Click Here to download a PDF of this claim book

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Information required when submitting a claim

When submitting the following claims, be sure to provide all the information requested in the sample claims. Complete details are necessary to ensure claims are paid. Many claims are denied in conference because of missing information. 

For any claim not included in this book, always provide: 

• On-duty date and time 

• Train symbol or job number 

• Description of what happened 

• Who instructed you to perform the work 

• Location (yard/track, etc.) 

• Car and track numbers (if applicable) 

• Start and stop times of the work performed 

• What you are claiming (Basic Day or Make-whole) 

When performing any work that triggers a special claim, you must list the start and end times. Time spent performing service that results in a penalty payment may be used to reduce overtime on the trip. If times are not listed, all overtime will be deducted.

Forwarding declined claims

When a claim is declined, it must be forwarded to your Local Chairman for progression. 

To forward a claim: 

1. In the emulator, go to Option 15, then select Option 3. 

2. All of your declined claims will be listed. 

3. Enter “F” in the space before the claim you want to forward. 

4. Enter the Local Chairman decline code at the bottom of the page. 

Tip: Press “F1” to list and browse all Local Chairmen.  Division 383 Local Chairman Codes: 

• Jake Howard (Needles) – 043

• Mike Yazzie (Barstow Yard) – 522

Claims for All Engineer Jobs

Annulment (AN)

If an employee’s job assignment (Local, Road Switcher, Work Train, or Yard job) is annulled and it is NOT a holiday, the employee should submit an annulment claim for all lost earnings. 

If annulled ON a holiday: 

• Jobs assigned to work more than 100 miles → claim all lost earnings. 

• Jobs assigned to work 100 miles or less → see Holiday Rules. 

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select AN.

Sample: Claim all earnings of my regular assignment (Job Number/Train Symbol) account my job was annulled on (Date). This job is assigned to work (Number of Miles) and (Date) is not a holiday.

Bereavement (05)

An engineer who suffers the loss of a listed family member may take up to three (3) calendar days of paid

leave using layoff code DIF.

• DIF must be taken within 30 days of the date of passing, unless other arrangements are made with local management. Arrangements must be made ahead of time to be covered.

• Bereavement leave does not need to be taken consecutively. 

• Payment will consist of up to three (3) basic days at the rate of the last service performed. 

• Submit required documentation to Timekeeping via email at FINDLTYEBereavementPay@BNSF.com or fax to 785-676-5186. 

• DIF layoffs will not be considered unavailable time under the attendance guidelines as long as the guidelines are followed and supporting documents are submitted.

• If documentation is not submitted to Comp Systems by the 10th of the following month, DIF days will be converted to LOP and attendance points deducted. 

Qualifying family members are:

• Brother

• Sister

• Parent

• Child

• Grandchild

• Spouse

• Spouse’s Parents

• Half Brother

• Half Sister

• Step Brother

• Step Sister

• Step Parent

• Step Child

• Legally Adopted Child

Submit as a special claim. Select category BEREAVEMENT/MILITARY then select 05.

Fill out all required fields. You must submit a copy of the obituary to either: fax 785-676-5186 or email FINDLTYEBereavementPay@BNSF.com

Board Runaround (BD)

Employees must be called on a first-in/first-out basis. The first-out, rested employee must be called to protect the first-out assignment. If this does not occur, and you are placed on duty behind an employee who was behind you on the board, claim a Basic Day for being runaround on the board.

Submit as a special claim. Select category RUNAROUND PENALTY then select BD (CREW SUPPORT MISHANDLING) FIRST IN FIRST OUT.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account I was runaround on the board by (Employee). On (Date) I was followed on the board by (Employee). He/she was called ahead on me on (Train) at (Time) and I was called on (Train) at (Time). I stood ahead of (Employee) and should have been called on duty before him/her.

Call and Release

After On-Duty (AO)

• If an engineer’s call is cancelled after going on duty:

• If service is performed (handling engines or a train), the engineer is due a basic day.

• If no service is performed, the engineer is due 2 hours and 40 minutes (43 miles) at the rate of service.

• If held on duty for more than 2 hours and 40 minutes, pay continues at a pro-rata hourly rate until released.

• The engineer remains first out.

• Trainmen: If service is performed (including gathering paperwork), trainmen are due a basic day.

Submit as a special claim. Select category ACTIVATION/CALL AND RELEASE then select AO.

Prior to On-Duty (PO)

If an engineer is called and released prior to going on duty, they are entitled to 43 miles. Trainmen in this situation are entitled to 16 miles.

Submit as a special claim. Select category ACTIVATION/CALL AND RELEASE then select PO.

Crew Mishandling (MC)

When an engineer is not properly handled for their assignment, they are due a basic day. Examples of mishandling include: 

• • • A job is annulled and the engineer is used off their assignment. 

    • A job is abolished and the engineer is not given the right to exercise seniority. 

Mishandling claims can be complex. If you are unsure, contact your Local Chairman for guidance. Do not use this CA code for a board runaround. See Board Runaround instead.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISHANDLING PENALTY then select MC.

Sample Claim: Claiming a Basic Day account a junior employee was awarded bid. I was the senior bidder for (Job/Pool) on (Date) and was not awarded the bid. Junior employee (Name) was awarded the bid instead.

Handling ETD (34) Pre-1995 Only

Pre-1995 Only, Former Santa Fe employees working under Coastline agreements qualify for Handling ETD pay only if the ETD is handled at one of the following locations: Albuquerque, Belen, Gallup, Winslow, Ash Fork, Prescott, Phoenix-Mobest, Seligman, Needles, Barstow, Bakersfield, Kaiser, Calwa-Fresno, Riverbank, Stockton-Morman, Richmond, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, or San Diego-National City. 

ETD pay is due only to a Pre-1/1/1995 engineer if they are required to add or change a head-end box (HTD) during their tour of duty. Arming or disarming the ETD does not trigger this claim. 

Employees on the former Santa Fe roster who are Pre-1/1/1995 receive one hour of pay (13 miles) when handling an ETD. Only one penalty may be claimed per shift. 

Submit on a working ticket using CA code 34.

Holiday Pay (80/24)

Yard Jobs, Road Switchers, Work Trains and Locals (100 miles or less)

• These assignments fall under the National Paid Holiday Rules.

• If the employee works on the holiday, he is entitled to 50 miles in addition to his earnings using code 24.

• The employee may, in addition to the code 24, claim a code 80 for a day’s pay (100 miles). Claiming the additional code 80 will deduct a PLD/ALD.

• Code 80 can also be claimed when these jobs are annulled on a Holiday, this will deduct a PLD/ALD.

• Employees are limited to 11 holidays and PLDs combined per calendar year. Claiming code 80 will deduct a PLD/ALD.

• In order to qualify for holiday pay, an employee must be available for or perform service as a regularly assigned employee on the workdays immediately preceding and following such holiday without an intervening layoff.

• Jobs that are assigned to work over 100 miles are not covered by the Holiday Rules and are NOT entitled to Holiday pay if they work on a holiday. If these jobs are annulled on a holiday, they are compensated under Annulment Rules.

Submit on a working ticket using CA code 80/24.

Extra Boards (Yards Only)

• In order for extra yard service employees to qualify for holiday pay, they must:

• Perform yard service on the calendar days immediately preceding and immediately following the holiday, and be available for yard service the full calendar day on the holiday; or

• Be available for yard service on the full calendar days immediately preceding and immediately following the holiday and perform yard service on such holiday; or

• Must be available for yard service on the full calendar days immediately preceding and immediately following the holiday, or perform yard service on any one or more of such days and be available on the other day or days and have been credited with 11 or more days in yard service in the 30 days prior to the holiday.

The Holidays are:

• New Year’s Day

• Presidents’ Day

• Good Friday

• Memorial Day

• 4th of July

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving

• Day After Thanksgiving

• Christmas Eve

• Christmas Day

• New Year’s Eve

Road Holidays

Road Engineers in unassigned pool freight service starting a trip on one of the six Road Holidays claim code 80 for an additional Basic Day.

• Road Holidays: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

• Must make a trip immediately before and after the holiday without intervening layoff.

• Road holidays are paid in addition to PLDs (up to 11 PLDs + 6 Road Holidays).

Engineers must make a trip in unassigned pool freight service immediately prior to the holiday and immediately following the holiday without an intervening layoff. SIMPLY BEING MARKED UP THE DAY BEFORE AND AFTER DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU FOR HOLIDAY PAY. Road holidays are paid in addition to PLDs. (It is possible to take 11 PLDs and 6 Road Holidays)

Submit on a working ticket using CA code 80.

Instructor Allowance (91 & IA)

Engineers instructing another engineer (training or familiarization) claim an instructor allowance. Payable when deadheading only if by train. Trainmen claim student pay with a student, not for familiarizing students.

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code 91 for Engineers and CA code IA for Trainman.

These codes should be automatically applied upon tieup but it is recommend to submit an FE and explaining who the student on the job was.

Jury Duty (85)

Engineers summoned for jury duty are compensated for lost time:

• Extra Board Engineers: Paid at the current guarantee extra board rate per day lost.

• Pool Engineers: Paid make-whole if a trip is missed.

• Court payments offset compensation.

• Submit a court statement of allowances and days served to FINDLTYEBereavementPay@BNSF.com or fax to 785-676-5186.

• Limit: 60 days paid jury duty per year.

• No payment if claiming PLD or Vacation Day.

• For “stand by,” get permission from local management (see System General Notice)

Submit as a special claim. Select category JURY DUTY/COURT/INVESTIGATION then select 85.

Meals (22)

Road

• CA 09: Interdivisional pool freight service, on duty ≤8 hours.

• CA 72: Interdivisional pool freight service, on duty >8 hours.

• CA 41: Other road service, on duty >8 hours, no meal period provided.

• Automatically applied to road tickets and included in trip-rate tickets.

Yard (Bean Law)

Yard crews observe a meal period between 4'30" and 5'40" from on-duty time or end of first meal period. See Bean Law for details.

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code 22.

Mileage Reimbursement (MR)

When using a personal vehicle instead of company transportation, claim expenses using CA code MR. Base mileage on the distance between terminals, not from home or lodging.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MILEAGE/PER DIEM REIMBURSEMENT then select MR.

Military Service Adjustment (83)

For National Guard duty or annual training (up to 15 days per year):

• Submit LES papers to fax 785-676-5186.

• Claim using CA code 83.

For full-time active duty:

• Fax LES papers to 817-352-7145.

• Payment: Difference between average earnings (prior 6 months) and military pay, automatically processed.

Submit as a special claim. Select category BEREAVEMENT/MILITARY then select 83.

Miscellaneous Agreement Violation (73)

Use for violations without a specific CA code. Include:

• On-duty date and time

• Train symbol or job number

• Description of violation

• Who instructed the work

• Location

• Car/track numbers

• Start/stop times

• Claim type (Basic Day or Make-whole)

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73. Make sure to include all necessary information.

Personal Leave Days (AL/CA)

Engineers and conductors can claim PLD/ALD for pay instead of time off:

• Paid at the rate of the last service performed.

• ALD (Engineers) or PLD (Trainmen); claiming one reduces the other.

• For info on how ALD/PLD are accrued see Personal Leave Days.

Submit as a special claim. Select category LEAVE DAY/HOLIDAY then, Engineers select AL or CA (Carryover) and Trainmen select 81 or CO (Carryover).

Safety Participation (ST)

For safety committee members or observers attending safety meetings, briefings, training, audits, or similar:

• Include times, authorization, and trains for make-whole (if applicable).

• After entering all times, who authorized the event and selecting the trains for makewhole, if applicable, you will be given a screen to enter your remarks.

Submit as a special claim. Select category SAFETY then select the ST code that applies to your activity.

For safety committee members or observers attending safety meetings, briefings, training, audits, or similar:

• Include times, authorization, and trains for make-whole (if applicable).

• After entering all times, who authorized the event and selecting the trains for makewhole, if applicable, you will be given a screen to enter your remarks.

Sample 1: Claiming all earnings of (Engineer) on the claimed trains account I laid off company business to participate in (Safety Event) on (Dates). Instructed by (Local Supervisor).

Sample 2: Claiming a Basic Day account I participated in (Safety Event) on (Dates). Instructed by (Local Supervisor).

Training/Rules Class (CT)

Applies to ILT, NETSIM, Engineer Retraining (Kansas), Decertification Retraining (Kansas), and PTC training.

• Complete by the assigned date.

• If completed on due date without missing assignment: Engineers paid $125.08; Trainmen paid a Basic Day.

• If bumped before job is called, not considered missing assignment.

• If missing assignment, claim make-whole (wait for return trip tie-up or submit Ask Comp to add return trip).

• Use layoff code RUL for rules class, TRN for SIMRUN/other training.

Submit as a special claim. Select category SAFETY & RULES TRAINING then select the CT code that applies to your training.

Trainman used as an engineer (73)

When a post-October 31, 1985 engineer in ground service is used as an emergency engineer:

• Paid the greater of engineer earnings or ground service earnings.

• Senior engineer with a standing bid on the guaranteed extra board claims the greater of the assignment earnings or one guarantee day.

• If the same employee, claim one guarantee day plus all earnings.

• If assigned to a trainman extra board, all engineer earnings are paid above trainman guarantee.

If you are an engineer working in demoted status and are used as an engineer, please notify a union officer so we can identify who the Sr bidder is and make sure these claims are submitted. This is a penalty for the carrier not properly staffing the extra board.

Claim for the trainman used

Submit as a special claim. Select category USED OFF ASSIGNMENT/HELD OFF TURN then select 76 STEPUP/WORK OFF TURN.

Sample: Claiming the difference in pay from (Job/Trains) and my trainman job (Job Number/Trains) account I am a post-85 demoted engineer used in emergency service. Per Article 13, 1996 MOA.

Claim for Sr bidder for extra board

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claim the greater of the assignment earnings or one guarantee day account post-85 demoted engineer (Name) was used on (Job/Trains) at (Date & Time) in emergency service. I am the senior engineer with a bid for extra board 6 at (Location). Per Article 13, 1996 MOA.

If trainman used is also the Sr bidder

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claim the greater of the assignment earnings or one guarantee day account post-85 demoted engineer (Name) was used on (Job/Trains) at (Date & Time) in emergency service. I am the senior engineer with a bid for extra board 6 at (Location). Per Article 13, 1996 MOA.

Trauma Counseling (TC)

For critical incidents, if management/EAP determines inability to work:

• Paid at Basic Day rate.

• Include the name/initials of the supervisor you spoke to.

Submit as a special claim. Select category LIGHT DUTY/CRITICAL INCIDENT/MED then select TC.

Sample: Claiming three Basic Days account I was off as the result of a critical incident on (Date). I was laid off CIR on (Dates) and was authorized by (Supervisor Initials). 

Claims for Road Jobs Only

Activation Penalty (AP)

Applicable to Needles to Winslow pool (other Needles pools are Primary/Secondary, not planner-activated).

• Activation times: 0300, 0700, 1100, 1500, 1900, 2300 (Mountain Time), ±30 minutes.

• Example: Activated at 1512, computed from 1500; at 1451, from 1500.

There is currently a pop-up window for submitting this claim. All fields must be completed as in the following example:

CA: AP

Turn number: NEE 6101

Loc: Needles

Board Number: 35

Activated Date: 020120

Activated time: 1551

On Duty Date: 020220

On Duty Time: 0630

Train #: H-BARGAL1-01A

Comments: Enter an explanation of the penalty. See the samples of each type of AP claim below.

Submit as a special claim. Select category ACTIVATION/CALL AND RELEASE then select the applicable AP code. Fill out all info in the popup box and then enter a detailed description on the next screen.

8 Hour Penalty

Engineers must be active for a minimum of eight (8) hours from the time they are activated to the time they are placed on duty. Submit a claim for a Basic Day for this activation penalty.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account I was not active for 8 hours. Activated at (Time) on (Date), on duty at (Time) on (Date). Less than 8 hours per long activation agreement.

Activated Outside Activation Times

Carrier must update active board every 4 hours, within ±30 minutes. If activated outside, claim a Basic Day (engineers) or 16 miles (conductors).

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account activated outside window at (Time) on (Date), outside of the (Closest Activation Time) window.

 Active Board Changed

Variable calling agreements also state that “once an employee is activated his position on the active board will not be changed”. This means you cannot be removed from or ran around on an active board. Use CA code AP (not BD) if you are runaround after being activated. Due a Basic Day for this activation penalty.

Sample 1: Claiming a Basic Day account my position was changed on the active board after it was set. Needles Board 42 was set at the (Activation Time) and was changed by removing (Job#) which was ahead of me on the board. This is a violation of the long activation agreement.

Sample 2: Claiming a Basic Day account my position was changed on the active board after it was set. Needles Board 42 was set at the (Activation Time) and was changed by adding (Job#) ahead of me on the board. This is a violation of the long activation agreement.

5:1 Ratio

If the Carrier works more than 5 crews of the same type in a row AND there is a rested crew from the other end, that employee is entitled to a penalty payment for not being used. On the holidays listed below, activations must be 1:1. Due a Basic Day for this activation penalty.

• New Years Day

• Thanksgiving

• Day After Thanksgiving

• Christmas Eve

• Christmas Day

• New Years Eve

Sample: Claim a Basic Day account the 5:1 ratio was not followed. On (DATE) there were (# of WINSLOW CREWS RAN) and I was rested. Per the long activation agreement, the carrier cannot work more than 5 Winslow engineers in a row if a Needles engineer is rested. List the turn numbers that were ran.

Assisting Other Trains (AS)

When instructed to assist another train (e.g., hang/arm ETD, replace knuckle, tie down), claim a Basic Day for assisting another train. This claim is valid when instructed to perform the work and there is a crew on the train that could have performed the work. Make sure to include who instructed you to do the work, time work started, time work ended and any car/engine/ETD numbers.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY then select AS ASSISTING OTHER TRAINS ENROUTE (ATSF). Do not use code AT.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account on (Date), called on (Train Symbol), instructed by (Initials) to assist (Train Symbol) with (Task). I was called in through freight service and was not a member of their crew. Started the work at (Time), ended the work at (Time).

Bumped after Active/Primary (MC) *Engineer Only*

Engineers in pools with active/primary boards, if bumped after activation, retain their spot until called as a 9000 series turn. The bumping engineer goes to the inactive/secondary board. Contact Local Chairman to correct board. If not corrected, claim a Basic Day.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY then select MC (OTHER MISHANDLING PENALTY).

Sample Claim: Claiming a Basic Day account bumped off board (Number) and not kept on (Active/Primary) board. On (Date) at (Time), moved to active/primary, displaced at (Time) by (Who). I was not allowed to keep my position on the Active/Primary board, violating 2007 BLET Side Letters 13 & 16.

Called prior to or after assigned on duty time - Assigned Trains Only (73)

If notified when tying up on previous trip, engineer may be called 2 hours in advance of assigned on duty time. If notified at calling time, engineer may be placed on duty up to one hour prior to and up to two hours after assigned on duty time. If not properly notified and brought on duty prior to assigned on duty time, the engineer is due a Basic Day. If brought on duty more than two hours after assigned on duty time, pay begins two hours after assigned on duty time.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account, I was put on duty more than two hours prior to my assigned on-duty time. My assignment (Job) goes on duty at (Time) and I was put on duty at (Time).

Conductor Only Violations (IM)

Engineers and conductors in conductor-only service will not be required to perform the following work events:

• More than two (2) work events at the Initial or Final Terminal.

• More than three (3) straight set-outs/pick-ups enroute.

• Or any combination not to exceed three (3) during the tour of duty.

• Any work train service that requires the conductor to get on the ground triggers the penalty when working conductor only work trains.

• A conductor only crew may only relieve conductor only trains.

A work event is a setout or pickup, taking the pickup or remaining cars back to the train does not count as a work event. An example of ONE work event would be setting out a car and returning to the train, or picking up a car and returning to the train. The total number of events remains with the train AND the crew. This means if a conductor only crew has performed no events and is swapped to another train that has already performed three (3) events, the new conductor only crew may NOT perform any more events and the crew who performed the three (3) events also may NOT perform any more work events. Using a temporary brakeman to assist a crew does not avoid the penalty.

• Pick-Ups - It is permissible to pick up while holding onto cars of the train.  The pick-up must be first out in the track (not buried). A double over at the initial or final terminal is considered a work event.

• Setouts - It is permissible to setout while holding onto cars of the train. A setout must be first out in the track. Setting out a bad order is not counted as an event.

• Handling Engines - Hostling power at the initial terminal is considered one event. This means all work events to build the locomotive consist counts as one event.  When picking up a locomotive enroute, it must be first out (not buried). Handling power to and from the train is NOT an event. Picking up or setting out a locomotive(s) enroute is considered an event. Setting out a locomotive(s) for a train experiencing power problems is NOT an event. Cutting in or out helper power is an event, unless done by someone other than the conductor.

• Switching - Switching is anything other than a straight setout or pickup. Moving cars or engines not assigned to your train to access your pickup or setout is considered switching. Switching cars due to Hazmat Makeup, FRA, or any other government regulation is NOT considered a switching violation or event. However, switching cars due to BNSF train makeup, GO, GN or other instructions counts as an event.

• Hobart - A double over using the main line is NOT permissible.

Submit as a special claim. Select category INTERCHANGE/CONDUCTOR ONLY then select IM.

Sample: Claiming all earnings of a brakeman had he been a member of our crew account while working conductor only freight service I was instructed by (Initials) to exceed the maximum number of work events allowed. Called on duty (Time) on (Train). After yarding my train in (Track) we set out lines # (First/Last Car Number) to (Track) for the 1st event. Set out lines # (First/Last Car Number) to (Track) for the 2nd event. Picked up cars (Car Numbers) out of (Track) for the 3rd event. This work was started at (Time) and completed at (Time).

Sample 2: Claiming all earnings of a brakeman had he been a member of our crew account while working conductor only freight service I was instructed by (Initials) to move equipment that was not assigned to my train. This is not a straight pickup/setout. I was instructed to pickup (Car/Engine Number) from (Track). There were other cars/engines first out in the track and I was required to move (Car/Engine Numbers) from (Track) to (Track) to finish this move. The work was started at (Time) and finished at (Time).

Hanging on to Side of Car (HO) *Trainman Only*

If required to ride the side of a car >1 mile, claim 25 miles if a caboose would have been used historically. No payment if a shove car or alternative transportation is available, or if the shove wouldn’t use a caboose (e.g., stub track/yard job). Simply telling an employee to stop and dismount at increments not exceeding a mile does not relieve the Carrier from payment

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code HO

Road Crews Performing Yard Service (73)

Road crews may not perform more than three straight set outs or straight pickups at an initial or final terminal where yard crews are on duty. If that number is exceeded, engineers should claim a Basic Day at yard rate (100 Miles) for the violation. If the number of events is exceeded in Conductor Only Service, then see Conductor Only Violations.

Road crews cannot switch at yards where yard crews are on duty. Setting out bad orders or rearranging train for Haz Mat purposes is allowed. Rearranging train to comply with BNSF train make up instructions is a penalty. Crews cannot unbury a pickup or move cars off a track to complete a set out.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claiming a 100-mile Basic Day at yard rate account called on (Train), instructed to switch train for BNSF train makeup. Set out (Car Number/Line Number) under 45 tons, per SSI Item 47. Train tonnage: (Tonnage).

RSIA Hours Claim (73)

Federal law limits engineers to 276 covered hours/month. If not called due to >252 hours and another engineer completes a round trip within your remaining time, claim make-whole.

For example, if an engineer is not used because they only had 13 hours remaining for the month (263 hours worked), and an engineer behind them is called and completes the round trip in 13 hours or less, the first engineer would be due make-whole of the engineer who made the trip.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claiming all earnings of Engineer (Name) on round trip to Barstow on (Date[s]) account I was not allowed to initiate a round trip due to having greater than 252 hours under Side Letter #1 of the 2009 RSIA MOA. Engineer (Name) worked (Train) on (Date) and (Train) on (Date), for (Hours Worked) total hours. I had sufficient time to complete this trip.

Run Off Assigned Territory (RO)

If an employee is required to operate beyond the limits of their assignment, they are entitled to a penalty payment of one Basic Day (overtime will be reduced by time spent performing the penalty). As an example, a crew is called to work from Needles to Barstow and is instructed to pick up their train at Topock, this is being run off of the assignment. For instances where a crew is required to operate off their assigned territory between terminals, see Side Trip. If required to operate within switching limits in Barstow Yard, see Switching Limits. This claim is due to the whole crew.

Comp Systems will use PTC to track the location you get on the train so make sure to log into PTC when boarding the train. Start/End times should be when you Depart/Arrive switching limits as listed below.

• Bakersfield
  MP 885.26 – 891.6

• Needles
  MP 574.3 – 579.39

• Barstow
  Needles Sub: MP735.9
  Cajon Sub: MP 13.9
  Mojave Sub: MP 758.0

• San Bernardino
  Cajon Sub: MP 0.0 – 73.9
  San Bernardino Sub: MP 0.0 – 4.0
  San Jaq Sub: MP 0.0 – 8.5
  San Gabriel Sub: MP 0.0 – 43.0

• Los Angeles
  Hobart westward
  San Bernardino Sub: MP 148.3 - Westward

• Winslow
  Seligman Sub: MP 283.31 – 288.23

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code RO. Complete all fields below.

Miles: 130.0

Start Time: Time you left terminal or switching limits

Start MP: MP of terminal or end of switching limits

Turnaround: MP of the head end of the train

End Time: Time you arrived back at terminal or switching limits

End MP: MP of terminal or end of switching limits.

Who Authorized: Name or initials of who instructed you

Comments: List any other details such as the MP of the rear of your train

Short Turn Around Claims (73) *Engineer Only*

• Engineers working in short turn around service (dogcatching is NOT short turn around service) and multiple trips occur on a single tour of duty, claim 130-mile Basic Day when any of the following occur. These apply at both the home terminal and the away from home terminal.

• Total miles ran exceed 100.

• The turning point on any trip exceeds 25 miles (Must make 2 trips).

• Depart after being on duty 8 hours.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

25 Mile Claim

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account short turn around service, instructed to take (Train Symbol) from (MP) to (MP) and return, then (Train Symbol) from (MP) to (MP). Per Rule 8 “A” section 2, 1973 BLE agreement, turning point (MP) exceeds 25 miles from terminal (MP).

100 Mile Claim

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account short turn around service, instructed to take (Train Symbol) from (MP) to (MP) for (Miles), then (Train) from (MP) to (MP) for (Miles), then (Train) from (MP) to (MP) for (Miles). Total (Miles) exceeds 100 miles per Rule 8 “A” section 1, 1973 BLE agreement.

Departing after 8 hours

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account short turn around service, on duty (Date & Time), instructed to take (Train Symbol) from (MP) to (MP), returned at (Time). Then took (Train) from (MP) to (MP), departed (Date & Time), >8 hours from on-duty. Per Rule 8 “A” section 3, 1973 BLE agreement.

Short Pool Used to Dogcatch Long Pool (73)

Short pool crews should not dogcatch San Bernardino long pool trains in Barstow or beyond. Other long pools can be relieved between Barstow and Needles. When submitting these claims make sure you enter the location you relieved the train in the remarks. See below for information on where the relief crew must be called from, this is different for each long pool.

Where relief crew must be called from 

San Bernardino LP:

• Westbound expiring between Needles and Barstow (Including Barstow): Long pool chase crew.

• Eastbound expiring between San Bernardino and Barstow (Including Barstow): Long pool chase crew.

• Beyond Barstow: Extra boards in San Bernardino/Needles.

Bakersfield LP:

• Westbound expiring between Needles and Barstow (Not Including Barstow): Long pool chase crew.

• Eastbound expiring between Bakersfield and Barstow (Not Including Barstow): Long pool chase crew.

• At Barstow and beyond: Short pool chase crew or Needles extra boards.

Los Angeles LP:

• Westbound expiring between Needles and Barstow (Not Including Barstow): Long pool chase crew.

• Eastbound expiring between Los Angeles and Barstow (Not Including Barstow): Long pool chase crew.

• At Barstow and beyond: Short pool chase crew or Needles extra boards.

Claim for Short Pool crew Used

This claim is ONLY due to a short pool crew that chases a San Bernardino long pool train out of Barstow. Chasing a Los Angeles or Bakersfield long pool train is not a claim due to the agreement language.
 

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account called off AFHT board to dogcatch (Train Symbol) at (MP). Assigned to San Bernardino long pool; per Section 9, Needles-San Bernardino Agreement, should have been called from Needles extra boards.

Claim for Extra Board or Long Pool Employees Not Used

Due to 1st out Engineer/Conductor on Needles extra boards if short pool AFHT crew dogcatches San Bernardino long pool east of Barstow. This claim is only due when a San Bernardino long pool crew is relieved by a short pool crew east of Barstow. This claim does not apply to the Bakersfield or Los Angeles long pools.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Extra Board Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account I was 1st out on Needles (Board #), (Employee) called off short pool AFHT board (Board #) at (Time) to dogcatch (Train Symbol) at (Location). This train is assigned to San Bernardino long pool and relief must come from Needles extra board per Section 9 of the Needles-San Bernardino Agreement.

Long Pool Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account I was 1st out on Needles/San Bernardino (Board #), (Employee) called off short pool AFHT board (Board #) at (Time) to dogcatch (Train Symbol) at (Location). This train is assigned to San Bernardino long pool and relief must come from pool between Needles and Barstow per Section 9 of the Needles-San Bernardino Agreement.

Switching Limits (MS)

For picking up/delivering trains between old and new switching limits at Barstow, claim additional miles below (not used for overtime calculation). If required to pickup or deliver a train beyond the new switching limits see Run Off Assigned Territory (RO). MS and RO are both due if running off territory.

   Prior Limits               New Limits        Miles Due

Cajon Sub: MP 4.7                     MP 13.7 18 Miles

Mojave Sub: MP 752                    MP 758                    12 Miles

Needles Sub: MP 745.05               MP 735.9 20 Miles

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code MS.

Samples:

• Cajon Sub: Picked up train at MP 6.7, operated through Barstow to Needles. Claiming 18 miles per Barstow GSL extension agreement.

• Mojave Sub: Picked up train at MP 757.2, operated through Barstow to Needles. Claiming 12 miles per Barstow GSL extension agreement.

Trading Trains (TT) *Engineer Only*

Engineers are due payment when trading trains with another crew while enroute in Interdivisional Service.

Claim 1 hour (16 Miles) per occurrence. You are due 16 miles each time you are swapped regardless of whether service is performed or the train is moved. TT is only due after you have departed switching limits.

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code TT.

Used Off Assignment (26A/26B) *Engineer Only*

Home Terminal (26A)

Engineers that are used off their regular assignment while at the home terminal are due the difference in pay from what they made while used off and what they would have made had they remained on their regular assignment.

Submit as a special claim. Select category USED OFF ASSIGNMENT/HELD OFF TURN then select 76 STEPUP/WORK OFF TURN.

Sample: Claiming difference in pay from dogcatching on (Date) and engineer (Name)’s roundtrip Needles to Winslow. Called off board 35 to protect extra work, not on extra board. Worked (Train Symbol) at (Date & Time); (Name) worked (Train Symbol) Needles to Winslow and (Train Symbol) Winslow to Needles. Per Rule 26 “A”, 1973 BLE agreement.

Away from Home Terminal (26B)

Engineers that are used off their regular assignment while at the away from home terminal are due the earnings of the engineer behind them on their return trip home in addition to what you made while used off.

Submit as a special claim. Select category USED OFF ASSIGNMENT/HELD OFF TURN then select 76 STEPUP/WORK OFF TURN.

Sample 1: Claiming earnings of engineer (Name) on trip from Barstow to Needles on (Date & Time) account used off freight pool board at AFHT for short turn around service. Called at (Date & Time) for (Symbol) to take (Train Symbol) from (Location) to (Location) and return. (Name) followed on board 59. Per Rule 26 “B”, 1973 BLE agreement, I am entitled to what engineer (Name) made on his trip from Barstow to Needles on (Train Symbol) in addition to what I made on the turn.

Sample 2: Claiming earnings of engineer (Name) on trip from Barstow to Needles on (Date & Time) account used off freight pool board at AFHT to work a yard job. Called at (Date & Time) for (Job Number). (Name) followed on board 59. Per Rule 26 “B”, 1973 BLE agreement, I am entitled to what engineer (Name) made on his trip from Barstow to Needles on (Train Symbol) in addition to what I made on the turn.

Sample 3: Claiming earnings of engineer (Name) on trip from Barstow to Needles on (Date & Time) account used off freight pool board at AFHT to work the Cadiz Local. Called at (Date & Time) for (Train Symbol). (Name) followed on board 59. Per Rule 26 “B”, 1973 BLE agreement, I am entitled to what engineer (Name) made on his trip from Barstow to Needles on (Train Symbol) in addition to what I made on the turn.

Used Off District (Rule 23A)

Engineers will be kept on the district to which assigned and will be run off their district only in case of emergency. When engineers are run off their assigned district in an emergency, they will be deadheaded back to their assigned district on the first available train, except in the event there are no engineers available at the district terminal into which they are used to protect trains operating in the direction of the district to which assigned they may be used in service back to their assigned district. Engineers used off their district are due the difference in what they made while used off and what they would have made if they had remained on their assignment. If not deadheaded home upon arrival at the final terminal they are due a basic day.

Submit as a special claim. Select category USED OFF ASSIGNMENT/HELD OFF TURN then select 76 STEPUP/WORK OFF TURN.

Used off district sample: Claiming difference in pay from (Date) and engineer (Name)’s roundtrip Needles to Winslow. Called off board 35 to work off district on (Train Symbol) at (Date & Time). (Name) worked (Train Symbol) Needles to Winslow and (Train Symbol) Winslow to Needles. Please pay difference in pay per Rule 23 “A”, 1973 BLE agreement. 

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Not deadheaded home - Claiming a Basic Day account assigned to Seligman subdivision, board 35, called to work Needles to Barstow. Not deadheaded back to home terminal upon arrival in Barstow with engineers available at AFHT for eastbound trains. Per Rule 23 “A”, 1973 BLE agreement. List available engineers.

Used Off Twice

Engineers at the AFHT are not to be used off a second time without first making a return trip home if there are other rested engineers on the board. To comply with this, engineers may be runaround without penalty to the Company.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account used off at AFHT on (Train/Job), released, then used again on (Train/Job). Per Rule 30 “F”, 1973 BLE agreement, cannot be called for second trip until returning home. Other rested engineers available: (List first available).

Waiting for Lodging (WL)

If no room is available at the lodging facility, claim 16.25 miles per hour on a minute basis after 30 minutes until a room is available (includes transportation/waiting at overflow hotel). The 30-minute time starts when you are denied a room. 

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code WL.

Waiting for Transportation (WT)

Bakersfield Long Pool:

When a Bakersfield long pool crew has expired on the hours of service, claim pay on a minute basis of 16.25 miles per hour until transportation departs to the final terminal per the Bakersfield long pool agreement section 7.

Los Angeles Long Pool:

When a Los Angeles long pool crew has expired on the hours of service, claim pay on a minute basis of 16.25 miles per hour until transportation departs to the final terminal per the Needles to LA long pool agreement section 10.

Seligman Sub:

When working in Interdivisional Service and crew has expired on the hours of service, if vehicular (Van/Supervisor Vehicle) transportation does not arrive within one (1) hour then claim pay on a minute basis of 16.25 miles per hour until transportation arrives. 

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code WT.

Claims for Yard Jobs Only

Bean Law

Yard crews observe a meal period between 4'30" and 5'40" from on-duty time or end of first meal period:

• No meal, ≥10 hours on duty: 62 miles.

• No meal, <7 hours on duty: 6 miles.

• No meal, 7-10 hours on duty: 12 miles.

• Meal after 7th hour, <10 hours: 12 miles.

• Meal outside parameters, <10 hours: 6 or 12 miles (early meal = 6; one late = 6; two early/late = 12).

• Meal after 10 hours: 62 miles.

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code 22.

Handling ETD (34) *Trainman Only*

When a yard crew is instructed by a supervisor to remove or install an ETD device in a yard where carmen are employed (meaning on duty and in the yard) each ground crew member of such yard crew would be compensated one hour of pay (13 miles) at the current applicable straight time rate, in addition to all other earnings. Only one payment is made to such yard crew during their shift.

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code 34.

Lacing Air Hoses for Outbound Crews (73) *Trainmen Only*

If a switchman is required to lace air hoses on an outbound train while the crew is on duty, claim a Basic Day.

Submit as a special claim. Select category MISCELLANEOUS PENALTY/ARTICLE IX then select 73.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account on (Job Number), instructed by (TM Initials) to lace air hoses on (Train Symbol) while outbound crew was on duty. Laced between (Car/Engine Number) and (Car/Engine Number) at (Time). Outbound crew on duty at (Time).

Used Off Assignment (UO) * Trainmen Only*

When a trainman is used off his assignment, they are due 50 miles in addition to his earnings for the day. This is also due if a trainman holds over from one shift to another.

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code UO.

Yard Crew Performing Road Service (D2)

Yard crews may:

• Provide HOS relief up to 25 miles outside switching limits.

• Service customers up to 20 miles outside switching limits.

• No other work outside limits.

• Utility man/engineer pilot cannot work outside limits.

If a yard crew performs any other work, claim a Basic Day at road rate. One Basic Day payment is due per tour of duty if operated outside permitted limits more than once so long as the departure times are not more than eight hours apart.

Submit on a working ticket using the CA code D2.

Sample: Claiming a Basic Day account on (Job Number), instructed by (TM Initials) to relieve (Train Symbol) at (MP), >25 miles outside switching limits. Started (Time), ended (Time).

Other Information

Miles to Overtime Conversion

Engineer Familiarization

Engineer Familiarization

Familiarization/Qualification trips are required by management/Federal law for new territories/positions, with trips determined by local management.

• • • Payment: Basic Day at former BN guaranteed extra board rate per ticket (BLET Division 383 Website - Rates of Pay, per BLET 2007 MOA).

    • Engineers cannot be denied job placement due to lack of qualification.

Extra Leave Day

All TYE employees receive one Extra Leave Day per year.

• Granted by our 2022 National Agreement.

• This day can be taken as any other paid day, subject to layoff allocations, or on the employee’s birthday.

• This can be selected on the WFHUB under Entitlement overview then select the Extra Leave tab. By default, the Extra Leave Day will pay at vacation rate unless changed to a PLD.

• Layoff Code is LXD.

Engineer’s Guarantee Extra Board

The engineers’ extra boards in Needles and Barstow are both 6/3 Mandatory rest cycles. Per the 6/3 Mandatory rest cycle agreement, all unpaid layoffs, including FMLA and LDR, will forfeit the entire guarantee. Earned Days Off (EDO) are an exception, these days off will only reduce the guarantee by the daily amount. See the 6/3 Mandatory rest cycle agreement for more details.

Reviewing your 816 will show which individual days guarantee was earned. Below are some examples of how to read an 816.

Personal Leave Days

Engineers qualify for personal leave days on the following basis:

• Less than 5 years - 3 days

• 5 years and less than 10 years - 5 days

• 10 years and less than 15 years 7 days

• 15 years and less than 20 years 9 days

• More than 20 years 11 days

To qualify for Personal Leave Days an engineer must work at least 150 days in the preceding calendar year. These days are counted in the same way as vacation qualifier days. Payment is at the rate of last service performed.

While working in demoted status, engineers are covered by UTU agreements with regard to PLDs as follows:

• Less than 5 years - 2 days (Road) 11 days (Assigned Road/Yard)

• 5 years and less than 10 years - 4 days (Road) 11 days (Assigned Road/Yard)

• 10 years and less than 15 years - 7 days (Road) 12 days (Assigned Road/Yard)

• 15 years and less than 20 years - 10 days (Road) 13 days (Assigned Road/Yard)

• More than 20 years - 13 days (Road) 14 days (Assigned Road/Yard)

Carryover days are computed on December 31 and are allocated depending on the craft you are working in at that time. (If working in demoted status you will carry over unused UTU PLDs and no ALD)

All employees are due one extra leave day per year. This day can be taken as a PLD, VAC or on the employees birthday. This can be changed on the WFHUB by going to Time Off, Entitlement Overview then Extra Leave Day.

Vacation

Employees must have a minimum of 240 "inflated" days to qualify for next year's vacation. All miles that are paid for a trip with exception of non-taxable amounts, lump sum payments, and frozen miles are used for vacation calculation. A running total of current year inflated days can be viewed using the WFHub under the Earned/Taken Info screen. This number is updated after each payroll closes. Any time spent in furlough, leave of absence or any other extended time off will not count towards vacation accrual and will need to be made up.

How inflated days are calculated:

Each trip worked and job has a mileage amount, inflated days are based on these miles. Road service and yard service have different inflation amounts.

• • • Yard
      If working in yard service: 150 (starts) qualifying days @ 1.6 inflated factor = 240 inflated days. Example; a yard start is a 100 mile basic day; the yard inflation factor is 1.6. So, for every yard start 1.6 inflated days towards vacation is earned. [100 miles x 1.6 (yard inflated factor) = 1.6 inflated days]

    • Road
      If working in road service - 180 (starts) qualifying days @ 1.335 inflated factor = 240.3 inflated days. In road service the basic day is 130 (there are some locals and road switchers that are 100). To calculate the number of inflated days earned is calculated using the folling formula:, divide the miles run by 130, then multiply the number times the road inflation factor of 1.335. Example; a thru freight pool turn runs 220 miles one way. 220 miles * 2 (round trip) = 440 divided by 130 (basic day) = 3.38 * 1.335 (road inflated factor) = 4.5 inflated days for the round trip.

Needles Pool Inflated Day Rate

• Needles – Bakersfield = 3.3 Inflated Days per Ticket

• Needles – Barstow = 1.9 Inflated Days per Ticket

• Needles – Los Angeles = 3.3 Inflated Days per Ticket

• Needles – San Bernardino = 2.5 Inflated Days per Ticket

• Needles – Winslow = 3.1 Inflated Days per Ticket

All observed Annual and Personal days count as qualifying days. These days are not inflated and count as one day. Paid Vacation days do not count as qualifying days for vacation during the next year. An employee can receive credit for up to ninety (90) calendar days he/she is assigned to an extra board and did not work. These days are not inflated.

Years of Service Weeks of Vacation Earned

1 Years 1 Week

2 Years 2 Weeks

6 years 3 weeks

15 years 4 weeks

23 Years 5 Weeks

25 years 6 weeks

Engineers are assigned to the engineer vacation roster, from Sr to Jr, based on the number of engineer jobs on Oct 1st. Any engineer that is not assigned to the engineer vacation roster will be assigned to the trainman vacation roster of the location they are working at 0001 on Oct 1st.

Needles engineer vacations start at 0700 and Barstow engineer vacations start at 0730. Employees working as an engineer when starting a scheduled vacation or a single vacation float day will be laid off “PRE” the night before the vacation starts. Needles engineers will start "PRE" at 2201 and Barstow engineers will start "PRE" at 2231 the night before the vacation is scheduled to start.

Division 383 Officers (2022-2024)

President - Mitch Schutt - mts45m@yahoo.com - (760) 792-7300

Secretary/Treasurer - Darice Gilliam - DGilliam@blet383.com - 928-231-3667

Local Chairman - Jake Howard - jakehoward80@gmail.com - 760-217-3552

1st Vice LC - Doug Gold - douggold557@gmail.com - 760-217-2064

2nd Vice LC - Jon Butler -  jon_butler1@icloud.com - (760) 831-6184

3rd Vice LC - Mike Yazzie (Barstow) - michaelyazzie79@gmail.com - 760-577-9889

Legislative Rep - Lee Candelaria - leeruns@icloud.com - 928-201-3708

Meeting Info

Meetings are held every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month @ 0900 Arizona Time (All Year). Meetings are held at the Mohave Valley Fire Station #81, 1451 Willow Dr, Mohave Valley, AZ 86440. (Click address for directions)

Website Links

BLET National Division - https://www.ble-t.org/

Santa Fe General Chairman - http://santafeblet.org/

AZ State Legislative Board - https://azblet.org/

CA State Legislative Board - http://cslb.ws/

Your Track to Health - https://yourtracktohealth.com/

Employee Portal - https://employee.bnsf.com/my.policy

BNSF Emulator - https://www.bnsf.com/bnsf.was7/emu/main

Workforce Hub - https://wwwapps.bnsf.com/workforcehub

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - https://railroads.dot.gov/

Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) - https://rrb.gov/