Please visit the News Archive section for all past local news!

CLAIM AGENTS, THE TRUTH!

 

NEWS!!!!

January, 2010

Injured conductor awarded $1.65 million

BUFFALO, N.Y. - A Niagara Falls man whose career as a train conductor came to a halt when a CSX freight train slammed into him in the Frontier Yard six years ago was awarded $1.65 million by a Buffalo jury, the News reports.  David Canazzi, 56, was struck when a train began moving unexpectedly, severely fracturing his right ankle about 12:30 a. m. March 2, 2004.Doctors have told him he can no longer return to the job he had held for 27 years, said one of his lawyers. The jury verdict before State Supreme Court Justice Timothy J. Drury was against CSX.
 

John Yarmuth Responds To Keith Wallin

 

January 22, 2010

Mr. Keith M. Wallin
8821 Old Ironsides Drive
Louisville, Kentucky 40228

Dear Mr. Wallin,

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding your concerns about the proposal to tax employee's health benefits. As the national debate on health care reform progresses, I appreciate the benefit of your views on this important matter.

I understand your concerns about current proposals, so I wanted to fully explain my views on health care reform. I support a plan for reform that is uniquely American, driven by competition and choice.  Those already happy with their insurance and doctor will be able to stay where they are and likely save money in the process. If you need coverage, you will have a clear option of participating in a number of private plans (similar to those offered to Members of Congress) or a public insurance plan. No one will be forced into a public plan -- in fact, analysts expect the competition to drive down insurance costs across the board with about 3 percent of Americans opting into the public plan and record numbers of Americans covered by private companies.

Under the plan, out-of-pocket expenses will be capped so that high quality health care is affordable for every American.  If you are laid-off, change jobs or want to start a small business you will always have access to affordable insurance -- and you or a family member will never be denied coverage because of age, gender, occupation, a pre-existing condition, or a typo on an insurance form. Every American family will have the security of never again having to worry about losing medical coverage when they need it most.

Families are not the only ones currently struggling.  With their premiums more than doubling this decade, the majority of American small businesses can no longer bear the burden of covering their employees.  Just one employee with a serious medical problem can cause already high premiums to skyrocket for all their coworkers.  As a result, more than 28 million uninsured Americans now own or work for small businesses.  The proposal I support includes protections for small businesses --removing this enormous burden from America's entrepreneurs and providing tax credits to those who choose to provide coverage.  Smaller businesses will be in a much better position to compete with large companies for highly-skilled workers, and the leveled playing field will at last allow American enterprise to expand more effectively in the global marketplace.  This is why the House Committee on Ways and Means, of which I am a member, chose not to consider a tax on employee benefits in their efforts to raise revenue for health care reform. 

With health care costs for a family of four expected to rise by $1,800 each year, the alternative to reform -- prolonging the current system -- is simply unsustainable.  No one should be driven into bankruptcy by an accident or illness, and all Americans deserve to choose the health plan and doctor that best suits their families.  Fixing a problem of this magnitude is extremely complex -- that is why hearing from you is so important. Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind as this debate continues.  Your input is key to ensuring that the final result is a health reform plan that truly reflects the needs and the concerns of Louisville families. 

So I thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts with me about this critically important issue -- and hope you will continue to stay in touch.  In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about my work in Washington and in Louisville, please visit my website at www.yarmuth.house.gov where you will find the latest news, my weekly schedule, video from hearings, and information about constituent services.  You can also sign up for my e-newsletter to receive periodic updates on important issues and services for your family.

Sincerely,

John Yarmuth
Member of Congress

 

Switching Limits
After the meeting with the G/M today, G/C Paul Emert met with the L/C from Louisville, Danville and Cincinnati to discuss the ID service proposed by the Carrier. Emert and BLE G/C Overton are meeting with Labor Relations in Norfolk on January 25th. Emert is of the belief that there is a hidden agenda. The Carrier cannot change switching limits per Article 28. 
 

ARTICLE 28

SWITCHING LIMITS

A. It is agreed that the switching limits as presently established will not be changed unless mutually agreed to, in writing, between the Management and representatives of the employees.

It is further agreed that if in the future for valid reason, including but not limited to the establishment of new industries, the switching limits hereby recognized and established may be changed by mutual agreement. It is understood that in the event a change is desired by either party, the merits are to be fairly considered in each instance and conclusion reached thereon.

It is further agreed that any change in the present switching limits shall affect industrial switching only and will not change present practices at any point relating to the following:

1. The handling of transfer or interchange

2. Pusher service

B. The employees involved, and the Carriers represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee, being desirous of cooperating in order to meet conditions on the various properties to the end that efficient and adequate switching service may be provided and industrial development facilitated, adopt the following:

1. Where an individual Carrier which does not have the unilateral right to change existing switching limits where yard crews are employed, considers it advisable to change the same, it shall give notice in writing to the General Chairperson(s) of such intention, whereupon the Carrier and the General Chairperson(s) shall, within 30 days, endeavor to negotiate an understanding.

In the event the Carrier and the General Chairperson(s) cannot agree on the matter, the dispute shall be submitted to arbitration as provided for in the Railway Labor Act, as amended, within 60 days following the date of the last conference. The decision of the Arbitration Board will be made within 30 days thereafter. The award of the Board shall be final and binding on the parties and shall become effective thereafter upon seven days' notice by the Carrier.

2. Where rules require that yard limits and switching limits be the same, the yard limit board may be moved for operating purposes but switching limits shall remain unchanged unless and until changed in accordance with rules governing changes in switching limits.

3. This Article shall in no way effect the changing of yard or switching limits at points where no yard crews are employee

C. LOCATION OF SWITCHING LIMITS

The location of switching limits as of August 25, 1978 are defined by a bulletin on file in the Division Superintendent's office, Labor Relations and the General Chairperson's office. Additionally, it can be found in Appendix B of this Agreement.

Throw the worst case scenario at the 2nd district so they would offer to change their home terminal to Burnside. Emert further believes the union can beat the proposal of the ID run because of the below clause about running through your home terminal. He is prepared to take it to arbitration if need be.
 

Upon the serving of a notice under Paragraph A., the parties will discuss the details of operation and working conditions of the proposed runs during a period of 20 days following the date of the notice. If they are unable to agree, at the end of the 20-day period, with respect to runs which do not operate through a home terminal or home terminals of previously existing runs which are to be extended, such run or runs will be operated on a trial basis until completion of the procedures referred to in Paragraph D. This trial basis operation will not be applicable to runs which operate through home terminals.

D. ARBITRATION

1. In the event the Carrier and the organization cannot agree on the matter provided for in Paragraph A. and the other terms and conditions referred to in Paragraph B. above, the parties agree that such dispute shall be submitted to arbitration under the Railway Labor Act, as amended, within 30 days after arbitration is requested by the Carrier. The arbitration board shall be governed by the general and specific guidelines set forth in Paragraph B. above.

2. The Carrier and the organization mutually commit themselves to the expedited processing of negotiations concerning inter-divisional runs, including those involving running through home terminals, and mutually commit themselves to request the prompt appointment by the National Mediation Board of an arbitrator when an agreement cannot be reached.

3. The decision of the arbitration board shall be final and binding upon both parties, except that the award shall not require the Carrier to establish inter-divisional service in the particular territory involved in each such dispute but shall be accepted by the parties as the conditions which shall be met by the Carrier if and when such inter-divisional service is established in that territory. Provided further, however, if Carrier elects not to put the award into effect, Carrier shall be deemed to have waived any right to renew the same request for a period of one year following the date of said award, except by consent of the organization party to said arbitration.

The Carrier is going to great lengths to sell this thing. This isn't needed to implement the service in accordance with the agreement. The town hall meetings, the shift briefings, the false numbers being put out all need to be taken with a grain of salt. Everyone needs to remain calm as there is a lot that needs to happen before this goes into place. Again, there looks like there is a hidden agenda.

I will post any updates as I get them. If you have any questions, please contact your respective local chairman and be sure to attend the next union meeting February 10, 2010 at Tuckers Restaurant.

Inter-Divisional Runs Proposed

 

At a Local Chairman's meeting on 01/15/10 Division Superintendent Sliger
informed us of a new proposal.  Louisville crews staying in Danville
(except for 60A and 376 or other trains routed to Cincinnati) would go to
Grove/Tateville, KY which would replace Danville as the new away from home terminal.  The proposal
could take from 6 months to 1 year to implement.  There will be a new
lodging facility built in the Grove/Tateville area with a 24-hour
restaurant.  Only railroad employees would stay at the new facility.

Cincinnati crews would also go to Grove/Tateville instead of staying in
Danville except for 375 and 61A or any trains routed to Louisville.

Crews on trains from Louisville routed to Cincinnati or from Cincinnati
routed to Louisville would stay at the Country Hearth in Danville.
The BLET and UTU General Chairman were in Knoxville today, 01/15/10,
meeting with Labor Relations about these changes.  The jobs from
Louisville to Grove would be based on equity to be worked out between
the General Chairman from the BLET and UTU and the company as would be
the jobs from Cincinnati to Grove, Knoxville to Grove and Chattanooga to
Grove. The remaining four home terminals would be:  Louisville, Cincinnati, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
All of this information is from a proposal and subject to change.
 

Disability Insurance Premium Catch Up

 

There was a deduction mistake in regards to the UTU Group disability policy that begins on February 1st.  The UTU International reported that 3 Locals (out of all the UTU Locals) failed to have premiums deducted from the last pay period.  It just so happens that our Local was 1 of the 3.  To correct this problem, each member will pay a 1 time double premium on their next deduction.  Is essence, all that has happened is that each member kept their first premium for 30 days and will pay 2 months at once.  If you have any questions, please bring them to the February meeting.  When asked why the mistake was made, UTU International Auditor Brantley said it was either the International's or Norfolk Southerns fault.  He said this whole process has been a learning experience and they are working hard to solve any and all problems.  We appreciate your patience. 

 

UTU 1328 Member Up And Coming Rap Star?

 

UTU 1328 member Andrew Jackson has been recording music for some time.  He has now filmed a music video for the song "Give It To Me" and you can view a snippet of the video below.  We wish Andrew "20 Bill" Jackson luck with his music career.

 

Alternate Legislative Representative Keith Wallin Contacts President Futhey Over Health Care Reform

 

Dear Mr. Futhey,

The recent talks in Washington about taxing union health care benefits has me very worried.  The President met with union leaders yesterday and Richard Trumka made some comments that  suggested  the unions were leaning toward accepting a tax on benefits!  This can not be acceptable!  I have supported health reform from the beginning but being punished for my union membership is not acceptable. Working families have been sold out in this country for years and this would be another failure from our government!

How does the UTU   feel about our benefits being taxed?   If you could send me any comments about the recent talks with President Obama on taxing our benefits  the members of Local 1328 would appreciate it!

Thank You,

Keith Wallin

 

Health Care Reform National Call In

 

 

Greetings,   Health Care Reform Campaign National Phone Blitz on Congress Wednesday, January 13, 2010   As we reach the finish line in our fight for national health care reform, we are calling on union members nation-wide to deluge members of Congress with phone calls demanding reform that works for working families.  WHAT:  A national phone blitz by union members nation-wide and our coalition partners calling on the U.S. Congress demanding reform that really works for working families.  WHO:  All of us -- national, local union leaders, activists and members, state federation, central labor and building trades council leaders.  Let us know you’re in by signing up at:   http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dENfdGJENW1jMS03UjdGWVpTOVhCUXc6MA TOLL FREE DIAL-IN:       1-877-3-AFL-CIO / (1-877-323-5246)  MESSAGE:    “We need you to stand strong for working families by voting for health care reform that:  DOES NOT tax our benefits Requires employers to pay their fair share Includes a public health care option” WHEN: All shifts (24 hours) Wednesday January 13, 2010  HOW:  National mobilization at worksites, union meetings, phone banks and by our coalition partners. Download the flyer, fact sheets and other materials at:           http://www.workingfamiliestoolkit.com/ CONTACT:   Katie Gjertson 202-637-5166 kgjertso@aflcio.org or Scott Reynolds, 202-637-5226 sreynold@aflcio.org       Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.  Tell-a-friend!   If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Kentucky State AFL-CIO Activist Center.   This message was sent to dlmiracle@gmail.com. Visit your subscription management page to modify your email communication preferences or update your personal profile. To stop ALL email from Kentucky State AFL-CIO Activist Center , click to remove yourself from our lists (or reply via email with "remove or unsubscribe" in the subject line).

 

Christmas Party

 

The Local would like the thank everyone for their behavior and participation in the Christmas Seminar and    Christmas/Dinner. The turnout was good and well behaved.  Thank You!

 

Constitution Amendments

 

The delegates voted (96% in favor) to amend the following articles of our constitution:  2, 6, 10, 11, 12, 19, 21, 22, 32, 36, 37, 38, 41, 57, 59, 63, 64, 66, 73, 83, 91, 93, 96, 97, 98, and 99.

Local Memories