70 employees meet with American Heritage today
BY LELAND ACKER

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) may have gotten a gold mine with the sporting goods tax, but Texas State Railroad employees have gotten the stuck in the miner's shaft, according to an announcement that state railroad employees who go to work for American Heritage Railways will not be eligible for administrative leave. Administrative leave is the TPWD equivalent of severance pay. Ellen Buchanan, regional director for TPWD, said when the department conducted a reduction in force 18 months ago, laid-off employees were given eight weeks of administrative leave.

"They were paid by TPWD to find another job, either with TPWD or outside," Ms. Buchanan said.

TPWD officials were on site at the Texas State Railroad to explain the transition process to employees last week. Ms. Buchanan said state railroad employees who do not go to work for American Heritage Railways or take another state job will be eligible for four weeks of administrative leave. Those who accept positions with American Heritage will not be eligible for administrative leave.

This is the result of legislation, which swept the $2 million state railroad budget from the train after the approval of the privatization bill.

Ms. Buchanan said as a result of the sweeping, TPWD officials in Austin say there is no money left for administrative leave.

"We have constraints on what we can do," said TPWD Human Resources Director Al Bingham. "We want to make the transition as smooth as possible for the employees. Whenever we lose employees or are forced to shut down some facilities, it is difficult on us as well as employees. We try to understand and make their situation as pleasant as possible."

Mr. Bingham said TPWD's hope is that state railroad employees will be offered positions with American Heritage. He said not giving administrative leave to employees who accept other state positions or positions with American Heritage is due to budget constraints and statutes against doublepaying state employees.

One employee, who asked not to be named, said, "The announcement of the leave policy knocked morale down even more at the railroad."

Ms. Buchanan said last week's meetings between TPWD human resources personnel from Austin and state railroad employees went well.

"The folks were very nice, very professional," she said, but added that her concern is that state railroad employees would quit after having the opportunity to consider their options.

"They may take other jobs and there won't be enough employees to keep the train running after Aug. 31," she said.

Concerning employee retirement accounts, Ms. Buchanan said employees have several options. If they do not continue their employment with the state, they can leave their money in the retirement account.

Ms. Buchanan said outgoing TPWD employees may also withdraw their retirement funds, but heavy IRS penalties will be assessed.

Ms. Buchanan said employees who wish to continue with the state will have an opportunity, as TPWD was given 229 new positions in the region. Some of these positions are hourly, but are full-time equivalent positions. Mr. Bingham added the TPWD will try to place those employees who are close to retirement in some of those positions.

Al Harper, owner of American Heritage Railways, the company set to assume operation of the train under the Texas State Railroad Authority on Sept. 1, said he understands some employees will need to continue with the state. He said American Heritage offers good employment packages.

"American Heritage will offer different, but strong compensation packages," Mr. Harper said. "They are the best in the tourism industry."

Representatives from American Heritage are with state railroad employees to explain the transition process today. Representatives from TPWD are also on hand.

"People have to make choices," Mr. Harper said. "Government benefits are radically different from private enterprise benefits. They will have to study what those benefits will be."

Mr. Harper said while everyone fears the unknown, American Heritage has a track record of good employee relations.

"Call our other businesses in Durango, Colo. and the Great Smokey Mountains," he said. "Our employees are loyal. The average tenure in Durango is 18 years. I don't think (state railroad employees) will find they have a lot to worry about."

Mr. Harper said he wants to keep the railroad staff in tact.

"We want to keep the crew together," he said. "I am excited about the good nucleus and good staff in place. We have a great benefits program and want to keep the crew together."

Mr. Harper said his plans are for the Texas State Railroad to grow and additional staff to be hired.