UTU 911 Christmas Party
From Rob Newhouse
Satuday January 30th is the date.
Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. Dinner served promptly at 7 p.m.
There will be door prizes as usual.
Kraus Harting VFW again this year. I believe the menu is chicken, ribs and meatballs.
View Larger Map
Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a great new year!
Posted in News on 01.09.2010 11:41am
Vacation change
From Rob Newhouse
The carrier may contact you about changing your vacation times, if they do please call Shon Dasheur at 612 919 1001. He will explain your options at that time.
Posted in News on 01.06.2010 9:02pm
Union Meeting On Wednesday January 6th
From Rob Newhouse
Don't forget about the meeting at Obb's this Wednesday.
There will be a vote on at least one important issue and many more discussed. This is a big meeting so if you can, come on down and make sure that your voice is heard.
Topics to be discussed...
The carrier's attempt to limit our vacation dates.
6 and 2 on the west side.
Recapturing of miles on the river. ( This one will be voted on )
Posted in News on 01.05.2010 10:48pm
No Flat Line
From Rob Newhouse
General Committee of Adjustment GO-261
800 LINE R.R.
Executive Committee
T. H. Baird, Vice Chair
G.R Rutledge, Vice Chair
RG. Haugen, Vice Chair
J. H. Nelson Chairman -----*
139 '111 Cook Street
Portage, WI 53901
Office 608-745-1700
E-Mail: g0261@verizon.net
December 2, 2009
Ms. Cathryn S. Frankenberg
AVP-Labor Relations & Human Resources - US
Canadian Pacific Railway
501 Marquette Avenue, South - Suite 1715
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dear Ms. Frankenberg,
This Office is in receipt of an undated letter authored by the CMC department addressed to the UTU Local Chairman pertaining to vacation scheduling for the year 2010. I have reviewed the language of this letter and find the contents therein are not in keeping with the 1949 National Vacation Agreement, as amended, the longstanding practices and interpretations regarding vacation scheduling on this property. Essentially, CMC's letter unilaterally mandates changes in working conditions and abrogates the longstanding application of agreements without the benefit of negotiations. This is a clear violation of the Railway Labor Act, as amended.
I have also received complaints from Thief River Falls, Harvey and Enderlin for Vacation
scheduling. Issues crop up every year and this Office has contested in writing the Carrier's
unilateral attempt to impose changes. The vacation scheduling issues include allocations of
vacation allotments along with the single day vacation restrictions. Last year as in previous
years, each UTU local chairman took into account the number of vacation weeks to be
scheduled and then scheduled the vacations based on historic and projected needs of service.
This was often done in consultation with the local management team at the respective locations. This method has worked well for both the employees and Carrier in the past. There is no evidence that these same parameters and practices will not work for the year 2010. The management's aforementioned predictions lend support to surplus manpower and does not support different vacation scheduling standards or changes in vacation allotments such as "flat lining" or "straight lining" for 2010 as unilaterally mandated by CMC.
When the UTU Local Chairmen questioned the managers regarding the vacation scheduling their verbal response was the weekly vacation allocation must conform to a "flat line" vacation schedule. The managers went on to further explain that "flat-line" or "straight-line" vacation schedules means that the same number of trainmen must be on vacation each week thoughtout the entire year. The Local Chairmen advised the managers that the "flat-line" or "straightline" vacation schedules are unacceptable and not in keeping with the 1949 National Vacation Agreement, as amended, or the longstanding on-property interpretation and practice for vacation scheduling. The Local Chairmen further indicated to the managers that as in the past, vacations would be scheduled pursuant to the 1949 National Vacation Agreement, taking into account the "the local exigencies and requirements of the service" This rule compliant notion was rebuffed by the managers.
It is noteworthy, that this Office has not received one complaint from Labor Relations pertaining to the past performance of the UTU Local Chairmen's vacation scheduling parameters. In fact, local managers have in the past complemented the Local Chairmen on the reasonableness of the vacation schedules.
The CMC managers have been compiling vacation scheduling records and disturbing same to the Local Chairmen and the field managers. CMC is demanding that the Local Chairmen
schedule vacations in a "flat-line" or "straight-line" manner. The field managers have been
reluctant to get involved in the vacation scheduling process thereby eliminating any input from them or the Local Chairmen to schedule vacations that take into account "the exigencies and requirements of the servicE(. Consequently, some Local or Division operating officers have not been participating in the vacation scheduling.
The "flat-line" or "straight-line" vacation scheduling method is in violation of the 1949 Vacation Agreement as interpreted by Award 1 of Public Law Board No. 4548, Awards 1 and 2 of Special Board of Adjustment, BLE vs. UP, Referee John LaRocco - 1993.
We also find controlling Article 39 - Vacations, of the collective bargaining agreement, we quote there'from:
Vacations shall be taken between January 1sl and December 31 S\ however, it is
recognized that the exigencies of the service create practical difficulties in providing vacations in all instances. Due regard, consistent with requirements of the service, shall be given to the preference of the employee in his/her seniority order in the class of service in which engaged when granting vacations. Representatives of the Company and of the employees will cooperate in arranging vacation periods, administering vacations and
releasing employees when requirements of the service will permit. It is understood and agreed that vacationing employees will be paid their vacation allowances by the Company as soon as possible after the vacation period but the parties recognize that there may be some delay in such payments. It is understood that in any event such employee will be paid his/her vacation allowance no later than the second succeeding payroll period following the date claim for vacation allowance is filed. The agreement to "flat line" vacations is in Section A of Appendix 18." (Bolding added) The language to flat line in Section A of Appendix 18 merely gives a base line number or a formula in which to calculate the 20% positions on the guaranteed extra list (GEL). It did not grant the Carrier the unilateral right to "flat-line" or "straight-line" the vacation rosters. Decades
of past practice fully supports this assertion and "telegraphs" the parties' true intent regarding the aforementioned contract language.
Consequently, the Local Chairmen have been disregarding, and rightfully so, the CMC
managers' "flat-line" or "straight-line" mandate and have utilized their knowledge of the territory, historic and projected manpower needs and the desired vacation time normally requested by the employees working under their jurisdiction, when assigning the vacation schedules. This forseight on the part of the local chairman has worked to the advantage of both parties. It is noteworthy, that in several locations where trains were held for manpower, delays would have occurred if no trainmen were on vacation. This is evidence that the Carrier failed to properly maintain manpower and extra board staffing levels to protect the needs of the service. CMC attempts to unilaterally promulgate the contractually unsupported "flat-line" or "straight line" vacation schedule concept.
Time spent on vacation scheduling disputes could be better spent compiling accurate vacation scheduling information and forwarding same to Local Chairmen in a timely manner. This will permit the "professionals" in the field who have the first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day operations to schedule vacations in a manner that take into account "the exigencies and requirements of the service", as contemplated by the National Vacation Agreement. In closing, this Office and the Local Chairmen are fully aware of the impact a lopsided vacation schedule could have on manpower needs and serving our customers. With that in mind, we will continue to work with your departments to enSure reasonable vacation schedules to accommodate the employees' requests that we represent, while insuring adequate manpower to protect business levels at the respective terminals. However, we will not accept the "flat-line" or "straight-line" method of scheduling vacations, which your managers have attempted to force on
us every year for the past decade. In light of the seriousness of this issue and the irreparable harm it will cause the employees we represent, we must request and immediate written response and a meeting in our office to timely resolve this dispute. Sincerely,
James H. Nelson .
General Chairman - UTU
cc: Malcolm Futhey, International President - UTU
Rob13rt Kerley, International Vice President - UTU
Clinton Miller, III, General Council- UTU
Local Chairman Go-261
Posted in News on 01.03.2010 2:53am
Limbo Board
From Rob Newhouse
General Committee of Adjustment GO-261
sao LINE R.R.
J. H. Nelson Chairman
139 W Cook Street
Portage, WI 53901
Office 608-745-1700
E-Mail: g0261@verizon.net
Executive Committee
T. H. Baird, Vice Chair
G.R. Rutledge, Vice Chair
R. G. Haugen, Vice Chair
December 2, 2009
Ms. Cathryn S. Frankenberg
AVP-Labor Relations & Human Resources-US
Canadian Pacific Railway
501 Marquette Ave So - Suite 1715
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dear Cathy,
This office has just received a fax of examples of daily board marks at both Saint Paul and Bensenville terminals. Its reads in part:
Spare Board: 87 limbo board
We take exception to your interpretation of the Shift GEL Agreement and Article 11 O. We 'have no language in our collective bargaining agreement that allows for limbo board. Employees must be placed on the extra board as defined in Article 110 section (g) (2). It does not say employees must request to be placed on the extra board or they will be added to a limbo board. It reads employees will revert to the extra board and be placed thereon, in addition to the men then on the extra board, in accordance with rules in effect on the property.
Article 110 (g) (2) Any yard service employee or employees who because oftheir seniority standing, or for other reasons, are unable to place themselves on a regular job or assignment on the day or days their job or assignment is annulled, will revert to the extra board and be placed thereon, in addition to the men then on the extra board, in accordance with rules in effect on the property.
In light ofthe seriousness ofthis issue and the irreparable hann it will cause the employees we represent, we must request and immediate written response and a meeting in our office to timely resolve this dispute.
Very Truly Yours,
James Nelson
General Chairman UTU
cc: Malcolm Futhey, International President - UTU
Robert Kerley, International Vice President - UTU
Clinton Miller, ill, General Council- UTU
Local Chairman Go-261
Posted in News on 01.03.2010 2:31am
Some of the claims that have been submitted
From Rob Newhouse
December 3, 2009
J. H. Nelson, Chairman
The enclosed claims are for the following members of local 911 who have fallen through the board mark since July 22, 2009. This is when I was made aware of the change on how the carrier was now handling the daily mark with regards to the junior employees in yard service.
These claims are for 8 hours Yard Foreman’s rate for violation of Article 110(g)2. and Article 128 of the 2003 General Labor Agreement
S. A Lemieux #963104. Claim dates : July 22,27 2009. September 5, 12, 19, 25, 2009
Letter of complaint dated July 23, 2009.
J. A. Larson #942835. Claim dates: August 15, 17, 22, 2009
J. P. R. Barten #961280. Claim dates: July 24, 2009 July 31, 2009 August 8, 2009, September 19, 26, 2009.
P. J. Carl #963910. Claim dates: September 25, 2009, October 2, 9, 10, 2009
M. D. Thorne #945944. Claim dates: July 25, 2009, August 22, 2009 September 19, 26, 2009.
K. A. Kuck #942134. Claim dates: August 15, 22, 2009.
A. M. Pesta # #946024. August 8, 2009, September 19, 2009.
Total claims submitted – 22
In addition to the enclosed claims. I have attached all the written complaints made by the members and all pertinent documents that I have in the file.
Any questions let me know.
R J Hill
Local Chairperson
UTU 911
Posted in News on 01.03.2010 2:05am
Minnesota Union Leadership Program
From Rob Newhouse
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Please see below regarding University of Minnesota Labor Education Services
Leadership Program for 2010. If you or any member of your UTU Local has an interest to develop labor leader skills by attending this U of M eight session coarse, contact this State Committee office. We will pay the tuition for up do six UTU members state wide to take these leadership classes. (What a deal!). Registration deadline: January 5, 2010. If you register with Uof M/LES, be sure to send this State Committee a copy of your registration at the same time. First come, first serve on tuition assistance.
Fraternally,
P. J. Qualy
UTU-SLD Minnesota
651-222-7500
cc: Mr. Howard Kling, UM/LES
Mr. Bob Bruenigs, UM/DB
Posted in News on 01.03.2010 12:58am
Minnesota Union Leadership Program
From Rob Newhouse
Minnesota Union
Leadership Program
A new training opportunity from
the Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota
Offered in cooperation with the Minnesota AFL-CIO
The Minnesota Union Leadership
Program is an innovative educational series tailored to the needs of union officers and staff.
The program goes beyond regular skills training offered by the Labor Education
Service to provide the opportunity for top leaders — and emerging leaders —
to develop a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting working people in Minnesota.
Through in-depth sessions, participants study the labor movement — where we have been, where we are and where we are heading — and discuss how to address the challenges facing unions today.
The sessions draw on the diversity
of our labor movement and its unique
history. We use a participatory
approach to strengthening our
organizations through exchanging ideas
and learning from each other.
In the Minnesota Union Leadership
Program, we take the time to see the
big picture, gain more insight into how
our organizations fit into a broader
labor movement and explore the ideas
and solutions that will help our unions
prosper and grow.
The Minnesota Union Leadership
Program is a two-year program.
Participants attend four full-day
sessions each year for a total of eight
classes. Each participant receives a
leadership certificate upon completion.
Beginning February 2010
Classes held at
Continuing Education Center
St. Paul Campus
University of Minnesota
Session 1: February 25, 2010
WORKERS AND UNIONS IN THE 21ST CENTURY
How did the U.S. labor movement develop into its current form? What are the legal structures that have shaped and restricted the activities of workers and their organizations?
How do unions in the United States compare
to labor movements in other countries? What
have been the guiding principles behind the
formation and expansion (or demise) of American trade unions?
These and related questions will be explored to enhance
understanding of the forces, events and legal structures that have determined the current status of the U.S. labor movement. Issues to be addressed include:
• What is a “labor movement”?
• The impact of American attitudes, culture and values on labor unions
• The passage and subsequent interpretation of the National Labor Relations Act by the NLRB and the courts
• Attempts by anti-labor interests to restrict the rights of union members and the strategies that unions have employed to resist
• Challenges to the leadership of labor organizations in contemporary society
Session 2: April 29, 2010
TOWARD A MORE PERFECT UNION
What is the state of our unions? What does it mean to say to members, “You are the union?”
Do members participate and get involved? Do you want members to become more involved? Is your union member-driven? What are the values of the labor movement? How can we practice and
communicate those values to increase involvement and participation?
Most unions struggle with these challenges. This session will:
• Challenge the myth of membership apathy
• Introduce the idea that the local union meeting isn’t the best way to build the union
• Improve communication between membership and officers
• Identify members’ interests and how they can help our union
• Help you to develop new leaders
• Bring your union to the workplace
Program Instructors
Training will be coordinated and led by Labor Education
Service staff. We will also draw on experienced and talented
speakers from the labor movement and our allies in the
community.
You will receive readings and course outlines in advance of each session.
Session 3: September 30, 2010
WHAT’S AT STAKE: UNIONS AND THE ECONOMY
What forces have shaped economic development and growing inequalities in this country during the past 30 years? How has globalization impacted
different groups of workers and changed the
conditions for labor organizing?
How do international economic policies ultimately affect us here in Minnesota? How is immigration reshaping the working class, and what factors can explain immigration trends?
At the end of the class, you will be able to:
• Make sense of key economic concepts important to today’s debates
• Recognize the linkages between global, national, and local economic realities
• Understand how various economic policies affect groups of workers differently
• Describe how the globalization agenda is sold to workers
• Identify changing power dynamics as a result of globalization and implications for workers
• Relate economic policies to immigration trends and understand their economic impact in the United States
Session 4: November 18, 2010
ORGANIZING FOR OUR FUTURE
What is our vision for the labor movement? Given the internal and external challenges facing unions and society, what are effective alternatives to how we organize and do our political and coalition work?
How can we make ‘social unionism’ (the idea that unions are part of a broader social movement) a
reality? What are the barriers to getting there and how can we overcome these? How can labor and our allies fight back collectively?
• Learn about successful U.S. models where labor and social movements have built political power and challenged economic and social injustices by working together
• Consider examples of how workers in other countries have built political power by working with social movements
• Assess your union’s current capacity for working
across movements and identify strategies for increasing that capacity
• Develop a plan for building relationships with specific organizations and communities
• Determine best practices for building effective political and community coalitions
• Discuss the ways that broader social unionism builds new/diverse leadership
Second Year of the Program
The second year of the Minnesota Union Leadership Program, like the
first year, will involve four full-day sessions. First-year participants will decide the dates, topics and areas of focus, with assistance from Labor Education Service staff. Together, we’ll craft training that reflects your interests and fits your needs and experience.
How to Apply
Enrollment will be limited to 30 people to ensure a high-quality educational
experience and to facilitate meaningful dialogue among program participants.
Applicants must fill out an application form and provide a letter of support from their union. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of LES staff and advisors. We request that no more than 3 individuals apply from any single local union. Our goal is to select a diverse group of union leaders reflecting the makeup of Minnesota’s labor movement.
Selection criteria will include:
• Demonstrated interest in the program
• Union and community experience
• Union sector (e..g. public, building trades, industrial, service).
People of color, women and people under age 35 are strongly encouraged to apply.
If you are interested in University of Minnesota credit for participation in this program, call the LES office, 612-624-5020.
Deadline to Apply
January 5, 2010
Applications must be faxed or postmarked by this date.
Cost
Tuition for the two-year program is $1,000, billed in annual installments of $500. That includes eight training sessions, meals and materials.
Labor Education Service
Center for Human Resources
& Labor Studies
University of Minnesota
321 19th Ave. S., Room 3-300
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-5020
les@umn.edu
Posted in News on 01.03.2010 12:40am
And Then There Were 3
From Rob Newhouse
It has recently been brought to the Local's attention that there are still 3 conductors in St. Paul that have not signed up for direct deposit. If you are one of the lucky three please contact CP human resources and get the ball rolling.
It was a part of our last agreement with the carrier so it does need to get done.
Thanks
Posted in News on 01.02.2010 11:30pm
Harvey Switchman Passes Away
From Rob Newhouse
Dear Sirs and Brothers:
UTU Local 887 Switchman Kevin Goldade, died unexpectedly on November 12. Mr. Goldade was a UTU conductor who worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway out of Harvey, N.D. He was at his home when he suddenly became ill and later died at a hospital in Harvey, N.D. his wife also, Bobbi Goldade, had died unexpectedly in 2006.
Following the unexpected passing of both parents, the family is now left to care for his three sons and daughter. Karly, 14, Hunter, 12 and Kolby, 11. In addition to these three, a fourth sibling, Jacob, is an 18-year-old freshman at Bismarck State College.
In the meantime, the good Brothers and Sisters at Harvey have established an account to help offset the children’s day-to-day living expenses.
Harvey Local 887 has just donated $500 to the fund.
You can make checks payable to the “Kevin Goldade’s Children’s Fund” and mail donations to:
Kevin Goldade’s Children’s Fund
First International Bank & Trust
910 Lincoln Ave.
PO Box 245
Harvey, ND 58341
Contact person is
UTU Local 887 Chairman Tim Baird
Cell 701 693 5465
Email tbaird@srt.com
GC James Nelson
Posted in News on 12.12.2009 3:37pm
Bracket poll results
From Rob Newhouse
December 9, 2009
D. W. Towner, Secretary UTU Local 911
715D Maple Hills Drive E
Maplewood, MN 55117
Reference is made to the Wednesday, December 2, 2009 monthly meeting where as it was decided with a vote of the membership working in yard service, within the Twin Cities Terminal that the Local Chairperson would do a poll vote to determine if the Carrier’s temporary starting time bracket change is implemented.
In regards to the poll vote of the membership working in yard service on the Carrier’s
proposal of a change to the starting time brackets and having more flexibility with assignment starting times. The proposal would be for a test period only and expand the starting time bracket from and one and one half hours to three hours.
The results of the vote is as follows:
Yes – 7
No - 57
No reply – 9
It is the consensus of the majority of the membership working in yard service that the temporary trial change to the starting time bracket proposed by the carrier not be initiated
Respectfully,
R J Hill
Local Chairperson
UTU 911
CC: J. H. Nelson, Chairman
R. Newhouse
Posted in News on 12.11.2009 4:31pm
New Furlough Agreement
From Rob Newhouse
October 20, 2009
Memo: All Local Chairmen GO 261
The voting ended October 15 on the Furloughed agreement with a 7 - 7 tie, two LCs abstained from voting.
Since it was a tie vote, as General Chairman I will break the tie and move the agreement forward.
August 30, 2009
This will confirm the agreed upon terms and conditions to allow furloughed Conductors from all locations on the system the right to temporarily transfer to another location on the system. Such employee(s) will retain their seniority rights to transfer back to their home terminal should their seniority allow them to hold a position, without the need to comply with the system bid transfer process.
IT IS AGREED:
· On an as needed basis furloughed employees will be called in seniority order and offered a temporary transfer to another location on the system. Employee(s) will have forty-eight (48) hours from time of call to accept the temporary transfer.
· Employee(s) will have seventy-two (72) hours to report to the temporary location from date and time notified.
· Employee(s) must commit to a minimum stay of ninety (90) days beginning with the first date qualified to perform service.
· Employee(s) may be released sooner than the ninety (90) day period.
· Once qualified system seniority will apply.
· Employee(s) will be allowed to transfer back to their home terminal, if seniority allows them to hold a position, however the Company will determine and grant such release to transfer back to the home terminal based on current staffing levels at the temporary location. Should there be a need to train other employees to fill the vacancy; such employee(s) will not be released until staffing levels are sufficient. In no case will the employee(s) be held longer than sixty (60) days once the ninety (90) day requirement has been fulfilled. After performing service for a minimum of a five (5) month period at the temporary location, such train service employee(s) may submit written application to request a permanent transfer to the temporary location. If granted, such temporary location will be recognized as the employee(s) permanent home terminal.
· Compensation for familiarization trips to qualify at the temporary location will be paid a minimum day and overtime when applicable. No other payment or arbitraries apply. Lodging will be provided by the Company for a period of up to one-hundred twenty (120) days, thereafter lodging will be at the expense of the employee(s).
This agreement will expire effective December 31, 2010.
Please indicate your concurrence in the space provided, returning a signed copy for my file and further handling with the Crew Management Center.
Sincerely,
Cathryn S. Frankenberg
AVP Labor Relations/Human Resources – U.S.
I concur:
_______________________________ __________________
James H. Nelson Dated
General Chairman UTU
Posted in News on 11.03.2009 7:55am
New ADO Bids
From Rob Newhouse
A reminder that the ado's change on Nov1.
Bids close Oct 20 and to avoid any lost bids you can fax Bob Hill a copy of your sheet to 651 768 7352 as a back up
Posted in News on 10.08.2009 3:13pm
New Post
From Rob Newhouse
There is a new posting in the West Side and East Side sections.
Posted in News on 10.08.2009 2:55pm
Falling through the board mark reminder
From Rob Newhouse
Remember:
If you are not working a full 5 days per week you can and should file for railroad unemployment for those days that you were not allowed to mark up.
Get the word out!
Posted in News on 10.08.2009 1:20pm