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Volume 20 - Number 1 January 2006
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NMB to NCCC: Return to bargaining On January 5, the National Mediation Board (NMB) rejected the National Carrier Conference Committee's (NCCC) request for a release from mediation and ordered the NCCC to return to the bargaining table with the Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition (RLBC). The NCCC refused to set new dates for bargaining with the RLBC on December 14 and asked the NMB for release from mediation. January 6 marked the first year since the tragic rail crash in Graniteville, S.C., that claimed nine lives. Despite this horrific rail accident, in which deadly chlorine gas was emitted into the community, rail corporations have done little to address the numerous security and safety gaps along our nation's railways. Resolutions to change BLET bylaws due Feb. 17 The deadline is quickly approaching for BLET Divisions planning to submit resolutions to change the Bylaws of the BLET National Division. Resolutions must arrive at the National Division President's office at least 120 days before the next convention; on or before Friday, February 17, 2006. New railroad security bill introduced Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA) has introduced a bill, H.R. 4372, that would mandate security training for railroad workers. Also known as the Rail Worker Emergency Training Act of 2005, the bill would address many of the concerns expressed by BLET members in the Safe Rails, Secure America surveys conducted by the Teamster Rail Conference. |
