Annual Vacation and Banked time

November 2, 2006

Brothers and Sisters,

Yesterday at negotiations, the company told us that one of the reasons that they are short staffed is because of banked time. They informed us that supervisors, in an "...effort to increase morale..." cannot say 'no' when an employee asks to take time off and use their banked time.

This came as quite a surprise to us, as we realize that the real reason they are shortstaffed is because the wages (including step rates), expenses and work rules do not compete well with the current job market. We also realize that CPRail cut jobs excessively over the last few years, while employees kept retiring, leaving them understaffed.

Lastly, this statement goes against everything we see and hear on the crews and in the workplace concerning supervisors attempting to improve morale.

We have dozens of cases of employees being denied their actual annual vacation (as well as earned banked time). I did ask the Manager who made this claim, if he would supply me with a list of these supervisors who can't say "No", so that we can verify their claim. He of course, refused.

So, now I am coming to you. I know that there are decent supervisors out there who treat the employees fairly and I will not dispute this. However, I believe the supervisors who put production first (and in doing so, increase their personal bonus) are far more prevalent.

We are currently collecting names of members who have been denied vacation and denied the banked time off and in one night, it has become an extensive list. If you have been denied vacation or banked time (for any reason) please contact your Director or myself, so that we can be fully prepared with the evidence in hand while bargaining this issue.

Fraternally,

Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED