VLC Schnieder asked me to post this update for him and members

I had previously announced in my June GC report about a trial run of this new payroll system at the MMC. The contractor is almost ready to “go active” in a very small test group of assignments. The crews that will be affected will be instructed on the new system and its capabilities prior to it going into this test operation. This test run is to see what bugs need to be worked out and discussed before the Carrier moves forward in a  large-scale effort. Once the test results are back I will be meeting with the Carrier to go over the results.  I had asked for this operational test in a proactive gesture so we could see in advance any problems that may arrive from using this system. I will keep everyone up to date with information as it becomes available.

Thank You,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

This is a living document we can change or adjust any time contact GCS Spratt

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The PEB hearings concluded last week in Newark NJ. The PEB panel will provide us with their “non-binding recommendations” the week of August 17th. The process of the hearings themselves were both enlightening and intense, with long days filled statistical reports delivered by both sides. The historic all female PEB panel of Chair Wesman, member Deinhardt and member Kenis did an thorough and in depth job of asking questions and clarifying all reports put before them. The Coalition attorneys, Carmen Parcelli and Beth Roma, were outstanding in explaining in great detail our proposal to the panel. Tom Roth, who is the Coalition’s statistician, was above reproach when delivering his analysis of our financial impact review. Joel Parker, the Coalition spokesman to the PEB panel, was superb in giving the timeline on how and why we are still without a contract at this point in time. I will announce any PEB news as it becomes available in the coming weeks.

Thank You,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

Below is July’s GC report please note;

The vote for reallocation of dues to the GCA account was tabled for clarification from the International.

A revision of Local 60/LCA 610 by-laws was presented, according to the SMART-TD constitution, voted on, and passed unanimously. They will be voted on again at the August meeting, if passed by members for a second time, they will then be forwarded to the International for final approval. Presented are some minor changes and this document will give clarification for the GCA account and expenditures. Please ask a officer for copies of this document, we will not make it available online.

I will be attending the PEB hearings in Newark NJ next week. It is anticipated that the hearings will last all week. This is the next step in the process of attaining a new collective bargaining agreement for the members of Local 60. The hearings are closed to the public and I will not be able to give anyone daily status reports. The three member panel will hear both sides of the proposals and by mid August 2015 will produce “non binding” recommendations. I will report as soon as possible on any information produced during these meetings that affects our members.

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

During the course of Summer 2015, beginning with Dover and Morrisville on July 20, the NJT C³RS Peer Review Team (PRT) will be visiting various terminals to discuss several issues that are important to all members. Since 2009, your PRT has received and analyzed over 500 reports submitted to the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS). The system the PRT has been trained on, and utilizes when investigating C3RS reports, is called Multiple Cause Incident Analysis (MCIA). The word “multiple” holds special significance to us as we always find that there are multiple factors that lead to ‘close calls”. The PRT has found that two factors present themselves in almost every case we analyze and are being given special attention during this special PRT Safety Forum.

The first factor we want to discuss is “Situational Awareness”. Many definitions are used when describing situational awareness. Some call it “paying attention, some call it “keeping your head in the game”, others may describe it as “staying on the ball”. Whatever term or phrase is used, one thing is clear; this factor is the number one component of the vast majority of C3RS reports.

The PRT has taken on the challenge to find out what causes the loss of situational awareness and how to prevent it. We’ve enlisted the help of NJT’s Office of System Safety and they have reached out to a potentially great resource, Liberty Mutual Insurance. They are leaders in “risk reduction” and “situational awareness” and we are excited to see what tools, programs and suggestions they have for us in our quest to combat this very real problem.

The second factor we want to bring special attention to is “Safety Job Briefings” (SJB). The lack of a SJB, or thorough SJB, has been found as another leading factor in most C3RS reports. The PRT has taken several steps to assist in this matter including recommending dedicated SJB rooms (the first 2 of which are currently being installed in Hoboken and NYP) and also developing the helpful SJB tri-fold that has been shown to be a helpful resource not only when conducting a SJB but through the course of the workday. The PRT now is adding an additional piece to the puzzle; a “Safety Job Briefing Checklist”. We feel that the use of this checklist when conducting a SJB will prove to be a tremendous help to both new trainees and seasoned veterans alike. Conducting a SJB in a consistent, clear and professional manner will help ALL of us to become better Train and Engine Service Professionals.

We are asking all Train Crews to use the Checklist samples that are being provided to you with an open mind and report back to us after this week via email at feedback@njtc3rs.com with any comments or suggestions you have regarding the design or use of this form.