DeVar Thompson<br />SMART-TD Local 168<br />Local Chairperson<br />773-606-4321<br /><br /><br />---------- Forwarded message ----------<br />From: Dirk Sampson &lt;DSampson@smarttd769.org&gt;<br />Date: Thu, Mar 22, 2018 at 12:37 PM<br />Subject: Industry Update/Legislative File-Election Cycle File-FRA Enforcement Data-Labor Calendar-3-19-2018<br />To: Dirk Sampson &lt;DSampson@smarttd769.org&gt;<br />Cc: Charlie Yura &lt;Cyura@smarttd769.org&gt;, Rick Pauli &lt;Rpauli@smarttd769.org&gt;<br /><br /> <br />To All,<br />Brothers and Sisters,<br />Enclosed is an interesting update from our Smart-TD Minnesota State Legislative Director.<br /> <br />Fraternally,<br /> <br /> <br />Dirk A. Sampson<br />General Chairman, GO-769<br />SMART - Transportation Division<br />1515 Market Street, Suite 708<br />Philadelphia, PA 19102<br />Phone: 215-564-1750<br />Fax: 215-665-8196<br /> <br />From: UTU-SMART-TD Minnesota &lt;sld@smart-td-minnesota.org&gt; <br />Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 7:26 PM<br />To: UTU-SMART-TD Minnesota &lt;sld@smart-td-minnesota.org&gt;<br />Subject: Industry Update/Legislative File-Election Cycle File-FRA Enforcement Data-Labor Calendar-3-19-2018<br />Importance: High<br /> <br />March 19, 2018<br /> <br /> <br />Dear Brothers and Sisters,<br /> <br />As a periodic update, please find and review this UTU-SMART-TD Industry Update with information that impacts your career in the railroad industry.&nbsp;  <br /> <br />Your state UTU-SMART-TD state committee office has had a busy first 77 days of 2018.&nbsp; &nbsp; This industry update has been delayed and we have a lot<br />of information for you.&nbsp; &nbsp; The links below hold our SMART-TD leadership messages with important informational reference. Please view the links <br />with attached pdf files with our Labor and Solidarity Action calendar.&nbsp; &nbsp;  Links and PDF’s may not correspond directly.&nbsp; &nbsp; Below this memo please <br />find your weekly Minnesota AFL-CIO Labor Update.&nbsp; &nbsp;  <br /> <br />Please see link below from Local 1614 who is holding a memorial fund to help the family of fallen Minnesota Brother Nick Vosejpka, Local 1614.<br />We will appreciate any contribution you personally and/or your Local committee may be able to do to help the surviving Vosejpka family.&nbsp;  <br /> <br />With attached pdf files and links you will find a general industry update, FRA Enforcement Report for Fiscal Year 2017, Election Cycle Update, NLD<br />national legislative file and our Labor Calendar (20 MB).&nbsp; &nbsp; With our labor calendar, please note DOT Hazmat class registration remains open, this<br />April 23 is National Worker Memorial Day, and plan for our Election Cycle - Labor Action “Save the Dates” days of campaign action. <br /> <br />Our National Office legislative file has important information regarding FRA’s response to our letter regarding trains of excessive length, testimony <br />regarding electronic brake systems, reporting on the status of the CSX debacle, recent letters as to our efforts to obtain federal funding to improve<br />our U.S. Railroad Retirement Board information technology system, recent letters to obtain increased funding for the National Mediation Board, a<br />Wolf Strategies four-pager explaining industry regulation governing shippers and carriers, and announcement of the move our our national office.<br /> <br />Also enclosed is the FRA Enforcement Report for Fiscal Report 2017 with executive summary and fine totals.&nbsp;  The link below has complete report.<br />This state committee office welcomes any comments our membership may have.&nbsp; &nbsp;  In short summary, the fines the FRA levies on the carriers are<br />still a drop in the bucket&nbsp; compared to carrier earnings.&nbsp; &nbsp; However, carrier fines have raised significantly since 2009.&nbsp; &nbsp;  Please report any and all<br />alleged regulatory violations to your Local Safety &amp; Legislative Representative for disposition through this state committee office.&nbsp; (As a reminder,<br />when reporting we need the who, what train ID, when, where, under whose authority, and any documentation you or statements you may be able<br />to provide.&nbsp;  As railroaders, we must report and act to deter carrier managers who are inexperienced, incorrect on regulation, and/or bad actors.<br /> <br />Finally, please see the attached Election Cycle file with information regarding our SMART-TD work in the recent southwest Pennsylvania CD-18, <br />graph of declining U.S. RRB pension recipients reflecting demographical long-term strength of pension system, and MnPOST’s article regarding<br />the Supreme Court hearing the all-important “Janus case” that will directly impact the future of our labor unions in America.&nbsp; &nbsp;  Again, we must <br />work within our Locals to organize our membership and be prepared for an earthquake if and when the impact of “Janus” reaches private sector <br />unions.&nbsp;  <br />&nbsp; <br />Please view the links below.&nbsp; Again, please print, copy and post to your on-property bulletin boards and forward to your Local email lists.<br /> <br />1)&nbsp; SMART-TD News: SMART-TD leadership messages:<br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;  a) SMART-TD News:&nbsp; Memorial Fund for Union Pacific On Duty Fatality of Local 1614 Member Nick Vosejpka and other fallen Brothers.<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://smart-union.org/safety/smart-rail-safety-task-force/memorials-smart-td-members-killed-job-2017/<br /> <br />&nbsp; b) SMART-TD News:&nbsp; Three Amtrak GCA’s and workers ratify new contract:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://smart-union.org/news/three-gcas-ratify-contract-with-amtrak/<br /> <br />&nbsp; c) SMART-TD News:&nbsp;  FRA Batory Sworn in as Chief Administrator:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://smart-union.org/news/ronald-batory-sworn-in-as-fra-administrator/<br /> <br />&nbsp; d) SMART-TD News:&nbsp;  FRA Response to SMART-TD Concerns for train of excessive length:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://smart-union.org/news/fra-declines-request-to-limit-long-trains/<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; <br />&nbsp; e) SMART-TD News:&nbsp;  UTUIA-DIPP (job Insurance) Program Changing to Direct Deposit:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://smart-union.org/news/dipp-payments-changing-to-direct-deposit-march-1/<br />&nbsp;  <br />&nbsp; f) SMART-TD News:&nbsp; SMART Army Month of Community Action:&nbsp;  (Check out SMART-Army for your Local and community)<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://smart-union.org/news/smart-army-month-of-community-action-coming/<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />&nbsp; g) SMART-TD News:&nbsp; Legislative Action Center (LAC):&nbsp; Minnesota U.S. Senator Tina Smith signs on as Co-Sponsor to S-2360, 2PC Bill. <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://smart-union.org/news/two-person-crew-bill-adds-cosponsors/<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  REMINDER: Click on the LAC and send your comment to legislators in support of H-233/S-2360 , Safe Freight Act (2PC) <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and H-3148 Yardmaster HOS.&nbsp;  You can click on the&nbsp; “Take Action” to compose your own message or send <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a prewritten message asking for support and/or thanking your elected federal official.&nbsp; &nbsp; Please comment.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />2) Industry Update:&nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; a)&nbsp; CNN:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  Amtrak Derailment in Washington State: “Workers Warned of Lack of Training”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/26/us/amtrak-washington-derailment-investigation/index.html<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; b)&nbsp; NTSB:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Preliminary Report, CSX and Amtrak Collision, Cayce, South Carolina. (Note: CSX had recently consolidated dispatcher territories).<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/RRD18MR003-prelim.aspx<br /> <br />&nbsp;  c) NPR/AP:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  Trump Admits to Making Up Trade Deficit Data with Canada: (Note: We have a lot of rail jobs hauling CAN/AM and NAFTA traffic). <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/03/15/npr-trump-admits-to-making-up-trade-deficit-in-talks-with-canadian-prime-minister<br /> <br />&nbsp; d) Columbus Dispatch:&nbsp; NS Train Head-on Derailment, Kentucky.<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180319/trains-collide-in-kentucky-derailment-sparking-fire-evacuation<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />&nbsp; e) DOT-FRA&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; FRA Enforcement Report for Fiscal year 2017: <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L19379.<br /> <br />f) PBS-News Hour:&nbsp;  Trump ‘s Possible China Tariffs Send Opponents Scrambling:&nbsp; (Note: As reported, not confirmed, 70% of Iowa corn goes to China). <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/trumps-possible-china-tariffs-send-opponents-scrambling<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  Trump Signs Steep New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum:&nbsp; <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trump-expected-to-sign-tariffs-on-steel-aluminum<br /> <br />&nbsp; g) Railway Age:&nbsp; &nbsp;  AAR-Rail Traffic Weaker So Far in 2018:&nbsp; <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.railwayage.com/freight/rail-traffic-weaker-far-2018/<br />&nbsp;  <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Rail Industry Joins in Support of NATFA: <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.railwayage.com/news/north-american-freight-rail-groups-join-on-nafta-support/?RAchannel=home<br /> <br />f) Star Tribune:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Duluth Shipping Season Expected to Open Tuesday:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; http://www.startribune.com/duluth-superior-shipping-season-expected-to-open-tuesday/477322553/<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />3) Election Cycle Update:<br /> <br />&nbsp;  a)&nbsp; MPR:&nbsp;  Governor Dayton in His Final Year / Morning Interview-30 Minutes:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/02/21/dayton-looks-to-his-last-session<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Attorney General Swanson on 3M Settlement over PFC’s and Water Contamination:&nbsp; 20 Minutes:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/02/21/3m-settlement-what-you-need-to-know<br /> <br />&nbsp;  b) Star Tribune:&nbsp; D.C. Banking Industry Lobbyist and Former Governor Pawlenty Registers Campaign Committee to Run for Governor Again:<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  http://www.startribune.com/former-gov-tim-pawlenty-registerd-with-campaign-board-moving-closer-to-run/477295903/<br /> <br />&nbsp;  c)&nbsp; Common Dreams.Org: Trump War on Workers (Behind the scene outcomes of appointee’s agenda):<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/19/trump-administrations-war-workers<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; <br />&nbsp;  d)&nbsp; MnPOST: “Stickin’ It to the Unions”&nbsp; What Janus means to organized labor in Minnesota: (Note: Consider use of MN-AFL-CIO Worksite Mapping Program).<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2018/02/stickin-it-union-what-janus-case-means-organized-labor-minnesota<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />&nbsp;  e) PBS: The News Hour, Shields and Brooks: Weekly Political Overview:&nbsp; White House Revolving Door and Democrat’s Upset in Pennsylvania<br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/shields-and-brooks-on-the-white-houses-revolving-door-conor-lambs-upset-win<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />&nbsp;  f)&nbsp; Cook Report:&nbsp; National Polling/Editorial:&nbsp; Troubling Signs for GOP on Election Horizon. (Note: We have to do the work to win for Labor). <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  http://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/national/national-politics/troubling-signs-gop-electoral-horizon<br /> <br />&nbsp;  g) Cook Report:&nbsp; PA-CD-18: Latest Blow to GOP and Odds to Hold Majority in Congress.&nbsp; (Note: SMART-TD and DFM Group had impact in this election). <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  http://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/pennsylvania-house/pa-18-result-latest-blow-gop-odds-holding-house<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  http://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/pennsylvania-house/conor-lamb-ran-change-agent-pa-18-so-are-lots-other-democrats<br /> <br />&nbsp;  h) Cook Report:&nbsp; National Polling: Changed Ratings/Summary of National Metrics:&nbsp;  (Note:&nbsp; The only poll tat counts is on November 6th, 2018. Be sure to Vote).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <br /> <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  http://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/national/national-politics/follow-2018-us<br /> <br />Again, in light of the new governmental and regulatory environment railroad labor now faces,&nbsp; please continue to organize your Locals.&nbsp; &nbsp; Be sure <br />to ask for each member’s cell and email addresses.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  It is essential that we are organized and able to communicate with all members effectively <br />in real time if /when the need arises.&nbsp;  We intend to have updated Local roster contact data in your Legislative Action Center (LAC) for year 2018.<br />&nbsp; <br />SMART-TD Wisconsin Director Peachy and SMART-TD Public Relations Department contributed to this compilation of industry information.&nbsp;  Please <br />review, copy and post to your on-property UTU-SMART-TD bulletin boards.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  As a reminder, you can print this information out, download links as <br />pod-casts or to whatever platform you may choose, and review at you AFHT or while on break at work.&nbsp; <br /> <br />Again, please forward this information to your Local email contact list.&nbsp; (20 MB).&nbsp; Thanks for your work for our members on your respective property.&nbsp; &nbsp;  <br /> <br />Fraternally,&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /> <br />P. J. Qualy<br />Minnesota Legislative Director<br />UTU-SMART-TD Minnesota<br />651-222-7500 ( o )<br />612-239-4414 ( c )<br />sld@smart-td-Minnesota.org<br />