Subject: xboard guarantee

I am having a problem here and I am wondering if any of you have come across this? Since the first of the year if a man takes a single day vacation markes up 24 hrs later then get close to going to work and lays off on another single day vacation the carrier feels he is manipulating the board and refuses to pay any guarantee for the entire half. Per the agreement he has done nothing wrong. Our xboard is long I have guys who took 2 days vacation and never worked so they got a check for $300 minus taxes and health care. Whats next not paying a man TPA because he took off a single day vacation? Its the same thing. I have had 10 to 15 men they have done this to. What do we do? Please let me know? The men want to strike. If something is not done the UTU is in danger of losing alot of members here.

Bobby Bradford

LC UTU 923 T&E

Dalhart, Texas

From: Renna5@aol.com

To: bradford@xit.net ; bruceholder@surewest.net

Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2005 9:35 AM

Subject: Re: xboard guarantee

Bobby, you better learn and explain to your members letter dated February 26, 1998 from WS Hinckley with Labor Relations. It states", employees will not be able to take seperate personal leave days or single vacation split days, with no work in between the days without a deduction. This practice, known as "riding the board", will be not be used to avoid an offset." Educatation can save money. Learn how the money game works. Sharpshooting costs money. Do not threaten us UTU brothers about losing members due to negligence in knowing Side Letters. We must take care of our shop.

Fraternally, Rick Renna West Colton Switchmen Local Chairman.

From: William Schultz

To: Bobby Bradford

Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2005 3:54 PM

Subject: Re: xboard guarantee

Rick makes a good point. Here's another: I have just concluded an investigation where a switchman was charged under the absenteeism policy for not protecting his assignment. His crime? Getting to first out and laying off PL, marking up back to the bottom of the board. They won't buy it and they might apply discipline. Consider it an expensive lesson. If you wanna get paid you gotta work. Even the Gangsters, er Teamsters can't do anything about that.

Bill

Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2005 6:02 PM

Subject: RE: xboard guarantee

The new guys need to learn what will be paid and what won't, before they get into a jam. I recall now that in Tucson, layoffs {even PLD's} had to be “bracketed by service” to get guarantee. So you could hang 3 days after working, take a PLD, hang 3 more days, take a PLD, etc..and get all guarantee for the half. Good thing I had a spare keyboard… Man, I just hate to see people encounter something for the first time and get screwed because they are not aware of all the agreement permutations… J. Howell, L.C. 1800{s}