From: Gore, Gil [mailto:gilgore@bletsr.org]
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 12:14 PM
To: All Local Chairmen BLET UP Southern Region
Subject: FW: Chantix
Brothers,
Please review the link below for information from the ND regarding the use of the anti-smoking drug Chantix. Please distribute this information to all members on your electronic e-mail list.
Please Click HERE to view and PDF copy of the Memorandum.
Thanking you in advance for your cooperation, I remain.
Fraternally,
Gil Gore
From: Pontolillo, Tom [mailto:pontolillo@ble-t.org]
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 11:59 AM
To: _NDOfficers; _General Chairmen US GCA; _Legislative Chairmen US GCA; _ExecStaff
Cc: Policy, Kathleen; Bentley, John; Magrath, Erin
Subject: Chantix
Brothers,
A short while ago we received the attached copy of a Memorandum from the Department of Transportation’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance to the Drug and Alcohol Program Manager of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety. The Memorandum concerns the anti-smoking drug Chantix, and states, in pertinent part, as follows:
The U.S. Department of Transportation reminds all transportation industries of the potential threat to public safety caused by the use of the anti-smoking drug Chantix. A recent independent study spoke of possible links to seizures, dizziness, heart irregularity, loss of consciousness, vision problems, diabetes, and more than 100 accidents. As a result, we strongly urge all transportation industry employers to include in their employee training materials appropriate information to address this issue. We also encourage employers to reiterate with their employees the need to report use of such medications when required by applicable DOT regulations or by company policies.
The Federal Aviation Administration has banned the use of Chantix by pilots and air traffic controllers, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has urged medical examiners not to certify a commercial driver who uses this drug.
It would be greatly appreciated if General Chairmen and State Legislative Board Chairmen would distribute electronically this to Local Division officers under their jurisdiction if they have the capacity to do so.
Fraternally,
Thomas A. Pontolillo
Assistant to the President and Director of Research
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
