https://smart-union.org/news/national-negotiations-update-july-30-2020/

Sisters and Brothers,

The Organization’s National Negotiating Team has just finished their second meeting via Zoom and received the Carriers’ proposal on Health and Welfare changes they believe are needed in this next contract. They also provided information about technology, safety, innovation, and the rapidly evolving competitive landscape in the transportation industry that they wish to discuss in this round of bargaining.

The National Negotiating Team, along with the Organization’s Health and Welfare expert, Cara Jareb, and a newly formed Coordinated Bargaining Coalition Health and Welfare sub-committee will be reviewing this information and formulating a response to the Carriers for our next tentatively scheduled meeting August 24-26, 2020.

There is nothing new to report on Crew Consist negotiations. The next scheduled meeting is for August 5, 2020 and we will provide a report after that meeting takes place.

Furlough counts on BNSF currently stand at 3884, with 566 on the bump board and 312 open positions.

As of July 27, 2020, there were 271 employees on medical leave with 65 COVID-19 positives.

Recently, a new state law passed in Minnesota requiring everyone to wear a face mask indoors if they are not alone and this includes locomotives. We have been told this is currently in effect.

Finally, BNSF notified us there would be an increased focus on proper dynamic brake applications as a result of a recent derailment that they claim was a result of improper handling.

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.