Houston Operations Update

Operations are beginning to resume at Settegast with a skeleton crew working the afternoon shift. They have begun calling eight deadheads off the Houston-Hearne Pool this evening so as to be rested for tomorrow. They plan on running trains southbound into Houston. To what point I'm not sure.

If you cannot take the call please either use compensated time or lay off weather. Weather is not a compensated status.

All crews that were stuck at the afht, or that had gotten stuck in the yards, have now been returned home and have been granted 48 hours time off at home if they want.

I've only had one report of a vehicle with wet carpet that had been parked at Englewood and Settegast.

Reminder that there are various union and company driven sources of disaster relief. On the UP site, search friend to friend network. In the past a person had to be referred by an employee to get assistance. They have now opened it up for employees to apply for self assistance. I'm not sure what the dollar amount of help is.

The BLET has relaunched the Perrien Fund to assist those affected, information can be found by clicking here:. Additionally the General Chairman's office is preparing to offer financial assistance and is seeking guidance from our National Division on the proper way to do that.

There are additional links on the blet139.com and now also on the bletsr.org and the

ble-t.org websites

Lastly, I know there are a lot of people that have expressed the desire to help members that may be in need. I will advise as needs become apparent.

There is a a curfew in the City of Houston from midnight until 5 a.m. There is a proclamation form the governor allowing railroaders curfew exemption in order to report to work. If pulled over, show ID, if there continues to be an issue, call a manager.