Dear Sirs,
The company is expecting large traffic volumes for the months of October and November 2003 which will put more pressure on our already stretched crew resources in the Revelstoke terminal. In discussing this situation with local CCROU representatives CP Railway is prepared to offer the following incentives to Revelstoke RTEs in exchange for an agreement from both CCROU unions to raise the mileage limitations through this period.
RTEs who do not book off for miles after attaining 3800 miles in their mileage period will be entitled to a premium payment of 20% for all miles earned in excess of 3800. They will be able to continue to work until they have attained 4300 miles without penalty. Any miles earned that are paid this premium will not be carried over into the next mileage period.
RTEs who are willing to continue to work after attaining 3800 miles in the period but do not wish to continue working up to the 4300 maximum will still be entitled to claim the premium payment of 20% as outlined above.
RTEs will still be able to book off for miles once they have attained 3800 miles in the period and any carry over miles will still be applied to the next mileage period.
In addition to the commitment above the company is offering that any crew who is required by the company for operational reasons to tie their train down or are otherwise relieved of responsibility for their train short of the destination be paid the applicable fixed rate for that train. Operational reasons include congested yards, crew shortages, track blocks and other similar circumstances. Operational reasons do not include situations when a crew is relieved to comply with Article 27.04 BLE Collective Agreement or 29.05 UTU Collective Agreement or line blockages between the train and the destination terminal. Local company officers and union representatives will discuss any particular situations that arise and there is some question as to whether the crew was relieved for operational or other reasons.
This agreement is expected to last until the end of November. The unions and company will discuss the end time for this agreement as required.
This agreement is entered into without precedent or prejudice to the positions of either party and may not be used by either party for any reason without the expressed written permission of the other party.
This Agreement can be amended, revised or cancelled upon seven days written notice by either party. This agreement become null and void if any running trades employees are laid off.
Should the above meet with your approval please indicate your concurrence below.
Stan Bell……