Mr. Jackson, when this committee agreed to participate in BNSF’s safety program in January 2003 I was skeptical. Since that time I have seen the BNSF use such programs as a PR vehicle. Meanwhile the BNSF refuses to acknowledge quality of life issues such as line up, excessive held away and crews being on duty fourteen plus hours. The BNSF routinely boasts of the progress made between labor and management meanwhile members of this Committee are treated in a heavy-handed manner.

Be advised this Committee will no longer participate in Shared Values or NW Division Safety Committees.

This Committee has been and always will be committed to safety. I will always encourage my members and fellow employee to work safely. All safety issues, including unsafe conditions, will be handled via the Local UTU Legislative Representative and/or the State Legislative Director, Local Chairman or J.D. Fitzgerald.

Should there be any doubt or confusion, please direct correspondence to the undersigned or J.D. Fitzgerald.