This Weeks News Headlines

SMART TD weighs in on CP’s NS takeover bid

http://utu.org/2016/01/08/smart-td-weighs-in-on-cps-ns-takeover-bid/

House Democrats urge rejection of CP bid for Norfolk Southern

http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN0UK29V20160106

Total U.S. rail traffic falls in 2015, but intermodal sets a record high

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/rail_industry_trends/article/Total-US-rail-traffic-falls-in-2015-but-intermodal-sets-a-record-high--46904?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

BNSF Railway furloughs workers in Minnesota and North Dakota

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/12/31/bnsf-railway-layoffs-minnesota-north-dakota.html

WA State rep talks GPT, rail issues

http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2015/12/30/state-rep-talks-gpt-rail-issues/

Wisconsin DOT allocates $31 million for freight-rail projects

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/short_lines_regionals/article/Wisconsin-DOT-allocates-31-million-for-freightrail-projects--46883?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Wisconsin railroad commissioner abruptly resigns

http://www.channel3000.com/news/politics/wisconsin-railroad-commissioner-abruptly-resigns/37272734

News Headlines: December 30

As Flooding Continues, Missouri Asks Residents to Move to Safety

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/31/us/missouri-flooding-st-louis-mississippi.html

BNSF Transports Cargo from Largest Ship to Reach U.S. Coasts

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/bnsf_railway/article/BNSF-transports-cargo-from-largest-ship-to-reach-US-coasts--46831?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Pataki Confirms End of Presidential Campaign

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-primaries/264421-pataki-confirms-end-of-presidential-campaign

On New Year’s, 14 States Will #RaiseTheWage

https://blog.dol.gov/2015/12/29/on-new-years-14-states-will-raisethewage/

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.