Article IX – Entry Rates

Section 1 – Service First 12-Months

Employees entering service on and after the effective date of this Article shall be paid as follows for all service performed within the first twelve (12) calendar months of service when working in a capacity other than conductor (foreman), footboard yardmaster, yardmaster, car retarder operator or engineer:

1. For the first twelve (12) calendar months of employment, new employees shall be paid 90% of the applicable rates of pay (including COLA) for the class and craft in which service is rendered, exclusive of arbitraries and/or special allowances which shall be paid at the full amount.
2. Employees who have had an employment relationship with the carrier and are rehired will be paid at established rate after completion of a total of twelve (12) months’ combined service.
3. Train service employees who transfer to the fireman craft will be paid at established rates after completion of a total of twelve (12) months’ combined service, in both crafts.
4. Any calendar month in which an employee does not render compensated service due to voluntary absence, suspension, or dismissal shall not count toward completion of the twelve (12) month period.

Section 2 – Preservation of Lower Rates

Agreements which provide for training or entry rates that are lower than those provided for in Section 1 are preserved. If such agreements provide for payment at the lower rate for less than the first twelve (12) months of actual service, Section 1 of this Article will be applicable during any portion of that period in which such lower rate is not applicable.

This Article shall become effective fifteen (15) days after the date of this Agreement except on such carriers as may elect to preserve existing rules or practices and so notify the authorized employee representative on or before such effective date.