Mr. Dean Hazlett
UTU General Chairman
Dean,
In an effort to improve the product that
Timekeeping provides its customers, we have just completed adding "train
service instructor" allowance codes to the TCS tie-up screen. Previously,
the conductor had to make the claim by typing in a free form comment, requesting
the appropriate allowance along with the student name or number. The claim
was then routed to a Timekeeper for review and processing. Effective
immediately, it will no longer be necessary for the conductor to type in this
information provided the student was put on duty in the TCS system with the rest
of the crew. The Conductor should take special care to ensure they do not
claim or select the allowance for the student (trainee).
As a reminder, the agreement provides for $8 to
UPED conductors in road service or 30 minutes pro-rata to UPED foreman at North
Platte yard for instructing a new hire trainman.
In lieu of routing these claims to the
timekeeper, we will allow the claims to be paid when claimed by the employee. We
will, however, conduct daily audits to ensure employees are making claims in
accordance with the agreement provision. Abuses will be reported to the Service
Unit Superintendent.
Help sheets will be revised to reflect this
change. Help sheet can be found on the Timekeeping Web site by going to the
Union Pacific employee page then clicking Departments then Operating
then Timekeeping Index then Operating Personnel then TE&Y
Help Sheets. Other helpful information can also be found on our web
page.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would
pyramid this notice down to your chairpersons with a request that they pass it
on to the rank and file. Should a crew member find that we have
inadvertently omitted the trainer allowance from any of the boards they work, it
can be reported to our customer service center at 800-877-0309. Thank
you for your assistance in this matter.
Note: This notice does not apply to the
Oregon UTU territory where a one dollar per hour allowance applies. Comments
will continue to be required on the Oregon until such time as we are able to
update our claim screens accordingly. I will advise you once this area is
completed.
Cliff Johnson
Sr. Director - Timekeeping Operations