ALL LOCAL UNIONS
SYSTEM COUNCIL NO. 2

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

We have had two (2) occurrences in the Los Angeles region to which no one took the liberty to immediately call 911.  One issue was when one of our Electrician’s hands became extremely burned with electrical burns and it was my understanding that he was advised that his reporting this or seeking medical attention might result in his being dismissed and he is now dismissed.  That does not alleviate the fact nor the Carrier’s responsibility – nor ours – to immediately call 911 when a situation is clear that the individual needs immediate medical attention according to the controlling agreement.  Although a P.I. is required, all Agreements state that the individual must seek medical attention first.  The second incident recently occurred when one of our brothers passed out, was taken to the foreman’s office, and the Carrier’s nurse was called.  Some time elapsed before the nurse arrived and the 911 call was made.  The individual passed away en route or at the hospital thereafter.  This treatment of our employees cannot be tolerated and it is each brother’s and sister’s responsibility if a situation occurs that a person needs medical attention, that we immediately call 911.  Even in the meetings that I attend, the Carrier has an overlay of who has a cell phone to call 911 and who is CPR trained and the exits are pointed out.  This in itself is nothing more than good common sense.

Although I have not canvassed the whole system, the shops that I have checked on, they do not have a problem with this issue; however, it appears that the Los Angeles area, for whatever reason unbeknownst to the undersigned, feels that a 911 call is only a last resort.  I have put the Carrier on notice that we will no longer tolerate this kind of treatment of our employes.

On the date of May 9, 2006, I attended the Sixth District proposed Local Chairman training seminar in which with the help of the Railroad Department we are working on a DVD to be distributed to all Local Chairmen of Local Unions as a guide of what their required duties are and the handling of claims, grievances and disciplinary matters.

Again, I convey to all Local Chairmen and Committeemen to attempt to meet with the Plant Managers to resolve issues before they contact Omaha and claims are submitted.  We no longer can consider the Carrier as our adversary and must attempt to find a good working relationship and only as a last resort should we file the appropriate claims when all else has failed.  However, if the Carrier holds an investigation, then the Local Chairman must follow the appeal procedures set forth by their CBA and file the proper claim with the proper officer of appeal and forwarding all information then to the Assistant General Chairman or Vice General Chairman in their region for further handling to a just conclusion.

The Railroad Department held their annual meeting on the date of May 22 and 23, 2006.  The undersigned attended the Coordinating Council meeting on May 24, 2006.  It is imperative that the Local Unions should send representation to these annual meetings, whereas all matters that the Local Chairmen are required to handle for the employees we represent such as United Healthcare, VSP, Aetna Dental Care, Broadspire (formerly Provident), and Railroad Retirement where questions and answers and changes are updated.  In order to represent our employees, we must be able to have this information available.  I can recall the times that our brothers have chosen to use their vacation to attend these functions.  Although I do not encourage this, at least the membership was represented.  It was merely a way for the small Local Unions to be able to participate.

It has been brought to the attention of this office that those members that have chosen the basic plan for insurance coverage at the enactment of the new arbitrated Agreement, that an employee paid zero dollars.  However, based on the cost of living up to fifty percent (50%), the insurance cost could be offset by the cost of living.  This, as you will recall, was enacted by the Imposed Agreement of 1991 using COLA to make payments for insurance coverage. However, there are those of us that are aware of the increases of our COLA and the increases of the payments to the insurance plan, the basic plan now is paying the increased portion and are no longer paying a zero amount.  Any Local Chairman having any further questions concerning this issue should contact the undersigned or the appropriate Assistant General Chairman or Vice General Chairman.

National negotiations were held in Washington DC on May 9, 2006.  I was unable to attend due to prior commitments; however, there is nothing to report from the meeting on account of the Carrier’s adamant position not to reconsider the cost of Health and Welfare benefits nor any other very important issues. 

All members must submit their first claim notice to Broadspire within the first twenty (20) days.  Failure to do so will result in loss of benefits.  Should you have any questions call 1-800-205-7651,  or go on line ( www.wkab.system.com), or use the form found in your new Broadspire book first claim notice.

All members should actively write your respective Congressperson and Senators requesting them to support the “Employee Free Choice Act”.  This bill will effect each and every member.  Please start today on this very important issue.

Please find enclosed the following attachments for posting:

1.     RRB Newsletter from V.M. Speakman, Labor Member for May 2006; details
2.     RRB Scheduled Informational Conferences May-Dec 2006; details
3.     RRB Job Vacancies List for May 2006; details
4.     Working Families newsletter on underpaid farm workers; details
5.     Notification of COLA increase of $.01 effective July 1, 2006; and details
6.     Summary of Arbitration Award concerning Third Party Dispute status.details

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