Shoving 25th
Yesterday on the MNPPR
I had a student and they wanted us the shove 25th, the car wasn't a good car imo and I definitely didn't want a new hire riding the back edge of the car away from me. The train was too long so radio communication was not possible without the general "relaying for us" (we tried on 52 so they wouldn't interfere), but instead of relaying he went on to micro-manage my shove. I'm am responsible for my student's safety as well as my own- the generals constant unrequested input made the shove take alot longer. When I said we'd walk ahead he said that would take too long, at which point the utilityman jumped on the radio and agreed the assist and pick us up. With the afternoon traffic it took him 15-20 minutes to get to Melrose station and once we knocked down the signal & occupied the crossing we went to the other side of the fence and it clearly states what we all know "Not Significant Clearance" and live track on the other side with skoots flying by how is v this safe to shove through? After we knocked down the second signal and got back in truck it took 15-20 more minutes to get to the yard to get dropped off at the city lead to finish the move. So an hour+ was wasted because walking ahead was going to "take too long", not once was the fact that I said safe it was unsafe, he even asked about riding the second car back with was a tank with one hand rail - as far as I'm concerned riding the second car on a shove is basically a blind shove because you can't see the other side.
This shove is not safe and we need the union to STAND on this, they neither care or nore have learned from recent events. I'm not risking my life or anyone else's for this company so they can put me on the bump board the same day and start spreading rumors about me after the fact. My concern is going home to my family not riding a KNOWN UNSAFE SHOVE...
Then I was told later the MTO on duty sent a manager to verify we put 5 handbrake on or tracks, so I guess they wanted to find a way to put me out of service for not riding the shove... the UP way..
What we need you to know is that the UNION has taken a stand on this. We have told the Carrier on multiple occasions, in meetings with the General Manager with all the Local Chairman present, that this is the most dangerous move we are forced to make. The Carrier is completely disregarding what we are telling them stating you can simply comply with the rules. If you want to walk ahead of the move, just do it. We will go to the hearing!