The Carrier has requested a meeting with UTU General Chairmen to discuss "specific problems with the Policy, and to consider alternate ways to solve the problems giving rise to the Policy." BNSF Vice President Labor Relations John Fleps wanted certain conditions on the meeting, implying that the General Chairmen should cease their attacks on the Policy "in the area of public relations and other communications" in exchange for the Carrier's commitment to "set aside the current Policy for a period of 60 days beginning December 1, 1999." General Chairman Kerley has responded, saying that this Committee cannot agree to the Carrier's conditional offer, but that we will honor Referee Kasher's recommendation that the parties "sit down together" for the purpose of reaching a mutually agreeable solution to the Carrier's perceived layoff problem that meets the needs of the employees as well as the Carrier. A meeting to begin negotiations could take place as early as December 1, 1999, if the Carrier will come to the table with the unconditional purpose of good faith bargaining. This matter was on the bargaining table and some progress was being made in the Work/Rest forum before the Carrier pulled the subject off the table and proceeded unilaterally with the implementation of the Policy. A return to those efforts is the logical first step in resolving this dispute. UTU Vice President Rick Marceau will assist this Committee in any such negotiations, and we will keep you informed of any further developments.