December 21, 2006

Brothers and Sisters,

Tomorrow most of you will be going home early (that is if some Grinch out there doesn't demand "8 hours work, for eight hours pay" again this year). It is the start of the Christmas weekend, with Monday and Tuesday being general holidays.

It is a time of relaxation and family. A time of joy and celebration and of reflection. It is our rest and we've earned it.

Many of you though, won't be able to take all four days off in a row.

The snow fighters will still have to keep the line clear, the cold will still snap rails and the patrols must still be done. There will no doubt be a few locations with, early morning or late night, call outs. The B&S guys will still be fixing a few snow melters or frozen water lines. Loaders, bobcats and graders will still be running, moving snow and cleaning parking lots, access roads and platforms.

All in the service of the railway and to insure its safe and efficient operation. We do not do it solely for the overtime. We do it because it is our job and we are proud that we are the front line against the onslaught of the elements. We are proud that we are the reason that this railway runs.

We are not simply railroaders, we are the 'right of way' itself. The trains do not simply run on the rails, they run on our sweat, our dedication, our effort and our sacrifice. We are Teamsters. We are Family. We are proud and we are strong.

So for those of us that have a few days off, let us not forget that we have Brothers and Sisters out there, in the dead of night, in the freezing cold .... getting the job done. And even if the company does not always seem appreciative, let us recognize the effort that they give and the duty that they perform and let us keep them in our hearts and prayers that they all come off shift... healthy, safe and well.

Merry Christmas everyone. Stay safe, stay well, stay strong.

In solidarity, gratitude and friendship

Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED