Microtel is still the first choice but we have some better places for overflow. No more hotel by the crossing.

Robby,

Listed below are the 2nd and 3rd choices for hotels in Gallup.


Red Roof Inn
3304 W Historic HWY 66
Gallup, NM
505-722-7765

Super 8
1715 W Historic HWY 66
Gallup, NM
505-722-5300


Tyrone Fitzgerald
Superintendent of Operations
Gallup Subdivision
505-864-5180 Office
505-227-4126 Cell

Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has awarded a contract for a Vehicle (trains/locomotives) Cell Phone “texting” Notification System to ProTran1
The system is designed to detect unauthorized use of cell phones and texting (NOT BLOCK) in an operator’s cab and sound an audible warning. The system also can automatically notify a supervisor or control center. Initial testing was successful and MTA has moved forward to a pilot program.

If the pilot is successful, MTA plans to outfit its entire fleet with the technology.

John P. Tolman
Vice President and National Legislative Representative
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
Teamsters Rail Conference
25 Louisiana Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Office: (202) 624-8776
Cell: (216) 272-1246
Fax: (202) 624-3086
tolman@ble.org
www.bletdc.org

Brothers:

Here is the letters of understanding that was signed with LR dealing with yard meals and the payments. The claims that have already been sent to this office for handling will be paid in accordance with the settlements. Also included is a settlement that the BN had done back in 1996 on waiting for lodging claims. We have the same settlement on this property now.

Pat
Meal Settlement

It is critical that you know your rights as a railroad worker, particularly when injured. Federal Law now provides very powerful and important rights:

1. It is now illegal for a railroad to discharge or discipline an employee WHO REPORTS OR ATTEMPTS TO REPORT A PERSONAL INJURY.

Since the law was passed, the railroad have greatly diminished the old practice of firing anyone who claimed an injury. In fact, in the last 6 months we have seen only one case of discipline for an employee who reported an injury. This is probably due to the strong penalties that can be imposed on the railroad if the law is violated.

2. It is now illegal for a railroad to deny, delay or interfere with the medical or first aid treatment of an employee. A railroad cannot force an employee to see a company doctor or any doctor. An injured worker has the absolute right to see the doctor of his/her choosing for the treatment and care of his/her injuries.

Thus, when one is injured at work he/she can see any doctor of their choosing without interference from the railroad. Before the law was passed Union Pacific insisted that virtually every injured worker go to the PRIDE clinic in Dallas for an evaluation. This practice was basically stopped after the new law was passed.

3. Also, if an injured worker asks for transportation to a hospital, a railroad must now promptly arrange to take the person to the nearest hospital where the employee can receive appropriate medical treatment.

This is a big change. In the past, when an employee reported an injury the railroad forced him/her to go to a hopital where the railroad did a lot of business or to a company nurse. No more. The new law clearly says that if transporation to a hospital is requested the employee is to be taken to the nearest hospital, not the one where the railroad does a lot of business. Remember, an injured worker may simply get in his car and go to his own doctor or hospital. He/she is not required to ask for transporation or ride with a company officer.

These are great new Federal Rights that really help the injured worker. But they are of little value if one is not aware. As your Designated Legal Counsel, we want you to be aware of your rights so you can take advantage of those rights. I encourage you to view our web site www.tavorminayoung.com and check out the FAQ section for many of the other imporant rights you have as a railroad worker.

If you have questions, give us a call.

Thanks,

Steve Young
Designated Legal Counsel
1300 Post Oak Blvd. Ste. 1750
Houston, Texas 77056
888 565 7245
syoung@tavorminayoung.com

Runaway BNSF rail car races through Arvada, Colo.

(The following story by Howard Pankratz appeared on The Denver Post website on October 8,2 009.)

ARVADA, Colo. — A runaway Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail car tore along 5 miles of track in Arvada this morning at an estimated speed of 40 miles per hour, an Arvada police spokesman said.

"It was flying at such a pace that the gates at the street crossings weren't activating," said Sgt. Jeff Monzingo, spokesman for the Arvada Police Department.

He said after the police department received several calls from alarmed motorists, "officers tried to get in front" of the runaway rail car to warn drivers who might cross the tracks.

Heading east through Arvada, the runaway rail car headed into Adams County where it derailed, Monzingo said.

The first calls to Arvada police came in at 8:04 a.m.

During the Arvada police chase, said Monzingo, railroad officials told Arvada officers that the single car would not activate the crossing arms at intersections.

Steve Forsberg, spokesman for the BNSF, said that the car was loaded with plastic pellets, which are not considered hazardous.

He said the pellets are used in the manufacture of various plastic products.

A switching crew was working some distance from the rail car when it started rolling, Forsberg said.

He said BNSF is investigating how the accident occurred.

The first reports to the railroad of the incident came about 9 a.m., he said.

No one was injured, and no rail traffic in Denver and Colorado were affected, he added.

Friday, October 09, 2009