ALL LOCAL UNIONS
SYSTEM COUNCIL NO. 2

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

On June 13, 2006, I met with Jim Albana, Labor Relations, Kansas City Southern Railway Company, to resolve outstanding back pay of IBEW member George Fletcher.  Also, on June 14, 2006, I met with the Local Union officers of Local Union 1832.

On June 27, 28 and 29, 2006, I attended System Council No. 7’s Convention.  Brother Arthur Davidson put on an excellent program on handling of discipline hearings along with Cindy Bacon, Labor Relations officer from Port Authority Transit Hudson (PATH) Railway Company.   I am putting together the information that was presented and I am forwarding to all Local Chairmen.  I believe it will be beneficial to them in assisting them in preparation for discipline hearings and the handling of grievances and time claims.  As you well know, the Carrier has their hearing officers well trained and prepared for each and every hearing that they hold.  I can honestly say that the Labor Relations officer Cindy Bacon was forthright and honest on what the Carrier’s position is and how they prepare and what they do.

We had one of our brothers charged with falsifying a federal form when he was told to sign the foreman’s name to the blue form.  If any foreman, officer, supervisor or manager threatens any member to get them to sign another person’s name to a blue form, then exception should be taken and under no circumstances should any employee comply.  This is one of the few times that you cannot be held for insubordination for refusing to commit perjury.  Your integrity accompanies your signature.  I encourage every member to pass the word that anyone putting another person’s name on a blue form, the Carrier will take prompt disciplinary action.  That is a matter of record.

The next round of National wage negotiations will be held in Washington DC on the date of July 19 and 20, 2006.

Vice General Chairman Pat Perry attended the Eleventh District Progress Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, and handled time claims.  Also, Assistant General Chairman Jim Wisniski and Don Tortorice handled time claims and are working on the writing of submissions for upcoming Boards.

Vice General Chairman/Secretary-Treasurer Pat Perry, Assistant General Chairmen Brothers Jim Wisniski and Don Tortorice visited the Albina Shops in Portland, Oregon, and assisted International Representative Juanita Luiz in bringing the books up to date on arrearages for Local Union 799 and also met with the officers.

There seems to be a misunderstanding on when an employee should be initiated into the IBEW.  Therefore, this will advise that all members must be a member of the Local Union within sixty (60) days of their hire date.  That means sworn into the Local Union.  However, there are no provisions whatsoever stating that an individual cannot be signed up his first day of service.  Although the Agreement allows a ninety (90) work day probationary period, this in no way conflicts with the Union Shop Agreement as so stated in that Agreement.  This will further advise that when an employee begins his first day, he will be represented whether he is a member or not.  Failure to do so, may result in charges of misrepresentation against the Local Union and/or individual.

I would also suggest that when a new member is signed up, that the COPE checkoff program be fully explained to him if he chooses to sign up for COPE for $1.00 or $2.00 per month or whatever he feels he would like to donate per month.   Unlike the Carrier’s officers, we cannot set forth what percentage of their wages they will give to COPE.  We must ask for voluntary contributions for all political funds and cannot coerce the individual by threat of their job to sign up for this political donation.  The law states that if any railroad has a political check-off for their officers, then they will also provide a check-off for political funds from the employees.  These contributions are not limited to party but are available for any candidate who supports the views of labor.  As I have said many, many times, agreements that are gained by negotiations can be taken away on The Hill by one stroke of the pen.  It is imperative that each and every one of us get involved and be aware of what our issues of support are and follow their voting records on issues of importance to all of us.

Assistant General Chairman-Communications Department Tom Stefaniak has retired.  Tom did an outstanding job on negotiations and representation for the Communications Department and was always there when needed and never failed to fulfill all of his assignments.  Tom will be greatly missed.  Therefore, I have appointed Brother David Starkjohann, Local Union 618, to fill that vacancy.

Also, I have temporarily appointed Brother Jay Ochoa to fill the vacant Executive Board position vacated by Tom Stefaniak’s retirement.  I have sent out self-addressed stamped envelopes and ballots to all members of the Executive Board for their concurrence or non-concurrence.  I encourage those who have not returned their ballots, to do so immediately.

We must impress upon our members not to make any statements jokingly to any Carrier collection person for lab testing.  To do so, may result in their immediate dismissal.  Fortunately for the individual in question, his lab tests came back negative.  However, he was removed from service later because of allegedly making a statement.  I was able to get that individual returned to service with all back pay.  However, I can assure you, the Carrier does not take this matter lightly.

A letter was sent from this office to Vice President Operations Dennis Duffy concerning establishing procedures for immediate treatment of employees in making a decision to call 911.  I received a personal return telephone call assuring me that this issue will be promptly addressed.

Please find hereto attached the following:

1.     e-Activisit Network letter on Two Victories on Coal Mine Safety; details
2.     e-Activisit Network letter on Bush Labor Board Gears up to Assault
        Workers’ Rights; details
3.     RRB Job Vacancies List; details
4.     Labor Member V.M. Speakman, Jr. newsletter from RRB; details
5.     RRB Scheduled Information Conferences for June-December; details
6.     Thank you from our Secretary Sue Elmshaeuser who underwent hip
         surgery for flowers sent from this Council; details
7.     e-Activist Network letter on Nebraska Rally: Stop Corporate Pension
        Abuse; details
8.     This office’s response to questions from Railroad Director Bill
        Bohne concerning safety and drug and alcohol use; details
9.     E-mail from Rocky Clark, IBEW Organizer; and details
10.   E-mail from Railroad Director Bill Bohne on Certified Labs which is
        self-explanatory. details


Also please find enclosed copy of our May 2006 financial report which is not to be posted or disseminated nor copy of this monthly newsletter.

With best wishes, I remain

Fraternally yours,

Vic Janecek

General Chairman, SC#2