Union solidarity no longer exists. Mobilization Package
PEB 243 Report
7 November 2011
Presidential Emergency Board No. 243 has issud its Report to President Obama and its recommendations for settlement of the national wage/rules/benefits dispute between 11 unions... See complete article
Notice from BLET President Dennis Pierce
6 October 2011
We just received the Executive order, signed and released by President Obama, appointing a Presidential Emergency Board to hear our dispute over our National Negotiations. It is attached. Executive Order
Effectively immediately, both the Carriers and the Unions are barred from exercising any form of self help. Accordingly, the BLET National Division will not be issuing any strike orders tonight. To reiterate, all locomotive engineers and involved trainmen should continue to work their assignments in normal fashion, there will be no strike at 12:01 am.
In closing, I know that you were all prepared to assist the National Division in leading our members in a job action had it been necessary and legal. Please remember that the attached Executive order effectively bars us from any form of self help until December 7, 2011. During the next 60 days, it is imperative that we continue our effort to strengthen our networks and remain vigilant to the fact that we may face cirumstances similar to today's on December 7th.
I speak for all of us here at the National Division in passing on our thanks for everyone's continued support in our efforts to bring this bargaining round to a sucessful conclusion.
Article 5 - Perfect Attendance Stock
24 August 2011
This is to inform that the proposed agreement to revise Article 5 - Perfect Attendance Stock Award of the SSA and TSSA has ratified by a margin of 65 to 9. To review the document, please click on the links below. Letter from GCA SA - 5 Agreement
Single System Agreement Interpretations
18 July 2011
Due to ongoing process involving Single System Agreement Article 32 and the issues with CSXT over proper interpretation/application of certain agreement rules, etc., we have now posted interpretations related to the following Articles: 37 and 9, 42 (B), 53, and 82 (A) 7. These are now listed under "References" and then "Agreements" for your review.
State Battles Update
8 April 2011
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is continuing to mobilize Teamster members and others to stop the war on workers that is occurring across the country.
Please note the update regarding ongoing legislative and political battles occurring in state capitals throughout the country, including Right-to-Work (for Less) (RTW) threats and attacks on public sector employees and their unions. Additionally, I have included information on efforts in assisting Local Unions in mobilizing members in these battles. For more information, please contact the Department of Field and Political Action at (202) 624-6993. For more information, please click on the link. State Battles Update
ERAD - How it Works
2 February 2011
The locomotive on board computer stores data from the event recorder, GPS, and fuel monitor. When the locomotive comes within range of predetermined access points, it automatically links-up with the AIT center in Jacksonville and transmits the data. It is here that the data is matched to the specific locomotive, train number, and crew. It is also scanned for exceptions and then broadcast daily to all then Road Foremen. It also permits a review of your entire trip, not just the area where the exception occurred.
ERAD currently detects and flags seven exceptions. Later project phases will permit monitoring of more complex rules including signal rules. As with all new technology, the bugs are being worked out and the system is being streamlined for ease of use. Here are the exceptions that the Road Foreman are alerted to from the download of your trip:
*Inproper Dynamic Brake - Refer to rule 5503 & 5505 - Train Braking - Lever change of 5 positions and speed above 15 mph while in dynamic brake mode
*Improper Independent Brake - Refer to rule 5505 - Braking Trains - Independent brake cylinder pressure greater than 10 psi with speed about 15 mph for more than 6 seconds
*Power Braking - Refer to fule 5552 - Controlling Speed - Speed about 10 mph and brake pipe pressure less than 84 psi, in a throttle position higher than 2 for more than 31 seconds
*Emergency in Motion - Refer to rule 5653 - Emergency Brake Applications - Speed about 10 mph and brake pipe pressure equal to 0 psi for more than 2 seconds
*Excessive Fuel Utilization - Refer to rule 5401A - Conserving Fuel - Trailing Locomotive Excessive Idling: Locomotive speed = 0 mph for 31 minutes
*Engine Revving - Refer to rule 5060B - Increasing Air Compressor Output - Fuel pump relay on, speed = 0, Tractive effort/amps = 0, and throttle > or = to position #2 and < or = to position #8 for 15 seconds
*Excessive Speed - Refer to rule 40 - Speed Rules - Level 1: Max Speed Exceeded by 1 mph for 5 minutes, Level 2: Max Speed Exceeded by 3 mph for 1 minute, Level 3: Max Speed Exceeded by 5 mph for 1 minute, Level 4: Max Speed Exceeded by 10 mph for 1 second
SMA Geiger-Brendle Scholarship
28 January 2011
The cornerstone of the SMA is the Geiger-Brendle Scholarship. There are two types of scholarships awarded. The standard scholarship is in the amount of $750.00. Hardship scholarships for handicapped candidates or children/dependents of disabled or deceased members are $1500.00.
No applications will be received via fax nor by hand in Asheville at the SMA. All of the completed, signed and properly endorsed applications with proof of grade point average must be received by June 9, 2011. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Please contact C.F. (Chuck) Warder, Secretary-Treasurer of the BLET SMA, regarding any questions concerning this scholarship. He can be reached at (304) 638-9881 or via email at chuck190@engineer.com. View Application
Pierce, Walpert Reelected
15 December 2010
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce and National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert have been reelected to four year terms that begin on January 1, 2011. For more information, please click on the link. Election Results
C&O Employees' Hospital Association Rules and Regulations Changes for 2011
1 December 2010
Attached are the 2011 Notice of Change in Benefits for Membership Under Plan One (Active, COBRA, Leave of Absence, Suspended, and Furloughed) and the new Rules and Regulations for 2011. The letter is similar to several others depending on category of membership the member is under. View Letter View R&R
Joint Letter of Protest Regarding CSXT's New Availability Standards
1 August 2010
Attached is the joint letter from all of the General Chairman on CSXT to protest CSXT's new availability standards for your review. We will continue to update you on the progress concerning this issue. View Letter
RRB: Benefit Rate Increase for Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits
29 June 2010
The maximum daily benefit rate payable for claims under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act is increases. Please view the attached link for further information. Benefit Increase
CSXT Labor Agreement No. 1-030-09
11 November 2009
CSXT Labor Agreement No. 1-030-09 was ratified by approximately 85% of our members who casted a ballot over the System during the months of August and September, 2009. This agreement was made effective September 15, 2009, with the signature date also shown as the same date by our General Chairmen and approved by our National BLET Vice President in Jacksonville, Floriday on November 5, 2009. This is a five (5) year agreement and provides wage increases each year commencing on January 1, 2010, through and on January 1, 2014, in addition to a performance bonus payment due each year commencing in 2011 through 2015. The bonus payment is scheduled to be paid no later than March 1 of each year. View 1-030-09
Final Rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
23 September 2009
Please find the website link to the Federal Railroad Administration and the final Rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway Rail Crossings. I strongly encourage you to review the Final rules and additional subject matters listed therein that you may access with this document. Just click on each sentence on the website and you will be able to access the FRA posting on that subject matter. FRA.dot.gov
Announcements
FRA - EO 26
16 August 2009
Please find below answers to two (2) different questions involving a supervisor using a cell phone while riding in the operating compartment of a moving train and observing a crew while outside the operating compartment of a train.
Question: Can a company officer accept a cell phone call while riding with a crew observing how they work?
Answer: Section A of Emergency order 26 defines the scope of the order it states that the restrictions and prohibitions in EO 26 apply to railroad operating employees. That term is defined in section B (3) as “a person performing duties subject to 49 U.S.C. 21103, ‘Limitation on duty hours of train employees,’ an individual engaged in or connected with the movement of a train, including a hostler.” If the supervisor is not subject to the limitations of Hours of Service the restrictions would not apply to them. Extending the restrictions included in the order to other non operating employees is addressed in one area. Emergency Order 26 generally prohibits the use of cell phones in the operating compartment of a moving train. However, it is not an absolute prohibition. Under certain conditions it is permissible. So the answer to the first question is a qualified yes. 1) The supervisor may use a railroad provided cell phone for authorized business purposes. 2) He must first have a safety briefing with the crew. 3) The crew must agree that it safe to use the phone.
Question: Can a company officer accept a cell phone call while observing a crew member, while he is outside the cab, coupling up a track or working with cars?
Answer: Any other use of the cell phone is prohibited in the operating compartment of a moving train. Extending the prohibition on using cell phones to supervisors observing operations outside the operating compartment is not specifically addressed in EO 26. Therefore, if the supervisor is not part of the crew or assisting in coupling or working with cars the prohibitions do not apply to him. FYI, The restrictions on the operating crew is not absolute either. Certain conditions must exist for the members of the crew on the ground to use a cell phone. They are; 1) He cannot be fouling any track 2) No other switching operations are underway 3) He is not performing other safety related duties (This would include tasks such as brake tests) 4) The crew has suspended operations
Federal Drug and Alcohol Testing
15 August 2009
Federal drug and alcohol testing in the railroad industry must comply with DOT and FRA Federal regulations/procdures. The attached flier is a cooperative effort among the FRA, DOT, AAR, ASLRRA, ATDA, BLET, BRS, IBEW, and UTU to provide covered service employees like you with the information you need to comply with Federal testing. View Documents
Hours of Service Law - FAQs
11 September 2009
This Memorandum is a detailed updated explanation of the how deadhead trips should be treated for HOS recordkeeping purposes and the application of the law. View Memorandum.
16 July 2009
For more detailed information regarding the about the RSIA HOSL, including the interpretations, please click on the links below. ble-t.org
30 June 2009
The updated documents contain the public inspection copy of the FRA's HOSL interpretations. View Documents.
18 November 2008
The following document contains answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to the Hours of Service Law. View FAQs.
Short Term Disability Plan Changes - Effective January 2009
17 November 2008
The BLET announces a number of changes to the Short Term Disability Insurance Plan which will go into effect on January 1, 2009. These changes will impact eligible employees working on a railroad that participated in the Wage Rules portion of the National Agreement dated December 16, 2003. The following letter details the changes to Occupational and Non-Occupational plans.
View Short Term Disability Plan Changes.
More Information
Looking for further information? Links with other websites are listed below.
FRA Dept. of Transportation Railroad Safety