UTU Local 426 Archived News.
03/22/05
Dear Sisters and Brothers of UTU Local #426
As most of you know the Officers of Local #977 in Pasco have decided to withdraw from all BNSF-UTU cooperative programs. Some of you may remember in the past that this Local (#426) has also taken the same action. Only recently have we decided to once again become involved.
It has been brought to my attention that Pasco officials to fill the void left by this pullout may have approached some of our members. I can assure you that this Local cannot allow our members to fill these positions in Pasco.
The reason for this is our International and our General Chairmen have worked with the BNSF and agreed to work jointly together on a Local, by Local basis with Job bids and a selection process. No other Local can be allowed to interfere in this process. This will have to be worked out on a local basis, with the Management and local Union Officials communicating. We must support one another and not allow one Local to be pitted against another Local.
We here in Spokane have had our own members severely disciplined in Pasco, when situations were allowed to get out of control. Our Pasco Sisters and Brothers may have some valid concerns.
In the mean time the BNSF has other avenues available to them to get employees trained.
Fraternally Yours,
A.D. Seaboldt
President Local 426
Spokane, Washington
03/20/05
Members Local 426:
The Holiday Express at Whitefish has been given notice that
we will be stuck back to the Cheap Sleep (aka Cheap Charlie's).
We moved out of that dump many years ago and if all the
complaints local chairman have been given and filed personally,
this low budget joint has not probably even bought new towels
since the owners bought it. There was a review before the
contract and a lot of improvements were to be made. They have
not, yet the carrier has not scheduled a walk through before the
transfer. People who have stayed because of overflow have seen
no change. The place has a obnoxious odor, you cannot rest with
people talking in the halls, water comes out of the wrong
faucets, heaters do not work properly, he shows maintenance so
well, the Christmas icicle lights still are hanging outside,
list goes on and on.
You are covered by FELA at the HOTEL, same as you are while
on duty. At Hauser there are safety complaints, take a couple of
these with you to work and fill them out on everything at this
establishment and file them. Even if you cannot get your rest,
disturbed by talking in the halls. Cracked concrete, gate being
locked, shower heads built for short people, loose hand
railings, anything.
Fax them and get one to an official. Make them sign on your
copy, file one with your local chairman and one with Bob
Shollenberger. Then if something happens to one of our members
because the carrier is reluctant to put us in decent facilities,
we have recourse.
Thank all of you who had the time to come and have lunch at
the Longhorn for a informal session. It gives everyone a chance
to just talk about issues or whatever. These will continue. If
you are in town please take the time to join everyone for a
meal.
We had a shared values meeting in Seattle with General
Manager Ron Jackson last week. Small steps in this project. We
did get SIAP reintroduced after last meeting. This time some
committees were formed in regards to Crew office problems and
timekeeping. Scoter and I are on the crew office committee. We
will see if these ideas will work. Some communication is better
than none.
Take care and be safe when doing the Spring cleaning chores,
the lawn mower blade may still be sharp and the ladder still
tips.
Jim Larkin L/C
03/18/05
Thank you all for coming to the UTU 426 Longhorn luncheon Wednesday March 16. We had 51 people show up for the lunch and get together. We are planning on having the same thing in May. We are going to ask some of our designated legal counsel in our area to try and make it to the next luncheon so that if any one has questions in that area they can be there to answer any questions you may have. We could have some guest speakers at these luncheons in the future as well to speak on different subjects.
03/06/05
Mr. David W. Brooks
Regional Administrator
Federal Railroad Administrator
500 E. Broadway Suite 240
Vancouver, WA 98660
RE: Dash 8 or 9 BNSF 1064 & BNSF 917 Engine Batteries overheating.
Dear Mr. Brooks:
It has been reported to me that on January 6, 2005 another incident
regarding overheating batteries
occurred. When the batteries overheat a plume of toxic
hazardous fumes is released. This incident happened on the Oregon
Trunk Line at Maupin, Oregon. The crew manning PASWCI 104 set
out BNSF 1064 and BNSF 917 when the batteries overheated and
released toxic fumes and smoke. The engineer was R. Moe and the
conductor was S. Lenzer. The crew became concerned leaving Lockit,
Oregon and could not proceed beyond Maupin. BNSF 1064 and BNSF 917
represent the 6th and 7th BNSF Dash 8or 9 locomotives that I am
aware of experiencing this problem. It is becoming quite evident
that this is a very widespread problem in the industry. Please let
me know the results of your investigation. In addition, Do you know
if your Washington, D.C. office has issued any safety advisory
regarding Dash 8 or Dash 9 locomotives?
Sincerely,
Tom Retterath
03/05/05
Mr. Ron Jackson
BNSF General Manager NW Division
2454 Occidental Avenue So.
Seattle, WA 98130
RE: UTUWSLB-BNSF-3 Unsafe and Hazardous Walking
conditions near dragging material detectors on BNSF mainlines - Lack
of Safe Walkways.
Dear Mr. Jackson:
As I mentioned in my last letter regarding Unsafe and Hazardous
walking conditions near dragging material detectors on BNSF
mainlines, Mr. Greg White assured UTU members in attendance at
some of the first SACP meetings that money was in the BNSF budget to
provide proper safe walkways in those areas. Mr. White held a
position similar to one you now occupy. I have been told that safe
walkways near dragging material detectors is still a problem. If you
would review the SACP records when Mr. White was in charge I'm sure
you will see how that item was on the agenda and then gradually
disappeared over time That's what I meant when I stated that this
item has been sacked from the SACP process without proper walkways
being installed and maintained. Upon your further review of this
unsafe condition with your sections folks, if we still have
disagreement regarding this issue, I'm sure the WUTC would be
willing to conduct and audit of mainline walking conditions. I am
more then willing to go along. Please advise, I am
Respectfully,
Tom Retterath
03/04/05
Mr. Ron Jackson
BNSF General Manager NW Division
2454 Occidental Avenue So.
Seattle, WA 98130
#UTUWSLB-BNSF-4
RE: BNSF Locomotive Batteries Overcharging, Overheating and
Exploding
Dear Mr. Jackson:
On November 19, 2004 another locomotive battery exploded on a BNSF
engine. The incident occurred at
the Hauser refueling facility. I'm sure you are already aware of the
problem. Train G MITTAC9 12A was
being refueled on the refueling pad. While being refueled BNSF 889
erupted in a massive hazardous gas
plume when the battery overheated and exploded after becoming
overcharged. The BNSF was very lucky that a fire did not break
out at the refueling facility. This is the 5th incident , that I
know of, involving BNSF GE Dash 8 or 9 Locomotives that involve
overcharging and overheating, resulting in the release of extremely
hazardous gases in the plume that is erupted from the batteries.
Other incidents were in Revelstoke, BC; Glasgow, Montana; Pasco,
Washington and Brookfield, Missouri. My question to you is:
What action has the BNSF taken to insure that another General
Electric Dash 8 or 9 Locomotive battery does not overcharge,
overheat and explode? Its time for the BNSF correct this very unsafe
hazardous condition. Please advise, I am
Sincerely,
Tom Retterath