Members of the New Mexico State Legislative Board during their annual meeting. From left, Louis Zimmerman, Div. 791 (Belen, N.M.); Rex Osborn, Secretary-Treasurer, Div. 811 (Clovis, N.M.); Bruce Yates, Div. 446 (Gallup, N.M.); Jim Davis, Chairman, Div. 588 (Tucumcari, N.M.); and Wayne Smith, First Vice-Chairman, Div. 15 (Albuquerque, N.M.). Not pictured is Barry Botone, Div. 400 (Albuquerque, N.M.).
Wisconsin State Legislative Board Chairman Keith Luebke is gathering information on the unsafe transportation of railroad crews for proposed legislation in his state.
He seeks input from as many BLE members as possible documenting unsafe conditions of crew transport vehicles. He also seeks membership documentation of driver alertness, or lack thereof, while transporting crews.
The information is needed for legislation currently being drafted in the state of Wisconsin.
"Input from BLE members is very important," Brother Luebke said. "Politicians listen to the kinds of situations that citizens and voters encounter in their workaday world."
The legislation would seek to standardize crew transport vehicles and drivers, creating a safer environment for railroad workers.
Currently, the author of the bill is Representative Julie Lassa, a Democrat of the 71st District.
In recent years, several train crew members have been injured and/or killed while traveling in unsafe crew transport vehicles.
In May of 1998, BLE Member David Butler was killed in a tragic off-duty collision in Small, Texas.
Brother Butler and his conductor, A.E. Carbajal, had just left their Union Pacific train to be relieved under the Hours of Service Act. As their taxi entered a crossing at the west end of the siding, it was struck by a westbound train. Both men were killed, as was the van's driver.
Members can submit documentation in writing to Brother Luebke at: 6511 Batavia Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494; or via the internet at: <blewslb@wctc.net>.
Members can also use the chart below to document dangerous crew transport procedures.
Name and Address:
Date and Time of Transportation:
Date and Time of Incident:
Injuries (if any):
Number of Passengers in Vehicle:
Time Driver Went on Duty:
Age of Driver:
Condition of Vehicle:
Age of Vehicle:
Comments on Indicent (deadhead to/from, Hours of Service expiration, weather, length of trip, etc...):
Add additional pages if necessary. Print and mail to: Keith Luebke, Wisconsin State Legislative Board, 6511 Batavia Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.
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