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Page 2 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · May 2006BLET NEWSBROTHERHOOD OBITUARIESJim Ong, Ohio State Legislative Board ChairmanBLET Ohio State Legislative BoardChairman J.F. “Jim” Ong died on April15 after a four month battle with cancer.Brother Ong was 62 years old.He is survived by his wife,Carol; three children, J.J. Ong,Jennifer Ong and Heather Lutz;three grandchildren, HarrisOng, Mallory Ong and BenWorley; two brothers, John Ongand Joe Ong; various in-laws;and numerous nieces and nephews.Brother Ong was just reelectedChairman of Ohio StateLegislative Board on April 11. He joinedthe Brotherhood on Dec. 1, 1975, andwas a member of Division 292 in BeachCity, Ohio. He began serving on the OhioState Legislative Board in 1978.“On the behalf of the officers, staffand members of the BLET, I extend ourdeepest condolences to Jim’s family,”said BLET National President Don M.Hahs. “His proximity to our headquartersin Cleveland allowed himto visit us often. The staff andofficers enjoyed his visits andremain grateful for his hardwork and devotion to the Brotherhood.Brother Ong was avaluable asset to our organizationand he will be greatlymissed.“Jim was loved by all who knewhim. He worked tirelessly forthe members in the state of Ohio. Hewas involved in all of the major legislativeand election campaigns that theBrotherhood worked on.”Brother Ong was the last firemanever hired by the Penn Central Railroad.He later earned promotion to locomotiveengineer at the Penn Central.Later, as a Conrail engineer, he workedin terminals throughout the system,ranging from Grand Central Terminalin New York to Indianapolis in the West.He later worked for the Wheeling &Lake Erie in Ohio.As Chairman of the BLET’s OhioState Legislative Board, Brother Ongserved as chief lobbyist in the state,with his office located in Columbus. Hewas a member of the BLET’s NationalAssociation of State Legislative BoardChairmen and served as vice chairmanfor the 17-state Northeast Region. Hewas responsible for coordinating legislativeefforts among the states in thatregion.In addition to his work for theBLET, he was involved in the NationalAssociation of Veteran Railroad Employeesand the Masons. For the past25 years, he and his wife have operatedthe Northview Residential Care facilityin Dennison. In 2005, Brother Ong washonored to serve as the Grand Marshalfor the annual Dennison Railroad Festivalparade in Dennison, Ohio.According to his family, Jim will beremembered as a loving husband, fatherand grandfather. His knack tosolve problems and make everyonelaugh will be missed. He was wellknownfor his storytelling ability andwas always quick with a joke and willingto lend a helping hand.Donations in memory of BrotherOng can be made to the American DiabetesAssociation, Northeast Ohio Office(1815 W. Market Street, Suite 108,Akron, Ohio 44313). •Dorothy Cassidy, wife of formerBLET International VP Joe CassidyDorothy Cassidy, the wife of formerBLE International Vice-President JoeCassidy Jr., passed away suddenly andunexpectedly on May 11.Dorothy Cassidy is also the motherof New York State Legislative BoardSecretary Kelly Cassidy.“On behalf of the entire Brotherhood,I extend deepest condolences toJoe and Kelly Cassidy, as well as theirentire family,” said BLET NationalPresident Don M. Hahs. “This is particularlysad news considering the suddennessof Dorothy’s passing, whichcomes so soon after their retirement.”Dorothy retired in August of 2002while Joe retired in November of 2002.The couple married in 1972, theyear before Joe won his first electedoffice with the BLE. Joe hired out withthe Long Island Railroad in 1970 andserved as General Chairman of theLIRR General Committee of Adjustmentfrom 1982-1991. He was electedInternational Vice-President of the BLEin 1991, winning reelection in 1996 and2001.In addition to Kelly, the couple hastwo other children, Joe III and John.Cards of condolence may be sentto:Brother Joseph Cassidy24 Pell TerraceGarden City, NY 11530andSister Kelly Cassidy745 South Sixth StreetLindenhurst, NY 11757 •As of February 28, 20061 — A. C. Widby28 — R. Kimmel63 — M. B. Brooks63 — A. F. Janisieski63 — C. J. Mezger63 — C. F. O’Connell63 — P. L. Spaulding63 — C. R. Walker150 — E. L. Peoples190 — A. Lezu Jr.236 — S. P. Bautista244 — G. E. Dabdoub III280 — J. J. Carter435 — T. L. Rollins484 — J. C. Morris Sr.537 — D. L. Scribner553 — D. K. Tate672 — P. G. Smoot682 — R. J. JanikAs of March 31, 200611 — M. Masiello28 — W. L. Edwards42 — G. W. Lindemann83 — J. P. Dyer136 — D. T. Smith269 — A. J. Giacalone269 — C. P. Hammerslag269 — L. D. Havens357 — M. L. Reeve365 — J. I. Holt435 — H. R. Brunson Jr.446 — M. W. Brown448 — A. F. Slade511 — G. E. Potter517 — W. J. Pearson592 — R. J. Barta602 — K. H. Breecher623 — P. MonzonAs of April 30, 2006114 — D. M. Dunn171 — L. F. Giles194 — J. P. Huddleston202 — J. J. Spier215 — K. L. Waterman269 — R. S. Jacques292 — J. F. Ong383 — S. P. Marshall473 — H. F. Cross473 — J. W. Hooper473 — H. Z. Wantland937 — R. A. Cousino937 — C. A. Kaczorowski •Change to Win’s ‘Make Work Pay!’campaign to target overpaid CEOsDid you know that whilethe average CEO is earning$5,430 an hour, a hard-workingjanitor makes as little as $7 anhour?Change to Win is startinga national movement to changethat.Millions of Americans areworking their hearts out everyday but still falling short of thebasics of the American Dream— a paycheck that can supporta family, affordable healthcare, retirement security, avoice on the job and a chanceto give their kids an educationand a better future.In early May, Change toWin launched Make Work Pay!,the nation’s biggest effort everto unite the more than 50 millionworkers providing the vitalservices that our communitiesdepend on. These are thepeople who heal the sick andcomfort our elderly, harvestand serve our food, and cleanand protect our offices andhomes.Change to Win, a federationof seven unions representingsix million working people,is working with communitygroups, people of faith andpublic officials to build an unprecedentedmovement to ensurethat our lowest-paidworkers join the middle-classand share in the AmericanDream.In the weeks and monthsahead, Change to Win will providesimple and exciting opportunitiesto make a difference.Together, we can pressureoverpaid CEOs and unaccountablecorporations, and forcechanges to working conditions,laws and policies in every cornerof the country.Change to Win has alsomade available its CEO paycalculator — the results mayshock you!To learn more about thiscampaign go to:http://www.changetowin.org/MWP/index.htm •Locomotive Engineers & ConductorsMutual Protective Association535 Griswold • Suite 1210 • Detroit, MI 48226-3689(800) 514-0010 • (313) 962-1512FAX: (877) 633-1910 • E-MAIL: lecmpa1910@lecmpa.org •WEB: www.lecmpa.orgJob Protection Headquarters for Transportation EmployeesSince 1910

Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · May 2006 Page 3BLET NEWSRadioactive rail shipments expected to increaseNational Labor College plans radioactive waste handling course, July 10-13The National Labor College (NLC)is offering a special radioactive materialstraining course to railroad workersat the George Meany Center duringthe week of July 10.According to the U.S. Departmentof Energy (DOE), the number of railshipments involving radioactive materialsis expected to increase in comingyears. Beginning as early as 2007, theDOE is expected to begin a 38-yearproject to transport spent nuclear fueland high level radioactive waste fromDOE sites to storage and disposal facilities.With the increase in rail shipmentscomes the increased risk for railincidents involving radioactive material.This year, the Rail Workers HazmatTraining Program was awarded fundingto provide training to rail workersto increase their knowledge of thetransportation of radioactive materials.To meet this training need, during theweek of July 10, 2006, the Rail Programwill conduct a 3-1/2 day hazmat awarenessand security training course combinedwith a radiological transportationtrain the trainer course.The 10-hour hazmat awarenessand security training course will be followedby a two-day DOE-sponsoredModular Emergency Response RadiologicalTransportation Training(MERRTT) train the trainer course. Alltraining will be conducted on theGeorge Meany Campus of the NationalLabor College in Silver Spring, Md.The program will begin on Monday,July 10, at 7 p.m., and end by 3 p.m. onThursday, July 13. Funding for thiscourse will cover overnight room accommodationsand three meals a dayat NLC. Limited scholarships are availableto cover travel expenses and providestipends for participants unable tosecure paid time off from the railroad,or other sources. Call Carol Rodgers atthe Hazmat office (301-439-2440) formore information on scholarships.Since space for this course is limited,completed registration formsshould be faxed, mailed or e-mailed tothe Hazmat office (see below) as soonas possible. Interested rail workersmay also call the Hazmat office to registerby phone, or register online:http://www.hazmatgmc.org.Rail Workers HazardousMaterials Training Program10000 New Hampshire AvenueSilver Spring, Maryland 20903(301) 439-2440(301) 628-0165 -faxcrodgers@nationallaborcollege.orgThis training is funded in whole orin part with Federal Funds from theNational Institute of EnvironmentalHealth Sciences (NIEHS) and supplementalfunding to support peer trainingfrom the North American RailwayFoundation (NARF).A copy of the registration form isavailable as PDF from the BLETwebsite at: http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/DOEtrainingapp.pdf •Editorial:Bearding the lion(BLET Editor’s Note: Thefollowing editorial appearedon the UTU’s websiteon April 27. The BLETstrongly concurs with itsmessage.)You have heard the story ofthe lion, which went huntingwith the fox, the jackal and thewolf.Together, through teamwork,they caught a deer; butthe lion claimed it all for himself.Indeed, the “lion’s share”means grabbing it all.Lion’s share defines thestrategy of the railroads – theywant every crumb off the bargainingtable, and are willingto tell any lie or make any falsepromise to achieve their goal.The carriers’ greed is runningamok this round of negotiationsbecause, in the wordsof BNSF CEO Matt Rose, theysense a “perfect storm.”Higher fuel prices favorrailroads over trucks, reducedtrack capacity allows railroadsto engage in monopoly pricing,and their anti-labor friendscontrol the White House, NationalMediation Board, Houseof Representatives and theSenate.If ever there was a reasonfor each of us to register to voteand vote for labor-friendly candidatesin November, this is it.We cannot stop there.Each of us must walk theextra mile to convince family,neighbors and friends to do thesame.The lion can only be tamedby breaking up Matt Rose’sperfect storm.We must elect laborfriendlylawmakers in Novemberlest we find ourselves in aPresidential Emergency Boardnext year facing, without protectionfrom Congress, the liondemanding it all. •

Page 4 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · May 2006BLET NEWSHanely new OhioLegislative ChairmanThe Ohio State Legislative Board held its 13thQuadrennial Convention and celebrated its 50th anniversarythe week of April 10. Many will rememberthe meeting with sadness as it was the last one attendedby the late Jim Ong. At the meeting, BrotherOng was re-elected to the position of Chairman. However,he died of cancer just four days later.Tim R. Hanely was elected Vice-Chairman andwill succeed Brother Ong as Chairman. Also electedwere: Timothy T. Price, 2nd Vice Chairman; MichaelJ. Goebel, Secretary-Treasurer; and Randy Stewart,Alternate Secretary-Treasurer.In addition to celebrating the Board’s 50 years oftradition, the delegates viewed presentations titled,“The Possible Future of Positive Train Control,” “FRAUnderreporting,” “Safe Rails Secure America,” “RemoteControl Operations,” “Lodging Concerns,” and“Family and Medical Leave Act and Railroad Retirement.”John Tolman, BLET National Division Chiefof Staff, Greg Powell, Michigan State LegislativeBoard Chairman, and Ken Kertesz, PennsylvaniaState Legislative Board Chairman, conducted the presentations.•Brian P. Kelley of BLET Division502 (Kansas City, Mo.) was electedChairman of the Missouri State LegislativeBoard at the Board’s triennialmeeting in Jefferson City, Mo., on May8.Kelley was elected to fill the officevacated by Chairman Mickey Gage, whowill retire on May 31.Also elected were 1st Vice ChairmanTed W. Stauffer of Division 75(Kansas City, Mo.); 2nd Vice ChairmanSteve C. Gillett of Division 107 (St. Joseph,Mo.); and Alternate S-T Dan M.Schroeder, Division 48 (St. Louis, Mo.).Tim L. Morgan of Division 86 (Moberly,Mo.) was re-elected to the office of Secretary-Treasurer.“BLET members in Missouri canrest assured that their legislative affairswill be in good hands with ChairmanKelley and the rest of the Board,”said BLET National President DonHahs. “I also wish to congratulateMickey Gage on his upcoming retirementand to thank him for his manyyears of dedicated service to the Brotherhood.”Tim Smith of BLET Division 415was reelected Chairman of the BLET’sCalifornia State Legislative Board onMay 2 at the Board’s Fifth QuadrennialSession in San Diego. Smith was reelectedby acclamation.Smith will serve a four-year termin accordance with the Board’s bylaws.Also reelected by acclamation were:First Vice-Chairman Darrel N. Azarcon(Division 692); Second Vice-ChairmanD.D. “Diz” Francisco (Division 739);and Secretary-Treasurer Mike G. Holt(Division 800). Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Robert B. Frank (Division839) was elected by acclamation.BLET National President Don M.Hahs, First Vice-President EdRodzwicz, and National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert attended themeeting and addressed the delegatesMichel reelected Legislative Chairman in NJKen Michel was re-elected to the position ofChairman of the New Jersey State LegislativeBoard at its Quadrennial Meeting on March 29 atthe Newark Sheraton Airport Hotel in Newark, N.J.The Honorable John Wisniewski, Chairman ofthe New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee,spoke to the BLET delegates regarding currenttransportation issues impacting the state.Other guests included: John Collins, New YorkState Legislative Board Chairman; GeorgeNewman, Massachusetts State Legislative BoardChairman; and John Tolman, BLET National DivisionChief of Staff.In addition to Chairman Michel, other electionresults are as follows; Jim Chappelle (Division 53)was elected 1st Vice Chairman; Brian Baginski(Division 157) was elected 2nd Vice Chairman; andMike Luteran (Division 601) was elected Secretary-Treasurer.A special presentation was made to EdMichael, who retired as Secretary-Treasurer afterserving the Board for more than 20 years. •A retirement celebration was heldfor Gage, who served as Chairman ofthe Missouri State Legislative Boardsince 1998. Brother Gage was also Secretary-Treasurerof the Board from1990-1998. Delegates attending themeeting presented Gage with a plaquecommemorating his years of service toSeated, from left: Brian Baginski, 2nd Vice Chairman;Ken Michel, Chairman; Jim Chappelle, 1st Vice Chairman;and Mike Luteran, S-T.Standing, from left: Robert Stiglic, Div. 497 (PATH);Pat Norton, Div 157; Charlie Larsen, Div. 171 (NJT);Brian Simon, Div. 226 (NS); and Steve Kay, Div 272(NJT).Present but not pictured: Dave Hamilton, Div. 235 (CSXT); Bob Daniels,Div. 373 (NJT); Jim Godumski Div. 272 (NJT); John Perri, Div. 387 (CR);and Steve Weiss, Div. 521 (NYS&W).Kelley elected new Missouri State Legislative Board Chairmanregarding affairs of the National Division,including national contract negotiationsand organizing, among otheritems. NST Walpert provided delegateswith a report on the financial status ofthe Brotherhood. BLET National Vice-President Lee Pruitt addressed the delegatesas well.On hand to show support for theBrotherhood’s legislative arm wereleaders of the Brotherhood’s protectivearm: General Chairman Bill Hannah(Union Pacific-Western Lines) and GeneralChairman Pat Williams (BNSFformerAT&SF).Chuck Mack, Vice President of theInternational Brotherhood of Teamters,and Al Settje, Regional Administratorof the Federal Railroad Administration(Region 7), were also on hand to addressthe delegates.BLET members in Missouri.President Hahs addressed the delegates,giving them a state of the unionspeech and an update on national contractnegotiations. National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert gave delegatesa presentation on the BLET’s financialsituation, and National Legislative RepresentativeRaymond Holmes gave delegatesan update on current nationallegislative matters. Special RepresentativeJim Bradford also attended themeeting.Kelley and the other officers of theMissouri State Legislative Board willbegin their terms of office on June 1. •California State Legislative Board reelects Tim Smith as ChairmanOfficers of the California State legislative Board, from left:Darrel N. Azarcon, 1st ViceChairtman; Tim Smith, Chairman; Diz Francisco, 2nd Vice Chairman; and Mike G. Holt, S-T.Sereena Hogan, 3rd InternationalVice President of the BLET’s Grand InternationalAuxiliary, hosted a GIAbreakfast and made a presentation regardingthe importance of spousal supportof BLET members and issues. •

Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · May 2006 Page 5BLET NEWSGIA DialogueEmbracing the future, one member at a timeBy Onita WaylandInternational PresidentGrand International AuxiliaryOver 118 years ago, the GIA to BLEcame about as a result of arecognized need to organizethe various groups of railroadwives, which met informallyaround the country.Just as these small groupsrecognized the need to meetwith one another in theirown geographical area, ourfounders foresaw the benefitof joining together as one organizationin support oftheir fellow engineers’ wives, and of theBLE.The movement gained strength andflourished for the first 90 years, or so,but as times changed, so did the membershipof the GIA. More spouses beganworking, and children’s activitieswent from music lessons and sandlotbaseball to increased involvement inschool activities and a myriad of sports,resulting in a decrease intime for family activitieswhich also had to be workedaround Dad’s schedule.The GIA recognizedthe need to alter its focus toadapt to changing lifestylesand society’s changingtimes. We have succeededin this endeavor resulting inour members becomingmore aware of the vitalroles spouses play in shaping not onlythe working environment of ourspouses, but also our ability to effectuatechanges through our elected representatives.The unfortunate aspect of ourmetamorphosis is that the word is notspreading as quickly as we would hope.Through various calls toarms from the BLETagainst unjust Carrierpractices, and by way ofalerts informing us of importantlegislation comingbefore Congress that directlyaffects our lives andthe working conditions ofour spouses, we have madea difference. If our ranks and networksincrease and strengthen across thecountry, we can do even more.In the interest of our own lives andthe continued prosperity and safety ofthose who make those record Carrierprofits possible, we all need to be involved.Everyone is “crazy” busy thesedays, but the minimal amount of timeit takes to make a difference is wellworth it.As I prepare to turn over the reins ofthe organization, I reflect backto what I consider an innovativeand pivotal era in our history.I have overseen the continuedchange and improvementof the GIA started by mypredecessors. We have helpedexpand upon our mission andpurpose. I thank the BLET forits support during my tenureas International President, and feelstrongly about the role BLET spousescan play. We can springboard forchange in the future — going forward,not backward. On a final note, we donot want to forget our history and heritage,but we must embrace the future,and it is time we continue to move forward.•NECRContinued from Page 1peared throughout the agreement,”he said. “It would allowyou to be taken out of servicefor just about anything. Nowwe have a defined agreement.”All employees certified asLocomotive Engineers will receivethe engineer’s rate ofpay, regardless of what dutiesthey perform.Members will enjoy variousother improvements. Contractlanguage calls for thecarrier to pay for members’work boots, and locomotiveswill be equipped with improvedseats that are upholstered, rotate,are adjustable, and havearmrests.“Guys were riding aroundon toad stools, now we haveagreement seats,” he said.The agreement also callsfor the carrier to maintainweather-stripping in the locomotives,an important ruleconsidering the cold winters inthe region where NECR operates.“Here in the Northeast, thewind howls in the winterthrough the cab doors,” Martinsaid.Members will also enjoyincreased meal allowancesand improved vacation rulesand bereavement rules. Thenew bereavement rule allowsfor five paid days off for theloss of an immediate familymember and one paid day offfor extended family. The newvacation rule allows membersto take vacation days in oneweek increments.“Some of the guys lookedat the contract proposal andsaid ‘we already have this,’”Martin said. “What they failedto realize is that the rules definingtheir bereavement dayswere taken from the RailAmerica handbook and wereSales of ‘Main Line Cooking’ to benefit GIAA cookbook containingrecipes submitted by railroadersfor railroaders isnow available through theBLET’s spousal group, theGrand International Auxiliary(GIA).Titled “Mainline Cooking,”the cookbook is beingsold as a fund-raiser for theGIA. The book is chock-fullof delicious recipes submittedby BLET/GIA membersand their families from allparts of the United Statesand Canada.It contains more than300 recipes and is bound ina hardback three ringbinder (7" x 9 1/4") thatopens easily for adding orremoving recipes.“This book will make anexcellent addition to yourcooking library as well as agreat gift idea for young andold alike,” said OnitaWayland, InternationalPresident of the GIA.subject to interpretation bymanagement. Those rightswere granted rights that couldeasily be taken away. Now theyare set in stone in the agreementand not subject tochange.”BLET members will alsoenjoy a 401k savings plan atNECR with a company matchup to $2,500 per year. Waterand ice will also be provided.Tommy Miller, the BLET’sDirector of Organizing, helpedorganize the property, and theworkers at NECR voted to joinBLET in September of 2004.The New England CentralRailroad (NECR) is a RailThe book also contains humorousquotes, a section onrailroadese, railroaders’ stories,and great tips on eatinghealthy while working on therailroad.All proceeds, except postageand handling, benefit theGIA. Each book is $15. Thereis a charge of $5 shipping andhandling for U.S. orders (Hawaii,Alaska and internationalorders should e-mail the GIAfor shipping costs.)Please make your check ormoney order payable to the“GIA to BLE,” and send it alongwith your name and addressto:Onita Wayland1301 McLennanMart, TX 76664ocwayland@aol.comor:Becky Schneider515 West Redd RoadEl Paso, Texas 79932-1909beckygia1@earthlink.net •America property in their 11thyear of operation after CanadianNational sold the formerCentral Vermont Railroad toRailTex in February of 1995.RailAmerica assumed ownershipin 2000.The NECR owns and operates330 miles of track fromAlburg, Vt., to new London,Conn., hauling primary commoditiessuch as fuel oil, lumber,cement and grain. TheNECR interchanges with CN,Pan American Railways(Guilford), CSX, the VermontRail System, Clarement andConcord, and the Providence &Worcester Railroad. •Front cover of the new GIA cookbook.BLET, UTU join in support of N.Y. legislationLegislation has been introduced in the New York Statelegislature to prohibit union officers of the Association ofCommuter Rail Employees (ACRE) from receiving salariesfrom outside funds. ACRE represents train and engine serviceemployees on Metro North, who previously were representedby the BLET and the UTU.ACRE also is actively seeking to represent train andengine service employees on Amtrak in Connecticut whereservice is provided by the Connecticut DOT under contractwith Amtrak. And ACRE is looking to represent locomotiveengineers on New Jersey Transit.ACRE has all the markings of a company union as itsofficers are paid by the employer. The BLET and the UTUjointly are asking members in New York State to contacttheir state senator to vote “YES” on Senate Bill No. 4722;and their state assemblyman to vote “YES” on AssemblyBill No. A-9023, each of which would stop ACRE from usingemployer funds to pay union officer salaries. •

Page 6 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · May 2006BLET NEWSRRB issuing statements of service, form ‘BA-6’ExampleOnlyEach year, the U.S. Railroad RetirementBoard prepares a “Certificate ofService Months and Compensation”(Form BA-6) for every railroad employeewho received creditable railroadcompensation in the previous calendaryear. The forms will be mailed to employeesby the Board during the firsthalf of June. While every effort has beenmade to compile and keep current theaddresses of all active railroad employees,employees for whom compensationwas reported in 2005, but who have notreceived Form BA-6 by July 1, or needa replacement, should contact the nearestBoard field office.Form BA-6 provides employeeswith a record of their railroad retirementservice and compensation. Whilethe form has no cash value, the informationshown is used to determinewhether an employee qualifies for benefitsand the amount of those benefits.It is important that employees reviewtheir Form BA-6 to see whethertheir own records of service monthsand creditable compensation agreewith the figures shown on the form. Inchecking the 2005 compensation total,employees should be aware that onlyannual earnings up to $90,000 werecreditable for railroad retirement purposesin that year, and that $90,000 isthe maximum amount shown on theform. To assist employees in reviewingtheir service credits, the form alsoshows service credited on a month-bymonthbasis for 2004, 2003, and 2002,when the creditable compensationmaximums were $87,900, $87,000, and$84,900, respectively. In addition, theform identifies the employers reportingthe employee’s 2005 service and compensation.Besides the months of service reportedby employers, Form BA-6 showsthe number of any additional servicemonths deemed by the Board. Deemedservice months may be credited undercertain conditions for an employee whodid not work in all 12 months of theyear, but had creditable tier II earningsexceeding monthly prorations of thecreditable tier II earnings maximum forthe year. However, the total of reportedand deemed service months may neverexceed 12 in a calendar year; and noservice months, reported or deemed,can be credited after retirement, severance,resignation, discharge, ordeath.Form BA-6 also shows the numberof months of verified military servicecreditable as service under the RailroadRetirement Act, if theservice was previously reportedto the Board. Employeesare encouraged tosubmit proofs of age and/ormilitary service in advanceof their actual retirement.Filing these proofs with theBoard in advance willstreamline the benefit applicationprocess and preventpayment delays.For employees who receivedseparation or severancepayments, the sectionof the form designated “TaxableAmount” shows theamounts of any separationallowance or severance paymentsthat were subject torailroad retirement tier IItaxes. This information isshown on the form becausea lump sum, approximatingpart or all of the tier II taxesdeducted from such paymentsmade after 1984which did not provide additionaltier II credits, may bepayable by the Board uponretirement to qualified employeesor to survivors if theemployee dies before retirement.The amount of an allowanceincluded in anemployee’s regular compensationis shown under“Compensation Amount.”Form BA-6 also shows,in the section designated“Employee Contributions,”the cumulative amount oftier II railroad retirementpayroll taxes paid by theemployee over and above tier I socialsecurity equivalent payroll taxes. Whilethe Board does not collect or maintainpayroll tax information, the Board computesthis amount from its compensationrecords in order to advise retiredemployees of their payroll tax contributionsfor Federal income tax purposes.Employees should check theirname, address, social security number,birth date and sex shown at the top ofthe form. In order to protect privacy,only the last four digits of anemployee’s social security number areshown. If only the first four or five lettersof the employee’s surname areshown, his or her birth date shows as99-99, and the sex code shows asU(nknown), it means the Board is verifyinghis or her social security numberwith the Social Security Administration.Otherwise, if the personal identifyinginformation is incorrect or incomplete(generally cases where theemployee’s surname has more than 10letters and the form shows only the first10 letters) or the address is not correct,the employee should contact the nearestBoard field office. The field officecan then correct the Board’s records.This is important in order to preventidentity or security-related problemsthat could arise if the employeewants to use certain Internet servicesavailable on the Board’s Web site.Employees can request that printoutsof their individual railroad retirementrecords of service months andcompensation be mailed to them. A PIN/Password is not required to use this service.It can be accessed simply by visitingthe Board’s Web site at www.rrb.gov,clicking on “Benefit Online Services(MainLine),” and selecting the “RequestService & Compensation History”option.Employees may also view their railroadretirement service and compensationrecords, get estimates of theirfuture annuities, apply for, as well asclaim, railroad unemployment benefits,and access their individual railroad unemploymentinsurance account statements,through the Board’s Web site.However, to use these additional onlineservices, an employee must first get aPIN/Password and then establish anSee RRB’s Form BA-6, Page 7BLET members to vote on ‘one member, one vote’ initiative; ballots due June 17Between now and June 17, BLET members willvote on an initiative that could drastically change theway the organization elects it top officials.The petition calls for the direct election of NationalDivision officers (one member, one vote) insteadof the current system of election by delegatesat a National Convention.A sufficient number of petitions were received inaccordance with the BLET Bylaws to make it mandatoryfor the National President to circulate a ballotcalling for a vote of the active membership on theissue. Approximately 37,000 ballots were mailed toall active BLET members on April 20. Members willhave until June 17 to return the ballots.In recent weeks, a number of BLET local divisionofficers, general chairmen and national officershave received unsolicited letters from the Teamstersfor a Democratic Union (TDU) endorsing this referendum.However, John F. Murphy, Director of the TeamstersRail Conference, issued a letter to BLET officerson April 19, informing them that TDU has no officialstatus in the Union and speaks only for itself.“We have received inquiries concerning the standingof the TDU within the International Brotherhoodof Teamsters,” Murphy wrote. “The referendum concerningdirect election of BLET officers is an issuethat must be decided by the members of the BLET.The International Union has not expressed any positionon the referendum, one way or the other.”A copy Murphy’s letter is available on the BLETwebsite.Members needing a replacement ballot must contactTonya of the BLET National Division at (216) 241-2630, ext. 217. Members must provide their full name,division number, correct address and telephone number.This information should be left in a voice mailmessage if no one is available. Also, requests can bee-mailed to: Tonya@ble-t.org. •

Election Supervisor’s Sixth Report to BLET MembersLocomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · May 2006 Page 7BLET NEWSPassenger Rail NewsPattern agreement ‘unfair’ for BLET members at LIRRThe BLET members at the LongIsland Rail Road ratified a pattern contractsettlement recently.During the long running negotiations,three different disputes were arbitrated,one of which began in FederalCourt when BLET members threatenedto strike over the carrier using outsidecontractors to move trains in its newArch Street Yard facility.“We fought long and hard in an effortto negotiate an agreement that notCandidate Nominations At The Convention: — The 27th International Convention of the IBT is scheduled toconvene on June 26, 2006 and have sessions each day through Friday, June 30. Delegates at the convention nominatecandidates for IBT international union office.The schedule for nominations is stated in the Supplemental Election Supervisor Rules for the 27th InternationalIBT Convention. Copies can be obtained at the Election Supervisor’s Office at the Convention, located inthe Gold Ballroom at Bally’s, or by downloading them from www.ibtvote.org. The Supplemental Rules also governprocedures for floor nominations, floor speeches in support of nominations, campaign activity, floor demonstrations,voting procedures, and observer rights for all aspects of the nominations. The Supplemental Rules and ArticleIII, §␣ 5 of the Rules for the 2005-2006 IBT International Union Delegate and Officer Election set out all the rulesthat govern the nomination process.A BLET member is eligible to run for an IBT international union office if he or she is a member in continuousgood standing for a period of five (5) consecutive months between January 2006 and May 2006, with no interruptionsin active membership due to suspensions, expulsions, withdrawals, transfers or failures to pay fines, and assessmentsduring any part of that period.To be nominated to run for IBT international office, a candidate nominated from the Convention floor mustreceive at least five percent (5%) of the votes cast in the secret ballot nomination vote for that office. Only delegatesaccredited by the Office of the Election Supervisor are eligible to cast votes in the secret ballot nomination voting. Acandidate for union-wide office (General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, at-large Vice President, InternationalTrustee) must receive at least five percent of the secret ballot nomination votes cast by all delegates. Acandidate nominated from the floor for a regional Vice-President position must receive at least five percent of thesecret ballot nomination votes cast by all delegates from the floor nominee’s region.Delegate Elections By The Numbers: — 614 IBT Local Unions, GCC Local Unions, BLET General Committeesof Adjustment, and BMWED System Federations elected delegates to the 27th International Convention of the IBT:almost all of these elections were conducted since January 1, 2006. There were 152 contested elections for Conventiondelegate; the other delegates were nominated without opposition. Here is the breakdown of delegates expectedto attend the Convention:These are the figures available at the time this publication went to press, before accreditation was completed. Thefinal number of accredited delegates and the number of alternates remaining at the end of accreditation may bedifferent than stated here.General Election Dates: — If any of the IBT international offices are contested after the nominating Convention,the Office of the Election Supervisor will conduct the general election. We expect that ballots would be mailedto the entire IBT membership on October 10, 2006, and that the ballot count would start on November 13, 2006continuing each day to completion. Details of the balloting and count will be published in coming issues of thismagazine, and on www.ibtvote.org.Candidate Forum: — If the office of IBT General President is contested after the nominating Convention, thecandidates for that office (or, if they choose, their General Secretary Treasurer running mates) must participate ina candidate forum where they will have an opportunity to address issues affecting the IBT and its members. Theforum will be recorded and the recording will be made available for distribution to members. Check www.ibtvote.orgafter the Convention for details about the date, time and location of the candidate forum.Richard W. MarkElection SupervisorIBT LocalsGCCC LocalsBMWED SFsBLET GCAsTOTAL# of Delegates1,58311246571,798# of Alternate Delegates9859536381,154only recognized issues unique to ourcraft but compensated us for our superiorskill, responsibility and productivityas well,” said General ChairmanRobert M. Evers. “Unfortunately, ourdemand for a release from mediationwas denied and we ended up with thepattern settlement negotiated by anothercraft. During the past 10 yearsthere has been a huge turnover in ourmembership due to retirements andmany of these members were unfamiliarwith pattern bargaining.“They now realize the inherent unfairnessassociated with this processand the consequences it has on not onlyour wages and benefits but also ourlack of leverage at the bargaining table.However, one of the positive aspects ofthis settlement was our members comingtogether with their General Committeeand participating in ourOrganization’s democratic ratificationprocess. I am most grateful for the assistanceof President Hahs, First VicePresident Rodzwicz, our legal counsel,both locally and nationally, and our ArbitrationDepartment, who were withus every step of the way during ourstruggle for a fair and equitable agreement.”BLET members working on theNew York & Atlantic Railroad also ratifiedan agreement recently.“We hammered out a fair settlementthat did not require us to overcomea pattern agreement,” GeneralChairman Evers said. “In addition to acontinuation of a $20 per day longevitypayment, the agreement also providesfor the ‘rolling in’ of the CertificationAllowance into the hourly rate and timeand one-half for working a sixth andseventh day in the workweek.“The New York & Atlantic Railroadtruly cares about their employees,which was demonstrated during negotiations,which is in sharp contrast tohaving to deal with the MTA/LIRR. Thepercentage wage increases over thefour year term of the agreement willultimately be enhanced by the profitsharing clause should the carrier increasetheir business. BLET membersare essentially partners in the successof the freight operating over the LIRRand have been recognized as such as aresult of this agreement.” •RRB’s Form BA-6Continued from Page 6RRB Internet Services account. To dothis, employees can click on “BenefitOnline Services (MainLine)” and thenclick on the “Create an account” linkfor directions on establishing an RRBInternet Services account. At that time,to ensure security, they must apply fora Password Request Code, which theywill receive by mail in about 7 to 10days.If the employee’s name was incompleteon Form BA-6, and he or she hasnot yet contacted a Board field officeto correct it, the employee should enterhis or her first and middle initialsand his or her surname just as it appearson the Form BA-6 or a previouslyfurnished printout of service and compensation,along with the other requestedinformation.For most employees, the addressand phone number of the Board officeserving their area are provided on theform. Addresses and phone numbersfor all Board offices are available bycalling the RRB Help Line at (800) 808-0772 or by checking www.rrb.gov. MostBoard offices are open from 9:00 a.m.to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,except on Federal holidays.Any other discrepancies in FormBA-6 should be reported promptly inwriting to: Protest Unit-CESC, U.S.Railroad Retirement Board, 844 NorthRush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092. The employees must include theirsocial security number in the letter.Form BA-6 also explains what otherdocumentation and information shouldbe provided. The law limits to fouryears the period during which correctionscan be made. •

Page 8 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · May 2006BLET NEWSA message from Teamsters General President Jim HoffaWorkplace safety for allMAY 2006CALENDAR & EVENTSJUNE 4-9, 2006... 79th Annual BLET-GIA Southeastern Meeting Association (SMA)Hosted by SMA Chairman T.L. Reed and the members of BLET Division 198 and Division 205, the 79thannual SMA will be held at the Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Seewww.ble-t.org or March 2006 newsletter for registration form and other details.JUNE 12-16, 2006... 68th Annual BLET-GIA Eastern Union Meeting Association (EUMA)Hosted by EUMA Arrangements Chairman R.J. Chapter and the members of BLET Division 157, the 68thannual EUMA will be held at the Tropicana Casino & Resort on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J. Seewww.ble-t.org or March 2006 newsletter for registration form and other details.JUNE 19-22, 2006... BLET National Division Convention, Las Vegas, NevadaThe First National Convention of the BLET National Division will be held at Bally’s in Las Vegas.JUNE 26-30, 2006... 27th Teamsters International Convention, Las Vegas, NevadaThe 27th International Convention of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will be held at the Bally’s/Paris complex in Las Vegas.Huron & EasternContinued from Page 1ing. The BLET has done just that and Iam proud of our third organizing victorythis year.”RailAmerica’s first rail acquisitionwas the Huron & Eastern in 1986. Theshort line, headquartered in Vassar,Mich., operates 174 miles of track. It interchangeswith CSX in Saginaw, Mich.,the Lake State Railway in Bay City,Mich., the Canadian National Railwayin Durand, Mich., and the Tuscola &Saginaw Bay Railway in Durand, Mich.It services massive grain elevatorsabout every 20 miles and its major customersare Pioneer Sugar andSebewaing industries. •Last year, many working men andwomen throughout the United States,including Teamster members, werekilled and injured on the job due to unsafeconditions.Thirty-six years ago, Congresspassed the Occupational Safety andHealth Act, promising every worker theright to a safe job. Decades of struggleby workers and their Unions have resultedin significant improvements inworking conditions. Unions have wonlaws and protections that have madeworkplaces safer for all workers. Unioncontracts have also given workers avoice on the job.Nonetheless, the toll of workplaceinjuries, illnesses and deaths remainsenormous. Hundreds of thousands ofworkers are injured or killed every yearand railway incidents continue to be aleading cause of on-the-job fatalities.Some groups of workers are particularlyat risk, suffering very high ratesof job injuries and fatalities. Hispanicand immigrant workers, who oftenwork in the most dangerous jobs andare exploited by employers, have nounion protections and are afraid tospeak out. Many public sector workersalso have no OSHA protection.Hundreds of workers are fired orharassed by their employers each yearsimply for voicing job-safety concernsor reporting injuries. OSHA, Departmentof Transportation (DOT), andMine Safety and Health Administration(MSHA) whistle-blower and anti-retaliationprovisions are too weak to provideany real protection to workers whotry to exercise their legal rights.We need to join hands to seek strongersafety and health protections andbetter standards and enforcement. Toquote Mother Jones, a small woman buta giant in the American labor movement,“Mourn for the dead and fight likehell for the living.”Upcoming ConventionsThis June we are holding the firstIBT International Convention since themergers of the BLET, BMWED andGCIU with our union. We look forwardto the discourse, debate and discussionthat stems from the necessary unionbusiness we will undertake. We arekeenly focused on creating strongerties between each of the merged unionsand the IBT. The most important goalis to increase the ability for us to organizemore members and win collectivebargaining agreements that will improveworkers’ lives. I believe we havethe expertise and stamina to fight forworking families. Our merged unionsmake us all stronger.I look forward to seeing you at ourconvention on June 26.Fraternally,James P. HoffaGeneral PresidentLOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND TRAINMEN NEWSBrotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and TrainmenA Division of the Rail Conference, International Brotherhood of TeamstersBLET Publications Committee:Don M. Hahs, National PresidentEdward W. Rodzwicz, First Vice-President & Alternate PresidentWilliam C. Walpert, National Secretary-TreasurerRaymond A. Holmes, Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Rep.John V. Bentley Jr., Editorwww.ble-t.org • (216) 241-2630Kathleen Policy, Associate EditorCOPYRIGHT 2006, ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDVOLUME 20 • NUMBER 5 • May 2006LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625)is published monthly by theBrotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen,1370 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702.Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH.POSTMASTER: Send address changes toLocomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLETRecords Department, 1370 Ontario Street, MezzanineCleveland, OH 44113-1702.JULY 18-23, 2006... 66th Annual BLET-GIA International Western Convention (IWC)Hosted by S.V. Halbrook and the members of BLET Division 94, the 66th annual IWC will be held at theHoliday Inn Rapid City–Rushmore Plaza in Rapid City, S.D. See www.ble-t.org or March 2006 newsletter forregistration form and other details.AUGUST 20-24, 2006... 71st Annual BLET-GIA Southwestern Convention Meeting (SWCM)Hosted by A.L. Williams and the members of BLET Divisions 182, 278, 585, 858 and GIA Auxiliary 37, the71st annual SWCM will be held at The Peabody Little Rock in Little Rock, Ark. Make reservations by calling1-800-Peabody or (501) 399-7000. For more details, contact Chairman A.L. Williams by e-mail at:ALWMS1@sbcglobal.net; or Vice Chairman Norman Baker at: (501) 835-0858.Advisory Board March ActivityIn accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET AdvisoryBoard members’ activities are published monthly:National President Don M. Hahs—National Division office: General supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; BLETDesignated Legal Counsel mtgs., Scottsdale, Ariz.; Arkansas Legislative Board mtg., Little Rock; Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition mtg.,Washington, D.C.; Hoffa Memorial Dinner, Detroit, Mich.; 2006 National Legislative Board mtg., Las Vegas; New Jersey State LegislativeBoard mtg., Newark, N.J.First Vice-President & Alternate President Edward W. Rodzwicz— Assisted President in general operation of National DivisionOffice; Vice President assignments; Special Representative assignments; Organizing department; Shortline department; Passengerdepartment; Various correspondence & phone calls.National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert—General supervision of BLET financial, record depts.; ND office; BLET Education& Training Dept.; Internal Organizing, Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Safety Task Force; Meetings with vendors andfinancial institutions; Designated Legal Counsel mtg., Phoenix; Secretary-Treasurers Workshop, Jacksonville, Fla.; National LegislativeBoard mtg., Las Vegas; Building operations mtg., Cleveland; Local Chairmen’s Workshop, University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill.Vice-President Paul T. Sorrow—CSX Western Lines GCofA mtg.; Mtgs. w/ CSX General Chairmen regarding dual track bargaining;Public Law Board 1063, NS; CSX Family Day event, Greenwood, S.C.; Mtg. w/ President Hahs; Assisted Grand Trunk Western GCA forplanning session with upcoming negotiations and day-to-day issues; Assisted CSX, NS and GTW committees and performed generaloffice duties.Vice-President Richard K. Radek— ND Office; BLET Decertification Helpline services; Director of Arbitration Dept; National RailroadAdjustment Board (NRAB); Illinois Central; Wisconsin Central; Indiana Harbor Belt; METRA; Belt Rwy. of Chicago; Paducah & Louisville;Chicago Central & Pacific; NRAB administration, Chicago; LM-inf. mtg., CN, Oak Brook; NRAB executive session & arbitration;Arlington Hts.; NMB passenger rail conf. call; Div. 394 general assistance, IHB/BRC, Chicago; Metra general assistance; Arb. casescreening & general assistance, CN/WC, Rosemont; NMB commuter rail conf., Baltimore; Section 3 Labor subcomm. mtg., Chicago;Advisory Board Conf. call; R.O.A.R. mtg.; NRAB arbitration, UP-CR, Boston; FRA Part 240.409 dockets: EQAL 03-47 (BNSF), 01-16(CSX), 00-84 (UP).Vice-President Dale McPherson — CP Rail; Port. Term. RR; Longivew Portland & Northern; Longview Switching Co.; Indiana RR;W&LE RR; Utah Railroad; UP Eastern Dist.; UP former CNW; DM&IR RR; Portland & Western RR; Great Western RR; Appalachian &Ohio RR; Public Law Boards 5604, 5681, 5721, 6040, 6281, 6449, 6558, 6589; SBA 585; UP work/rest projects; RSAC positive traincontrol cmte.; National wage/rules; General office duties, telephone, correspondence; Mtgs. w/ CP Rail & GC Priester, re: trip rates, St.Paul, Minn.; Mtgs. w/ UP & GC MacArthur, Omaha, Neb.Vice-President & U.S. Nat’l Legislative Representative Raymond A. Holmes — BLET Washington D.C. office; General officeduties, telephone, correspondence; BLET General Chairmen’s mtg., Las Vegas; BLET Advisory Board mtg., Las Vegas.Vice-President Merle W. Geiger Jr.— Assigned to: BLET Trainmen’s Department; Kansas City Southern; Gateway Western; MidsouthRail; Southrail; Texas-Mexican Rwy.; Springfield Terminal, Delaware & Hudson; Indiana & Ohio RR; Louisville & Indiana RR; St. Lawrence& Atlantic RR; Indiana Southern RR; Conference call w/ GC Parker, KCS; Mtg. w/ GC Koonce and KCS, Kansas City, Mo.; mtg. w/ GCParker and BLET Div. 572, Rockwall, Texas; Mtg. w/ GC Parker and BLET Div. 569, Heavener, Okla.; Advisory Board conferece call;Mtg. w/ GC Parker and KCS, Kansas City, Mo.; Mtg. w/ GC Parker and BLET Div. 930, Kansas City, Mo.; Research, correspondenceand general office duties.Vice-President Stephen D. Speagle—Assigned to Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Montana Rail Link, Pacific Harbor Line, Missouri &Northern Arkansas (M&NA), National Wage/Rule Committee; MRL Section 6 mtg., Bozeman, Mont.; First Division arbitration, Chicago;ID mtg., San Bernadino; Div. 115 mtg., Decatur; MRL Section 6 negotiations, Tucson, Ariz.; Conference call w/ BNSF andarbitrator.Vice-President E.L. “Lee” Pruitt — Assisted general chairmen & members of: UP-Western Lines; UP-Western Region; UP-CentralRegion; UP-Southern Region; UP-Tacoma Belt; General office duties, telephone paperwork; New Orleans Gulf Coast RR negotiations,Chicago; Crew utilization mtg., UP Southern Region GCA, Houston; Trip Rates and ID Run negotiations, UP Western Region GCofA,Portland; UP-Tacoma Belt, office duties, paper work, filing and calls.Vice-President Paul L. Wingo Jr. — Assigned to NS-Southern Lines and Eastern Region GCofAs; Meridian Southern; New YorkSusquehanna & Western; New England Central; BLET Rail Security Officer; NYS&W contract negotiations, Binghamton, NY; NS-Southern Region agreement consolidation, Norfolk; NECR contract ratification; Rail Security initiative mtg. w/ NS, Norfolk; Public LawBoards 6556 and 6434, Norfolk; Divisions 696 and 786 issues; UTU-NS General Chairmens’ meeting, Cincinnati; Special project onrail yard access; Study for PLB’s; General office duties.PERIODICALSPOSTAGEPAID ATCLEVELAND, OH0506