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  BLE UP SOUTHERN REGION NEWS..

 

 

 

 Feb 15, 2004

BONUS CHECKS DELAYED PER NAITONAL AGREEMENT

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Gil Gore [mailto:thegores1@cox.net]
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 6:11 AM
To: All Local Chairmen

Cc: UP General Chairmen
Subject: Our Bonus Checks

 

Brothers,

 

I was notified Thursday evening by Terry Olin of UP Labor Relations that John Marchant, UPVPLR had overnighted a letter to President Hahs per the below bold text from Side Letter 1 of the national agreement that UP will not be able to make the back time payments within the 60 day timelimit in the new National Agreement.  He informed me that the payments will be made by Feb 28th and that the longevity bonus would come on schedule by March 17, 2004.  I do not have a copy of the letter as yet, but will provide the same when it becomes available.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

 Fraternally,

Gil Gore

 

2003 National Agreement Language

Per Side letter No 1 of the 2003 BLE National agreement, the carriers have 60 days from December 16, 2003 to issue checks for back time to our members.  The agreement requires "all reasonable efforts" – “as soon as possible” – “no later than 60 days”” as quoted below:

"The carriers will make all reasonable efforts to pay the retroactive portion of such general wage increases as soon as possible and no later than sixty (60) days after the date of this Agreement.  If a carrier finds it impossible to make such payments by that date, such carrier shall notify you in writing explaining why such payments have not been made and indicating when the payments will be made."

They have 90 days to pay the longevity bonus per Article I of the agreement that reads as follows:

"ARTICLE I - WAGES

Section 1 - Longevity Bonus

(a) Not later than three months after the date of this Agreement each employee who qualifies under subsection (b) shall be paid a Longevity Bonus of $1,200. Such Bonus shall be paid in a separate check and shall be subject to withholdings for applicable Federal, State and Local taxes."

Back Pay due by February 15, 2004

Longevity Bonus due by March 17, 2004

 July 1, 2003

COST OF LIVING INCREASE EFFECITVE JULY 1, 2003


Rate Tables, effective July 1, 2003

These rate tables, effective July 1, 2003, reflect a cost-of-living increase of 16 cents per hour or $1.28 per basic day ($0.0128 per mile). Not reflected in these tables is the fact that BLE members contribute 4 cents per hour or 32 cents per basic day toward Health and Welfare premiums. It also should be noted that these figures are derived from the BLE National Agreement. The rates in effect on some properties differ slightly from the published rates, because of the effect of different system agreements. Your general chairman's office should have the rates in effect on your property.  Tables applicable to our property are 4, 7 & 10

. Click HERE to access the new rate tables.

 

 

 July 11, 2003

REMOTE ACCIDENT SOSAN YARD SAN ANTONIO TEXAS !!!!!!!! 


 An RCO job kicked a car from one end of SoSan Yard in San Antonio to the other end resulting in this derailment. Click HERE to view slides of the accident..

 

 

 July 14, 2003

ROBOT RAILROAD – SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT CBS LOS ANGELES CA.  !!!!!!!! 


 Click on http://www.cbs2.com/specassign_video/  and select Special Assignment Robot Railroads to view the video report online.

 

 

 July 6, 2003

REMOTE ACCIDENT MILLER YARD DALLAS TEXAS !!!!!!!! 


 Click HERE to view slides of the accident.

 

 

 May 19-24, 2003

REMOTE ACCIDENTS HINKLE OREGAN !!!!!!!! 


1. MAY 19TH, A SET OF REMOTES COME OUT OF TRACK 23 IN THE BOWL AT HINKLE. A LOADED CAR (CP 218053) CAME OFF OF THE HUMP INTO BOWL TRACK 21 WHICH WAS A CLEAR TRACK. APPARENTLY THE CAR IN 21 TRACK CAME OFF OF THE HUMP A LITTLE HOT AND ROLLED OUT OF THE EAST END OF TRACK 21 AND ONTO THE LEAD THAT THE REMOTE SET WAS SET TO USE. THE BOWL TRACKS RUN AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE WITH THE LEAD AND EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ROLLED ONTO THE LEAD FROM THE LEFT SIDE OR FIREMAN'S SIDE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY VISIBLE TO ANY ENGINEER THE WOULD HAVE BEEN OPERATING THE LOCOMOTIVE, IN OTHER WORDS IF THERE HAD BEEN AN ENGINEER ON LOCOMOTIVE UP 660 THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PREVENT THIS COLLISION! PLEASE NOTE WHERE THE DAMAGE IS ON THE LOCOMOTIVE ON PICTURE AND ON THE CAR THAT IT HIT.. THE ONLY DAMAGE TO THE CAR IS ON THE TRAILING END OF THE CAR AND NO WHERE ELSE AS YOU CAN SEE ON THE PICTURE OF THE FULL CAR! THAT MEANS THAT THE CAR WAS ON THE LEAD AHEAD OF THE LOCOMOTIVE AND TRAVELING THE SAME DIRECTION. WHEN THE CAR WAS HIT BY THE LOCOMOTIVE IT TIPPED OVER AND ONTO ANOTHER CAR IN AN ADJACENT TRACK. THAT TRACK ANGLES OFF AT A GRADUAL ANGLE FROM THE TRIM LEAD AND WHEN THE CAR THAT WAS HIT FELL INTO THE ONE ON THE LEAD, THE POINT OF THE NORTH EAST END OF THE CAR HIT MECHANICAL REFER ARM 912045 DIRECTLY IN THE DOOR. WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF ARM 912045 WAS A HAZARDOUS TANK? COULD WE HAVE HAD A CATASTROPHIC EVENT?  AND WHAT DOES THE COMPANY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ALL OF THIS? THEIR SPIN IS THAT AN INJURY WAS PREVENTED BECAUSE THERE WASN'T A ENGINEER ON THE LOCOMOTIVE.  THEY WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AN ENGINEER ON THAT LOCOMOTIVE COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE DERAILMENT. THE LOCOMOTIVE'S FUEL TANK WAS PUNCTURED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF DIESEL FUEL ALSO.

 

2. MAY 20TH, THERE WAS A NEAR FATALITY WITH A SWITCHMAN THAT HAD NEARLY THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE. UP AND THE UTU WERE BRAGGING HOW THE REMOTE VERY WELL MIGHT HAVE SAVED THE INDIVIDUALS LIFE BECAUSE THE REMOTES WENT TO EMERGENCY WHEN HE FELL DOWN. WHAT THEY WON'T TELL YOU IS THAT THERE IS A VERY GOOD CHANCE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL WAS DISTRACTED BECAUSE OF THE MULTI TASKING THAT IS NOW REQUIRED WHEN WORKING WITH THE REMOTES AS A FOREMAN/SWITCHMAN. COULD THE ADDED RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE CAUSED HIM TO OVERLOOK THE FIRST BASIC REQUIREMENT AND THAT IS TO "LOOK WHERE YOU WALK"! THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY REPORT YET ON THE CAUSE OF THE INJURY SO EVERYTHING IS SPECULATION!

 

3. MAY 21ST, THERE IS ANOTHER TWO CAR DERAILMENT AT THE VERY SAME SITE THAT WAS REPAIRED FROM THE DERAILMENT ON MONDAY THE 19TH. WORD HAS IT THAT THE TRACK SHIFTED OR THE GAUGE WAS WIDE AND TWO CARS DERAILED AT THE SAME SITE. 

 

4. MAY 23RD, THERE WAS YET ANOTHER DERAILMENT IN THE DEPARTURE YARD. THE RCO'S WERE SHOVING CARS INTO DEPARTURE #5 AND HIT A STANDING SET OF 6 LOCOMOTIVES AT THE WEST END OF THE YARD. SPEED AT THE TIME WAS ESTIMATED AT 10 MPH OR HIGHER. CARS WERE THROWN FROM DEPARTURE 5 AND FOULED 3 OTHER DEPARTURE TRACKS.  THAT MEANS THAT 4 OUT OF THE 7 DEPARTURE TRACKS WERE OUT OF SERVICE. ANOTHER ARTICLE WAS PLACED IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER. 

  

    HINKLE HAD 4 MAJOR INCIDENTS IN 5 DAYS AND WORD AROUND HINKLE IS THAT "ALL" CRAFTS ARE MORE THAN A BIT NERVOUS. IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY CARMEN OR CLERKS DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES BETWEEN THOSE TRACKS IN THE DEPARTURE YARD, THEY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!

 

Click HERE to view slides of the accident.

 

 July 2, 2003

ANOTHER REMOTE ACCIDENT HINKLE YARD!!!!!!!! 


At approximately 6 PM July 2nd a Remote Control set of locomotives that were shoving a cut of cars collided with an inbound manifest train. The cars that the remote was shoving in the collision were flat cars that were loaded with Military tanks! At least 3 box cars on the inbound train were derailed, one was demolished a witness said. At this time it's not known whether any of the flat cars that were carrying Military tanks were derailed or if any of the tanks were damaged. No one was hurt in the collision, but there was the potential for a catastrophic event. If the car that was demolished was a tank car instead of a box car and was caring hazardous material, Hinkle could have had a serious chemical spill with a unknown outcome.

 

 

 June 14, 2003

DISCIPLINE ALERT !!!!!!!! 


An engineer while working in the St. Louis Hub area operated a train from Salem, IL to Dexter, MO.  The train was an auto train with a length of approximately 7500 feet and the lead engine was equipped with an integrated computer screen that shows the end on train information on it.  During the trip the “FR NOCOM” light indication came and went as they almost always do in the hills and curves with a train this size.  A few days after the trip the engineer was notified that he was in violation of the rules as he should have reduced speed to 30MPH immediately when the “FR NOCOM” light came on and was removed from service pending investigation.

It is the perception of many working engineers that you have sixteen minutes after the “FR NOCOM” light illuminates before you have to reduce speed.  Such is not the case.  We have been told that when the “FR NOCOM” light illuminates the system has already been without communication for the sixteen minutes.  The delay is built into the system.  

The download was done by one of the new trackside readers and reviewed by a tape reader in Omaha.  The tape reader then contacted local management to access discipline.

Since the engineer continued to operate the train at 50 MPH he is considered 20 MPH over the prescribed speed and thus a FRA decertification is called for and his license is suspended under FRA regulations.  Click HERE to view slides of the demonstration.

 

 

 

June 10, 2003

 

REMOTE DEMONSTRATION IN HOUSTON ATTRACTS MORE THAN 135 EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITY ACTIVIST 

 

Members of the BLE, were joined by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's representative, Houston City Council Member Ada Edwards, Chief of Staff.   Labor Unions that supported the effort were:  Harris County AFL-CIO officers & staff members, Communication Workers of America, PACE, HPPOU, Houston Fire Fighters, and Carpenters.  In all, over 150 union members and community activist showed up to distribute literature regarding the upcoming implementation of remote locomotive technology in the Houston Area.  The event was covered by several local TV and radio stations in the area.  Click HERE to view slides of the demonstration.

 

May 24, 2003

 

DEMONSTRATION IN FT WORTH AGAINST REMOTE TECHNOLOGY

 

Members of the Community, UTU and BLE gathered near Colonial Country Club and Union Pacific’s Centennial Yard to protest the implementation of remote technology.  Centennial Yard has been converted to remote control by Union Pacific exposing both Union Pacific Employees and the general public to dangers associated with remote control operation.  The most serious danger stems from the lack of training required by both FRA and Union Pacific to become a remote control operator.  With as little as 80 hours training, crew members are operating remotely controlled locomotives handling hazardous waste and deadly chemicals in Centennial Yard located close to both Colonial Country Club and other residential areas.   Click HERE to view slides of the demonstration..

 

 

May 1, 2003

 

BLE REQUESTS SERVICES OF MEDIATOR ON NATIONAL CONTACT

 

After hold an unsuccessful meeting with the NCCC, BLE International President Don Hahs has requested that the National Mediation Board appoint a mediator as provided in the Railway Labor Act.  Click HERE to view the request in PDF format.

 

Click HERE to view the press release by the BLE ID.

 

 

April 15, 2003

 

JIM ROSAS WINNER OF BARBQUE PIT RAFFLE IN MEMORY OF RODNEY STUTES

 

At approximately 1000 hours on April 15, 2003 at Englewood Yard in Houston Texas the drawing for the winning ticket in the raffle held in memory of Brother Rodney Stutes was held.  Former Division 139 Local Chairman and current Alternate General Secretary Treasurer Jim Rosas was the winner of the pit.  Thanks to Brothers GY Bailey and Herb Yambra for their hard work on the project.  A special thanks to all who sold and purchased tickets helping to raise over $5400 in Brother Rodney’s memory.  Click HERE to view slides of the drawing!

 

 

March 23, 2003

 

REMOTE ACCIDENT NEY YARD IN FORT WORTH TEXAS

 

At approximately 4:00 am on March 23, 2003 there was a accident at Union Pacific’s Ney Yard in Fort Worth, Texas involving remote operations.  It has been reported that the RCO kicked a cut of cars down toward a track from the switching lead.  The RCO foreman then crawls up on the fireman’s side of a 4 car cut riding the point down the lead.  He set the locomotive on a 4 mph speed.  The cut kicked into the track is still fouling the lead switch on the engineer’s side.  The cut impacts the fouling cars and the “brain on the train” RC locomotive interprets the impact and slow down as  request for more power and throttles up to maintain the 4mph speed set by the RCO.  Either the collision or the subsequent automatic “throttle up” by the RC locomotive throws the foreman against the side of the car breaking his collar bone.  The foreman subsequently injures his ankle when he fell from the cut of cars.  His pull away vest ripped off and the belt back unit landed on the ground.  Eventually the belt pack unit sends an emergency shutdown signal, but only after the built in delay in the tilt feature has timed out.  Mean while, the RC locomotive continues to apply power and shove against the derailed cars.   This is truly one of the fallacies of this technology.  The “brain on the train” cannot distinguish between a collision and a coupling and will continue to apply power until it reaches the 4mph or whatever speed has been requested by the operator.  THIS MAY BE CHEAPER… BUT ITS CERTAINLY NOT SAFER!!!!!!!!!   

 

 

March 15, 2003

 

PROTEST IN NORTH PLATTE NEBRASKA REGARDING REMOTE TECHNOLOGY

 

Members of the BLE, Teamsters and the general public gathered in North Platte Nebraska today to protest the railroad’s unsafe implementation of remote control technology in the area.

 

Click HERE to view slides of demonstration and press the play button at the bottom of the page.

 

 

 

March 14, 2003

 

REMOTE CONTROL ACCIDENT IN BATON ROUGE LOUISIANA RESULTS IN AMPUTATION

 

A ground service employee has reportedly been run over by a remote control locomotive in the Kansas City Southern yard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The operator of the belt pack was riding in the cab of the locomotive operating the locomotive with the long nose forward.  An employee was riding the nose of the locomotive.  The injured employee was crossing between tracks in the rain and was struck by the locomotive resulting in the loss of one foot and a hand.  He also suffered a punctured lung, but is reported in stable condition in the hospital.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

 

 

March 11, 2003

 

BLE AND IBT DEMONSTRATE IN FRONT OF THE FRA BUILDING AGAINST REMOTE TECHNOLOGY

 

In what has been described by some participants as the most powerful moment in their union experience the BLE and IBT held a joint demonstration in front of the FRA building in Washington DC today.  Powerful messages were delivered by IBT President Jimmy Hoffa, BLE President Don Hahs and AFLCIO General Sec-Tres Rich Trumka to some 200 plus demonstrators and the Federal Railroad Administration on the front steps of the FRA building. 

 

Click HERE to view slides of demonstration and press the play button at the bottom of the page.

 

March 1, 2003

 

RRESQ – GIA – ENGINEERS – TRAINMEN PROTEST NATION WIDE AGAINST ABUSE BY UPRR

 

Protests were conducted nation wide against UPRR by members of RRESQ, the BLE GIA, Engineers and Trainmen bringing to light problems with fatigue, absenteeism, remote operations and lack of lodging provided for members forced away from home.  The demonstrators passed out flyers and informational packets warning the communities of the dangers of irresponsible implementation of remote control technology.  Reports from protests conducted in the following locations have been received.

 

Houston – click HERE to view slides of demonstration and press the play button at the bottom of the page.

Las Vegas – click HERE to view slides of demonstration and press the play button at the bottom of the page..

Roseville –

San Antonio –

St. Louis –

 

 

February 19, 2003

 

PINE BLUFF ARKANSAS CITY COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION BANNING REMOTE TECHNOLOGY

 

Pine Bluff Arkansas has joined a growing list of cities across the nation recognizing the irresponsible and unsafe implementation of remote technology of Union Pacific Railroad.  The Pine Bluff City Council last night passed the resolution last night requesting that the railroad immediately cease its remote operations until safety and evacuation plans could be implemented to protect the citizens of Pine Bluff.  To view the resolution in PDF format click HERE

 

 

 

February 4, 2003

 

FIRST REMOTE ACCIDENT ON BLE UP SOUTHER REGION PROPERTY

 

The first remote controlled accident has occurred in Ft. Worth at the Crest.  Details of the accident will follow. To view photos of the derailment, click HERE

 

January 4, 2003

 

AFL-CIO AND PACE CALL FOR BOYCOTT OF PRODUCTS DUE TO UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES

 

Coors Brewing Company – All Coors products which are contained in packaging produce by GPC are being targeted because:       

 

1.  The Coors Family is a major owner and controls the operation of GPC.

2.  GPC supplies all of Coors Brewing’s paperboard and label packaging requirements (an estimated total revenue to GPC of $130 million in 2002)

3.  The lockout is symbolmatic of Coors “union busting” practices of the 1970s and 1980s when the building trades and Teamsters Union were victims of anti-worker, anti-union policies.

4.  The AFL-CIO boycott of Coors in the 1980s had a dramatic effect on Coors which it is still feeling.  As PACE believes the lockout could go on for many years, it feels public support of a boycott would have the most impact to bringing this unjust lockout to a speedy resolution.

 

Following is a list of GPC customer clients and the products of theirs which will be boycotted because they are encased in packaging produced at the plant:

 

1.  General Mills:  Wheaties, Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Trix, Cocoa Puffs, Cocoa Crisp, Total, Total Raisin Bran, Golden Grahams, Wheat, Rice and Corn Chex.

2.  Quaker Products:  All flavors of Rice-A-Roni and Pasta-Roni.

3.  Kraft Products:  Oscar Meyer bacon.

 

December 26, 2002

VIDEO OF REMOTE CONTROL DEMONSTRATION SAN ANTONIO TEXAS

We have video available from the remote demonstration in San Antonio.  It comes in two formats.

For medium resolution video click HERE.

For high resolution video (larger file and longer download) click HERE.

 

 

 

 

December 18, 2002

REMOTE CONTROL DEMONSTRATION SAN ANTONIO TEXAS

A concerned group of Locomotive Engineers and other activist from the labor community gathered at Sunset Station in San Antonio to protest Union Pacific’s intention to bring remote control operations to the San Antonio area in February of 2003.  The event was well covered by the media.  To view a slideshow of photos of the protest click HERE and click the play button at the bottom of the page to run the show.

 

 

November 10, 2002

REMOTE DERAILMENT UPRR IN KANSAS CITY

Remote derailment occurred today at 3:40 am in Kansas City Kansas.  RCO was pulling out of the East Bowl and ran into the side of another train derailing 9 cars and 2 units.  More details as they become available.

 

 

 

November 1, 2002

BNSF REMOTE DERAILMENT IN NEBRASKA

Remote derailment in Lincoln NE occurred on BNSF. To view newspaper article click HERE .

 

 

 

October 25, 2002

REMOTE DERAILMENT NORTH LITTLE ROCK 1630 HOURS

At 4:30 PM the 3pm crest job with Remote's Derailed coming out of the bowl derailing 3 cars dragging them trough the master retarder and turning 1 over. This has put the hump out of use for at least 24hrs… More details and pictures to come.

 

 

 

 September 25, 2002

REMOTE DEMONSTRATION FT. WORTH TEXAS

On September 25, 2002 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers joined together in a demonstration to alert the public to the dangers of remote control locomotive operations in the DFW area.  Remotes are currently being used in BNSF’s Alliance Yard and are coming in November 2002 to Union Pacific Centennial Yard in Ft. Worth.  The event was covered by TV and newspapers in the DFW area.  To see photos of the demonstration click HERE .

 

 

 

 October 4, 2002

NEWS ARTICLE FT. WORTH STAR TELEGRAM

To view newspaper article in the Star Telegram click HERE .

 

 

 

 September 27, 2002

COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION BANNING REMOTE CONTROL OPERATIONS  IN BATON ROUGE, LA

To view newspaper article in the Advocate click HERE .

 

 

 

 September 20, 2002

PANNEL TARGETS REMOTE CONTROL IN BATON ROUGE, LA

To view newspaper article in the Advocate click HERE .

 

 

 

 September 5, 2002

REMOTE ACCIDENT HINKLE OREGON 0630 HOURS

At approximately 0600 hours this morning, an accident happened that involved remote control operations at Hinkle, Oregon.  It has been reported that the accident involved a head on collision between two remote control assignments with extensive damage to unit UP 539.  As a result of the accident, a switchman operating one of the remote jobs has been injured.  It has been reported that he was riding on a car with his arm looped through the handhold operating the remote box.  Reports indicate that the switchman may have shredded the ligaments and tendons in his arm possibly ending his railroad career.  More later as news comes in….

 

To view photos of engines UP 539 and UP 1035 click HERE .

 

 

 

 September 3, 2002

NEWS ARTICLE ON REMOTE IMPLEMENTATION IN THE HAYWARD DAILY REVIEW

To view article click HERE .

 

 

 September 3, 2002

NEWS ARTICLE ON REMOTE IMPLEMENTATION IN WASHINGTON ON HERALD.NET

To view article click HERE .

 

 

 August 31, 2002

LACK OF REMOTE CONTROL PRODUCTIVITY IN KANSAS CITY RESULTS IN DISCIPLINE CHARGES

It has been reported to this office that there are currently 3 trainmen in the Kansas City area working on remote control assignments that are being harassed and threatened with discipline for not being “productive enough” to satisfy UP management in the area while handling remote control technology.  Make no mistake about it, the UTU International leadership responsible for giving the Carriers the unfettered right to implement remote technology in a cavalier fashion has placed the safety and welfare of all railroad employees (both UTU and BLE alike) at risk.  Everyone, except the UTU International leadership apparently, knew that it was only a matter of time before the productivity lash was unfurled.  Now the whippings will commence until the “chart masters” are satisfied or someone is seriously injured.  The charges read “failure to comply with instructions given that your lack of productivity would not be tolerated”.  Unfortunately there are only two words in the English language that all railroads understand… money and violence.  If it doesn’t cost them any money or saves them a few bucks and no one gets hurt, then it is business as usual.  More later as information comes in…

 

 August 27, 2002

REMOTE ACCIDENT ATLANTA GA ON CSX RAILROAD ON AUGUST 8, 2002

Tilford Yard, Atlanta, Ga at 0930, 08 Aug 2002, Tilford Bowl  RCO job Y192 was pulling a cut of cars out of the bowl down the East Tail track when it was struck mid consist by an RCO Training Engine, that had been lined improperly through a crossover, turning over two cars and derailing at least two other cars. A download of the RCO engine showed that it struck the consist at 7mph.


To view photos click HERE .

 

 August 26, 2002

RAILROAD EMPLOYEE KILLED IN REMOTE ACCIDENT IN CLEVELAND

To view article click HERE .

 

 

 August 25, 2002

NEW SECTION ADDED TO NEWS PAGE – CONTINUOUS UPDATED LABOR NEWS FROM LABOURSTART

In an effort to keep you up to date on the latest Labor news around the world, we have added the link above that will provide continuous news updates from the LabourStart Web site every 15 minutes.  This feature will occupy the top spot on our news page with all other stories listed below in chronological order for your reference and perusal.  We hope you like this feature.  To read one of the stories simply click on the link above.

 

 August 22, 2002

SACRAMENTO CA REMOTE DEMONSTRATION ON UPRR

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers today conducted a demonstration warning the commuters and public about the hazards associated with Union Pacific’s implementation of remote control technology in the Sacramento area.  The demonstration included approximately 150 people who were BLE members and their families that were joined by Teamsters from the Sacramento area.  The demonstrators passed out approximately 6,000 informational flyers to local commuters in the area and in front of the Amtrak station across from the Sacramento court house. 
To view photos of the demonstration click HERE .
To view article in the Press Tribune click HERE .

 

 

 

 August 14, 2002

NMB RULES IN FAVOR OF PRESERVATION OF CRAFTS ON KCS

The members of the National Mediation Board ruled unanimously that there was no blurring of craft lines between engineers and trainmen on the KCS railroad.  They followed their previous decision on Union Pacific stating that only 4% of the employees were cross utilized on the KCS.  The new members of the Board have begun their careers on the right foot.  View the NMB ruling by clicking HERE.

 

 

 August 10, 2002

REMOTE ACCIDENT KCS YARD BATON ROUGE, LA

Two remote control jobs were involved in an accident in the KCS Yard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday August 10, 2002.  One job was shoving the yard and shoved out the other end of the track resulting in a collision with a locomotive on the lead.  More details as they become available.  Photos of the derailment by clicking HERE.

 

 

 August 6, 2002

REMOTE INFORMATIONAL PROTEST IN TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA AREA

At 2PM CST today, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers will stage an informational protest in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) regarding the pending implementation of remote locomotive technology in the area.  The demonstration is a joint action coordinated with the General Committees of the UP and BNSF and the BLE State Legislative Chairmen who will be conducting their annual meeting at this same location.  The BLE ran a ¼ page safety advisory add in Sunday’s Pioneer Press warning area residents of possible problems regarding the implementation of this new technology.  (Click HERE to view the safety advisory)

(Click HERE to view photos of the rally)

 

 

 August 6, 2002

MORE NEWS ON REMOTE CONTROL ACCIDENTS AT HINKLE, OREGON

The below message was received from a Brother in the Hinkle, Oregon area regarding a remote accident that occurred on July 26, 2002.

 

On 07/26/02 the MHKSK-25 was dog caught by an extra crew.  When they arrived at Hinkle they were told by the Hinkle yardmaster to cut off the PFE cars on the head end and come up Rita's hill from the receiving yard so that they could set the Hinkle fruit train with those cars. When they got to the top end of Rita's hill, they asked the conductor (east end trim foreman) for permission to come off Rita's hill to go to the departure yard. Trim foreman told the dogcatch crew to come into the old trim tower pocket and stay in the clear of the power crossover. There were a number of witnesses to this conversation. An RCO Locomotive was then lined through the power crossover from the south side of the bowl to the trim pullback. When the remote locomotive came through the crossover it sideswiped the standing cut of PFE cars because they weren't in the clear.  Crews were not able to confirm the amount of damage because they never did see the locomotive or the sideswiped car, and once again, local company officers denied the incident occurred.  We do know the car was bad ordered and was set to another track and didn't go out with the rest of the cars.  Incident has since been reported to FRA due to likelihood that the incident was not reported.

In other remote control news out of Hinkle, BLE has learned that 2 CANAC beltpacks have been replaced.  3 locomotives have undergone repairs directly attributable to rough handling (radiators, flat spots, etc.).  The company has now determined that heat greatly affects operation of remote control - now instructed to keep air conditioner on inside an unoccupied cab.  Also, on hot days, there has been problems with locomotives communicating with wrong or undesignated device which has caused emergency shut downs.

 

 

August1, 2002

TWO NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Two new members have been appointed to the National Mediation Board effective August 1, 2002. Harry Ronald Hoglander, a Democrat and Edward Joseph Fitzmaurice a Republican.  Hoglander has a rich labor history serving as an executive vice president of the Air Line Pilots Association.  Fitzmaurice was an airline pilot for Braniff Airlines.  Hopefully these individuals with the labor background will have the intestinal fortitude to do the right thing regarding the single craft elections pending a decision at the NMB on the KCS Railroad.

 

 

July 23, 2002

BLE SPONSORS INFORMATIONAL DEMONSTRATION REGARDING REMOTE TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION IN PASCO, WASHINGTON

In association with the ICW Regional Meeting in Pasco, WA, the BLE sponsored an informational demonstration regarding the railroads haphazard implementation of remote technology in the industry.  In connection with the rally, The UP, BNSF and International Division sponsored radio spots in the tri-city area to inform the general public of the dangers associated with this slipshod implementation plan.  Over 200 people participated in the demonstration.  The Teamsters provided one of their “show” trucks from a Local in the area as a back drop for the speakers at the rally.  Leaflets were distributed to passing motorist as they moved through the busy intersection by BLE members and their families.  Photos will be posted to this page as they become available.

(To view an article from the Tri-Cities Herald on the demonstration click HERE)

(To view photos of the demonstration click HERE)

 

July 17, 2002

FRA TO STEP UP MONITORING OF EFFECIENCY TESTING ON RAILROADS

In a letter from FRA Administrator, Alan Rutter, notice was served that FRA intended to step up their monitoring of efficiency testing on the nation’s railroads.  This letter was responded to by President Hahs on July 9, 2002.  What this means to all railroad employees is that with this increased focus, train crews will be tested more frequently. WORK SAFE BY THE RULES!!!!!!  YOUR JOB IS AT STAKE!!!!
(To view the correspondence in PDF format click HERE)

 

July 15, 2002

BLE WINS REPRESENTATION ELECTION ON TEX-MEX RAILROAD

Employees on the Tex-Mex Railroad have selected the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers as their designated bargaining representative.  The vote was 60 – 49 in favor of the BLE.

(To view details click HERE)

 

July 15, 2002

FAQ PAGE SNAFU

Brothers and Sisters, I must apologize to those who have submitted inquiries to our Frequently Asked Questions Page in the last 60 days.  We set up a separate e-mail account to handle those questions, and due to an electronic snafu, (operator error) we were not getting the questions downloaded into the proper account.  We are working on getting responses posted to the FAQ Page as well as responding to the individual members that submitted the questions.  Again, our apologies for the snafu and we will try to avoid the same in the future. 

As a side note, if you have any suggestions regarding information you would like displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us and we will try to accommodate your desires.  (To send a suggestion click HERE)

July 11, 2002

INFORMATIONAL DEMONSTRATION IN BEAUMONT, TX

The BLE General Committee of Adjustment on the Kansas City Southern conducted an information picket regarding the implementation of remote technology in Beaumont, Texas on Saturday July 11, 2002.  The KCS engineers were joined by members of the BLE Union Pacific Southern Region GCA.  BLE members were protesting the irresponsible implementation of remote control technology on both Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific. 

Click HERE to view photos of the Beaumont Informational Picket

 

 

June 25, 2002

INFORMATIONAL DEMONSTRATION IN LITTLE ROCK / PINE BLUFF AR 2:OOPM CST

The BLE Union Pacific General Committees of Adjustment conducted another informational picket in North Little Rock / Pine Bluff Arkansas today beginning at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time.  In addition to the informational picket, the BLE has been running a radio spot 8 times per day during peak driving time on the three top radio stations in Little Rock since Friday June 21, 2002.    Hear the recorded spot with Windows Media Player by clicking HERE (the file is over 1 meg in size, so it may take a while to load onto your computer)  A new web site has also been established (http://www.remoteinfo.org) that will display information on the implementation of remote control operations on Union Pacific Railroad.  This site will be updated regularly with new information as it becomes available.  Photos of the Little Rock / Pine Bluff action will be posted as soon as they become available.

Click HERE to view photos of the NLR Informational Picket
Click HERE to view photos of the Pine Bluff Informational Picket

 

June 22, 2002

AMTRAK BOARD TO MEET MONDAY JUNE 24, 2002 ON EMERGENCY FUNDING..

BLE members must keep the messages coming to their representatives and President Bush in the face of the Amtrak Board meeting scheduled for Monday June 24, 2002 per article in the NY Times.  View the article by clicking HERE

 

June 21, 2002

ARTICLE FROM HERMISTON HERALD ON REMOTE ACCIDENT AT HINKLE OR

View the article by clicking HERE

 

June 21, 2002

”RIFT ON THE RAILS” ARTICLE COMES OUT IN THE NEW ORLEANS TIMES PICAYUNE

View the article by clicking HERE

June 20, 2002

PRESIDENT HAHS ASKS MEMERSHIP FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION REGARDING AMTRAK FUNDING

“Amtrak is poised to totally shut down its entire operations next week, June 25th and 26th, with plans to file for bankruptcy on June 27th” stated BLE ID President Don Hahs.  “It is extremely important that you encourage the members under your jurisdiction to contact the White House and leave a message stating that they support long term funding of Amtrak.  They should also contact both senators from their respective states and request that the senators oppose the administration’s position on Amtrak funding and support long-term funding for Amtrak”.  We are requesting your help.  You can get your contact information by clicking HERE and entering your zip code.  After the effects of 9-11 there is no question that we must have a national passenger service.  Please help with this important matter.  The jobs of our Brothers and Sisters of the BLE are at stake.  Click HERE to view Hahs’ letter in PDF format.

 

June 13, 2002

KANSAS CITY STAR NEWS ARTICLE ON REMOTE CONTROL ON UNION PACIFIC

View the article by clicking HERE

 

 

June 11, 2002

BLE STAGES INFORMATION PROTEST IN HOUSTON TX AREA REGARDING UP UNSAFE REMOTE IMPELEMENTATION

On June 11, 2002, at 10AM concerned Brothers and Sisters of the Houston Area BLE and GIA showed up to protest against Union Pacific Railroads unsafe implementation of remote control technology.  Union Pacific has made a decision to replace federally certified locomotive engineers with a minimum of six months training with employees with no locomotive operational experience and only two weeks training.  Lawsuits are currently being filed by the BLE International Division and the six Union Pacific General Committees of Adjustment in an effort to halt what the Organization feels is an implementation schedule of unproven and unregulated technology.  The UP BLE Brothers and Sisters were joined by local area Teamsters who supported their cause.  Photos of the event are available by clicking HERE

 

June 9, 2002

NEW PHOTOS AVAILABLE FROM THE LATEST HINKLE DEBACLE WITH REMOTES

On June 9, 2002 there was another accident involving remote control technology in Hinkle OR.  As these accidents continue to occur, we are fortunate that no one has been seriously injured.

Click HERE to view the photos of that accident.
      

 

 

June 7, 2002

LANDMARK LERB DECISION ON “LITTLE RED LIGHT TEST” ON UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD

In a decision issued on June 4, 2002, the Locomotive Engineer Review Board of the Federal Railroad Administration overturned the decertification of a Locomotive Engineer at Avondale, Louisiana for failing a stop test involving Union Pacific’s infamous “little red light”.  In their decision the LERB ruled that “49 CFR Part 217, FRA requires railroads to establish a program of operational tests and inspections to be conducted on their employees to ensure the employees are following all applicable operating rules.  In order for a program to be acceptable, it must provide for operational testing and inspection under various operating conditions on the railroad, describe each type of test and inspection (including the means to carry it out), and state the purpose of each test as well as the frequency with which it will be conducted, see 49 CFR Part 217.9.  The board finds that this particular test did not comport with the requirement that the test be conducted “under the various operating conditions on the railroad,” see 49 CFR Part 217.9(b)(1).  UP’s operating rules explain that this particular type of light could simulate a car or a stop signal, but in fact, these lights are used exclusively in operating rules tests. As such, they are not part of the “operating conditions on the railroad.”  This fact was noted by a UP official at the hearing.  See hearing transcript at 42-43.  Therefore, the Board finds that the test was invalid and the results of the test should be discarded for Part 240 purposes.”  Hopefully, this will put an end to this unfair, unreasonable and unwarranted test on our property.  Kudos to the members of the Locomotive Engineer Review Board for their wisdom and insight in overturning this improper decertification.  Congratulations are in order for BLE Division 193 Local Chairman Shelby Lanier and Vice General Chairman Gary Perrien for their representation of Engineer Thibodeaux at the hearing.  Click HERE to view the entire document in PDF format.
      

 

June 4, 2002

INFORMATIONAL PICKET CONDUCTED IN KANSAS CITY ON REMOTE SAFETY

At 1:30 PM an informational picket was conducted at Kansas City on the Union Pacific Railroad.  The picket coincided with a meeting between UP Chairman Ike Evans and the Union Pacific General Chairmen.  BLE ID President Don Hahs, 1st Vice President Ed Rodiwiz and Vice Presidents Lee Pruitt and Dale McPhearson were in attendance.  While this meeting was being held, we had BLE Brothers and Sisters from all over Union Pacific protesting the unsafe implementation of remote technology in Kansas City, the latest victim of remote implementation.  The Union Pacific BLE members were joined by BNSF Engineers and Teamsters in the Kansas City area.  Even though faced with a torrential down pour of rain, the protesters arrived on time and faced the inclement weather to get their message across.  Remote control locomotives continue to be used daily in yards handling extremely hazardous materials by employees with minimal training. There were 60 protesters walking the line.  To view photos of the rally, click HERE.  Another remote accident occurred in Kansas City just prior to the informational pickets being established.  Click HERE to view that remote accident.
      

June 1, 2002

AGREEMENT PROPOSED TO ALLOW SWAPPING OF TURNS IN POOL FREIGHT.

A proposed agreement has been submitted to the Local Committees of Adjustment for ratification that would allow engineers in assigned pool freight service to swap turns in the same pool for a round trip.  This is being proposed to offer the membership additional opportunities for quality time off without having to lose a work opportunity.  Please review the agreement by clicking HERE and attend your upcoming Division meeting to exercise your right to vote on this ratification.
    

 

May 30, 2002

UTU SIGNS TENATIVE AGREEMENT

The United Transportation Union has agreed to a tentative agreement with the NCCC.  Sets new record in a race to the bottom.  
(Click HERE to view or download the Agreement in PDF format)  
(Click HERE to view or download the RCO Agreement in PDF format)
(Click HERE to view or download the Q&A’s of the Agreement in PDF format)

 

 

 May 17, 2002

BLE ADVISORY BOARD RESPONDS TO UTU MEDIA “SPIN DOCTORS”

In a letter dated May 10, 2002 addressed to all Advisory Board Members and all General Chairmen, the BLE Executive Committee laid out the “real story” regarding information being circulated by UTU about remote technology implementation and other issues.  (Click HERE to view the letter in PDF format)

JUDGE GOTTSHALL RULES ON BLE MOTION FOR FAIR ARBITRATION HEARING

(Click HERE to view news on Gottshall ruling)

 

 May 15, 2002

UP BLE GENERAL COMMITTES OF ADJUSTMENT SEEK INJUNCTION TO STOP REMOTE IMPLEMENTATION

In a lawsuit filed today in the US District Court of Colorado, all six (6) BLE Union Pacific General Committees of Adjustment joined together seeking an injunction to halt the use of remote technology on Union Pacific Railroad.  The suit was filed on behalf of the membership of all 6 Committees and the general public in an effort to stop the use of remote locomotives until safety concerns regarding remote operation can be addressed.  Currently no regulations are in place governing the use of remote controlled locomotives.  The FRA has only issued “guidelines” for the railroads to follow.   It is the belief of all 6 Committees that this “slipshod” implementation is not only hazardous for all railroad employees but the general public as well.  Newly trained employees are operating remote control locomotives in yards today handling extremely hazardous chemicals putting both railroad employees and the general public unnecessarily at risk.  In addition to safety concerns regarding remote operation, BLE also has contractual concerns relating to work assigned to locomotive engineers by agreement being improperly transferred to other crafts.  While a court mandated arbitration regarding the controversy is proceeding at a snails pace due to stonewalling by Union Pacific, locomotive engineer jobs are being eliminated daily.  During a recent meeting in February, Union Pacific completely refused to engage in serious negotiations in reference to the implementation of remote technology or its obvious impact on locomotive engineers. The suit was filed by Susan Tyburski of the law firm Boyle and Tyburski out of Denver, Colorado.  Continue to monitor this web page for the latest information concerning this important matter.  (Click HERE to view the lawsuit in PDF format)
Click HERE to view article in the Omaha World Herald.
Click HERE to view the press release on BLE site.
Click HERE to view the press release in the Denver Post.
Click HERE to view the press release in the Houston Chronicle.
Click HERE to view the press release in the St. Louis Dispatch.
Click HERE to view the press release in The New York Times.

 

May 12, 2002

NEW AGREEMENT PROPOSED TO COMBINE FT. WORTH AND DALLAS POOLS WORKING TO HEARNE

A new agreement has been negotiated and proposed in reference to combining the TP250 RE65 and TP 215 RE85 Pools at their away from home terminal of Hearne, Texas on a first-in / first-out basis.  The agreement has been provided to all DFW Hub Local Chairmen for review and hard copy ballots are in the mail.  The proposed agreement will preserve engineer assignments that could have possibly been placed at risk in an arbitration venue.  In addition to preserving assignments, it also provides for a minimum of 2 hours straight time travel allowance or overtime whichever is greater for all engineers regardless of hire date; it provides for up to 5 vacation splits, and allows all DFW Hub Engineers to take their entire vacation in single day increments if they so desire.  Additionally, it provides for a pool freight engineer to take a single day vacation or personal leave holding his turn first out without a deduction in his New York Dock employee protection earnings.  (Click HERE to view the agreement in PDF format)

 May 12, 2002

NEW AGREEMENT FOR UNION OFFICERS TO HOLD TURNS WHEN DOING UNION BUSINESS

A new agreement allowing Union Officers the option to hold their turns first out when laying off for union business goes into effect on May 20, 2002.  This agreement was ratified by a 2-1 margin by the 32 Local Committees of Adjustment in the BLE UP Southern Region.  It allows identified officers (Division Presidents, Secretary Treasurers, Vice General Chairmen and Local Chairmen) the ability to hold their turns in order to attend union meetings, investigations, and other union business.  The agreement was proposed as a cost saving measure to help keep local dues in check and reduce lost earnings responsibility for the Divisions and the General Committee of Adjustment.  (Click HERE to view the agreement in PDF format)

 

 May 9, 2002

BLE FILES MOTION SEEKING A FAIR ARBITRATION HEARING ON REMOTE TECHNOLOGY

Today the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers filed civil action against the 5 major Carriers involved in the remote technology dispute in an effort to seek injunctive relief and obtain a fair and impartial arbitration hearing regarding the implementation of remote technology in the US.  The United Transportation Union has filed for third party status in this remote arbitration dispute.  The Carriers and UTU have stonewalled negotiations on the arbitration process that would have lead to a speedy resolution of the matter. Their proposed plan includes a four member arbitration panel with all parties selecting a referee (BLE, UTU and the Carriers) and a fourth member to be selected in random fashion.  BLE will not agree to a bias process that eliminates any chance of a fair decision.  While stonewalling these negotiations, the Carriers have pressed forward with their implementation plans and proposed an agreement to UTU covering the operation of remote technology.  Unable to negotiate an agreement providing for a fair arbitration process, BLE was left with no choice other than seeking injunctive relief in court.  With each passing day more engineer jobs are eliminated (both BLE and UTU alike).  Approximately 60 engineer positions have been eliminated across the US since remote implementation began.  UTU has shown its true colors in selling out not only BLE members, but their own UTU-E (engineer) and UTU-T (trainmen) members as well.  UP has pursued an aggressive implementation schedule that currently includes the Kansas City area.  Yesterday, on a conference call with the affected BLE General Chairmen, President Hahs explained the current course of action and received unanimous support from all Committees to move forward in this legal action.  The case should be presented to the judge next Wednesday, May 15, 2002.  We will post the pleading to the court on this web site when it becomes available. 

 

May 7, 2002

UP'S NEW EMPLOYMENT OFFICE

Check out UP's New Employment Office!! (Click HERE to view)

May 3, 2002

WHY I JOINED THE BLE

Check out this article written by IC General Chairman John Koonce!! (Click HERE to view)

APRIL 20, 2002

REMOTE ACCIDENT ON UNION PACIFIC AT HINKLE, OR

While the acronym for Remote Control Operations is generally known as RCO, at Hinkle, Oregon RCO could very well mean Routine Collisions Occur. On April 20, 2002 at about 0720, an unmanned remote control locomotive with 15 to 20 cars moving about 7 mph collided with two other yard locomotives whose engineer moments before had tied down the set and gotten off. Fortunately, there was no injury and damage minimal. Operator of the RC locomotive was a newer employee under the watchful eye of a MOT. Even though witnesses say the impact launched the standing locomotives about a unit length, the Hinkle MTO wrote the incident off as a learning experience with no discipline being assessed.

APRIL 24, 2002 3:30PM Central Standard Time

REMOTE ACCIDENT ON UNION PACIFIC AT DES MOINES IOWA

At approximately 3:30 Central Standard Time today a remote control locomotive operating in yard service in Des Moines, IA collided with a departing freight train. Fortunately, there were no injuries to anyone with the exception of some bruised egos. The crew consisted of two remote control operators and a utility man riding the point of the shove on the locomotive. The collision resulted in three cars derailed and damage to the remote control locomotive. More later as information becomes available.

APRIL 24, 2002

FRA ISSUES FINAL RULE ON LOCOMOTIVE SANITATION STANDARDS EFFECTIVE JUNE 3, 2002

The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a final rule governing Locomotive Sanitation Standards. Please note that these standards do not go into effect until June 3, 2002. (click here to view these standards in PDF format or click here to view them in HTML web page format)

"SUMMARY: FRA amends its regulations by adding standards that address toilet and washing facilities for employees who work in locomotive cabs. This rule provides exceptions for certain existing equipment and operations, and establishes servicing requirements. DATES: This final rule will become effective on June 3, 2002."

APRIL 23, 2002

UNION PACIFIC CEO EVANS AGREES TO MEET WITH BLE UP GENERAL CHAIRMEN

As a reslut of our informational picket of the Union Pacific Stockholders meeting in Salt Lake, the BLE has a commitment from UP CEO, Ike Evans, to schedule a meeting with all the BLE UP General Chairmen in the near future. Mr. Evans came to the "line" and talked with Locomotive Engineers conducting the informational picket and made a commitment at that time to meet with their respective leadership. The informational picket was a success. The cooridnation with Teamster's Local 222 in Salt Lake was an uplifting experience. (click here to view photos of the rally)

APRIL 19, 2002

BLE CONDUCTS INFORMATIONAL PICKET AT UP STOCKHOLDERS MEETING IN SALT LAKE CITY

Today beginning at 0730 hours, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, with assistance from Teamsters Local 222, staged an informational picket at the Union Pacific Stockholders meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. The demonstration was put on at the Little America Hotel, the annual location of the meeting. Informational handouts were distributed by Locomotive Engineers outlining our position on the implementation of remote technology to all the stockholders attending the meeting (click here to view the handout in PDF format.) Locomotive Engineers and Teamsters were also displaying banners and posters with slogans such as "Safe.. Productive and Proud Since 1863 The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers" (click here to view the banner slogans in PDF format). This was a coordinated effort on the part of all the BLE Union Pacific General Committees of Adjustment and the International Division of the BLE. A special note of thanks goes out to Teamsters Local 222 from the BLE UP Southern Region GCA for their support in this project. We hope that this is the first in a long line of coordinated efforts between our Organizations. PDF versions of the informational handouts and posters used were distributed to the BLE UP Southern Region Membership via e-mail. Vice General Chairmen, Gary Perrien and Rodney Stutes were in Salt Lake City representing our Committee and participating in the informational picket. Photographs will be provided of the activity as they become available

APRIL 16, 2002

REMOTE TECHNOLOGY POSTPONED ON BLE UP SOUTHERN REGION

The implementation of remote technology originally scheduled for May 12, 2002 in Ft. Worth, Texas on Union Pacific Railroad has been postponed indefinitely. A meeting with the DFW Hub Local Chairmen regarding this implementation scheduled for April 19, 2002 was also postponed until a later date. As it currently stands, BLE UP Southern Region is not scheduled to see any remote technology until sometime in the fall of 2002. This postponement should allow enough time for the arbitration on remote technology to be completed prior to any implementation on our Committee.