July 27, 2007 - To download a copy of the letters sent by the "Joint Plan Committee" concerning changes to"The Railroad Emplyees National Health and Welfare Plan" click this message. (download in Adobe .pdf format)

July 27, 2007 - The following message is from General Chairman John Koonce concerning the National Health and Welfare Plan:

Brothers,
 
This change only effects those areas that do not have a managed care plan (MMCP).
 
On July 16, 2007 a letter was addressed to all employees and their dependents that are presently in a comprehensive (CHCB) health and welfare plan. This letter advises that you make a choice of entering a managed care (MMCP) plan through (1) Aetna, (2) Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield or (3) United Health Care.
 
THIS LETTER MUST BE COMPLETED AND SENT BACK BY AUGUST 10, 2007 in order for you to be entered into a managed care plan. I know this is short notice but it is for the special enrollment to cover 2007 to become effective September 1, 2007.
 
Please note that there is no difference in the MMCP plans themselves but only in who the administrator is and maybe who the doctors are in your area.
 
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU CHECK THE DOCTORS OUT IN EACH OF THE THREE PLAN ADMISTRATORS FOR A DOCTOR (OR YOUR DOCTOR) NEAR YOU.
 
The information provided to this GCA was that the plan changes would not be until October 1, 2007 but it is evident that this has changed and the change will take place SEPTEMBER 1, 2007. 
 
Also the July 16, 2007 letter is for the year 2007 and another letter will come out sometime in September/October for enrollment for the year 2008.
 
What it seems to me is this special 2007 enrollment is limited to those who fill out the for by August 10, 2007 and if you don't fill out the enrollment you will not be in managed care for the rest of 2007 but will get another form for the year 2008. Not filling out the form could cost you if you have any major medical bills.
 
Also please note that once the change is made the employee contribution will be under Managed Care instead of Comprehensive Care found in Article 22 Section 1.
 
Fraternally,
John Koonce

July 4, 2007 - The following was emailed to the CN/IC membership of Our General Committee. The attachments that are refered to in this email can be down loaded from the Agreement Page of this site:

CN/IC Brothers/Sisters,  

Following are portions of the new 2007 National Agreement, which became effective July 1, 2007, that apply to our Health/Welfare benefits (Article 22, Section 1) under the CN/IC collective bargaining agreement. I also attached the complete 2007 National Agreement and Synopsis for your ready reference.

I was in contact with the National Division concerning the date when Article IV, Part A, Section 2(a) would apply. The anticipated date is estimated to be in October 2007. This article pertains to Brothers/Sisters who are currently in a CHCB (comprehensive) area. I currently do not have the complete “map” of anticipated MMCP (managed care) coverage, but, I was told the entire CN/IC membership would be in MMCP. I will update you on this issue as information is received by this office.  

Do not hesitate to contact me in further explanations are needed.
Frats for Now!
Mark Whitchurch, 1st VGC-Sec/Treas
BLE-T/GCA-CN/IC  

Please note:     The levels of “cost sharing” in the 2007 National Agreement do not apply to Engineers covered by the CN/IC agreement which is currently $25 for CHCB (comprehensive care) and $50 for MMCP (managed care).

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CN/IC-BLE-T Agreement
ARTICLE 22 - BENEFITS

Section 1 Health & Welfare

Employees coming under the scope of this Agreement, along with their dependents, and retirees, if any, will be subject to the provisions of the BLET National Health and Welfare Plan, including contributions provided for therein, based on the following:  

Year                 Managed Care Monthly Contribution/Amount to Flex             Comprehensive Care Contribution/Amount to Flex

August 1, 2006                                                $50 / $25                                                                                 $25 / $25

August 1, 2007                                                $75 / $25                                                                                 $25 / $25

August 1, 2008                                                $75 / $25                                                                                 $25 / $25

August 1, 2009                                                $100 / $0                                                                                 $25 / $25

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2007 BLE-T National Agreement - Synopsis of Article IV - Health & Welfare:

 Expansion of Managed Care (MMCP) Networks which will provide in-network benefits and co- pays to employees who cannot obtain them today.

 MMCP In-network availability for over 95% of all employees, up from 75% today.

 Changes to in-network co-pays to pay for network expansion as follows:

 Visit to family doctor will increase from $15 to $20

 Visit to specialist will increase from $15 to $35

 ER visit (when not admitted as patient) will increase from $30 to $50

 Prescription drugs co-pay:

     Retail - $10 generic; $20 brand name; $30 non-formulary
                Mail order - $20 generic; $30 brand name; $60 non-formulary

 Side Letter Number 8 preserves the National Flexible Benefits Program through December 31, 2009 and will continue the program beyond that time only if a minimum of 5% of eligible employees represented by the BLET sign up for participation in the program.

2007 BLE-T National Agreement - ARTICLE IV - HEALTH AND WELFARE

Part A - Plan Changes

Section 1 - Continuation of Plans

The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan (“the Plan”), the Railroad Employees National Dental Plan (“the Dental Plan”) , and the Railroad Employees National Vision Plan (“the Vision Plan”), modified as provided in this Article with respect to employees represented by the organization and their eligible dependents, will be continued subject to the provisions of the Railway Labor Act.

Section 2 – Plan Benefit Changes - MMCP

(a) The Plan’s Managed Medical Care Program (“MMCP”) will be offered to all employees in any geographic area where the MMCP is not currently offered and United Healthcare, Aetna , or Highmark BlueCross Blue Shield has a medical care network (“white space”). For purposes of this subsection, such “network” shall mean a “point-of-service” network in the case of United Healthcare and Aetna , and a preferred provider network in the case of Highmark BlueCross BlueShield. Employees who live in a white space may choose between coverage under MMCP or the Comprehensive Health Care Benefit, subject to subsection (b) below.

(b) The parties may, by mutual agreement and subject to such evaluation and conditions as they may deem appropriate, designate specific geographic areas within the white space as mandatory MMCP locations. Employees who live in mandatory MMCP locations shall not have a choice between CHCB and MMCP coverage, but shall be enrolled in the MMCP.

(c) United Healthcare and Aetna , respectively, shall apply “nationwide market reciprocity” to employees and their dependents who are enrolled in MMCP. The term “nationwide market reciprocity” is intended to mean, by way of example, that a person enrolled in MMCP with UHC in market A is permitted to get in-network MMCP benefits from a UHC point-of-service network provider in market B.

(d) This Section shall become effective with respect to employees covered by this Agreement on July 1, 2007 or as soon thereafter as practicable.

  Section 3 - Design Changes To Contain Costs

 (a) The Plan’s Managed Medical Care Program (“MMCP”) shall be revised as follows:

 (1) The Office Visit Co-Payment for In-Network Services shall be increased to $20.00 for each office visit to a provider in general practice or who specializes in pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, family practice or internal medicine, and $35.00 for each office visit to any other provider;

(2) The Urgent Care Center Co-Payment for In-Network Services shall be increased to $25.00 for each visit;

(3) The Emergency Room Co-Payment for In-Network Services shall be increased to at least $50.00 for each visit, but if the care received meets the applicable Plan definition of an Emergency, the Plan will reimburse the employee for the full amount paid for such care, except for $25.00 if the visit does not result in hospital admission. For purposes of this Paragraph, the phrase “at least” shall be interpreted and applied consistent with practice under the Plan preceding the date of this Agreement;

(4) The Annual Deductible for Out-of-Network Services shall be increased to $300.00 per individual and $900.00 per family;

(5) The Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum for Out-of-Network Services shall be increased to $2,000 per individual and $4,000 per family.

 (b) The Plan’s Comprehensive Health Care Benefit shall be revised as follows:

             (1) The Annual Deductible shall be increased to $200.00 per individual and $400.00 per family;

            (2) The Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum shall be increased to $2,000 per individual and $4,000 per family.

(c) The Plan’s Prescription Drug Card Program co-payments to In-Network Pharmacies per prescription are revised as follows:

(1) Generic Drug – increase to $10.00;

(2) Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug On Program Administrator’s Formulary – increase to $20.00;

(3) Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug Not On Program Administrator’s Formulary – increase to $30.00;

(4) Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug on Program Administrator’s Formulary that is not ordered by the patient’s physician by writing “Dispense as Written” on the prescription and there is an equivalent Generic Drug --increase to $20.00 plus the difference between the Generic Drug and the Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug;

(5) Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug Not On Program Administrator’s Formulary that is not ordered by the patient’s physician by writing “dispense as Written” on the prescription and there is an equivalent Generic Drug --increase to $30.00 plus the difference between the Generic Drug and the Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug.

 (d) The Plan’s Mail Order Prescription Drug Program co-payments per prescription are revised as follows:

(1) Generic Drug – increase to $20.00;

(2) Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug On Program Administrator’s Formulary – increase to $30.00;

(3) Brand Name (Non-Generic) Drug Not on Program Administrator’s Formulary – increase to $60.00.

 (e) For purposes of the Plan, the term “children” as used in connection with determining “Eligible Dependents” under the Plan, shall be defined as follows:

“Children include: natural children, stepchildren, adopted children (including children placed with you for adoption), and your grandchildren, provided they have their legal residence with you and are dependent for care and support mainly upon you and wholly, in the aggregate, upon themselves, you, your spouse, scholarships and the like, and governmental disability benefits and the like.”

 (f) The definition of the term “children”, as used in connection with determinations of “Eligible Dependents” under the terms of the Dental Plan and the Vision Plan, respectively, shall be revised as provided in subsection (e) above.

(g) Blue Cross Blue Shield programs that are currently available under the Plan will be made available for selection by employees covered by this Agreement who choose coverage under the MMCP in all areas where the MMCP is made available under the Plan and throughout the United States for selection by such employees who choose coverage under the CHCB.

(h) The design changes contained in this Section shall become effective on July 1, 2007 or as soon thereafter as practicable.

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Side Letter #3 (IN PART)

Dear Mr. Hahs:

This confirms our understanding regarding Article IV – Health And Welfare of the Agreement of this date. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, it is mutually understood and agreed that:

1                    The Plan Design Changes contained in Article IV, Part A, Section 3 will be made effective as soon as feasible after the date of the Agreement and in no event later than August 1, 2007.

2                    The Plan Benefit Change set forth in Article IV, Part A, Section 2(c) will be made effective on the same date as the changes in Paragraph 1 above.

3                    The Plan Benefit Change set forth in Article IV, Part A, Section 2(a) will be made effective as soon as feasible after the date of the Agreement….  

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Side Letter #8 (IN PART)  

Dear Mr. Hahs:

This confirms our understanding regarding the Agreement of this date.

If the number of employees represented by the BLET who elect participation in the Railroad Employees National Flexible Benefits Program (the “Program”) for calendar year 2009 does not equal or exceed five (5) percent of all employees represented by the BLET eligible to make such election, the Program shall be terminated effective with respect to employees represented by the BLET midnight on December 31, 2009……

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July 3, 2007 - The 2007 National Agreement and Synopsis has been added to the Agreement Page.

June 26, 2007 - The following link is to Circular Letter 02-2007 from General Chairman John R. Koonce. This refers to NRAB First Division Award No. 26050 which deals with an on duty injury where the Engineer was assessed deferred suspension.    Circular Letter 02-2007

May 10, 2007 - Follow this link to a "Roll Sunday" calender for CN Brothers/Sisters.

May 8, 2007 - Just a reminder...Know your contract. When violations occur contact your Local Chairman and submit the appropriate grievance claim! Source of Supply violations and operating to "other than" your Home Terminal after laying over are just a few examples of violations which happen frequently on CN seniority Districts 5, 6 and 7. Do not hesitate contacting your Local Chairman or Vice-General Chairman.

September 29, 2006 - Labor Employer Reporting Instructions, Labor Employer Reporting Instructions, Part III - Principles of Service and Compensation, Part IV - Particular Types of Compensation Payments

The following link is information from the Railroad Retirement Board regarding service credits and vacation pay.

Labor Employer Reporting Instructions

September 26, 2006 - Attention All CN/IC/CCP Engineers - Important Notice Regarding your 2007 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

As a result of your move to the National Plan of benefits, effective 1/1/2007 any elections you wish to make for employee contributions to a Health Care or Dependent Care spending account will be made through United Healthcare (UHC), the National Plan FSA administrator. You should have already received your 2007 National Plan open enrollment materials from UHC, which includes information on the new FSA plan that you are eligible for.  

As in previous years, CN will continue to contribute $25 of your employee cost share to a Health Care FSA on your behalf.  This employer contribution, which is normally $300 per year if you are active all year, will continue to be administered through WageWorks as it is in 2006.  In late 2006 you will receive a new Debit Card that can be used for eligible expenses for the 2007 plan year and additional information regarding your WageWorks account.  Note: Your WageWorks account will only house the employer contribution of up to $300 for 2007.  Any additional amount that you elect will be administered through the National Plan.

 If you have any questions regarding the employer contribution amounts you may contact the CN Benefit Service Center at 800-253-1273.  Any questions regarding the National Plan FSA benefit should be directed to United Health Care at 800-842-9905.

September 19, 2006 - International Brotherhood of Teamsters - Notice of Officer Candidate Forum

The following link is for the official notice of Officer Candidate Forum:

data/IBT_election_plan_2006/Notice Candidate Forum 060919.pdf

 

September 14, 2006 - International Brotherhood of Teamsters - Notice of Election

The following link is for the official notice of election for International IBT officers:

data/IBT_election_plan_2006/2006_election_notice.pdf

 

August 18, 2006 - Advisory from CN Crew Management Center

Will be on out of the Office on Vacation, beginning Friday August 18, 2006 returning Monday August 28, 2006.

For any " URGENT " matters I can be reached on my Cell Phone - 312 - 339 - 0403, for all other matters please contact,

TIMEKEEPING ISSUE'S:    John Ferry  - Ext  3042    Fred Gonzalez - Ext 3046

T & E - BULLETIN REQUEST / CHANGES:    Andrew Furtell - Ext 3608

STANDING BID ISSUES:    Karl Gimpel - Ext  6576    Dave Cook - Ext 6576 or 3865    Donna Sirtak - Ext 6576 or 3865

VACATION / PLD's or ANY OTHER ISSUES:    Nanette Machay - Ext 6551

August 18, 2006 - Advisory from GC John Koonce - Retirees Life Insurance

Brothers:
 
As a matter of information there are qualifications connected to the $2000 paid up life insurance policy. (In the CN/IC case two policies).  
The qualifications would be as follows: 
Another interesting point is make sure your beneficiary forms are up to date. It is my understanding that the employees are sent beneficiary update forms every year so there is not any reason to make sure they are kept up to date.
 
It would be wise to make an extra copy of the blank form with your important papers in case you retire and there needs to be a change.
 
Fraternally,
John Koonce

August 9, 2006 - CN Health/Welfare Problems...

Brothers,
 
After phone call, after phone call and after discussions with CN Benefits Department and discussions with CN Benefits Department here lies the problem (if you or a member happens to be experiencing one).
 
One set of forms was supposed to be filled out by each employee and sent to United Health Care. On this form you either selected United Health Care or BCBS Highmark (some areas Aetna).
 
You are also transferred into Medco for prescription drug benefit, VSP National Plan for eye care, Aetna for Dental and MetLife for life insurance ($20,000, $16,000 and $2,000).
 
All the information is contingent on when United Health Care gets the forms you filled out and the information you entered on the forms.
 
United Health Care then  enters the information in their system (on certain days of the week)and distributes it to Medco, VSP, Aetna and MetLife. Each of them in turn enters the information into their system (most likely on certain days of the week too). 
 
If you or a member has an immediate need from one of the above providers and the provider do not have the information on you or your dependents then YOU NEED TO FIRST CALL UNITED HEALTH CARE 1-800-842-5252 or any other UHC toll free number (they all seem to get to the same recording).
 
When you finally get to speak to a Costumer Service Representative they can guide you on how to get your information to the right place - You can also give them the information over the phone.
 
When we negotiated this change we had high hopes of a smooth transition, but it didn't happen. We had hopes of an early transition, but it didn't happen. We had hopes of early meeting to get the information to you and the membership, but it didn't happen.
 
As much as we tried we couldn't force anyone to meet early and the CN either didn't or couldn't force the issue either. Anyway, here is where we are and we have to make the best of what we got and use of the information that we are provided. I will say I am quite disappointed in the whole fiasco and am also in the memberships turnouts at the H&W meetings - but I understand work schedules and rest cycles so lets try and get through this transition the best we can.
 
Anyone having trouble getting United Health Care to take their information should report it to Mark Whitchurch or myself ASAP. I don't believe this will happen but just in case don't sit on it.
 
Fraternally,
John Koonce 

Health/Welfare Meeting Locations:

July 31 - Memphis - 9am
2921 Horn Lake Road
Car Department Conference Room
CN Rep - None in attendance
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne
BLE-T - Mark Whitchurch, VGC-Sec/Treas

July 31 - Memphis - 5pm
2921 Horn Lake Road
Car Department Conference Room
CN Rep - None in attendance
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne
BLE-T - Mark Whitchurch, VGC-Sec/Treas

August 1 - Jackson - 9am
2665 North Mill Street
Jackson, MS  39216
Mechanical Conference Room
CN Rep - None in attendance
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne
BLE-T - Mark Whitchurch, VGC-Sec/Treas

August 1 - Jackson - 5pm
2665 North Mill Street
Jackson, MS  39216
Mechanical Conference Room
CN Rep - None in attendance
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne
BLE-T - Mark Whitchurch, VGC-Sec/Treas

August 2 - Baton Rouge - 9am
Transportation Department Conference Room
2400 N. Riverside Drive
CN Rep - None in attendance
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne
BLE-T - Mark Whitchurch, VGC-Sec/Treas

August 2 - Baton Rouge - 5pm
Transportation Department Conference Room
2400 N. Riverside Drive
CN Rep - None in attendance
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne
BLE-T - Mark Whitchurch, VGC-Sec/Treas

July 29, 2006 - CN Health/Welfare Contact Information for problems with enrollment forms - Message in part from CN Benefits Director, Melissa Fountain.

 

July 14, 2006 - CN Health/Welfare, Default Plan Administer Cards

As of this date, many CN Engineers have received cards from their default plan administrator. The cards were sent in case anyone did not send their insurance enrollment forms in timely, they would be covered. If you have not sent in your enrollment form, do it ASAP. You can confirm that your choices (Highmark, Aetna or United HealthCare) are in the system by contacting United HealthCare at 800-842-5252 or CN Benefits at 1-800-253-1273.

July 9, 2006 - CN Health/Welfare Meeting Schedule

July 17 - Woodcrest 10am
17750 S. Ashland Ave.
Superintendent's Conference Room
CN Rep - Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 17 - Teleconference 2pm
Call In Number: 708-225-5465  or 888-427-7443 
Meeting number: 8651
CN Rep - Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 17 - Homewood 6pm
17641 S. Ashland Ave
Detroit Conference Room
CN Rep - Roselyn Roberts
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 21 - Waterloo - 10am
Park Place Event Centre
Fountainside Conference Room
Technology Parkway/Hudson Road
Cedar Falls Iowa
CN Rep - Gary Anderson
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 21 - Waterloo - 6pm
Park Place Event Centre
Fountainside Conference Room
Technology Parkway/Hudson Road
Cedar Falls Iowa
CN Rep - Gary Anderson
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 24 - Champaign - 10am
Holiday Inn
1001 Kilarney Drive
CN Rep - Lynne Radanovich
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 24 - Champaign - 6pm
Holiday Inn
1001 Kilarney Drive
CN Rep - Lynne Radanovich
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 25 - Teleconference 2pm
Call In Number: 708-225-5465  or 888-427-7443 
Meeting number: 7176
CN Rep - Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 26 - Mt Vernon - 10am
Holiday Inn
Derrick Room
222 Potomic Blvd
CN Rep - Roselyn Roberts
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 26 - Mt Vernon - 6pm
Holiday Inn
Derrick Room
222 Potomic Blvd
CN Rep - Roselyn Roberts
UHC Rep - Karyn Gordon

July 31 - Memphis - 9am
2921 Horn Lake Road
Car Department Conference Room
CN Rep -Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne

July 31 - Memphis - 5pm
2921 Horn Lake Road
Car Department Conference Room
CN Rep -Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne

August 1 - Jackson - 9am
2665 North Mill Street
Jackson, MS  39216
Mechanical Conference Room
CN Rep -Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne

August 1 - Jackson - 5pm
2665 North Mill Street
Jackson, MS  39216
Mechanical Conference Room
CN Rep -Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne

August 2 - Baton Rouge - 9am
Transportation Department Conference Room
2400 N. Riverside Drive
CN Rep -Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne

August 2 - Baton Rouge - 5pm
Transportation Department Conference Room
2400 N. Riverside Drive
CN Rep -Melissa Fountain
UHC Rep - Charlene Payne

February 7, 2006 - CN Crew Calling Information    Click on this link to retrieve a document which has the new phone numbers to the crew callers. click here

February 7, 2006 - CN Health/Welfare correspondence: The following are correspondence between Our General Chairman and CN Union Benefits Advisor:

Mr. Koonce,

Yes, I will be your point of contact in the benefits department going forward.

Here are the Service Center numbers:
Benefit Service Center: 800-391-4428, updated to 800-253-1273
Retirement Service Center: 800-626-8567

You make an excellent point regarding communication and going forward we will be sure that any communication that goes from CN to the BLET members in relation to benefits is also sent to your office.

Regarding the move the National Plan H&W, Gary Anderson and I had a brief meeting a few week ago with Mark Whitchurch and we will continue to meet with him in coming months to work out any issues and address any concerns.  We intend to do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition to the National Plan for your members. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thank you,

Melissa Fountain
Advisor, CN Union Benefits

This email message, including any attachment's) is for the sole use of the intended recipient's) and may contain confidential information.  Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is strictly prohibited.  If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately contact the sender by email.

Dear Ms Fountain:
 
Thank you for your help and information provided. 
First, No, I did not know Janice was leaving us. She will be missed. 
Second, I am reproducing part of your email and will explain:
 
Additional Helpful Information
As you may already be aware, we have a Benefits Service Center set up at CN to assist employees with their benefit issues and questions.  This should be the first point of contact for any issues that our employees are experiencing with our benefit vendors (Wage Works, FlexBen, BCBS, Caremark etc).  Using the Benefit Service Center will help your members to receive quick resolution to their issues.  The Benefit Service Center is the Tier 1 customer service line for benefits.  If the Benefit Service Center can not resolve this issue it is escalated to the correct person in the CN Benefits group.

No, I am not familiar with the Benefits Service Center that you are talking about. I have been given different numbers - ever changing - but if there is a center that employees and retirees can call and talk to someone I would like to have that number. Finally, the new FSA Vendor and Debit Card has only one problem - there was not any information decimated to my Office so when I received calls I could speak to the matter.
 
Communication Regarding New FSA Vendor & Debit Card
Our 2005 provider FlexBen was acquired by WageWorks, this acquisition required us to move to the WageWorks platform for the 2006 plan year.  The WageWorks platform includes the distribution of a Health Care Choice Debit Card that allows you to access your Health Care FSA account balance.    The 2006 open enrollment materials included a section regarding the new FSA vendor for 2006, this section noted that this card would be available and directed employees to review the WageWorks brochure for more information.  The full color WageWorks brochure was included in each of the open enrollment packages.  
 
You have to understand when a person gets a credit card in the mail and a nice color brochure - but that same person doesn't understand why they received it they are reluctant to use them. One of the most important things that the Benefit Department can do is provide my office with the information it is providing the BLET membership. Also, am I to understand that you will now be the person that I will be dealing with?
 
I ask this because, as you should be aware of, on August 1, 2006, the BLET will be changing over to the National Health and Welfare Plan. There has been discussions that we try and get all the needed information out to the BLET membership well in advance so they can make a determination to what provider they are going to choose. My First Vice General Chairman will be heading up the BLET's part in this matter and he will have to know who his contact person is.
 
Again, thank you for the information provided and please send me the information I need for the Benefits Department.
 
John Koonce, General Chairman  BLET

January 11, 2006 - The results of the Nomination Meeting that were held today at IBT Local 662 meeting hall in Memphis, TN are as follows:

                                    Delegate (by acclimation) - Mark Whitchurch, VGC-Sec/Treas BLET/GCA-CN/IC
                              Alternate Delegate (by acclimation) - David Howell, Local Chairman Local Division 23

December 28, 2005 - Contract Proposal is ratified by majority vote, 235 - Yes and 72 - No. The wage increases will take effect January 1, 2006. Health and Welfare changes will take effect August 1, 2006. Click here to view and/or copy the rate table (MS Excel format).

November 28, 2005 - Contract proposal is sent out to CN/IC membership for ratification. Use the following links for more information:

    Proposed and Initialed CN/IC Agreement changes
    Spreadsheet showing wage increase
    Proposal Cover Letter
    Proposal Summary
    National Health/Welfare Plan
    

July 10, 2005 - Head On Train wreck claims the Lives of four Crew Members on CN near Bentonia, MS. To view pictures taken from the scene, go to:    www.wlbt.com

April 15, 2005 - This link has various Health/Welfare/Vision/Dental plans that can be downloaded in .pdf format:     http://www.nrlc.ws/benefits/toc.htm

January 18, 2005 - This link, "KCS Power Assisted Switch," contains information which briefly explains their mechanical and electronically operating systems.

January 5, 2005 - Note from Our General Chairman concerning Human Factor/Circadian Rhythm Questionnaire & FAQ's:    

Brothers:    Please download and print the files to distribute to our membership. I have agreed that this is a worth while project that could bring light to fatigue problems if we all take the time to have the forms filled out. This project is completely confidential and can benefit all, in saying that please provide the data provided to anyone who is charged with the cardinal rule violations and ask them to fill the forms out. (FILES: ltr-frm1    ltr-frm2)
Fraternally - John Koonce

January 5, 2005 - Brothers of Our General Committee, We are trying to get all the email addresses of Our General Committee Membership in order to get information to You quicker. Please send your email address and your Local Division number to: bletgcacnic@charter.net

December 8, 2004 - Letters from General Chairman John Koonce to (click the link to read):

Emerson Bouchard, VP/LR-KCC

BLE-T Membership, KCS (MidSouth, SouthRail & KCS Divisions 8 & 109)

November 9,10 - KCS New Prescription Eyewear Program. Click Here to Download.

November 2 - CN Optional Flexible Spending Account 2005 Enrollment Form must be submitted prior to November 12, 2004 if you opt to make additional contributions. Click here to Download.

October 18 - Engineers of Seniority District 8. The Standing Bid System (SBS) implementation committee will address issues/concerns and work with Engineers to properly fill-out and submit their initial board adjustment bid cards. The following are links to download SBS information:

"Initialed" Standing Bid Agreement
Guidelines to Assist Engineers w/editing Standing Bid choices

September 20 - Engineers whom exercise seniority through the DESK FIVE Crew Caller. The Standing Bid System (SBS) implementation committee will address issues/concerns and work with Engineers to properly fill-out and submit their initial board adjustment bid cards. The following are links to download SBS information:

"Initialed" Standing Bid Agreement
Guidelines to Assist Engineers w/Standing Bid choices

August 16 - Brother W.G. Foley passed away on August 16. He was a Brother of BLE-T Division 23. Our Prayers and Sympathy are extended to Brother Foley's family and friends.

August 27 - BLE-T General Chairman's reply to UTU's web postings:

Warner Biedenharn
General Chairman, UTU                                                                August 27, 2004

Warner:

It is unfortunate that I am having to waste my time writing this but in light of what you and your international has posted about YOU and the UTU defending and negotiating Engineers on the CN (IC/CCP) I feel that I have to respond. 

Although I see that someone has felt that they have placed the preverbal foot in their mouth and hurriedly had the Captions changed on the UTU web cite post to read "UTU DEFENDS CN OPERATING CREWS" from "UTU defends CN engineers, trainmen", I must say it was a little too late I don't know what you guys were sniffing but you and your UTU International are like a bull tied to a tree next to a heard of heifers if you think you are to defend or negotiate for locomotive engineers on the IC or CCP.  

In the future - before you or your International Officers make such haphazard asinine bold statements your should read BLET Article 28 Section 1 A, which states: 

I surely thought you would have known this BLET rule since it is the same one you adopted from my June 28, 2002, Agreement - word for word - just changing BLE to UTU in your July 28, 2003, Agreement. UTU Rule 28 A - does that ring a bell? 

So my question is this - what do you think it is that gives you the right to purport that you would defend, much less negotiate for Locomotive Engineers on the CN (IC or CCP)? 

I was at attendance at the CN General Chairmen's Association Meeting, held in Chicago on July 14, 2004, when you made your little speech to Ms K. A. Madigan, VP Labor Relations. At no time did YOU discuss anything to do with engineers - i.e. "We had engineers and conductors feeling dizzy and not able to think clearly because of their elevated body heat levels."   

First of all if you will check the LIFE - CN/IC US Safety Rule Book you will find that Locomotive Engineers are obligated to wear the reflective equipment only while off of the locomotive and not on it. And since we do not operate locomotive by remote control it would be only a minimal amount of time the Locomotive Engineer would be required to wear the vest unless he/she just chose to wear it, e.g., walking to and from the locomotive.  

Further, I do not believe I represent any Engineers that belong to the BLET that would not have enough sense to take the vest off while inside the locomotive cab operating the engine - maybe it was one of the few UTU-E engineers that I represent that didn't have enough since to take the vest off before he felt dizzy.  I am also sure the dizzy engineer would not be a BLET GTW Engineer since they also have exclusive representation. Anyway, what ever the case may be I would still have the exclusive right of representation, which would be a simple matter of telling this dizzy UTU-E person to take the vest off while in the locomotive cab.  

As for the matter of your  UTU-designated negotiating team headed by you and Dave Hiatt - go ahead and negotiate the hell out of things for the trainmen but it should be clear that you do not negotiate for Engineers on the CN (IC/CCP) and any acceptable solution to any problems will be met and handled by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.  

Warner, I hope I have expressed myself in the clearest manner possible, that I do not appreciate you posting on the UTU GCA and National Web that the UTU purports to defend or negotiate anything for CN (IC/CCP) Engineers. The UTU's feeble attempt to change the language in the second posting is a clear indication that you still think that you can somehow purport representation of locomotive engineers on the CN (IC/CCP).  

In the future I hope you will make it clear that if you do decide to defend or negotiate for someone on these properties it will be for the trainmen only. 

John R. Koonce, General Chairman, BLET, IC/CCP(CN), Metra, MRC, SR, GWWR (KCS)

July 30, 2004 - CN/IC    Our 401(k) investment company transfer is now complete from American Express to Fidelity Investments. PLEASE NOTE!!! YOU HAVE NO DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY(S) until YOU SUBMIT THEM TO FIDELITY INVESTMENTS. BENEFICIARIES WERE NOT AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED from American Express to Fidelity Investments. If you have internet access, you can do this by clicking on the following hyperlink or calling 1-800-835-5095.

https://login.fidelity.com/ftgw/Fidelity/NBPart/Login/Init?AuthRedUrl=https://workplaceservices100.fidelity.com/NBHome.html

July 26, 2004 - CN/IC Brothers    Your General Chairman, 1st VGC and Illinois State Legislative Chairman met with the Federal Railroad Administration, CN & UTU representatives in a designated meeting of the "Fatigue Committee" to address the on going issue of work related "Fatigue." We are waiting on data from the CN such as on duty times at specific test locations. We will keep you advised on this issue.

July 13, 2004 - BLE-T/GCA-CN/IC Brothers    If you have information that would be beneficial to our Membership to view on Our web site or you would like to receive notice of Our web site updates via email, contact the Webmaster at:    bletgcacnic@charter.net

July 12, 2004 - BLE-T/GCA-CN/IC Brothers    Division 326's Trainman membership has grown tremendously in the past few months. Our hats are off to the recruiting efforts of the Brothers of this Division. Keep up the GREAT WORK Steve!

July 12, 2004 - CN/IC    The CATS System Pilot Project began today as scheduled. It allows the CATS System to be accessed via the Internet. The Pilot Project is scheduled to last for 30 days. At that time all Union Representatives that currently have VPN "Dial-up" access will be allowed access. If there are no problems with the new access it will be made available to all Operating Employees on September 7, 2004.

June 8, 2004 - CN/IC Standing Bid System - Engineers and Trainmen in Seniority District 11 are being instructed on submitting "Seniority Bids" on the Standing Bid System. There will be a test phase that will last approximately one and one half months before the "SBS" will be implemented on other Seniority Districts. Instructions & Agreement will be posted on our site.

April 5, 2004 - Email from CN/IC, Dona M. Amadio, Asst. Payroll Manager, (708)  332-3639 - When the employee's 401(k) contribution meets the maximum (this year $13,000), the system will discontinue taking the deduction.  The only exception would be if the employee is 55 or older and has elected to have an additional 3,000 withheld as a "catch-up" contribution. Dona M. Amadio, Asst. Payroll Manager, (708)  332-3639

February 19, 2004 - Former Gateway/Western Local Chairman of Division 8, Chuck Lynch, passed away on February 19. Our Prayers and Sympathy are extended to Brother Lynch's family and friends.

October 5, 2003 - "FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT REMINDER (CN/IC/CCP)" - You have $300.00 in your Flexible Spending Account that will be reimbursed to you for health care expenses as defined in Eligible Expenses (click to download) or IRS Publication 502 IRS, list of Eligible Expenses (click to download). If you have any questions call: 800-577-3322 (FlexBen Corporation)

    

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