from Teamsternation

J. Paul Getty

Back before America’s billionaires were seized with collective sociopathology, the world’s richest private citizen understood high pay meant more buying power — and that was good for the country.

His name was J. Paul Getty, and in a June 1958 TRUE Magazinearticle he defended the labor movement. His comments are a sad reminder that the U.S. standard of living was once to be envied:

High pay and good working conditions mean more buying power and more production. As buying power increases so do sales and profits. We pride ourselves on the level of American standard of living. We boast that the majority of Americans have decent homes, cars, radios, television sets and all the rest. This would hardly be possible if the great mass of workers wasn’t well — even highly — paid. ‘Excessive” labor cost is a handy excuse to cover up inept management’s inability to meet competition.

The article, titled ”You Make a Million,” was so forthright about labor’s perspective that it caught the attention of the Teamsters Magazine. The Teamster editors commented:

We hereby extend to the national “right-to-work” committee, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the national Chamber of Commerce, the privilege of inviting J. Paul Getty, billionaire, to address their next conventions on the advantages of unionism. The address should be full of surprises. We could almost bet a billion that he doesn’t get the invitation.

That’s truer today than it was then. Today’s amoral, antisocial, unpatriotic, sociopath billionaires (yes, we’re talking about the Koch brothers) want nothing more than to destroy organized labor and impoverish working people.

Getty would have dismissed them as idiots.

…another woeful cry of the unsuccessful or faltering type of businessman is the “exorbitant cost of the American labor. To hear some men talk, labor in general and union labor in particular are threatening to wreck the national economy. ‘I’d go into business for myself tomorrow,’ an executive told me recently. ‘The only thing that holds me back is the labor situation. Wages are too high so that I couldn’t make a profit’. I hope this executive’s boss is satisfied with him. I wouldn’t hire the man on a bet. For the money, he’s an idiot.

Getty even called himself a union man:

I am a ‘union man’ myself. I don’t carry a union card or pay dues to any local, but I do believe in unions and believe that free, honest labor unions are our greatest guarantees of continuing prosperity and our strongest bulwark against social or economic totalitarianism.

It’s sad to think what’s happened to billionaires.

Protected: interesting reading for our craft

Posted on March 24, 2014 by LCDIV5

Important change in eligibility for spouses under all plans under Group Policy GA-23111

Posted on March 24, 2014 by LCDIV5

FROM BLET.ORG

Important change in eligibility for spouses under all plans under Group Policy GA-23111

CLEVELAND, March 20 — The Cooperating Railway Labor Organizations (CRLO), Policy Sponsor, has made a decision to include same-sex spouses as Eligible Dependents under all plans under Group Policy GA-23111 (the “Policy”). The Policy provides coverage for certain retired and former railroad employees as well as their dependents and is administered by UnitedHealthcare. The change in eligibility for same-sex spouses is effective retroactive to January 1, 2014.

Same-sex spouse eligibility
Effective January 1, 2014, a same-sex spouse can be enrolled as a dependent under the Policy based on the requirements below:

• You and your same-sex spouse must be legally married regardless of your current state of residence. “Legally married” means a marriage which is performed in a state or foreign country that legally allows same-sex marriage ceremonies and issues a marriage certificate. (Domestic partnerships or civil unions will not be recognized as legal marriages under the Policy.)

• Coverage for children as a result of a same-sex marriage will follow the current Eligible Dependent rules and definitions under the Policy.

Instructions for adding your same-sex spouse
In order to add your same-sex spouse as a dependent under the Policy, you should provide the following documentation to UnitedHealthcare:

• A copy of the marriage certificate from a state or foreign country that legally allows same-sex marriage ceremonies and issues a marriage certificate
• The spouse’s date of birth
• The spouse’s social security number

Instructions for adding a dependent child of your same-sex marriage
In order to add an eligible dependent child as a result of your same-sex marriage, you should provide the following documentation to UnitedHealthcare:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• The child’s social security number

NOTE: The documentation for adding your same-sex spouse and/or any dependent children of your same-sex marriage should be sent to: United Healthcare, PO Box 30791, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0791 or Fax it to 855-779-5892.

Special enrollment period
A special enrollment period is being allowed so that you may retroactively enroll your same-sex spouse as a dependent under the Policy effective January 1, 2014.The special enrollment period begins now and ends on April 30, 2014. After April 30, 2014, the next opportunity to enroll would be November and December 2014. Anyone enrolling during this special enrollment period must choose coverage beginning on January 1, 2014 and make retroactive payments for the missed months beginning with January 1, 2014 (unless you married your same-sex spouse after January 1, 2014).

NOTE: The addition of your same-sex spouse and/or any dependent children as a result of your same-sex marriage will, in most cases, result in an increase in your total monthly premium.

If you have a same-sex spouse affected by this change in dependent eligibility and have any questions, please contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-842-5252.

Stopping short of Derails

Posted on March 12, 2014 by LCDIV5

Brothers & Sisters,

Please ensure you are complying with rule 8.20. It requires that you stop

at least 100 feet short of fixed derails. This is a level 4 violation and your

local MOP/MTO is just waiting for you to violate this rule. We were all

taught in order to be a good Engineer you don’t make the Conductor walk

any further than he has to…..well, those days are over!… stop well beyond

100 feet and explain to your conductor that you are saving both of your

jobs. In my opinion Its ridiculous that running over

the derail and pulling to close carry the same

charge, but that’s the UP WAY!

8.20:Derail Location and Position

Employees in train, engine, and yard service must know the location of all fixed derails. Train or engine moving on or entering tracks where fixed derails are located, must stop at least 100 feet from derail in derailing position. Movement must not continue until the derail is placed in the non-derailing position. However, the distance restriction will not apply in engine servicing areas.

Do not make a movement over a derail in derailing position.

Siding having hand-thrown derails will have derail locked in the non-derailing position, except when engines or cars are left unattended on siding. On auxiliary tracks other than siding, except when derails are placed in non-derailing position to permit movement, make sure they are always in derailing position regardless of whether cars are on the track they are protecting. Lock all derails equipped with a lock.

Derails that are used in conjunction with worker protection must be in the derailing position with proper flag displayed only when their use is required for such protection. When their use is not required for protection:

Remove portable derails, then remove flag.

or
Lock fixed derails in non-derailing position with an effective locking device, then remove (take down) flag.

YOUR CLC CARD

Posted on March 12, 2014 by LCDIV5

Brothers & Sisters

The General Chairman had a meeting with senior management from CMS. They presented him with an audit from 2013 that reveals 900,000.00 of illegal use of CLC lodging in 2013.

They fully intend on recovering their money, and have put us on notice that any Conductor or Engineer who fraudulently uses their CLC card in 2014 or beyond will be terminated.

This doesn’t apply to 99.9 percent of us…..but lets not get fired over a 60.00 hotel room.

ALL ENGINEERS WORKING @ MEAD YARD

Posted on March 10, 2014 by LCDIV5

Brothers and Sisters,

If you are working at mead yard as either an extra board engineer or regular assigned engineer. please submit a claim for a basic days pay each time you are required to report for duty. Section 13 article 33 of our 1982 SPWL CBA requires

*Wash room and change room facilities

*Lockers

*Showers

*Hot water

*Tables and chairs

how to write the claim

on (date)Claiming 100 Miles account No Shower/hot water /chairs provided at on duty/off duty point. This is a violation of the SPWL 1982 Agreement, Article 33 Section 13 which states: at terminals specified in section 1, art. 13, the company will provide wash and change room facilities, including lockers for clothes, showers, hot water and tables and chairs so that required reports may be made out and answered. These facilities will be maintained in usable condition and cleaned at least once a day.

ARTICLE 33, SECTION 13

SECTION 13. At terminals specified in Section 1, Article 13, the Company will provide wash and change room facilities, including lockers for clothes, showers, hot water and tables and chairs so that required reports may be made out and Company correspondence answered. These facilities will be maintained in usable condition.

Union Pacific has served us with the 7 day notice for Yuma and Yermo

Posted on March 6, 2014 by LCDIV5

Brothers and Sisters,

We have been served the notice from UP that they intend to advertise the NEW runs (it sure is interesting that they now call them new runs) from the arbitration award . Yermo to West Colton home terminal Yermo and Yuma to West Colton home terminal Yuma.

the magic number is March 24 2014. Just because they have the ability to advertise these runs doesn’t mean they will advertise both right away. We fully expect Yermo to be advertised as soon as they possibly can. who knows with Yuma.

That being said if your comfortable with your current job stay on it. You do not have to bid to a run just because you live close.

THE NOTICE > YumaYermoWC notice

REVISED It is officially Yermo Only at this time!

THE SECOND NOTICE Yermo revised (1)

Thought you might enjoy this tidbit from city data

beware of yuma!

I saw some of you were planning to move to Yuma. I have tried on several occasions to move there since 2002. I was lied to about promised employment. I couldnt find work of any kind. I went home broke. In 2004 I tried again. I was kidnapped this time in broad daylight. Thrown down a boulder filled hill. My cellphone was stolen, and a diamond ring. I was drugged, threatened daily, beaten up, and raped. I escaped by miracle. I was nearly dead after weeks of torture. I went home with post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and night terrors. For 2 years I tried my best to get the police to do something. At least question the “man” who did this to me. I had his name, address, phone number, etc, They would not even question him. I lost my 11 year relationship over this hellish nightmare. I cannot strongly recommend everyone to stay away from Yuma. I even got parasites from the recycled waste water my kidnapper made me drink!!! There are many nice cities in Arizona, Yuma is not one of them!

FROM BLET.ORG

Important change in eligibility for spouses under all plans under Group Policy GA-23111

Same-sex spouse eligibility Effective January 1, 2014, a same-sex spouse can be enrolled as a dependent under the Policy based on the requirements below:

• Coverage for children as a result of a same-sex marriage will follow the current Eligible Dependent rules and definitions under the Policy.

Instructions for adding your same-sex spouse In order to add your same-sex spouse as a dependent under the Policy, you should provide the following documentation to UnitedHealthcare:

• A copy of the marriage certificate from a state or foreign country that legally allows same-sex marriage ceremonies and issues a marriage certificate • The spouse’s date of birth • The spouse’s social security number

Instructions for adding a dependent child of your same-sex marriage In order to add an eligible dependent child as a result of your same-sex marriage, you should provide the following documentation to UnitedHealthcare:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate • The child’s social security number

NOTE: The documentation for adding your same-sex spouse and/or any dependent children of your same-sex marriage should be sent to: United Healthcare, PO Box 30791, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0791 or Fax it to 855-779-5892.

NOTE: The addition of your same-sex spouse and/or any dependent children as a result of your same-sex marriage will, in most cases, result in an increase in your total monthly premium.

If you have a same-sex spouse affected by this change in dependent eligibility and have any questions, please contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-842-5252.

Brothers & Sisters,

Please ensure you are complying with rule 8.20. It requires that you stop

at least 100 feet short of fixed derails. This is a level 4 violation and your

local MOP/MTO is just waiting for you to violate this rule. We were all

taught in order to be a good Engineer you don’t make the Conductor walk

any further than he has to…..well, those days are over!… stop well beyond

100 feet and explain to your conductor that you are saving both of your

jobs. In my opinion Its ridiculous that running over

the derail and pulling to close carry the same

charge, but that’s the UP WAY!

Do not make a movement over a derail in derailing position.

Derails that are used in conjunction with worker protection must be in the derailing position with proper flag displayed only when their use is required for such protection. When their use is not required for protection:

Remove portable derails, then remove flag.

or

Lock fixed derails in non-derailing position with an effective locking device, then remove (take down) flag.

Brothers & Sisters

The General Chairman had a meeting with senior management from CMS. They presented him with an audit from 2013 that reveals 900,000.00 of illegal use of CLC lodging in 2013.

They fully intend on recovering their money, and have put us on notice that any Conductor or Engineer who fraudulently uses their CLC card in 2014 or beyond will be terminated.

This doesn’t apply to 99.9 percent of us…..but lets not get fired over a 60.00 hotel room.

Brothers and Sisters,

If you are working at mead yard as either an extra board engineer or regular assigned engineer. please submit a claim for a basic days pay each time you are required to report for duty. Section 13 article 33 of our 1982 SPWL CBA requires

*Wash room and change room facilities

*Lockers

*Showers

*Hot water

*Tables and chairs

ARTICLE 33, SECTION 13

Brothers and Sisters,

We have been served the notice from UP that they intend to advertise the NEW runs (it sure is interesting that they now call them new runs) from the arbitration award . Yermo to West Colton home terminal Yermo and Yuma to West Colton home terminal Yuma.

the magic number is March 24 2014. Just because they have the ability to advertise these runs doesn’t mean they will advertise both right away. We fully expect Yermo to be advertised as soon as they possibly can. who knows with Yuma.

That being said if your comfortable with your current job stay on it. You do not have to bid to a run just because you live close.

THE NOTICE > YumaYermoWC notice

***REVISED *** It is officially Yermo Only at this time!

THE SECOND NOTICE Yermo revised (1)

Same-sex spouse eligibility
Effective January 1, 2014, a same-sex spouse can be enrolled as a dependent under the Policy based on the requirements below:

Instructions for adding your same-sex spouse
In order to add your same-sex spouse as a dependent under the Policy, you should provide the following documentation to UnitedHealthcare:

• A copy of the marriage certificate from a state or foreign country that legally allows same-sex marriage ceremonies and issues a marriage certificate
• The spouse’s date of birth
• The spouse’s social security number

Instructions for adding a dependent child of your same-sex marriage
In order to add an eligible dependent child as a result of your same-sex marriage, you should provide the following documentation to UnitedHealthcare:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• The child’s social security number

REVISED It is officially Yermo Only at this time!