UTU Bus Department scored more election victories on November 5, 1999 and November 9, 1999

BUS DEPARTMENT NEWS

UTU Bus Department scored two more election victories on November 5, 1999, when Renzenberger drivers in parts of Texas and Louisiana voted to be represented by the UTU. Vice President McNelis thanks International President C. Little and Assistant President B. Boyd for their continued support of the Bus Department in these organizing drives and all of the organizing efforts of the Bus Department. McNelis wishes to thank the bus organizers, Brenda Moore, David Lyall, Bill Koehn, Tom Bisignani who were instrumental in that effort as well the SLD'S, GC and LC and rail crews who assisted and/or supported the bus organizers in these efforts and offered their support to the drivers.

Another election by Renzenberger drivers will be counted on December 3, 1999. They will also be voting to be included with the other Renzenberger drivers in Louisiana, which will make for a larger unit of Renzenberer drivers.

On November 5, 1999, members of Local 1908 ratified their tentative agreement by a three to 1 vote. (339 –113) Vice President McNelis thanks General Chairperson Carolyn Scarsella, Vice Chairperson Dorothy Bryant and Judith Wall, Secretary to LCA for their hard work and dedication in getting a good contract for their members. In addition to improvements in working conditions, wages were increased by more than 10%, which amounts to $1.25 over three years. For the first time Laidlaw will contribute into the Unions 401(k) plan, about 50% of employees contribution up to 4%. The Company will also contribute for the first time into the employees health care insurance, by $20 the first two years and $25 in the third year of the Agreement. An Increase in uniform allowance as well. Health Care and the 401(k) contributions were first time majors improvements and this contract is probably the best contract ever negotiated on the property.

On November 9, 1999, the Cimarron drivers in Houston, Texas voted to be represented by the United Transportation Union. There were 250 eligible voters:

119 voted for the UTU – 31 voted against the UTU

9 employer challenges – 1 Board challenge and 16 voided ballots.

Many thanks to the UTU Bus Department organizers who worked very hard in achieving this goal. The organizers were the same as for the Renzenberger election we reported this day. Also we want to thank the rail crews, GC and LC who assisted and the SLD from Texas for their support in this effort. Truly these elections are joint efforts.