Progress Through Unity

Tell Congress: Listen to Rail Workers

March 17, 2022 By
 

Tell Congress: Listen to Rail Workers

Home>Get Involved>Action Center>Tell Congress: Listen to Rail Workers

They Are the Backbone of This Nation’s Supply Chain

Use the form on this page to join us in telling members of Congress they should back the people who do the work, rather than the rail industry’s financial overlords, who have recently implemented draconian new attendance policies.

On February 22, 2022, the judge considering the case between BNSF and the SMART-TD and BLET unions over the carrier’s new “Hi-Viz” attendance policy ruled that the dispute was “minor” under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act (RLA).

Rest assured that we are all infuriated. One of the largest and richest corporations in America has been given a free pass to continue forcing its employees to work even when they or their families are sick, and when they are fatigued beyond the point of being able to work safely. BNSF is essentially thumbing its nose at the employees who make them billions of dollars in revenue.

Tell Congress: Listen to Rail Workers

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Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

Employee Masking Update

March 11, 2022 By
 

 

 

 

ATTENTION EMPLOYEES

 

Based on updated State guidance, NJ TRANSIT office spaces and buildings, other than public transportation stations, will be mask optional for all employees, beginning Monday, March 14. This means employees may certainly continue to wear a mask in the office if they so choose, but will no longer be required to do so.

 

Please also note that indoor capacity restrictions in office spaces, vehicles, and within indoor stations and waiting rooms are no longer required, although we ask employees to please continue to take reasonable steps to limit crowding when possible. 

 

Although many restrictions are being lifted, masks are still required, at all times, for all frontline, customer-facing employees on vehicles and within indoor stations and waiting rooms through at least April 18, 2022, as the Transportation Security Administration recently extended its mask mandate through that date.

 

In addition, the Federal Railroad Administration’s Emergency Order No. 32 – which requires masking at transportation hubs – is still in effect. As a result, NJ TRANSIT employees working at rail facilities, including the MMC, must continue to wear a mask inside those facilities. 

 

Finally, there are still certain situations where the CDC recommends masking. Please click here for the latest CDC guidance.

 

Filed Under: Local 60 News

RAIL MEMBERS’ INPUT SOUGHT BY FRA FOR FATIGUE SURVEY

February 17, 2022 By

Rail members’ input sought by FRA for fatigue survey – Smart Union (smart-union.org)

 

The Federal Railroad Administration is asking T&E rail members of the SMART Transportation Division to participate in a wide-reaching survey of T&E personnel on the topic of fatigue.

Participants working in T&E roles in either passenger or freight service are highly encouraged to help FRA’s Office of Research, Development & Technology: Human Factors Division gather data via the 49-question survey.

“It’s an opportunity to provide any feedback about fatigue, work schedules and work/life balance,” FRA officials said.

Topics include typical work schedules over a period of days, weeks and months, members’ sleep cycles and their commute times, i.e. “the time (or distance) from home to work and vice versa, with ‘work’ referring to the location where crews start/finish their shift. ‘Home’ may also include away sites where crew members rest/sleep away from their personal home.”

Follow this link to participate in this important survey.

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The first six weeks of 2022 have been quite busy weeks in the transportation industry. Click below to go to the SMART-TD story of interest:

  1. Bill limiting train length in Iowa gains traction.
  2. Two-person crew in Texas saves life of missing woman.
  3. Kansas SLD introduces DOT Secretary Buttigieg.
  4. Year-end financial reports for Class I’s. (Narrator: they made lots of money)
  5. New board member assumes position on NMB.
  6. Rail members’ input sought for FRA fatigue survey.

Better yet, click here to go to the main news page for all the stories. And let’s be careful out there!

 

Sincerely,

Greg Hynes

National Legislative Director

SMART Transportation Division

 
Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

BEREAVEMENT NOTICE FOR ROZ ROKINS

February 4, 2022 By

Download (PDF, 121KB)

Filed Under: Local 60 News

2021 PTO Payouts

February 1, 2022 By

Unused vacation and personal time for 2021 will start being paid out in week six (February 10th) and should be completed on week 7 (February 17)

If you are not compensated by then, ensure you have completed a E-Timecard for the code of 920 (vacation) or 988 (personal) total hours owed (one timecard each) then supply request number on your shortage submission on Payroll Shortage Form (utulocal60.com)

 

Filed Under: Local 60 News

C3RS Inside The Rail – Issue 15

January 30, 2022 By
 
ISSUE 15 – JANUARY 2022
 
C3RS: Over a Decade of Safety Reporting 
 
In 2011, the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) was launched as part of the FRA’s Rail Safety Action Plan risk reduction strategy. The program was modeled after the successful NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) with the goal of improving rail safety through the collection and sharing of safety information.
 
C3RS began with a single participating carrier and received 100 reports in its first year. Over ten years later, C3RS has now grown to include 20 participating carriers and has received over 24,000 reports. The information provided in these voluntarily submitted close call reports is invaluable and provides insight into the safety issues railroad employees face on a daily basis.
 
For more than a decade, NASA C3RS Expert Analysts have gleaned important safety insights from these reports including the factors that contribute to common safety events such as overspeed and doors off platform events, as well as identifying new and emerging safety issues related to the introduction of Positive Train Control (PTC) and the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In 2021, the DataBase Query Tool (DBQT), full of de-identified reports, went on-online1 marking a major milestone for safety in the rail industry by allowing anyone to review and learn from these close call reports. NASA also shares safety information from these reports with the rail community by issuing Alert Bulletins / For Your Information Notices, Quick Response data summaries and extensive research studies.
 
What has been truly notable is the participation of the different carriers, crafts, unions, and organizations that contribute to make C3RS a unique safety reporting system that is unparalleled world-wide. Below are samples of close call events submitted by reporters from key railroad groups: Engineering, Signal, Transportation, Mechanical, and Dispatchers. Each report provides a unique close call event that highlights and suggests corrective actions to prevent the incidents from happening again.
 
Engineering Close Call Event
 
A Manager provides insight into how a communication breakdown during an emergency repair caused a close call event involving energized electric rail.
 
The Construction gang was on the rail repairing a pole line cable that came down during the overnight storm with Track and Time and an electrified rail outage. During the cleanup, an electrified rail man told us the rail became re-energized through a back feed. We had crews actively working on removing strand and cable that could have been in contact with the electrified rail. There were no injuries and everyone stepped clear of anything metal.
 
 
C3RS Expert Analyst’s Callback Summary:
 
The reporter, a Manager, stated that a crew of fifteen plus employees were working on Track and Time authority issued to them by the Dispatcher… The reporter explained that the crew was not certain as to the exact circumstances involved, but at some point the power was restored to the track segment where all the employees had been working. During the cleanup process, the Electric Traction Manager informed the Manager that the electrified rail had become energized due to a train down the line “bridging the gap.” None of the employees were making contact with the tracks at that time…
 
Signal Department Close Call Event
 
A Signal Maintainer explains how human factors and deviating from procedure set up a close call event when disconnecting breakers in a signal bungalow.
 
At the Interlocking, I was removing old equipment to be salvaged. The last piece of equipment to be removed were snow blower breakers. All of the breakers were in the off position. I had cut out four of the smaller breakers before I got to the large main breaker… On the fifth wire, I saw a bright flash from the sixth wire. I believe that making an assumption that the power had been turned off along with not having a multi-meter available to verify, was the cause of this incident. I believe that it is imperative to always verify that the circuit is not live before disconnecting anything from it.
 
 
C3RS Expert Analyst’s Callback Summary:
 
The reporter, a Signalman, was working alone disconnecting power to equipment near control points that were going to be upgraded. Power had been shut off several weeks prior. The reporter said there were no lights in the bungalow and assumed the power was off on the circuits as well, but did not initiate steps to verify they were off. The Signalman was unaware the circuits were on a separate feed and that they were energized… The third wire to be cut had faulty insulation and touched the breaker panel, which was connected to the ground and created a flash and an arc… To prevent mishaps like this in the future, the reporter said there needs to be an Electrician or other qualified employee to perform electrical work. The Signalman also recommended improved communication among the crafts as well as implementing a proper Lock Out/Tag Out procedure.
 
Transportation Close Call Event
 
Protecting a shove at restricted speed as a train approached a blind curve, a Conductor discusses why communication and situational awareness are so important.
 
The Train departed Station X on time. We were shoving with the Dispatcher’s permission on a routine move to Station Y. We received a restricting indication at the Interlocking, which was a blind curve. After making the curve, I observed two track workers sitting in the gauge working on a metal box. I blew the proper whistle warning and the workers immediately jumped out of the gauge…
 
 
C3RS Expert Analyst’s Callback Summary:
 
… The Conductor was in the rear control car and was in control of the shoving move. The crew was in the process of shoving their train one mile so they could pull into the other station… The reporter suspected the workers were contractors who were stealing foul time as they had no authority to occupy the track as the train had a restricting signal… The reporter concluded by saying there was no Foreman present to obtain Track Authority for the workers.
 
Mechanical Close Call Event
 
Communication and job safety briefings are critical to railroad safety. Here is a report from a Machinist highlighting an instance where neither were properly applied in a blue flag protection situation.
 
Blue lights were removed by a Laborer from the end of the track and train before an onboard brake test was completed. Lack of communication to the Electricians on the other end of the train in the cab car left them unprotected by blue lights. It was discussed about, what and why it happened afterward.
 
 
C3RS Expert Analyst’s Callback Summary:
 
The reporter, a Machinist, conveyed the Laborer was the employee that called in Blue Light Protection. While sitting in the engine the reporter observed the Laborer remove the blue light, which left the Electrician unprotected… The reporter cited a lack of communication as the contributing factor to the event. In the future, better communication by everyone in the group will help prevent incidents like this from happening again.
 
Dispatcher Close Call Event
 
A Dispatcher shares a deviation from track blocking procedures that could have resulted in a serious incident.
 
… Foreign Carrier’s Train arrived in the Station after midnight with an extra electric engine that had to be removed and brought to the Foreign Carrier’s Yard. I gave the appropriate signals for the light engine to proceed west and switch blocked the route. I realized after the light engine had already made its way to the Yard, I had the switch blocked as necessary. I did not apply a track block to prevent the Foreign Carrier’s Train from coming in on top of the light engine. That being said, no signal was given on top of the light engine and no incident occurred.
 
 
C3RS Expert Analyst’s Callback Summary:
 
The reporter, a Dispatcher, stated that the move being made with the train was routine. However, in this particular instance the Dispatcher was distracted due to working from a different location than normal. The reporter explained that periodically, the Dispatchers are required to work from a different location so that the usual dispatching office can be disinfected for COVID-19. Therefore, there was an unusual amount of noise and activity, which is a distraction.
 
  1. To search close call events that are submitted to C3RS, visit the C3RS website Online Resources page and click on Confidential Close Call Reporting System Online Database. https://c3rs.arc.nasa.gov /resources.html
 
Did You Know?
 
If you submit a C3RS report, a NASA C3RS Expert Analyst may call you if you do not include enough information or to better understand the safety issues you are sharing. It is very important that you return our call within three days so that your identification (ID) strip (sent by the U.S. Mail) can be returned to you quickly.
 
The more information you include in your report, the faster the ID strip can be returned to you!
 
 
Report Intake By Craft
January through December 2021
 
Transportation – 2,824
Engineering – 108
Mechanical – 72
 
Monthly Report Intake
Previous 3 Months
 
October – 287
November – 301
December – 261
 
 
Inside The Rail – Issue 15
 
 
Online Resources
 
  • Visit c3rs.arc.nasa.gov for a detailed overview of C3RS, instructions on how to submit C3RS reports, report forms and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. 
 
  • See the FRA C3RS web page for more information and access to the IMOU agreements of the participating railroad carriers and unions.
Report to C3RS
Contact the Editor
 
NP-2022-01-XX-ARC
 
NASA Confidential Close Call Reporting System | c3rs.arc.nasa.gov
Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

Crew Callers working remotely due to severe weather event

January 28, 2022 By

 Good Morning,

                             Please be advised that due to the severe weather that is predicted to effect our area the crew callers will be working remotely effective 11pm Friday 1/28/22 with an anticipated return of Sunday 1/30/22 7am. Please advise your members that the 800 numbers will not be available and to expect calls from block numbers for this temporary period. The following numbers are to be utilized:

 

Engines desk- 201-246-2965

Hoboken train- 201-246-2967  or 201-246-2966

Newark train- 201-246-2963 or 201-246-2964

 

Thank You for your attention to this matter.

JOHN CAPOZZOLI

MANAGER CREW ASSIGNMENTS

ROC 2ND FL. 201-246-2263

E-FAX 201-992-9064

Filed Under: Local 60 News

Payroll Newsletter 2022

January 13, 2022 By

 

Download (PDF, 324KB)

Filed Under: Local 60 News

GC Report January 2022

January 12, 2022 By

Download (PDF, 76KB)

Filed Under: Local 60 News

Governor Murphy Signs the Motorbus and Passenger Rail Service Employee Violence Prevention Act

January 11, 2022 By
01/10/2022

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed the Motorbus and Passenger Rail Service Employee Violence Prevention Act (S4701) to create new tools for protecting transit workers throughout the state. In addition to upgrading the penalty for all assaults on a motorbus or autobus operator, an operator’s supervisor, or a rail passenger employee, the bill enables NJ TRANSIT and other carriers to suspend or prohibit from ridership individuals who commit assaults against employees and ensures NJ TRANSIT and private bus companies equip all buses and trains with communications systems to quickly contact law enforcement in an emergency.

“I cannot overstate the value of the hardworking people who ensure the safe, efficient operations of our mass transit system,” said Governor Murphy. “It is critical that we protect New Jersey’s frontline transportation workers who provide vital services to commuters across our state. These essential safeguards will promote better environments for passengers and employees.”  

Primary sponsors of S4701 include Senators Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Robert Singer, and Assembly Members Daniel R. Benson, Yvonne Lopez, and Harold J. Wirths.   

“The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that deadly viruses can spread easily and quickly on mass transit because of the limited distance between passengers. However, as NJ public train and bus operators work to continue to give riders a safe experience, they, themselves find their health at risk with unruly passengers,” said Senator Diegnan. “Signing this legislation will take steps to ensure that NJ TRANSIT operators are physically protected from harm and exposure at the hands of unruly passengers.”

“There have been too many instances where bus and train operators have been assaulted by unruly passengers,” said Senator Robert Singer. “These violent attacks put the lives of the operator and every other passenger at risk. This new law will significantly increase the penalties for these dangerous assaults and help make our transportation systems safer.”

“Transportation workers are far too often subjected to vicious attacks by irate passengers for simply doing their jobs,” said Assemblyman Benson. “This new law will work towards preventing that violence while making it clear these attacks unacceptable. Our bus and rail employees must be protected as they fulfill their critical duties on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of commuters in our state.”

“The hard-working employees on our trains and buses are invaluable to New Jersey’s transportation system and deserve our respect,” said Assemblywoman Lopez. “It is unacceptable that so many of these employees fear for their safety due to the frequency of violent attacks, which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We must put safeguards in place to enable a safer working environment going forward.”  

“Since the pandemic, mass transit employees have put their lives on the line while being asked to do more than ever before. We need to do a better job of protecting our front-line mass transit workers while sending a strong message to passengers that assaults will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assemblyman Hal Wirths. “Upgrading fines and implementing additional safety measures will go a long way toward ensuring a smoother ride for employees and law-abiding passengers alike.”

S4701 requires NJ TRANSIT and motorbus companies to coordinate with law enforcement and transit police to help protect bus operators and rail employees on potentially problematic routes. The bill also requires NJ TRANSIT and motorbus companies to establish an employee assistance program for bus operators and rail employees that have been assaulted and to provide periodic de-escalation to bus operators and rail employees and to make such training available to other transportation operators in the state in order to develop best practices.

“Governor Murphy’s commitment to transportation workers has been highly visible throughout his administration,” said Jerome Johnson, General President and Chairman of SMART-TD Local 60. “I am proud to support legislation that protects the safety and well-being of the hard-working men and women who make our state run.”

“The Amalgamated Transit Union commends Governor Murphy’s unwavering support for our transit workers who are frontline heroes, tasked with the essential job of keeping our state moving. Today’s signing of the Motorbus and Passenger Rail Service Employee Violence Prevention Act calls for increased penalties on those who attack transit workers, and will provide critical mental health assistance and support to victims of an attack,” said Ray Greaves, ATU International Vice President. “This is undoubtedly meaningful legislation that will better protect our members and those who ride mass transit. Our thanks and appreciation to Governor Murphy for today’s signing and to all those who worked so hard to make this happen.”

“At NJ TRANSIT, the safety of our employees is of paramount importance and we are pleased that Governor Murphy is signing this important bill into law,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “This legislation is critical to ensuring our frontline employees, many of whom I ride with on my daily commute, are protected while delivering the essential transit services our customers depend on every day.”

“In New Jersey, assaults on NJ Transit workers have increased and become more violent with passengers refusing to follow the federal mask mandate on public transit,” said ATU Chairman, Orlando Riley. Our members are the subject of that abuse, which not only endangers them, but the passengers they’re responsible for. We thank Governor Murphy for recognizing the importance of this legislation to protect our members and the leadership of Assemblyman Daniel Benson, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, and Assemblyman Harold Wirths in getting this bill to the finish line.”

 

 

 

 

 

Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Signs the Motorbus and Passenger Rail Service Employee Violence Prevention Act (nj.gov)

Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News
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