ARTICLE VIII ‑ USE OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Section 1. It is recognized that the use of communication systems including the use of and the carrying of portable radios, pursuant to operating rules of the individual carriers, is a part of the duties of employees covered by this Agreement. Existing rules to the contrary are hereby eliminated.

Section 2.  On roads where rules now exist which provide for the payment of arbitraries to employees for the carrying and/or use of radio equipment, such arbitraries will be eliminated effective January 1, 1973.

Section 3.  Portable radios hereafter purchased for the use of  and carried by ground service employees in yard and transfer service will not exceed three pounds in weight and will be equipped with a suitable holder which will firmly hold the radio close to the body, or will be of such size an to permit being placed in coat or trouser pockets. Portable radios used by ground service employees in yard and transfer service which do not meet the foregoing specifications will be replaced by December 31, 1973 or their use discontinued.

Section 4. The size and weight of portable radios used by ground service employees in road service mill not exceed that presently in use, and portable radios hereafter purchased for use in this class of service will be of the minimum size and weight necessary to insure safe and adequate communication. This is not intended to require the purchase of radios weighing less than three pounds.

Section 5.  Employees will not be held responsible for accidents caused by failure of radio equipment to property function.

Section 6.  At locations where radio is used, sufficient frequency channels will be utilized to provide safe communication.