AROUND THE RAILROAD

Conference Inspires Collaboration

Awareness Is Vital to ORB, Peer SupportOctober 15, 2015 | 04:00 p.m. CDT

Unified in purpose, Northern Region Peer Support and Operation RedBlock teams gathered recently in Kansas City,Missouri, to discuss program enhancements.

"Operation RedBlock is a program that defines Union Pacific's teamwork value," said Greg Garrison, regional vicepresident-North. "There is simply no way members of an organization can have good teamwork and not care for each other.ORB demonstrates a true caring for our co-workers and our company. You can't teach it, and you can't go to class for it. Yousimply care about your fellow employee, and that is pretty cool."

During the conference, superintendents and department directors answered attendees' questions regarding programexpansion and discussed methods to increase awareness.

Signalman George Ledbetter, a Signal Department representative for both programs, spoke in support of expanding trainingfor Engineering employees and encouraged experienced personnel to become acquainted with new hires to reinforce qualitycommunication.

Robert Manlove, Engineering Peer Support/ORB system coordinator, agreed.

"We have to make change and take a stand," he said. "We have to be the voice for those who need our help."

In addition to the various presentations and Q&A session, attendees honored Kansas City Local 1409, for its integral role inOperation RedBlock's beginnings 35 years ago. Thad Owens, brakeman, gave an acceptance speech on the group's behalf.

Conference attendees included Operation RedBlock System Coordinators, from left,Brian O'Dell, systems engineer; Harry Stewart, manager-employee support services;Robert Manlove, rules and safety trainer; and Matt Schumacher, locomotive engineer.

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CommentsThe comments and opinions expressed by users below are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of Union Pacific.

Marcus K. Micheli wrote at Friday, October 16 7:40 AM:

We appreciate all the hard work you do! Great Job!!

Daren T. Paddyaker wrote at Thursday, October 15 5:00 PM:

Thank you for your commitment to your Brothers and Sisters gentlemen!

Traci L. Sklenicka wrote at Thursday, October 15 4:34 PM:

Great story on a valuable program and superb team!

Fralana Latham wrote at Thursday, October 15 4:19 PM:

Great work! #TeamUP

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