Burlington Northern Santa Fe General Committee

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2023, we would like to remind members of the fourth annual service recognition bonus all members under National handling are due to receive this December. This payment is owed to any employee who performed active service for the Carrier between January 1, 2023, and November 30, 2023.

Important FELA Info at Your Fingertips

As rail workers, BRS members fall under FELA law and are not covered by traditional Worker’s Compensation laws. If you have been active in Union matters, you have inevitably heard your representatives speak of the important distinctions for those covered under FELA and the ramifications should you be injured at work. Unlike Worker’s Comp.

Beginning and Ending of Work Day

During COVID, in order to avoid exposure to others, some got permission to begin and end their workdays from home. We are no longer observing COVID protocol. This means we need to understand our obligation to be at work to start and end our work shifts.

FSA Open Enrollment/Insurance Opt-out

The committee would like to remind all members the annual open enrollment period for United Healthcare is during the month of October. It is at this time when members can make selections regarding various health care options.

BNSF Meal Per Diem Open Enrollment

As previously reported, an Agreement was recently reached with BNSF regarding an optional meal per diem for signal crews and MCTs. In conjunction with the terms of that Agreement, an annual enrollment period is to be extended to all eligible employees between November 1 – November 30.

As we enter the fourth quarter, there is another choice we recently bargained for that you will need to make. You see, one of the under- publicized benefits of our recent sick leave Agreement with BNSF is also member choice. For the first time in our history, the choice of how you will use your personal leave day(s) qualified for under Appendix N is up to you.

SIRPs on BNSF

SIRP – What is it and why do I care? In case you didn’t know, the Safety Issue Resolution Process (SIRP) is used to report an unsafe workplace condition. Such conditions can vary greatly and could include poor footing, damaged ladders, homeless encampments along the right of way and the various detritus associated (used needles, biological waste, etc.

CPKC - Dressed and Ready Policy

Recently the Carrier rolled out the “Dressed and Ready” policy. As written, this policy’s goals were not controversial, seeking only to require that all parties follow the various Union agreements. This cloak of innocence, however, was used to cover attempts to implement various challenges to our contractual rights.

The committee recently solicited feedback from MRL members regarding a possible change to both the dates members are paid and a change to the date upon which annual Flex Time allotments are credited. Pursuant to the favorable feedback received, beginning in 2024 MRL employees will be paid on the 10th and the 25th of each month, pending final approval by the Non-Op coalition.

MRL - Contract Extension Ratified

BRS members on the MRL overwhelmingly ratified a 5-year Agreement with annual GWI’s and frozen healthcare contributions through 2026. Under the terms of the “me-too” provisions of that Agreement we were recently able to extend an option for a 1-year extension with a 3.5% GWI and frozen healthcare costs to our MRL members.

DTO - Colorado Healthcare Statute

Under the terms of DTO Agreement, the right to change healthcare plans and coverages resides solely with the Carrier. As a result, we have no contractual basis to dispute a change in plan administrators, and the DTO recently did just that when they changed to Cigna as their healthcare provider.

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BRS Efforts to Obtain Emergency Sick Leave

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the lack of sick leave afforded our members, the Organization attempted to get out in front of the impending certainty coming our way – infections and/or exposure quarantines of our members.

Download:

GCA Letter to Carl Ice Re COVID-19 (3-16-2020) (1).pdf

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CLICK THE APPROPRIATE ICON BELOW FROM YOUR APPLE OR ANDROID MOBILE DEVICE.

BRS Efforts to Obtain Emergency Sick Leave

GCA Letter to Carl Ice Re COVID-19 (3-16-2020) (1).pdf

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