EMPLOYEE POLICY MANUAL
Transcription
EMPLOYEE POLICY MANUAL
Corporate Office 15729 College Blvd. Lenexa, KS 66219 Main Phone Line: 913-928-5000 Main Fax Line: 913-928-5016 Driver Help Line: 1-877-928-5046 EMPLOYEE POLICY MANUAL Release date 7-23-2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 INTRODUCTION CHANGES IN POLICY MISSION STATEMENT COMPANY GOAL EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR NEW EMPLOYEES DRIVER ORIENTATION AND CONTINUED EDUCATION IMMIGRATION LAW COMPLIANCE PAYROLL PERSONNEL RECORDS PERSONAL CHANGES HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTAGIOUS DISEASE PROCEDURE EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS DRUG-ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY SOLICITATIONS & DISTRIBUTIONS ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY SENIORITY ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE SERIOUS INFRACTIONS CONFIDENTIALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSONAL APPEARANCE ABANDONMENT OF SHIFT COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEM POLICY SMOKING POLICY TRANSFER POLICY OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT RESIGNATION Revised 9-14-2012 3.19 3.20 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 5.1 5.2 5.3 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12 WORKER COMPENSATION PROGRAM SECURITY AND IDENTIFICATION HOURLY PTO HOLIDAYS BEREAVEMENT LEAVE JURY DUTY UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT & RE-EMPLOYMENT FMLA SERVICE MEMBER FMLA POLICY HEALTH DENTAL & OTHER INSURANCE BENEFITS COBRA REFERRAL BONUS EMPLOYEE HOTLINE SUGGESTIONS ISSUE RESOLUTION POLICY OPEN DOOR POLICY 8 CRITICAL SAFETY RULES GENERAL DRIVER SAFETY RULES RAILROAD RADIO RULES ACCIDENT POLICY ACCIDENT REPORTING POLICY CELLULAR PHONE USAGE HOURS OF SERVICE TRACK CROSSING PROCEDURE SPEED MANAGEMENT AND ANIMAL AVOIDANCE VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY POLICY BACKING POLICY FUEL PIN POLICY Revised 9-14-2012 1 – INTRODUCTION The provisions of this Employee Handbook are intended to give our Employees (also referred to as “you”) an overview of the current policies and procedures related to your employment with RailCrew Xpress (also referred as to “we” or the “Company”). At its discretion, the Company may change, add to, or abolish any of the policies and procedures described at any time. Employment with the Company is considered to be “at will”, meaning that (except as limited by law) your employment may be terminated by you or by the Company at any time, for any reason, without restriction or limitation. This Employee Handbook is not an express or implied contract of employment, and is not intended to and should not be construed as altering the at-will employment relationship. Nothing said or done by any Company representative constitutes an employment contract unless it is in writing and signed by the Company President and/or CEO. The policies and procedures in this Employee Handbook apply to all company employees, except those governed by a collective bargaining agreement. If you are uncertain about any policy or procedure, or have any questions about this Employee Handbook, contact your manager. Revised 7-1-2011 1.1 – CHANGES IN POLICY This manual supersedes all previous employee manuals and memos on subjects addressed in this manual. You will be provided with the link to view the manual on-line or you may contact your immediate manager to set-up a time to review a paper copy of the manual. This handbook is subject to change. While every effort is made to keep the contents of this document current, the Company reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminated any of the policies, procedures, and/or benefits described in the manual, with or without prior notice to employees. Revised 7-1-2011 1.2 - MISSION STATEMENT At RailCrew Xpress, we assist America's railroads to better serve the nation, by providing safe and reliable crew transportation, while conducting ourselves in a manner that promotes reward, fairness, respect, and consideration for all our stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders. Revised 7-1-2011 1.3 – COMPANY GOAL The goal of RailCrew Xpress is to provide safe, dependable transportation services, and to perform these services efficiently. The safety standards of this company will not be compromised, subordinated or diminished by any other goal or challenge. RailCrew Xpress is a place where everyone is encouraged and rewarded as they expand their knowledge and fulfill their individual potentials. We invite our employees to enjoy a sense of individuality with accompanying freedom of expression. Our highest aim is to be considered an enviable workplace by each of our employees. We will conduct its affairs in a businesslike manner, with ambitious goals commensurate with its position of leadership in the transportation industry and in the communities we serve. Ethical practice and respect for the needs of those around us will always be reflected in our standards and our decisions. Revised 7-1-2011 2.1 – EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL Unless expressly prescribed by statute or contract, your employment is “at-will”. All RailCrew Xpress employees are employed “at-will”, which means they may be terminated at any time and for any reason, with or without advance notice. Employees are also free to quit at any time. Any employment relationship other than at-will must be set out in writing and signed by RailCrew Xpress’s CEO. Revised 7-1-2011 2.2 – EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT RailCrew Xpress is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor that may become protected by law. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. All employment decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, layoff, return from layoff, and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment, are based on individual qualifications. If you are aware of inappropriate behavior within the Company’s workplace you must advise your immediate Location Manager or Regional Manager or the Employee hotline. Individuals who engage in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment Revised 7-1-2011 2.3 – AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT It is our policy that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities with regard to any aspect of their employment. We are committed to complying with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its related Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as applicable. We recognize that some individuals with disabilities may require accommodations at work. If you are currently disabled or become disabled during your employment, you should contact your Location Manager, Area Manager or Regional Manager to discuss reasonable accommodations that may enable you to perform the essential functions of your job. Physical Capability to Operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle for Hire We are contractually obligated by our customers to follow many of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) safety requirements for both our vehicles and our employees, such as Hours of Service (HOS), pre-trip inspections, and drug and alcohol testing. We have further set our standards to the FMCSR for driver physical qualifications in accordance with 49 CFR 391.41. Should you exhibit behavior or your inability to safely operate our vehicle becomes self-evident, you will be sent for a DOT physical and the results of that physical will be the sole determination of your authorization to continue to drive for the Company. Employees must be able to meet the physical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act’s, Section 391.41 Has no loss of a foot, a leg, a hand, or an arm, or has been granted a waiver pursuant to 391.49, 291.41(b)(1) Has no impairment of: A hand or finger which interferes with prehension or power grasping; or An arm, foot, or leg which interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a motor vehicle; or any other significant limb defect or limitation which interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a motor vehicle; or has been granted a waiver pursuant to 391.49, 291.41(b)(2). Revised 7-11-2011 Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control; 391.41(b)(3). Has no current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure; 391.41(b)(5). Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with his/her ability to control and drive a motor vehicle safely; 391.41(b)(5). Has no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with his/her ability to operate a motor vehicle safely; 391.41(b)(6). Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease which interferes with his/her ability to control and operate a motor vehicle safely; 391.41(b)(7). Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a motor vehicle; 391.41(b)(8). Has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a motor vehicle safely; 391.41(b)(9). Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber; 391.41(b)(10). First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5-1951; 391.41(b)(11). Does not use a Schedule I drug or other substance identified in Appendix D to this subchapter, an amphetamine, narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug, except that a driver may use such a substance or drug if the substance or drug is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who is familiar with the driver’s medical history and assigned duties and who has advised the driver that the prescribed substance or drug will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; and 391.41(b)(12) Has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism. 391.41(b)(13). Revised 7-11-2011 2.4 – EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS When appropriate, a criminal record check is performed to protect the interest of RailCrew Xpress and that of its employees and clients. Employees no longer meeting minimum acceptable standards involving criminal conviction history will be separated from employment. Your immediate Manager will notify you if your position requires any licensing, certification, qualifications or testing. Those employees that drive on behalf of RCX must present and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to our insurer and the railroads we serve. You will be asked to submit a copy of your driving record to the Company periodically. Any changes in your driving record or driving qualifications must be immediately reported to your immediate manager. Failure to provide this information or to maintain these requirements will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Drivers who do not report to work for more than 30 days will be required to have a new drug screen test before returning to work. If an employee does not report to work for more than 90 days, the driver will be considered terminated. In order to return to duty after a 90-day leave period all employees will be subject to meet all pre-employment requirement including, but not limited to, a drug screen, MVR and criminal background check before returning to work. All employees that drive on behalf of RCX are subject to an MVR every 6 months during employment. The following criteria must be met ongoing to be eligible for employment at RCX. Current valid state issued Driver’s License issued by the State of Residence Employees can have no active warrants or un-disposed charges – felony or misdemeanors Employees can’t have a felony conviction within the past 7 years Employees can’t have an incarceration, or release within the past 5 years No more than 2 non-violent class misdemeanors, including DWI/DUI, within the previous 7 years No record of Drug or Alcohol related convictions, including SWI/DUI, within the previous 7 years No more than 1 preventable accident in the last 3 years No more than 1 moving violation within the last 3 years Revised 7-1-2011 2.5 – PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR NEW EMPLOYEES You will have an introductory period of up to 90 days. During this period the Company will evaluate your interest in the position and your ability to fulfill the job requirements. To be successful, your performance must meet or exceed our needs and the requirements of your job. During this time we will determine whether further employment in a specific position is appropriate. The Company, in its sole discretion, may choose to extend your ninety (90) day Introductory Period for whatever time period it deems appropriate, not to exceed an additional ninety (90) days. During the introductory period, the Company’s progressive disciplinary policy will not apply. We also reserve the right to terminate employment at any time. During this period you will not be considered a regular employee, and your ability to resign from the company is not impacted by this introductory status. Revised 7-1-2011 2.6 – DRIVER ORIENTATION AND CONTINUED EDUCATION Drivers are required to attend and participate in a new driver orientation and training program. Thorough education and training in preparation of working as a professional driver for RCX is vital to your safety and the safety of our passengers and the public. We view the safety of our operation as the most critical component of our business. Our Driver orientation and safety program may vary from location to location depending on state laws and local safe operating issues. Our core education and training program is consistent among locations and includes such topics as: Reviewing this policy manual Pre-trip inspections Prevention of backing accidents Fouling railroad tracks Railroad grade crossings In-vehicle communications systems Behind the wheel orientation, training, and observation Critical safety rules As a driver, you may ask to be retrained or review with a Location Manager, Area Manager or Regional Manager any portion of your new-hire safety and procedures orientation and training as you see fit. You are encouraged to ask questions and seek assistance until such time as you are thoroughly familiar with your duties and can carry them out safely. Drivers are also required to participate in continued education throughout their tenure with the Company to ensure that skills remain current and performance levels remain at or above RailCrew Xpress standards. A partial list of continued education that you may be required to complete includes: 90-day ride-along Annual ride-along Annual safety training Post Accident ride-along Post accident training Revised 7-1-2011 2.7 - IMIGRATION LAW COMPLIANCE RCX is required by law to employ only those individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. The Company follows all local, state and federal regulations and procedures regarding eligibility for employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 require each new employee to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 and provide documentation establishing identity and employment eligibility. Former employees who are rehired must also complete an I-9 if they have not completed one within the past three years, or if their previous I-9 is no longer retained or valid. If you have a question about immigration laws, employment eligibility or compliance with this law, you may contact your immediate manager or the Employee Help Line. Revised 7-1-2011 2.8 – PAYROLL The pay period runs from Sunday to Saturday. Pay day will be no later than 10 days after the end of the pay cycle. Pay day is every other Tuesday. See your Location Manager, Area Manager or Regional Manager for a payroll calendar. Your paycheck will include information about your earnings, taxes and other deductions. RCX funds payroll payments through direct deposit or through the ADP TotalPay card. Either benefit will allow you to have your payroll directly deposited into a checking, savings, credit union account or pre-paid debit card (ADP TotalPay Card). Direct deposit or ADP TotalPay Card of your payroll will eliminate a misplaced or stolen paycheck. You should always verify the credit of your funds to your account(s) prior to any transaction(s). Should you choose to participate in direct deposit, you will receive a full accounting of your earnings and any applicable deductions. For further information, you should contact your immediate manager or the employee line, 877-928-5046. We will make every effort to provide a correct and accurate payroll for you. If you have any questions regarding your paycheck, you should contact your immediate manager. If your issue is not immediately resolved contact the employee line, 877-928-5046. In the event of a lost ADP TotalPay Card, you must notify the customer service department with First Data, issuer of the ADP TotalPay Card. Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen ADP TotalPay Cards. The Company is required by law to make certain deductions from your paycheck each time one is prepared. Among these are federal, state and local income taxes and contributions to Social Security. These deductions will be itemized on your check stub. The amount of the deductions may depend on your earnings and on the information you furnish on your W-4 Form regarding the number of dependents/exemptions you claim. Any change in name, address, telephone number, marital status or number of exemptions must be reported to your immediate manager and/or the payroll department immediately, to ensure proper credit for tax purposes. The W-2 Form you receive for each year indicates precisely how much of your earnings were deducted for these purposes. Revised 7-1-2011 Any other mandatory deductions to be made from your paycheck, such as courtordered attachments, will be explained whenever the Company is ordered to make such deductions. The Company prohibits improper wage deductions pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). If you believe your wages have been subject to an improper deduction, you MUST report it immediately to your immediate manager or the employee line, 877-928-5046. If you are uncomfortable reporting the improper deduction to your immediate manager, you still must report the improper deduction to the Employee hotline. After conducting a prompt investigation into the complaint, we will inform you of the resolution. If an improper deduction has been made, we will correct the error, or see that the error is corrected, by reimbursing you promptly for the improper deduction. The Company is committed to the fair payment of wages to you consistent with the requirements promulgated by the FLSA. Revised 7-1-2011 2.9 – PERSONNEL RECORDS AND ADMINISTRATION The task of handling personnel records and related administration functions at RailCrew Xpress has been assigned to the Human Resources Department. All medical records, including Alcohol and Drug Testing records, will be kept in a separate confidential file. Please communicate any personnel changes to your immediate manager and employee line, 877-928-5046. Personnel files will be kept confidential at all times. If you would like to review your personnel file or receive a copy of all documents within your personnel file a signed written request must be submitted to the Human Resources Department. Revised 7-1-2011 2.10 - CHANGES In order to comply with government regulations and insure that appropriate RCX materials, such as your tax withholding, benefit, payroll, etc… information, reach you in a timely manner, you must notify payroll and HR of any changes regarding address and telephone number. If you change your name due to marriage or divorce RCX requires a copy of your new social security card before your name will be changed in payroll or on any of the benefit plans. It is each employee’s responsibility to keep RCX management abreast of current contact or immediate emergency contact information. Failure to do so could substantially impair RCX and the employee from delivering or receiving company or employee information or assignments. Updates on employee personal information such as name changes, addresses, phone numbers, etc… can be given to your immediate manager who will forward it to payroll and HR or the information can be sent directly to HR and payroll via: Fax - 866-928-5072 E-mail - driverfiles@railcrewxpress.com If personal data is not kept current, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Revised 7-1-2011 2.11 – HEALTH AND SAFETY The safety and health of employees is a priority. We make every effort to comply with all federal and state workplace safety requirements. You are expected to obey safety rules, report unsafe conditions or practices to your immediate manager or the Employee Hotline, 877-928-5046 and exercise caution and common sense in all work activities. If you become aware of any issues that may affect your ability to safely perform your assigned duties contact your immediate manager as soon as possible. Revised 7-1-2011 2.12 - CONTAGIOUS DISEASE PROCEDURE During the flu season, specifically the Swine Flu, the following policy is to be followed for all RCX locations in order to protect and limit the spread of these viruses: If an employee calls-in sick stating that they have the flu or flu-like symptoms the employee must have a release from a doctor in order to return to work. If an employee is at work and exhibits flu-like symptoms the employee is to be directed to his/her physician and must have a release which states the employee is free of the flu and not contagious. Pro-Active Precautions Thoroughly wash hands often Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing Use hand sanitizers when handling customer’s or co-worker’s items Thoroughly clean all work stations and/or vans at the beginning of shift with soap and water or cleaning wipes. Warning signs of Swine Flu shortness of breath, either during physical activity or while resting; difficulty in breathing; turning blue; bloody or colored (not clear) sputum; chest pain; altered mental status; high fever that persists beyond three days; low blood pressure; In children, danger signs include fast or difficult breathing, lack of alertness, difficulty in waking up, and little or no desire to play. This same process and procedure will be applicable in the event any other contagious disease in a location is suspected or reported by the local authorities. Revised 7-1-2011 2.13 - HIRING OF RELATIVES The employment of relatives in the same location and/or department of an organization may cause serious conflicts and problems with favoritism and associate morale. In addition to claims of partiality in treatment at work, personal conflicts from outside the work environment can be carried into day-to-day working relationships. Relatives of persons currently employed by RCX may be hired only if they will not be working directly for or supervising a relative or will not occupy a position in the same line of authority within the organization. This policy applies to any relative, higher or lower in the organization, who has the authority to review employment decisions. RCX employees cannot be transferred into such a reporting relationship. No more than three (3) relatives will be hired by RCX. If the relative relationship is established after employment, the individuals concerned will be required to decide who is to be transferred. If that decision is not made within 30 calendar days, management will decide. In other cases where a conflict or the potential for conflict arises, even if there is no supervisory relationship involved, the potential employee may be refused employment, or the employees may be separated by reassignment or terminated from employment. For the purposes of this policy, a relative is any person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the employee is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage. Revised 7-1-2011 2.14 - EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS RailCrew Xpress relies upon the accuracy of information contained in the employment application, as well as the accuracy of other data presented throughout the hiring process and employment. Any misrepresentations, falsifications, or material omissions in any of this information or data may result in RCX’s exclusion of the individual from further consideration for employment or, if the person has been hired, termination of employment. Revised 7-1-2011 3. 1 - DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY It is RailCrew Xpress’ goal to provide a drug-free, healthful, and safe workplace. To promote this goal, employees are required to report to work in appropriate mental and physical condition to perform their jobs in a satisfactory manner. RCX has developed a comprehensive testing program that is required contractually and is administrated to the extent permitted by law and contractual obligations. Certain elements of this Policy may not apply or be more or less restrictive for some employees where prohibited by a particular local, state, or federal law. State law addendums for testing restrictions, limitations, or special requirements are available by request from the Risk Management Department located in Lenexa, KS. Drug and/or Alcohol testing include: Pre-employment drug screen Random drug and/or alcohol testing Post Accident drug and alcohol testing Reasonable suspicion drug and/or alcohol testing While on RCX or railroad premises and while performing work on RCX’s behalf, no employee may use, possess, distribute, sell, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. The legal use of prescribed drugs is permitted on the job only if it does not impair an employee’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job effectively and in a safe manner that does not endanger railroad crews, yourself or other individuals in the workplace or on the road. Violations of this policy or refusal to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test will lead to immediate discharge. Such violations may also have legal consequences. Employees with questions on this policy or issues related to drug or alcohol use in the workplace should raise their concerns with their immediate manager or contact the employee line, 877-928-5046 without fear of reprisal. Revised 7-1-2011 3.2 - SOLICITATIONS & DISTRIBUTIONS RCX employees must not solicit other RCX employees or employees of our railroad vendors for any purpose during working time. This does not include break or meal times. RCX employees are not permitted to distribute literature of any kind at any time in work areas. 7-12-2012 3.3 - ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY To maintain a safe and productive work environment, RailCrew Xpress expects employees to be reliable and to be punctual in reporting for scheduled work. Absenteeism and tardiness place a burden on other employees and on the location. Attendance infraction: Tardy: Absence: No Call/No Show: Arriving for work more than 10 minutes late. Not reporting for the assigned shift. Failure to call to advise of absence. Exceptions: 90 day rule: Infractions from an employee’s record will be removed once the employee maintains a perfect record for a ninety (90) day period, with the exception of no call/no show. Consecutive days absent because of illness will count as one absence; the employee must provide a Doctor’s release to return to work if absent more than three (3) consecutive days. Tardy because of inclement weather or vehicle accident/breakdown. Refusal to take a trip: Refusing a trip is only acceptable when safety is an issue. The safety issue must be documented and discussed with the Location Manager or Regional Manager at the time of the occurrence. Expectations: Employee must call Location Manager or Regional Manager two (2) hours prior to shift start time (except in cases of emergencies) to report absence or tardiness. If the Manager does not answer their telephone, then a voice message must be left. If Location or Regional Manager are not available, a voice mail message left, then the employee must contact the dispatcher on duty to report absence or tardiness. If late due to accident or breakdown, the employee shall notify the dispatcher and both dispatcher and driver will try to arrange a mutual switch with another employee. Revised 7-1-2011 When an employee is absent, arrives late for work or is a no call/no show, it constitutes a customer service issue. Drivers must make every effort to work on time and to communicate in advance reasons for not being able to report for their assigned shifts or road availability. Road drivers are responsible for answering their phones and accepting trips when called. The same disciplinary process applies regarding non-response and refusal to take a trip. Disciplinary Process: 1st infraction: Verbal counseling – not documented to personnel file. 2nd infraction: Verbal documented warning. 3rd infraction: Written warning. 4th infraction: Final Written warning. 5th infraction: Termination. Three consecutive days of no call/no show will be considered job abandonment. Employee will not be eligible for rehire. Revised 7-1-2011 3.4 - SENIORITY RailCrew Xpress is committed to rewarding seniority in each of our locations and operations. In order to determine seniority the hire date is used. If an employee terminates employment with RCX and returns after 60-days, the first day of training or work will be used as the employee’s new hire date. If an employee terminates employment with RCX and returns prior to a 60-day leave then the employee will be rehired with the original date of hire used as the seniority date. Date of hire is defined as the first day trained or worked. If more than one employee has the same date of hire and began at the same time (such as in the case of Day 1 training) seniority will be determined by the employee’s month and then day of birth. The employee’s year of birth will not be taken into account. Seniority will be used in permanent shift assignments at each location. It will not be used to award promotions or application for a different position that requires a different skill set and duties (i.e. driver applying for PDS). Seniority will not be considered in a Road Driver’s rotation position within the Dispatch Queue. Seniority will be used during lay-off situations. The last hired will be the first selected for lay-off. Revised 7-1-2011 3.5 – ANTI-DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT POLICY It is the Company’s policy to maintain a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. The Company is committed to enforcing the Anti-harassment Policy at all levels within the Company. Harassment on the basis of protected class or status is strictly prohibited. Under this policy harassment is verbal, visual or physical conduct that shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or any other characteristic protected by law or that: (i) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment; (ii) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance; or (iii) otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment opportunities. Sexual harassment consists of conduct of a sexual nature where (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or a condition of an individual’s employment; (2) an employment decision is based on an individual’s acceptance or rejection of such conduct; or (3) such conduct interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment. Retaliation or reprisal against anyone who has expressed concern about sexual harassment or discrimination is illegal. If you believe you or any other employee has been the subject of harassment by anyone including your manager, co-worker, client, vendor or visitor, you must report the incident immediately to your immediate manager or the Employee Hotline, 913-928-5057. A prompt and thorough investigation will be conducted. Anyone found to have violated this policy will be disciplined, up to and including termination of employment. Retaliation or reprisal against an individual who is an alleged target of harassment, who has made a good faith complaint, or who has provided information in connection with a complaint, is in separate violation of this policy and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Reports of retaliatory behavior must be reported through the same channels as stated above. Revised 7-1-2011 Harassment may include any of the following, but is not limited to: Verbal abuse or ridicule. This includes epithets, derogatory comments, slurs or unwanted sexual advances, invitations, or comments. Interference with an employee’s work. This includes physical contact such as assault, blocking normal movement, or interference with work directed at an individual because of his/her sex or other protected status. Displaying or distributing sexually offensive or racist materials. This includes derogatory posters, cartoons, drawings or gestures. Discriminating against any employee in work assignments or job related training. Intimate physical contact. Making sexual or racial innuendos. Demanding favors (sexual or otherwise), explicitly or implicitly, as a condition of employment, promotion, transfer or any other term or condition of employment. Retaliation for having reported harassment. Revised 7-1-2011 3.6 – VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE The Company has adopted a policy prohibiting workplace violence. Any acts or threats of physical violence, including intimidation, harassment, and/or coercion, that occur on Company property or while you are at work will not be tolerated. Specific examples of conduct, which may be considered threats or acts of violence include, but are not limited to, the following: Hitting, shoving or threatening to hit or shove an individual Threatening an individual or his/her family, friends, associates, or property with harm Intentional destruction or damage or threatening to destroy or damage Company property Making harassing or threatening telephone calls Harassing surveillance or stalking an individual Possession of a handgun, firearm, knife or other weapon of any kind regardless of whether the individual is licensed to carry the weapon on Company property or while at work The Company is concerned about the increased violence in society, which has also filtered into many workplaces throughout the United States. As a result, we have taken steps to help prevent incidents of violence from occurring at the Company. It is our policy to expressly prohibit any acts or threats of violence by any employee or former employee against any other employee in or about Company facilities or elsewhere at any time. The Company will not condone any acts or threats of violence against employees, customers, or visitors on Company premises at any time or while they are engaged in business with or on behalf of the Company, on or off Company premises. In keeping with the spirit and intent of this policy and to ensure that the Company’s objective in this regard are attained, it is the commitment of the Company: 1. To provide a safe and healthful work environment 2. To take prompt remedial action up to and including immediate termination against any employee who engages in any threatening behavior or acts of violence. Revised 7-1-2011 3. To take appropriate action when dealing with customers, former employees, or visitors to the Company’s facilities who engage in such behavior. Such action may include notifying the police or other law enforcement personnel and prosecuting violators of this policy to the maximum extent of the law. 4. To establish viable security measures to ensure that the Company’s facilities are safe and secure to the maximum extent possible and to properly handle access to Company facilities by the public, off-duty employees and former employees. This includes, for example, threats or acts of violence, aggressive behavior, offensive acts, threatening or offensive comments or remarks, etc. Employee reports made pursuant to this policy will be held in confidence to the maximum possible extent. The Company’s prohibition against threats and acts of violence applies to all individuals involved in Company business including but not limited to all Company personnel, clients, vendors, or visitors. As part of this policy, employees have a “duty to notify” their managers, security personnel, or other management representatives of any suspicious workplace activity or situations or incidents that they observe or are aware of that involve other employees, former employees, customers, or visitors that appear problematic. If you are aware of an act of violence which has occurred, or which may occur, or if you believe you or any other employee has been the subject of workplace violence, you must report the incident immediately to your Location Manager or Regional Manager, the Employee hotline or the Employee Hotline (866-928-5046). A prompt and thorough investigation will be conducted. The Company may choose to place employees on Administrative Leave (with or without pay) pending such investigations. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and/or legal action as is appropriate. Under no circumstances may employees possess or use any licensed/unlicensed firearms, weapons or explosive devices while on Company or client premises. Violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination. Any retaliation or reprisal against an individual who is an alleged target of workplace violence, who has made a complaint, or who has provided information in connection with a complaint, is a separate violation of the Company’s Workplace Violence Policy and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Revised 7-1-2011 3.7 – PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINARY It is the responsibility of the Company to make reasonable work-related rules and regulations pertaining to conduct, safety, job performance, attendance, and production. It is the responsibility of employees to maintain regular attendance and acceptable job performance and to follow all other work-related rules made known to them. The employment relationship is at will and may be terminated by the employee or the Company at any time for any reason, with or without notice. In the event that an employee has a problem with complying with these rules, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to initiate appropriate discipline. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation and the past work record of the employee, discipline may begin with First Discipline Reminder or Second Disciplinary Reminder or Decision-Making Unpaid Leave or Termination. Continued inability or unwillingness to adhere to work rules during any stage of this Discipline Procedure will result in termination, it is not necessary to utilize each stage of the discipline procedure. Each type of discipline will be documented by the supervisor and shown to and signed by the employee to acknowledge that he/she has read the documentation. The types of discipline are summarized as follows: 1st Disciplinary Reminder The supervisor will privately discuss the infraction with the employee and remind the employee of the importance of abiding by the work rule(s). This is a friendly but serious explanation of why the Company needs to have its employees meet certain standards. The discipline will be documented by the supervisor and shown to and signed by the employee to acknowledge that he/she has read the documentation. In no further incidents requiring disciplinary action within the same category arise within 6 consecutive months; the discipline action will become inactive. 2nd Disciplinary Reminder If problems with adherence to work rules occur, the supervisor will privately discuss the infraction and the employee’s past work record with him/her in a supportive but serious manner. The goal of this meeting is to obtain the employee’s agreement to improve in the future. The discipline will be Revised 5-1-2012 documented by the supervisor and shown to and signed by the employee to acknowledge that he/she has read the documentation. In no further incidents requiring disciplinary action within the same category arise within 12 consecutive months; the discipline action will become inactive. Decision-Making Unpaid Leave If the infraction is serious or is part of a pattern of unacceptable conduct, the supervisor will privately discuss the infraction and the employee’s past work record with the employee and then advise the employee not to come to work the next three days. The employee is to spend these days deciding whether or not to continue working for the Company and whether or not he/she will agree to follow all the rules. The employee will not be paid for the decision-making leave. The discipline will be documented by the supervisor and shown to and signed by the employee to acknowledge that he/she has read the documentation. The Company hopes the individual will decide to correct the problem. Failure to return to work or future violations before the discipline procedure period expires will be interpreted as the employee’s decision to voluntarily his/her employment. Upon returning to work from the decision-making leave, the employee will be considered on disciplinary probation for 18 months following his/her return from the decision-making leave. An infraction of any work rule during this time period may be basis for termination. NOTE: It is required to utilize the Decision Making Leave Form. Termination In the event of a major infraction of work rules, the employee may be terminated. Also, if prior efforts at correction of the employee’s inability or unwillingness to abide by work rules have proven unsuccessful and another disciplinary problem arises, the employee may be terminated. It is important to those employees who have made positive changes to know that a clear record following imposition of discipline will be a positive consideration in the event of a future infraction. As a general rule, if no further infraction occurs for six months following the first Disciplinary Reminder or 12 months following the Second Disciplinary Reminder or 18 months following a Decision-Making Unpaid Leave, the employee will be considered to have a clear record. However, infractions necessitating repetitious use of the discipline procedure will be a consideration when future infractions occur. Revised 5-1-2012 3.8 – SERIOUS INFRACTIONS Various kinds of conduct warrant immediate termination as opposed to going through each step of the progressive discipline policy. This sample list of such conduct is merely a guideline, and is in no way intended to be all-inclusive. Further, it is in no way a limitation on management’s discretion and prerogative to effectuate progressive discipline. Falsification of Company records or engaging in other fraudulent acts. Unauthorized removal, damage to, or destruction of Company property/equipment, or that of clients or other employees. Unauthorized entry or use of Company facilities or property. Fighting or engaging in horseplay or other acts likely to cause bodily injury or interference with Company obligations. Disregard for safety policies, procedures, reporting requirements, and/or proper use of safety gear, equipment, or involvement in vehicular or personal accidents indicating an unacceptable pattern of incidents. An accident which results in substantial material damages or loss of human life. Failure to immediately report an accident and/or injury according to prescribed procedures. Possession of firearms or other explosives within Company or on client property. Possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of intoxicants or illegal drugs during working hours. Interference with Company operations or deliberate misrepresentation of Company policies or procedures. Engaging in immoral or indecent behavior while on the job. Use of abusive, obscene, or threatening language to supervisors, other employees, railroad crews or client management. Leaving assigned work location without permission. Failure to show up for an accepted assignment will result in immediate dismissal. Refusal to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test. Revised 7-11-2011 Intimidation or coercion of other employees, supervisors, railroad crews, or client management. Violation of the Company’s policies against discrimination and harassment. Inappropriate use (illegal, fraudulent, unethical, harmful to company, nonproductive or in violation of established policies) of electronic correspondence including but not limited to system applications, internet, remote access, monitoring, instant messaging, file storage, computer viruses, user accounts and passwords, Copyrights and License agreements, web browsers, etc. Misuse or violation of protocol associated to confidential information. Theft of company property including but not limited to fuel. Revised 7-11-2011 3.9 - CONFIDENTIALITY The protection of confidential business information is vital to the interests and success of RailCrew Xpress. Such confidential information includes, but is not limited to, the following examples: Employee Protected Personal Information Compensation data Financial information Marketing strategies Pending projects and proposals By continuing employment with RCX, employees agree that they will not disclose or use any of RCX’s confidential information, either during or after their employment. Your employment with RCX requires an obligation to maintain confidentiality, even after an employee leaves RCX’s employ. Our customer, operating, or internal proprietary financial information is as a private company. Violation of this policy may result in civil and/or criminal litigation against a current or former employee. If any member of the media (newspaper, television or radio reporters) questions you, refer them to the Chief Executive Officer. Revised 7-1-2011 3.10 - CUSTOMER SERVICE The culture at RCX demands that high quality customer service be delivered at all times. Occasionally you may have to deal with difficult people. It is your responsibility as an employee of RCX to respond in a friendly, positive and professional manner. All commitments made to other people should be met within the appropriate specified time frame. If you are faced with a situation concerning a crew member or a co-worker that you believe you cannot handle contact your immediate manager or contact the HR Hotline, 877-928-5046 for assistance. Examples of Customer Service include, but not limited to: Operating RCX equipment in a safe manner Assuring that railroad crews are treated with respect and dignity Reliability o Answering dispatch calls when expected to be available for trips o Covering your shift when scheduled Maintaining a clean professional appearance Performing your duties in a safe and consistent manner Customer Service is a performance expectation. Customers include railroad management, railroad crews, co-workers, vendors and all others that you come in contact with while representing RCX as an employee. Non-compliance will result in the appropriate disciplinary action. Revised 7-1-2011 3.11 – PERSONAL APPEARANCE / DRESS CODE You are expected to present a clean and professional appearance while conducting business, in or outside of the office or at a field location. Personal hygiene and good grooming must meet socially acceptable standards. Dressing in a fashion that is inappropriate, unsafe, or negatively affects the reputation of RailCrew Xpress is not acceptable. At minimum, these standards require wearing clean long pants, clean collared shirts (tee-shirts in summer are acceptable but the collared or tee-shirts may not display any graphics or printed words apart from RCX logo) and closed-toed shoes. Dresses, capris, shorts, tank-tops etc… are not acceptable within our client’s locations. The dress code was set-up to reflect the requirements of our client’s contracts. Revised 7-1-2011 3.12 – ABANDONMENT OF SHIFT Absence from work for three (3) consecutive days without notifying your immediate manager will be considered a voluntary resignation as an abandonment of shift. For Road Drivers three (3) consecutive days of dispatch or your immediate manager attempting to contact you to dispatch a trip without an answer will be considered a voluntary resignation as an abandonment of shift. Revised 7-1-2011 3.13 - COMPUTER/INFORMATION SYSTEM POLICY The use of RailCrew Xpress technology equipment, including computers, fax machines, and all forms of Internet/Intranet access, is for RailCrew Xpress business and is to be used for authorized purposes only. Electronic communication "should not be used to solicit or sell products, distract coworkers, or disrupt the workplace. Use of RailCrew Xpress computers, networks, and Internet access is a privilege granted by management and may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct including, but not limited to Sending chain letters Engaging in private or personal business activities Misrepresenting oneself or RailCrew Xpress Engaging in unlawful or malicious activities Using abusive, profane, threatening, racist, sexist, or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages Sending, receiving, or accessing pornographic materials Causing congestion, disruption, disablement, alteration, or impairment of RailCrew Xpress networks or systems Installing unauthorized software/hardware Removing of any preinstalled software/hardware Contracting computer viruses, Trojans, spyware, etc Infringing in any way on the copyrights or trademark rights of other Using recreational games Defeating or attempting to defeat security restrictions on RailCrew Xpress systems and applications. Using RailCrew Xpress technologies to create, view, transmit, or receive racist, sexist, threatening, or otherwise objectionable or illegal material is strictly prohibited. "Material" is defined as any visual, textual, or auditory entity. Such material violates the RailCrew Xpress anti-harassment policies and is subject to disciplinary action. RailCrew Xpress's electronic mail system must not be used to violate the laws and regulations of the United States or any other nation or any state, city, province, or other local jurisdiction in any way. Revised 7-1-2011 Ownership and Access of Electronic Mail and Computer Files RailCrew Xpress owns the rights to all data and files in any computer, network, or other information system used at RailCrew Xpress. RailCrew Xpress reserves the right to monitor computer and e-mail usage, both as it occurs and in the form of account histories and their content. RailCrew Xpress has the right to inspect any and all files stored in any areas of the network or on any types of computer storage media in order to assure compliance with this policy and state and federal laws. RailCrew Xpress will comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement and regulatory agencies for logs, diaries, archives, or files on individual computer and e-mail activities. RailCrew Xpress also reserves the right to monitor electronic mail messages and their content. Employees must be aware that the electronic mail messages sent and received using RailCrew Xpress equipment are not private and are subject to viewing, downloading, inspection, release, and archiving by RailCrew Xpress officials at all times. No employee may access another employee's computer, computer files, or electronic mail messages without prior authorization from either the employee or an appropriate RailCrew Xpress official. RailCrew Xpress has licensed the use of certain commercial software application programs for business purposes. Third parties retain the ownership and distribution rights to such software. No employee may create, use, or distribute copies of such software that are not in compliance with the license agreements for the software. Confidentiality of Electronic Mail As noted above, electronic mail is subject at all times to monitoring, and the release of specific information is subject to applicable state and federal laws and RailCrew Xpress rules, policies, and procedures on confidentiality. Existing rules, policies, and procedures governing the sharing of confidential information also apply to the sharing of information via commercial software. Since there is the possibility that any message could be shared with or without your permission or knowledge, the best rule to follow in the use of electronic mail for non-work-related information is to decide if you would post the information on the office bulletin board with your signature. It is a violation of RailCrew Xpress policy for any employee, including supervisors, to access electronic mail and computer systems files to satisfy curiosity about the affairs of others. Employees found to have engaged in such activities will be subject to disciplinary action. Message Tone for Electronic Mail Users are expected to communicate with courtesy and restraint with both internal and external recipients. Electronic mail should reflect the professionalism of RailCrew Xpress and should not include language that could be construed as profane, discriminatory, obscene, sexually harassing, threatening, or retaliatory. It is recommended that using all capital letters, shorthand, idioms, unfamiliar acronyms, and slang be avoided when using electronic mail. These types of messages are difficult to read. Revised 7-1-2011 Electronic Mail Tampering Electronic mail messages received should not be altered without the sender's permission; nor should electronic mail be altered and forwarded to another user and/or unauthorized attachments be placed on another's electronic mail message. Policy Statement for Internet/Intranet Browser(s) This policy applies to all uses of the Internet, but does not supersede any state or federal laws or RailCrew Xpress policies regarding confidentiality, information dissemination, or standards of conduct. The use of RailCrew Xpress automation systems is for business purposes only. No personal use is acceptable. Use is defined as "excessive" if it interferes with normal job functions, responsiveness, or the ability to perform daily job activities. Examples of inappropriate use are defined in "Inappropriate Use of the Internet/Intranet". Managers determine the appropriateness of the use and whether such use is excessive. The Internet is to be used to further RailCrew Xpress's mission, to provide effective service of the highest quality to RailCrew Xpress' clients and staff, and to support other direct job related purposes. Supervisors should work with employees to determine the appropriateness of using the Internet for professional activities and career development. The various modes of Internet/Intranet access are RailCrew Xpress resources and are provided as business tools to employees who may use them for research, professional development, and work-related communications. Limited personal use of Internet resources is a special exception to the general prohibition against the personal use of computer equipment and software. Employees are individually liable for any and all damages incurred as a result of violating RailCrew Xpress security policy, copyright, and licensing agreements. All RailCrew Xpress policies and procedures apply to employees' conduct on the Internet, especially, but not exclusively, relating to: intellectual property, confidentiality, RailCrew Xpress information dissemination, standards of conduct, misuse of RailCrew Xpress resources, anti-harassment, and information and data security. Inappropriate Use of the Internet/Intranet Use of RailCrew Xpress computer, network, or Internet resources to access, view, transmit, archive, or distribute racist, sexist, threatening, or otherwise objectionable or illegal material is strictly prohibited. "Material" is defined as any visual, textual, or auditory item, file, page, graphic, or other entity. Such material violates RailCrew Xpress's anti-harassment policies and is subject to RailCrew Xpress disciplinary action. No employee may use the RailCrew Xpress's Internet/Intranet facilities to deliberately propagate any virus, worm, Trojan horse, trap-door program code, or other code or file designed to disrupt, disable, impair, or otherwise harm either the RailCrew Xpress's networks or systems or those of any other individual or entity. RailCrew Xpress' Internet/Intranet facilities and computing resources must not be used to violate the laws and regulations of the United States or any other nation or any state, city, province, or other local jurisdiction in any way. Use of RailCrew Xpress resources for illegal activity can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal and criminal prosecution. Revised 7-1-2011 ]Internet/Intranet Security RailCrew Xpress owns the rights to all data and files in any information system used in RailCrew Xpress. Internet use is not confidential and no rights to privacy exist. RailCrew Xpress reserves the right to monitor Internet/Intranet usage, both as it occurs and in the form of account histories and their content. RailCrew Xpress has the right to inspect any and all files stored in private areas of the network or on any types of computer storage media in order to assure compliance with this policy and state and federal laws. RailCrew Xpress will comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement and regulatory agencies for logs, diaries, archives, or files on individual Internet activities. Existing rules, policies, and procedures governing the sharing of work-related or other confidential information also apply to the sharing of information via the Internet/Intranet. Except for the Web pages produced by RailCrew Xpress, RailCrew Xpress does not control Internet content and makes no general effort to limit Internet access. Computer Repair/Maintenance/Upgrading/Downgrade RailCrew Xpress owns all automation systems, including computers, fax machines, and all forms of Internet/Intranet access therefore all Repair, Maintenance, Upgrading, or Downgrade must be conducted by RailCrew Xpress Information Technology Department or by a preauthorized base by RailCrew Xpress Information Technology Department. All unauthorized Repair, Maintenance, Upgrading or Downgrade preformed on RailCrew Xpress Equipment will not be reimbursed and you could be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. RailCrew Xpress offers a remote utility to access your assigned system for diagnostic and repair to help optimize the speed at which your system can be repaired. RailCrew Xpress assumes no liability for any loss or damages to users data on RailCrew Xpress equipment. All computer-related purchases must be placed by the RailCrew Xpress Information Technology Department. Violation of these policies will lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Revised 7-1-2011 3.14 – SMOKING POLICY No smoking of any kind is permitted inside any RailCrew Xpress offices or vehicles. Smoking may take place only in designated smoking areas outside RailCrew Xpress facilities or as permitted on customer property. The Company complies with all local laws and ordinances governing smoking in the workplace. There is to be no smoking in the vans, with and/or without crews. For trips exceeding 100 miles, one (1) stop may be made for no longer than ten (10) minutes to allow smokers a smoke break, provided that all passengers agree upon this stop. This does not include having the window down and smoking in the van. Also, it is important to stand far enough away from the van or make sure that the windows are up and the van door closed while smoking. If you are operating on Union Pacific property specifically, be aware that Union Pacific Railroad has a Non-Smoking Policy in effect while on Union Pacific property. Non-compliance with the policy will be grounds for immediate termination. Revised 7-23-2012 3.15 – TRANSFER POLICY RailCrew Xpress recognizes that a desire for career growth and other needs may lead an employee to request a transfer to another position or location. An employee with proper qualifications will be eligible for consideration for transfer as determined by company needs, available openings, and management approval. An employee must be in good standing with a minimum of no disciplinary actions within the last 90-days of employment. Revised 7-1-2011 3.16 – OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT Employees may not take an outside job, either for pay or as a donation of their personal time, with a customer or competitor of RailCrew Xpress; nor may employees work on their own if it competes or interferes in any way with the services that RailCrew Xpress provides to its clients. Combined hours of service between RailCrew Xpress and other employment must not exceed Department of Transportation (DOT) hours of service guidelines. Revised 7-1-2011 3.17 - RESIGNATION Resignation is a voluntary act initiated by the employee to terminate employment with RailCrew Xpress. In order to resign in good standing, RCX requests at least two weeks written resignation notice from all employees, three weeks for professional staff and managers. Employees that do not provide a minimum of a two-week advance notice of resignation, three weeks for professional staff and managers, are not eligible rehire. You will need to access specific benefit polices for continuation options upon terminating employment. On the last day worked employees must turn in all RCX property. Revised 7-1-2011 3.19 – WORKER COMPENSATION PROGRAM The Company provides Workers’ Compensation insurance for job-related injury or illness. This program provides for medical and lost time benefits for injuries and illnesses arising out of and in the course of your employment with the Company. If you experience a work-related injury or illness (no matter how small) you must immediately notify your immediate manager. You will be required to submit to a post-accident drug and/or alcohol test in accordance with the Company Workers’ Compensation policies. Failure to submit to this testing may disqualify you from benefits and will result in your immediate termination. The Company and their insurance carrier will not be responsible for the payment of Workers’ Compensation benefits for any injury which arises out of your voluntary participation in any off-duty recreational, social or athletic activity which is not part of your work related duties. RCX has elected not to obtain workers’ compensation coverage in Texas. Should you experience a work related injury, you will be covered under our Texas Injury Benefit Plan. You have received a copy of this Plan and are to complete the acknowledgement form agreeing to its conditions. This Plan provides benefits for work-related injuries for those employed in Texas or who are injured while in the state. Benefits are conditioned on you reporting a work-related injury within 24 hours to your immediate manager. Our Plan, which replaces workers’ compensation, has excellent benefits to take care of our people. Under the Texas Injury Benefit Plan, you must report your injury immediately but no later than 24 hours from the time of the Injury, to immediate manager. You are also required to fill out an Incident Report Form within this 24 hour period. A copy of the form will be provided to you by your immediate manager. You may only use approved medical providers to treat your work-related injury or occupational illness to receive Plan benefits. You will be directed where to go. Revised 7-1-2011 You will be required to submit to a drug and alcohol screening for any workrelated injury. If you have questions, you may call our Claims Manager at (913) 928-5008. RailCrew Xpress has a mandatory policy requiring that certain claims or disputes relating to an on-the-job injury (that cannot otherwise be resolved between the Company and the employee) must be submitted to an arbitrator, rather than a judge and jury in court. Please refer to your Summary Plan Description for more information. Any information regarding a fraudulent or a suspicious Workers’ Compensation claim must be reported to your Location Manager or Regional Manager at the Company and/or the Employee hotline. Fraudulent Workers’ Compensation claims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Revised 7-1-2011 3.20 – SECURITY AND IDENTIFICATION At the time of employment, an E-rail (identification) badge will be issued to you. If you lose or damage your badge it must be replaced at a cost to you of $15.00. RCX will replace defective badges free of charge. Badges are issued as a requirement of RCX contracts with the railroads and so that you can be readily identified as an RCX employee. You are required to wear your badge at all times while on duty. When wearing your badge please follow these guidelines: Wear the badge on the left breast pocket of your coat or shirt. Do not wear other attachments, stickers, or markings on the badge. Wear the badge so that it can be seen and read easily. Identification badges are considered the property of RCX and must be returned upon termination of employment. If they are not returned a $15.00 fee will be assessed. Revised 7-1-2011 4.1 – HOURLY PAID TIME OFF (PTO) Hourly Employees will accrue paid time off (PTO) each pay period, beginning immediately upon hire and awarded upon the employee’s anniversary date. The purpose of the PTO policy is to allow employees to accrue time away from the job for personal needs such as vacation, sick time, personal appointments, etc… The accrual will be based off of the number of hours you have worked during the pay period. The accrual table is: Years of Continuous Employment 1-3 years of completed employment 4-10 years of completed employment 11+ years of completed employment Accrual Percentage 2% 4% 6% FT Equivalent 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks An hourly employee must be employed a minimum of one (1) consecutive year prior to using PTO hours. Only accrued PTO hours from the prior year can be used. An employee will not be able to use PTO hours which will put him or her in a negative PTO balance. Employees must submit their PTO request 14-days in advance to be approved by their Manager. Managers are responsible for ensuring that each location and department is staffed. Therefore, it will be the manager’s discretion as to whether the PTO request is approved. Generally, first requests for a specific date will be honored. Only preapproved PTO hours will be considered an excused absence. If an employee contacts his/her manager 2 hours prior to their shift or availability for road drivers to report the inability to work due to illness and PTO is available the absence will be considered an excused absence. All other call-ins or time away that was not pre-approved will be considered an unexcused absence. The PTO policy is a use-it or lose-it policy. PTO will not be paid out in lieu of taking the time off. The only exception to the “use-it or lose-it” is if at the end of an employee’s anniversary year he/she has submitted a minimum of three requests to use their accrued available PTO and been denied each time by their Manager. The documentation of the denied PTO requests must be submitted to the payroll department two weeks prior to the employee’s anniversary date in order for the unused PTO to be paid out on the first payroll after the employee’s anniversary date. It is the responsibility of the employee to submit the documentation for pay-out of denied PTO usage. Upon termination, for employees that have completed a minimum of one year of employment, awarded accrued PTO time will be paid out upon an employee’s termination. The unused PTO will be paid on the employee’s last payroll check. For employees that do not complete a minimum of one year of employment the accrued PTO time will be forfeited. Revised 7-1-2011 4.2 - HOLIDAYS Employees that work the company sponsored holiday will be paid a $25.00 premium. This is over and above the regular wages to be paid for hours worked on the following holidays: New Years, Easter Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving Christmas RCX will publish the specific date that will be recognized for the above holidays each December for the upcoming year. Revised 7-1-2011 4.3 - BEREAVEMENT LEAVE Employees are eligible for bereavement leave upon hire. In the event of the death of a spouse, de facto spouse, child, grand-child, parent, grandparent or sibling RCX will grant leave with pay not to exceed one (1) benefit day. RCX will consider extenuating circumstances if additional time off is needed. The employee will provide documentation of the death if requested by the employer. The death of an extended family member, a friend, colleague, or acquaintance, or any other individual not specifically mentioned above, requires the use of PTO time. Revised 7-1-2011 4.4 – JURY DUTY Upon receipt of the notice to serve jury duty, you must notify your immediate manager. You must provide a copy of the notice to serve which will be kept for attendance purposes. Following completion of your jury duty you must submit a signed Certificate of Jury Service indicating the number of days served. During this leave, the Company will compensate you in accordance with applicable law. The Company may require you to report to work any day you are excused early from jury duty. Revised 7-1-2011 4.5 - UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT The Company is committed to providing the basic employment and reemployment services and support as set forth in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). If you are a member of the United States Armed Forces, the Company will grant you a leave of absence for military service, training or related obligations in accordance with applicable law. At the conclusion of your leave the Company will return you to the position you held prior to your leave or to a position that you are qualified to perform with like seniority, status and pay, in accordance with applicable law. During your military leave the Company will continue your benefits through the end of the month in which your leave initiated. Thereafter you may elect to continue your coverage(s) for up to eighteen (18) months; however you may be required to pay all or part of the premium for the continuation coverage. Upon your receipt of orders for active or reserve duty, you must notify your Location Manager or Regional Manager. You should submit a copy of the military orders (unless you are unable to do so because of military necessity or if it is otherwise impossible or unreasonable to do so). Revised 7-1-2011 4.6 - FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (“FMLA”) The Company will grant family and medical leave in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and federal law in effect at the time the leave is granted. No greater or lesser leave benefits will be granted than those set forth in the relevant state or federal laws. In certain situations, the federal law requires that provisions of state law apply. Please contact your Location Manager or Regional Manager as soon as you become aware of the need for a family and medical leave. The following is a summary of the relevant provisions. Eligibility To be eligible for family and medical leave benefits, you must: (1) have worked for The Company for a total of at least 12 months; (2) have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months; and (3) work at a location where at least 50 Employees are employed by The Company within 75 miles. Available Leave Eligible Employees under federal law may receive up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period. A 12-month period begins on the date of the Employee's first use of federal family and medical leave. Successive 12month periods commence on the date of an Employee's first use of family and medical leave after the preceding 12-month period has ended. Leave may be used for one or more of the following reasons: (1) for the birth or placement of a child with an Employee for adoption or foster care; (2) to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or (3) to take medical leave when the Employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition. Under some circumstances, Employees may take family and medical leave intermittently--which means taking leave in blocks of time, or by reducing their normal weekly or daily work schedule. Certain restrictions may apply. Notice & Certification Revised 7-1-2011 If you need family and medical leave, you may be required to provide: 1. 30-day advance notice when the need for the leave is foreseeable; 2. Certification from a health care provider (both prior to the leave and prior to reinstatement); 3. Periodic recertification; and 4. Periodic reports during the leave. When leave is needed to care for an immediate family member or your own serious health condition, and is for planned medical treatment, you must try to schedule treatment so as not to unduly disrupt the Company’s operation. Compensation During Leave Family and medical leave is unpaid. The Company requires that you use accrued paid leave (such as vacation and/or any other PTO leave) to cover some or all of the family and medical leave. The use of paid time off will not extend the length of a family and medical leave. Benefits During Leave The Company will maintain, for up to a maximum of 12 workweeks of family and medical leave, any group health insurance coverage that you were provided before the leave on the same terms as if you had continued to work. In some instances, The Company may recover premiums it paid to maintain health coverage if you do not return to work following family or medical leave. If you are on family and medical leave but you are not entitled to continue paid coverage, you may continue your group health insurance coverage through The Company in conjunction with federal COBRA guidelines by making monthly payments to the Company for the amount of the relevant premium. Please contact your Location Manager or Regional Manager for further information. Job Reinstatement Under most circumstances, upon return from family and medical leave, you will be reinstated to your previous position, or to an equivalent job with equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment terms and conditions. However, upon return from a family and medical leave, you have no greater right to reinstatement than if you had been continuously employed rather than on leave. For example, if you would have been laid off had you not gone on family and medical leave, or if your position has been eliminated during the leave, then you will not be entitled to reinstatement. Revised 7-1-2011 If you are returning from family and medical leave taken for your own serious health condition, but you are unable to perform the essential functions of your job because of a physical or mental disability, The Company will attempt to accommodate you. Your use of family and medical leave will not result in the loss of any employment benefit that you earned or were entitled to before using family and medical leave. Revised 7-1-2011 4.7 SERVICE MEMBER FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE POLICY The federal Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been modified to include additional leave to eligible employees for a covered family member’s service in the Armed Forces. This policy is intended to expand the current version of our FMLA policy with the same general notification of employee rights to include those listed in this policy. It is our policy to comply with any and all family and military leave policies and our policies will automatically be modified as additional laws change. Service member FMLA provides eligible employees with additional unpaid leave entitlement for any one of the following: • • A “qualifying exigency” arising out of a covered family member’s active duty or call to active duty in the Armed Forces and/or: To care for a covered family member who has incurred an injury or illness in the line of duty while on active duty in the Armed Forces provided that such injury or illness may render the family member medically unfit to perform duties of the member’s office, grade, rank, or rating. The length of the Service member FMLA leave if due to a “qualifying exigency” is up to 12 workweeks of unpaid FMLA leave during any 12 month rolling period of time. The length of the Service member FMLA leave if to care for an injured or ill Service member may be up to a maximum of 26 work weeks of unpaid FMLA leave. All leave must run concurrently with any other federal, state or local leave entitlement. If you have any questions you should contact your Location Manager or Regional Manager, or the Employee Hotline. Revised 7-1-2011 5.1 – HEALTH, DENTAL AND OTHER INSURANCE BENEFITS GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE -We offer a group limited coverage health and other insurance plans for its regular full-time employees upon completion of their 90 day introductory period. The Company pays a specified contribution each month towards the cost of the employee’s health insurance. The employee is responsible for the premium difference and for any other dependent coverage premium. The employee’s share of the premium is deducted from his/her payroll check. SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS - The following listed benefits are made available to all regular full-time employees after 90 days of employment. Although employees are responsible for the full premium for these benefits, they are offered at an affordable group rate. Summary plan descriptions are provided to employees during the benefits orientation. Dental Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Supplemental Life Insurance Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Revised 7-1-2011 5.2 – COBRA The federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives eligible employees and their qualified beneficiaries the opportunity to continue health insurance coverage under the RailCrew Xpress health plan when a "qualifying event" occurs that would normally cause them to lose their health insurance coverage. Examples of “qualifying events” include changing jobs due to resignation, termination, or death of an employee; a reduction in an employee's work hours; a leave of absence; employee's divorce or legal separation; and a dependent child no longer meeting eligibility requirements. Under RCX’s COBRA administration, you or your beneficiary are responsible to pay the cost of coverage at RCXs group rates plus a 2% administration fee. RCX provides all employees of the Company with a written notice describing rights granted under COBRA when they are hired. The notice contains important information about the employee’s rights and obligations. Revised 7-1-2011 5.3 - REFERRAL BONUS The greatest resources at RCX are our employees. In turn, the best applicants are going to come from our current employees where there is incentive to mentor and help train our new employees. In order to incentivize our current employees to recommend, mentor and ensure an excellent on-boarding process for new hires RCX has developed the following referral bonus program: After the new hire has been finalized and worked for 30-days, the referring employee will be paid a $50 referral bonus. After the new hire has completed 60-days of employment the referring employee will be paid an additional $75 referral bonus. After the new hire has completed 90-days of employment the referring employee will be paid an additional $125 referral bonus. After the new hire has completed 180-days of employment the referring employee will be paid a final $250 referral bonus. There are a few parameters around this bonus program. They are: The referring employee must continue to be actively employed and mentoring the new hire. The referring employee will be disqualified for receiving a referral bonus if he/she has progressive discipline steps taken due to attendance or other RCX rule or policy violation. Managers are not eligible for a referral bonus within the location or area that they manage. Re-hires to RCX do not qualify for a referral bonus. All bonuses will be paid on the payroll that includes the time period in which the new hire reached one of the above employment dates. Revised 7-11-2012 6.1 – EMPLOYEE HELP LINE RailCrew Xpress has developed an Employee Help Line to help serve our employees with most of their questions, comments or reporting safety issues or harassment. The following is available to our employees when using the Employee Help Line, 877-928-5046. Options: 1. Reporting an Accident 2. Dispatch 3. Roadside Assistance 4. Employee Inquiries Submenu: 1-Safety 2-Payroll 3-Harassment/Discrimination a. Employee Complaints 4-Benefits 5. Company Updates 6. Inclement Weather Updates 7. Employment Opportunity Most options above have 24/7 coverage. Other options have voice mail or recorded messages. RCX has a zero tolerance for harassment of any kind in the workplace. The Harassment/Discrimination hotline has been imbedded in this Employee Help Line and is the appropriate place to file a complaint of harassment in the workplace. Revised 7-24-2012 877-928-5046 6.2 – SUGGESTIONS RailCrew Xpress encourages all employees to bring forward their suggestions about making RailCrew Xpress a better place to work and enhancing service to our customers. Any employee who sees an opportunity for improvement is encouraged to talk it over with management. Management can help bring ideas to the attention of the people in the organization that will be are responsible for possibly implementing them. All suggestions are valued. Revised 7-1-2011 6.3 - ISSUE RESOLUTION POLICY RailCrew Xpress is committed to providing a work environment which provides respectful and fair business practices. There are times when an employee may feel that they are not being treated fairly. In such cases the following issue resolution procedure should be utilized: 1. The employee should first contact their immediate supervisor/manager, generally a Lead Driver, to discuss the issue or concern in an effort to find resolution. 2. If no resolution has been agreed to, the employee must submit in writing the issue, how this has impacted the employee, steps taken to-date with the immediate supervisor and the resolution sought. This must be given to the next manger in line, generally a Location, Area or Regional Manager within seven days of initial issue resolution discussion with immediate supervisor/manager. The manager will have seven days to investigate the issue and respond to the employee in writing. 3. This procedure will continue until there is an agreed upon resolution or until the issue reaches the President/CEO. The President/CEO will be the final step in the issue resolution process. Revised 7-1-2011 6.4 - OPEN DOOR POLICY RCX has adopted an Open Door Policy for all employees. Employees are encouraged and expected to utilize this Policy. This means, literally, that every manager’s door is open to every employee. (Employees should, absent unusual circumstances, raise the issue with their immediate supervisor before raising the issue with another manager.) The question, issue or complaint may be oral or in writing. The purpose of the policy is to make sure all employees are free to raise questions, issues or complaints about any matter of concern to the employee. Employees are not limited to concerns but may raise any suggestions which will better enable the employee to perform his or her job or RCX to better service its customers. No adverse action will be taken against an employee because they take advantage of this policy. Managers will make every effort to respond to issues, questions and issues within twenty-four (24) hours of the meeting. 7-12-2012 7.1 – 8 CRITICAL SAFETY RULES As a professional driver, you are responsible for the safety of all passengers in the van as well as yourself, the safety of all persons working around the van, customer’s property, the general public, and company property. Any employee, who violates a RCX safety rule, fails to immediately report an accident, engages in any unsafe practice, or whose negligence or carelessness contributes to an accident or injury will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. You will receive ongoing training and safety information to ensure you have the knowledge to function in your role as a Professional Driver. RCX has identified Eight (8) Critical Safety Rules which will enable you to provide safe and reliable service as a Professional Driver. These rules have been expanded below and must be complied with, no exceptions. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Comply with Hours of Service (HOS) Complete Your Pre-trip Inspection Mandatory Use of Seat Belts Railroad Crossing Safety Don’t Foul the Tracks Stop Backing Accidents- If in Doubt, Get Out and Look Speed Management and Animal Avoidance Driver Must report all Accidents Immediately after the Accident 1. HOS All RailCrew Xpress employees are responsible for maintaining their Hours of Service. The applicable HOS regulations are: 10-hour driving limit No driver may drive for more than 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty 15-hour On-Duty limit No driver may be on duty for more than 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours of rest; only 10 of these hours can be driving. Off-duty time is not included in the 15-hour period. Revised 7-24-12 70-hour/8 days On-Duty limit No driver may be on duty for more than 70 hours within 8 days (This includes any employment outside of RCX; combined hours worked with ALL employers may not exceed the 70-hour limit. It is your responsibility to comply) 8-hour Off-Duty period An employee must have 8 consecutive hours off duty between on-duty periods. Employees may at their discretion request, through their immediate manager, special consideration of an additional 2 hour offduty period, for a total of 10 hour off-duty. If an employee does not manage their HOS they will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. 2. Pre-trip Inspections. Never operate your vehicle without a pre-trip inspection at the beginning of your shift, regardless of how quickly you have been asked to pick-up a crew. Specific hazards will cause your vehicle to be placed out of service (OOS). Notify your Location Manager or Area Manager immediately if any out-ofservice issues have been identified. Do not operate your vehicle when it should be out-of-service. Contact the Employee Hotline if directed to operate your vehicle under this condition. You cannot be reprimanded for refusing to operate an unsafe vehicle. Keep your vehicle clean. This is a condition of employment. Drivers will be trained in effective pre-trip inspections and the proper inspection forms to use for this purpose. These inspections are critical to our business, your safety and the safety of our passengers and the general public. Failure to comply with company specified pre-trip inspections will result in disciplinary action. 3. Mandatory Use of Seat Belts You, as a professional driver, must ensure all passengers, as well as yourself, are wearing seat belts properly, including shoulder harness. Never operate your vehicle without everyone buckled-up. You are not allowed to move your vehicle if crew are unbuckled. 4. Railroad Crossing Safety You will be working around railroad tracks and trains every workday. The following key points will help keep you, our passengers and other railroad employees safe. All RCX vehicles are required to follow very specific railroad track crossing safety practices A. When approaching a railroad crossings on public road ways and highways: a. Move to the right-hand lane b. Turn on 4-way flashers 100 feet before the railroad crossing Revised 7-24-12 c. Reduce speed and turn your radio off d. Be Prepared to stop if tracks are in use e. Look for trains, railroad crew, etc. in both directions - left, right, left f. Open each front window and listen for an approaching train g. Proceed when safe to do so, clearing all tracks quickly and live B. When approaching a railroad crossing on railroad property: a. Turn on 4-way flashers 100 feet before the railroad crossing b. Reduce speed c. Prepare to stop safely d. Stop completely 50 -15 feet before the crossing e. Look for trains, railroad crews, etc. in both directions - left, right, left f. Open each front window, turn the radio down and listen for a train g. Proceed when safe to do so, clearing all tracks quickly and live C. If the vehicle gets stuck on a railroad track and impact is NOT imminent: a. Exit the vehicle with your passengers immediately! b. Move a safe distance away from the vehicle c. Call 911 d. Call RCX Dispatch Center, advising them of your specific location, and request they advise the railroad promptly regarding your stalled vehicle. The address of the crossing is located on the cross buck of the crossing you are stalled on. D. Before crossing tracks where visibility is impaired by railroad equipment or other obstructions that prevent a clear view of approaching trains, the driver must: a. Stop the vehicle and verify (by either flagman or personal observation) that there will be no movement on the track(s) being crossed, or b. Use an alternate crossing We want you to LOOK, LISTEN and LIVE when crossings tracks 5. Don’t Foul the Tracks Railroad policy defines fouling of track as occupying any area within four (4) feet of the nearest rail of a railroad track. No vehicle or person may be within 4 feet of the outside rail. To give an example of how to estimate this distance, a person holding his arm straight out from the shoulder where the fingers are immediately above an outside rail, the opposite shoulder is about 4 feet distance from the rail. Use this rule should you ever be required to stop your vehicle adjacent to a railroad track. When the driver or passenger door is fully opened, there must still be 4 additional feet between the outside rail and the width of the person standing next to a fully opened door. That equates to a total of 8Revised 7-24-12 10 feet from the closest rail. complying with this policy. There are no exceptions permitted to 6. Stop Backing Accidents-When in Doubt, Get Out and Look Drivers should make every effort to avoid operating a vehicle in such a manner that would require a backing maneuver. Backing a vehicle is not encouraged and contrary to our goal of providing safe, dependable transportation services, and to perform these services efficiently. Backing should be isolated exceptions to the operation of the vehicle, and backing should only occur when there is no other reasonable alternative. When Hauling BNSF Crews Do not back with crew on board without asking the crew members to spot for you while you back the vehicle. If the crew members decline, contact local railroad management for instructions on how to proceed. If you are unable to make radio contact with the railroad, don’t back the vehicle. If a crew member volunteers to spot for you remember prior to beginning the backing maneuver review and agree upon the hand and arm signals to be used during backing. When Hauling UP Crews Never back with crew on board. When Hauling KCS Crews: Never back with crew on board. This backing policy has been implemented to ensure the safety of you, your crew, and RCX equipment. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. 7. Speed Management and Animal Avoidance Speed Management o Under normal conditions follow all highway and road speed limits o Operate your vehicle at reduced speed for conditions during adverse weather or traffic congestion. o Follow any Dispatch directive on speed restrictions issued from Operations. Animal Avoidance o Operate RailCrew Xpress vehicles 10 MPH below the posted speed limit, no less than 55 MPH Year Round Dusk to Dawn Outside City Limits When you spot animals in the area Revised 7-24-12 8. Driver Must Report all Accidents immediately After the Accident Attend to your safety and the safety of your passengers Call 911 if emergency response is needed or a 3rd party is involved Call the Driver Help Line to report the accident: You will find instructions on the passenger side sun visor. Make this call before you call your Location or Regional Manager Call your Location or Regional Manager to report the accident Texas employees are required to file an accident report within 24-hours in order to be covered for medical treatment Glass Damage o If glass chips or breaks due to any reason other than a collision, call Safelite; phone # located on visor vert Should you sustain a work-related injury, you are required to immediately report the injury to Medcor at 1-800-775-5866. Revised 7-24-12 7.2 – GENERAL DRIVER SAFETY RULES The following rules have been established to assist you in completing your assigned trips without incident. SAFETY Is The Most Important Aspect Of Our Service. 1. All baggage or any other gear is to be secured behind the rear seat cargo net. Loose objects should not be allowed in the passenger compartment under any circumstances. 2. Verify that the cargo net webbing behind the rear seat is secure and in place at all times. 3. It is your responsibility to keep the railroad radio turned on and tuned to the proper channel AT ALL TIMES. The railroad may need to contact you while en-route to change your original dispatch. 4. Keep headlights turned on for safety AT ALL TIMES, whether it is day or night. 5. The use of personal cell phones (except for emergencies), CB radios and/or radar detectors is strictly prohibited. 6. If you receive a moving traffic violation, you MUST report it to your Location Manager, Area Manager or Regional Manager. Excessive moving violations will be cause for termination. 7. SAFETY of your passengers is your primary responsibility; you need to take whatever steps are necessary to assure their safety. 8. The use of cellular phones while the vehicle is in motion is strictly prohibited. You must pull the van to a safe location and come to a complete stop to make or receive a call. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS! 9. The transportation by RailCrew Xpress of railroad crewmembers is allowed only in company vans. There are no exceptions. 10. Drivers will cross over railroad tracks at designated crossings only. 11. If there are any complaints about driving (speeding, recklessness, etc.), the driver will be taken from rotation until the incident is investigated. 12. No employee will drive a vehicle (with or without passengers) while his/her ability or attentiveness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or other causes. Revised 3-6-2012 13. Motor vehicles must be operated in a safe manner regardless of the urgency or importance of the trip. You must adjust your driving according to traffic, weather, and road conditions. 14. Remove or secure all loose objects that may be in van. Everything must be secured. 15. No containers of combustible liquid or fuel are allowed on a Company vehicle or within any compartment of a Company vehicle under any circumstances. This is an extreme hazard due to vapors, possible spillage, and fire. 16. Our employee cannot and will not assist the railroad crewmember with his/her personal effects. Removing the luggage from the train and the loading of the luggage into the van for crewmembers is prohibited. It is the responsibility of the crewmember to handle their personal effects. A driver may hold and secure the doors or assist in any other similar capacity. 17. You are not to be distracted from driving, by such things as eating and drinking. 18. You need to park your van in the most accessible location closest to the train, or the crew pick-up/drop-off point. You will take into consideration walking conditions, surfaces and ability to avoid backing when positioning the vehicle. When possible, stop the vehicle off any public roadways. 19. There are to be no unauthorized passengers at any time in the van, human or pets of any kind. 20. At no time is a crew to be allowed to drive an RCX vehicle. If you as a Professional Driver are unable to complete an assigned trip you are required to pull over to a safe area and contact dispatch. Dispatch will make arrangements to have another driver complete the trip. Revised 3-6-2012 7.3 – RAILROAD RADIO RULES Transmitting Any employee operating a radio must do the following: 1. Before transmitting listen long enough to make sure the channel is not in use Give the required identification. 2. The required identification for mobile units must include Company Name, i.e. RailCrew Xpress. 3. Unit # or words that identify the precise mobile unit. 4. Wait until acknowledgement is received to proceed with further transmission. 5. If there is continuous radio communication, without interruption, repeat the identification every 15 minutes. Short Identification After making a positive identification, mobile units may use a short identification after the initial transmission and acknowledgement. Reception Any employee who receives a transmission must repeat it to the person transmitting the message, except when communication: 1. Is a recorded message from an automatic alarm device. 2. Is general and does not contain any information instruction, or advice that could affect the safety of a railroad operation. Over The employee transmitting must say “Over” to the employee receiving the transmission when communication is complete and a response is expected. Out Revised 7-1-2011 The employee transmitting must give the required identification and say “Out” to the employee receiving the transmission when the communication is complete and no response is expected. Communication Not Understood or Incomplete An employee who does not understand a radio communication or who receives a communication that is incomplete must not act upon communication and must treat it as if it was not sent. EXCEPTION: An employee who receives information that may affect the safety of employees or the public or cause damage to property must take the safe course. When necessary, stop movement until the communication is understood. Monitoring Radio Transmission Radios in attended mobile units must be turned on to appropriate channel with the volume loud enough to receive communications. Employees attending mobile units must acknowledge all transmission directed to the unit. Acknowledgement An employee receiving a radio call must acknowledge the call immediately unless doing so would interfere with safety. Misuse of Radio Communication Employees must not use radio communication to avoid complying with any rule. Under no circumstance should the railroad frequency be used for communication between individual long haul vehicles. Emergency Calls Emergency calls will begin with the words “Emergency,” “Emergency.” These calls will only be used to cover initial reports of derailment, collision, storms, washout, fires, track obstructions, property damage, or injury to employees or the public. Emergency calls must contain as much complete information on the incident as possible. Revised 7-1-2011 All employees must give absolute priority to an emergency communication. Unless they are answering or aiding the emergency call, employees must not send any communication until they are certain no interference will result. Prohibited Transmission Employees must not transmit a false emergency or an unnecessary or unidentified communication. Employees must not use indecent language over the radio. Employees must not reveal the existence contents, or meaning of any communication (except emergency communications) to person other than those it is intended for, or those whose duties may require knowing about. Fixed Signal Information Employees must not use the radio to give information to a train or engine crew about name, position, aspect, or indication displayed by a fixed signal, unless the information is needed to warn of an emergency. Phonetic Alphabet If necessary, a phonetic alphabet will be used to pronounce clearly any letter used as an initial, except initials letters of Railroad. EXAMPLE Letter Pronunciation Letter Pronunciation A Alpha (AL fah) N November (no VEM ber) B Bravo (BRAH VOH) O Oscar (OSS cah) C Charlie (CHAR lee) P Papa (pah PAH) D Delta (DELL tah) Q Quebec (keh BECK) E Echo (ECK oh) R Romeo (ROW me oh) F Foxtrot (FOKS trot) S Sierra (see AIR rah) G Golf (GOLF) T Tango (TANG go) H Hotel (hoh TELL) U Uniform (YOU nee form) I India (IN dee ah) V Victor (VIK tah) J Juliett (JEW lee ETT) W Whiskey (WISS key) K Kilo (KEY loh) X X Ray (ECKS RAY) L Lima (LEE mah) Y Yankee (YANG key) M Mike (MIKE) Z Zulu (ZOO LOO) Revised 7-1-2011 Assigned Frequencies The railroad must authorize any radio transmitters used in railroad service. Radio transmitters must operate on frequencies the Federal Communications Commission assigns the railroad. Employees are prohibited from using other transmitters or railroad frequencies not assigned to that particular territory. Radio Testing Each van operator must test the radios at least once during each shift to verify the radios are working. Malfunctioning Radio Malfunctioning radios must not be used. As soon as possible, notify the Location Manager or Regional Manager and get a replacement. Blasting Operations Employees must not operate radio transmitters located less than 250 feet from blasting operations. Revised 7-1-2011 7.4 - ACCIDENT POLICY Regional Managers, Area Managers and Location Managers have the responsibility to ensure that an accident is properly reported, investigated and the determined counseling/discipline is administered. The Safety Oversight Committee bears the responsibility of determining the preventability of an accident when extenuating circumstances fall outside the standard parameters of preventability determination. A preventable accident is one in which the driver failed to do everything reasonably possible to avoid the accident. The fact that a driver, who becomes involved in a vehicle collision, is not legally charged does not mean that the driver could not have avoided the accident. All accidents are preventable if a driver is involved in: An accident in which the driver bears any percentage of negligence based on their failure to act as reasonable and prudent person should act in the same circumstance. An accident arising out of the driver’s failure to yield right of way notwithstanding the driver’s negligence. A violation of RCX Critical Safety rules, RCX policies or local, state or federal laws or regulations. Driver Counseling and/or Discipline Non-Preventable Accident Driver will be Drug and Alcohol Tested o If the alcohol test shows positive, the driver will be taken to a facility for a confirmation alcohol test, and suspended until investigation is completed. If the confirmation alcohol test comes back positive the driver will be terminated. Revised 7-24-2012 o If the alcohol test comes back negative, the driver will be returned to service. If the results of the drug and alcohol test results are returned positive the driver will be terminated immediately. If, after full investigation, the accident status changes from Non Preventable to Preventable, the driver will be subject to the Preventable Accident Counseling and/or Discipline procedures. Preventable Accident Accident #1 o The driver will be placed on a three (3) day Decision Making Leave without pay and retrained in the area of concern. o The driver will be terminated if any of the following circumstances exist The drug and/or alcohol test results are returned positive. The driver’s RCX employee file contains two (2) documented, valid Safety Alerts or railroad complaints and driver has been properly informed and counseled. The driver has a personal preventable accident within the past 36-months on their MVR. The accident is of a level of severity which brings about substantial material loss or loss of human life. Accident #2 – within any, rolling, thirty-six (36) month period o The driver will be terminated. This is inclusive of either a personal or accident while driving for RCX. Appeal Process A driver has 30 days from the date of the accident to file an appeal and preventable accident, in writing, with the Location and/or Regional Manager. o The appeal needs to be very clear and state their reason on why the driver feels the accident was non-preventable. o The appeal will be discussed and considered by the Safety Oversight Committee and a determination will be made and the employee will be notified within 14 days. o If, after full investigation and review, the accident status changes from Preventable to Non-Preventable, the driver will have the accident removed from his or her file and be returned to work Revised 7-24-2012 immediately and be made whole for any pay or benefits lost during such termination or suspension. If a driver’s drug or alcohol test comes back positive, the driver will not be allowed to appeal the status of the accident. Revised 7-24-2012 7.5 - ACCIDENT REPORTING POLICY To ensure that all employees and operators of company-owned vehicles are aware of the proper procedures to be used at the scene of an accident involving a company-owned vehicle, RailCrew Xpress requires all employees and operators of company-owned vehicles to report all incidents, accidents, and on the job injuries as soon after the occurrence as possible. Employees who fail to report an accident or damage are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. The following procedures and practices will be followed by all operators of company-owned vehicles at the scene of a vehicular accident: 1. Stop 2. Call 911 if emergency response is needed or a 3rd party is involved 3. Secure the vehicle (secure engine, set parking brake, etc.) 4. Activate four-way flashers (hazard warning lights.) 5. Find and care for injured – do not move anyone unless involved in a life-threatening situation. 6. Prevent or extinguish fires, if possible. 7. Report the accident to Driver Help Line, 877-928-5046, option 1. 8. Call your Regional, Area or Location Manager 9. Call RCX dispatcher. 10. Keep your cool. Do not discuss the accident with anyone or admit guilt, or attempt to settle the accident on your own. Never give a recorded statement or sign a statement without checking with Corporate Risk Management. 11. If a camera is available, take pictures. Do not photograph any injured persons, blood, or other scenes that could substantially influence a potential jury if photographs were reviewed in a trial. 12. Gather information about the accident. Information to obtain includes: Other drivers involved names, address, phone number, make and model of car, insurance company information, witness names, address, phone numbers and statements, passenger’s names, addresses and phone numbers 13. Cooperate and render a full report to your Regional, Area or Location Manager regarding the circumstances of the accident and any follow up investigation or analysis. Revised 7-24-12 7.6 - Cellular Phone Policy We recognize that other distractions occur during driving, however eliminating the use of cell phones, while driving, is one way to minimize the risk, for our employees, of accidents. Therefore, you are required to stop your vehicle in a safe location so that you can safely use your cell phone. A RailCrew Express employee driving a company vehicle is prohibited from using a cell phone while driving, whether the business conducted is personal or company related. This includes receiving or placing calls, text messaging, surfing the internet, receiving or responding to e-mail, checking voice mail, etc… Use of company owned cellular phones for personal business is discouraged. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment. If RailCrew Xpress determines that charges incurred on the company cell phone were of a personal nature, the employee will be responsible for those charges as well as subject to disciplinary action for chronic misuse of the company cell phone. Additionally, personal cell phone use should be kept at a minimum during working hours. Excessive use would be considered more than three calls per shift or any call lasting more than 5 minutes, when not on a break. Employees should try to limit extended personal calls during break times. We highly encourage limiting the number of text messages during working hours as well. If the use of a personal cell phone for calls or texting becomes detrimental to your position and the work that is expected, managers have the right to ban the personal cell phone from work premises. Upon termination of employment, lay-off or suspension from RailCrew Xpress, all equipment supplied by the company is to be returned to your manager immediately. Revised 7-24-2012 7.7 - HOURS OF SERVICE (HOS) All RailCrew Xpress employees are responsible for maintaining their Hours of Service. The applicable HOS regulations are: 15 hours on duty No driver may be on duty for more than 15 hours after 8 consecutive hours of rest; only 10 of these hours can be driving 10-hour driving limit No driver may drive for more than 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours of rest 70 hours / 8 days No driver may be on duty for more than 70 hours within 8 days (This includes any employment outside of RCX; combined hours worked with ALL employers may not exceed the 70-hour limit. It is your responsibility to comply) 8-hour Off-Duty Period An employee must have 8 consecutive hours off duty between onduty periods. Employees may at their discretion request, through their immediate manager, special consideration of an additional 2hour off-duty period for a total of 10-hour off duty If an employee does not manage their HOS they will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Revised 7-24-2012 7.8 – TRACK CROSSING PROCEDURES You will be working around railroad tracks and trains every workday. The following key points will help keep you, our passengers and other railroad employees safe. Key Points 1. When approaching a railroad crossings on public road ways and highways: a. Move to the right-hand lane b. Turn on 4-way flashers 100 feet before the railroad crossing c. Reduce speed and turn your radio off d. Be Prepared to stop if tracks are in use e. Look for trains, railroad crew, etc. in both directions - left, right, left f. Open each front window and listen for an approaching train g. Proceed when safe to do so, clearing all tracks quickly and live 2. When approaching a railroad crossing on railroad property: a. Turn on 4-way flashers 100 feet before the railroad crossing b. Reduce speed c. Prepare to stop safely d. Stop completely 50 -15 feet before the crossing e. Look for trains, railroad crews, etc. in both directions - left, right, left f. Open each front window, turn the radio down and listen for a train g. Proceed when safe to do so, clearing all tracks quickly and live 3. If the vehicle gets stuck on a railroad track and impact is NOT imminent: a. Exit the vehicle with your passengers immediately! b. Move a safe distance away from the vehicle c. Call 911 d. Call RCX Dispatch Center, advising them of your specific location, and request they advise the railroad promptly regarding your stalled vehicle. The address of the crossing is located on the cross buck of the crossing you are stalled on. We want you to LOOK, LISTEN and LIVE when crossings tracks. Revised 7-1-2011 7.9 – SPEED MANAGEMENT AND ANIMAL AVOIDANCE POLICY Your life and the life of your passengers depend on your ability to maintain control of the vehicle. 1. Speed Management a. Under normal conditions follow all posted speed limits b. Operate your vehicle at reduced speed for conditions during adverse weather or congestion c. Follow any dispatch directive on speed restrictions issued from Operations 2. Animal Avoidance a. Operate RailCrew Xpress vehicles 10 MPH below the day-time posted speed limit, no less than 55 MPH i. Year Round ii. Dusk to Dawn iii. Outside City Limits iv. When you spot animals in the area Revised 7-1-2011 7.10 - VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY POLICY RCX is committed to investing and implementing technology within its fleet. This technology is designed to aid and further enhance the safety of our drivers and its passengers, as well as comply with client requirements. As such, all employees driving RCX vehicles are responsible to ensure the following: Immediately report the details to your direct supervisor of any problems with technology equipment. Prior to the start of any vehicle utilization ensure any and all technology is not tampered with, including obstructing camera views or the use of equipment in any manner other than its intended use. No attempt to unplug, turn off, damage and/or remove equipment (or any part of the equipment) without the express documented permission of your Location Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, General Manager or a member of the IT department. No application of any substance (i.e. Vaseline, lip-gloss or any other substance) to the camera lens. Failure to abide by these expectations will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Revised 9-14-2012 7.11 BACKING POLICY Drivers should make every effort to avoid operating a vehicle in such a manner that would require a backing maneuver. Backing a vehicle is not encouraged and contrary to our goal of providing safe, dependable transportation services, and to perform these services efficiently. Backing should be isolated exceptions to the operation of the vehicle, and backing should only occur when there is no other reasonable alternative. When hauling BNSF crews: Do not back with crew on board without asking the crew members to spot for you while you back the vehicle. If the crew members decline contact local railroad management for instructions on how to proceed. If you are unable to make radio contact with the railroad don’t back the vehicle. If a crew member volunteers to spot for you remember prior to beginning the backing maneuver review and agree upon the hand and arm signals to be used during backing. When hauling UP crews: Never back with crew on board. When hauling KCS crews: Never back with crew on board. This backing policy has been implemented to ensure the safety of you, your crew, and RCX equipment. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Revised 7-11-2012 7.12 FUEL PIN POLICY All Professional Drivers and other supervisor or managers that drive a RailCrew Xpress vehicle will be issued a private fuel PIN upon meeting the requirements of the position and being finalized in the position. If your PIN is lost or stolen, contact your supervisor immediately to request a new fuel PIN on your behalf and cancel the compromised PIN. All authorized fuel transactions are limited solely to the refueling of RailCrew Xpress owned vehicles with 87 octane regular unleaded fuel OR regular unleaded fuel with no greater than 10% Ethanol blend. No other fuel transactions are authorized. Any misuse, directly or indirectly, of the fueling system set in place by RCX will result in the immediate termination of employment and personal accountability which may include, but is not limited to, criminal prosecution. Additionally, employees will be responsible for all reimbursement to RCX for any loss as a result of misuse, directly or indirectly, of the fueling system, including loss of wages equal to the total amount of any unauthorized fuel transactions. Published 9-14-12