BROTHERHOOD OF RAILROAD SIGNALMEN LOCAL 20
The next regular meeting of BRS Local 20 will be Saturday June 15, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. at The Best Western Prairie Inn, 300 S. Soangetaha Rd. Galesburg, Il. Reservations may be made by calling 309-343-7151. Following are brief minutes from our last meeting held April 20, 2013 in Quincy, Il.
The meeting opened at 8:30 a.m. with 15 members and 1 guest present. A treasury balance of $ 100,133.51 in checking and c.d.’s in the amount of $ 21,554.67 was reported. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved unanimously.
Joe Baker reported on the following: an investigation concerning a supervisor accusing a member of giving him menacing looks at a restaurant, an issue dealing with manpower planning over a skill pay issue, concerning the 3 year requirement for construction guys to work before getting the skill pay, a waiver for a member who exceeded authority limits, the drive cameras in trucks, and filling out bid forms properly.
Craig McLaren reported it had been pretty quiet on his area. He did discuss seat belt usage, and the importance of making sure we keep our heads in the game as far as these heavy handed rules are concerned.
Jerry Moore discussed the following: a claim concerning a supervisor calling a maintainer to fuel generators on 4 other men’s territories after hours, when those men were available to do so, an issue with signalmen running form b’s for track gangs, local chairman training for the new guys in Frot Royal, possible certification for signal employees, hours of service issues, and an issue with Burlington bridge cutover.
Nate Estes discussed the following: the BST survey that some members filled out, the telematics for company trucks that will monitor driving habits, locations etc, hours of service issues, health and welfare deductable increases this July, and a desire to see more young guys get involved with the union.
Guest Joe Bauer from the law firm Bauer & Baebler made a very good presentation on the federal whistle blower act and proper procedures when injured and the impact FELA has on our claims.
In closing I would like to remind all members to take your time in the discharge of your duties. There are still too many instances of members getting into trouble over seat belt and track authority issues. The company in not going to bend on these issues. We must watch our
step at all times. And whatever you do, when flashing menacing looks, please wear your dark glasses to avoid possible retribution. Once again, if you could sign up for this newsletter as well as the general committees letter it would be very helpful. Hope to see a nice turn out in Galesburg June 15.
Fraternally,
Ed Leeson
Recording Financial Secretary BRS Local 20
brslocal20@comcast.net
309-202-1260
