• What is Operation RedBlock, who sponsors it and why?
• How is an employee's first ORB call handled?
• How is an employee's second ORB call handled?
• How is an employee's third RedBlock call handled?
• How is a Co-worker Bypass Agreement handled?
• Are any records kept or information passed on to anyone?
• How are the prevention team members selected and how many?
• What is Rule GR-3 (former Rule E)?
• When a crew gives a co-worker's name to the RedBlock Team Member, does this relieve them of their responsibility to comply with rule GR-3?
• How many times is an employee eligible for a Rule G bypass?
• Is Operation RedBlock a systemwide program?
• How does the RedBlock team work with a counselor?
• What is the difference in the opinions between the unions and CSXT concerning Operation RedBlock?
• Does the company hold a Rule G Bypass Option against you and your record?
• If you voluntarily talk to the EAP Manager, does it go on your record?
• If you refer someone to Operation RedBlock, does that employee know, or can he find out who turned him in?
• Who ultimately decides when an employee can return to work after a RedBlock mark-off?
• Do Local Team members go to company officials with confidential ORB information?
• Why should we police ourselves when CSXT should be doing it?
• How successful is Operation RedBlock?

Q. What is Operation RedBlock, who sponsors it and why? 

A. Operation RedBlock (ORB) is a union initiated, management supported program that uses peer involvement to prevent employee use of alcohol and or drugs when on duty or subject to call. OR was founded by both the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and The United Transportation Union. Soon after, 4 other unions joined in, 1986 The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and the former Railroad Yardmasters of America, 1994 the former American Train Dispatchers Association and in 1995 the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, joined under the OR umbrella.

Q. How is an employee's first ORB call handled?  

A. Team contacts employee, discusses the facts, and offers any assistance that may be needed.*

Q. How is an employee's second ORB call handled? 

A. Team contacts employee, discusses the facts, reminds the employee of his/her work responsibility and emphasizes that on the next call the employee could be referred to an EAP Counselor. The Local Chairman will be consulted.*

Q. How is an employee's third RedBlock call handled? 

A. Team contacts employee and discusses the facts. Team counsels with ORB System Coordinators, Local Chairman and General Chairman. If all agree, the employee will be referred to an EAP Counselor.*

Q. How is a Co-worker Bypass Agreement handled? 

A. The employee is marked-off "SIC" as with any other ORB procedure. The employee must follow the guidelines and contact the EAP Manager within 5 days. To return to duty, the employee must follow all recommendations that the EAP Manager suggests. Each employee has only one time in a career that a Co-Worker Bypass may be used on him/her.

Q. Are any records kept or information passed on to anyone? 

A. The ORB System Coordinators keep the records of all ORB calls. No one else has access to this list. However, on the third RedBlock Mark-off, the Coordinator refers the employee to the appropriate EAP Manager for further handling.

Q. How are the prevention team members selected and how many? 

A. Any ATDA, NCFO, BLET, BRS, or UTU member can serve on a Prevention Team. An individual wishing to volunteer time simply contacts a RedBlock member.

Q. What is Rule GR-3 (former Rule E)? 

A. Employees must report to an officer any violation of the Operating Rules, special instructions or any physical condition which could imperil the safety of trains, passengers or employees. Any employee who elects to work with a co-worker who is drinking while on duty can be charged with a violation of this rule.

Q. When a crew gives a co-worker's name to the RedBlock Team Member, does this relieve them of their responsibility to comply with rule GR-3? 

A. No. The purpose of RedBlock is to prevent problems before they happen on the job. All employees should refuse to work with an impaired co-worker, or get the supervisor involved through the Co-Worker Bypass Agreement.

Q. How many times is an employee eligible for a Rule G bypass? 

A. Once in a 5-year period.

Q. Is Operation RedBlock a systemwide program? 

A. Yes, all divisions are covered under the umbrella of ORB. All crafts have been offered the same protection.

Q. How does the RedBlock team work with a counselor? 

A. By referring those who need help -- always in the strictest confidence.

Q. What is the difference in the opinions between the unions and CSXT concerning Operation RedBlock? 

A. This is an important part of a safe workplace, and by providing those in need with the opportunity to make safe decisions or receive help as needed, this program is equally valued.

Q. Does the company hold a Rule G Bypass Option against you and your record? 

A. No, but for a period of 5 years the Rule G charge is held in abeyance. If, at the end of the 5-year period there are no additional incidents the Rule G charge is dropped and removed from his/her record. However, any federal rule violations remain on the employee's record.

Q. If you voluntarily talk to the EAP Manager, does it go on your record? 

A. No. Any employee of the railroad may seek confidential help from the counselor at any time. The counselor will keep the information confidential, subject to any requirements of 49 CFR Part 240.119.

Q. If you refer someone to Operation RedBlock, does that employee know, or can he find out who turned him in? 

A. No. Everything about the program is completely confidential.

Q. Who ultimately decides when an employee can return to work after a RedBlock mark-off? 

A. When an employee is marked off Operation RedBlock, that individual will remain off, until the set amount of time for a sick mark-off has expired. That amount of time has been decided through the agreements between labor organizations and CSXT.

Q. Do Local Team members go to company officials with confidential ORB information? 

A. No, Local Team members handle all ORB situations that are within the guidelines set by the Operation RedBlock Program.

Q. Why should we police ourselves when CSXT should be doing it? 

A. Because labor-management initiatives can work especially when it comes to our safety in the workplace. Operation RedBlock's approach has the best chance for success.

Q. How successful is Operation RedBlock? 

A. The success of this program cannot be measured by numbers from any category. We can judge its success based on the willingness of employees to use the program for its intended purpose. And at the same time, CSXT can also feel the success in providing a tool for employees that allow our workplace to be safe from drugs and alcohol.