Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

Since
 

1863
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


March 1, 2002

 

  

Mr. John Marchant

Vice President - Labor Relations

Union Pacific Railroad Company

1416 Dodge Street - Room 330

Omaha, Nebraska 68179

 

Dear Mr. Marchant:

 

This regards our meeting held in Kansas City on the 13th and 14th of February with you, your staff, and the undersigned Union Pacific (UP) BLE General Chairmen, concerning the issue of Remote Control Operations and the implementation of those operations on the Union Pacific Railroad.

 

This will confirm that as the highest designated representatives for the craft of Locomotive Engineers on the UP it is our continuing position that the implementation of remote control by the Carrier, and particularly the Carrier’s transfer of Engineer work to another craft, is improper, illegal and in conflict with the BLE collective bargaining agreements, and the interpretations thereto.

 

Notwithstanding that position, the record will indicate that the BLE attempted to find resolution with you to address the adverse affect and injurious impact that remote control operations will have on our membership, your employees. BLE also indicated that we desired to discuss the initial impact problems, interim issues, and long-term goals necessary to protect our craft. 

 

Nonetheless, it was quite clear to us that as the UP continues to advance this movement, producing Engineer job eliminations, the Carrier was unwilling to enter into required bargaining or even meaningful discussions with BLE on this topic.  UP was particularly indisposed to discuss BLE’s major items of concern with remote control operations, which we believe directly impacts our craft as Locomotive Engineers and those employees that we represent.  We believe this correctly captures the spirit and intent of the meetings held with you and your staff.  

 

Should Union Pacific be willing to commit to explore those issues BLE identified as critical to the craft of Locomotive Engineers, including other constructive opportunities for the parties to move the industry forward, we will make the necessary arrangements for a meeting at that time. 

 

 

 

 

 

Yours truly,

 

 

CC:    R. D. Merridith, UPRR

          A. T. Olin, UPRR