Feb 2008
System SACP notes
02/16/08 13:20
All –
Following is a synopsis of what was discussed at the System SACP meeting this week as well as my notes from Carl Ice’s address to the group:
System SACP
Regarding the issue that was brought from the Kansas Division (Amarillo) last quarter addressing trains occupying the same limits in double track locations, VP of Operations Greg Fox and AVP South Operations Chris Roberts presented the new method of “locking out” the limits when a crew is using one track while still allowing traffic to use the other track. It is similar to what a MOW crew gets. Unfortunately, the old system allowed the dispatcher to basically override the warning and allow multiple trains to occupy the same limits. This nearly caused an unfortunate situation at Waynoka; but now the issue has been addressed, corrected and closed.
VP Greg Fox then presented the new signage program for uniform siding signs to be implemented across the system by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2008 at a cost of roughly $1 million.
AVP of Labor Relations Kathy McGinn then addressed the BNSF’s ongoing attempt at managing HOSL relief crews and the crews they are relieving. A 3rd party is going to start interfacing between the BNSF and the individual carriers used to transport crews in an effort to improve the dispatching process. Additionally, a new field will soon begin to appear in TSS wherein crews will be asked to enter arrival time (at the terminal), relief time, and release time (it is understood by all that these latter 2 times could very well differ). The F1 key will continue to be a help key for the purpose of filling out these fields.
The issue of having two locomotives on all trains to provide a 2nd heat source was discussed and assurances were provided by VP Fox that this would remain a part of the winter action plan.
State of the Railroad
VP Fox gave a brief overview from his standpoint regarding the strength of the railroad as follows:
1) Coal stockpiles are diminishing in light of the severe winter in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. This translates into the need for more coal to be shipped by railroads – a positive sign for all of us.
2) Agricultural products look to continue to be fairly strong. Exports are very strong and the shipment of Ethanol is beginning to be a factor.
3) Chemicals and chemical products (such as plastic and pipe) are very strong. The continuing development of the oil and gas exploration – especially in this part of the country – bodes well for this type of business.
4) Inbound containers are a bit soft. As has been discussed earlier in our profit sharing communiqués, the current soft economy has slowed the flow of products being imported from the Far East. Also, it appears that many of the empty containers that we used to ship back west are now being sent to Europe from the Eastern seaboard.
The next day, Carl Ice gave his report to the attendees. The main points of it were:
1) The Employee Review Program has been modified. The former Green-Yellow-Red program has now been replaced by the A-B-C program. Once an employee reaches a certain level, he or she becomes subject to more rigorous testing in an effort to improve the employee’s performance. A new employee has been defined to be one with 0 – 2 years on the job. This program is segregated by work groups so as to identify the problems specific to each craft / work group.
2) The return to work letter has been modified
3) The 2008 Capital Budget is $2.4 billion. This is down from $2.59 billion in 2007 and $2.75 billion in 2006.
4) All expansion projects currently underway (Abo Canyon, etc.) will be completed this year – such as ties replacement, undercutting and new rail - but no new ones will be started.
5) Much of what is being spent is earmarked for the Texas and Gulf divisions, with much of that being spent in the switching yards, etc.
6) Despite a record 4th quarter, 2007 profits were down about $65 million after accounting for all capital expenditures and the like.
7) The hiring plan for 2008 is between 700 & 800 people – just enough to offset attrition and retirements.
8) One of the largest impacts in our container shipping business – other than the soft economy – was the fact that Maersk did some “global realignment”, changing some of their shipping routes and ultimately moving some of their business to the U.P. (which one can only assume will be back to the BNSF pretty soon - editorial comment).
VP of Safety Mark Schulze gave a brief overview of safety numbers and how the first month went. Injury frequency ratio as of January was at 1.55. Last year’s number was an abysmal 2.3. As a note, I understand that the “payout” figure for 2008 Profit Sharing is 1.7.
The Safety officers did ask the unions present for an increased presence at the Division SACP meetings, to which I committed to Mark that I would make an effort to do so as travel permits. Until then, if any of you or your members have any questions regarding the SACP or Safety programs or any of the other topics discussed over the 2 days we were convened, please do not hesitate to contact me at the office or via E—mail and I will be happy to share my thoughts and any info that I have with you.
Fraternally,
Mark Banton
Vice General Chairman
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen
BNSF Railroad - Santa Fe Committee
Following is a synopsis of what was discussed at the System SACP meeting this week as well as my notes from Carl Ice’s address to the group:
System SACP
Regarding the issue that was brought from the Kansas Division (Amarillo) last quarter addressing trains occupying the same limits in double track locations, VP of Operations Greg Fox and AVP South Operations Chris Roberts presented the new method of “locking out” the limits when a crew is using one track while still allowing traffic to use the other track. It is similar to what a MOW crew gets. Unfortunately, the old system allowed the dispatcher to basically override the warning and allow multiple trains to occupy the same limits. This nearly caused an unfortunate situation at Waynoka; but now the issue has been addressed, corrected and closed.
VP Greg Fox then presented the new signage program for uniform siding signs to be implemented across the system by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2008 at a cost of roughly $1 million.
AVP of Labor Relations Kathy McGinn then addressed the BNSF’s ongoing attempt at managing HOSL relief crews and the crews they are relieving. A 3rd party is going to start interfacing between the BNSF and the individual carriers used to transport crews in an effort to improve the dispatching process. Additionally, a new field will soon begin to appear in TSS wherein crews will be asked to enter arrival time (at the terminal), relief time, and release time (it is understood by all that these latter 2 times could very well differ). The F1 key will continue to be a help key for the purpose of filling out these fields.
The issue of having two locomotives on all trains to provide a 2nd heat source was discussed and assurances were provided by VP Fox that this would remain a part of the winter action plan.
State of the Railroad
VP Fox gave a brief overview from his standpoint regarding the strength of the railroad as follows:
1) Coal stockpiles are diminishing in light of the severe winter in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. This translates into the need for more coal to be shipped by railroads – a positive sign for all of us.
2) Agricultural products look to continue to be fairly strong. Exports are very strong and the shipment of Ethanol is beginning to be a factor.
3) Chemicals and chemical products (such as plastic and pipe) are very strong. The continuing development of the oil and gas exploration – especially in this part of the country – bodes well for this type of business.
4) Inbound containers are a bit soft. As has been discussed earlier in our profit sharing communiqués, the current soft economy has slowed the flow of products being imported from the Far East. Also, it appears that many of the empty containers that we used to ship back west are now being sent to Europe from the Eastern seaboard.
The next day, Carl Ice gave his report to the attendees. The main points of it were:
1) The Employee Review Program has been modified. The former Green-Yellow-Red program has now been replaced by the A-B-C program. Once an employee reaches a certain level, he or she becomes subject to more rigorous testing in an effort to improve the employee’s performance. A new employee has been defined to be one with 0 – 2 years on the job. This program is segregated by work groups so as to identify the problems specific to each craft / work group.
2) The return to work letter has been modified
3) The 2008 Capital Budget is $2.4 billion. This is down from $2.59 billion in 2007 and $2.75 billion in 2006.
4) All expansion projects currently underway (Abo Canyon, etc.) will be completed this year – such as ties replacement, undercutting and new rail - but no new ones will be started.
5) Much of what is being spent is earmarked for the Texas and Gulf divisions, with much of that being spent in the switching yards, etc.
6) Despite a record 4th quarter, 2007 profits were down about $65 million after accounting for all capital expenditures and the like.
7) The hiring plan for 2008 is between 700 & 800 people – just enough to offset attrition and retirements.
8) One of the largest impacts in our container shipping business – other than the soft economy – was the fact that Maersk did some “global realignment”, changing some of their shipping routes and ultimately moving some of their business to the U.P. (which one can only assume will be back to the BNSF pretty soon - editorial comment).
VP of Safety Mark Schulze gave a brief overview of safety numbers and how the first month went. Injury frequency ratio as of January was at 1.55. Last year’s number was an abysmal 2.3. As a note, I understand that the “payout” figure for 2008 Profit Sharing is 1.7.
The Safety officers did ask the unions present for an increased presence at the Division SACP meetings, to which I committed to Mark that I would make an effort to do so as travel permits. Until then, if any of you or your members have any questions regarding the SACP or Safety programs or any of the other topics discussed over the 2 days we were convened, please do not hesitate to contact me at the office or via E—mail and I will be happy to share my thoughts and any info that I have with you.
Fraternally,
Mark Banton
Vice General Chairman
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen
BNSF Railroad - Santa Fe Committee
FRA waiver petition
02/16/08 13:18
Brothers,
The National Legislative Office has identified a petition for waiver from compliance with FRA regulations that may be of interest to you, which we have attached for your information and records. The comment period concerning this waiver petition ends on the date indicated in the notice, and a determination has not yet been made whether the NLO will file comments in this matter, much less what the content of any comments may be. If you have any information you believe is relevant in this matter, or you have an opinion you wish us to consider in our review of the petition, please provide same to me no later than ten (10) days prior to the close of the comment period.
Fraternally,
Thomas A. Pontolillo
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
Standard Building Mezzanine
1370 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1702
CLE direct: (216) 377-3503
DC direct: (202) 624-8748
FAX direct: (216) 694-0255
E-Mail: pontolillo@ble-t.org
E8-2395
The National Legislative Office has identified a petition for waiver from compliance with FRA regulations that may be of interest to you, which we have attached for your information and records. The comment period concerning this waiver petition ends on the date indicated in the notice, and a determination has not yet been made whether the NLO will file comments in this matter, much less what the content of any comments may be. If you have any information you believe is relevant in this matter, or you have an opinion you wish us to consider in our review of the petition, please provide same to me no later than ten (10) days prior to the close of the comment period.
Fraternally,
Thomas A. Pontolillo
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
Standard Building Mezzanine
1370 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1702
CLE direct: (216) 377-3503
DC direct: (202) 624-8748
FAX direct: (216) 694-0255
E-Mail: pontolillo@ble-t.org
E8-2395
TY&E Compensation Systems Reorganization
02/16/08 13:10
TY&E Compensation Systems Reorganization -
Effective February 16, 2008
In an effort to better align TY&E Compensation Systems with the overall organizational structure, there will be a reorganization of the current work group.
Effective February 16, 2008
There will be two production timekeeping teams - one team on the North and another on the South. There will be one team set up to handle special payments, and another team responsible for all labor appeals and conference settlements. The separation of these teams provides better alignment with the operating divisions and also allows us to develop specialized work functions to manage the pay flow process.
The North Manager will be Crystal Bell - This team will handle all production tickets for the following divisions:
Chicago
Twin Cities
Nebraska
Montana
Colorado
Powder River
Northwest
The South Manager will be Pam Jones - This team will handle all production tickets for the following divisions:
Springfield
Texas
Gulf
Kansas
Southwest
Los Angeles
California
The Special Payments Manager will be Joe Baxter -this team will process special pay for all TY&E employees, these include:
Makewholes
Guarantees
Vacations
Penalties
The Labor Appeals Manager will continue to be Cristen White - This group handles:
Labor Appeals
Conference Settlements
Reinstatements
Accrual Accounting
Additionally, Barry Stoltz will continue to provide support functions for Comp Systems to help make the transition to the new alignment.
Please refer to the TY&E Compensation Systems section of the LR Website for the contact information of the Managers and Lead Specialists for TY&E Compensation Systems.
David F. Isom
General Director, TYE Comp. Systems
In an effort to better align TY&E Compensation Systems with the overall organizational structure, there will be a reorganization of the current work group.
Effective February 16, 2008
There will be two production timekeeping teams - one team on the North and another on the South. There will be one team set up to handle special payments, and another team responsible for all labor appeals and conference settlements. The separation of these teams provides better alignment with the operating divisions and also allows us to develop specialized work functions to manage the pay flow process.
The North Manager will be Crystal Bell - This team will handle all production tickets for the following divisions:
Chicago
Twin Cities
Nebraska
Montana
Colorado
Powder River
Northwest
The South Manager will be Pam Jones - This team will handle all production tickets for the following divisions:
Springfield
Texas
Gulf
Kansas
Southwest
Los Angeles
California
The Special Payments Manager will be Joe Baxter -this team will process special pay for all TY&E employees, these include:
Makewholes
Guarantees
Vacations
Penalties
The Labor Appeals Manager will continue to be Cristen White - This group handles:
Labor Appeals
Conference Settlements
Reinstatements
Accrual Accounting
Additionally, Barry Stoltz will continue to provide support functions for Comp Systems to help make the transition to the new alignment.
Please refer to the TY&E Compensation Systems section of the LR Website for the contact information of the Managers and Lead Specialists for TY&E Compensation Systems.
David F. Isom
General Director, TYE Comp. Systems