IX.           FAMILIARIZATION  

A. Employees will not be required to lose time or "ride the road" on their own time in order to qualify for the new operations. Employees taking familiarization trips shall be compensated at the rate of the trip taken or their regular assignment whichever is greater. Employees will be provided with a sufficient number of familiarization trips in order to become familiar with the new territory. Issues concerning individual qualifications shall be handled with local operating officers. The parties recognize that different terrain and train tonnage impact the number of trips necessary and the operating officer assigned to the merger will work with the local managers and local chairpersons in implementing this section. 

B. Prior to implementation the Carrier may begin familiarizing yard employees, both assigned and extra, on assignments in the Portland (Albina) terminal. The Local Chairperson and CMS will work together to rotate trainmen in the familiarization process.