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Meet Casey, WRECK's poster boy for 1998.

Casey has been working the Budd Car for many years. Every working day Casey must fight his way across the subdivision through DOB restrictions, meets, reversed switches, TOP's, preceding trains and patrols.

And every working day Casey worries that because of the sheer volume of mileboards, meeting points, and instructions he must observe, some day he may forget something. He worries that if this happens he may be severely disciplined, or even worse, somebody may get hurt--or even killed.

Casey needs your help. SEND NO MONEY! But you can help prevent Casey from having a complete nervous breakdown if you consider the following:

	Things happen very fast on the Budd car. Casey covers a mile in 2 minutes at 30 mph, and he's usually going faster than that. If you are a Foreman with TOP limits, Casey will call you at least 5 miles in advance--add few more miles if he has a patrol. Don't be offended! It's only a ten minute warning.
	Don't "spoon feed" Casey mile boards as you run ahead to clear him. The less points of restriction Casey has to worry about, the less chance he will forget--and the less radio traffic. Allow yourself enough time so you can clear him all the way through your limits the first time he calls.
	Take the pressure off. The Budd car schedule is easy to observe, even if he is late. Anticipate his arrival. Call him--don't wait for Casey to call you.
	When Casey calls, it's not to chat about the weather. Acknowledge him before you start calling your sub-foremen. You know what he wants, give it to him right away.
	If you don't need the track until Casey goes by, don't ask for it. That way it doesn't show up on Casey's clearance.
	Don't ask Casey to blow the whistle at your work site. Either you are in the clear, or you're not. What if he forgets, then hits somebody?

So please, won't you help Casey live a full and normal life? He has precious little hair left. Help him to keep from pulling out the rest.

This is a public service announcement from your friends at W.R.E.C.K.

Elections for General Chairman will be held by referendum ballot (conducted by the International) in October of this year. According to our Constitution, nominations for the above positions will be received up to the date of the September regular meeting of each local, which, for Local 1778 is on the 14^th, and for 1923, on the 17^th. Nominations can be in the form of a petition signed by five members or will be received from the floor of our local meetings (nominations do not require a seconder).

Elections for local chairperson and vice chair and delegate will be held by referendum (conducted by the local) in November. Again, according to our Constitution, nominations for these positions will be received up to the date of the October regular meeting of each local. Nominations can be in the form of a petition signed by five members or will be received from the floor of our local meetings (nominations do not require a second).

It has been said that "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others is immortal."

Please consider what your union officers do for you. Do your bit by making sure your address is up to date with the local, follow the voting instructions exactly, and return your ballot promptly.

Fatigue a Factor in Serious Rail Accidents

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recently released two accident investigation reports which concluded that train crew fatigue was a factor.

The two reports deal with a head-on at CP Rail in Oct. of 1995 and a tail-end collision at CN in Feb. 1995. The investigations determined that each collision was a result of the crew failing to comply with fixed signal indication, probably due to fatigue. The CN incident resulted in serious injuries to the train crew as a result of colliding with a stationary train at 29mph. The injuries to the train crew involved in the CP incident were minor.

Both reports are too lengthy to be summarized here (each runs to about 20 pages). However, the similarities in the train crew's working hours and the TSB's recommendations will be detailed.

Both crews involved booked off duty at their respective away from home terminals in the early afternoon after completing trips which began in the early AM. Both crews were called for their return trips in the late evening after a daytime rest period. (The duty conditions described were very similar to those experienced by the VC crews working out of North Van). Each crew was within regulatory and collective agreement requirements regarding rest. The incidents occurred at 0337 and 0640.

The reports cite "Safety Action Taken" as:

"4.1 Action Taken

In 1995, Canadian Pacific Limited (CP), Canadian National (CN), VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA), the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and Circadian Technologies Inc. co-operated on a program that developed, implemented and tested an Alertness Assurance Process entitled CANALERT '95. The goals of the CANALERT '95 program were:

	to develop a set of fatigue countermeasures to be used to enhance alertness levels among a group of locomotive engineers, without adversely affecting operations;
	to validate the effectiveness of these countermeasures;
	to determine the relative alertness and mental workload stress levels of locomotive engineers operating high-speed passenger trains as compared to engineers operating trains in freight service; and
	to perform an analysis of the schedule-induced fatigue level which might exist in passenger operations. …"

"…A general analysis of alertness, sleep, and mental workload characteristics was conducted to address the issues of fatigue or "impaired alertness" in the Canadian railway system. As a result, specific fatigue countermeasures were developed for railway freight operations. These measures included circadian time pools for establishing a more regular and predictable work-rest pattern, napping practices both on and off duty, improved sleeping accommodations, headsets with music and intercom, and a railway lifestyle training program. Based on the experience gained in the implementation of these fatigue countermeasures and the results obtained from the general analysis, the CANALERT '95 program recommendations, in May 1996, included the following:

a) scheduling systems be adopted to provide regular and predictable duty periods for crews;

b) a significant period of time be available for rest after outbound night runs and prior to overnight return runs;

c) strategies be developed to permit both en route and terminal napping as an alertness recovery program;

d) bunkhouse rooms be modified for improved daytime sleep;

e) locomotive cab audio systems be installed;

f) a lifestyle training program be conducted and extended;

g) rail traffic controllers (RTC) be trained and crew caller-in strategies be developed; and

h) problem schedules be investigated and rectified at VIA.

CP has recently established a CANALERT pilot project using the time pool arrangement with train crews operating out of Calgary. CP has received ratification of a new contract with the operating unions, which contains a letter of understanding to develop an implementation timetable of the CANALERT initiatives."

One report states, "The Board recognizes the concerted effort by the industry and the regulatory body and also acknowledges that Transport Canada continues to be supportive of studies involving fatigue and alertness issues. Notwithstanding these initiatives, the Board is concerned that the hours of duty and fatigue problems are still confronting the railway industry."

The tail-end incident report notes, "…A lit marker at the rear of train 308 may have provided the crew of train 272 with advance warning of its location.", and "the Board acknowledges there is a move within the industry to begin replacing Sense and Brake Units (SBUs) presently in use with the next generation of SBUs which are equipped with marker lights. CN has confirmed plans to replace only the trans-border runs with the next generation SBUs, while CP is currently phasing in SBUs equipped with marker lights for all runs.

The full reports, R95S0021 and R95V0218, are available by linking through our website, or the TSB site at http://bst-tsb.gc.ca/eng/reports/rail/1995/er95s0021.html and http://bst-tsb.gc.ca/eng/reports/rail/1995/er95v0218.html or may be obtained directly from the TSB office by calling, (819) 994-3741.

This year's UTU regional meetings offered seminars in "Historical Perspectives and the Future of Rail Labour", presented by Dr. J. R. McDonnell. Here is a synopsis of his presentation.

Trade in the US between 1620 and 1860 was limited by road, which was subject to the ravages of weather, thus limiting activity to a few months each year. The advent of railroads in the 1860's offered reliable, efficient and speedy transportation.

Railroads are rooted in military organizations and were the foundation of America's corporate organization. During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his generals understood the use of railroads as a tool to move troops and supplies. The lack of a railway system in the confederacy was a major reason for the loss of the war.

Northern generals organized the railroads as military systems. They subdivided the work force into units, introduced uniforms, and designed a command structure. Railroads became para-military, hierarchical, vertical organizations with segmented work systems. President Lincoln planned to retire from office and accept a post at a major railroad. Today's railroads have maintained the basic structure laid out during the Civil War--the paramilitary flavour continues.

Government leaders believed that railroads were the key to economic growth and prosperity. Loans, grants and gifts of land were provided to railroads as incentives. Bribes, graft and scandal were rampant. Railroads began to abuse their power. Price fixing, rate inflation, discriminatory practices and land grabs compelled farmers--who depended on the railroads to get their product to market--to lobby government to control the most obnoxious practices.

Railroad employees began to organize themselves to protect against the abuse of power, wages and working conditions and improve horrendous safety conditions. Cruel death and injury was common. (Old-style coupler pins had to be inserted by hand. Railroads hiring workers knew who was experienced--those with fingers missing!) There was no support for the injured worker or his family. Proven safety systems (like air brakes) were not applied by railroads unless they provided a cost saving or were forced by legislation. The economic system of capitalism existed to create wealth. Labour was a cost and therefore must be kept at the lowest possible level.

The advent of economic recessions and depressions devastated workers with layoffs and wage reductions. Desperate, unorganized workers spontaneously stuck railroads across the county in Railroad Strike of 1877.

Violence and destruction of property occurred. Hundreds were killed by police and militia. Anti-union sentiment continued until World War I when railroads and their unions began to prosper. The Federal government introduced legislation to solve major safety issues, as well as to stabilize the industry (no work stoppages), which still governs much of the industry today.

With the introduction of the Federal Highway program in the 1950's and the advent of cheap air travel, competition from trucks and airlines have ended the dominance of railroads. Freight and passenger service is in serious decline. Railroads have abandoned short-lines and inter-city passenger service. Smaller roads have been bought out or merged with larger systems. Technological improvements have further reduced the need for workers at all levels.

Given the present day conditions, the dominance of the truck and mergers will continue. Larger railroads will out-source their switching and yard work, and any other work which can be economically justified. Technological changes will reduce the number of employees. There is no action by government to help reduce these forces, improve passenger service between cities or create more efficient or effective freight service.

The Council of Trade Unions and BC Rail have received a final decision from the BC Labour Relations Board. After many years and far too much money being spent, the decision leaves all seven constituents to represent their members. As you may have expected, BC Rail has appealed this decision, but it should come as a surprise to hear that CAW has also appealed this decision. We are waiting to hear from the LRB as to whether these appeals will be heard or dismissed.

Despite the appeals at the LRB, the CTU has set dates for collective bargaining. The week of October 5, 1998 is set for collective bargaining between the CTU and BC Rail. It would appear that we have already run into a problem with respect to the negotiating mandate under PSEC. A meeting has been arranged for September 21, 1998 with Mr. Russ Pratt (CEO of PSEC) and Mr. Tony Penikett (Cabinet Policy and Communications Secretariat) to establish for the CTU and BC Rail the guidelines under which we are required to negotiate. We will keep you updated as bargaining progresses.

The 1998 elections for Delegate, Alternate Delegate, Local Committees of Adjustment and General Chairperson are rapidly approaching. Nominations for General Chairperson must be held prior to October 1, 1998, and all other position nominations must be filed not later than the last regular meeting in October. The election is to be conducted in November 1998. Elected officers will assume their offices on January 1, 1999. I would encourage you to ensure that the Secretary of your local has your correct mailing address so you will receive a ballot. Once you have received your ballot, please follow the voting instructions carefully and return your ballot in time to have it count. If you require any information, please contact the Secretary of your local.

Local 1778 - D. Moorhouse - Phone (604) 984-6030

Local 1923 - W. Atkinson - Phone (250) 962-2720

This is your union. I encourage you to exercise your rights under the UTU constitution.

Congratulations to Dave on his selection by the CTU to the newly created position of Council Safety Advisor.

Legislative Rep's Column

~ Brian Gleason, Local 1778 ~

I was very disappointed to learn that CUTE is trying to RAID our membership at CP Rail. Although I expected this type of conduct from some of the executive of CUTE, there are others that I though had more integrity. My understanding is that CUTE is putting up six thousand dollars and has started a new local (CUTE 8) to RAID our membership at CP Rail. I am advised that they will also pay all legal cost for this new local. Most of the CUTE membership that I have talked to are disgusted that their executive gave away this money without them having a say, and are quite concerned with the way money is being spent since this executive was elected. Most just want to know why they are attacking the UTU.

thought that the UTU and CUTE had worked very well together over the last few years, what has changed? I realize that CUTE may be facing some tough issues, but I think that they were ill advised attacking the only allies they had. In spite of this action of their executive, the UTU will continue to support the best interest of the rank and file members of CUTE in any way that we can.

At the meeting that I attended, the main thrust of CUTE’s attack seemed to be the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), of which the UTU is a member. The CLC is the Canadian "house of labour" and has been instrumental in fighting for the rights of working people in Canada. Apparently, CUTE is affiliated with a small splinter organization called the Canadian Confederation of Unions (CCU). One of the speakers invited by CUTE to a meeting and also arguing for affiliation with the CCU was Joe Elworthy, a representative of the Independent Canadian Transit Union (ICTU), which represents transit workers in Vancouver and Victoria. I don’t think that the membership of ICTU would agree with Mr. Elworthy. It is my understanding that a majority of the membership of ICTU in Victoria and Vancouver have now voted to join another union that is affiliated with the CLC.

ne of the reasons that Local 1778 started this newsletter and webpage was to promote solidarity amongst the workers at BC Rail, as well as others in the Union movement. I believe that the decision of the CUTE executive to attempt a RAID of the UTU on CP Rail is despicable and doomed to failure. We should not be using our resources in such a foolhardy and destructive manner. We should be working together to promote the wellbeing of our membership and all workers in general. Instead of criticizing the house of labour, the CUTE executive should perhaps consider joining it.

ave Moorhouse was recently chosen by the council to hold the newly created position of Council Safety Advisor, in addition he will be helping with returning injured workers to the workplace. Dave has been sponsored by the UTU at several week long courses at the CLC winter school and I believe that he is well qualified to perform this important work. Dave also brings to this position his considerable communication skills, which I think will be an asset for all of the safety committees on the property. Way to go Dave, and best of luck in this new position, we look forward to working with you, the UTU will lend whatever assistance we can to improve safety and reduce accidents at BC Rail.

~ Norm Abrahams ~

Short sleep, late call
No one on the ball
Crew clerk lots of gall
Train about to stall

Company judge of my condition
Call to work without volition
Bills to pay avoid perdition
Lack of sleep ugly situation

Eyes like piss holes in the snow
Uphill fast, downhill slow
Seeing double, no more go
Who did this friend or foe

Managers working nine to five
Hallucinating still alive
Caffeine injection take the dive
Don't give me that jive

Java jolts, sugar too
Night shift workers, more than a few
Broken rest, working crew
Turn over and over, it's never new

It seems to us that the current executive of the Canadian Union of Transportation Employees (CUTE) has decided to become a party to a RAID of employees of CP Rail represented by UTU and BLE (CCROU) during the closed period. From talking to some members of CUTE 1 and CUTE 6 it would appear the membership is not aware of the actions taken by its executive.

ARE CUTE MEMBERS AWARE :

1.) That their executive has already authorized spending their dues to help finance the RAID at CP Rail?

2.) That their executive has authorized a charter (CUTE Local 8) to a group formally known as CURE (Concerned Unionized Railway Employees)?

3.) That CUTE is the " New Flavour of the Month" for CURE....that CURE previously unsuccessfully attempted to solicit support and funding from the CAW, USWA and IWA?

4.) That some of their executive are attending and actively participating in RAIDING meetings on CP Rail during the closed period?

5.) Of how much money, including legal service expenditures, their executive is prepared to spend on this RAID? From the UTU's point of view this will become a very costly endeavour.

We believe that if the members of CUTE that we work with day to day became fully aware of the actions of their executive, that these actions would be not condoned. The Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU), to which CUTE belongs, is not affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) which has a no raiding pact between affiliates, but understand the CCU does believe in basic trade union principles. The CCU represents approximately 20,000 members but from recent events these numbers appear to be dropping. If CCU has the answers, why are Independent Canadian Transit Union (ICTU) members who belong to CCU, joining the Canadian Auto Workers, a CLC affiliate? ICTU has lost approximately 2830 members since July 3, 1998. Perhaps the CUTE executive should spend some money assisting CCU in keeping its own members instead of RAIDING other unions.

Executive members of CUTE who have attended CUTE-CURE meetings make a big point of emphasizing how democratic CUTE is. We believe that if they believe this that they should give all of their members a vote with respect to RAIDING on CP Rail. We believe the CUTE members are good trade unionists and would not condone the actions of their executive, and therefore hope the members will take the time to take a serious look at the detrimental actions of their executive.

Letter to CUTE President from UTU Canada Executive

OUR FILE: 300-000-001

September 2, 1998

Mr. S. J. Szeplaky, President
Canadian Union of Transportation Employees
625 Vancouver St.
Prince George, BC V2L 5R6

Dear Sir:

RE: RAIDING OF UTU MEMBERSHIP ON CP RAIL BY CUTE LOCAL 8

The United Transportation Union represents running trades employees on almost every railway in Canada and the United States and our membership is in excess of l25,000 members strong.

As an international union, we represent running trades employees at CP Rail and have the representation rights as conferred on us by the Canada Labour Relations Board.

The United Transportation Union's bargaining rights at CP Rail are held in tandem with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers through a Council agreement, certified by the CLRB. This is not unlike the arrangement you currently have on BC Rail.

In respect to your commentary to the CUTE Local 8 Executive in your letter of August 10,1998, suffice it to say that our members have gone down the path "Canadianization" in the past and have realized that to continue down that road in a marketplace that is globalized in nature, is tantamount to sticking your head in the sand.

In regards to the matter as denoted above, it is absolutely clear to us that your organization, along with your full knowledge and support, is currently attempting to RAID our members at CP Rail through the efforts of a newly chartered CUTE Local 8. It is also evident through statements made at CUTE Local 8's meetings that you and / or your executive have authorized the disbursement of $3,000.00 to assist in the RAIDING attempts CUTE Local 8 is currently pursuing.

To be loud and clear, the United Transportation Union will not sit idly by while your organization attempts to RAID our members. You can be assured that every resource at disposal will be used to protect the membership of the United Transportation Union.

As members of the Canadian Labour Congress, we enjoy a no-raiding pact between affiliates of the Congress. Unions outside that umbrella organization do not enjoy that same protection however. For a non-affiliated Eated CLC union to make such a bold move as you have, places you and your organization on a very slippery slope indeed!

Samuel Gompers once said that you should never go to the bargaining table unless you are in a position of strength. We would suggest you look at your situation and reconsider if you are actually in a position of strength with 750 members. Not only are the actions you have taken in attempting to RAID our union foolish, they are devoid of any trade union morals.

The United Transportation Union has enjoyed a sound relationship with CUTE in the past, with your predecessors, and it is only now that we are experiencing difficulties. It is unknown as to whether or not your members approve of spending their dues money to RAID another labour organization. However, our experience with CUTE members have shown them to be honourable and our suspicions lead us to believe that you have acted arbitrarily in this matter.

Information which might be of interest to you in respect of those to whom you have issued a Charter (Local #8) clearly shows that the leaders are disgruntled members who have been dues shopping in the labour community and you just happened to buy their story. It appears that you are the new "flavour of the month" for this group.

They have previously tried the CAW, USWA, and IWA It is our understanding that in respect of the last union mentioned, they too had provided monies for an ill conceived RAID on our membership. When their own members found out what was going on, they soon pulled the plug on that idea and the funding for this group dried up almost immediately.

In closing, we expect that your membership will soon be apprised of what you have been attempting to do and it will meet with complete disapproval. It is our belief that the decision you have made to RAID the membership of another organization is deplorable conduct for a person who purports to be a union "leader".

This for your information and files.

Yours truly,