Canadian Managers Get Hog Training in U.S.

[engr452000]

Stevens Point has seen at least two Canadian managers training on switch engines to become "emergency engineers" in Canada.

[fizz]

And once they are done.
Good enough to run a coal train through the mountains in B.C.
For some reason I hear air leaking from the con side, out of the OH! sh!t handle.

[Sparks]

A couple managers running on the north end, Ontario. They'll go anywhere, as long as they have a profile.

[AllistonTrainMan]

The company in their infinite wisdom has decided to have all their managers become conductor qualified. They want to be sure that in the event of a strike that they are adequately prepared to assume the work of the unionized staff. It has now become common practice to ensure all new hire managers become trained and as time permits, existing managers as well. A select group will also receive engineer training in due time.

[fizz]

That select group is any warm body they can spare.
Hold onto the OH! SHIT handle once these twits start running.
My hope is that we don't see a strike in 2009.

[engr452000]

More Canadian managers training in Stevens Point the past few days. One guy is from Mellville. Apparently the BLET GC says it is up to the individual WC engineer to decide whether or not to train these people. How can that help the union cause on either side of the border?

[robinhoodrail]

Originally Posted by engr452000

More Canadian managers training in Stevens Point the past few days. One guy is from Mellville. Apparently the BLET GC says it is up to the individual WC engineer to decide whether or not to train these people. How can that help the union cause on either side of the border?

From the 2007 CN Investor Fact Book, page 4.

http://www.cn.ca/documents/Investor-...urrent/IFB.pdf

In 2007, CN will further its commitment towards continuous improvement and innovation, beginning with the most important asset that distinguishes us from our competition: our people. We are adding to our innovative development programs, which already include our “Railroad MBA” and our “Hunter Camps,” with the introduction of a Railroad Certification program. Over the next 12 to 18 months, we will teach and qualify over 2,000 managers as conductors or engineers. This will allow the majority of CN’s management team to see first-hand the core of our operations, as well as the day-to-day experiences and challenges of some of our front-line employees. We know that this hands-on program will further improve the skills and the passion of our already exceptional team of railroaders.

There are about 2000 working engineers in Canada. Coincidence? Not Likely.

Some of these managers have been put on trains in Canada. They end up sitting in the middle chair going for a ride. They will be used as replacement engineers if we go on strike. Training them is like training a SCAB. Think about it.

If we go on strike, I will watch the circus from the picket line. Managers as Conductors were scary enough during the 2007 UTU strike here. Some of today's trains have me on the edge of my seat after more than 15 years as a qualified engineer!

Mr. Harrison, I am ready to rumble. Are you?

[Dogbearbyter]

The thing you WC guys have got to remember is that these guys will be back for your next go around. These gzorniks don't stay in any one part of the system or on their own side of the border like we do. You may be seeing the training of the people who are going to scab your next contract dispute.

[engr452000]

Originally Posted by Dogbearbyter

The thing you WC guys have got to remember is that these guys will be back for your next go around. These gzorniks don't stay in any one part of the system or on their own side of the border like we do. You may be seeing the training of the people who are going to scab your next contract dispute.

You are so right Dogbearbyter. Most of us on the WC property realize this. Of course, with a contract that expired almost 4 years ago, and no pay raises in almost 7 years, many of us wonder if we have union representation at all.

[cndrbrown]

7 years. thats horrid