Today's News Headlines

These are today's news headlines.

Latest Issue of SMART TD News Available Online:

http://utu.org/2015/12/28/latest-issue-of-smart-td-news-available-online

Legislative, Alt. Legislative Rep. Elections Complete:

http://utu.org/2015/12/28/legislative-alt-legislative-rep-elections-complete/

Extreme weather continues to slam Midwest, South as fatalities rise:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2015/12/28/severe-weather-midwest-texas/77963416/?hootPostID=2ed004633f72a90f50604de1ab7cb335

Texas Tornadoes Leave a Path of Destruction:

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2015/12/27/us/texas-tornadoes-leave-path-of-destruction/s/20151228WEATHER-slide-Y922.html

AAR: U.S. railroads post traffic decline in week No. 50:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/rail_industry_trends/article/AAR-US-railroads-post-traffic-decline-in-week-No-50--46825?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

GENERAL COMMITTEE 001 WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALL THE PEACE AND JOY THAT THE HOLIDAY SEASON HAS TO OFFER AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

General Chairman Expected to Make Full Recovery

General Chairman Randall Knutson is expected to make a full recovery following a medical emergency.

In late November, General Chairman Randall Knutson experienced what is being called an unspecified "cardiac event."  Mr. Knutson underwent a successful surgery to address the problem and he is expected to make a full recovery over the next few months.  Although his ability to travel will be limited over the next several weeks, the Associate General Chairmen have pitched in and will continue to represent the members as usual while Randall recuperates.

The prognosis on his condition is good and the General Committee eagerly awaits Randall's return to work.  

General Committee Meets with Labor Relations

Nixa, MO- General Committee representatives from GO-001 met with BNSF Labor Relations this week at the committee offices in Missouri.  All of the Associate General Chairman were in attendance at the meeting with the Central Region Director Andrea Smith and the North Region Director Melissa Beasley-Coke.

This quarterly scheduled meeting included discussion of recent Article IX notices served to implement multi-directional pool service,  predictive work schedules in pool service, discipline handling procedures and the disposition of merit time claims in dispute. An extra meeting was scheduled for mid January to handle additional merit claim disputes that were not able to be completed during the 2 day meeting.

General Committee Meets with Locals in Illinois

Associate General Chairman Randy Doyle met with members of Locals 195 and 1423 in Galesburg, IL.  Mr Doyle fielded questions from the members on RCO Operations, Attendance and Low Performance.

Prior to his medical emergency, General Chairman Randall Knutson met with the members of Local 171 to give his State of the General Committee and to discuss proposed agreements.

GENERAL CHAIRPERSON RANDALL KNUTSON RECOVERING FOLLOWING MEDICAL EVENT

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General Chairperson Randall Knutson has been admitted to the hospital following a medical event that occurred earlier this week.  The General Committee is in contact with his family and will provide further information as it becomes available.  While Mr. Knutson recovers, the General Committee will continue to handle business as usual.

Please keep Randall and his family in your thoughts and prayers while respecting their privacy.

New Local Chairpersons in Missouri and Nebraska

A number of Local Chairmanships have changed hands in the last month and General Committee 001 would like to thank those members who are choosing to serve and those who have served this Union and its members.

Wendie Henderson has been elected as the new Local Chairperson for Local 934Z representing Conductors, Trainmen and Yardmen out of Alliance, NE.  Wendie has worked for BNSF for 27 years and has served as Vice Local Chairperson for nearly 25.  Her years of service and experience made Wendie a strong selection for the members of local 934Z and on October 26 she was the only person to be nominated for the position.

"Our lodge took nominations for Legislative Rep, Alternate Legislative Rep, 2 Vice Local Chairmen, and Local Chairman," said Henderson.  "We are very happy to see so many people interested in these positions and I look forward to working with them."

Local 627X, representing Trainmen from Wymore and Lincoln, NE, voted earlier this year to join Local 305 starting January 1st.  Ron Trauernicht was elevated from Vice Local Chairperson to Acting Local Chairperson replacing John Foote.  They will be forming their own Local Committee within 305 and there is a meeting scheduled for November 23 for nominations for Local Chair and Vice Local Chair. 

"I would welcome anyone to run," said Trauernicht.

It was a busy month in Nebraska for Local Chairpersons.  Joe Curran is currently serving as Acting Local Chairperson for Local 305Y representing Conductors and Trainmen out of Lincoln, NE replacing Bryan Dance.  Across the Missouri River and all the way to the Mississippi River, Jeff Willis replaced Virgil Peters and is currently serving as Acting Local Chairperson for Local 219X representing Conductors and Trainmen from Hannibal and West Quincy, MO.

Congratulations to Kim Crisman on a Well Deserved Retirement

Kim Crisman retired on Monday, October 12, 2015 after 43 years of service to the railroad and Local 196.  He was originally hired for CB&Q back in 1973 and during his career worked as a Brakeman and Conductor.  His last job was as a Conductor of the Beardstown RSPR 8541 Road-Switcher.

Kim plans on spending his golden years Fishing, Golfing and spending some quality time with his friends and family.  His friends and colleagues at SMART Transportation Local 196 would like to wish Kim good health, good luck and great success in his retirement.  He will be missed.