THIS PAGE WILL HAVE LETTERS POSTED DEALING WITH ISSUES ON
SAFETY FROM OUR LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE TIM L DWYER.
10-24-06
Brothers and sisters:
Due to the increased amount of operations testing on the BNSF we want to provide
some information to help each of you. The BNSF has increased operation
testing. The BNSF feels their have been too many authority violations,
getting by red boards, no track warrant authority. Please take a moment to
think about this. If we get by a red board or enter a track without authority
we are putting ourselves and others in mortal danger. Please be very
careful. The industry you work in is very dangerous and
unforgiving of mistakes.
When you see an approach medium signal have engineer begin reducing speed. You
are required to reduce to 40 MPH by the time you pass the next signal. When you
see an approach signal, 30MPH, immediately begin reducing speed and be able to
stop short of next signal. Approach next signal assuming it will be red, think
stop. Be aware of the possibility an opposing train might have gotten by that
signal.
The BNSF is operations testing on train speeds. Follow the signal rules and
obey the train speeds they require.
Chicago Division general notice # 246, rules support information, is for
your use. If you have questions and need rules support and assistance call
1-800-539-0418, 1-817-593-6535. Use this tool.
Chicago Division general notice # 25, report safety concerns, is for your
use. Report any and all van transportation safety concerns, report unsanitary
and unsafe locomotive cab conditions, report lodging issues, report any and all
unsafe working conditions, report any and all unsafe supervisor acts. The
numbers are 1-773-579-5104, BNSF 8-579-5104. The more unsafe conditions we
report, the more the BNSF will have to assign supervisors to rectify condition,
the less time supervisors will have to operations test us. Do not report bogus
conditions. A myriad of unsafe conditions exists in our industry. Get them
reported and e-mail me at tdwyer@utu171.com,
or call 815-501-3653 if you want me to report them or
follow your report up.
Chicago Division general notice # 14, BNSF ID cards, is for your protection.
Many of you do not know the supervisors who are entering your engines. Ask them
to show you their BNSF ID photo card. If they do not have one politely tell
them they are in violation of this notice and you request their name and
title. Do not get angry be calm, when these supervisors are in your
presence. Report to any local UTU officers the names of these supervisors who
enter your engine without proper id.
Please ask your fellow union brothers and sisters to sign up on our web
page. If you have suggestions to improve this sight, let us know. Roy Coan has
done tremendous work creating and maintaining this sight.
The upcoming elections will determine our working future. The UTU request we
vote for legislators who are friendly to America's working class. Your union has
suggested candidates it feels will best represent your interests. If you do not
know who to vote for ask for help. Those of us in irregular service, pool
service or on extra lists must vote early. We have until November 2, 2006 to
vote early ahead of general election November 07, 2006.
Please contact me at tdwyer@utu171.com,
815 501 3653, if you want help.
"The greatest menace to democracy is the inertia of the
people." Your
railroad future, the future of our country depends on you.
Fraternally,
Tim Dwyer
ONCE AGAIN THE BNSF IS WATCHING OUR DOOR
PROCEDURES IN SUBURBAN SERVICE. DO THE PROCEDURES IN THE PROPER MANNER AND
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. THEY WILL BE CONDUCTING SAFETY AUDITS AND
MONITORING SAFETY PROCEDURES. BE AWARE OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND
DUTIES!
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