Agreements Etc...

Brothers and Sisters,

I wanted to give all of you a quick update on the Crew Consist Section 6 negotiations. Since last summer, when the arbitration award was given that required us to negotiate Crew Consist on the Eastern District, Pacific Northwest and Idaho, we’ve had 3 meetings with Union Pacific and the NRLC. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 12.

Because this is Section 6 negotiations and Union Pacific is part of the National Coalition, the NRLC is overseeing the bargaining process on UP’s behalf. The proposal’s given thus far have no substance, no proposed wage package and no structure. We have made our concerns over safety, the future of Trainpersons and Engineers, protections and scope very clear but Carrier has yet to address these initial items and insists on using their prerogative in each area. As you can imagine, we are not agreeable to any proposal that includes Carrier prerogative. We’ve seen the repercussions of Carrier prerogative with staffing on guaranteed extra boards. Carrier has consistently short staffed these guaranteed extra boards which has led to the manpower shortage we are currently experiencing.

Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act requires us to negotiate crew consist however, that does not mean we must agree. If Carrier and the NRLC continue to disregard our concerns and not negotiate in good faith, we will seriously consider our option to declare an impasse. Should this occur, or if Carrier declares an impasse, we will be assigned a mediator and begin the mediation process which could take months or years to complete. Based on the Carrier’s current attitude towards bargaining, I see little movement on the issue in the near future.

The other Roads (BNSF and NS) are experiencing the same result with the NRLC. In fact, the NRLC has given the same proposal to each road, at each meeting, despite there being significant differences in agreements. This goes to show they are not interested in true bargaining but are attempting to force their agenda and steal jobs away from our members. All the involved General Chairpersons are keeping in close contact with each other and International to ensure a united front remains and our members livelihoods are protected.

I’ll provide additional updates if and when developments occur but until such time, rest assure that this office is prepared to take every avenue available to protect the membership (Engineers and Trainpersons) and ensure everyone working today will be secured a job until retirement.

Fraternally,

Luke Edington

General Chairman

SMART TD GO-953