Archives for May 19, 2020

Question posed to Labor Relations on rule 35;

We are looking for guidance on how members will be compensated for bereavement. Obviously the contractual agreement cannot be upheld, because of this COVID-19 virus. Will or are there any guidelines established for compensation pertaining to the death of family members? 

Answer from Labor relations;

*Rule 35 already contains flexibility so that if there is a delay in holding funeral services (within reason−such as certain current NJ restrictions), an actively working employee may defer taking up to 3 consecutive calendar days surrounding the funeral until the later time.  Usual and customary documentation to support the qualifying family relationship, time / date of funeral service must be supplied. 

*Employees where were / are in inactive status (unpaid, paid Covid 100%, vacation, etc.) can likewise defer the 3 consecutive calendar days as in the above. (Since Rule 35 covers a basic day’s pay for a lost work day due to the bereavement period, the Covid pay is in lieu of bereavement pay – it would be in conflict to pay two entitlements on the same day.)

Please save all supporting documents and contact your local chairperson on steps needed to get compensation.

To all Rail Employees,

Although there are many safety concerns these days; slips, trips and falls still remain a top concern. Having the proper safety shoes or boots can go a long way to prevent these injuries.

We just want to remind you all that for those who may be in need of new safety shoes or boots our vendor Saf-Gard is still open and available to purchase boots by phone or in-store.

Attached are instructions on how to order by phone as well as the 2020 list of shoes and boots that are currently available* to all Rail employees at discounted prices with one yearly $60.00 subsidy.

*Note: Please remember if you have already purchased a boot or shoe this year you will NOT be eligible for another $60.00 however all employees eligible for this program may purchase an unlimited amount of boots or shoes at the discounted prices offered through the program.

Please feel free to reply or call me if you have any questions or concerns in regards to this program.

Unfortunately due to safety concerns in regards to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining Saf-Gard shoe truck stops will be postpone until further notice.

Eligible employees who are in need of purchasing new shoes/boots may still do so by calling the local branch, providing your employee ID and have them delivered to your home address.

Best regards,

Bill Feeney

Safety Programs Administrator

Office of System Safety

Work: 973.491.8945

Cell: 862.279.4727

Efax: 973.609.1978