FRA to support deployment of imrpoved train braking technology

FRA to support deployment of improved train braking technology CLEVELAND, August 18 -- The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced today its intention to propose revised federal rail safety regulations to facilitate the installation of Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brake systems capable of preventing derailments and shortening train stopping distances. “This technology has the potential to greatly improve the safety of our members,” BLET National President Don M. Hahs. “However, we need to ensure that the industry does not use its implementation as a pretense for eliminating the jobs of shop craft workers.” ECP brakes are applied uniformly and virtually instantaneously on every rail car throughout the train, rather than sequentially from one rail car to the next as is done with current air brake technology. The system provides improved train control when braking and can reduce stopping distances up to 60 percent. “ECP brakes are to trains what anti-lock brakes are to automobiles—they provide better control,” said FRA Administrator Joseph Boardman in a prepared statement. “It offers a quantum improvement in rail safety.” Boardman said the FRA intends to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking next year to revise the federal brake system safety standards to encourage railroads to invest in and deploy ECP brake technology. In order to achieve the safety benefits as soon as possible, FRA is open to considering plans from railroads interested in using ECP brakes before the proposed rule changes are completed, he said. According to FRA statistics, 14 percent of train accidents on main line track involved improper handling of the train or the automatic braking system in 2005. ECP brakes would give locomotive engineers better control over their trains and prevent many potential accidents. In addition, current problems such as derailments caused by sudden emergency brake applications, and runaway trains caused by loss of brake air pressure, could be eliminated using ECP brakes. The technology can perform an electronic health check of the brakes to identify maintenance needs. Friday, August 18, 2006 bentley@ble.org http://www.ble.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=4345 © 2006 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen http://www.ble.org

Department of Transportation General Counsel issues Q&As on 49 CFR PART 40 - PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS

The Office of General Counsel of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance of the Department of Transportation issued Question and Answers covering Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs in July 2006 (Click Here to view in PDF). These Q&As constitute authoritative guidance and interpretation concerning 49CFR Part 40 - PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS.

Please pay particular attention to to the Question and Answer dealing with 40.141 (Click Here to view 40.141) dealing with medications prescribed via an internet physician and the requirement for a direct doctor patient examination and relationship as well as connection of prescribed medication to a current medical problem. There are 4 criteria that must be met to reach the threshold of having a legitimate doctor – patient relationship.

1. – The patient has a medical complaint
2. – A medical history has been taken
3. – A physical examination has been performed
4. – Some logical connection exists between the complaint, the medical history, the physical examination, and the drug prescribed.

Taking medications prescribed by an “internet” doctor who has not physically examined you for your medical complaint per this interpretation would be illegal under the regulation.

All employees who have been prescribed medication via their personal physician to treat their medical issues will not have any problems. If you are taking medication prescribed via an internet physician, it is suggested that you immediately contact your local physician for a current examination to fulfill the requirements of a legitimate doctor – patient relationship.

Please note that this is an interpretation from DOT General Counsel of the Code of Federal Regulations and not something that falls under the purview of collective bargaining.

Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits Increase July 1, 2006

The maximum daily benefit rate payable for claims under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act increased to $57 from $56 in the new benefit year, which began July 1. Benefits are normally paid for the number of days of unemployment or sickness exceeding four in 14-day registration periods, so maximum benefits for biweekly claims will total $570.


During the first 14-day claim period in a benefit year, benefits are payable for each day of unemployment or sickness in excess of seven, rather than four, which, in effect, provides a one-week waiting period. Initial sickness claims must also begin with four consecutive days of sickness. However, only one waiting period is required during any period of continuing unemployment or sickness, even if that period continues into a subsequent benefit year.


To qualify for normal railroad unemployment or sickness benefits, an employee must have had railroad earnings of at least $2,875 in calendar year 2005, not counting more than $1,150 for any month. Those who were first employed in the rail industry in 2005 must also have at least five months of creditable railroad service in 2005.Under certain conditions, employees with 10 or more years of service, who do not qualify in the new benefit year on the basis of their 2005 earnings, may still be able to receive benefits after June 30, 2006.


Application forms for unemployment and sickness benefits may be obtained from railroad employers, railroad labor organizations, any Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) office, or the RRB's Web site. As an alternative to applying for unemployment benefits through the mail, claimants may instead file applications online through the RRB’s Web site. Subsequent biweekly claims for unemployment benefits may be filed online rather than through the mail, and employees can access information about their individual railroad unemployment insurance account statements via the Internet