Alternative discipline process set
for Michigan Zone CN/IC workers

PONTIAC, Mich. -- A new elective discipline policy for train and yard service employees represented by the United Transportation Union (UTU) and working for the Canadian National/Illinois Central (CNIC) in the Michigan Zone will offer an alternative to the traditional discipline process beginning Sept. 1, 2000, according to UTU General Chairperson Steve Thompson (GO-377).

The new Individual Corrective Action (ICA) policy will focus on peer review, prevention, training and education, and self-improvement rather than punitive action.

The process will be available to UTU-represented employees on the former Grand Trunk Western, the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton, and the Detroit and Toledo Shore Line, Thompson said.

Applicable to all minor and many serious infractions, the ICA policy was formulated with the input of the UTU and other labor organizations, said Thompson, who was instrumental in its inception and development.

Under the new policy, an affected employee may elect, at his or her discretion, the new process as an alternative to the traditional discipline process. Thompson noted, however, that in cases involving certain egregious offenses, the traditional discipline process will continue to be utilized.

Employees who elect to participate in the ICA process, or for serious offenses, the "General Manager’s Lab," will be compensated a basic day, or their lost earnings, in return for their participation.

Thompson noted that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) has been invited to participate in the progressive disciplinary policy, but at this time has declined to provide its members on the Michigan Zone with its benefits.

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