ARTICLE VIII - EMPLOYMENT OF FIREMEN
Section 1.
Subject to the provisions of Section 2 and the carriers' legal obligations, in the employment of firemen (helpers) employees represented by the United Transportation Union who have established seniority as conductor (foreman), brakeman (yardman-switchman), hostler or hostler helper (but without seniority as a locomotive fireman) will be considered for transfer to positions of locomotive firemen (helpers) in preference to hiring individuals who have not established seniority with the carrier in any class or craft.
Section 2.
Each carrier will establish a procedure which will (1) ensure that such employees have knowledge of fireman (helper) job openings and (2) provide an opportunity for them to apply for transfer to the fireman craft. In selecting an employee from among those making application for a fireman (helper) position, the carrier will take into consideration the relative seniority standing of the applicants and the carriers' physical and other employment standards.
Section 3
An employee accepting transfer to a fireman (helper) position in accordance with this Article VIII shall retain his seniority standing and all other rights in train and/or yard or hostling service. However, such employee shall be permitted to exercise such rights only in the event he is unable to hold any position or assignment in engine service.
| NOTE: | It is understood that employees accepting transfer to fireman between July 7, 1978 and the effective date of this Article will have their seniority preserved as of the effective date of such transfer. |
This Article VIII shall become effective thirty (30) days from the date of this Agreement unless within such time a General Committee of the organization elects to preserve an existing rule accomplishing the same essential purpose as this Article VIII by notifying a carrier in writing.