Timekeeping Memo

Brothers and Sisters,

 

There has been a small change in policy between Timekeeping and CMS with regard to retrieving trains in the 25-Mile Zone. Timekeeping has informed CMS that they want them to immediately cease entering messages from the dispatcher into our work histories. Previously when the dispatcher sent you into the 25-Mile Zone to get a train they sent what is called an =CO message to the CMS crew dispatcher who made the entry under the crew's individual names in their work histories. Timekeeping claims that they do not need these messages in order to pay the arbitrary correctly and do not want them entered.

 

Please note the following when performing this service in order to get paid properly (or at least document your service in case you are declined):

 

1) When you tie up you MUST include the following information in the "Remarks" section when claiming the 25-Mile Zone payment:

 

• Time you went on duty
• Time you left the depot
• Time you arrived at the train
• Time you departed on the train
• Time you arrived back at the initial point (on-duty point)

2) Properly enter your times and Circ7's in the FRA reporting screen when you tie-up as follows:

• On Line E show your deadhead times from the on-duty point Circ7 to the Circ7 (or milepost) where the train is located
• On Line A start at the Circ7 (or milepost) where you board the train and show the time when you arrive, then continue across that line to when and where you were relieved disregarding any mention of the on-duty point where you started
• If you tie up on the HOS then show your tow-in on Line F

IF YOUR CLAIM DOES NOT MATCH YOUR ENTRIES IN THE FRA REPORTING SCREEN THE YOU MAY NOT GET PAID PROPERLY FOR THE SERVICE!

 

3)  We STRONGLY recommend that you retain a train list or BU report of the train along with any other documentation you might have that would support the claim. I like to enter into the Remarks the dispatcher's name and time he instructed us to go when I make the claim. ANYTHING that you can provide in the event you are declined can be valuable when appealing your decline. This applies to any claim of any kind.

 

4) Please note that you are entitled to the time spent in the 25-Mile Zone, with a minimum of four (4) hours, at the rate of the service performed.  However, it is important to understand that the time spent in the Zone cannot be used toward the calculation of overtime for the service trip. For example, if you are on duty for a total of 10 hours 25 minutes, and spent 1 hour 25 minutes in the 25-Mile Zone, then you would calculate overtime, if any, based upon 9 hours 25 minutes on duty. In other words the time spent in the 25-Mile Zone extends the period after which you would normally go on overtime on that trip by the amount of actual time in the Zone. If you spent 4 hours or more in the 25-mile Zone you might well have to calculate the straight time spent in the 25-Mile Zone OR the overtime earned and claim the greater, BUT NOT BOTH. Under not circumstances are you entitled to claim the time spent in the 25-Mile Zone as both a straight-time arbitrary AND toward eventual earned overtime.

 

Fraternally,

Bill Slone

Division 187 S/T