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We're enjoying a breath of fresh air now that the most of the senior executive has gone to greener pastures. Best of luck to the new regime -- we certainly can't do any worse!

The mandate of this newsletter is to educate and entertain, and this issue is no exception. We present a short synopsis of the book "Getting To Yes" which details the art of "principled negotiation" and we offer words of wisdom attributed to Will Rogers. Darrell follows in his brother's footsteps and offers us a poem about aging and change. Bill reports on his education (thanks also to local 1778 president, Erik Lonne, who submitted a report). Also, our historian recounts the history of northern exploration, the archives cough up another gem, and the chairpersons and legislative rep. give us an update.

"Getting To Yes -- Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In" (second edition) was written by Roger Fisher and William Ury. Both men have been involved in the art of negotiation for many years. They have taught at the Harvard Law School, and advised government, labour and corporate leaders around the world in negotiation and mediation.

The book details the art of principled negotiation, which can be used not only when bargaining, but also when dealing with issues that arise among family and friends.

Principled negotiation is based on the following points:

• Separate the person from the problem
• Focus on interests, not positions
• Generate a variety of possibilities before deciding what to do
• Ensure the results are based on some objective standard

People are emotional beings. In a typical negotiation, relationships tend to get associated with the issues. For example, making a statement to your child that "Your room is a mess", may be an attempt on your part to identify the problem. However, your teenager may perceive your statement as an assault on his or her personal values and react accordingly.

A principled negotiator is aware of emotional reactions and looks for opportunities to ensure accurate perceptions through education and clear communication, and to elicit appropriate emotions or to allow the opportunity to let off steam.

Positions are something decided upon. Interests are what cause the decision to be made.

Identify interests by asking "Why?" Put yourself in the other side's shoes. Conversely, ask "Why not?" Determine what it is you are asking the other side for, and ask yourself why they have decided not to do it. Try to determine what interests of theirs stand in the way

Typically, the most powerful interests are basic human needs such as security, economic well-being, a sense of belonging, recognition and control over one's life.

Resist premature judgement, searching for single answers, assuming there is a fixed pie (more for you, less for them) or thinking that "solving the problem is their problem".

Look for opportunities for mutual gain and for shared interests. Put yourself in their shoes to try to determine what results they would most fear or would hope for.

Depending on the issue, an agreement could be reached based upon market value, precedent, costs, moral standards, equal treatment, reciprocity, etc.

When establishing objective criteria, never yield to pressure, only to principle.

Of course, the book provides thorough explanation and examples for each element described. Also, the book suggests methods of negotiation when the other side is more powerful (develop your BATNA--best alternative to a negotiated agreement); when they won't play (use negotiation jujitsu); or when the other side uses dirty tricks (taming the hard bargainer). The second edition also includes "Ten Questions People Ask About Getting To Yes"

The book, published by Penguin in 1991, is short and easy to read. It is likely available at your local library, book store or on-line ($18.95 at indgo.ca).

The Wisdom of Will Rogers
From the Internet

Don't squat with your spurs on.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back in.

If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him... The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

Never slap a man who's chewin' tobacco.

It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

When you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a person, don't be surprised if they learn their lesson.

When you're throwin' your weight around, be ready to have it thrown around by somebody else.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

There are three kinds of men: the one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation, the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.

Issue #26 featured an article on pensions. The article presented an example of a yearly pension for an employee with 30 year's service earning $50,000 year.

Unfortunately, the crank on the editor's calculator was broken and he was required to do the math by hand. As a result, the calculations in the example were incorrect, awarding the lucky person in the example about $5000 a year more than he was eligible for.

For the record, the following example is correct (we hope):

E.g. For an average wage of $50,000 (30 years service)

(1.3% X $38,300 YMPE) = $497.90 + (2% X $11,700) = $234

($497.90 + $234) = $731.90 X (30 years) = $21,957 / yr.

Depending on what age you retire, you will also receive either the bridge benefit or equivalent CPP (0.7% X $38,300) = $268.10 X (30 years) = $8043

Total pension $30,000 / yr.

In addition, you will receive OAS at age 65 (at current levels $431.36 / mo. or $5176.32 / yr.) bringing your total yearly income to $35,176.32

~ Darrell Abrahams ~

Heavy pins have eaten my shoulder,

Big ballast has killed my knees.

Squealing flanges are stealing my hearing,

But run for a carrot if you please.

Mediator stole our third man,

Managers took our crossing van,

Officials moved our good yardmaster,

The camera's watching, better go faster.

A copper bracelet on my wrist,

A mended bone in my ankle,

A missing disc from my back,

Highball the gate, let's dangle.

Inhale the ore dust

Exhale the grain must

Chips are raining by the ton

Block the crossing, get her done.

Bend a ladder, get a letter.

Bend another, you'll be bitter

With time off and no pay check

Hate to see who has a wreck.

Heavy boots to drag us under

Eye protection to make us blunder

Crummy vests to snag the ladder

Lose a leg and we're all sadder.

Why do we run?

I really don't know.

Would it still be fun

If we went slow?

~ CJ Conway ~

In rules class last week, we were engaged in a Socratic Dialogue with our instructor, him snapping out terms from the definitions section of CROR, and the class jabbermouths, myself foremost among them, tossing back answers. When the instructor asked what a yard was, I thought of what Bill Merry had said just after we took the cabooses off. I know it was then, because he was playing around with this new device the whole trip, the TIBs thingy. As we pulled into North Van, tired and glad to be back, he said, "A yard is a system of long tracks and switches, the whole thing controlled by those Sons of a Bitches."

Check out page 13 of the recent BC Rail Traveller magazine offered on board passenger service.

The magazine has dedicated an entire page to articles from our local historian, John Holiday.

Titled "Holliday's Historic Moments", the articles tell of "The Old Please Go Easy" and "Standard Time".

Way to go, John!

(From "446 Railroad-Related Terms" -- find the link on our web site)

Conductor; A brakeman, with or without brains, displaying pencils

Dollyflopper; A brakeman or switch-tender - someone who throws switches.

Doorslammer; Slang for a passenger trainman. Usually used by freight trainmen who are adept at station switching, and all the other skills needed in general freight service.

Flying Duck; A derogatory term used to describe a switchman of the former Pennsylvania Railroad, who customarily gave hand signals to their enginemen using both hands at once

Gandy Dancer; A railroad track worker. Name came from the Gandy Mfg Co. in the 19th century that made a lot of track tools.

Join the Birdies, to; To jump from a locomotive cab before a collision

Monkey's Tail; Slang for the handle of a switch stand, as in twisting the monkey's tail

Swing Man; Supplementary brakemen added to a crew for all or part of a trip, perhaps to give more hand brake capacity in mountainous territory, or for other reasons

B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair has congratulated Premier-elect Gordon Campbell on his election victory and pledged to work with the government on areas of common concern.

However, Sinclair warned that the labour movement would insist that the Campbell government live up to its commitments to consultation, dialogue and accountability.

"Whatever our political differences, we are united in our commitment to ensure the people of our province enjoy a strong economy, economic security and opportunity, world-class public services, social justice and a clean environment," Sinclair said in a letter to Campbell.

The Federation has asked Campbell for an early meeting to establish a working relationship with the new government.

"There are issues like the proposed review of pay equity that require immediate attention," Sinclair said." But BC's unionized workers have a lot to offer in almost every area the government touches. Before the government proceeds on elements of its program - particularly those which affect the rights of working people to organize and to bargain collectively - we expect an opportunity make our case."

"The election mandate carries with it enormous responsibility," Sinclair said." Our job is to advocate on behalf of the nearly 450,000 British Columbians who are union members and as well as those outside the unionized workforce who expect the government to ensure decent minimum wages, employment standards and safe workplaces."

Source B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS

Meeting Point is published four times yearly for the information and entertainment of the members of United Transportation Union Locals 1778 and 1923 (BC Rail).

On April 28 & 29, I attended the UTU Spring Labor School in Kamloops. The course given was " Facing Management ". Thirteen UTU members were there from around the province. The class had two instructors, Marge Wagenaar from Local 701 and Brian Gleason from Local 1778.

The three-part course focused on explaining management strategies, recognizing attacks on union solidarity and developing effective strategies to fight back. The multi-media presentation was interesting and well laid out.

Management styles and agenda as well as the theories behind them were discussed Saturday morning. Many " war stories" from the class illustrated the points well. We could all recognize some of the strategies in use on the railroad today. A film showing management training in the US showed how effective these strategies can be. We also observed a moment of silence at 1100k to mark the " Day of Mourning" for workers killed on the job.

After lunch, we learned how to more effectively communicate with our fellow members and management. The class split into groups and we took sides in negotiations concerning downsizing and technological change. With out " tech change " language, this was no easy position to be in.

Sunday morning, we talked about technological change and strategies to resolve changes in the workplace. The need for transparency in management / union consultations as well as involvement by those directly concerned was discussed. A review of the course and summary ended the program.

I would be in trouble with Marge if I did not point out a key concept taught.

Prepare, Prepare, and Prepare. Taking notes and documenting cases makes the Union’s positions easier to show and prove.

Networking with the class during breaks and after class proved very beneficial. We discussed common concerns, both contract and safety, as well as recent news. After class on Saturday, we were invited to the UTU hall in Kamloops ( Local 691). They have offices located on the North Shore and while we had missed the " Day of Mourning" activities, we enjoyed talking to local members and seeing both the historical collection and present tools of the trade. In particular, I thought that the map of the local yard, showing roll tendencies was very well done.

The benefits of attending a course like this are great and I am sure that everyone who attended came away with more tools for their craft.

~ Bill Whitton ~

The Fur Traders

Long before the railways, logging roads, gold mines and coal mines, there was the fur trade industry.

The demand for beaver pelts in Europe, and sea otter pelts in China, provided huge opportunity, and profit.

Sparked in 1677 by Medard Chouart Sieur Des Groseilliers and Pierre-Esprit Radisson, the fur trade industry was dominated by the Hudson’s Bay Company. The H.B.C. was founded in 1670, when King Charles II granted the rights of "sole trade and commerce" within the entrance of Hudson Straight to Prince Rupert and his seventeen associates. All lands whose rivers and streams drained into Hudson’s Bay would become known as "Rupert’s Land."

In 1783, the Northwest Company was established in Montreal by Scottish-Canadian and French-Canadian trappers and traders, who were united in their distrust of the English.

In 1793, a young Scottish immigrant named Alexander Mackenzie, was given control of the Nor’West Company west of the Rocky Mtns. Mackenzie was introduced into the area by an American named Peter Pond. Alexander Mackenzie, and his crew, became the first white men (‘XWELITEM; Native Stolo word meaning "really hungry white guy") to cross North America overland, and reach the Pacific Ocean.

Ft. D’epinette (Fort of the Pines) was established in 1794, today it is called Ft. St. John, and is the oldest European settlement in the province.

In 1805, another youngster of Scottish heritage, Simon Fraser, assumed command of the Nor’West Co., west of the Rockies. In the fall of 1805, Fraser established Rocky Mountain Portage House (not to be confused with Rocky Mtn. House of Alberta) today called Hudson’s Hope.

Ft. St. James was established in 1806, and for many years was a beehive of activity, as pelts and furs were traded and collected for transport by schooner and pack train to steamers on the Skeena River and Pacific Ocean for the fur markets of the world.

Fort George (Prince George) was built in 1807, and on May 28, 1808, Fraser would set off to explore the muddy river that would bear his name.

Ft. Langley was not established until 1827, and although Captain James Cook landed on Vancouver Island in 1778, Fort Victoria was not a fur trading post until 1843.

The men and women of the fur trade era were as tough as nails, restless and as free as the breeze. Mule headed, and arrogant, some of their descendants however, made excellent defensemen, wingers, some forwards, and a few goalies.

Famous Dawson Creek historian Dorthea Calverey noted that; John Jacob Astor, yankee millionaire trader of the American west summed up their value and valor, when he said that he would " rather employ one Canadian Voyageur than any three Americans."

The beginning of the Cariboo Gold Rush in 1858 marked the end of the glory days for the fur trade industry.

~ John Holliday ~

Historic Deaths Recounted - Old WCB ledger reveals brutal work life

A recent search of the archives has turned up a PGE WCB record. The tattered ledger book holds records of WCB claims from 1929 to 1947. Familiar names like Sidsorth, Elesko, Fanzen, Malm, Midnight and Drs. Ployart and Mayazaki jump off the page.

Fractures, falls from the top of the train, cuts and scrapes, and even amputations and lightning strikes are recorded. Not surprisingly, injuries such as sprains and strains were as common then as they are today. Also significant are the accounts of eye injuries, which make up roughly 40% of claims, and the frequency of gas car and speeder collisions.

The ledger also accounts for nine deaths. In memory of those who lost their lives in the service of the railway, we recount the names of those who died, dates of death and a description of the accident. (In those days, mileage was measured from the end of main track at Squamish).

March 29, 1932,
ME Bagley, Engineer
JR Duncan, Fireman
HP Cumming, Brakeman
Wreck at Bridge 130 (Eng 54)

Aug. 16, 1935,
Albert Carlson, Powderman, suffocated

Sept. 3, 1935,
E.A. Townsend
Walking from bunk car to cook car, missed footing and fell between cars of moving train

Aug. 21, 1939,
H. Newton, Checker
Pushing car a Shalalth, car got away, attempted to stop, fell under wheels, crushed legs

Aug. 20, 1940,
M. Mulligan, Bridgeman
Fell into Quesnel river off speeder while being taken to doctor sick

Aug. 12, 1944,
MA Powell, Engineman
FJ Mulhern, Fireman
Slide at mile 94.9 derailed engine (Loco 56 not salvaged)

Local Chair Dennis Byron remembers job pride

Brother Elliott Bergen, a trainman with CN in Smithers, was killed on June 5th when a cut of cars he had set out ran in to him as he was riding the point to spot empties. He leaves behind a wife and one and one-half year old son. A motion will be made at the next meeting of Local 1923 to donate to an education fund for the child.

Membership 1 is coming to Prince George on July 1st. It will be situated at the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum from 1000 to 1800. Please try to come out and see the United Transportation Union's mobile education facility.

It wasn't that long ago when a person would hire on as a trainman and find him or herself immersed in a totally different world. People talked, dressed and even walked differently. It was as if these people were letting everyone else know that they were railroaders and were damn proud of it! Sure, when you first hired on you paid your dues. Miserable old conductors and enginemen would do everything they could to drum you off the job. If you had the balls, you told these old farts exactly what they could do with their misery and then you were in. You were in the club! After that day, you wore your coveralls with pride having reached your defining moment. I AM A RAILROADER!

Not anymore. Society has decided that we no longer will be defined by what we do, but by what we can't. We no longer have time to just sit around and talk about nothing/anything/everything. Two parent working families means that even husbands and wives don't have time to talk to each other, let alone their kids! The railroad, and again not that long ago, relied almost exclusively on time. The train crew had a serious job in front of each of them and communication was critical before they left the terminal. They talked. They talked about wives, kids, dogs and just about anything else that came their way. They talked about their brothers, who could switch, who couldn't. They talked about management and none of them could switch! They and just about everyone else in their day knew what they were. These people were RAILROADERS!

It wasn't just a job. It isn't just a job. I still think there are a few who are defined by this profession. It gets in ones blood almost like diesel smoke and brake dust get in your lungs. We need some of that pride returned to this vocation. We spend too much time doing what we do to not enjoy doing it!

~ D.G. Byron, Local Chairperson, UTU Local 1923 ~

It has come to the attention of the union that our members are still driving company vehicles while working in the yard.

This is not our job; you do not have to drive if requested. According to the Article 146 of the Collective Agreement, "No employee in the course of his duties will be required to operate a company vehicle".

Think of the liability issue.

In Solidarity,
Erik Lonne
President, Local 1778

One of two UTU regional meetings this year will be held, July 23 - 25 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The members of the general committee will attend, along with a delegate from each local, duly nominated and sponsored by the education fund.

This year Local 1778 is sponsoring two additional members, bringing the total representation from our area to seven.

Well, Brothers and Sisters, we have had quite the changes around this railway in the last few month, as well as a rather large change in our major shareholder, the BC government. I am not sure if anyone knows for sure what the BC government plans are for BC Rail! I guess we wait and see if Premier Campbell remains true to the words that our new government "won’t sell BC Rail." On the Railway itself, we now have a new President and CEO for BC Group of Companies, Mr. Bob Phillips; and Mark Mudie has been appointed as President of BC Rail. The Human Resource/Labour Relations Department at BC Rail has been completely changed. Kevin Mahoney is the New Vice President and is in the process of reconstructing this department. There have been other upper management appointments and changes within the Railway and you can find these on the intranet/internet and in the organizational bulletins.

I have had the opportunity to meet and discuss issues and concerns with the new management and am encouraged that we are going to see some positive changes on this railway. The recently departed senior management was under the misguided impression that the answer to solving their problems was to continually attack and attempt to destroy the unions on BC Rail. We have managed to weather the storms and we are still here in spite of some major difficulties. I think that if we have ever had an opportunity to establish a better working relationship with management and work towards working jointly to resolve problems, this is the time. Stand by – I am sure you will be the first people to let us know how things are going out there on the property.

This year’s schedule for Membership 1’s (UTU’s educational training motor coach) Canadian schedule has been set and it will be in Prince George on July 1st. The schedule is set to visit locals that the motor coach was not able to visit last year. Brother Byron is working with the Brothers and Sisters at CN Rail in making arrangements for the Membership 1 Open House on July 1st. At this time, I believe it will be shown at the Railway Museum in Prince George. Dennis will be releasing more information on the details as soon as they are finalized. I will be in attendance and encourage anyone who can come out to join us and have a tour of this state of the art training center.

The Running Trades Sector (UTU and CUTE 1) are in the process of finalizing a letter of understanding to deal with yard to yard operations between BC Rail’s North Vancouver Yard and CN’s Lynn Creek Yard. This agreement will cover movements during the time the interchange is altered to allow redemption of soil from the old Home Oil site at Fell Avenue (June 15 – September 20). Upon completion operations will revert to the same operation as today. CN crews will not have access to Vancouver Wharves under this interim agreement. All information will be given to members once we have finalized this letter of understanding. CN operating instructions will be given to crews before they go to CN, and for the first two weeks there will be someone to pilot crews going to Lynn Creek. If you have questions, please contact Steve Edgar or me.

On a very sad note, I must report that on June 5th, 2001, we lost a Brother at CN Rail in a tragic railway accident at Smithers. Our sincere condolences go out to Brother Elliott Bergen’s family. Brother Brian Gleason made arrangements for flowers to be sent to the family from our members.

Once again, Sisters and Brothers, this tragic accident brings home how dangerous our job is. As always, safety should be the first concern for all of us on the job. We should all expect to return home to loved ones in as good shape as when we left for work. I hope all of you and your families have a safe and happy summer. The UTU Local 1778 Annual Picnic is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Let’s make it the biggest and best ever.

~ Bob Sharpe ~

General Chair - GO 759 (BC Rail)
Phone: (604) 434-8075
Fax:(604) 434-9380
Cell: (604) 220-3488
rksharpe@axionet.com

Pretending to be the safest railway in Canada is the railway’s new safety jingle. Unfortunately, it’s going to take more than that to reduce the number of accidents. The number of injuries for 1999 (the last year reported) was 367-- more than 5% above the mean of the previous four years. Meanwhile, the railway has fought the union’s efforts to reduce the number of accidents every step of the way. They refused for years to allow a member of the safety committee to participate in accident investigations, as required by the regulations. They threw up roadblocks at every opportunity to discourage participation in the safety committees. In some cases they have outright lied and tried to cover up hazards that put the health and safety of our sisters and brothers in jeopardy.

The Railway says that was then and this is now, and that they are turning over a new leaf. I sincerely hope that the railway is serious about this. The problem is that its the same person running the show, and he has absolutely no credibility left with the unions. It’s time to shuffle the deck chairs on the Titanic.

On a positive note, I think that the Disability Management program at BC Rail has improved dramatically over the last few years. Workers disabled both on and off the job have been returning to work sooner, and having the opportunity to maintain their wages. This has been a win-win situation for the railway and their employees. Previously, I was on the phone every other day with the railway and our members trying to settle disputes, and there were very few of the membership that were actually being accommodated. Although there are still some complaints, things have improved greatly. In my view, the single most important factor in this turnaround is that the railway replaced the person that was administering the program. Maybe there is something to be learned from this.

~ Brian Gleason ~
Legislative Rep.
Local 1778

This spring, we submitted our newsletter and web page for consideration for the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) awards.

CALM sponsors an annual awards program for its members and associate members. There are two divisions - publication, beyond publication with many individual categories. The CALM awards for 2000 were presented on May 5, 2001 at the annual CALM Conference in Guelph.

We didn't win, but we did receive a valuable critique, both for the newsletter and web page.

The critique for the newsletter suggested better use of headings, which we have tried to do. (Have you noticed?) The critique of the web page has lead to a complete redesign of the page to ease navigation and improve the look. The page now offers a separate "Health and Safety" section, and the "What's New" section will be more than just a chronological listing of page changes. "What's New" will now offer breaking news and updates regularly, so check back often.

Finally, the critique suggests the editors attend the next CALM conference and workshops in 2002.