TE&Y Transfers to Signal Department

If I transfer to a signal position, how much vacation will I have in 2010?

The BRS is covered by a national vacation agreement for all non-operating crafts.  While a transferring employee would not be eligible for vacation in 2010, if they work 110 or more days in 2010 and have two or more years of continuous service, they will have 10 consecutive work days of vacation in 2011. If they do not have two or more years of continuous service, they will be granted 5 consecutive work days of vacation in 2011 if they work 120 or more days in 2010.

Please note,  usually years of continuous service for calculating vacation pay does not include service in an operating craft. However, the carrier is willing to give credit for previous years of continuous service to furloughed TE&Y who accept an assistant signal position and relinquish their operating craft seniority.

Are signal persons allowed to break up consecutive work days of vacation into single days?

Yes.  Up to one week per year can be used, subject to approval and 48 hours notice.

Do signal persons get personal leave days?

Yes. One after qualifying for vacation for 8 years of service and a second after qualifying for vacation for 17 years of service.

Which health & welfare plan applies to signal persons?

The BRS employees are covered by the Union Pacific Railroad Employee Health System (UPREHS).  All eligible dependents are covered under the national plan.  In addition, BRS employees are covered by the Supplemental Sickness Benefit Plan (current carrier is Aetna).