October 17, 2006 Certified Mail # 7005 0390 00031083 1121
To: Mr. Jeff Sliger
Dearborn Division Superintendent
17301 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
From: Robert L. Holbrook
UTU Local 194 Local Chairman
0450 East 450 South
Wolcottville, Indiana 46795
Dear Sir:
This letter concerns the brake stick rule and the shortage of lockers at Chicago, Cleveland and Peru.
First the brake stick rule on 5-22-06 I sent a memo to trainmaster Karrick that, I will enclose a copy of concerning this issue telling him I had
talked to Assistant Superintendent Mike Irwin requesting a standard rule for the Dearborn Division on brake sticks. I also discussed this
with you Mr. Sliger at one of our meetings at Elkhart, Indiana. Instructions vary depending on where you are working and even change
because of the availability of brake sticks at certain locations, only leading to confrontation on this rule sooner or later. One of the
employees the organizations represent will be told its ok today then will do the same thing another time and be charged with a rule
violation. You having instructions in the memo system as to how this rule applies can correct this.
Next the locker situation in Chicago, Cleveland and Peru where shortages continue and employees are required to carry extra weight with
them every day causing unnecessary exposure to injuries. There are State Laws in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio requiring lockers have
forwarded over 1000 claims to the General Chairman’s office for further handling and the claims continue. If this issue is not addressed it
will be another indication that safety is not that important to the Norfolk Southern.
Robert L. Holbrook
Cc: Mr. Delbert Strunk General Chairman
Mr. Tom Hensler Indiana Legislative Director