The Committee has recently received numerous reports that certain Carrier managers are enforcing expense policies that do not align with the mutually agreed-upon collective bargaining agreement. Although the Carrier has the right to issue policies, those policies may not conflict with language established and agreed to by both parties in the collective bargaining agreement. Rule 13E states, “Necessary actual expenses will be allowed when away from headquarters.” Rule 46D1 further states, “Employees assigned to mobile crews working away from their homes will be reimbursed for their necessary actual expenses for meals and for necessary actual expenses for lodging, if lodging is not provided by the Carrier.” This is not a new concept; the practice of reimbursing employees for the full actual cost of such meals extends back generations.
The Carrier frequently uses the term “reasonable,” and members should exercise prudent judgment. However, it is unreasonable for the Carrier to deny reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred while performing service for the Carrier based on arbitrary policies that violate the collective bargaining agreement. Accordingly, if you choose to have a steak on Monday night while watching the NFL game, submit the cost with your expenses. If the expense is rejected, contact your Local Chairman so that a claim can be filed on your behalf. Most importantly, the Carrier cannot dictate what you may eat, nor is your choice of meal its business.
