February 13, 2009

Norfolk Southern Corporation

Mr. Philip G. Piserchia

Director-Labor Relations

223 East City Hall Avenue

Norfolk, VA 23510-1728

Dear Mr. Piserchia:

This is in regard to the attached copy of the Pittsburgh Division Superintendent’s Notice SN-01, Item #23 pertaining to “Marking Off Sick On Call”. There are similar notices on other divisions as well.

This is to advise that we cannot accept the last paragraph stating that “Effective January 1, 2009, each instance of marking off ‘sick on call’ will be handled for discipline as a ‘missed call’ event under the START program.” If the circumstances warranted we may agree that certain cases could be handled under the START program however a blanket provision indicating that ALL cases will be handled as discipline smacks of prejudgment and is not acceptable.

We consider this an attempt to intimidate and harass employees who may otherwise have a legitimate sickness. For a company that promotes such a high standard of “Safety First” it is off interest that you would expect an employee to report for duty sick or even injured in order to avoid the threat of discipline. We have all experienced times when we push ourselves to try to be available to work and at the last minute decide that we simply are not physically able to put in a ten or twelve hour day. We also understand concerns that you may have for employees who may mark off on call without a legitimate excuse. Each case needs to be handled on its own merits.

Once again it appears that the company is trying to create a catch all rather than deal with each case. Possibly during the week of the Safety Awards we can arrange to meet to discuss this matter and hopefully come up with a better way to address each others concerns.

Looking forward to meeting with you , I remain.

Fraternally yours,

W. A. Thompson

Cc: M. J. Ruef, Vice President

W. M. Overton, General Chairman

W. E. Knight, General Chairman

C. W. Davis, General Chairman

Local Chairmen-NSR