First Quarter 2020 Report to the Members of System Council 16 – IBEW

Dear Members,

I will start by saying that my tenure as General Chairman started with a bang. As Mark Klecka began his transition into retirement, I took over with National Negotiations starting up, current bargaining on three independent railroads in progress and Section 6 Notices coming due on a fourth. In March, COVID-19 struck and all the above came to a sudden halt. The virus has consumed much of our time as we try to stay abreast of the ever changing policies of the Carriers as directed by the CDC so we can answer Member’s questions. As you will read, much of this report will be directly attributed to COVID-19.

National Negotiations: The first round was held in Washington DC on February 26-27, 2020. This meeting was mostly formalities and presentations with no offers or proposals. Later meetings up to this writing have been cancelled and future meetings are in limbo due to travel and gathering restrictions due to COVID-19.

Paducah and Louisville: I’m sad to inform you that the P&L furloughed 50% of it’s workforce this month. This included 3 of our Brothers.

Canadian Pacific: Jeff Burk, Charles Kretchman and I attended the second round of bargaining in Minneapolis on March 10, 2020. The CP was to be prepared to make a proposal but due to the sharp decline in their stock prices on the previous day, were unable to offer anything. All future negotiations are on hold due to COVID-19. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers NICTD: There have been no changes in negotiations. NICTD, a passenger rail, has realized a greater than 90% drop in passengers due to COVID-19

BELT: According to a recent conference call, traffic volumes are good, and COVID-19 has had little effect on the Property.

BNSF: As of April 1, 2020, 28 members have been impacted directly by COVID-19 through symptoms or quarantine. BNSF is the only property that has reported craft specific impacts. Business has continued to decline and as of April 15, 2020 BNSF has placed 48,000 freight cars in storage status. On a good note, Mechanical is cancelling some of the locomotive work that it contracted out and is moving this work back to the shops.

CN: At many locations, CN is taking employees temperatures and asking health questions prior to allowing them on property. As CN typically operates, the process was put in place before any information was put out to the membership.

LS&I: Section Six Notices were served on April 1, 2020. The conference was waived and we agreed to schedule negotiations after travel restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted.

GARY: There have been some informal contract negotiations which haven’t resulted in anything. They seem to revolve around an interim general wage increase until National Negotiations are settled, then moving to direct negotiations.

MRL: No news to report.

Evansville and Western: No news to report. Railroad Retirement Board:

Recently, we sent out communications concerning COVID-19 and unemployment/sickness benefits. As you are aware, the recently passed CARE Act granted railroad employees an additional $1,200 pay increase, per pay half, if you are unemployed. According to the RRB, this only applies if you are furloughed. Anyone being quarantined for possible contact or experiencing symptoms will be placed on sick benefits.

The one week waiting period for unemployment and sickness has been waived.

National Health and Welfare:

The deadline for the Spouse Audit has been extended until June 30, 2020. There are still members who haven’t responded or submitted incorrect documentation. We have sent out ample correspondence about this and it is imperative that our members comply.

I hope that you all stay safe and healthy through all of this and I look forward to getting out and visiting with the Membership after all this is over. It is an honor to serve as your General Chairman.

Sincerely,

Jeff Allred General Chairman

Download original PDF Document with financial and travel reports here.