Brotherhood Of Railroad Signalmen Local 20
The next regular meeting of BRS Local 20 will be held Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 8:30 at Stoney Creek Inn, 3060 South Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska, WI. Reservations may be made by calling 800-659-2220.
Following are brief minutes from our last meeting held in Galesburg, IL on June 15, 2013.
The meeting opened at 8:30 a.m. with 8 members and 1 guest present. Out of the 8 members 6 were officers, so needless to say it was a disappointing turnout. A treasury balance of $83,089.52 in checking and c.d.’s in the amount of $21,554.67 was reported. One new member was voted in.
A motion was made to try to get the trustees together asap to get the 2012 audit done, as of this we are still in need to do the audit.
Nate Estes reported on the following on behalf of Jerry Moore: an improper signal aspect caused by transposed track wires, communication failures with hy-rail vehicles, and contractors doing maintenance on manually controlled hot air blowers.
Nate’s issues were the following: pars and payroll issues, a claim for b&b and track department working on a pole line issue at Hagener, a claim for 4 men on the Galesburg crew. Nate stated overall things have been relatively quiet.
Joe Baker discussed issues with D.O.T. qualifications, and the fact the company is playing hardball on this issue, otherwise it was pretty quiet on his end.
Craig McLaren reported on: attending an investigation in Chicago, with another one coming up later in June. He discussed electronic technicians doing maintainer work, the 8 on and 6 off work schedule, an issue with rule 46H mobile gang per diem, and the need to contact timeroll if there are problems. He closed with a brief discussion on rule 10A and the new supervisors’ gung ho attitudes.
Joe Lokken discussed the following: an investigation in Chicago, rule 1.6, the company’s dishonesty policy, and another seat belt issue. Joe also brought up an investigation on a CDL issue, and 2 vehicle accidents resulting in level “s” discipline.
Guest Dan Petro had a good talk about the importance of all our new hires being aware of the FELA act, as well as the federal whistle blower act.
New business: the “drive cameras” are being rolled out, principles in investigations are not being paid, the need to remind everyone to never “pencil whip” our tests. The CDL requirement for new hires was extended to 120 days instead of the 60 day requirement. Joe also brought up a request from the Bay City and Pepin Wisconsin maintainers to swap positions. It was determined there was too much seniority difference between the members involved, so the request was denied. Craig brought up talking to union members after a safety meetings to explain what the company expects of us, and what is required. We closed with a discussion of the lack of training on all the new equipment that is rolling out every day. The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
I hope everyone is having a good summer, and hope to see you in LaCrosse.
Fraternally,
Ed Leeson, Recording Secretary-Treasurer BRS Local 20
