To: Tony Bottalico

From: John O'Rourke

June 7, 2005

Two years ago, while I was on vacation, I attended an association meeting (06/03). During that meeting, I attempted to present a list of complaints that were compiled from several coworkers. These complaints needed to be addressed. Instead, you ignored me and did not allow me to speak at this meeting. I still handed you this list as you were exiting the room. You gave the list a quick once over and proceeded to give all the answers I did not want to hear.

It is very difficult for my coworkers and I to attend meetings. When we do attend and present complaints or issues, you should at least take the time to discuss the matters presented. To this day not one item on the list presented to you on June 3, 2003 has been addressed.

Now I am told that the ACRE representatives are seeking complaints from the flag /combo personal. I know that this has arrived from the fact the A-cards are being distributed. Most of us believe that if you had any concern for the membership, these complaints would have already been addressed.

Again here is the list:

1 - FRA sheets

2 - Traveling switcher, needs to be resolved, yard, shop, work extra

3 - Work as directed needs to be curbed

4 - Going to pick up OK equipment, blue lights still on equipment

5 - Hazards on wayside, steel tie bands, track plates, spikes, ties, garbage from streets, holes,

uneven ballast in yard's, and shop areas

6 -Deadheading agreement, how is it that personal are brought out of a terminal 60 miles vs. a

terminal 17 miles (job in New Rochelle)

Addition to the above:

A - Jobs called every day, not being posted as regular job

B - Vacation wheel needs to be removed, we want our seniority back

C - Still waiting for due's reduction

It appears that you have lost touch with the membership. You have lost what this was to be about. Telling members to surrender their A-Cards is intimidation. You are attempting to prevent members from their right to vote, no matter how you word it. I have posted a letter to the members and suggested that they visit the www.nmbfacts.com web site and read a few chapters of the Railway Labor Act at Fifty. Education and awareness will straighten out your twisted speech. This knowledge removed the blindfold and aided in my decision not to support your organization any more. Life in the United States of America is about choices and decisions and those choices and decisions will make a difference in our future on Metro North.

Remember the list of items that need to be addressed, do not throw them away. The members need to be represented at all times, with or without A-Cards, not just in your time of need.