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Black Shirt Friday for all Railroaders
Caucus of Concerned Rail Workers Call for
Observance of a "Black Shirt Friday" June 19
Although
the day has passed this is something that we should always keep in mind.
A few weeks ago on Mother's Day, UTU Conductor Jared Boehlke was killed in the line of duty while working RCO alone in
Selkirk, NY. A few days later, BRS signal maintainer John Pichalski, Jr. was killed in Middletown, Pa. while repairing a damaged
railroad crossing. His death brought the total for 2009 to twelve.
At the
end of March, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued an appeal to all railroad organizations and employees for help
in stemming this disastrous record. The FRA letter said in part, "If a culture exists whereby workers feel they are put in
situations where they are making poor decisions for fear of losing their jobs, we must work together to change this culture.
The elimination of fatalities, injuries, and accidents depends upon it. "
To continue reading about black Friday please click here.
"RED SHIRT
FRIDAYS"
Show your solidarity amongst your fellow Communications and Signal brothers by wearing red on Fridays.
If you don't have "The Red Shirt" and are interested in "having" one please contact Bill White.
Rail Safety Improvement Act to be implemented soon.
Some of the provisions that will be affecting us have to do with training, certification and
hours of service reform. For more information click below:
For more information regarding the Rail Safety Improvement Act click here.

Is Representative Peter King Viable for the Senate?
Representative King has been a strong advocate for BRS
Local 56 and LIRR labor. He is a proven commodity who votes for what he feels is right, not the party line. It is imperative
that we consider a candidate who has actually earned our support.
Know Your Rights!
If
any carrier representative attempts to ask you questions that you feel
could possibly lead to discipline, you may refuse to answer till you have a union representative present that has
had the opportunity to discuss matters with you first.
Know your rights!
The carrier is under no obligation to tell
you that you may have a representative present, you must request one. Also, once you have made your request they are not allowed
to continue the questioning or try to talk you out of your representation.
Remember, we're in this together.
Click the link below for the F.R.A. Interpretation of Supervisions Entrance To The Exam Room Of an Injured Employee
Attention All Veterans(LIRR Sig and Comm)
The Long
Island Rail Road Asst. Signalman Phase 2 training program has been approved by the Veterans Administration for financial support
while enrolled in Phase 2 (retro active up to one year). If you are a Veteran who enrolled in the G.I. Bill, or for more info,
please contact Lori Ebbighousen from the training dept. at 718 558 3101 or Bill White at 516 697 2007.
Warm Weather
Safety
Wth the onset of spring we
need to be aware of sun exposure, drastic swings in temperature and even insects. For information on those issues and more
please visit our safety page.
Click here to visit our "Safety" page for more information.
To view pictures from the Communications Holiday/Retirement party please click here.
News & Events
Click here for Local 56 meeting schedule.
Have you sent us
your email address?
In an effort to streamline operations union officials have begun to compile an email database
of the membership. It is felt that this endeavor, along with other measures, will help to improve communication,
increase participation and ultimately reduce some of the operating expenses of the local. A strong response is
necessary for this undertaking to be sucessful and we hope that all who are able to participate will. Thank you.
To send email information direct please click here. (brslocal56b@lycos.com).
Local Chairman Bill White saves trucker - click here for article.
We want you...
Attend local lodge meetings, the more you participate, the stronger
we will be.
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