Jay L Schollmeyer Local Chairman 1637 Portland, OR 97215 Email jay@jaysworks.com

Mr. Fay, on September 9, 1999 Conductor Burchette and Engineer Kautz was on train B-PTLLAC3-09A.

On this trip the eastbound signal at East Stevenson displayed an Approach aspect and the signal at MP 58.6 was dark. The crew complied with the Rule 9.1.14 and at MP 60 the crew came to a Banner and stopped.

The crew was released and proceeded east and the detector at Home Valley and did not give a report. After make a couple attempts to recall the detector Conductor Burchette started to walk his train as per Special Instructions 8-{c} table-3. At this time a Trainmaster Bob Davis from another Division told the crew that the Signal Supervisor had heard the complete message and to proceed east. When the crew insisted on complying with the rules, they were accused of being insubordinate.

Mr. Fay I have looked in GCOR, Special Instruction, General Orders and Notices and I have yet to see any instructions that say we can violate operating rules under Trainmasters authority.

For the BNSF to do operations testing then threaten a crew with insubordination for fully complying with the rules is an outrage and will not be tolerated by this committee.

JL Schollmeyer
Local Chairman 1637