Brothers and Sisters,

We have had our second Conductor charged with his engineer's failure to do an application and release test.  Whatever it takes, make sure your engineer does this test properly.  Below is the proper procedure for this test. 

30.15.2: Procedure for Conducting An Application and Release Test

1. Charge the brake system to within 15 psi of the regulating valve setting as indicated by a gauge or device at the rear of the train.
2. Make a 20 psi brake pipe reduction with the automatic brake valve.
3. Verify that brakes on the rear car apply and release.

In addition, I would like to stress how important it is to be, as always,

                 100% Rules Compliant.

Per The D/FW Hub Agreement

V. Extra Boards
A. Combination conductor/brakeman/switchmen (except where noted) extra boards will be established at the following locations with the following areas of coverage:

2. Ft. Worth South (conductor/brakeman) - to cover the pools to Smithville,Taylor, and Hearne; turnaround hours of service relief for trains heading to Ft.Worth from those points; non pool assignments that operate on those lines withhome terminals between Ft. Worth and Hillsboro and other usual extra boardwork in these areas.

It doesn't say cover engineer vacancies!
It doesn't say cover McAlester, Chickasha, Childress, or Sweetwater!
It doesn't say cover Bellmead, Hearne, Ennis, or Dallas Extra Boards!
Call one of us Immediately if you get a call for an assignment our board doesn't cover.

4) (a) An employee assigned to a guaranteed extra board established pursuant to this Agreement and who is available for an entire pay period (or is reduced by the Carrier prior to the completion of the pay period) shall be entitled to one (1) lay-off day (24-hour period or portion thereof) during the pay period for which no deduction will be made from the guarantee,PROVIDED:(1).   Must be other than first-out at time of layoff(2). Lay-off must be taken at any time commencing 12:01 amMonday and concluded by 11:59 pm Thursday.(3). Lay-off must not exceed twenty four (24) hours.(4). The agreement governing paid holidays is not affected ormodified in any manner by this agreement .(b) Employees assigned to a guaranteed extra board at the same location for anentire pay period who remain marked up and available for service during theentire period and who elect not to avail themselves of the lay-off day providedfor under Paragraph (a) above shall be allowed payment of one (1) pro ratedguaranteed day in lieu thereof. This payment is for being available for theentire pay period and shall be paid without regard to whether or not theemployee does or does not exceed his/her guarantee for the pay period.