ALL LOCAL UNIONS
SYSTEM COUNCIL NO. 2

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Initially, on behalf of myself and the System Council Two staff, I would like to wish all our brothers and sisters a most joyous holiday season and best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.

Due to an interpretation dispute following the 2007 National agreement regarding those members covered by the National Health and Welfare Plan, some medical office visits were being patient (co-pay) billed at the “Specialist” co-pay rate of $35.00. However, I have recently been advised that through discussion between the Labor and Management members of the National Health and Welfare Plan Committee, on which the IBEW participates, it was agreed to lowering the co-pays for Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians Assistants, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors. Please feel free to distribute and post the attached announcement. Also attached is a letter from International President Hill outlining the employee cost-sharing premium rates for 2009. As indicated in President Hill’s correspondence, the 2009 monthly cost-sharing amount that each employee covered by the Plan must contribute is 15 percent of $1,139.74, or $170.96, and increase of $4.71 (2.8 %) over the current amount.

The US Court of Appeals granted the request that DOT’s Direct Observation rule for all return to work and follow-up drug testing be stayed pending the Court’s review on the merits. The Court has also set an expedited briefing schedule that extends to January 26, 2009. The DOT has issued a new final rule that returns the language to its original language indicating that an employer “may” order specimen collections under “direct observation” under certain circumstances. However, the message is clear that this final rule may change depending on the action of the Court as to whether or not “mandatory direct observation” is appropriate.

With recent changes to the National Health and Welfare plan, there has been some questions pertaining to different types of drugs, i.e. preferred vs. non-preferred, formulary vs. non-formulary, name brand and generic. I was recently advised by IBEW Railroad Director Bohne’ that members may obtain a “Member Guide” for Medco drugs by contacting Medco at 800-842-0070, or go to www.medco.com in order to see if a drug is preferred or not. It was also suggested that members who obtain the guide can take it to their physicians’ office so there is no confusion as to what drugs the doctor may prescribe.

During the week of November 10, 2008, AGC Shell, together with representatives from Local Union’s 942, 1920 and 1682 met at the UPRR Fort Worth facility to investigate and discuss alternative methods for replacing alternator slip-rings. During the week of November 17, 2008, I, VGC Perry and AGC Tortorice met with UPRR Carrier officials in Omaha to discuss outstanding issues in the Mechanical and Telecommunication Departments. As a result of our discussions, it was decided that the Denver Locomotive facility electricians will begin installation of 280 C44AC locomotive ARC kits, rather than use a contractor as initially suggested. We also discussed the D-90 traction motor work in connection with the SD-70 overhaul project at North Little Rock. Following a subsequent discussion with Superintendant Locomotive John Estes concerning this matter, it is optimistic that the D-90 traction motor work will be done in-house by the electrical forces at North Little Rock. I am, however, still awaiting the Carrier’s confirmation. With regard to the Telecommunication Department’s initial directive to contract out the exchange of wide-band frequency radios and installation of narrow-band radios in Carrier vehicles, it was discussed and agreed to allow available Telecom employees to complete such work rather than send it to an outside vender.

Throughout the month of November, the System Council staff continued to handle on-going claims and discipline appeals as well as assisted the local unions with everyday issues. I recently received the final decisions from PLB 7001 and the copies of the Award(s) were forwarded to each Claimant and applicable Local Chairman.

 

Please find hereto attached the following which can be disseminated and/or posted:

1. RRB Labor Member Speakman’s newsletter for November 2008;
2. RRB Job Vacancies list for November 2008;
3. RRB November 2008 Informational conferences;
4. OSHA Regional News Release (regarding whistle blower statute);
5. Message from President Hill concerning the November, 2008 Election;
6. Letter from President Hill concerning 2009 cost-sharing premium rates;
7. MMCP co-pay change announcement;

With best wishes, I am
 

Fraternally yours,

Jim Wisniski

General Chairman, SC#2