Posts under “Information”
Travel writers rate top 10 train rides
From Rob Newhouse
From www.utu.org
CHICAGO - This interesting bit of news popped up in my email today. It's about the best train rides in the world, as determined by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), according to Lori Racki of the Chicago Sun Times.
Do you agree with the the travel writers' opinions on top train journeys? Any epic rail travel that should have made the list but didn't?
Listed in order of votes with comments from SATW writers are the world's "Top 10" train rides:
1. The Rocky Mountaineer offers spectacular two-day journeys through the Canadian Rocky Mountains from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper. "The Rocky Mountaineer is humbling travel - both for the monumental landscapes it slices through and the appreciation of the workers who risked - and sometimes gave - their lives to build it." Betsa Marsh, freelance travel writer
2. The Glacier Express is the famous Swiss mountain railway from St. Moritz to Zermatt, a 7.5 hour railway journey that crosses 291 bridges and burrows through 91 tunnels. "Take the Glacier Express in winter - you will pass by skiers, people playing golf in the snow and spectacular alpine settings." James O'Reilly, publisher, Traveler's Tales
3. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through rugged canyons in the remote wilderness of Colorado's two-million-acre San Juan National Forest. The narrow-gauge train is pulled by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive along the same tracks traveled over a century ago by miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West.
4. The Bernina Express from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy, makes the highest rail crossing of the Alps, passing from icy glaciers to palm-shaded piazzas in just a few hours. It crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, while winding around countless spectacular switchbacks. You can take the scenic stretch from St. Moritz to Tirano for lunch in Italy in just three hours. "The Bernina Express takes your breath away before dropping you off in the marvelous little Italian village of Tirano," Stan Wawer, travel writer
5. Peru Rail, Cusco to Machu Picchu, carries passengers on a spectacular journey through the high Andes. There are three levels of service, from backpacker trains to Vistadome cars to the luxurious blue and gold Hiram Bingham train, named in honor of Hiram Bingham, the explorer who discovered the Inca citadel in 1911.
The train passes by lush green fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes and climbs along the Urubamba River through a dramatic canyon before reaching Machu Picchu. "On the train from Cusco to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, it's easy to feel you're traveling into a mystery as you roll past secluded farms, squeeze between rugged mountains and, on my trip, become enveloped by low brooding dark clouds." Susan Farlow, freelance travel writer
6. The Coastal Classic Train on the Alaska Railroad winds through the wilderness between Anchorage and Seward. Massive glaciers are visible from the track as the train climbs into the Kenai Mountains and travels to the shores of Resurrection Bay for convenient connection to Kenai Fjords National Park, offering whale watching, sea kayaking, tidewater glacier viewing, fishing, and dog sled rides.
7. The Royal Scotsman rolls through the ever-changing landscapes of sweeping glens, towering peaks and mirror-calm lochs as the train weaves through wild countryside and along virgin stretches of coast on two to seven night journeys in the Scottish highlands. "Ancient castles. Misty moors. Stark cliffs, covered in black shadows from the clouds. Lochs. Chimneys sticking out of thatched roofs. And Rob Roy and Braveheart waiting beyond every turn." Steve Winston, freelance travel writer
8. The Whistler Mountaineer in Canada is a three-hour ride along the magnificent coast of British Columbia, from Vancouver to Whistler, famous for its views of cities, old-growth forests, deep valleys, snowcapped peaks and seascapes.
9. Mexico's El Chepe ventures into the imposing landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara and into Mexico's famed Copper Canyon, passing through 87 tunnels and crossing 37 bridges. The Copper Canyon is four times the size of the Grand Canyon - and deeper. "Mexico's Chepe train from Los Mochis to Copper Canyon has it all: tall bridges crossing rivers, dozens of tunnels, a winding track that climbs high out of the canyon and, waiting for you at the end, the fascinating indigenous Tarahumara people." Eric Lindberg, freelance travel writer/photographer
10. The Flam Railway is regarded as one of the highlights of the "Norway in a Nutshell" tour. The 20-km-long train journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to Flam, beside a fjord, takes 55 minutes. On the journey, you have views of some of the most magnificent mountain scenery in Norway with a panorama of tall mountains and cascading waterfalls. The train moves slowly or stops at the best views. "The Norway in a Nutshell ride fulfills its clever name, and stopping to let passengers take pictures is a real plus." Bob Jenkins, freelance travel writer.
(This item appeared in the Chicago Sun Times June 18, 2009.)
Posted in Information on 06.27.2009 9:17am
Statement of Facts Form
From Rob Newhouse
Here is the text from a statement of facts form... select and copy the text (and lines) from the following and paste it into a word processor then print it out.
UNITED TRANSPORTATION UNION
CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY / SOO LINE RAILROAD
STATEMENT OF FACTS
covering
TIME CLAIMS and/or GRIEVANCES
also
PERSONAL REQUESTS MADE TO THE COMMITTEE
Terminal employed at: ________________________________________________________
Date: ______________
Date of Incident: ________________ Time: from________am /pm to: _________am / pm
Place of Incident: __________________________________________________________
Your assignment: Name:___________________________Assignment Number:________
Your time on duty:____________________am/pm Your time off duty:___________am/pm
Your occupation:______________________________________________
Give us your detailed STATEMENT OF FACTS:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
If you were instructed to do this : ( Please Print)
By whom:__________________________Their title, if any:_________________________
If known, which Schedule Rule is claim or grievance based on:________________________________________________________________________
Local #________________ Yard or Road:____________
Seniority District:____________
Name:________________________ Address:_____________________________________
Phone number:_____________________
Signature:________________________________________________
Posted in Information on 05.07.2009 9:02am
Statement of Facts
From Rob Newhouse
TWIN CITIES YARDMEN / ROADMEN
SUBJECT: TIME CLAIMS AND GRIEVANCES
When filing a time claim and / or grievance concerning a specific rule violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The claim needs to contain the specific facts involved as well as the specific rule violated. These facts include what actually happened, the date of occurrence, the yard or run involved, the engine number, train number, etc.
Please use a Statement of Facts form when forwarding your claim to this committee for appeal. Remember the burden of proof is on the Organization. In order to successfully appeal your claim properly the following information Must be included in your claim.
REMEMBER ALL CLAIMS MUST CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
WHO - is involved in the claim, Names(s) of persons involved in the claim or grievance. Don't forget the supervisor who may have caused the claim.
WHEN - Did the claim or grievance occur? What day and at what time did the incident take place?
WHERE - Did the incident occur? EXACT Location - milepost number, yard, industrial track, terminal etc.
WHY - is this a claim or grievance? What has been violated? What agreement? Supplement or Local agreement? Past practice? Law? Board Award? In order to have a successful claim there must be a violation of something?
WHAT — Are your demands? What adjustments are necessary to correct the violation and place the aggrieved member in some position he or she would have been in had the grievance not occurred?
Remember as previously stated, the most essential element in the successful handling of a grievance is getting the facts.
Please forward a completed Statement of Facts form, including all information and documentation to this Committee for handling. Claims not containing all the pertinent information will be returned. As previously stated the burden of proof is on you.
Any questions contact your Local Chairman
Posted in Information on 05.07.2009 7:26am
Ford shutdown agreement
From Rob Newhouse
CPRail has started a Ford shutdown board effective 03/09/2009.
Here is the agreement from the first one that is still in effect.
In anticipation of the intermittent shut downs of the St. Paul Ford Plant until the final closing targeted for May of 2008, a "Ford Shutdown List" may be established and maintained for yard service employees who desire to be off during the advertised shut down period. This list will-be used for short term shutdowns only (six (6) weeks maximum).
1. The number of yard service employees an the "Fort Shutdown List" may be up to the equivalent to the number of positions on the assignments that are laid in for the
shutdown period. The final number will be at the Company's discretion and will be predicated on the needs of service, additional training to be completed, and/or additional
vacation time allowed during the shut down.
2. The "Ford Shutdown List" will be available to all qualified yard service employees regardless of seniority date. This does not apply to ground service employees in the Student Conductor Training program.
3. Yard service employees may exercise seniority to the "Ford Shutdown List-in
accordance with seniority standing and will be placed in this status in conjunction with
the First date that the "Ford Shutdown List" Is made available by the Company.
4. Yard service employees on the "Ford Shutdown List” will not be required to be available for service during the advertised shut down period.
5. Yard Service employees who have occupied a position on the “Ford Shutdown List" will be allowed to make a seniority move back to active service after occupying the list for at least a Two (2) week period. A senior yard service employee may displace a junior yard service employee off the "Ford Shutdown List” after the junior employee has occupied the position for at least a too (2) week period,
6. In order to be eligible for the "Ford Shutdown List" the person exercising Seniority must have been In active service and performed yard service the day preceding the shut down period, in the event the "Ford Shutdown List" starts after the employees rest days or vacation period, the last yard service performed must directly precede such rest days or vacation period,
7. Yard service employees who have exercised seniority to the "Ford Shutdown List" will be required to report for service at the end of the advertised shutdown period or after being displaced without receiving any recall and will be automatically marked up for service.
8. Payment for the "Ford Shutdown List" wilt be 75% of the basic 5-day yard helper rate of pay.
9. Payments made for occupying the "Ford Shutdown List" will be considered as
cornpensable service in determining the compensation due for vacations. Time spent on
the "Ford Shutdown List" wilt count in determining whether the employee is eligible for vacation in the succeeding year as well as in determining the length of vacation to which
an employee is, otherwise eligible, entitled. Each day on the "Ford Shutdown List will be
computed at 1.6 days for this purpose.
10. Yard service employees occupying the “Ford Shutdown List" are covered by Health and Welfare plans, Union Shop, Dues Check-off, Discipline Rules and Grievance Procedures that are applicable to employees in active service
11. Employees are not eligible for Holiday pay, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty pay,
Personal Leave, or other similar allowances while occupying the 'Ford Shutdown List"
Posted in Information on 03.08.2009 10:22pm
Claim Code for Safety Training
From Rob Newhouse
When an employee is required to attend safety training in between trips
or on assigned day off and didn't lose a trip or a regular day.
Use the following claim code - ST
You will be compensated at the straight time rate of pay of the last class of service performed for the actual time required in attending the class from the time required to report until released.
If it is necessary for an employee to lose a trip or tour of duty, the employee will be paid for lost time (including any arbitraries expressed in time or miles, including Conductor only allowances).
Use the Claim code LW (lost wages).
In remarks reference the following: Company Business - attend safety training. claim lost wages on the assignment that you work last.
Posted in Information on 01.30.2009 1:21am
Influenza – Take the shot, or not?
From Rob Newhouse
By Dr. Norman K. Brown
UTU Medical Consultant
What is influenza anyway?
Centuries ago, just as today, people developed respiratory infections after getting chilled. In the Italian culture, such infections were thought to be caused by "influenza di freddo," or influence of cold.
A wide variety of viruses, bacteria and funguses lead to colds, bad colds, bronchitis and even pneumonia when the infection goes down into our lungs. Scientists have sorted out a lot, but by no means all of these invaders. One specific virus has been found in cases of influenza.
The influenza virus has received a lot of attention for several reasons. It spreads in epidemic fashion, transferred by one of us to others through coughing, speaking as we atomize the virus into the air, or soiled tissues.
The illness can simultaneously knock out many members of a family, an office, work force or train crew. The illness is typified by fever and muscle aches with headaches on top of the runny nose, sore throat and cough of your typical cold. Because influenza virus is now known to be a very specific complex molecule, a fairly successful vaccine has been developed.
An important goal of this column, beside reemphasizing my "wash your hands, throw away the Kleenex, cover your mouth when coughing" pep talk, is to recommend that most of you get an influenza vaccination -- or flu shot for short -- each fall.
Unfortunately, for a very curious reason, you currently need a new vaccination each year for the best results. The influenza virus, the pesky devil it is, changes part of itself a little chemically and structurally each year, so that last year's vaccine doesn't trigger the exact antibodies in us that match and stop the new virus.
This is the very reason that the virus is so successful in attacking us humans year after year.
But there is some very recent, exciting news on this score. A brand new vaccine now in development targets a part of the influenza virus that does not change year to year. So, if this vaccine proves effective, a single immunization could be effective for multiple years.
Our government medical officials and your doctor have generally recommended vaccinating all persons 65 and over, and those with any condition reducing immunity or lung strength -- think asthma, emphysema, smoking and allergies.
But in addition, workers who function in groups, or interact closely, are excellent candidates, since not only do the viruses' victims feel terrible, but they can't do their jobs and also pass it along to others.
From my understanding of railroad work, I would think member-to-member transmission of the virus on the job might well occur.
One note of caution: If you have had a reaction to a prior flu shot, do not take another one without discussing the matter with your doctor. Fortunately, reactions are not common, as the vaccine is almost pure, preserved, dead virus.
I am sure Louis Pasteur would be proud of the huge progress since his pioneering work with bacteria, in identifying the organism giving us "influenza di freddo" attacks, and the resulting vaccines to date.
Posted in Information on 11.30.2008 6:36am
RR unemployment, sickness benefit to rise
From Rob Newhouse
The maximum daily benefit rate payable for claims under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act increases to $61 from $59 in the new benefit year, which begins July 1, 2008. Benefits are normally paid for the number of days of unemployment or sickness over four in 14-day registration periods, so maximum benefits for biweekly claims will total $610.
During the first 14-day claim period in a benefit year, benefits are payable for each day of unemployment or sickness in excess of seven, rather than four, which, in effect, provides a one-week waiting period. Initial sickness claims must also begin with four consecutive days of sickness. However, only one waiting period is required during any period of continuing unemployment or sickness, even if that period continues into a subsequent benefit year. Claimants already on the rolls will, therefore, normally not be required to serve another waiting period because of the onset of the new benefit year.
To qualify for normal railroad unemployment or sickness benefits in the benefit year beginning July 1, 2008, an employee must have had railroad earnings of at least $3,075 in calendar year 2007, not counting more than $1,230 for any month. Those who were first employed in the rail industry in 2007 must also have at least five months of creditable railroad service in 2007.
Under certain conditions, employees with 10 or more years of service who do not qualify in the new benefit year on the basis of their 2007 earnings may still be able to receive benefits after June 30, 2008. Ten-year employees who received normal benefits in the benefit year ending June 30, 2008, might still be eligible for extended benefits, and ten-year employees may be eligible for accelerated benefits if they have rail earnings of at least $3,200 in 2008, not counting earnings of more than $1,280 a month.
Application forms for unemployment and sickness benefits may be obtained from railroad employers, railroad labor organizations, any Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) office, or the agency's Web site at www.rrb.gov . Also, as an alternative to applying for unemployment benefits through the mail, unemployment claimants can instead file applications online. Likewise, subsequent biweekly claims for unemployment benefits may be filed online rather than through the mail and employees can also access information about their individual railroad unemployment insurance account statements online. These account statements provide a summary of the unemployment and sickness benefits paid under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to rail employees.
To access these online services, employees must first establish an RRB Internet Services account. For security purposes, first time users must apply for a Password Request Code, which they will receive by mail in about 10 business days. To do this, employees should click on "Benefit Online Services" and select "request a PRC." Once employees establish their online accounts, they will be able to file their applications and biweekly claims for unemployment benefits as well as conduct other business with the RRB over the Internet. Employees are encouraged to initiate an online account while still employed so the account is established if they ever need to use these or other select RRB Internet services. Employees who have already established online accounts do not need to do so again. Although claimants cannot currently file applications or biweekly claims for railroad sickness benefits over the Internet, the RRB is planning to add the online filing of sickness claims in the future.
Claimants with questions about unemployment or sickness benefits should contact the nearest RRB office. Most RRB offices are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays.
Claimants can find the address and phone number of the RRB office serving their area, and also get information about their claims and benefit payments, by calling the toll-free RRB Help Line at 1-800-808-0772. The RRB Help Line is an automated telephone service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Field office locations can also be found by visiting www.rrb.gov.
Posted in Information on 06.07.2008 11:31pm
United HealthCare takes over eligibility audit
From Rob Newhouse
Over the past several months, Aetna has been conducting an audit of eligible dependents and requiring employees to submit proof for their eligible dependents to continue uninterrupted health-care benefits.
Those employees who have failed to provide the required proof have had their dependents’ coverage terminated, effective April 15, 2008.
United HealthCare has now taken over the eligibility audit process and if you receive notification that dependent coverage has been terminated, immediately call United HealthCare at (800) 753-2692 in order to obtain information about reinstating those eligible dependents.
Posted in Information on 05.24.2008 2:06am
Tips on making your views heard. Let Congress know about our concerns
From Rob Newhouse
The Government works for you... not the other way around.
Here is some good info provided by www.utu.org.
Communicating With Congress
A handwritten, one-page letter is a letter that winds up on a legislator's desk. It should be positive and it should be specific as to the action you are requesting.
Always include your correct address and telephone number and ask your congressman/woman for a response to your letter.
If you must communicate by telephone, be courteous and be specific about the action you are requesting. Offer to provide your address and telephone number.
Tips on Writing to a Member of Congress
Writing a letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, the following is a list of helpful suggestions that will improve the effectiveness of your letter.
Your purpose in writing the letter should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If the letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House Bill H.R. _____ or Senate _____.
Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
Address only one issue in each letter and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.
Addressing Correspondence
To a Senator: The Honorable (full name):
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator (last name):
To a Representative: The Honorable (full name):
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative (last name):
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as Dear Mr. Chairman, Dear Madam Chairwoman or Dear Mr. Speaker.
Sending E-mail to Congress
Many members of Congress have an e-mail address that ends in house.gov or senate.gov. The body of your message should use the following format:
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, ZIP
Dear (title) (last name):
Start your message here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember, your senator or representative is in office to serve you. In his or her role as a legislator, the person you elected must represent all the people.
It is his or her duty to speak for the majority, to listen to the minority and to protect the rights of all. When you let them know of your feelings on any subject, you are helping them to do their job better.
Posted in Information on 02.11.2008 12:54am