Sharp Shooters
Posted by Lou on Jan 18, 2009
Bumped. Bumped again. As of my last posting you could see I got assigned to a new Board. Full of motivation I updated my Rules – I was not that behind as I thought – packed my Grip (Backpack) and charged my Radio. The nervous Level was very high this time but I was really looking forward to go back to work after a long furlough time. You must know, as much as I love railroading, I am in there for the money. The Fridge Level is almost below 10% and that means something has to happen.
Just got a call from Dispatch telling me I got bumped. I was 3rd out, that means, the 3rd Train that is leaving my Station SHOULD be mine. But no. I got ‘Sharpshoot’. You might ask what that means ? There are people out there just waiting for bumping people who are close to work. The reason is easy : Money. You jump from board to board looking to bump others in order to get faster to work. Instead of doing like 5-7 trips every 2 weeks, they manage to do many more, and since you get paid by trip … It’s not the first time that happend to me. Most of the followed co-workers have a code of honor and give you a chance to have at last one trip before they bump you. Most of them are good people who know the situation. Bumping others is Railroad Buisiness and that’s how it works. Nobody likes it. If there will be no Sharp Shooters more and more people would have a chance to work. So what can you do ? Nothing. And that’s the most frustrating thing. God help me that I will never become such person. Hope I will never got tempted or overwelmed to do such thing.
If you ever get into working for the Railroad make sure you have a strong Wife/Husband behind you. There WILL BE hard times and they will try to break you. I am blessed with my wife. I’ll put her into hard times when I signed up for the Railroad. Sure, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. But I had a chance to take something different – but I choosed the Track Path. Didn’t know that the switch was lined into a siding where you have to wait forever to get out.
Hope other’s have more luck than we have – or have more seniority than I have. I am surtenly running out of both…..
Update: The Sharp Shooter who bumped me Layoff 25 minutes later. Makes it even more painful. I don’t know why he did that, but I know I NEVER will forget his name. Good thing : you meet people always twice….
Back on the Board
Posted by Lou on Jan 17, 2009
Yipppieee! Back on the Board. At 6:30pm today a call from Dispatch. 6 times out – hopefully no bump before 1st out. I need to get back to work and make some bucks – and stay with the Railroad. After 365 days without an assignment I will be terminated and my Railroad Dream Train will be gone. So, press your thumb’s for me – or cross your fingers – or snip your toe’s. Whatever it takes. After my last assignment I got bumped 3.5 hours later. I am going to top that today 
One of my Railroad Buddy’s set a new record yesterday : 24 minutes after assignment he got bumped. That’s just enough time to get nervous. After all: I am not furlough for some days, that’s a good feeling. More later, after the Bump
Christmas is over – no change
Posted by Lou on Dec 26, 2008
Last week I got called back to the board. What a joy. I was getting ready to work …. charge my Radio, get the Rules updated, pack my backpack.
After 3.5 hours later another call from my carrier. “Can I speak to my Lou ?” My answer was not like always “That’s Me” because I’d know what’s next. Instead I yelled into the Phone “You will not tell me I am bumped. I am furlough over 6 month, 3.5 Hours before you called me back and you are NOT going to tell me I am without work again.”
It got really still on the other side but after a while “I am so sorry Mr. Lou, but you are bumped. Have a nice Christmas !”
The world is mean and heartless ! Now I am bumped again and now I am bumped.
