Conrail foul-ups could spell "long, hot summer"

UTU not pleased with Conrail foul-ups
"It will be a long, hot summer" if carriers don't get their acts together

NS's Goode to call UTU Conrail general chairpersons today

ST. LOUIS (June 14) -- UTU International President Charles L. Little said today that "there are many trouble spots" on the newly merged Conrail and that the carriers better get their act together - fast.

Speaking this morning before more than 1,000 UTU members at the Regal Riverfront Hotel, Little said, "The carriers need us more than at any other time in the last 30 years. They need us because if the Conrail carve-up fails -- and right now there are many trouble spots -- the railroad industry will be re-regulated to death by Congress."

Little said the UTU has told the Norfolk Southern Railroad in particular to "fix their problems" and that another Union Pacific-type situation will not be tolerated.

"We have been to this party before," Little said. "We have told Norfolk Southern in particular to fix their problem. We have told them that we will not tolerate another Union Pacific situation for very long. They know it can be a long, hot summer if they don't get their act together. They also know the news media is watching. They know they don't have much time to turn things around."

Little said that the UTU is also watching CSX very carefully. He said the International is closely monitoring situations in Elkhart, Cleveland, Toledo, Harrisburg, Chicago, Buffalo and many other places. He said that the NS has been told to fix its crew calling system, transportation problems, and hours of service issues.

A Norfolk Southern representative this morning told UTU General Chairperson Pate King on the NS that its CEO, David Goode, will spend the day contacting UTU general chairpersons off the former Conrail properties asking for their assistance in helping solve the operating problems.

Little told the group that UTU members saved the Union Pacific through hard work. He said that it will be UTU members who save the Conrail deal, too.

"We -- you -- saved the Union Pacific," he said. "Now, Norfolk Southern and CSX need the UTU, and you, more than ever. Once again, it will be UTU members who will save their hides."