___________________________________________________________
1 August 2008
PLEASE READ A LETTER FROM BLET AUXILIARY PRESIDENT BECKY SCHNEIDER!!!
Together, Yes We Can!
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Jeff Scott, President of BLET Division 34 about FAACT, and the work you do on behalf of the BLET. As we chatted, we both realized that perhaps the initial information he received about the Auxiliary wasnt exactly right.
The Auxiliary has been around for a long time, but we have gone through a number of changes in recent years. Not only has our name changed to bring clarity as to who we are, we have moved from an organization primarily social in nature to an organization that is proactive regarding issues that effect the welfare, safety, and quality of life of BLET members, both active and retired, and their families and spouses. Our mission of support of one another is still primary, but we have added other ways to accomplish our expanded our goals.
While there have been a few who described the new Auxiliary as "militant," I think "proactive" would be a better word. After all complacency gets us nowhere, so we have taken it upon ourselves to achieve change. Education of railroad spouses and families of BLET members has always been a priority, but even more so now given the current corporate culture. The Railroad Carriers are reverting back to their robber baron ways of the late 1800's, forgetting the folks who make possible their record profits and outrageous salaries. As Auxiliary members, we can do many things which BLET members cannot for fear of being fired. We work with the Local and National BLET Divisions in determining the best course of action to help with safety and security issues, doing everything from writing letters, arranging meetings, staging informational protests when necessary, and staying in touch with our elected representatives at the local, state, and federal levels acting on issues as they arise.
Our education includes information that railroaders and their spouses (and even old heads, too) need to know based on the big difference working for the railroad is from a "normal" job. We help with issues such as how to cope with crazy hours, how FELA law applies to railroad employees, rights that need to be protected in case of an accident or injury, what the carriers can and cannot do to their employees, and also retirement issues because we all hope to retire someday.
The Auxiliary also has several programs established to help accomplish our mission. Our Legislative Department works with the National Division and State Legislative Boards to promote legislation benefiting railroaders as well as addressing safety issues. We also provide support through the efforts of our Outreach Coordinator, and provide a Scholarship program as well as assistance to our widowed members in need. More information about programs the Auxiliary offers can be found on our website at www.bletauxiliary.net, or if anyone has any questions, feel free to call me anytime at (915) 581-1373, on my cell at (915) 539-1072, or email me at beckygia1@earthlink.net. Like most railroaders, I dont have regular hours either.
My understanding of FAACT lends me to believe that we should band together, joining our voices as one since we share a common purpose. I would like to have the opportunity to reach out to your members because, from what I have heard, you all rock when it comes to dealing with the evil railroad!
____________________________________________________________________________
26 July 2008
In case you were unaware there is an RCO zone in place in Parsons Yard. I still haven't been briefed on it even though it has been in place for over a week. I have been lucky enough to not inbound a train in over a week. RULES COMPLIANCE RULES!!!!! Anyway, remember if you haven't been briefed on these zones ask to be briefed before yarding a train in anything other than Mason Yard. Remember the guy on the other end may be Fino, Anderson, or Park. Get the point?
____________________________________________________________________________
27 June 2008
For those of you that missed it, TCI and 3G claims they took four seats on the board of directors for CSX! This is one time I felt a brotherhood kinship with the UTU. They saw past the dictatorship of Ward, Ingram and Brown. They knew that the only way to exact vengeance was to dethrone these tyrants. Wednesday the 25th, the first step in that process was accomplished. The three stooges should feel the hot breath on the back of their necks as they march on with their plan of world domination. Sounds alot like Pinky and the Brain doesn't it? Maybe that is where they get their playbook plans from. Hell, after all this time I finally figured it out! Celebrate my brothers! I will be tipping several in celebration myself.
JD
____________________________________________________________________________
17 June 2008
Brother and Sisters,
Please read below. It is a glaring example of the hypocrisy we work under at CSX. I can't imagine anything this ridiculous happening in Columbus, however we do need to make every attempt to be 100 percent rules compliant. CSX is daring us to follow the rules and we must comply. No matter if you have been out here 30 days or 30 years. If you are looking for an early quit, you might as well look for another job. I have also heard of some 30 year + members brow beating younger men for the sake of production. This is unacceptable and it puts everyone on the job in a bad position.
I understand that everyone makes mistakes and that it is impossible to be 100% rules compliant. But we have to look out for ourselves and each other. Don't put another Brother or Sister in an uncomfortable position in trying to hurry them.
Fraternally,
Jeffrey L. Murray
Local Chairman
BLET Division 34
614-506-5470
Brothers and Sisters -
Yesterday, General Chairman and Brother Rick Finamore and I discussed the attached letter, written by General Chairman Tony Smith in response to alleged rules violations on his territory. As you know, Division 937 and its officers have always stressed rules compliance. Now we are going to ask you to consider what may happen to you even if you do comply with all of the rules.
Brother Finamore advised me a 30-plus year engineer and brother with a good record was FIRED after performing all that was expected of him in a shoving move. Yes, you read that right -- FIRED. His conductor informed him he was in the clear of all tracks, switches were lined for their movement and he furnished proper car counts. The engineer complied with all of his instructions but did not know (had no way of knowing) that a switch was against him on the other end of the shove. After the engineer shoved a cut of cars through an improperly lined switch, CSX held him partly responsible and FIRED him.
General Chairman Smith has advised his men: "Therefore, in the example above or any other situation, it should be your duty to secure the locomotive(s) and advise all concerned that you are going to traverse the necessary distance to visually determine that the movement can be completed without incident ... I also believe that CSXT will support the fact that train delay should not be a factor in this matter, as nothing should compromise safe operations."
In other words, for your safety and security, engineers and/or RCOs should STOP THEIR MOVEMENT and SECURE ALL EQUIPMENT before making any shoves. Either walk or secure a van to visually inspect your line-up, then after job briefing, travel back the locomotive(s) to complete your movement. REPEAT EVERY TIME YOUR CONDUCTOR/FOREMAN/SWITCHMAN HANDLES SWITCHES.
This matter is very serious and your cooperation is expected. All work must be performed safely! Should any member of management harass you into taking shortcuts, document the situation and bring it to the attention of your officers. Just the same, DO NOT ALLOW ANY MEMBER OF MANAGEMENT TO COMPROMISE YOUR SAFETY.
Fraternally yours,
Rod Bloedow
Local Chairman
BLET 937 Toledo, Ohio
Brother Rod:
Per our conversation yesterday please find attached letter from Tony Smith. I owe you an apology as I gave you some wrong information. This letter was sent from GC Smith to all his members but Tony Smith did in fact copy it to Tony Ingram and David Brown. Also I confused this letter with a previous one (or email that had a 35 year member dismissed for some chicken shit rules violation). In other words, I confused two different issues and owe you an apology. I can have GC Smith send me (or I may even have it and will check) the details on the 30plus year Engineer that was terminated if you are desirous.
Either way please feel free to disseminate the information to whomever you feel is necessary. My apologies once again for the confusion on my part with two different issues.
Fraternally,
Rick Finamore, GC
BLET NRL GCA
(904) 543-8101
