Dear Sisters and Brothers:

The Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition consisting of the SMWIA, SEIU-BF&O, BMEW-T, IB&B, BLE-T, and the BRS reached a tentative agreement early in the morning of February 28, 2007, with the NCCC.  This agreement came at the end of an all night bargaining session.  As a synopsis, the agreement provides for general wage increases of seventeen percent (17%) through 2009, the elimination of all COLA provisions, a fixed rate of Health and Welfare premium co-pay of fifteen percent (15%) of the total monthly premium (including healthcare, life and ADD, dental and vision).  Some co-pays for doctor’s visits were slightly increased.  With these seven (7) Organizations signing the agreement, I would say that now the die has been cast and as we look back into the past, the Carrier will take the position that this is the offer that will have to be accepted by all.  They may move around the chips, but the chips that are on the table are there such as: if you want COLA, then the percentage of pay raise will go down.  As I have said in the past, I hope we have learned a little something from our last round of negotiations whereas we kept turning down the Carrier’s offer and in the long run, it cost us in wages.

Vice General Chairman Pat Perry attended negotiations on January 31-February 1, 2007, in Washington D.C. at which meeting nothing was acceptable.  I am sure Brother Bohne will be calling a meeting with the NCCC in the near future.  On the date of February 8, 2007, Brother Perry attended the GCA meeting with the Railroad Department in Miami Beach, Florida.

Assistant General Chairmen Jim Wisniski, Don Tortorice and Randy Shell have been preparing for our upcoming Public Law Board 7001 which will be held March 21, 2007.  We have approximately sixteen (16) cases to take to the new Board with the Honorable Don Hampton as the Neutral Member.

I recently signed an Agreement with the Carrier extending our Electrician road jobs to the DR&G, Southern Pacific Western and Eastern Lines.  I also signed an Agreement with the Carrier, whereas they have agreed to reinstate the COLA Agreement which was increased to $500.00 per month for the Los Angeles Basin and West Colton, California, areas only.  They would not agree to reinstate the Agreement as written.  Should any other Department choose to have a COLA, I suggest that you contact the Carrier of your desire to obtain the same.  This office would be most willing to sign any Agreement for any Department that would make such an offer.

Please find hereto attached the following:
1.     E—mail concerning Drug Advisory for Requip and Mirapex; details
2.     RRB V.M. Speakman, Labor Member, newsletter dated February 2007; details
3.     RRB Scheduled Informational Conferences dated February 2007; details
4.     RRB Job Vacancies List for February 2007; and details
5.     US Court of Appeals decision concerning Vacation and FMLA. details

Also hereto attached is our January 2007 financial report which should not be posted or disseminated as well as this newsletter.
 

Fraternally yours,

VLJ:se
Enclosures
 

cc:       Bill Bohne, Director of Railroads
            All IVP’s, System Council No. 2
            Pat Perry, VGC