JANUARY 2012 ISSUE NUMBER 20
I would like to take this opportunity and apologize to all of you who look forward eagerly each month to the latest edition of the “UTU Local 340 Newsletter”. As you know there was no November or December edition due to the fact I was extremely busy during that time. It seems that the Carrier has decided to give me some time away from work so I can catch up and once again produce what I hope is an entertaining and informative paper. I would also like to thank all of those who take the time to contribute, especially Tom Kramer and Ron Main. Their monthly columns are an integral and invaluable part of the “Newsletter” – Ed DeMott
Safety Tip of the Month
Ron Main has written an excellent column this month on “Slips, Trips and Falls”. Here are a few other points to consider… It is especially hazardous when snow falls and covers up walking hazards that would normally be exposed in better weather. One example is brake shoes lying about in the Yard. Once covered by snow they are impossible to see. Many employees have documented the unsafe walking conditions that exist in Cumberland Terminal, but so far very few of these unsafe conditions have been corrected. That being said, remember to always walk defensively, hold on to railings when possible and try to use pathways that have been cleared of snow.
A little off the path, but still a nice picture. This is Dickerson Run Yard which was across the river from Dawson. This is now part of the bike trail from Cumberland to Pittsburgh
For those of you that are interested, OSHA has created a web page with winter safety tips. The address is …….. http://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_storm/index.html
Take some time to look at this site when lying around the hotel, you may just find something that will help to keep you safe this Winter.
A Message From Your Local Chairman
The carrier has come to the Union wanting to discuss the "Electronic Bid System" for the conductors. The Union would like to hear your input and ideas of what you would like to get in return for your seniority. Contact your local Union officials to discuss your ideas. Also, some of you are asking about when Vacations will be scheduled. You should know that CSX has cut the Vacation caps by 38 slots. We are in the process of resolving this and will have them scheduled as soon as possible. Pay attention to the newsletter for additional information as it becomes available.
Fraternally,
Local Chairman
Bill Conrad
Operation RedBlock Circuit by Tom Kraemer
Several months ago, we listed the "Blood Alcohol Content" number-based system that CSX (based on FRA regulations) uses for determining a positive/negative test for on-duty employees. As was noted, the BAC levels for on-duty railroad employees are stricter than motor vehicle operation laws. Because of this fact, we need to be extra careful and plan ahead to an even greater degree. Following are a couple of common employee situations that have become more frequent in recent months:
"I was five times out with nothing to run untiltomorrownight."
"I'm working as a Conductor and they called me as an Engineer."
ORB System Coordinator Mike Jackson explains the reality of today's changing railroad environment as it pertains to the above situations:
"Due to crew utilization, manpower,RSA, drop turns, early layoffs and the absence ofassignedpools,
the days of depending on your current position and train line ups are gone. Today, if you are marked up and rested, you are telling the carrier you are ready and available to perform service. Regardless of craft, pool or board."
Basically, it is our personal choice to "drink responsibly" (as a popular brand suggests), but these days when we're rested and available for work, we need try to expect the unexpected when the phone rings. Is it unfortunate that we need to live this way? In my opinion, yes! But until the day that substantial progress is made in crew utilization and the addition of more predictable scheduling, we need to place our safety, our brothers' safety, and our jobs at the top of the list.
Safety Team Report by Ron Main
I would like to address, “Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention”, GS-8 for the month of January. We are into the winter part of our year when there will be snow, ice, freezing rain, etc. As part of the CSX T&E employee’s protection, we should ensure that we all have working winter boots as part of our protective equipment arsenal during this time. Please take time to review your winter boots and ensure that they are in good condition for the weather ahead.
CSX requires, “During times of poor weather or other unusual conditions, approved and appropriate personal protective equipment must be used”. A T&E employee without winter studded boots during snow, freezing rain or icy conditions could be removed from service and not allowed to work and in addition charged by an official of CSX. Don’t let this happen to you; be prepared for the bad weather ahead.
When walking in snow, ice, freezing rain, etc. always be aware of you surrounding areas, and conditions prevalent at the time. Always use the safest route for walking and avoid areas that may result in a fall or injury. If handrails or walkways are available, use them. As T&E employees we should all be looking out for one another to ensure our safety. Protect yourself and your job and always take actions for your safety.
Finally, if you know of or are aware of unsafe conditions please fill out a PI-82 and give to a union official or safety member for input into the CSX automated system so that actions can be taken to resolve the situation.
Minor Rules Failures
As many of you have figured out by now, the CSX IDPAP policy seems to have evolved from a tool to help an employee improve their performance and become a better and safer worker to one that seeks to punish and intimidate. There is no better indication of this than when a CSX Manager enters a “failure” into your record and then neglects to contact you for “Informal Corrective Instruction”. It is only common sense that if you are determined to have violated a rule that a Manager would want to tell you and help you do better before you hurt yourself or another employee. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
According to CSX’s own IDPAP Policy, managers must contact you for ICI for minor rules violations. If you have had a “minor” entered into your record and have not been contacted by a manager in a reasonable amount of time, promptly contact a UTU 340 Officer with the facts so we can look into it.
Pittsburgh, looking east in the 1970’s
Conductor Certification
It's now official. Conductor certification, mandated by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, became effectiveJan. 1. In a final rule, published by the Federal Railroad Administration Nov. 9, railroads were ordered to implement, by Jan. 1, a formal training program for certifying conductors and a formal process for training prospective conductors, thus ensuring job competency. The FRA's final rule on conductor certification follows many of the provisions of locomotive engineer certification, with a number of improvements the UTU, joined bythe BLET, was able to obtain. For more information on Conductor Certification or any other subject that pertains to your occupation, go to www.utu.org .
UTU Discipline Income Protection Plan
The UTU DIPP is a plan providing payment for a specific amount and period of time to an employee suspended, dismissed or removed from service by the carrier for alleged violation of rules or operating procedures, provided that such violations do not come within the list of exceptions not covered by the program.
For those newer employees who do not have “Job Insurance” let me tell you, the piece of mind having it gives you is worth every penny. If you do not have this protection, you owe it to yourself and your family to GET IT NOW.
The Trolley Terminal in Connellsville in the 1930’s. This building still exists, one block north of our tracks at the road crossing.
There are several other companies that provide this service but in my humble opinion the UTU plan is the best. I have been with both the BRCF and the LEC&PA and am now with the UTU plan. We have had situations where the other companies will not pay claims and look for any reason to deny payment to members who have paid faithfully for many years.
Go to http://www.utu.org/worksite/DIPP.htm for more information and an application. Better yet, contact John Gladem and he will be happy to answer all your questions.
John Gladem
Cell 301-697-1236
ERAD Update
All engineers should be aware that the “ERAD” System is now flagging and checking for compliance with CSX ABTH Rule 5556 “Conditioning the Brakes. RFE Laugherty has informed us that if a train sits for more than 1 hour and the Engineer does not make at least a 10 pound brake pipe reduction, the event will be flagged. Please review this Rule and be sure to comply.
Local Chairman Bill Conrad (340-C) 814-937-9114
Local Chairman Lee Hodge (340-A) 724-322-5098
Local Chairman Mike Savage (340-D) 724-366-7346
UNION MEETING January 10 @1900 VFW CONNELLSVILLE
The UTU 340 Monthly newsletter is edited by Ed DeMott. All members are encouraged to contribute. Contact Ed at