Back to work (or not)
Posted by Lou on Jul 26, 2009
I finished my Rules Class last week. Here in the Roseville Hub you have to attend to rules class if you want to go back to work and it’s more than 2 months ago you worked. It’s a great and safety way and I really appreciate it. There are so many rules updates in those days that you have many questions about. And since it’s payed by the company, it’s another bonus. Another thing I like a lot – you stay in contact with the other Co-Workers. New faces appear every time and you see some guys you worked before with. Rumors and little stories round up the 2 days and makes it a great experience. You ‘only’ have to concentrate during class and get the test’s done. Some of the GCOR Questions are really tough. Even old, 100 year old guys have some problems with it.
But I was able to pass those tests. Happy I’d return home just to find out that one of my many applications were picked up and I was assigned to a Trainman Conductor Board. Man, I can’t tell you how nervous I was getting back to work. Usually, as of my past experience, I expected to get bumped just short going to work. Not this time ! 4:30 am I got the call the next morning to bring a Z-Train (Container Train 1.st priority) over the mountains north. Left the Station a few minutes later and here we go. I can’t tell you how many beautiful routes we have in California. There were at last 25 Tunnels and as many Bridges we’d passed. On one side the Mountains, 100’s of feet steep high into the sky, on the other site getting down deep to the river. Between us, crawling up the mountains with 25 mph enjoying the scenery many people would pay for.
After a really pleasant ride with good company we arrived at the mountain station – crew change. Usually you have to wait before the new crew is available – not this time. Since it’s a Z-Train the new guys were just waiting for us to arrive and getting on the Train.
14 hours later the same procedure only the other way. Man, was I happy that the Mountains and the Canyon was still there. It was even more beautiful than the way up because I’d know for what I had to look.
I can report that this was the most nicest ride I had so far. Only sad thing that I got bumped from that board 2 hours after I was on duty. Now I am back where I was before but just with a little more smile on my Face and very good memories how nice it CAN be to work for the Railroad. Hopefully I will have the opportunity soon to get my memories refreshed.
Back to work
Posted by Lou on Jul 23, 2009
What a day. Just got back from Rules Class and checked on the Computer my status. And the unbelievable happened: I am back on the Board. What a surprise. Right away for my Birthday (Saturday). I can’t believe that’s happening to me. Now all out there press you thumbs (that’s what we Germans do) so that I will net get bumped before my trip starts. It will be the Mountain Tour : Just from Roseville over the Grade towards Reno / Sparks in Nevada. Hopefully I can post in 2 days about a great trip with some new experience. In a few years (hopefully many) I will put on my gravestone : Worked the Mountain Pool.
More later.
San Luis Obispo Chalk Board July 2009
Posted by Lou on Jul 20, 2009
Here is the newest SLO Chalk Board with lot’s of information and Safety Tips to make San Luis Obispo the savest Place on the West Coast. Editor French Morgan posted the newest Edition while he is on ‘Adventure Work’ up in Alaska working for the Alaska Rail Road. He helps the Railroad folks up there handling the tourist waves during summer time.
I love Pork, but it’s not the Swine Flu
Posted by Lou on Jul 15, 2009
The Last week was a very tough one for my and my wife. We both were down and got the flu. Me a different than my wifes, but we both felt pretty bad and were in bed most of the time – just to get up to take some medicine. Glad I had not to work – due to furlough – I am sure a drug test would come out pretty funny. The Combination of Vick’s, Antibiotics and other stuff would make me aware of everything, but not of Signals and Bulletins.
Lot of stuff happened the last few weeks. The new law for rest days will be in effect (see previous Post). Also we have to wear now reflecting Shirts and shiny underwear to make us look different than before. Sure, it’s a good thing and will keep us safety, but my wife will get mad once I am starting to use her Text Markers to paint my T-Shirts.
Work wise it seems to look much better. People will get recalled more and more often and the Rules Classes will be full. UTU makes the Carrier more aware of the fact there are many furlough people out there and that’s a good thing. Hopefully it will fall into the right ears.
If you are eligible for Railroad Unemployment, this is a good month for you, also. There should be some amount in your Postbox / Account to make your family happy and keep the fridge full.
So, if you are not down by some kind of flu or whatever, a good month for most of us. Getting back to work is only a matter of time (isn’t that for almost a year ?). Just be sure to get in shape for the things are coming and remember to keep always an extra bottle of water with you for the heat.
More to follow since I am starting to feel better.
Railroads prepare for new safety rules
Posted by Lou on Jul 15, 2009
BARSTOW • Local railroad employees are among the thousands affected as railroads across the nation are preparing to implement new safety rules by a Thursday deadline.
Former President George W. Bush signed the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 into law last October. The act included measures meant to reduce fatigue-related and other collisions, according to Holly Arthur, the Assistant Vice President of Media and Public Affairs for the Association of American Railroads.
The new safety measures state that after railroad employees, that work in track, yard and engine jobs, have six days in a row with any time on-duty they must have at least 48 consecutive hours off-duty.
BNSF Railway spokeswoman Lena Kent said the company employs 4,000 people in California, including many in Barstow, but that she was unsure how many of those employees would be affected by the new hours of service rules.
EMPLOYEES IN FURLOUGHED STATUS
Posted by Lou on Jul 2, 2009
