PTRR BOB STEPHENS TO RETIRE

On behalf of its members, and particularly those employed by the Portland Terminal Railroad Company (PTRR), WRGCA would like to recognize the service of Bob Stephan who recently retired as PTRR’s Manager.  UP and BNSF jointly own and operate this terminal railroad which works in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan area.  WRGCA is the designated representative of the engineer’s contract which is administered through local management with BNSF oversight.  Although PTRR is represented by the National Carrier’s Conference Committee (NCCC) for purposes of National Agreements, the parties have been successful in reaching on-property agreements which have benefited the dozen or so engineers employed by this company.  Under Bob’s leadership, the parties also completed a schedule rewrite, updating work and pay rules not done since the mid 1960’s.  In a climate where certain people in the rail industry’s various labor relations’ departments measure progress in terms of adversarial relationships, indeed Bob has been a refreshing change – the difference one could reasonably guess is working with a credible operating officer versus labor relations bureaucrat.  The radically different approach BNSF has toward labor relations in comparison to UP so far make PTRR a success story for labor and management.  Throughout his tenure as a UP Operating Department Officer and PTRR Manager, Bob has treated all his employees with dignity and respect and we appreciate that very much.  Brother Donny Strong is BLET’s Local Chairman at PTRR and he’s quick to point out the excellent relationship between management and labor on this property throughout many years.  Bob will relocate to Wyoming where he will help his 83-year young father manage the family’s 10,000 acre ranch.  We wish Bob the absolute best that retirement can offer and perhaps along the way, he can improve his game of golf. 

 

From left to right in the accompanying photo are:  Tim Donnigan – General Chairman, Ray Niiranen – Assistant Manager, Bob Stephan – Manager, Donny Strong – Local Chairman