GM / LC Meeting Notes 6/3/25
PTI Safety Concerns
Two recent injuries in Macon were caused by a PTI driver pulling out in front of an engine in the yard. General Manager, Colby Gardner has asked for everyone’s help in making safe decisions while riding in PTI vans. If you have concerns about driver behavior or van conditions, report them to your supervisor or your local chairman. Mr. Gardner stressed that he’d rather have a couple hour delay rather than putting crews in an unsafe situation.
The Company is exploring the possibility of sending PTI drivers through Smith Driving School, although that initiative has not been fully implemented yet. We also discussed the need for clearer instructions from the NOC to PTI and Uber drivers regarding back-hauls, and the importance of using Uber XLs instead of base Uber services to ensure adequate space and safety.
Safety Quality Class Pilot Program
A new Safety Quality class is being developed for all employees, with a pilot program currently underway in Sheffield. The goal is to reinforce basic safety principles, especially for newer employees. We also discussed providing a cookout as an incentive for districts that go 90 days incident and injury free.
PL and V1 Days
The Company remains unwilling to return control of PL and V1 days to local supervision. They are working on a long-term solution that would allow employees to see their allocations and submit requests through the mobile app. There is no confirmed release date, but they are aiming for late summer to the end of the year.
Until then, continue submitting PL and V1 requests through CrewPro. If your request is denied, email cmc_fss@exchange.nscorp.com. For last-minute needs or if no response is given, contact:
Jason Ault – Jason.Ault2@nscorp.com
Wes Sebasty – wesleigh.sebasty@nscorp.com
Morale and Claim Denials
While the General Manager does not have control over pay, step-rate, or contract issues, we made sure to voice your concerns about morale. We stressed that low morale impacts safety and performance, which are areas the Company claims to prioritize.
Labor Relations stated they are committed to paying valid claims, but they did not acknowledge the volume of claims that are improperly denied. That said, I was able to make some progress on several ongoing claims, including a few that have been open for months.
Inward Facing Cameras (IFC)
We were told that IFC footage is only being pulled by a small group of people and is used to check for serious violations such as job briefings, point and calls, cell phone use, and sleeping while on duty. They claim that casual conversation or “locker room talk” is not being used for discipline. Still, I would caution everyone to remain aware, as the policy has changed before and could again. Discipline based on IFC footage is reviewed by Orr and Livingston before being issued.
The change in IFC policy was reportedly a response to repeated findings of employees using personal phones while moving or while 3-step protection was applied.
Ground Watching Rule Change
We raised concerns about the safety of watching trains pass from the ground rather than from an elevated location. While the issue was initially met with silence, the GM later said he would look into whether a risk analysis was completed before this rule was changed.
NS Candor and Safety Culture: Mr. Gardner emphasized NS Candor, giving direct, honest, and caring feedback, encouraging open reporting of safety issues, and a shift from fear-based to value-driven safety culture, aligned with SPIRIT values.
Hiring Update: NS returned to in-person hiring to improve recruit quality, with early signs of success.
I’ll continue to follow up on these issues and keep you informed. As always, feel free to reach out to any of your local chairmen if you have questions, concerns, or input.