One of the disturbing comments made by top Carrier officers at the recent Safety Summit in Kansas City was that punitive discipline on BNSF has been reduced in recent years, and is being replaced by more "coaching and counseling." After that meeting, I spoke to several BNSF General Chairmen and found no one who could substantiate that claim. As for this Committee, the trend goes just the opposite direction, and on May 3, 2001, I furnished the Carrier proof of that trend, along with an example of one Superintendent's attitude about punitive discipline. These statements by the Carrier's top officers raise serious questions about just what kind of data they are receiving from their subordinates. (To view my letter click here.)