Attachment (d)

 SYSTEM AGREEMENT - PEER TRAINING

                           The parties recognize that several factors including FRA licensing, new technology, rules exams, fuel conservation, etc., have created a need for more expanded training  programs.  Due to the ebb and flow of training opportunities and the benefits that arise from the use of peer training, the parties agree that the Carrier may supplement its training program with peer trainers as follows:

                 1 .     The Carrier may develop a pool of peer trainers in two classifications called (1) classroom peer trainers and (2) field peer trainers.  An employee may be qualified as both a classroom and field peer trainer.

                 2.      The Carrier may post notices for a seven (7) day period advertising a specific number of classroom and/or field peer trainer positions.  It is anticipated that the positions will be established at major home terminals but the parties recognize that trainers may be sent to smaller terminals to assist in training.  Trainers may also travel to other major home terminals to train new trainers.  The positions will be for a one-year period and then rebulletined.

                         NOTE 1: Peer trainers who are working as such at the end of the one year period will finish their assignment but will not begin a new peer training assignment unless selected for a new one-year period.  

                       NOTE 2:  At terminals where more than one seniority district works, i.e. Salt Lake City, it is not necessary to have trainers from each seniority district.  A trainer may train engineers from multiple seniority districts.  

                       NOTE 3:  Engineers holding seniority at a given location will be used as trainers unless business levels are such that it would create a shortage or continue a shortage of engineers at that location.  In these instances,  trainers from an area of surplus may be used.  In Notes 2 and 3, field rides will only be given after a peer trainer is familiar with the territory.

                 3.      (a) The Local Chairmen will collect the applications and review them with the designated Carrier Officer.  If the list of applicants is equal to or greater than twice the number of positions posted, the two parties will then eliminate one name each on an alternating basis (Local Chairmen first) until the number remaining equal the number of trainer positions posted.

                       (b) If the number of applicants is less than twice the number, the Local Chairman and Carrier Officer may accept the list as is to make their selections or they may add to the list (Carrier Officer first) until twice the number of engineers are on the list.  The parties will then finalize the list per (a) above.  

                     (c ) The engineers selected will be designated as Trainers subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement.

                       NOTE 1:  The non-selection of an engineer as a trainer does not reflect on the ability of an engineer to handle a train but recognizes that trainer skills are different skills.  

                     NOTE 2:   Should the Local Chairmen not produce a list of applicants and/or proposed trainers, then the General Chairman will do so in a timely manner.  

             4.      (a) Peer trainers may be used for any training needs for engineers or the public such as but not limited to:  

                     (1)    Rules exams.

                     (2)    Check rides - pre-certification, familiarization and others.

                     (3)    Red Block.

                     (4)    Operation Life Saver.

                     (5)    New equipment - including distributive power.

                     (6)    Simulator.

                     (7)    Pilot service - terminal and road familiarization in connection with mergers, trackage rights, new ID runs, etc.  

                     (b) Classroom peer trainers will be primarily used in classroom settings, including rules exams, Red Block, Operation Life Saver, etc.  

                     (c ) Field peer trainers will be primarily used in the field including check rides, hostler training, new equipment, simulators, pilot service, etc.  

                     (d) Employees designated as both classroom and field peer trainers may be used in either capacity.  The two classifications of trainers are meant as guidelines and it is recognized that work in each area will overlap and claims will not be filed because of any overlap.  

               5.     The Carrier may require additional training for peer trainers designed to enhance their ability to perform peer training duties.  When sent to another location for additional training or to train others, they will be reimbursed for actual travel expenses as arranged by the Carrier.  Employees who receive permission to drive their own automobile will be reimbursed at the then current mileage rate. Employees must turn in expense account forms showing actual travel and meal expenses and receipts where required by Carrier policy.  

               6.     When a training need arises, the Carrier will select a peer trainer(s) from the pool of trainers and assign the trainer(s) to the assignment.  If the assignment is anticipated to be 30 days or less, the vacancy, caused by the trainer leaving their regular assignment, will be treated as a temporary vacancy under existing rules. If it is anticipated that the vacancy will be for 31 days or longer, then as a permanent vacancy under existing rules.  

               7.     Peer trainers shall be paid as follows:

                      (a) Trainers who work in a classroom or simulator setting shall be paid $230 per day.  

                      (b) Trainers who work in the field (on moving locomotive units) will be paid the greater of $230 per day or one hundred fifteen (115) percent of their prior year earnings used to determine their 1/52 vacation pay.  The percentage amount shall be divided by 365 and a daily rate shall be established.  

                      (c ) The rate ($230 or 115 o/o) shall be paid for each day the trainer is withheld from their regular assignment due to their training assignment. The payment, either the percentage amount or the minimum amount shall be for services rendered and no other payment, overtime or arbitrary shall be paid.  

                             Example 1: The trainer, working in pool freight service, is notified to teach rules exams the following week beginning on Monday.  If his/her pool turn normally would arrive back in town no later than Saturday at 11:59 p.m.,  he/she will work the turn and begin training Monday through Friday and be paid five days at $230 per day. ff his/her pool turn leaves on Friday (the last day of training) and returns on Saturday, then he/she will receive another day's pay for Saturday.  If the original pool turn does not leave until the Saturday before the training begins, the trainer will be paid two additional days at $230 for the Saturday/Sunday missed days of the regular turn.                                                    

                             .Example 2: The rate using the percentage factor is $265 per day.  A trainer is used to work with an engineer on distributed power between two terminals. The trainer is used on Monday to the far terminal and Tuesday back, the same days his regular assignment worked.  The trainer is paid $265 per day.  

                        (d)    Ant engineer working as a trainer wil be treated as occupying the "highest rated position available" for purposes of computing any applicable protection.

                  (e) It is understood that all time spent serving in any program addressed by this Agreement is considered the same as marked up and available for guarantee purposes.  Such time will also be considered as compensated service for the purpose of calculating vacation qualification and vacation earnings.