Dear Sisters and Brothers:

    On the date of May 10, 2005, I met with Mr. Dave Kleffman, Union Pacific Railroad Company, in my office addressing concerns in the Apprentice program and Instructors.  I also attended the Local Union 1920 meeting.
        On the date of May 20, 21 and 22, 2005, I attended the American Alliance Conference of current developments affecting Unions and Employes which was of utmost importance.  Some of the topics addressed were mergers of Local Unions to which many Union officers not only lost their jobs, but also their pensions.  It was set forth that such mergers will probably continue.  It was also addressed that back in the early 1800’s, the Unions were organizing crafts; however, today we are now organizing service people on account of jobs leaving the country.
        The LM30 which this office must commence filing in May 2005, was also addressed stating that the law has been on the books for decades; however, under the Bush Administration, they are now enforcing the law which means that if any Union official accepts a lunch or dinner exceeding $25.00, a report must be made.  The attorneys stated that the law was very ambiguous and there was no precise interpretations; however, each Union would probably set forth their own guidelines through their attorneys.  I have also spoken with Director of Railroads Brother Ray Cobb who has advised that our attorney Michael Wolly is setting forth the information concerning the LM30.  It was emphasized that the reason this law is now being enforced by this Administration is to put more expenses on the Unions.
        During the month of May, there as been no meetings agreed upon with the National Carrier’s Conference Committee and the Organization.  It is my understanding they are still  looking at dates.
        On the date of May 26, 2005, Local Chairman Jack Keeling and the officers of Local Union 1920 had a dinner conference.
        I have assigned Brother Keeling to fill the vacated position on the FRA SACP that has been previously held by Assistant General Chairman Randy Shell due to his being on leave of absence.  I am hereto attaching Brother Keeling’s ten page report dated May 19, 2005 details here.
        Assistant General Chairman Bob Ramirez attended a hearing in Sacramento, California, with Progress Rail of the Rockland Shop and we are awaiting the outcome.
        Vice General Chairman Pat Perry met with the Carrier’s officers on a discipline matter at the Fox Park and a waiver for absenteeism was accepted.
        On May 27, 2005, I met with System Coordinator/Peer Support/Red Block Mr. John Winchell who has advised of problems that are occurring when employees need assistance yet have to pay up front for their evaluations which may vary from $200 to $600 with no set amount.  I put Mr. Winchell in contact with Assistant General Chairman Don Tortorice who is working on this problem with the SACP Committee.
        Assistant General Chairman Jim Wisniski has been working on our six (6) road jobs at Houston, Texas, and has been in contact with John Esses, Mr. Marr and myself in an attempt to resolve this problem.  The Carrier has mistakenly taken the position that they have the sole right to pick and choose who go on these Agreement jobs.  AGC Wisniski has also been writing submissions for the Second Division.
        During the transfer of work under the September 25, 1964, Agreement or the New York Dock Agreement or any other protective Agreement, the Carrier has now taken the position that only the affected employee who the Carrier places in a worse position will be allowed moving expenses and TPA’s.  In 1983, the Carrier stopped using the affected employee and began allowing the employees to bid positions should they desire to move.  However, during our last round of negotiations, the Carrier has emphatically stated that they will no longer pay any employee who voluntarily bids a position.
        Also, this office has been advised that the Carrier is going to evaluate the Telecommunications Department Technicians who are required to be knowledgeable and school and test those employees for the equipment which they are required to maintain and repair.
        This will advise that beginning July 1, 2005, our brothers and sisters will be receiving a $.15 per hour wage increase with no health and welfare deductions.  As provided for in our last Agreement, this COLA will be rolled into the current wage and not be withheld to be paid back at a later date.  This amounts to $6.00 per week or $12.00 per half and $24.00 per month based on a forty (40) hour work week.
        Please find hereto attached the following enclosures:

        1.    RRB Job Vacancies List dated May 9, 2005 www.rrb.gov for details;
        2.    RRB Scheduled Informational Conferences dated May 9, 2005
               www.rrb.gov for details; and
        3.    New Account representative for ValueOptions, letter from Robert A.
               Scardelletti, CRLO Chairman, dated April 13, 2005 details here;
        4.    Letter from Assistant Vice President D.J. Smith dated May 2, 2005,
               concerning employee health and welfare contributions being deducted
               on first half payrolls along with union dues deductions details here;
        5.    Letter from General Director Labor Relations D.A. Moresette
               dated April 27, 2005, regarding Agreement for bad order locomotives
               and operational issues and their desire to cancel the Agreement details
               here ;
        6.   TTD News Release regarding Amtrak details here;
        7.   UTU letter concerning withdrawal from service from former BN portion
               of the BNSF Railway dated April 27, 2005 details here;
        8.   Letter dated May 6, 2005, from Attorney Marshall Friedman
              concerning settlement for sustained injuries over a period of time details
               here;
        9.   Letter and article from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Natural Resources
              Defense Council Attorney, regarding Bush Administration policies on the
              environment details here;
    10.    Thank you from Robert Ramirez and family for plant sent in honor
              of Bob’s father who passed away recently details here;
    11.        Voice at Work Update article dated May 25, 2005 www.afl-cio.org for details;
    12.    Various TTD news releases and letters for May 2005 details here; and
    13.    LMRDA Reporting Requirements for Union Officers and Employees
             details here.
        Also, please find enclosed copy of Financial Report for the month of  April 2005 which is not to be disseminated or posted.

       With best wishes, I remain

                                                                       Fraternally yours,

                                                                       Vic Janecek
                                                                       General Chairman, SC#2

VLJ:se
Enclosures
cc:       IVP’s
Ray Cobb, Director of Railroads
Staff