SIDE LETTER NO. 4
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
MR R D HOGAN
GENERAL CHAIRMAN UTU
1721 ELFINDALE DR #309
SPRINGFIELDMO 65807
MR DON L HOLLIS
ASSOC. GEN CHAIRMAN UTU
PO BOX 580
LINDALE TX 75771
MR A MARTIN III
GENERAL CHAIRMAN UTU
2933 SW WOODSIDE DR #F
TOPEKA KS 66614-4181
Gentlemen:
This has reference to the Merger Implementing Agreement entered into this date. During our negotiations there was considerable discussion surrounding the operational changes resulting from a merger of UP and SSW operations. Specifically, it was your observation that the merged operation would require an increased amount of transporting of crews, and your Organization has concerns regarding the quality of the vehicles presently used for transporting crews, as well as the drivers of said vehicles.
It was Carrier's position that there are existing procedures available to resolve any complaints regarding deficiencies in crew transportation and, as such, this was not a proper topic for inclusion in a Merger Implementing Agreement.
Without prejudice to the positions of the respective parties as set forth above, the Carrier believes it is in the best interests of all parties that routine, unannounced safety audits of crew transportation contractors be conducted, and that a process be established for prompt investigation and, if necessary, resolution of complaints of specific instances of deficiencies in this area. In this regard, this will confirm my advice given you during our negotiations that Carrier agreed it would direct its designated manager to contact a Local Chairman to be designated by your Organization for the purpose of scheduling and conducting field safety audits of transportation contractors in the hub. These safety audits will include, but not be limited to, inspection of vehicles, unannounced rides, interviewing crews, and meeting drivers. These safety audits will be performed no less frequently than quarterly.
If issues are raised by the safety audits which cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of your Organization, they may be referred to the appropriate Labor Relations Officer by the General Chairman for discussion in conference at the earliest possible date to seek a resolution. The conference will include the appropriate General Manager or his designate.
Respectfully,
M. A. Hartman
General Director-Labor Relations
GENERAL CHAIRMAN UTU
1721 ELFINDALE DR #309
SPRINGFIELDMO 65807
MR DON L HOLLIS
ASSOC. GEN CHAIRMAN UTU
PO BOX 580
LINDALE TX 75771
MR A MARTIN III
GENERAL CHAIRMAN UTU
2933 SW WOODSIDE DR #F
TOPEKA KS 66614-4181
Gentlemen:
This has reference to the Merger Implementing Agreement entered into this date. During our negotiations there was considerable discussion surrounding the operational changes resulting from a merger of UP and SSW operations. Specifically, it was your observation that the merged operation would require an increased amount of transporting of crews, and your Organization has concerns regarding the quality of the vehicles presently used for transporting crews, as well as the drivers of said vehicles.
It was Carrier's position that there are existing procedures available to resolve any complaints regarding deficiencies in crew transportation and, as such, this was not a proper topic for inclusion in a Merger Implementing Agreement.
Without prejudice to the positions of the respective parties as set forth above, the Carrier believes it is in the best interests of all parties that routine, unannounced safety audits of crew transportation contractors be conducted, and that a process be established for prompt investigation and, if necessary, resolution of complaints of specific instances of deficiencies in this area. In this regard, this will confirm my advice given you during our negotiations that Carrier agreed it would direct its designated manager to contact a Local Chairman to be designated by your Organization for the purpose of scheduling and conducting field safety audits of transportation contractors in the hub. These safety audits will include, but not be limited to, inspection of vehicles, unannounced rides, interviewing crews, and meeting drivers. These safety audits will be performed no less frequently than quarterly.
If issues are raised by the safety audits which cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of your Organization, they may be referred to the appropriate Labor Relations Officer by the General Chairman for discussion in conference at the earliest possible date to seek a resolution. The conference will include the appropriate General Manager or his designate.
Respectfully,
M. A. Hartman
General Director-Labor Relations