Gregg posted:Good questions.... When you hire on and qualify as a Engineman or Conductor the only think you can count on is your Seniority date and your union. This lets you know where you stand for the rest of your railroad career. The senior man get the job, even though he may not be the best. Even if one is promoted to a company official he still has his conductor or engineman rights on the seniority list. If things don't work out as an company official he can go back to his old job. Was Steve Lee fired?
No. In April of 2010, Steve was promoted to Superintendent of Heritage Fleet Operations, which left the Manager of the Steam Shop position open. The current manager was brought back, from his job as Engineer in the Denver Pool, to be the manager.
I doubt it. I'm sure he must have been a qualified engineman.
Yes, Steve Lee was a "qualified Engineer" while on the Rock Island RR, prior to his coming to work for the UP as Road Foreman of Engines, out of Cheyenne, WY.
Maybe he just chose to take his pension... I don't know.
Yes, Steve retired from his Superintendent position, at the end of December 2010.
Most assignments come up for bid ever so often and the senior man gets the job.
You are of course referring to Operating Department, like Engineers, Conductors, Brakemen, etc..
Where does the UP former & present steam crew fit in???
Which members? The "Operating Dept." members, or the "Mechanical Dept". members?
Did they pay their dues working a spare board or freight or pass assignments for years gaining important train handling experience ??.
Very definitely yes, for the "Operating Dept." crew members. The "Mechanical Dept." members were either Journeymen Machinists, Pipefitters, Boilermakers, Welders, Carmen, and/or Electricians.
