September 15, 2005

Doug Edward               Randy Ferris               Don Becker

Local Chairman            Local Chairman         Local Chairman

TCRC (T)                     TCRC (C)                   TCRC (E)

Division 322                 Division 322               Division 322

Gentlemen :

This letter is in regards to the on going problems we are experiencing with getting crews in and off duty in a timely manner when notice is properly given by the crews to the RTC/NMC. 

We have several conversations on this subject as well the written grievances in reference to the 10 and 12-hour violations that have been occurring.

To attempt a resolve to this problem, I have issued a notice to the employees of the Medicine Hat terminal to ensure that they are using the secondary tie up screen to identify when they provided the proper notice.  As well I requested that they employees provide us with written documentation of these failures to both the unions and local Management.  This will allow us to conduct investigations in a timely manner and will also allow the NMC to respond with accurate information.  As you are well aware, when we do not have the information immediately after an incident occurs, it takes longer to get the information that is required and some times the accuracy is flawed.

I have also initiated some communications with my counterparts in the NMC. There are several issues that are related to why we have crews on trains longer than they should be and contribute towards our failure of the collective agreements and in particular the 10/12 hour violations. We are working together to resolve some of these as soon as possible.

One of the issues is the call figures accuracy. As you well know we have crews on duty waiting for trains for far too long, which adds to their time on duty and is a contributing factor the issue of not getting the trains over the road.  I am on a daily bases reviewing a report that identifies crews that are over the 10 hours, asking the NMC to explain the situation. 

This problem is not only a problem for the employees or the union representatives; it is a problem for the local managers as well.  My believe, is that we signed an agreement as a Company with your organizations in good faith and we must live up to the agreement.  The NMC knows my feelings on this topic and have assured me that they as well will be doing things from in side their shop to correct this problem.

To address each problem/situation in the future, I need the information just as quick as possible and I will assure you that it will be taken to the NMC for a response.

I hope that you find this response satisfactory to you recent e-mails and written grievance and if not please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Yours Truly

Greg Denham

Manager Road Operations

Medicine Hat