ALL LOCAL UNIONS
SYSTEM COUNCIL NO. 2

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

The Shopcraft Coalition had a meeting with Dan Moresette, General Director of Labor Relations, at Kansas City, Missouri, on March 2, 2006, concerning the subcontracting of locomotives.  That issue, to date, has not been resolved.

On March 7, 2006, the I attended the General Chairmen’s Association meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In November 2005 I signed an agreement with the Carrier allowing for dues deductions to be handled by e-mail versus the A, B, and C paper forms that we have had to mail in and I have had my secretary attempt to get the e-mail addresses of our Financial Secretaries.  For those Financial Secretaries who would like to handle their A, B & C forms, dues increases, dues stopping, etc., by e-mail, and have submitted their e-mail addresses to this office, the Carrier will be getting in touch with them so that they will be able to spend a little less time in expediting these matters.  Also, the Local Union will be able to have the Carrier’s check deposited electronically in the Local Union’s account.

This was to take effect on March 1, 2006, and I apologize for the delay.  However, it was the Carrier who was supposed to enact getting in touch with the Financial Secretaries and getting this matter underway – which they have done nothing.  Therefore, I am readily pursuing this matter for those who choose to do it the easier way.

I regret to announce the retirement of International Representative Clair Scott, Eleventh District as of April 1, 2006.  His last day was March 31, 2006.  Clair was former President Barry’s right hand man and handled all By-laws and Constitution interpretations.  He also chaired the blue ribbon committee putting the System Councils together.  His knowledge on many matters and even within the railroad industry will be greatly missed, I am sure. 

I have been advised by the Department head, Brother Bill Bohne, that the Railroad Conference announcement letters were sent out and should be received shortly.

Please find hereto attached the following information for posting:

1.     Newspaper article dated March 22, 2006, “UP asks Judge to Prevent
        ‘Illegal’ Strike” ; details
2.     Article entitled “Big Railroads are Driving Up Your Power Costs”; details
3.     Working Families e-Activist Network article on the “Real Face of Walmart”;
         details
4.     RRB newsletter from V.M. Speakman for march 2006; details
5.     Scheduled Informational Conferences for March-June 2006; details
6.     RRB Job Vacancies list; details
7.     Letter from Brother Bohne regarding CRLO meetings where an issue was
        brought up about “medical releases” with Boardspire; details

Last, but not least, and not to be disseminated nor posted, is our financial statement for System Council No. 2 for February 2006.

With best wishes, I remain

Fraternally yours,

Vic Janecek

General Chairman, SC#2