November 2004 MONTHLY REPORT
ALL LOCAL UNIONS - SYSTEM COUNCIL NO. 2
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On the date of November 16, 2004, I met with the local union officers of Local Union 1911 in San Antonio, Texas, and vis
ited the facilities. Also, we had an educational meeting for the officers in San Antonio, Texas, concerning the FELA. On the date of November 17, 2004, I met with the local union officers of Local Union 726 in El Paso, Texas.
On November 17, 2004, I also attended an information dinner conducted by the Marshall Friedman Law Office where the FELA was discussed at length. Insurance representatives, Railroad Retirement Board representatives and representatives from the FRA were also present and spoke.
On the date of November 29, 2004, I was en route to Washington D.C. and the National Wage Conference Committee met on November 30, 2004, to start putting our Section Six together. It is my understanding that we intend to go along with the coalition that is being established.
As of December 1, 2004, our members will be receiving the new wage increase. In regards to the retroactive pay, the Carrier has stated that they will attempt to pay the back pay in the month of December but was not specific on any dates with the exception of the possibility of the date of December 29, 2004.
I know we have had a lot of new membership that was not even working for the railroad when PEB-219 was enacted. However, for those new members who have been here through the negotiations, I suggest that they take a hard look at the three (3) Agreements that were submitted to them and the one that was arbitrated and figure out when they would have been better off. For those members who think that an attorney negotiating for us would do far better, I can state this: The Arbitration Award was argued by an attorney and the results were that we all lost money. I personally feel that establishing a solid coalition is the only way that we will be able to see a fair and just wage increase.
I am pleased to announce that System Council No. 2 has now established a website at ibewsc2.org. All current information will be posted on this website including our recent Arbitration Agreement, the Carrier’s current Section Six Notice, and the IBEW Section Six which is tentatively to be served on December 15, 2004. As soon as that is served on the Carrier, it will also appear on our website along with all other pertinent information. We are still in process of getting all the information posted, so please be patient and check back regularly for new information including this newsletter.
It has been brought to the attention of this office that the Local Chairman of one of our Local Unions did not show up for an investigation. Even though the Claimant didn’t show up, all Local Chairmen have an obligation and responsibility to appear at all investigations. If it is not possible, then they should immediately request a postponement. Failure to do so could result in a lawsuit for misrepresentation against the individual and Local Union.
Local Chairman Ben Toney has forwarded information for the last three (3) months on locomotives that were sent to another location for repairs per Agreement. All Local Chairmen are instructed to monitor this to make sure that these are the only locomotives that have left and that it was in compliance with the Agreement. If not, please contact your respective representatives for further handling – Vice General Chairman Pat Perry, Assistant General Chairman Jim Wisniski, or Assistant General Chairman Bob Ramirez.
I am hereto attaching the following information for dissemination and posting:
1. Letter of November 11, 2004, regarding Brain Tumors and Microwave Equipment;
2 Letter of November 23, 2004, concerning update on changes of the United Health Care benefits effective January 1, 2005, under the former GA23000;
3 e-Activist Network posting of November 19, 2004, re: taking action to protect jobs;
4. e-Activist Network posting of November 15, 2004, regarding the recent election;
5. e-Activist Network posting regarding saving our overtime pay;
6. Union Plus Scholarship information;
7. RRB Scheduled Information Conferences for November, 2004;
8. RRB Railroad Job Vacancies List for November, 2004;
9. Job Insurance information from Locomotive Engineers & Conductors Mutual Protective Association for our membership who may be interested in looking into securing job insurance;
10. Letter dated October 8, 2004, from Marshall Friedman;
11. Online article from the New York Times “For Railroads and Safety Overseer, Close Ties” concerning the relationship between FRA Administrator Ms. Monro and Washington lobbyist for the UPRR Mary McAuliffe.
Also hereto attached is the October financial report which, along with this letter, should not be posted or disseminated.
Wishing all our brothers and sisters a most joyous happy holiday season. With best wishes, I remain
Fraternally yours,
Vic Janecek
General Chairman, SC#2
VLJ:se
Enclosures
cc: All IVP’s, System Council No. 2
Ray Cobb, Director of Railroads
Pat Perry, Vice General Chairman, SC#2
