Another recent agreement was reached with BNSF that will result in a dramatic reduction in the time it takes to have dismissal cases adjudicated by the Third Division. The current process can take nearly 3 years from the date of dismissal to a final decision being reached. Under the amended handling, which goes into effect for all BRS dismissal cases on the BNSF on 1/1/24, that timeline will be reduced by approximately a year.
The amended process includes expedited timelines for our appellate handling. All existing timelines that we felt could be shortened were reduced significantly. Despite the increased pace of handling, we are confident we can continue to provide the best defenses possible for our members. Additionally, we welcome the opportunity to obtain a final disposition of their case much quicker. What we are not confident in, however, is the Carrier’s ability to comply with the expedited timeframe or to produce compelling arguments under this new framework. Should it prove to cause difficulty for the Carrier, as we suspect, that will also bode well for our dismissed members’ cases.
