Dubroski discusses safety with Montana governor
HELENA, Mont. -- BLE International President Edward Dubroski journeyed to
Montana's capital city this month to discuss the proposed BNSF-CN merger
and renew lines of communication with labor leaders here.
BLE helps legislative train crew protections
in Kentucky
Thanks to the legislative efforts of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers,
train crew members in Kentucky cannot be forced to show their personal drivers'
licenses to law enforcement officials following highway-rail grade crossing
collisions.
In addition, insurance companies cannot raise the auto insurance rates
of train crew members based on accidents that happen while working in a
professional capacity for the railroad.
BLE position on use of locomotive horns
The Federal Railroad Administration is currently seeking input regarding
proposed rulemaking legislation for the use of locomotive horns. The rule
was proposed in January by the FRA in response to a law enacted by Congress
in 1994 requiring locomotive horns to be sounded when a train approaches
and enters a public highway-rail grade crossing. The following is a copy
of the BLE's official submission to the FRA on the use of locomotive horns:
AFL-CIO, BLE seek to get out the vote
The BLE will begin an all-out effort to participate in the AFL-CIO's voter
registration drive for union members. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney has
requested all local affiliates register 10 percent more of its membership
by August 1.
BLE Senior Report: Obtaining credit for military
service
The intent behind the crediting of military service under the Railroad Retirement
Act is to prevent career railroad employees from losing retirement credits
while performing active military service during a war or national emergency
period. Therefore, to be creditable as railroad service under the Railroad
Retirement Act, active service in the U.S. Armed Forces must be preceded
by railroad service in the same or preceding calendar year.
Railroad Retirement Board sets informational
conferences for 2000
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will conduct free informational conferences
this year. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. for each conference. All
sessions begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and end at 12:15 p.m.
Canadian Spotlight
BLE member, two others, recognized for heroic actions
En Français: Un Membre de la FIL est
recompense un acte héroïque
Il venait tout juste de déposé le combiné de la radio,
lorsque Osborne a vu ce qui a semblé être un mur noir environ
cent verges devant. Tout ce qu'il pouvait voir pendant qu'il se tenait
à sa fenêtre était deux rails argentées suspendues
lâchement dans un grand bol. Aucuns connecteurs, aucun ballast...
et aucune terre. Les deux rangées de rail soudées continues
de 115 livres flottaient à travers un ravin de 15 mètres de
profond. Quatre-vingt-cinq mètres de remblai s'étaient
effondrés.
Rail union solidarity nets MBTA victory
Union jobs are saved as MBTA signs a three-year maintenance contract with
Amtrak.
House votes to slash funding for the Amtrak
Reform Council
In a show of support for transportation labor's opposition to the Amtrak
Reform Council, the U.S. House of Representatives on May 19 passed the Andrews-Ney
Amendment, which cuts funding to the ARC by a half.
Despite labor's opposition, House OKs China
trade relations
A $12 million advertising and lobbying blitz by big business groups convinced
enough members of the U.S. House of Representatives to give up annual review
of China's human and workers' rights record and grant China permanent Normal
Trade Relations on May 24, the AFL-CIO reported.
FRA to address locomotive cab air conditioning
Improving locomotive cab working conditions is a top priority of the Federal
Railroad Administration, said FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris in a speech
to BLE members attending the union's International Western Convention in
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Photo highlights of IWC regional meeting in
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Jim Lance was chairman of the 2000 IWC, and keynote speakers included AFL-CIO
Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris.
Photo highlights of IWC regional meeting in
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Jim Lance was chairman of the 2000 IWC, and keynote speakers included AFL-CIO
Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris.
NTSB recognizes BLE fatigue countermeasures
program
The National Transportation Safety Board has recognized the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers for its nationwide program to educate operating
employees about the dangers of working while fatigued.
List of AFL-CIO National Boycotts
As compiled by the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO
BLE state legislative board chairmen hold annual
meeting in July
FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris headlines the list of guest speakers.
BLE President Edward Dubroski will also address the State Legislative Chairmen,
as will Vice-President Leroy Jones, the BLE's U.S. National Legislative
Board Chairman.
Success in recruiting
BLE Division 236 in Portland, Ore., has been one of the Brotherhood's fastest
growing divisions of late.
- Industry News Briefs
- Update on Railroad Retirement
- TTD celebrates 10th anniversary at annual convention
- BLE releases online training video
- NTSB investigates UP derailment outside Eunice, La.
- Railroads give $185,000 to Senate republicans
- Pittsburgh has sites set on becoming maglev hub
- Creating awareness of locomotive engineers, the "quiet victims"
- BNSF, CN file briefs to overturn STB's 15-month moratorium
- UP fined $800,000 after toxic chemical spills
- Four North American railroads team up on the Internet
- Amtrak's Acela shoots for three hours from Boston to New York
- NS takes city to federal court
Pre-registration form for SWCM
The 65th annual Southwestern Convention Meeting will take place in St. Louis,
Mo., from September 17-22. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to pre-register
by using this handy form. |
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