October 13, 2006
A Letter to all Members of UTU Local 194
As you all know, the UTU at Elkhart, together with other Labor Organizations have withdrawn from all Carrier sponsored Committees at
Elkhart. This drastic action was taken, not because we do not support the goals of those committees, but because of the continuing
deterioration of Labor and Management cooperation both here at Elkhart and indeed across the entire Division. During the last two or
more years, our Terminal and Division achieved never before seen goals. The numbers of our people being injured were at an all time
low. RVD’s were scarce. Mutual respect and trust between Labor and management was working, as it should. The number of
investigations had diminished to very few. Morale was good and pride in working for the Norfolk Southern was growing. Discipline was
being used as a training or teaching tool rather than a punishment tool. Things were far, far from perfect, but we were all moving in the right
direction and we all felt that we were on the same team and reaching for the same goals.
Unfortunately, all those good things came to a rather abrupt halt several months ago. I certainly cannot explain the reason. Management
has chosen to blame the employees and the labor organizations. They have chose to revert to the iron-fisted rule and psychological terror
of years past.
As Chairman of the Local 194 Committee, I urge you to not be distracted from the professional and safe discharge of your duties while this
committee tries to deal with this unpleasant situation. We know that management has on many occasions during recent months questioned
local union officers and members alike, about a “slow down.” We all know that no such thing has ever been discussed or contemplated
except perhaps as shanty gossip. I believe that they would like to have someone tell them that we are hoping for a “slow down.” Don’t let
yourself be drawn into their fantasy, and even jokingly tell them we are going to do something, even if you think it would be cute to scare
them.
This committee can not, has not and will not sanction or threaten any kind of job action without going through the proper channels as
required by the United States Railway Labor Act. We have in the past, ask the UTU International Union for strike authority, when conditions
became unbearable. The President appointed and International Vice President to assist our Local in resolving the issues.
In closing, please continue to perform your job as the professional that we all are, keep your focus on doing your job safely, continue your full
compliance with the rules and use the available forms to report any safety concerns or intimidation and harassment to your local chairman
instead of the safety committee. Your Local committee wil continue to try to resolve the current state of unrest at Elkhart.
Bob Holbrook