Welcome to the President's Corner
by: Weslie K. McRoberts - President, UTU Local 1252
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(PC Article 0001 of 040311) Welcome New Hires!!!
(PC Article 0002 of 040322) Training the Trainer 
(PC Article 0003 of 040328) Hello All, Thanks & annual picnic  
(PC Article 0004 of 040810) visit our newest link, " www.unionmemberdiscountservices.com  " 
(PC Article 0005 0f 041222) Holiday word from UTU1252 President  
.

(PC Article 0001 of 040311) Welcome New Hires!!!
Welcome New Hires!!!

   I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the recently hired
and/or "marked up" UTU members to our family here at BNSF in Calwa.
I have met many of you, but for those of you I have yet to meet....let me
invite you to attend our monthly UTU meeting which is for ALL OF US!!!
It is not a meeting designed for the members who "know what is going
on" (that would be a very few............................................just kidding).

  It is designed for all of us to come together and discuss the upcoming
events/proposals, as well as to voice any concerns or problems we may
have. It is the place to find the answers to the many, many questions
that all of us had (or still have) when we first marked up. It is the place
to meet your UTU officers and hold us all accountable for the positions
that we hold.  It is the place to meet the representatives of outside
agencies who are available to assist us.  It is the place to develop a
"fellowship" or "brotherhood", if you will.  And if all else fails,  it's an
opportunity for a free breakfast.

  You all pay union dues to be a part of this craft.  You may as well
come and see what those dues are for.  Do you know?

  For most of us, this is the beginning of a long career.  You may as
well start that career with the knowledge of how to bargain for what
you need, learning how to "muddle through" the process of claiming
your pay, and getting the most that you can from your union.

    You will hear a lot of negativity in regards to "unions".  Just
remember.... your union is as strong and as viable as YOU make it.
There will be many things that you may not agree with nor subscribe
to.  But the reality is that you can be part of the problem, or part of
the solution....it's up to you.

Respectfully,

Ms. Weslie K. McRoberts
President, UTU Local 1252

(PC Article 0002 of 040322) Training the Trainer

Dear Members,

    I have recently returned from a week-long class entitled "Training the
Trainer" in Kansas City.  This class is designed to develop "training
coordinators" in various locations throughout the system.  I attended this
class with hopes of providing a more "hands on" approach in the training
program for our folks in Fresno.  I will be available to field questions and
provide assistance for our new hires.

   Immediately, I will begin to oversee the placement of students in
"on-the-job training".  I will do my best to pair each student with a
qualified conductor.  Keep in mind that "qualified" is a relative term and
does not necessarily mean someone with 20 years experience. These
individuals also have to be willing to have a student, provide constructive
feedback and perform the student evaluations.  These written evaluations are
a critical tool to attain our goal of promoting proficient conductors.

   Understand that in the next year BNSF will hire over 1500 new people.  The
projected number over the next 5 years is 5000.  Without a doubt, we will
see many new hires in this area.  Please do your best to help these people
become acclimated in the safest possible manner.

   I know that this is an arduous, and often frustrating, time.  But please
be patient and do your best to guide these new employees, as we all have to
work together for a very long time.  If you do have a student, please take
the time to submit an evaluation form, which I have made available in the
lobby next to the printers (there is a yellow box on the wall).  If you do
NOT want to have a student, please let me know.

   If you have any questions or comments please contact me at (559) 273-5921.
I welcome any suggestions you may have.

Ms. Weslie K. McRoberts
President, UTU Local 1252

(PC Article 0003 of 040328) Hello All, Thanks & annual picnic
Hello All!!!

  A couple of things:  First, I want to thank everyone for their support and
participation with the new hire training program.  Since my return from
Kansas, after participating in the training coordinator class, everyone has
been wonderful!!!  You have all done a fabulous job of filling out
evaluations and providing me with feedback.  Thanks so much!!!!

  Secondly,  I was invited, by the BLE, to attend a meeting next Saturday to
discuss having our annual picnic with them (BLE) as well as Maintenance of
Way.  The planned date is July 3 at the Waterpark again.  I plan to attend
the meeting, and personally think it is a good idea, but would like to hear
your thoughts/ideas.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Fraternally,

Ms. Weslie K. McRoberts
President, UTU Local 1252

(PC Article 0004 of 040810) Visit our newest link, " www.unionmemberdiscountservices.com  " 
Dear Members,

Be sure to visit our newest posted link, " www.unionmemberdiscountservices.com ".  It is a group
promoting services and products provided by fellow union members (hopefully at a discount).
I talked with a representative of the company and was told that they are actively seeking
companies in Fresno that would like to advertise on the web site.  If you know of a company
that would like to reach union members, please tell them about it.

Also, we will be holding two new hire classes here in Fresno this year.  This means, Yes....
more students.  I know that most of you are feeling a bit challenged by having students all
the time, but please know how grateful I am and how much it means to the training program.
I am convinced that we have the most qualified and competent people here in Calwa.  And
those of you who take the time and energy to help train new hires are helping to make our
workplace a safer and more productive place.  My hat is off to you.................your job is
much more difficult than mine.

My role in the training program is that of a "Mother Hen" so to speak.  I provide the orientation
to how the railroad works and am the "Go-to Gal" for the students when they have questions
or problems.  It is those of you who provide the "On the job training" that are the backbone of
the program.  Thank you so much for your participation, interest, and feedback.  I depend on
you and am grateful to know I can count on you.

Fraternally,

Weslie K. McRoberts

(PC Article 0005 0f 041222) Holiday word from UTU1252 President
Happy Holidays to all member of Local 1252!!!!

As you may, or may not, have heard I will be leaving on January 2, 2005 to go to engine service.
In my absence, Wayne Jones will take over the position of Training Coordinator.  I know that you
will be just as supportive of him as you have been me.

I will return on January 21, 2005 so, unfortunately I will miss our next meeting. Don Vanoni, past
president, has kindly agreed to head the meeting while I am gone.  Thanks Don.

I am so thankful for those of you who have made this such a successful year for our local.  It has
been a thrill to see the turnout and participation at our meetings increase as it has been.  Bravo to
all the new employees who are taking the initiative to be an active member of THEIR union!!

Let's continue to stand strong and united, remembering that each of us plays a vital role in the
success of the United Transportation Union.  I am proud to be a part of Local 1252.

Sincerely,

Your President.....Ms. Weslie K McRoberts