RULE 5. STARTING TIME. (a) Regularly assigned yard crews shall have a fixed starting time and the starting time of a crew will not be changed without at least 48 hours advance notice. Practices as to handling of transfer crew are not affected by this section.

(b) Where three 8-hour shifts are worked in continuous service, the time for the first shift to begin work will be between 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.; the second 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; and the third 10:30 p.m. and 12 midnight.

(c) Where two shifts are worked in continuous service, the first shift may be started during any one of the periods named in section (b).

(d) Where two shifts are worked not in continuous service, the time for the first shift to begin work will be between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and the second not later than 10:30 p.m.

(e) Where an independent assignment is worked regularly, the starting time will be during one of the periods provided in sections (b) and (d).

(f) At points where only one yard crew is regularly employed, they can be started at any time, subject to section (a).

(g) Where mutually agreeable, on account of conditions produced by having two standards of time, starting time may be changed one hour from periods above provided.

(h) The time for fixing the beginning of assignments or meal periods is to be calculated from the time fixed for the crew to begin work as a unit without regard to preparatory or individual duties.

(i) Regularly assigned yard crews shall each have a designated point for going on duty and a designated point for going off duty.

(j) Exceptions to this rule may be agreed upon by the management and General Committee to cover local requirements.