UTU Local 426   Spokane, WA

4/28/05

    I wish to convey my appreciation to the members at Hauser who walked the picket line for their professional conduct during the strike. While short and on very short notice after talking with Associate General Chairman Virgin we attained our goal in regard to flow back. It is never a positive sign when you have to resort to self help with the carrier, this shows the present climate we operate under in regards to managements attitudes towards our membership. Perhaps now that the BNSF
has had two work stoppages in a relatively short time the stockholders will hold management responsible their actions. Most likely wishful thinking.
    If you had any trouble with management during the work stoppage email or call your Local Chairman, need times, train, names and incident, so we can forward the information to their General Chairman, it has to be in writing ASAP.
    President Seaboldt did a superb job with organization on this action. Thank you, your guidance was much appreciated.
    At the union meeting it was motioned and passed to explore the possibilities of having people come to Hauser and explain in detail the theory of foot of board for the Pasco pool on trial basis.

Thank you,

Jim Larkin L/C

4/21/05

    We now have a member up for investigation that was referred to the management at Whitefish during the blitz for finding Spokane crews allegedly booking illegal rest. This is what I call profiling. There will be some flyers at Hauser showing corrections on the productivity fund. Please read them and leave for the next person.

At the union meeting we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of foot of board for the Pasco pool. It would be on a trial basis and first we will have people from Ft. Worth and perhaps a union member from LA in town to explain for a couple of days first. This is an interesting concept, please attend to learn first before making a decision.

Thank you

Jim Larkin

4/13/05

    On April 13, 2005 the new hires that are here now will be out in the field in OJT statues. If you have a student just remember that we need to give these people as much knowledge as you can give them. The old heads are getting fewer and fewer at a rapid pace and the carrier is hiring at a rapid pace as well. We need these people trained with the very good expertise that all of you have. We understand that some times 15 weeks is not enough time but unfortunately that is all we have under our agreements at the present time. This is a very good class of people, they are very anxious to get started in the field and work with you. We have told them that there are no stupid questions and to please ask as many questions as they can from you. We as trainers are depending on you to train them in the field. We have given them just the basic training they need to get started the rest is up to you to teach them the good skills that you have.

Thanks
Fraternally Yours
AE McDonald
Local Chairmen Yard 426 UTU

4/6/05

As of today April 06, 2005 the trip rate for the Wenatchee pool will be $230.91 for conductors on a one way trip. You can expect your back pay by the last half in April. It will cover from December 16th to the present..