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BC Rail employees are concerned. Not about change, but about their uncertain future. Before the last election, the BC Liberals promised in their New Era document that BC Rail would not be sold. However, since their election, large chunks of the operation have been sold off. Since then, rumors of a sale of the rest of the operation have been circulating in lunchrooms across the system. Premier Gordon Campbell further added to the uncertainty when he announced his government's intention to sell the operation of a "failing" BC Rail to a private investor. He painted a picture of a company burdened by debt (a large part of it mandated by the government of the day to build the Tumbler line), and drawing a billion dollars in subsidies from the public coffers (although the government's own service plan indicates that the company has not drawn a subsidy since 1993).

The Premier's facts don't seem to hold up to reality. Nor does the intention to sell to a private investor make sense. How can an investor take on a company with $540 million debt and expect to make a profit? If a private investor can do that, why can't BC Rail? Is the employee pension plan--with it's $130 million surplus--part of the prize? These are questions that the Council of Trade Unions are trying to get answers to. The Council has retained a lawyer to provide advice on the potential disposition of the plan, and is lobbying municipal councils and MLAs up and down the line for public input into the potential sale. You can help too. Write, call, FAX or e-mail your MLA and tell him or her that you are concerned about your future. To learn more about the proposed sale of BC Rail, check out our links on our web site.

Two rounds for the local chair

John Holliday gives a blow-by-blow account of his experience at the CLC Winter School

Week one, round one. Water Ouzel.

(See Meeting Point #19, Summer 1999, Kekuli holes and Water Ouzels. That was my motivation.)

I was having a Kokanee in the hot-tub, with a really tall, hairy fellow, comparing notes on the state of the Harrison River/Lake, Lillooet River, Lake, Birkenhead River Steelhead run, and how haunted the hotel is, when they pulled the plug and we had to leave. That's okay, it was late anyway, and I had a big day tomorrow. A bet you see, with Kim Horel, the toughest conductor at BC Rail. Who could last the longest submerged in Harrison lake, without freezing to death? I was a little concerned, she is the foreman on the midnight yard in Ft. Nelson, and tough as a railway spike. I had ten bucks riding on it.

"16:45, Meet ya in the lobby, dude."

Eric Lonne was going to be the referee. Brad Burrows was my corner man.

16:45, what am I going to do? I can't back out now, she's a chick, for cripes-sakes.

We had lunch together in the copper room with about 200 schoolmates. Everyone knew about it.

Harrison is a glacier fed lake. It was snowing lightly, cold and windy. She was trying to psych me out across the lunch table. It was working, and I was starting to panic.

She would be okay, she had Cindy Ralston--the meanest conductor at BC Rail--and Sylvia Leblanc--the most mysterious conductor at BC Rail, as well as about fifty firefighters from the school in her corner.

That's okay, I got Brad and fifty feet of rope that I am going to tie to my ankle, so that Brad can reel me in when I stop floppin'.

During coffee break that afternoon, I walked to the front of the hotel to check the weather conditions. The barometer and thermometer are dropping like an "OUT OF ORDER" elevator. I'm a freaking dead man.

And then I saw it. My savior. Very small, about five inches, oily-black, short wheel-base, and just skimming the waves at about twenty-five mph. Just pretend I am a water ouzel. I wrote it down in black ink on my forearm in big letters. My schoolwork was a write-off for the rest of the afternoon. I had to concentrate on that bird. If he could do it, I could do it. Become one with the bird. Water Ouzel.

Okay, it's 16:00, we are out of class, and we have some free time until dinner. Water Ouzel. I am in my room, alone, pacing. I've got forty-five minutes to train my mind. My body? Well let's just say that things are not looking too good for old lard-ass. Water Ouzel.

can do it. I have a half of hot-chocolate and half of good dark rum. I'll be okay.

6:15, Kim phones up "Wanna have a beer before we go swimming?" she purrs.

Oh yes." I reply.

Ok, I'll come up to your room."

408, right next to the haunted hospitality suite."

'm still pacing. Phone rings again. It's Kim, "Changed my mind, I'm going to have a beer with Cindy in her room, so F.U., I hope you drown"

Heavy psych. Oops. This chick is good.

Down to the lobby, my god she's got half the school cheering her on. That's okay, I got the best corner-man in the business, and fifty feet of quality rope.

One last sip of mocha-choca-lotta-yaya, and a quick call to Geronimo, (my bookie) and down to the beach. I'm a water ouzel.

"Who is that nut-bar in the white bath-robe following us?"

Oh-ya, it's what's 'is name, from Whitehorse, going to join us, but does not want in on the bet.

Eric Lonne is stating the rules, and he is going to be the timekeeper as well.

16:50 The whistle goes. I wade in up to my neck, I have been in the water for about two and one half minutes, and turn to see two bodies running like frightened children.

16:53, Hmm, looks like I won. Time to hit the hot-tub.

17:00, I'm in the hot-tub. I may have won the war, but now I have an uncontrollable urge to walk along the bottom of cold creeks and lakes anywhere from Alaska to Mexico. Anyhow, dinner is at 18:00, and it's all good in the 'hood.

Round Two

CLC Winter school, week three, round two. I'm not sure that my liver can take it, however I am up for the challenge. Actually, I was looking forward to it. The national (UTU) had a spot open in the federal labour law course, general chairperson Bob Sharpe had called from Ottawa, and asked if I was interested. Opportunity knocked, of course I said yes. Later that day, national legislative director Tim Secord phoned to confirm it. Back in the hot-tub in no time.

I was sad not to have all my friends present from week one, including local-chair extraordinaire Al Friedrich (from 701), but happy to learn that my old buds Pierre Trottier, and Ron Fraser, from Kamloops would be there.

Half the class was UTU, including a guy from Lethbridge Alberta, that I met at a UTU golf tournament in Winnipeg a couple of years ago, future national vice-president Greg Crawford.

Sunday at noon I caught the CLC greyhound bus downtown Vancouver at the Pacific Station.

Monday to Friday was in school, with Tim Secord hovering around like a grumpy father, including a couple of evenings in the hot-tub, with a Kokanee or two. Thursday my better half (Wendy) and her friend joined us for dinner.

Friday afternoon, I drove the historical, scenic route back to North Vancouver (#7 hwy, and the Barnet).

I should mention that I received a certificate in basic collective bargaining, also federal labour law, and learned a ton about the struggles our brothers and sisters face around the province, and around the country.

The CLC Winter School at Harrison Hot Springs, is considered to be the best labour college in North America, and I would encourage anyone to attend. I consider it a great privilege to learn the skills to benefit our membership. Solidarity Forever!

Eat your veggies

At Meeting Point, we are aware of our member's concerns about leading a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and eating right. Consequently, we have retained a highly-qualified nutritional expert (at least he said he was in all those unsolicited e-mails he sent us) to provide us with answers to commonly asked questions about nutrition.

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it .... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable slop.

Q: Is beer or wine bad for me?

A: Look, it goes to the earlier point about fruits and vegetables. As we all know, scientists divide everything in the world into three categories: animal, mineral, and vegetable. We all know that beer and wine are not animal, and they are not on the periodic table of elements, so that only leaves one thing, right? My advice: Have a burger and a beer and enjoy your liquid vegetables.

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? Hello..... Cocoa beans?... Another vegetable!! It's one of the best feel good food around!

Well I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. Have a cookie... after all, flour is a veggie!

Bullet train driver falls asleep at 170 mph

TOKYO, Japan -- West Japan Railway said one of its engineers fell asleep at the helm of a bullet train while it was speeding at 170 mph with 800 passengers on board, the Associated Press reported.

It was the first time on record someone has nodded off while driving the Shinkansen, or bullet train -- a high-speed train that reaches maximum speeds of 180 miles per hour, West Japan Railway said. The train was apparently on autopilot at the time.

Officials discovered the incident Wednesday afternoon (February 26) when the train pulled into a station en route from Hiroshima and Tokyo and came to a halt about 300 feet before it was supposed to, leaving the last three train cars stopped before end of the platform.

When officials from the station rushed to the driver's car, they found him asleep in his chair, JR West said.

The 33-year-old driver told West Japan Railway officials he "has no memory" of what happened for about eight minutes until he was awakened.

Drivers normally take over from the automatic controls and drive the train manually in the final approach to a station.

West Japan Railway said the driver had gotten plenty of sleep and hadn't been drinking alcohol before the incident. The company is still investigating why he fell asleep.

There were no injuries to anyone on board.

Local police said they are investigating the driver for negligence and possible violations of railway laws.

(The preceding originally appeared in the UTU Daily News On-line and attributed to an Associated Press report distributed Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003.)

Involvement of everyday members has profound impact

Softwood lobby effort shows UTU not focused on a single issue

The following is an excerpt from Canadian Legislative Director, Tim Secord's 2002 Annual Report

ater in the year we successfully organized and delivered on a lobbying effort both in Ottawa and Washington, DC over the adverse effects of the softwood lumber trade dispute. Although things have changed for the worse since that time, the exercise delivered results for our members and showed how when we work together, we get the best of results. Many thanks go out to the International President, the Washington, DC office and the State Legislative Directors who assisted us in this process, without who the level of success would have been seriously hampered.

Our efforts on the issue of softwood lumber, although important to all our members who work for railways that transport forest products, was especially important to our members on BC Rail - a railway who has an 86% dependency on the movement of forest products. Our efforts also brought together both departments and perhaps more importantly, brought regular everyday members into the process which has had a profound impact on the image of the union through the eyes of our members. These same efforts in this area assisted in opening new doors for us with new found contacts at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Furthermore, these efforts showed legislators on both sides of the border that UTU is not focused on a single issue and our efforts are widespread amongst a vast number of concerns.

...and then there's Beltpack!

It's been two years since the implementation of Beltpack to the Prince George yard. Needless to say, it has been a learning process for everyone, and has had an effect on everyone working in this terminal. I've heard a variety of opinions from the Brother/sisterhood, not all of them positive, of course. Some are not very keen on taking the training, while others are scratching at the door trying to get into the program.

"Batten down the hatches, lash the boom an tiller, hide the biscuits, check the water, an' secure the rum!"

"Raise the battle flags, an' hang on te yer hat, cause it's time fer another grand issue of MEETING POINT."

If ye gots a week ticker, er a week bladder, avert yer gaze.

An it looks like yer just in time, cause here comes Birddog, our junior cub reporter, with all the scoops. Oh my. Looks like 'e is wobblin', an sure enough, 'e is drunk as a skunk, pie-eyed and definitely three-sheets te the wind. Our humble an sincere apologizes. Birddog is in no condition fer anything, except a good example why not to imbibe 'fore the sun goes o'er the yardarm.

So while we escort Birddog te the brig, an wait patiently on the sun, enjoy the rest of the rag, an watch the boom vang.

High tension. Serious trash talk. Who's the winner?

Sylvia LeBlanc reports on Harrison Winter School

I recently had the privilege of attending the CLC Winter School held in Harrison Hot Springs from Jan. 19-24. I was joined by Cyndi Ralston and Kim Horel from our local, John Holliday, Eric Lonne and Brad Burrows from Local 1778 as well as about 200 delegates from numerous unions across BC.

I was there to attend a course on Occupational Health and Safety. We covered WCB regulations and the upcoming changes, accident investigation, ergonomics, toxic substances and OH&S input into collective bargaining. There was a lot of material to cover in a short time. Each student is expected to fully participate in things like group and individual presentations, role playing and discussions. We were encouraged to set one Health and Safety related goal upon our return to our workplaces. I hope to do further research on the ergonomic effects of belt pack operations. Perhaps we could conduct an in-house survey of our own members to track any effects and share ideas on adapting to this major change to how we do our jobs.

In as much as these gatherings are primarily about education, there is definitely a social element. Every evening, there are events such as guest speakers, the choir contest and of course, there's the annual wolleyball tournament. A team sport played with a ball, in a swimming pool with a net across the middle. Other than that, I have no idea what the rules are and it seems, nor does anyone else; however, I do know that Cyndi's "Women in Leadership" team took the trophy this year. Our very own Kim Horel and John Holliday may have started a whole, new tradition at the school this year. Kim and John challenged each other to see who would take a dip in Harrison Lake and stay in longer. The tension was high and there was some serious trash talk happening as the hour of truth approached. A crowd gathered on the beach as Kim and John paced in their white, hotel issue robes. Eric Lonne was chosen to give the go-ahead and be the final judge. So, who won you ask? Well, technically, John did stay in longer, but Kim got into the water over her head first, a point that deserves honourable mention.

The week was certainly a busy one and I came away with a stronger sense of purpose and a better understanding of the function of the union movement. I wish to thank all the membership for giving me this opportunity and look forward to the chance to attend further courses in the future.

New skills soon put to use

Local 1778 President Erik Lonne speaks before city councils

In January 2003, I completed a course entitled Parliamentary Procedures & Public Speaking, held at the CLC Winter School. The course dealt with how to effectively chair a meeting, and gave us the opportunity to learn and then practice speaking to a group. For many of us, using the microphone was unknown! Little did I know that I soon would be using these new skills.

On February 10, I attended the North Van District Council meeting along with Randy Gatzka. He did a presentation on the need for an inquiry into the privization issue of BC Rail. The following week we attended the District Council again. This time we both made short speeches, and afterwards the Council overwhelmingly endorsed our motion for a public inquiry into the sale of BC Rail. On March 10, I was asked by Randy to speak to the West Van District Council on behalf of Joint Council of Trade Unions on the same issue. Hopefully they too will endorse our motion. To date, most Councils along the BC Rail line have supported similar resolutions.

Excerpt from the State of the Province Address by BC Premier Gordon Campbell February 12, 2003

BC Rail is critical to our resource communities and communities throughout British Columbia. Over the last 15 years though, British Columbia Rail has been failing. It's cost you as a taxpayer almost a billion dollars in subsidies. It's got a dwindling customer base, it doesn't provide the kind of reliable service that's critical, and in fact it's not meeting the needs of our resource communities. We have to change that.

Some people have suggested we should sell BC Rail. We simply won't do that. Northern mayors have said it's time for a change, it's time for us to come up with some innovative solutions to the challenges that confront BC Rail. They've told us we shouldn't sell the rail bed and we won't. They've told us we should keep the tracks and we will. But they've also told us it's time to look for an investor who will invest in our infrastructure and make sure that we have an operator who can deliver services to the customers that are necessary for our northern communities to thrive. That's what we intend to do.

Within the next few weeks, we'll be issuing a request for proposal to do just that. I am going to be establishing a Mayors Council to provide their input and advice on that request for proposal because we know how important BC Rail is to their future. This initiative will bring in millions of dollars, it will retire BC Rail's debt and will provide resources to invest in other northern transportation and infrastructure projects across the province.

Editor's note: The BC government's service plan for BC Rail indicates that there have been no subsides for BC Rail since 1993. The corporation has made a profit for 14 of the last 15 years.

Slips, trips and falls hurt rail workers

According to government statistics, between 1996 and 2000 more than 320 BC Rail employees suffered serious injuries as a result of a slip, trip or fall. Last year, forty one employees suffered injuries while walking. Although ice, snow and uneven surfaces contributed to many of these injuries, it was not a factor in others. Recently, an employee fell and suffered a broken ankle after he encountered a small rock while walking on a paved surface.

Railroaders walk in areas where there is a lot going on--trains and vehicles pass by, radios blare, switch lists must be attended to, coworkers have questions, equipment must be inspected and so on. Many of these distractions capture our attention much more readily than the ground beneath our feet. We are careful to look both ways for approaching equipment before crossing the track--that's where the obvious danger is--but there is also danger lurking beneath our feet. The danger of a fall is not as obvious as a train bearing down on us, but statistically, walking causes more injuries than being hit by a train.

Walking is second nature. It can be done without thinking. Few of us realize it is a delicate subconscious balancing act that involves the brain, nerves, inner ear, eyes, muscles and bones which must work in harmony to propel us along. If any part of the human machine does not function optimally, perhaps because of fatigue, age or previous injuries, it may fail or further stress other parts, resulting in loss of balance. There is also a conscious component to walking. Judgments must continuously be made about stopping and starting, avoiding obstacles, direction and speed. If we make the wrong choice about where to step or when to turn and we could end up taking a spill. Things get even more complicated when you throw in slippery or uneven ground.

The old joke about chewing gum and walking may have some basis in fact. We multitask while walking every day, but sometimes a simple distraction might result in upsetting the delicate balancing act we so often take for granted. If this happens, we depend on strength and reflexes to avoid a fall, but if the forces we generate are too great to be overcome by our fatigued or aging bodies, a fall or strain may result.

So the next time you are out walking, think about the balancing act. Slow down if weather or conditions are tricky. Stop if other tasks demand your attention. Watch where you put your feet, and think about the consequences of a fall.

D. Moorhouse

IslandRail to take over RailAmerica's E&N Railway

VICTORIA, B.C. - The Vancouver Island Railway Co., operating as IslandRail, expects to take over operations of RailAmerica's E&N Railway by July 1.

A group of investors say they have a deal with RailAmerica for a long-term lease of E&N Railway's key rail assets, according to Canadian press reports. The lead investor is A&B Rail Contractors Ltd. of Edmonton, which does railroad construction and maintenance in Canada, including some work on the E&N.

IslandRail grew out of the Vancouver Island Rail Development Initiative, a consortium including municipalities and customers interested in preserving the line, which is urging community ownership of the rail right of way.

IslandRail would lease the line from the community partnership, build up the freight business, especially on the Port Alberni-Nanaimo leg, which RailAmerica owns. Canadian Pacific owns sections of track north and south of that piece. At least $10 million worth of deferred maintenance is required on the line, and another $1 million annually in ongoing work. It's the only railway in Canada with wooden trestles and 85-pound rail.

WCB changes prompt call for the return of the right to sue employer

The Liberal government has passed amendments to the Workers Compensation Act that reduce workers' benefits and limit the rights of appeal and put hundreds of million dollars into the pockets of employers. Here are some of the changes it makes:

1. Compensation benefits - changes from 75 percent of gross to 90 percent of net

2. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit

3. Pensions - change to the pension amount

For this worker the new changes mean a 20% cut to his or her pension. As well this worker would not have been contributing to a work pension or to CPP and would therefore have a reduced retirement pension.

Change to life-time pensions

4. Consumer price indexing (CPI)

There are many more changes that have been made which have a serious adverse impact on workers. In my view, the historic compromise is no longer relevant, workers should be given back the right to sue their employers.

Management bonuses rumored obscene, but BCR negotiators want 0-0-0

The Council of Trade Unions on BC Rail (CTU) has just completed our first round of main table contract negotiations, and at this time the CTU and the Railway are a long way apart. It will come as no surprise to most of you to once again hear the Railway has decided to focus their attack on the Running Trades collective agreements. The Railway has also put a position on the table for the CTU that basically calls for concessions with a 0 percent /0 percent /0 percent wage increase for the next three years.

This is in spite of the memo by Mr. Bob Phillips, BC Rail President and CEO, regarding management bonuses in which he states: "I know that the 2004 Plan placed considerable pressure on every employee in 2002 making it a year full of challenges for BC Rail. That is why I am particularly pleased to tell you that, due to the considerable effort of our employees in meeting those challenges, the overall financial results for 2002 have far exceeded our original financial targets. 2002 Net Operating Income for bonus purposes for 2002 came in at an impressive 76.8 million, well ahead of the planned $50.6 million. The Operating Ratio generated by our results in 2002 is 75 percent down from the 93 percent in 2001."

The UTU understands this will translate into a 1 percent bonus for unionized employees. We would suggest the next time you are talking to anyone in management that you ask what their bonus was. Rumor has it that some management people are taking home what amounts to obscene bonuses, all of which were made on the back of labour provided by you, our members. If that isn't insult enough, they now want you to give concessions at the bargaining table so their bonuses will be even larger in 2003.

Some of the Railway issues that are still on the table are:

I would also like to update you on the CTU campaign regarding the sale of BC Rail as announced by the Premier. The Council of Trade Unions on BC Rail has been lobbying local governments along the rail line to call on the provincial government to place a moratorium on the sale or lease of BC Rail and call for open hearings into the future of the Crown Corporation. The following city councils and regional districts have passed the resolutions: District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Lillooet, 100 Mile House, Clinton, Cariboo Regional District, Quesnel, Fraser-Fort George Regional District, and Prince George.

I would like to thank all of the UTU members who have made presentations at these meetings along with other CTU members. The CTU will be continuing to get our message to the Liberal Government and to demand our participation in any decision regarding the future of BC Rail. We will be keeping you advised and asking for your support and participation in this fight as it continues. Look for updates on "Stop the sale of BC Rail" at "www.bcrailunions.com".

Bob Sharpe

Lewis & Clark Explorer tourist service to begin May 23

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon's Lewis & Clark Explorer is scheduled to start operation on Friday, May 23, between Portland and Astoria to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Founded in 1811, Astoria is the oldest American settlement on the west coast.

The Lewis & Clark Explorer will operate between Union Station and the former Spokane, Portland & Seattle/Burlington Northern depot in Astoria. The 99.7-mile water-level route along the Columbia River includes much of the former SP&S's Portland Subdivision, also known as the A-Line. Today it is Portland & Western's Astoria District.

Three former BC Rail Budd RDC's, BC-10, -11, and -31, which the state has purchased, will protect the schedule. Trains will depart Union Station at 7:30 a.m. daily and arrive Astoria at 11:30 a.m. Return service departs at 4:30 p.m. and arrives Portland at 8:30 p.m.

Oregon officials say track repairs and upgrades are almost finished. Once arrangements for train service are completed, tickets will be placed on sale.

Source: Trains.com NewsWire, Mar. 11, 2003

March 17, 2003