Ruh Roh - Hunter at CSX

[ljudice]

Not pretty:


http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/blogs/william-vantuono/whats-going-on-at-csx.html?channel=00

[prr7161]

"All helper crews are to be eliminated system-wide and crews will double grades. EHH had all CSX division superintendents and assistants escorted off the property on Friday (July 14)."

and

"No more use of brake sticks that allowed crews to release or engage hand brakes without getting in between cars.”

and

"Hunter did away with the rule banning getting off moving equipment."

Was getting people killed the goal here, or what?  What a nightmare!

[ljudice]

Sounds bizarre and I am skeptical of some of it (sounds like his source is Trainorders)

But when there is smoke.....

[mu26aeh]

Sounds bizarre and I am skeptical of some of it (sounds like his source is Trainorders)

But when there is smoke.....

I'm friends with a few CSX employees, there is definitely smoke.  And a good bit from the ears of said employees that are upset about the turn of events.  And I did see a picture of a bunch of brake sticks leaning in a door frame of trainmasters office that said " brake stick dead line". 

[Missaberoad]

"All helper crews are to be eliminated system-wide and crews will double grades. EHH had all CSX division superintendents and assistants escorted off the property on Friday (July 14)."

and

"No more use of brake sticks that allowed crews to release or engage hand brakes without getting in between cars.”

and

"Hunter did away with the rule banning getting off moving equipment."

Was getting people killed the goal here, or what?  What a nightmare!

He did the same thing at CP... Before Hunter we weren't allowed to get on and off moving equipment and we weren't allowed to kick cars...
he brought both back as part of his preference for flat switching...

Is it dangerous? I don't think so, as long as crews are properly trained and the crew ensures the train is at a safe speed (ours is 4 mph)
as for brake sticks you still have to get on the car to apply a brake correct? not sure we don't use them in western Canada.

[Englewood]

A brake stick has a head on it that allows you to turn the brake wheel. Since we're not allowed to tie a brake from the ground, a brake stick keeps you from having to climb on and off cars. Their use is mandatory at the yard I work at (when available) and personally, I like them, as long as I don't have to carry it around.

[Lenny53]

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/07/28-stb-letter

[Dave V]

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/07/28-stb-letter

Similar:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/csx_transportation/news/STB-concerned-about-deteriorated-service-at-CSX--52282

[Blazeman]

And this:

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/csx-no-longer-funding-certain-safety-equipment-for-railroad-workers/579894205

[Missaberoad]

Oh boy... This is territory he didn't even try to do here...
The comment about employees not covered by collective agreements makes me ASSume running trades will still get their PPE.

But Is he really getting rid of 3 point protection? I've heard this in a couple places now. That's scary, Not sure I trust all the engineers I work with enough to do up hoses without 3 point... Can anyone close to CSX confirm this? 

[RockGp40]

But Is he really getting rid of 3 point protection? I've heard this in a couple places now. That's scary, Not sure I trust all the engineers I work with enough to do up hoses without 3 point... Can anyone close to CSX confirm this? 

Brakesticks are abolished too apparently.

[Missaberoad]

Brakesticks are abolished too apparently.

That's something we never used, so climbing up to tie on handbrakes just seems normal... 

[mu26aeh]

Here is a picture posted after they were abolished...

[RockGp40]

That's something we never used, so climbing up to tie on handbrakes just seems normal... 

Me either. I was issued one and it's been in my garage ever since unblemished. I prefer to do the brakes by hand. Or maybe I'm too lazy to carry it, especially if I am switching.

[BobRunty]

CSX has furloughed over half of the operating crew at Barr yard in Chicago fueling rumors it will close. The furloughs went back about 15 years into the seniority list. My son is an engineer/conductor here in Illinois and sees the writing on the wall. And yes the brake sticks are now verboten.

Also heard the Tropicana juice train switched over to trucks because of the current ineptitude. It's "Weekend At Bernies" down at Jacksonville with EHH wheeled in tethered to his oxygen tank.

Bob