Teamsters offer Hurricane Ike Disaster Relief assistance in Louisiana, Texas

CLEVELAND, September 24 — The Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund is accepting applications for assistance from members in Louisiana and Texas after Hurricane Ike damaged homes and property in early September.
Assistance is available to individuals and households in the following Louisiana counties who may have experienced a loss due to this disaster:
Acadian, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Plaquemines, Sabine, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion, and Vernon Parishes.
To help increase awareness of this valuable assistance, members who live and work in Louisiana are asked to print and post the following notice at their places of work:
http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/LAikedisasterflyer.pdf
Assistance is also available to individuals and houses in the following Texas counties:
Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties.
To help increase awareness of this valuable assistance, members who live and work in Texas are asked to print and post the following notice at their places of work:
http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/TXikedisasterflyer.pdf
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund office at: (202) 624-8971. If you were impacted by the hurricane, please download and complete the "Request for Help" form available below. The completed "Request for Help" forms (including all requested documentation) must be returned to the Teamsters by Tuesday, October 28, 2008.
Members living in Louisiana who wish to apply for relief should print and complete the following “Request for Help” form:
http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/LAikedisasterrelief.pdf
Members living in Texas who wish to apply for relief should print and complete the following “Request for Help” form:
http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/TXikedisasterrelief.pdf
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
bentley@ble.org
http://www.ble.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=4697
1997-2008 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
http://www.ble.org

 

FW: Joe Biden in Ohio this week: "John McCain and the Bush Administration have declared a war on organized labor's house"

---

From: Tolman, John [mailto:tolman@ble-t.org]
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 9:56 AM
To: _NDOfficers; _Legislative Chairmen US GCA; _General Chairmen US GCA; _SpecialReps; _GIA; _ExecStaff
Subject: Spam:***, FW: Joe Biden in Ohio this week: "John McCain and the Bush Administration have declared a war on organized labor's house"

 

Brothers and Sisters

Now you know why he selected Senator Biden, our friend.

Frats

John

John P. Tolman

Vice President and National Legislative Representative

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/obamaroadblog/gGg4pG

Flexible Spending Account will provide real savings

CLEVELAND, September 16 — Registration for the money-saving Flexible Spending Account (FSA) begins next month, and BLET members are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable new health and welfare benefit. The program allows BLET members to pay for doctor co-pays and other medical expenses with pretax dollars.
A partial list of items that qualify for this type of payment includes: Doctor co-pays; Drug Co-pays; Dental Co-pays or other dental expenses not covered in our dental plan; Vision Co-pays or additional cost for eye care not covered under the national plan; and Over the counter medications, such as cold medicine, decongestant medicine, aspirin, Tylenol or their generic brands.
At the Union Pacific Railroad, Southern Region General Chairman Gil Gore is a staunch supporter of the program. He encourages all BLET members to sign up.
“I have a personal experience with the medical portion of the FSA,” Brother Gore said. “The program has helped tremendously with braces and other major dental work for my children not covered by our health insurance.”
Brother Gore gave braces and orthodontist work as an example. He said the FSA could really help BLET members who have children save money.
“If you have some major dental work scheduled (such as braces for your kids) up to $3,600 of that expense can be paid with pretax dollars,” he said. “If you are in a 25%–33 % tax bracket, that amounts to as much as a $1,200 reduction in the federal taxes that you pay.
“We planned ahead to have our children’s dental work done at the proper time to get maximum benefit from the plan,” he said.
In much the same way that a 401k program allows individuals to use pre-tax dollars to save for retirement, the Railroad Employees Flexible Benefits Program allows members to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain medical expenses or dependent care expenses. The current 2008 plan allows members to save anywhere from $120 to $5,000 per year for dependent care expenses, or $120 to $3,600 per year for medical expenses. It is expected the dollar amounts will change under the upcoming 2009 plan year.
Just like 401k contributions are automatically deducted from your paycheck, membership contributions to the Flexible Spending Account are withheld from your paycheck. Your contributions to the plan are spread out over 12 monthly payments (in other words, if you elect the 2008 maximum of $3,600, then you would place $300 per month into your Flexible Spending Account). If you elected the 2008 minimum of $120, then you would have $10 per month deducted from your pay and placed into your Flexible Spending Account. You can receive payment from the account when you present a bill via a claim form. You must furnish receipts to be reimbursed for the expense.
“It also allows you to pay for all of your co-payments on doctor visits and for prescription medicine,” Brother Gore said.
Additionally, some over the counter medications can be paid for using the Flexible Spending Account. United HealthCare has provided a list of medications that it will reimburse under the Flexible Spending Account:
http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/OTCMedFSA.pdf
The plan also has a “use it or lose it” provision. For example, if you sign up for $2,000 in flex spending deductions and only have expenses equal to $1,900, then you would only be able to collect $1,900 of the $2,000 you put into your account. But if you were in a 33% tax bracket, that would still net you $533 in savings for the year ($633 tax savings minus the $100 left in the account = $533 net savings).
“While I know the ‘use it or lose it’ function of the plan can be scary, you can easily meet the minimum deduction of $120 for the year just on over the counter medications, which would yield you a net savings of $40 for the year if you were in a 33% tax bracket,” Brother Gore said. “My wife and I have put the maximum in her flex spending account for the last eight years and been able to provide receipts to receive a total refund every year.
“Our over the counter medicine for our family in the year 2006 came to $217. If you are on maintenance medications this program can put real dollars into your pocket allowing you to pay your co-pays with pretax dollars.”
Side Letter 8 of the 2007 BLET National Agreement stipulates that the BLET must reach at least 5% participation by the year 2009 in order to retain this benefit. This is a big reason why the BLET is strongly encouraging its members to participate in the Flexible Spending Account program.
“This is a benefit that will put real dollars into your pockets and I encourage you all to enroll at an amount you are comfortable with to see how the plan works,” Gore said.
Enrollment opportunity for the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) should arrive in your mailbox soon from United HealthCare.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
bentley@ble.org
http://www.ble.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=4693
1997-2008 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
http://www.ble.org

 

 

Conference Call Following Hurricane IKE 3pm Daily Until Further Notice

Brothers and Sisters

We are going to conduct a daily 3pm conference call beginning on September 12, 2008 to discuss the status of the railroad and assess the damage to our membership.  Please contact your Local Chairman to secure the conference call dial in information so that you can participate in this resource provided by your General Committee.

Fraternally,

Gil Gore

2 Dead, 1 Hurt In Train Crash Near Medford

Brothers,

It is with a heavy heart that I bring news to you that one of our Engineers BLET Div 523 member Richard Pendarvis and UTU Conductor Larry Williams were killed in a crossing accident when their train colided with a propane truck.  Brother Pendarvis was 52 years old and orignally hired on with Union Pacific in 1999.  Brother Williams was 53 and hired on with Union Pacific in 2002.
Please keep the Pendarvis and Williams famlies in your thoughts and prayers.
Below is a link to some news coverage of the incident.
Fraternally,
Gil Gore

. http://www.koco.com/news/17334888/detail.html

Limo Reporting Hotline Available Online

Brothers,

 

Thanks to Brother Scott Alexander’s assistance we now have a Limo Reporting Hotline where crews can enter information to correct limo issues.  The site is accessible from the claim webpage main page for each member.  If you as a local chairman need to file a report for a member, simply do a “Find a Member” search and select the AC / Limo Reporting link to file a record for that member.

 

It is imperative that everyone provide the requested detail information so that we can properly identify the who, what, when and where of the situation.  f our members will use this feature, it offers the opportunity to track limo delays along with excessive hours on duty by capturing that information into our online database. 

 

The site can be accessed by going to the New Claims Link on our website (www.bleupsrgca.com) or by going directly to the claims page at http://claims.upengineer.org/index.php and logging into the system to fill out the report.

 

I will put out a broad case message in the system to notify all members of the new feature when they log into the system and acknowledge the message.

If you are logging in to the WebClaims system for the first time, the default password is the last four digits of your EID #. It is highly recommended to change the password once you have successfully logged in to the system. You may do this by the "Edit Your Profile" link from the Main Menu.

Kudos to Brother Scott Alexander for his extra effort to set this system up so quickly.

 

Hoping you find this information useful, I remain.

Fraternally,

Gil Gore. 

 

DRUG TESTING FINAL RULE POSTPONED UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, 2008 - COMMENTS DUE BY SEPTEMBER 25, 2008

Brothers,

 

The attached was published in today’s Federal Register. In response to petitions from certain transportation industry and labor groups, the Department of Transportation is changing the effective date of 49 CFR 40.67(b) direct observation of follow up drug tests from August 25, 2008, to November 1, 2008.

 

To see an online version of this document Click HERE.

 

Fraternally,

Gil Gore

 

SUMMARY: In response to petitions from certain transportation industry and labor groups, the Department of Transportation is changing the effective date of 49 CFR 40.67(b) from August 25, 2008, to November 1, 2008. The Department is also requesting comments concerning the content of § 40.67(b) for 30 days. This section of the Department’s drug testing procedural rule requires employers to ensure that all follow-up and return-to-duty drug tests are directly observed.

DATES: The effective date of the revision of 49 CFR 40.67(b) published June 25, 2008 (73 FR 35970) is delayed from August 25, 2008, to November 1, 2008. Comments should be submitted by September 25, 2008.

See document for ways to deliver comments on this issue the DOT.

 

DOT delays mandatory direct observation regulation to November 1

http://www.ble.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=4682

 

 

CLEVELAND, August 24 — The U.S. Department of Transportation is postponing

from August 25 to November 1 a new regulation that would subject employees

to mandatory direct observation during drug tests conducted when a

transportation worker returns to work after a positive drug test and

during follow-up drug tests.

 

The current DOT regulation, which will remain in effect for the time

being, requires direct observation of urine collection only after an

invalid test, and is discretionary during return-to-duty and follow-up

tests.

 

DOT has not delayed implementation of a related requirement that would

subject workers to a "strip search" in those situations when a direct

observation will be made. Section 40.67(i) states as follows:

 

"As the observer, you must request the employee to raise his or her shirt,

blouse, or dress/skirt, as appropriate, above the waist; and lower

clothing and underpants to show you, by turning around, that they do not

have a prosthetic device. After you have determined that the employee does

not have such a device, you may permit the employee to return clothing to

its proper position for observed urination."

 

It is expected that the postponement will be published in the August 25

Federal Register. Also, the DOT will open a 30-day public comment period,

during which time interested parties may comment on whether direct

observation should be mandatory in all return-to-duty and follow-up tests.

 

In mid-August, the BLET along with seven other rail unions and the BNSF

Railway, filed a lawsuit challenging both aspects of the new regulation on

the grounds that they violated the Fourth Amendment of the U.S.

Constitution, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches. The

joint petition for review was filed in the United States Court of Appeals

for the District of Columbia Circuit.

 

 

---

This message was sent by the BLET NewsFlash Service.

To unsubscribe, go to http://www.ble-t.org

Response to Second Class of Service Potision - Aggregate Rock Pools

From: Gore, Gil [mailto:gilgore1@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 5:54 PM To: All Local Chairmen Subject: Response to Second Class of Service Potision - Aggregate Rock Pools

Brothers,

Attached for your information is a copy of letters sent to the undersigned and UTU GC Johnson by the carrier taking an erroneous position regarding the payment of penalty claims for aggregate pools handling non-aggregate cars. Brother Johnson and I agreed to a joint letter opposing this position which is attached for your ready reference.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Fraternally,

Gil Gore

To view the Joint Letter click HERE

To view the Carrier letter to BLET click HERE

To view the Carrier Letter to UTU click HERE

FRA Updates Quite Zones

Brothers,

FRA has updated their list of quite zones at the following link http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/THRReport81408.pdf

Fraternally,

Gil Gore

FW: Petition for Waiver of compliance

Brothers,

 

Attached is a copy of the waivers from the AAR and ASLRRA filed jointly seeking a delay in the August 25, 2008 implementation date of amendments to Title 49 CFR § 40.67 which was issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) on June 25, 2008 (73 FR 35961). Part 40 is incorporated by reference in § 219.701 of Title 49, CFR, Part 219, Control of Drug and Alcohol Use in Railroad Operations.  As you are aware by my previous message of 08-08-08, this provision involved “direct observation” of drug tests in certain conditions.  Please share this information with our members.  It is also posted to our e-mail blogg at http://bletsre-mail.blogspot.com/.  

Fraternally,

Gil Gore

Click HERE to view waiver from AAR and ASLRRA.

Click HERE to view Q&As from UP on direct observation testing.

Unions challenge DOT’s “strip search” regulation

CLEVELAND, August 14 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, along with seven other rail unions and the BNSF Railway, has filed a lawsuit challenging a new Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation that would subject employees to a "strip search" during mandatory drug tests. The DOT regulation, which would become effective August 25, requires railroads to directly observe urine collection in all federally-mandated drug tests involving either a return-to-duty after a positive or invalid test, or a follow-up test conducted after a positive or invalid test. Prior to directly observing the specimen donation, the collector also would be required to subject the worker to a "strip search," because the new regulation states as follows: "As the observer, you must request the employee to raise his or her shirt, blouse, or dress/skirt, as appropriate, above the waist; and lower clothing and underpants to show you, by turning around, that they do not have a prosthetic device. After you have determined that the employee does not have such a device, you may permit the employee to return clothing to its proper position for observed urination." The DOT’s "strip search" regulation is being challenged, in part, on the basis that the mandatory strip searches and observations violate the prohibition against unreasonable searches contained in the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In addition, review is being sought to determine whether DOT complied with the rule making process of the Administrative Procedures Act. BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz blasted the new regulation. "Forcing a railroad worker to submit to an embarrassing and humiliating strip search and observed collection without reasonable suspicion is an outrage," he said. Other unions participating in the lawsuit include: the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division; American Train Dispatchers Association; Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; Transportation Communications International Union; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; National Conference of Firemen and Oilers; and United Transportation Union. In a statement, the BNSF Railway Executive Vice President Carl Ice said: "There is absolutely no tolerance for alcohol or drug use in our workplace. But we also believe that our employees are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect at the workplace, and this new regulation is an intrusion on employees." President Rodzwicz said that if this regulation had been in effect since FRA began keeping these statistics, almost 21,000 unnecessary strip searches and direct observations would have been required, "needlessly humiliating over 99.97 percent of all those required to submit to return-to-duty or follow-up testing." President Rodzwicz also said there is no reason to justify the DOT’s overly harsh and humiliating regulation. "There is no documentation whatsoever of adulteration or substitution of a return-to-duty test in the railroad industry, and not one of the nearly 11,000 return-to-duty and follow-up tests conducted in 2006 and 2007 were invalidated because of adulteration or substitution," President Rodzwicz said. The joint petition for review was filed on August 13 in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Court of Appeals is expected to issue a schedule for conducting its review shortly.

RRB final rule

From: Gore, Gil [mailto:gilgore1@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 9:45 AM
To: ALL LOCAL CHAIRMEN BLET SR GCA

Subject: FW: RRB final rule

Brothers,

Attached and below is reference to the final rule regarding payments from the RR Retirement System pursuant to Court Decree or Court-Approved Property Settlement.  The law has been changed to continue Tier II benefits to former spouses even after the death of an employee effective August 17, 2007.  If the employee passed away prior to that date, then this provision would not be applicable per my understanding of the change.

I would suggest that we get this information to all members who have the misfortune to have recently gone through or are going through a divorce with instructions that they provide the same to their legal representation in the matter.

To view the document in PDF click HERE

Fraternally,

Gil Gore

From: Policy, Kathleen [mailto:policy@ble-t.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 8:54 AM
To: _General Chairmen US GCA; _Legislative Chairmen US GCA
Cc: Tolman, John; Pontolillo, Tom
Subject: RRB final rule

Attached is the Railroad Retirement Board’s final rule regarding Payments Pursuant to Court Decree or Court-Approved Property Settlement, published in today’s Federal Register.

Kathleen Policy

Legislative, Political & Regulatory Coordinator

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

Teamsters Rail Conference

25 Louisiana Ave. NW

Washington, D.C. 20001

Office: (202) 624-8766

Cell: (202) 552-9328

Fax: (202) 624-3086

policy@ble-t.org

www.bletdc.org

 

FW: Rooms for 2008 SWCM

Brothers,

 

For your info, please see Brother Grimes’ message below about the SWMA coming up in St. Louis MO.

 

Gil

 

From: D Grimes [mailto:dgrimes@boycomonline.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 3:11 PM
To: Gil Gore; Jim Dayton; Bill Hannah; Bruce McArthur; Michael Young
Subject: Rooms for 2008 SWCM

 

Brothers:  Please forward the following message to your members;

 

Thanks,

 

Dave Grimes

 

Brothers:

 

As we have sold out our block at the Hilton for the 2008 SWCM in St. Louis we have secured a block of rooms at The Millennium Hotel.  This hotel is very nice and is only a block and a half from the Hilton and within easy walking distance.   We have a contract rate of $135.00 per night.  You can contact the hotel by phone at 1-866-866-8086 or 314-241-9500 and ask for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers rate.  You can also make your reservations by following the link below.

 

http://reservations.synxis.com/LBE/rez.aspx?Hotel=11544&Chain=5303&lang=1&group=BLE&arrive=9/14/2008&depart=9/18/2008

 

Above is the link to access the reservation booking engine for our group. If you would like to get more information on the hotel, you can go through the website at www.millenniumhotels.com/stlouis.

 

Dave Grimes

573-776-8333

 

 

FW: RJ Santorelli, LR-1487514-D / su 16

-----Original Message-----
From: Gore, Gil [mailto:gilgore1@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 10:13 AM
To: All Locla Chairmen

Subject: FW: RJ Santorelli, LR-1487514-D / su 16

 

Brothers,

 

For your information, above is a discipline case that was apparently settled on Brother Hannah's Committee on property without arbitration.  The Carrier agreed to the reinstatement with pay but have now reneged on that commitment trying to offset lost earnings against monies that were made or should have been made during the suspension period.  It is also my understanding that a similar case is ongoing in Las Vegas off of Brother Dayton's GCA as well.

 

It is my suggestion that any settlements of outstanding discipline be run by this Office prior to signing any return to work documents.  We will work with legal counsel on developing some iron clad language to avoid this in

the future.

 

Click Here to view document HERE

 

Fraternally,

Gil Gore

 

 

BLET - CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION

This message is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521, and is legally privileged.  The content of this message is for informational purposes only; provided to the membership of the BLET and should not be construed as any official position on the application of any contract language discussed in this communication and should not be used or referenced by anyone in future proceedings.  Any use of this information by anyone other than intended recipients is prohibited.

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Bill Hannah [mailto:dwh@bletupwl.org]

Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:02 PM

To: 'Bruce MacArthur'; 'Chairlie Reightnowar'; 'Gil Gore'; 'Mike Young'; 'Tim Donnigan'

Cc: 'Lee Pruitt'

Subject: FW: RJ Santorelli, LR-1487514-D / su 16

 

Well - not that we didn't know the fight was coming, but this is the first

one I seen so far on the UP.

 

Bill

 

-----Original Message-----

From: BENATESCH@UP.COM [mailto:BENATESCH@UP.COM]

Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 10:52 AM

To: Kristeen Clough; Bill Hannah

Subject: RJ Santorelli, LR-1487514-D / su 16

 

 

Deduction of outside wages request.

 

(See attached file: Santorelli,RJ_Outside

Earnings_LR-1487514-D_Hannah,DW.doc).

This message and any attachments contain information from Union Pacific

which may be confidential and/or privileged.

If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure,

copying, distribution or use of the contents of this message is strictly

prohibited by law. If you receive this message in error, please contact the

sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments.

Flexible Spending Account enrollment begins in October

CLEVELAND, July 17 — Registration for the money-saving Flexible Spending Account (FSA) begins in just over two months, and members are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable new health and welfare benefit.
The benefit has been in place on the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe property for some time, so BLET National Vice President Dennis Pierce is familiar with the FSA program.
“With three children at home, two wearing glasses and two wearing braces, I dedicate money to my FSA every year and have never left any money in the account,” Pierce said.
The benefit is new to BLET members working under the National agreement.
“What many members should know is that the Flexible Spending Account allows engineers to use pretax dollars to pay for covered medical expenses and covered childcare expenses that they would otherwise pay for with after tax dollars,” Vice President Pierce said. “The end result is that all money dedicated to the FSA is treated like any other income tax deduction or 401k contribution; it lowers the engineer’s taxable income at the end of the year. For every dollar put in the FSA, most engineers will save at least 25 to 30 percent of those dollars in tax liability that can then be spent on covered expenses.
“Covered medical expenses include prescription co-pays, Doctor visit co-pays and deductibles, costs for braces, glasses and contact lenses not covered by insurance, as well as many every day ‘over the counter medications’ like Tylenol and Maalox,” Pierce said.
BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz stressed the importance of membership participation in the Flexible Spending Account during his welcoming address at the Eastern Union Meeting Association convention on July 7.
“It uses pre-tax dollars and members will realize significant savings,” President Rodzwicz said. “It works for you and it saves you money. Please take advantage of this plan — it’s a great benefit for our members.”
However, the benefit will be lost unless membership participation increases. Side Letter #8 of the 2007 National Contract specifies that at least 5 percent of eligible BLET members must participate in the plan or it will be terminated as of December 31, 2009. Current participation levels are below the 5 percent threshold, and the BLET is encouraging all members to sign up once open enrollment begins.
Open enrollment begins each year in October for the following year and a form is available to calculate each member’s predicted medical expenses for that year.
Members will be able to choose to participate in one of two programs:
• The first program, Health Flexible Spending Arrangement (Health FSA), allows members to use tax-free dollars to pay for health care benefits such as the following: doctor co-pays; drug co-pays; dental co-pays or other dental expenses not covered in our dental plan; vision co-pays or additional eye care not covered under the national plan; and over-the-counter medications (cold medicine, decongestant medicine, aspirin, Tylenol or their generic equivalent, etc…). The 2008 program offers savings of $120 to $3,600 per year, but the savings are subject to change in the upcoming benefit year.
• The second program, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), allows members to use pre-tax dollars for certain dependent care expenses, such as out-of-pocket dependent care expenses for childcare or care for physically or mentally handicapped dependants. The 2008 program offers savings of $120 to $5,000 per year, but the savings are subject to change in the upcoming benefit year.
More details will be provided when open enrollment begins. BLET members are encouraged to monitor the BLET website and newsletter for details regarding this money-saving plan.

Thursday, July 17, 2008
bentley@ble.org

http://www.ble.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=4664

© 1997-2008 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
http://www.ble.org

 

FW: [BLET SR GCA E-mail Blogg] Modified Peer Trainer Agreement - New Rate Effecti...

New Peer Trainer Rate in effect on BLET UP Southern Region GCA Effective June 1, 2008 $250.00 per day for classroom training.
Effective July 1, 2008 the classroom rate goes to $282.73 per day
All other aspects of the agreement remain in tact as far as rates of pay and days of compensation.  The 115% or classroom rate for field peer trainers remains intact.
Click HERE to view the agreement in PDF

Benefit rate increase for railroad unemployment and sickness benefits

(The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board issued the following on June 2.)

CHICAGO — The maximum daily benefit rate payable for claims under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act increases to $61 from $59 in the new benefit year, which begins July 1, 2008. Benefits are normally paid for the number of days of unemployment or sickness over four in 14-day registration periods, so maximum benefits for biweekly claims will total $610.

During the first 14-day claim period in a benefit year, benefits are payable for each day of unemployment or sickness in excess of seven, rather than four, which, in effect, provides a one-week waiting period. Initial sickness claims must also begin with four consecutive days of sickness. However, only one waiting period is required during any period of continuing unemployment or sickness, even if that period continues into a subsequent benefit year. Claimants already on the rolls will, therefore, normally not be required to serve another waiting period because of the onset of the new benefit year.

To qualify for normal railroad unemployment or sickness benefits in the benefit year beginning July 1, 2008, an employee must have had railroad earnings of at least $3,075 in calendar year 2007, not counting more than $1,230 for any month. Those who were first employed in the rail industry in 2007 must also have at least five months of creditable railroad service in 2007.

Under certain conditions, employees with 10 or more years of service who do not qualify in the new benefit year on the basis of their 2007 earnings may still be able to receive benefits after June 30, 2008. Ten-year employees who received normal benefits in the benefit year ending June 30, 2008, might still be eligible for extended benefits, and ten-year employees may be eligible for accelerated benefits if they have rail earnings of at least $3,200 in 2008, not counting earnings of more than $1,280 a month.

Application forms for unemployment and sickness benefits may be obtained from railroad employers, railroad labor organizations, any Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) office, or the agency’s Web site at www.rrb.gov. Also, as an alternative to applying for unemployment benefits through the mail, unemployment claimants can instead file applications online. Likewise, subsequent biweekly claims for unemployment benefits may be filed online rather than through the mail and employees can also access information about their individual railroad unemployment insurance account statements online. These account statements provide a summary of the unemployment and sickness benefits paid under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to rail employees.

To access these online services, employees must first establish an RRB Internet Services account. For security purposes, first time users must apply for a Password Request Code, which they will receive by mail in about 10 business days. To do this, employees should click on “Benefit Online Services” and select “request a PRC.” Once employees establish their online accounts, they will be able to file their applications and biweekly claims for unemployment benefits as well as conduct other business with the RRB over the Internet. Employees are encouraged to initiate an online account while still employed so the account is established if they ever need to use these or other select RRB Internet services. Employees who have already established online accounts do not need to do so again. Although claimants cannot currently file applications or biweekly claims for railroad sickness benefits over the Internet, the RRB is planning to add the online filing of sickness claims in the future.

Claimants with questions about unemployment or sickness benefits should contact the nearest RRB office. Most RRB offices are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays.

Claimants can find the address and phone number of the RRB office serving their area, and also get information about their claims and benefit payments, by calling the toll-free RRB Help Line at 1-800-808-0772. The RRB Help Line is an automated telephone service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Field office locations can also be found by visiting www.rrb.gov.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008
bentley@ble.org

http://www.ble.org/pr/news/headline.asp?id=22402

© 1997-2008 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
http://www.ble.org

 

FW: Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act of 2008, which was signed into law yesterday and impacts employers' treatment of differential wage payments and their employee benefit plans.

From: Gore, Gil [mailto:gilgore@bletsr.org]
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 3:07 PM
To: All Local Chairmen BLET UP Southern Region

Subject: FW: Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act of 2008, which was signed into law yesterday and impacts employers' treatment of differential wage payments and their employee benefit plans.

Brothers,

For your information I have attached some information received from our VP Lee Pruitt on benefits for active military personnel.  Click HERE to view this information in PDF.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Fraternally,

Gil Gore 

From: Lee Pruitt
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 2:55 PM
Subject: Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act of 2008, which was signed into law yesterday and impacts employers' treatment of differential wage payments and their employee benefit plans.

Dear Sirs and Brothers:

                The attached file is an overview of the “Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act (HEART) of 2008. I am sure that most of you are asked questions concerning pay and benefits for our members while performing their military commitments and on a military leave of absence. Some employers may in fact provide more than HEART requires however this law was enacted in June 2008 and is provided to all of you for your information and files. Please feel free to disseminate this information as you see fit.

Fraternally,

E. L. Pruitt

BLE-T

Vice President

12265 Home Port Drive

Maureapas, LA 70449

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Notification of Symbol & Route Change Extended Haul

From: Terry Briggs [mailto:terry@tslb.org]
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 4:42 PM
To: 'Gore, Gil'
Cc: 'KW Kemper'; 'J D Bullard '; 'GL Perrien'
Subject: RE: Notification of Symbol & Route Change Extended Haul Auto Train AOAHO 5/14/08

Brothers,

Here are the answers to your questions. I verified this information with FRA today and attached a file containing the extended haul regulations.

Q 1. Can an extended haul train once designated have is designation changed in route... IE if they want they train to do more than one pick up or set out in route, can they simply remove the extended haul designation?

A 1. Under 49CFR 232.213 an extended haul train must be designated in writing to FRA. If a train is to be removed from the list, that too must be done in writing. There is no provision for temporarily removing the extended haul designation for convenience sake. Of course we know that there will be a manager that will insist that the designation is removed, but when that happens then that location would become the initial terminal for the new train and it must immediately receive a class one initial terminal mechanical and air brake inspection. If the manger understands this requirement, I don’t believe they will want to remove the designation.

Please report any change to an extended haul designation to this office so we can forward the same to the FRA.

Q 2. How can a crew verify or tell if an extended haul train has done work in route?  We have crews that are instructed to make a pick up or set out in route on extended haul trains but they have no way to verify if they are out of compliance with the extended haul waiver.

A 2. When cars are picked up or set out enroute, by UP rule, the crew is supposed to document the event and notify the next crew what work was done. However, if the paperwork is lost for example, then the next crew would have no knowledge of previous set-outs or pick-ups. Under this scenario the crew could not be held liable for a willful violation of the regulations. Only a willful violation of a FRA regulation would subject an individual to a civil penalty. Even then, civil penalties are extremely rare.

I should note that 232.213(a)(5)(i) states that before any cars are added to the extended haul train they first must be inspected by a qualified mechanical inspector. This is a car man, not the conductor. See the attached definition of a qualified mechanical inspector.

I would also suggest that all pick-ups and set-outs on extended haul trains be reported to this office. Maybe we can identify a pattern of abuse by the carrier which could result in the waiver being revoked.

I also emailed Steve Beckwith, UP manager, for his input on question two. I forward his answer if he responds.

Q 3. Is setting out and picking up power in route considered a work event by FRA on an extended haul train?  Many times crews are instructed to pick up power to shuttle it to other locations and they are told that is not considered a pick up or set out under the extended haul waiver.

A 3. 232.213(a)(5) States that, except for the set-out of defective equipment, the train shall have no more than one pick-up and one set-out en route. This section does not separate locomotives and cars. They are both considered equipment (rolling stock). Therefore, FRA does consider a pick up or set out of a locomotive to be a work event. Again, report these occurrences and we will forward the information to the FRA.

I hope I have answered your questions satisfactorily. If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Fraternally,

Terry Briggs, State Legislative Chairman

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen - IBT

7083 Baker Blvd.

Richland Hills, TX 76118

817-285-7668

chairman@tslb.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Gore, Gil [mailto:gilgore1@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:50 AM
To: 'terry@tslb.org'
Cc: 'KW Kemper'; 'J D Bullard '; 'GL Perrien'
Subject: FW: Notification of Symbol & Route Change Extended Haul Auto Train AOAHO 5/14/08

Brother Terry,

I am visiting Pecos at the hotel doing an inspection.  It is going well but while here, I encountered some questions from Brother Kemper and Bullard regarding the handling of extended haul trains.  If you could help with the following questions I would appreciate it.

1.   Can an extended haul train once designated have is designation changed in route... IE if they want they train to do more than one pick up or set out in route, can they simply remove the extended haul designation?

2.   How can a crew verify or tell if an extended haul train has done work in route?  We have crews that are instructed to make a pick up or set out in route on extended haul trains but they have no way to verify if they are out of compliance with the extended haul waiver.

3.   Is setting out and picking up power in route considered a work event by FRA on an extended haul train?  Many times crews are instructed to pick up power to shuttle it to other locations and they are told that is not considered a pick up or set out under the extended haul waiver.

Thanking you in advance for your efforts on behalf of our Brotherhood, I remain.

Fraternally,

Gil Gore