UTU NEWS
| Volume 29 | October, 1997 | Number 10 |
UTU NEWS ON-LINE EDITION A Service of the United Transportation Union Public Relations Department Charles L. Little International President The following may be reprinted, or re-posted in electronic form, in part or in whole, to any network or computer system worldwide, or distributed via disk, provided proper credit is included and no alteration of text occurs other than for formatting purposes. WELCOME TO THE VOICE OF RAIL AND BUS LABOR TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS EDITION UTU, FRA, UP officials meet on safety ...........##A MILESTONES: Neil P. Speirs dies at age 84 ................##F AROUND THE UTU News from around the U.S. and Canada ............##N MEMBERSHIP PROFILES UTUIA names Miller "Volunteer of the Year" ...##O BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT "Radios needed NOW!" .........................##Q YARDMASTER REPORT A success story on the UP .......................##R ORGANIZING REPORT Labor wins yardmaster vote on UP/SP ..........##S EDITORIALS --OPERATION: "Save Amtrak" .....................##U STATE WATCH: News from UTU State Legislative Boards ......##AA MONTHLY FEATURE: Soundbites from a UTU Regional Meeting .........##BB SENIOR NEWS: Direct-deposit law modifications likely .....##CC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Lifetime maximums, managed care explained ...##GG TPEL HONOR ROLL Contributors' continued support recognized .....##HH NOTICES UP makes safety hotline available ...........##II ==================================================== --UTU, FRA, UP officials meet on safety ...........##A OMAHA - The United Transportation Union has agreed to participate in an unprecedented labor/carrier partnership to dramatically improve the safety and operations of the Union Pacific Railroad (UP). The UP has been under increasing Governmental heat because of a series of train collisions that killed 12 people, including several UTU members, in eight months. On Sept. 3, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced an unprecedented six-month safety review of the nation's largest railroad. That followed the largest FRA safety sweep in history in late August when more than 75 inspectors conducted a major blitz inspection of UP operations and came away with serious concerns. "The corporate culture of the Union Pacific better change," said Byron A. Boyd, UTU assistant president, who represented the union at a recent Safety, Assurance and Compliance Program joint meeting with the FRA and UP here. "They better listen to our people and not just pay lip service for public relations points. They better stop disciplining people who are injured on the job. "We are doing this to save people's lives and to help our members be safe on the job. We have nothing to gain if the UP loses. We have a long-term mission to work together to solve problems in order to protect our members working on the UP," Boyd said. The UTU/UP safety and operations partnership, which will be implemented with the concurrence of the UP general chairpersons and with state legislative directors, will look at making adjustments in the training programs for engineers, conductors and brakemen. A committee comprised of UTU officers and UP representatives will look at needed changes in the safety program and how the process might be speeded up. The UTU also is pushing the UP to deal with the hours-of-service and fatigue issue. Post-merger personnel cutbacks have imposed extra workloads on railroad workers, who often work 80 to 100 hours a week. In order to address the fatigue issue, UP has agreed to hire up to 1,500 new workers by year-end at the urging of the UTU and FRA. "There just are not enough people working on the railroad to operate it safely," said Boyd. "We're pushing for 1,500 new hires so we can then relieve the stress, fatigue and burnout that shouldn't be allowed in any industry in 1997." A safety summit for key UTU and BLE legislative directors is being planned for mid-November, which Jerry Davis, UP president, will personally chair. The UP also will work with the FRA to develop a "crew resource management" initiative (following an FAA example for airline crews) that will enhance intra-crew communications. UP also committed to contact each of its 35,000 operating employees within the next 60 days to set up a face-to-face meeting with a supervisor to discuss the safety initiatives and the FRA. In its investigation, the FRA found significant evidence of ineffective crew utilization which led directly to crew fatigue, stress, a lowering of morale, violations of the hours-of-service law and a reduced ability to comply with operating rules. "Crews are needlessly working longer hours without getting time off. Cumulative fatigue erodes train and engine service employees' ability to perform their duties safely. When crews work erratic schedules for days on end, their ability to read and follow instructions, identify and comply with signals, react appropriately in emergency situations and make safety-critical decisions and act on those decisions is lost," the FRA said. The FRA also found widespread evidence of employees being harassed and intimidated to cover unfamiliar territory, to not report defects, and to not report injuries. The agency also found 57% of inspected locomotives were defective. --Union officers want CSX/NS/Conrail deal ......##B SPECIAL TO THE UTU NEWS ATLANTA -- UTU leaders attending a special meeting here voted unanimously to ask International President Charles L. Little to begin negotiations with the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads to "get the best deal possible for our members" in the Conrail buyout. The more than 100 UTU officers from Conrail, CSX and Norfolk Southern heard from Little, Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., and Frank N. Wilner, rail insider and editor of Rail Merger Intelligence. Earlier in the day, Vice Chairman Gus Owen of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and others, made a compelling case that regulators are likely to approve the sale of Conrail to CSX and Norfolk Southern. "I'm here to follow your instructions," Little said. "You must look for the best ways to protect your membership. If we can get more for members by supporting this merger, we should. But, if we can get more by fighting, then we should do that." Little said that other unions would most likely oppose the CSX-NS buyout of Conrail and probably use traditional tactics, including heavy criticism of any union that doesn't stand in line. But Little said that "being first" when rail mergers and takeovers happen could mean getting the best deal for "our members." Wilner told the group: "Only four mergers in 40 years have been turned down. History shows that when labor opposes these mergers, labor loses. The only hope is to negotiate with the carriers, and to get to the table first." Rail labor does not operate in the same world as, say, the Teamsters, who can use different tactics in striking against a company like UPS. The Railway Labor Act makes it virtually impossible to strike a major carrier, and that's why different tactics are necessary in dealing with the reality of the rapidly consolidating rail industry. "The art of making a deal used to be to delay progress and squeeze the last drop out of the other party," said Boyd. "Today, the art of making a deal is to be up-front and quick. You are better off being the first guy to make a deal." By being first to negotiate during the UP-SP merger process, the UTU won special concessions for its members in exchange for not opposing the deal. With the authority of the UTU general chairpersons, Little and Boyd are opening discussions with the CSX and Norfolk Southern regarding the Conrail takeover. The UTU's willingness to "be first" has earned it goodwill on Capitol Hill and at the National Mediation Board. Last year, during STB's voting conference on the UP-SP merger, Owen praised Little's "courage and leadership" and admonished UP to live up to its agreements with the UTU. The UTU will push CSX and NS for at least two special "sweeteners" for its members in addition to the traditional income protection package for rail workers adversely affected by the merger. The first is automatic certification, which ensures that the railroads will not fight or delay the payment of jobless benefits, and the second is the carrier accepting to make certain calculations regarding income protection. "Are you more interested in the struggle or the result?" asked Boyd. "This administration is not interested in the struggle just so we can say we did it. We're interested in the results for our members. We've got to make the best deal possible with the carriers. That's our one real choice." Said Little: "The International is not calling for this merger. We must make sure our members come out on top when it happens. Because it will." --Rail safety legislation introduced ..............##C In response to a string of recent railroad accidents in which at least a dozen railroaders lost their lives, legislation has been introduced in Congress to tighten rail safety rules and give overworked rail workers more rest. Cong. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) and Cong. Bob Wise (D-W. Va.) have introduced the Railroad Safety Reform Act, which would streamline regulatory review of new rail safety rules, add 400 new safety inspectors, and reduce accidents by requiring more rest for train crews. The bill mandates eight hours of undisturbed rest for train crews, who now are regularly interrupted during their off-duty hours. The measure also would require train crews to receive 10 hours of rest after 10 hours of work, and 24 consecutive hours off duty at least once a week. The legislation also offers safeguards and new powers to rail workers who believe they are harassed or intimidated when reporting safety problems, and would ban night-time split shifts on commuter railroads. The lawmakers cited a recent General Accounting Office report that indicated a slowdown in the rate of rail safety improvement over the last 10 years. --New Federal rule requires line-sale notice ...##D Certain railroad employees who might lose their jobs if the line on which they work is sold to a new operator would have to be given 60 days' notice of the sale under new Federal rules. The revised Surface Transportation Board procedures also require that information be posted about the types and number of jobs expected to be available. Buyers are now required to post notices at offices along the line that would list the number and nature of jobs that would be available. The UTU had lobbied for the longer notification period, saying affected employees deserved adequate time to consider their alternatives. --CSX, others fined billions for fire .............##E CSX has been ordered to pay $2.5 billion in damages stemming from a tank-car fire in New Orleans in 1987. Four other companies also were assessed substantial fines, totaling some $3.4 billion. The accident occurred when a tank car leaking a petroleum byproduct caught fire, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Some 200 city blocks were evacuated as a result. A class-action lawsuit eventually was filed on behalf of about 8,000 people claiming various kinds of physical and mental anguish. It was determined the accident was caused by a misaligned gasket on the rail car, an improperly closed cover, and an improperly trained repairman. The 8,000 people who won the award must return to court to prove their injuries before a judge determines how much each person is entitled to receive. All parties assessed fines have said they would appeal the award. MILESTONES: Awards, recognition, notices, deaths --Neil P. Speirs dies at age 84 ................##F NEIL P. SPEIRS, former UTU assistant president, president of the Switchmen's Union of North America (SUNA) when it merged with three other unions to create the UTU, and former Labor Member of the Railroad Retirement Board, has died at age 84. A native of Red Deer, AB, Canada, he began his career as a switchman on the Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) in 1937. He served as chairman of SUNA Local 98 from 1949 to 1951, and SP general chairman from 1951 to 1955, when he was elected SUNA Vice President. In 1959, he became president of SUNA, and was re-elected to that position at subsequent conventions. In 1968, Speirs was a member of the 40- person Unification Committee that steered the merger creating the UTU. Upon unification in 1969, he became UTU assistant president, but resigned that post in September of that year when he was appointed to a five- year term as RRB labor member. He was subsequently re- appointed to that position, but retired before serving the full term. --Former Ohio SLD Rundt passes away ...............##G Former UTU Ohio State Legislative Director CLARENCE P. RUNDT (225) passed away in August. Brother Rundt, who retired in 1977, had served as both a local chairperson and general chairperson with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen on the Nickel Plate Railroad prior to his service on the board. A BLF&E/UTU member for more than fifty years, Rundt is survived by his wife and two sons. --Member dies in Nevada switching accident .....##H UTU conductor JAMES F. JONES of Local 1775 in Elko, Nev., was fatally injured in a switching accident at Union Pacific's Elko Yard in August. Brother Jones had been a UTU member since 1970. The officers and members of the UTU offer their sincere condolences to his family. --Retired Texas SLD Gilliland dies ................##I DEAN L. GILLILAND, former director of the Texas State Legislative Board, passed away last month in Waco, Tex. A member of UTU Local 9 in Slaton, Tex., Gilliland was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad. He retired in 1974. He was a member of the Slaton Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star for more than fifty years. Gilliland is survived by his wife, Edna, and a son. --RRB fetes two centenarians ...................##J The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board recently has sent congratulatory letters to two retired members marking their 100th birthdays. CLARENCE V. WOODSIDE of Local 643, Fort Madison, Iowa, reached the 100-year mark on August 11. He last worked for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe as a conductor. REGINALD PARKS of Local 1445, Elizabeth, N.J., became a centenarian on August 15. Brother Parks was employed as a trainman on the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. --Retired Chairperson L.E. Cardinal dies ..........##K Retired UTU General Chairperson LOUIS E. CARDINAL, a continuous member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and UTU for 54 years, has died. Cardinal, a member of UTU Local 1000 in Minneapolis, Minn., began his railroading career on the Great Northern Railroad. In 1942, he moved on to the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad, where he represented his fellow employees as both a local and general chairperson. From 1971 to 1985, Cardinal was employed by the law offices of Yaeger, Jungbauer, Barczak and Roe, a UTU-designated firm. --Buffalo, N.Y., honors retiree ................##L Retired UTU member ED J. CUDNEY (Local 1, Buffalo, N.Y.), a boxing historian and founder of the Buffalo Police Athletic League Boxing Museum, was honored by the mayor of Buffalo, N.Y., in August for his outstanding contributions to the city and the world of boxing. Mayor Anthony M. Masiello declared August 16th as Ed Cudney Day. Cudney has dedicated his life to the sport of boxing. AROUND THE UTU --News from around the U.S. and Canada ............##N Local 33, Paterson, N.J. Members have reached a new three-year labor agreement with New Jersey Transit calling for a wage increase, lump-sum payments, greater uniform allowances and life insurance coverage, and other improvements. General Chairperson FRANK LAWTON and Vice Chairpersons BOBBY JONES and JOE ILLENYE are credited with hard work and dedication in securing the agreement. Local 243, Fort Worth, Tex. Members are hosting a get-together of UTU International officers, members, spouses and retirees Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Holiday Inn North, Fort Worth, Tex. The day includes lunch and dinner provided by designated legal counsel. Panels including UTU officers, FRA representatives, and designated legal counsel will speak and answer questions. An evening with UTU International President Charles L. Little follows. To participate, contact Local 243 Secretary R.L. REED at 1-800-515-0543, access code 33. Local 492, Sacramento, Cal. Regular meetings address the proposed modification of SPWL trainmen's and switchmen's agreements. Issues include negotiations over the Roseville Hub Merger Implementing Agreement, which may move home terminals, combine seniority rosters, alter pool operations, and create new extra boards. Next meeting is set for 2 p.m., Oct. 7, in the Memorial Hall in Royer Park, Roseville, Cal. Meanwhile, Local Chairperson and Secretary /Treasurer DARYL STINCHFIELD (SPWL) has been elected vice general chairman-trainmen for the UP (SPWL) general committee. Local 597, Des Plaines, Ill. A board has been established to rule on members' meal denial claims since Sept. 16, 1996. Members are reminded that deadhead duty may require special paperwork. Meetings are held at 8:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Perry's Pizza Joynt in Northlake, Ill. Local 886, Marquette, Mich. Members on the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad have ratified a pact addressing crew size, employee protections and surplus-list rules. It creates a new health plan, bans hiring of temporary summer help, and includes other improvements. The agreement allows management to offer separation allowances in seniority order to expedite attrition. Local 891, Whitefish, Mont. Members voted at last month's meeting to stop participating in BNSF labor/management programs and committees unless the carrier overhauls and upgrades its computerized personnel and payroll system. Also, JIM PETTIS, active in Operation Stop, is helping raise funds for a memorial to railroaders at the BN Park Federal Credit Union, where Local meetings are held the third Monday of each month, Secretary/Treasurer FRANK DARVIS said. Local 924, Richmond, Va. About 500 are expected to attend the Annual Railroad Picnic sponsored by UTU Designated Legal Counsel EDDIE W. WILSON, WILLARD J. MOODY SR. and LAWRENCE M. MANN on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Bryan Park Shelter #1 in Richmond, Va. The event will feature door prizes, a Horseshoe Tournament, and a voter registration drive. Active and retired railroaders and their immediate families are welcome. Local 1168, Clovis, N.M. With the approval of Local President RICHARD BARNARD, Treasurer BUDDY BLUE and the members of Local 1168, Vice President JULIAN RUBIO, JR., and Chairman for yardmen and brakemen BOBBY PALMER supplied food and soft drinks to striking UPS workers in late August. Kenneth Massey of Teamsters Local 492 offered the strikers' gratitude to the UTU. Local 1348, Centralia, Wash. With Local Vice President RON JENNINGS spearheading the effort, members doubled their total TPEL contribution. A speaker from the FRA is slated to attend the Oct. 12 meeting, and Local Chairman REX ALLEN encourages all members to attend. Contact Allen at (360) 785-4707. Meanwhile, a mural depicting the Centralia Massacre, funded through the efforts of Local members and other unionists, should be ready for unveiling Nov. 11. Local 1391, Lorain, Ohio The 85 members working on the Lake Terminal Railroad at the USS Kobe's steelworks, discussed how a strike would affect other sectors of organized labor at the complex if mediation doesn't lead to a satisfactory contract. Local President LARRY FOGG said management wants to cut crews. A UTU counterproposal was never answered, and mediation began late last month. Local 1594, Upper Darby, Pa. The Local Committee of Adjustment of UTU Local 1594 and SEPTA have reached agreement on new uniforms that should be less expensive to maintain. UTU and SEPTA patches will be worn on the uniform to reflect a spirit of cooperation between the parties. Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C. As of Sept. 1, the committee of adjustment had settled more than 100 grievances and collected several thousand dollars in run-around money for Local members this year, according to Local Chairperson STEVE SMITH. Appointed to the state OSHA Advisory Council by Gov. Jim Hunt, Smith recently attended the council's summer session and will report his findings to State Legislative Director James Stem. Members are urged to register and vote in the Oct. 21 city election. GO-049, CSX (B&O) Former C&O-N (PM & HV) General Committee GO-193, headed by Chairperson R.E. ROWE, has voluntarily merged into GO-049 (B&O-B&OCT-B&P) headed by Chairperson J.T. REED. Concurrently, former UTU-E General Committee GO- 051, led by Chairperson C.S. WALLACE, has also voluntarily merged with GO-049. The consolidations have been approved by International President C.L. Little, effective Sept. 1, 1997. The committee is now headed by J.T. Reed, with Rowe as associate general chairperson and Wallace as assistant general chairperson. The committee's executive board subsequently passed a motion to suspend $5 of the general committee assessment currently being paid by each member working under the jurisdiction of GO-049, effective Jan. 1, 1998. NOTE: Contributions to this column are encouraged and welcome! Send your news items to: UTU News, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250, or call us at (216) 228-9400. Items also may be faxed to (216) 228- 5755 or sent via e-mail to UTU@compuserve.com. MEMBERSHIP PROFILES --UTUIA names Miller "Volunteer of the Year" ...##O William R Miller III is a good-sized guy. Pretty big by some standards. But a six-year old girl with cerebral palsy moved him. In 1984, Miller heard about the six-year-old who couldn't attend the local public school without a specialized wheelchair. Miller, the UTUIA's 1997 Volunteer of the Year, made up his mind to get that wheelchair. After a few inquiries, he was appointed to chair a Brewster Elks Association committee to raise the funds needed to purchase the wheelchair. The girl was enrolled that year in the public school system. Miller, a member of Local 77, New York, N.Y., went on to more fund-raising committees. The Food Basket Program. The Flea Market Committee. The Senior Citizen Picnic Committee. The Veteran's Committee. The list goes on. At the 1997 UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting in Atlanta, International President Charles L. Little honored Miller for more than a decade of devotion to community service. He was presented with a letter of commendation, a plaque of appreciation, and a $1,000 U.S. savings bond. Though he appreciated the recognition, it really wasn't necessary. In his acceptance speech, Miller said, "I think it is best that I tell you from the start -- I volunteer to satisfy myself. It is the best tonic for whatever ails a person, and I strongly recommend it for everyone." Much of Miller's volunteering has been through the Elks organization. In 1991 and 1992, he was awarded the New York State Elks Association Major Projects Person of the Year. In his speech at the Atlanta meeting, Miller told of the importance of the UTU in his life. An assistant conductor for Metro North Commuter Railroad, he mentioned the charitable works of his local and his regard for UTU General Chairperson Tony Bottalico, who nominated him for this honor. Miller accepted the award on behalf of his brothers and sisters in Local 77. But for all the committees and boards on which Miller has served, he said he could not be part of a better team than the one that he calls his family. In the Miller household, charity truly does begin at home. His wife Linda volunteers at the Putnam Recreation Council, assisting the disabled, and at Carmel Ambulance. Their six-year old daughter Amber has been performing with her dance class for senior citizens' groups since age three, and also attends the local senior citizens' center weekly with her grandparents. Said UTU International President Little, "On behalf of all of the officers of the UTU and UTUIA, and our entire membership, I congratulate you, and thank you for your selfless dedication to others." --"Father" Devine preaches gospel of safety ......##P Spreading the gospel of safety with the energy and evangelical fervor of an old-time preacher, it's no wonder Thomas J. Devine has been nicknamed after a well-known local religious figure. Devine, president and legislative representative of Local 1428, Jersey City, N.J., serves as vice chairperson of the UTU New Jersey State Legislative Board. But schoolchildren in the Allentown, North Jersey and Philadelphia area know him as "Father" Devine. About 10 years ago, Devine became involved with Operation Lifesaver through a labor-management initiative. As it turned out, he was also answering his calling. Each month, Devine visits area classrooms, bringing UTU's Cliff Merritt coloring books, rulers, keychains and other attention-getting trinkets to children ranging from kindergartners to high school seniors. Dressed in coveralls and a traditional railroader's cap, Devine sings and dances for the younger students, doing whatever it takes to get the message across that rail workers are "good guys," but playing near the rails is a bad idea. For fourth graders and younger, Devine screens the film "Slidebird and Foxie," produced by Operation Lifesaver. Those from about the fifth through the eight grades are shown a Conrail-produced movie called "Trespass," and older students, many likely to be new drivers, are shown "Deadly Crossings" and "David's Run," films designed to emphasize safe motoring habits at grade crossings. Along the way, Devine hopes he's making an impression on the teachers and the students' parents as well. Devine started his rail career in March 1956 on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western. Changes and mergers brought him to Conrail, where he continues to meet his first calling as a freight and yard conductor. Regardless of the acclaim he may gain in the union from his many contributions, he relishes the fame he's gained among schoolchildren as "Father" Devine. BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT --"Radios needed NOW!" .........................##Q Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept. UTU Local 1697 Bus Operator Lynn Thornley, while driving, experienced what appeared to be a heart attack. Sister Thornley had just begun her run when she became extremely ill. She had to wait for another bus to come by to tell that operator to call the company and get an ambulance. The UTU operator of the other bus, Prentice Forester, wanted to take her to the hospital. Sister Thornley would not leave her passengers, so Forester called the company and had them send an ambulance. After being stabilized, Thornley received emergency gallbladder surgery. Thank God, it was not a heart attack! Had it been, she probably would not have survived. Thornley's problems could have happened to a passenger as well, and far from any medical facility. Without radios, the operators must wait on another bus, an automobile to stop, or find a telephone, which may be miles away. These situations are an ongoing concern of our members and their passengers. Attacks, incidents and/or illnesses on buses are not new. Bus company officers claim radios are too costly. That's easy to say from the safety of their offices or homes. We must get regulations to require radios on buses and, in the meantime, pray that no one needs immediate help. Thanks to Pat Tuman, member of Local 1697, for his contribution to this article. YARDMASTER REPORT --A success story on the UP .......................##R Editorial by Don R. Carver Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept. The organizing campaign on the Union Pacific has given the Yardmaster Department a true mandate to negotiate a contract that meets the needs of the craft. A representation vote tally of 420 votes for and only 12 against is a mandate from the people. This victory is an example of the strength derived from unity. I would like to express my thanks to the many trainmen, switchmen and enginemen officers and members who worked so diligently in assisting our yardmaster general committees in the campaign. Recognition is due for brothers and sisters who truly went the "second mile" in making this election a victory: Bob Arthur, assistant director-Yardmaster Department; Bruce Holder, vice general chairman, GO-887; Roger Sparks, field supervisor; Bill Cobean, general chairman, GO-341; Arthur Martin III and Jim Cumby, members of the UTU organizing team. The Yardmaster Department has recently added another representation victory to its list of organizing successes. Yardmaster General Chairman Jerry Fortune led an organizing campaign for clerical employees on his home property, the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. The WLE clerks voted two-to-one for UTU representation. Yardmaster General Chairman Joseph Mercurio, St. Lawrence and Hudson (former Delaware & Hudson) is making a successful recovery from heart surgery. Joe expressed his gratitude for the many cards, flowers and prayers from UTU officers, brothers and sisters. ORGANIZING REPORT --Labor wins yardmaster vote on UP/SP ..........##S In a major step toward increased rail union cooperation in the rapidly consolidating railroad industry, 80% of yardmasters working on the merged Union Pacific/Southern Pacific Railroad voted for union representation and 97% of those voted in favor of having the Union Pacific Union Yardmaster Council (UPUYC) as their collective bargaining representative. The Union Pacific Union Yardmaster Council, which will be jointly run by the United Transportation Union and the Transportation-Communications Union (TCU), will represent 540 yardmasters on the merged UP/SP Railroad. The vote was necessary because yardmasters on the former Southern Pacific Lines were represented by the TCU, while those on the Union Pacific, former Missouri Pacific and Chicago & North Western were represented by UTU. The UTU will pick up an additional 90 yardmaster members. "This vote shows how union members and the labor movement win when union leadership works together," said UTU International President Charles L. Little. "We worked closely with our brothers and sisters at TCU and with President Scardelletti to build a coalition between our unions that would benefit all yardmasters. We couldn't be happier with the results." The Union Pacific Union Yardmaster Council will include the former Missouri Pacific yardmasters (GO- 343) and the former C&NW yardmasters (GO-CNW), as well as the Western Rail Supervisors' Association of the TCU on the Southern Pacific. "I would like to especially thank General Chairmen Jerry Martin and David Just for their strong efforts in this victory as well as the UTU's organizing department," said Don Carver, Assistant to the President-Yardmasters. "We intend to immediately serve notice to negotiate for unprotected workers." --JRTS drivers choose UTU .........................##T Speaking in a collective voice at the ballot box in late August, drivers for Janovic Reliable Transportation (JRTS) said "Union, Yes!" as they voted to designate the United Transportation Union as their bargaining representative. JRTS employs approximately 180 van drivers on various railroad properties in the states of Florida, Alabama and Georgia. The drivers shuttle rail operating crews within yards, and from location to location, primarily for CSX Transportation and Amtrak. UTU Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis praised the efforts of Alternate Bus Vice President Percy Palmer and General Chairpersons Roy Arnold and William Koehn for making this victory possible. Florida Legislative Director Carl Cochran and Georgia Legislative Director Wiley Vaughn were also credited for their assistance. McNelis said he would like to thank the rail crews who ride JRTS for promoting union solidarity, and that he is looking forward to assisting in negotiating a fair and equitable contract between the parties. EDITORIALS --OPERATION: "Save Amtrak" .....................##U "I don 't know if Amtrak can be saved from Amtrak. How do we save this wonderful corporation from it 's own management?" - James Brunkenhoefer, August 26, 1997 We couldn't have said it better. But now it's up to us - every UTU member - as well as the American public, to save Amtrak from itself. If we don't do it, then we could become the only modern nation without a passenger rail system. As our friend Sen. Fritz Hollings said, "You can't have a modern country without passenger rail." Amen. Last month, the UTU called for a major Washington investigation into Amtrak mismanagement and waste. We cited many factors, including a huge increase in executives earning more than $100,000, sweetheart management buyouts, suspicious consulting deals, and more. We need to find out as much as possible, and turn it over to the American people so they know we are working to save Amtrak - for them and for us. There are many in Washington who would like to end Amtrak forever. Keep sending us your information on Amtrak misdeeds and mismanagement. It's up to you to help save Amtrak. Keep giving us the ammunition so we can show those people in Washington how to "change it and get it right." Let's keep the heat on. --Human dignity on the Norfolk Southern ...........##V You all know by now that the Norfolk Southern is being sued by five UTU members over the 19th Century practice of providing labeled, numbered garbage bags for workers to relieve themselves in while working. It is the only carrier that doesn't have toilets on its engines. We wonder if they use the garbage-bag system at corporate headquarters? Here are a few comments on the matter: "I can tell you here and now that they are trying to penalize certain folks for going to the bathroom on a locomotive. I've never heard of anything like that. We have to take care of the dignity of rail labor. This is 1997, not 1897, and times have long passed in this country to take care of things like that." -- Sen. Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.) "We've had five people stand up and they are getting heat. We're going to stand with them. Are we going to let those people in Norfolk harass and intimidate them? Or are we going to stand up and say, 'No more!' You know the answer." -- James Brunkenhoefer "This union stands for the dignity of its members. We will not tolerate our members being treated like third-world workers. We are prepared to do whatever it takes." -- Charles L. Little --"Controlling our destiny" ....................##W Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr. UTU Assistant President Today, more than at any time in our history, we must look at the entire rail industry to find real-world solutions for our core issues. We must scrutinize all of the changes in store for us, including changing technology, and fully explore what they mean to our members. It is no longer possible to wait until things happen and then react. If we do so, we will be following instead of leading. Unless we are the architects of our own solutions, we will be forced to live in someone else's house where they decide our quality of life and economic well-being. One way we are driving our agenda is through our intimate involvement in the National Wage & Rules Panel. So far, the Carriers Conference has been committed to working with us. Our meetings have been candid and the issues have been identified. Our goal is to complete a comprehensive examination of all the issues and report our findings to the membership prior to the next round of talks. Some have asked why we need this panel at all. Historically, rail labor organizations have not been very successful in tackling complex issues in the national handling setting. In part, this has been because so many organizations and carriers have been vying for attention at the same time. And it's also because of the pressure of political and public anxiety over the possibility of a strike. So the panel was established as a working group to study and make recommendations on changes to wage and rule provisions of the National Agreement. With the assistance of the National Mediation Board, we have had several recent meetings of the National Wage & Rules Panel. We have identified the problems and issues covered by the National Agreement and have begun gathering information. We need more information on each issue and to learn how they relate to each other. If additional research needs to be done, then we will get it done. For example, in the national handling context, it is often difficult to do a comprehensive job of problem solving on some very complex issues. That's why we will need time to digest all of what we discover and share it at all levels in this organization. We know that some of our pay systems and rules are not serving UTU members. They are the cause of too many grievances and do not reflect the rail industry of today. We need to develop options that we might try on a pilot project basis and that won't set any precedents in the setting of national handling. We need a place where we can work in a changing industry to find tomorrow's solutions. We need to address those key items such as entry rates, work/rest cycles, and to insure that the basic pay structure reflects the actual productivity of our membership. Our work and participation on the National Wage & Rules Panel is letting us drive the process so we can show how to make the changes necessary that will benefit our members and the rail industry. There is no such thing as a quick fix. Only hard work, risk sharing and innovation will provide the answers we need. --"Change for the better at the FRA" ..............##X Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer UTU National Legislative Director At the beginning of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the railroads were heading into one of the darkest times of their history. We would soon find almost every carrier in the northeast bankrupt. The problems spread west to the Milwaukee Road and Rock Island. Carriers in the south and west also were in trouble. So, instead of FRA becoming the active promoter of rail safety and enforcer of safety regulations, it became an agency which viewed its responsibility as saving the railroads. This role received widespread approval from both Congress and the news media. In effect, they were applauded for not doing what everyone thought they were supposed to do. That is, everyone but the unions. It wasn't until the election of Bill Clinton in 1992 and the appointment of Jolene Molitoris as the FRA administrator that things began to change. Obviously, even today, the FRA is not as we would wish it to be, but it sure has come a long way. No, it doesn't write up every violation and fine the railroads. The history of that has not proven successful. There are only 300 safety inspectors to write violations and even if the fines were increased tenfold, it's just loose change to the big railroads. FRA has changed the way it does business, and the railroads don't like it. Because Congress does not allow FRA the budget or the manpower to do the job, FRA uses the assets they have as effectively as possible. FRA rides in with a posse, hits a major railroad facility and addresses the safety situation. Unless the railroad is on its toes, these major choke points quickly back up the entire system. When that happens, a competing railroad will attempt to pick off the traffic of the railroad under scrutiny, thereby causing the affected carrier to possibly lose business and dollars, and that creates infighting among carrier officials. While the finger pointing goes on and the traffic is diverted, FRA not only addresses safety issues at the choke point, but throughout the carrier's system. Obviously, this method has not produced all the results we would wish, but I guarantee you it produces more results than doing it the old way. Jolene Molitoris has done something that very few people can even dream of: making dramatic improvements in a government bureaucracy. She has brought about a cultural change in her agency and, hopefully, we will soon be seeing cultural changes in the railroad industry. UTU appreciates the vision of Bill Clinton appointing someone like Jolene Molitoris as FRA administrator. --Feedback: Letters to the editor ..............##Y SUPPORTS INVESTIGATION OF AMTRAK Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of your letter dated August 5, 1997, to Mr. Thomas Downs, CEO of Amtrak. On behalf of the conductors and other UTU members working for Amtrak in the Northwest, I want to thank you for taking this position with Mr. Downs and sending this letter to him on our behalf. Without the continued support of the UTU, Amtrak would not be able to survive. Your letter makes it clear that for the future of Amtrak, labor and management must be partners or we will surely fail. Mr. Downs and Amtrak must acknowledge this and meet us renewed as equals at the negotiating tables. If they do not, then NOW is the time to make the tough decisions that will affect all members of the UTU working for Amtrak. At this time, more than ever, the UTU needs to take an aggressive role in Amtrak's future. DIRK SAMPSON (117), LOCAL CHAIRMAN, AMTRAK ZONE 10, VANCOUVER, WASH. BACKS PRESIDENT LITTLE ON AMTRAK PROBE Dear Sir and Brother: On behalf of the members of UTU Local 166, I would like to commend you on the article in "Late Breakers" on the UTU web site ("Little urges investigation of Amtrak management"). The union workers of Amtrak have given Amtrak every chance to deal square with labor, and deal square with the problems facing Amtrak. I doubt seriously if Amtrak would be here today without the effort the United Transportation Union has made to preserve Amtrak. What do we usually get in return for this help? A slap in the face and threats to eliminate our craft. The members of UTU Local 166 support you in your call for an investigation of Amtrak management. DAVID VANHOOK (166), LOCAL CHAIRMAN, AMTRAK ZONE 11, LITTLETON, COLO. WAITING FOR THE UTU EDUCATIONAL BUS Dear Sir and Brother: After hearing about the plans for "The UTU Educational Bus" during the 1997 Regional Meetings, I'm enthusiastic regarding the expected success. Your plan to "introduce" the bus at Los Angeles, California, to emphasize the UTU Bus Department is certainly commendable. Although the demand for the bus will be great, on behalf of the officers and members of UTU Local 202 and all locals in Colorado, I would like to request the bus visit Colorado. Subject to further discussion and a travel itinerary for the bus, I respectfully request the bus be scheduled for the Denver area to coincide with the 1998 annual special meeting of UTU Local 202 which will be April 17, 1998. It may be possible to schedule stops at other Colorado/UTU locations as the bus travels into and out of our state. Your consideration of this request will be appreciated. JACK V. SHAVER (202), COLORADO STATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR, LAKEWOOD, COLO. ENJOYED THE ATLANTA REGIONAL MEETING President Little: The opportunity to serve in this organization has been a very rewarding experience for me and I just want to take this moment to thank you and all of the wonderful people who head up this union of ours! The Atlanta meeting was my first, certainly not my last, and I really enjoyed the formats for info and the programs. Thank you. W. HOWELL KEOWN (511), MORROW, GA. --Voices: Members share their opinions ............##Z Periodically, the UTU NEWS will contact members at random to report their thoughts on a question of interest to the general membership. This month's question: WHAT DID THE TEAMSTERS' SUCCESS IN THE UPS STRIKE MEAN TO LABOR? "It means others are advancing their own 'New Beginning.' I thought one of the keys to the situation was that the Teamsters and the AFL-CIO did a thoughtful and progressive job of educating their membership, the business hierarchies, and the general public. Thanks to the way the media portrayed the story, labor has gained a moment of renewal, especially in the public eye." -- LEE CHANNING, L-168, CHICAGO, ILL. "I think it means a great deal for the labor movement. I think it's hopefully the turnaround point. The movement has been suffering since Reagan and what happened to the air traffic controllers. I think there was a great deal of public sympathy, particularly because of the part-time issue. We're going into negotiations soon, our contract expires April 1, and we're hoping this is the beginning of a trend." -- RICHARD DEISER, L-1558, BERGENFIELD, N.J. "I would think it means a lot for the movement, because it shows the people in labor that, the union does mean something, it does help people. It was the happiest moment in my life when Mr. Clinton didn't step in. That was great. I believe this sent a message and will make management want to talk. I think it did more for labor than anything that happened in the last 15 years." -- JAMES COOPER, L-1678, MINDEN, LA. "The symbolism and what it represented meant a lot, especially to part-time workers and newer workers coming in at a lower rate. I think you had corporations looking at this all over the U.S. to see what would happen. I think they saw the workers say, "We're tired of this." I feel it's an important issue, and the Teamsters thought so, too. I think it sent a message back to those who abuse our jobs." -- MARGARET FIALA, L-924, RICHMOND, VA. STATE WATCH --News from UTU State Legislative Boards ......##AA MONTANA Montana State Legislative Director FRAN MARCEAU reports that UTU's state legislative board there submitted two resolutions to delegates to the 41st annual Montana AFL-CIO Convention, held August 21-23. The first reaffirmed the Montana AFL-CIO's opposition to the Tongue River Railroad, as it poses a possible threat to union jobs and existing labor contracts. The second resolution urged the Montana AFL-CIO to support UTU's efforts to rectify the problem of fatigue in the rail industry. Also in attendance at the convention were UTU members CLIFF LOCKE (486), PAT MISCHEL (486), MIKE QUINN (544), TOM BERRUM (730), BOB CORIGAN (730) and BILL HENDERSHOTT (891). NEW JERSEY The New Jersey State Legislative Board made the following recommendations for the upcoming general elections to be held on November 4, 1997. State Director DANIEL J. O'CONNELL urges all active and retired UTU members and their families to register to vote and to support the candidates that support you: GOVERNOR James McGreevey STATE SENATE Raymond Zane (3rd) Sean Dalton (4th) Wayne Bryant (5th) John H. Adler (6th) John Lynch (17th) Ray Lesniak (20th) Ronald Rice (28th) Wynona Lipman (29th) Nicholas Sacco (32nd) Bernard Kenny (33rd) John Girgenti (35th) Gary Funari (36th) Byron Baer (37th) ASSEMBLY Matt Donovan (11th) John S. Wisniewski (19th) Joseph Charles, Jr. (31st) NORTH DAKOTA U.S. Senator TOM HARKIN (D-Iowa) was the special guest at a fund-raiser for U.S. Senator BYRON DORGAN (D-N.D.) which was held at the home of North Dakota Legislative Director JOHN RISCH. The September 6 reception raised more than $12,000 for Dorgan's re- election campaign. Harkin, a past presidential candidate, credited support of the UTU and other unions as one of the main reasons he was first elected and continues in office today. Both Dorgan and Harkin are strong supporters of labor and hold two of the best pro-worker voting records in Congress. ARIZONA The Arizona State Democratic Party has recognized the United Transportation Union and Arizona State Legislative Director SCOTT OLSON as trustees of the party. Olson noted that the UTU is the only union designated as a party trustee and that the designation provides access that other unions do not have to many doors in the state. In addition, The Arizona Democrat, the official newspaper of the party, lauded Olson's "extremely valuable" contributions to the Arizona Coordinated Campaign Committee. Also, DAVID SHEARER, vice chairman of the Arizona Legislative Board, was honored as Outstanding County Chairman for the state at a recent Democratic awards banquet. MISSOURI Missouri Legislative Director W. LARRY FOSTER, in a letter to FRA Administrator JOLENE MOLITORIS, thanked her for her efforts in implementing the Union Pacific Railroad Safety, Assurance and Compliance Program. Foster praised the FRA's efforts to improve the UP's safety record, saying that UTU members' confidence in the FRA has been restored. Foster also thanked FRA Project Coordinator ED HANDLEY for his intervention in a termination case against a UP conductor. "The working relationship between the UTU and FRA has been restored," he said. WASHINGTON Legislative Director TOM RETTERATH reports that the state has approved $42.6 million in funding for three new passenger trains to be constructed by Talgo, Inc. The trains will replace existing Talgo and Superliner equipment on Amtrak's daily Seattle- Vancouver, B.C.; Seattle-Portland; and Eugene-Portland- Seattle schedules. The Talgo trains have proven extremely popular and reliable, and have helped increase ridership. Pacific Northwest ridership has nearly doubled since Washington and Oregon began sponsoring service and safety improvements in 1993. Retterath had lobbied in favor of the legislation. MONTHLY FEATURE --Soundbites from a UTU Regional Meeting .........##BB Attendance at the 1997 UTU Regional Meetings was outstanding: More than 840 attended the Seattle meeting; more than 640 were at the Milwaukee meeting, and about 976 attended the Atlanta meeting, a record attendance for a UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting. In addition, UTUIA representatives sold in the neighborhood of $7.4-million worth of UTUIA insurance policies at the three Regional Meetings, another record! With the renewed interest in the Regional Meetings, the UTU is hard at work preparing for next year's events. The traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS features candid photographs and quotes gathered at the Atlanta, Ga., meeting. Following are some of the quotes from that photo-feature: ----------------------- FRA ADMINISTRATOR JOLENE MOLITORIS: "We are dedicated to zero. Do you know what zero is? Zero is no accidents, no incidents, no injuries and no deaths. No more." "President Clinton gave us a very simple mandate: Do what is right, do what is safe, make it happen, change the way you do business and I'll stand behind you because that's the only way we can create a 21st Century where the working men and women of this country, the backbone of this country that makes it go, can have the kind of respect, and the kind of environment that they deserve." "It's great to be at this Regional Meeting with 1,000 people, and to know the kind of training, education and communication you are promoting. I have to tell you, it's exciting to be part of your team. It's exciting to know that your people realize that rail labor and the UTU are part of the 21st Century that we are embarking on, and I thank you and I applaud you." "Your union has contributed unbelievable resources and time and commitment to the process called the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee. And that committee has developed rules to protect roadside workers. It worked on a rule that went into effect on intimidation and harassment. Those are things you face either directly or indirectly on the job or in your workplace...We cannot tolerate, we will not tolerate, and we will prosecute to the full extent of the law." ----------------------- TEXAS STATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR SAM ARRINGTON: "Our members don't know what's happening with these mergers. It's mass confusion right now. They're being uprooted, being moved, and the terminals they worked out of since the beginning of their careers are being uprooted. I know we are in a time of change, but I think it might be too much at one time for everyone to try to swallow. Morale on the railroad is low." "Safety and fatigue are two of the main issues in the industry. The inability of all the carriers to furnish a semblance of a lineup for the crews to get their rest is the beginning of the fatigue factor for the entire trip." ----------------------- UTU NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR JAMES BRUNKENHOEFER: "TPEL...This union, pound for pound, is number one or number two in contributions. You deserve the credit for that. When it comes to fighting, you whip everyone on the block." ----------------------- SEN. FRITZ HOLLINGS (D-S.C.): "There is an onslaught against the rights of individuals in Washington today...and they want to do away with the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). So, I wanted to tell you that we are going to make absolutely certain that they don't abolish FELA." "They'd like to abolish Amtrak, but you can't have a modern country without passenger rail." ----------------------- UTU INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT CHARLES LITTLE: "Railroads are actually working our guys to death. Fatigue is an issue. The UTU has established the only working relationship with the National Transportation Safety Board as a result of the El Cajon Pass accident, which has resulted in new regulations that will be used in all mountainous areas. For the first time in recent memory, the FRA listens to us about safety and we have input." "We will not compromise rail safety. This union was created on the issue of safety and it is always a key factor in all of our activities. We will insist that our members have a safe working environment." ----------------------- MELANIE SARTIN (WIFE OF DONALD, S&T L-659, LEESVILLE, LA.): "I'm really worried about my husband's safety on the job and our future income. Coming here, I found out the union is more important than I thought it was. They're really there for my husband and my family." ----------------------- COLORADO STATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR JACK SHAVER: "Why is FELA so important? Without the penalties FELA applies, there would be no effort for safety from the carriers. Workers' comp is as old as FELA, and it is in chaos. It is much more of a gamble than FELA. In fact, FELA does provide a tangible financial incentive for railroads to operate safely. In the last 30 days we have lost seven workers in the railroad industry. The railroads remain dangerous places to work." ----------------------- JOYCE SPENCER (WIFE OF BOBBY, S&T L-1282, PERU, IND.): "The union has really done a good job...My husband has never been seriously hurt, and I'm thankful for that. I just like knowing the union is right there...If he does make a mistake, he's not going to be out the door and the UTU will be there with him." ----------------------- N.C. STATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR JAMES STEM: "Why do we keep electing people who aren't for the people? We want every UTU member and family member to register to vote. We want you motivated to cast your vote and to make you realize how important a financial contribution is to your issues." ----------------------- GEORGIA STATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR WILEY VAUGHN: "The message is educate, communicate and contribute." "Thanks to Co-chairmen Bruce Daniel and Randy Pullen...They doubled the past records with a shattering $9,669 for the TPEL effort." ----------------------- SENIOR NEWS --Direct-deposit law modifications likely .....##CC Those receiving payments from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security, the Veterans Administration or virtually any other Federal agency may be able to put off receiving their payments via electronic direct deposit if rules recently proposed by the Treasury Department are adopted. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 requires those with bank accounts who started receiving Federal checks on or after July 26, 1996, to accept payments electronically. All others are required to accept direct deposit of their benefits beginning Jan. 2, 1999. The estimated 10 million beneficiaries without bank accounts would get low-cost "electronic transfer accounts," accessible through automated teller machines and point-of-sale terminals at grocery stores. But the Treasury rules proposed Sept. 11, 1997, open for comment for 90 days, would provide waivers for the disabled and others who claim hardship, and are designed to make waivers easy to get for those who started receiving paper checks before July 26, 1996, and for people without bank accounts. If the rules become final, those with bank accounts who began getting checks before July 26, 1996, could "self-certify" waivers if direct deposit presents a hardship because of a physical disability or geographical barrier. Those without bank accounts will also get an extension on the Jan. 2, 1999, deadline. They'll continue receiving paper checks until the year 2000 or until Treasury can offer electronic transfer accounts through banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. Even so, the rules will allow such people without bank accounts to get a waiver because of financial hardship, in addition to physical disability or geographic barrier. The move to direct deposit would save the Government as much as $100 million a year because an electronic transfer costs about 2 cents, while paper checks cost about 43 cents per person, the Treasury Department said. --LIRR retirees meet monthly .....................##DD Long Island Rail Road retirees living near Vero Beach, Fla., or just vacationing in the area should take note of the monthly luncheons held at the Surf Restaurant, where anywhere from 30 to 60 rails and their spouses meet on the second Wednesday of each month. According to Retiree Program member THOMAS W. BALDWIN of Local 645, Babylon, N.Y., who mails postcard reminders regarding the time and location of each luncheon, those from all crafts are welcome, as are the "snowbirds" who head south to escape winter's harsh realities. For more information, or to receive a reminder of upcoming luncheons, contact Baldwin by calling (561) 683-1172, or write to him at 3268 Anthony Circle N., W. Palm Beach, FL 33417. --Magazine to feature retiree's photographs ...##EE Sometime this autumn or winter, a hobby begun near the end of World War II will begin to bring retired UTU member ROLAND P. PARSONS a measure of the fame he deserves. Hooked on photography in 1945, Parsons today has a collection of some 2,000 images, some in black and white, most in color. Though he's taken shots in U.S. National Parks in 22 states, nearly all of Parsons' photographs are rail oriented. A collector at heart, Parsons also began saving seniority lists and various notebooks around the same time he began his photography hobby. As a result, he now has a collection that rail buffs consider legendary. His reputation among rail fans recently led a TRAINS magazine writer to contact Parsons about his collection. The quality of Parsons' work resulted in a decision by the magazine's editorial staff to plan a photo feature entitled "Conductor With A Camera," tentatively slated to appear sometime before the end of the year. The 86-year-old member of Local 202, Denver, Col., took most of his photographs on the job, in and around Nevada, up and down the Denver & Rio Grande Western's tracks. He spent most of his career on that railroad, beginning on a track gang and making 30 cents an hour. He got his break when he talked a trainmaster into letting him take student trips on the Denver & Salt Lake. "When I began my hobby, not too many guys were taking pictures on the job," Parsons explained. "If I wasn't working, I'd go down to the yards and take pictures. All along, I guess I wanted to preserve this history so people years from now can see what it was all about." With 55 years of union membership under his belt and 21 years of retirement behind him, the desire to preserve his historical artifacts has begun to concern Parsons. His wife passed away about three years ago, and though he has a son and a stepdaughter, neither are very interested in railroadiana. Parsons would like to find a museum or similar institution that will keep his collection together, but any takers will have a major job on their hands. According to Parsons, most of the catalogue organizing and describing his collection is in his head. Despite his age, Parsons considers himself to be in pretty good shape. He lives independently, cuts his own lawn, and drives himself around town in his '67 Chevy, '79 Buick Riviera or '48 GMC pick-up truck. "I don't smoke, I don't drink coffee, and I don't owe a dime to anyone," he notes with pride. Parsons doesn't see too many former coworkers and doesn't do much socializing, but he wouldn't mind hearing from old friends. Those who wish to contact him can call Parsons at (719) 539-4835, or write to him at 815 G Street, Salida, CO 81202-2407. --The Final Call .................................##FF Following are the names of members of the UTU Retiree Program who have died recently, according to reports received at the UTU International Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be sorely missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU Retiree Program members. LOCAL NAME CITY 0006 Haynes, Vern P. Terre Haute, IN 0145 Darling, Virgil J. New Albany, OH 0238 Glynn, Donnell Layton, UT 0240 Racicot, Hector L. Brea, CA 0254 Spencer, Harold G. Hathorne, MA 0259 Kline, Wilber L. St. Joseph, MO 0283 Power, George W. Portland, OR 0286 O'Connor, Michael W. N. Platte, NE 0300 Kenny, Francis J. Paoli, PA 0377 Stuchell, James E. Williamsport, PA 0386 Kanaskie, Albert A. Trevorton, PA 0419 McDevitt, John E. Maple Shade, NJ 0453 Sullivan, Edward W. Waterloo, IA 0458 Roney, Robert M. Mactier, ON 0492 Bell Sr., James D. Citrus Hts., CA 0596 Marini, Nazzareno Greenville, PA 0602 Cobleigh, Theodore S. Troy, PA 0656 Baughman Jr., Walter Conway, AR 0674 Rowe, Andrew D. Fayetteville, NC 0679 Jansen, Ivan D. Walden, NY 0724 Clabaugh, Donald A. Garrett, IN 0782 Bostain, Jacob D. Granite Fls., NC 0793 Rawls, J. A. Lexington, SC 0024 Vaughn, Arthur W. Denver, CO 0094 Lavin, John R. Kansas City, KS 0138 Honingford, H.A. Temperance, MI 0185 Farrenkopf, Hubert C. Brookfield, MO 0196 Ralston, Victor D. Beardstown, IL 0225 Foultner, Lyle O. Nw. Prt. Richey, FL 0240 Lovell Jr., C. T. Squaw Valley, CA 0243 Mosley, Arnie G. Dallas, TX 0259 Moran, James E. Kansas City, MO 0293 Landry, Hazel G. Waco, TX 0312 Terry, Donald J. Scottsdale, AZ 0418 Langenfeld, Alois Las Vegas, NV 0427 Bass, K. C. Doyline, LA 0432 McNussen, Harold D. Philo, IL 0440 Miller, Delbert R. Xenia, OH 0445 McDonald, James E. Lacon, IL 0474 Dias, David N. Lafayette, LA 0492 Ringwald, Ferman V. Placerville, CA 0498 James, Edmund J. Conyngham, PA 0504 Green, Robert L. Flushing, OH 0544 O'Donnell, Francis E. Havre, MT 0724 Leaser, Charles C. Van Wert, OH 0757 Hurley, Gerald A. Worthington, MN 0785 Johnson, Harry R. Metropolis, IL 0832 Frank Jr., Wm. F. Two Rivers, WI 0838 Vlaun, William F. Kissimmee, FL 0838 Ruff, Eugene F. Wilmington, DE 0856 LaBonte, Robert M. Sumerside, PE 0903 Kluttz, Elihue F. Keystone Hts., FL 0904 Curtis, Gaylan L. Madisonville, KY 0942 Stokes, Hazel C. Florence, SC 0965 Smith, Donald F. Dallas, TX 0974 Hildreth, S. G. Nashville, TN 0980 Berglund, Bernard T. Enderlin, ND 1168 Walker, Thomas H. Portales, NM 1202 Bower, Herbert C. Ft. Wayne, IN 1227 Dickinson, Will E. Hoisington, KS 1261 Reeves Jr., Cecil W. Tucker, GA 1337 Short, Merrill J. New Orleans, LA 1370 Ulis, Albert Iselin, NJ 1376 Kincaid, Robert R. Lancaster, OH 1393 Nagel, Howard E. Tonawanda, NY 1393 Bartolotta, Angelo A. Hamburg, NY 1399 Jordan, Wilbur W. Punta Gorda, FL 1428 Pryle, Joseph P. Archbald, PA 1433 Blake, Robert C. Chicago, IL 1445 Benedetto, Joe J. Bayonne, NJ 1494 Reid, Thomas J. Rantoul, IL 1526 Bintz, Harvey L. Michigan City, IN 1548 Wright, Paul R. Indianapolis, IN 1549 Bell, James R. Springfield, OH 1554 Jones, Jesse Ogden, UT 1565 Shea, John F. Palmdale, CA 1638 Kasunic, Robert P. Cleveland, OH 1645 Rammell, D. P. Salt Lk. Cty., UT 1661 Zimmer, Frank C. Cleveland, OH 1739 Roach, William H. Fls. Church, VA 1748 Wells, James J. Cleveland, OH 1831 Daniel, John Sarasota, FL 1846 Marlow, Francis E. Montrose, CA 1852 Lunsford, Ralph W. Cortland, OH 1882 Peplinski, Steve S. St. Paul, MN 1884 Honeychurch, Wilfred Calgary, AB 1929 Goodwin, Buster D. Granite City, IL 1951 McCabe, Ernest J. Climax, NY 1957 Hollis Jr., Isaac Silsbee, TX QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS --Lifetime maximums, managed care explained ...##GG NOTE: Do you have questions for the UTU Membership Services Department about medical or dental benefits, death benefits, the managed health care system, substance abuse care benefits, Railroad Retirement, Social Security, or similar items? Send them to UTU News, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107, and we'll try to answer them in this column. -------------------------- QUESTION: Do I go through my primary care physician for a referral to a mental health and substance abuse provider? ANSWER: All mental health and substance abuse care benefits are administered by Value Behavioral Health, Inc. (VBH), regardless of who administers your medical plan. VBH should be contacted for any mental health or substance abuse services at 1-800-934-RAIL. -------------------------- QUESTION: I have received an enrollment kit for managed care from the insurance company. However, I belong to a Hospital Association. Should I fill out the form and return it to the insurance company? ANSWER: Yes. Even though you are covered under a Hospital Association, your dependents are covered under GA-23000 and are entitled to enroll into managed care. -------------------------- QUESTION: Under comprehensive health care benefits, the lifetime maximum is $1,000,000, the annual deductible is $100 per individual and $300 per family, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum is $1,500 per individual and $3,000 per family. Are the amounts the same under managed care? ANSWER: No. There are no deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums or lifetime maximums. -------------------------- TPEL HONOR ROLL --Contributors' continued support recognized .....##HH Below are benefactors of the UTU's Transportation Political Education League (TPEL) who have begun contributing more than $100 per year, or have increased their donations to more than $100 per year, within the last two months. This list is a regular feature in the UTU NEWS, honoring those men and women who help make this union and nation great. * Denotes Retired Member PLATINUM CLUB ($1,200 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Fisher, Alan J. 195 Galesburg, IL Babiarz, Gary F. 1421 Franklin Park, IL Drennan, Patrick D. 1421 Franklin Park, IL DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB ($600.00 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Guidinger, Maurice D. 265 Pocatello, ID Mason, Jeffery L. 265 Pocatello, ID McGowan, Thomas H. 507 Van Buren, AR Marceau, Francis G. 891 Whitefish, MT Robbins, William S. 1548 Indianapolis, IN DIAMOND PLUS CLUB ($400 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Wheeler, Steven W. 265 Pocatello, ID McFall, Patrick L. 305 Lincoln, NE Fitzgerald, John D. 1637 Wishram, WA DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE McKaig, Anthony B. 202 Denver, CO Carter, Robert E. 265 Pocatello, ID Correll Jr., Jack L. 265 Pocatello, ID Cunningham, J. M. 281 Milwaukee, WI Fuchs, Thomas R. 311 La Crosse, WI *Thompson, Robert W. 622 Birmingham, AL O'Connell, Daniel J. 800 Jersey City, NJ Lapresta, Joseph M 947 Chaffee, MO Murphy, David M. 982 Rochester, NY Wicklund, David A. 1175 Duluth, MN Pinkston, Max W. 1228 Kansas City, MO Dunn, John P. 1238 Portland, OR Beyer, Walter P. 1525 Carbondale, IL Lucas II, Norman J. 1798 Sacramento, CA DIAMOND CLUB ($300.00 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE *Sludden, Charles J. 150 Carnegie, PA Brooks, Thomas P. 171 Aurora, IL Holbrook, Robert L. 194 Elkhart, IN Roberts, Steven S. 265 Pocatello, ID Morris, Timothy J. 281 Milwaukee, WI Montanye, Terry J. 426 Spokane, WA Kenny, Timothy D. 446 Cheyenne, WY Locke, Clifford L. 486 Glendive, MT Goggins, Timothy H. 544 Havre, MT Quinn, Michael D. 544 Havre, MT Berrum, Thomas R. 730 Great Falls, MT Corrigan, Robert K. 730 Great Falls, MT Bennett, Rick L. 807 Tucson, AZ Gillard, Charles A. 811 San Bernardino, CA Brannon, Lonnie J. 940 Wichita Falls, TX Patzke, James L. 977 Pasco, WA Sanderson, Andrew J. 977 Pasco, WA Morley, Robert M. 1374 New Castle, PA Orr, Robert G. 1421 Franklin Park, IL Casey, George T. 1473 Boston, MA Maloof, Michael G. 1473 Boston, MA Kucienski, Robert W. 1582 Albany, NY Swope, Glen C. 1687 Belen, NM Davidson Jr., H. E. 1780 Kansas City, MO Hartsock, Gene O. 1840 Glasgow, MT GOLD CARD CLUB ($100 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Martin, Alan W. 9 Slaton, TX Barker, Jerry L. 17 Marshalltown, IA Stanley, Michael R. 17 Marshalltown, IA Wolfe Jr., Sherman E. 44 Phillipsburg, KS McCulley, Charles J. 61 Philadelphia, PA Glasgow, Wade 64 Huron, SD Derr, James A. 72 Battle Creek, MI Coleman, Peter J. 77 New York, NY Vorisek, James D. 77 New York, NY Ramirez, Fortino 110 Laredo, TX Snow, David 110 Laredo, TX Vira, Antonio R. 110 Laredo, TX Clark, James M. 118 Hinton, WV Turner, Napoleon 171 Aurora, IL Shackelford, Gayron A. 194 Elkhart, IN Dominguez, Jose R. 240 Los Angeles, CA Watkins, Darren 281 Milwaukee, WI *Scherer, Eldred A. 281 Milwaukee, WI Stuckey, Charles G. 281 Milwaukee, WI *Blake, Gene F. 293 Houston, TX Shafer, Ronald J. 298 Garrett, IN *Koval, George 300 Philadelphia, PA Weber, John A. 311 La Crosse, WI Bennett, James M. 312 Madison, WI Furman, Joseph A. 312 Madison, WI Ritchhart, Kim D. 312 Madison, WI Herzog, Thomas J. 322 Milwaukee, WI Pike, Patrick T. 322 Milwaukee, WI Compton, Mark E. 324 Seattle, WA Woods, Randall S. 446 Cheyenne, WY Cash, Mark A. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Culclager, Jimmie L. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Dodd, Jimmy E. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Goad, William R. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Hale, Joe F. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Hinson Jr., Edward E. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Johnson, James R. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Matthews, Mark T. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Mitchell, Faith H. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Naylor, Albert Joe 462 Pine Bluff, AR Nelson, Brian N. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Oneal, Clifton L. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Parker Jr., Willard V. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Pooree, Randall F. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Richmond Jr., B.J. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Ricker, R.R. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Robinson, W.K. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Singleton, Jimmy L. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Tooke, Troy D. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Turner, Mark A. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Ware, Michael D. 462 Pine Bluff, AR West, Timothy M. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Williams, Jimmy L. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Wilson, Clyde D. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Wright, Bobby C. 462 Pine Bluff, AR Price, Leo B. 465 Gillette, WY Baxter, Ralph C. 469 Madison, IL Merriman, Michael C. 473 La Grande, OR Labarge, David M. 477 Newton, KS Whittington, Eldon E. 507 Van Buren, AR Connor, Danny J. 544 Havre, MT Evans, Wayne 544 Havre, MT Hedalen, Jerry D. 544 Havre, MT Holmes, Wendell C. 544 Havre, MT Johnson, Jon K. 544 Havre, MT Miller, Michael K. 544 Havre, MT Monaco, Robert J. 544 Havre, MT Monteaux, Jon A. 544 Havre, MT Stein, Donald R. 544 Havre, MT Ensinger, Jerry L. 565 Centralia, IL Gowan Sr., James N. 594 Mineola, TX Beck, George T. 620 Chicago, IL Stufflebean, Forest D. 643 Ft. Madison, IA Newcomer, Bruce A. 656 N. Little Rock, AR Johnson, F.M. 733 DeQueen, AR Sellers, Jerry L. 733 DeQueen, AR Meuth, J.D. 823 Big Spring, TX Carpenter, James W. 835 Bakersfield, CA Montgomery, Stephen A. 835 Bakersfield, CA Alkire, Jim W. 845 Seattle, WA Avey, Greg A. 845 Seattle, WA Baker Jr., George E. 845 Seattle, WA Banks, Charles L. 845 Seattle, WA Blough, Wayne S. 845 Seattle, WA Bridgewater, Chad V. 845 Seattle, WA Brown, Tiffiny 845 Seattle, WA Cates, Coby D. 845 Seattle, WA Dawson, Thomas C. 845 Seattle, WA Dowd, James F. 845 Seattle, WA Ebert Jr., Bruce W. 845 Seattle, WA Fast, Stevan M. 845 Seattle, WA Gerike, John E. 845 Seattle, WA Henderson, Charles D. 845 Seattle, WA Holmes, Mark E. 845 Seattle, WA Jackson, Kevin E. 845 Seattle, WA Johnson, Tim J. 845 Seattle, WA Littlefield, Jimmy D. 845 Seattle, WA Marth, Thomas P. 845 Seattle, WA McKinney, Stephen B. 845 Seattle, WA Nelson, Bryan C. 845 Seattle, WA Nesbitt, Thomas E. 845 Seattle, WA Osterhout, Russell S. 845 Seattle, WA Owens, Lyman J. 845 Seattle, WA Peters, Daniel R. 845 Seattle, WA Powers, Gary M. 845 Seattle, WA Reeder, Leo E. 845 Seattle, WA Reitz, Michael 845 Seattle, WA Russell, Gabriel R. 845 Seattle, WA Schaefer, Joel M. 845 Seattle, WA Smith, Andrew R. 845 Seattle, WA Spier, Michael L. 845 Seattle, WA Stephens, Keith D. 845 Seattle, WA Stoner, Paul L. 845 Seattle, WA Studebaker, Leamon J. 845 Seattle, WA Thomas, Curtis A. 845 Seattle, WA Van Ausdeln, John A. 845 Seattle, WA Wade, Jason W. 845 Seattle, WA Williams, Joan C. 845 Seattle, WA Wright, Dennis W. 845 Seattle, WA Yantzer, James R. 845 Seattle, WA Yates, Ronny S. 845 Seattle, WA Barker Jr., Robert L. 891 Whitefish, MT Darvis, Frank D. 891 Whitefish, MT Wheaton Jr., Donald W. 898 Boston, MA Cherry, R.M. 940 Wichita Falls, TX Curlee, Ronny L. 940 Wichita Falls, TX Elwell, Michael E. 940 Wichita Falls, TX Smoak, D.R. 940 Wichita Falls, TX Zuber III, Richard H. 940 Wichita Falls, TX Parkman Jr., Claude C. 941 Columbus, GA Harley, Arthur 942 Florence, SC Lowery, Ulysses W. 942 Florence, SC Jones, Mike W. 947 Chaffee, MO Hudgens, Norman E. 979 Salem, IL Douglas, Freddie H. 1011 Hamlet, NC *Holub, John 1074 Freeport, PA Cockrell, Randy K. 1106 Rocky Mt., NC Swiantek, Dennis P. 1126 Pratt, KS *Jones, Walter L. 1129 Raleigh, NC Hackler, Thomas S. 1168 Clovis, NM Marsh, David G. 1168 Clovis, NM Obenshain, Harlin 1168 Clovis, NM Smith, Marty V. 1168 Clovis, NM Lief, Timothy C. 1177 Willmar, MN Mehlenbeck, John C. 1299 Chicago, IL Tokach, Ronald M. 1344 Mandan, ND Barber, Terry W. 1374 New Castle, PA Boughner, Robert E. 1374 New Castle, PA Brooks, Donald L. 1374 New Castle, PA Busin, J.R. 1374 New Castle, PA Butler, John W. 1374 New Castle, PA Coulter, Mark A. 1374 New Castle, PA Cutter, Richard P. 1374 New Castle, PA Daliman, Thomas A. 1374 New Castle, PA Decarbo, Edwin W. 1374 New Castle, PA Dougherty Jr., E.J. 1374 New Castle, PA Downing, Robert J. 1374 New Castle, PA Drespling, David L. 1374 New Castle, PA Eckenrode Jr., R.T. 1374 New Castle, PA Gardocky Jr., S.A. 1374 New Castle, PA Gentile, Richard J. 1374 New Castle, PA Gilghrist, Richard F. 1374 New Castle, PA Gregory, Thomas R. 1374 New Castle, PA Havrilla, Robert N. 1374 New Castle, PA Hefferin, Robert T. 1374 New Castle, PA Heinrich, Thomas A. 1374 New Castle, PA Hill, Ronald 1374 New Castle, PA Iwanonkiw, John W. 1374 New Castle, PA Johnson, Randolph D. 1374 New Castle, PA Klein, Joseph M. 1374 New Castle, PA Kravec, Lawrence R. 1374 New Castle, PA Lacenere, Sam 1374 New Castle, PA Lammers, Clarence W. 1374 New Castle, PA Lamont, Edward E. 1374 New Castle, PA Leek, Albert V. 1374 New Castle, PA Logan, Ronald C. 1374 New Castle, PA Lueck, Bernard J. 1374 New Castle, PA Mann, David G. 1374 New Castle, PA Marino, Louis M. 1374 New Castle, PA Martin, Randy G. 1374 New Castle, PA Mazon, Laurence A. 1374 New Castle, PA Mele Jr., Patrick S. 1374 New Castle, PA Mielcusny, Michael S. 1374 New Castle, PA Morris, Leonard T. 1374 New Castle, PA Musser, James P. 1374 New Castle, PA Neely, Gerald H. 1374 New Castle, PA Olenick, Francis E. 1374 New Castle, PA Palmer, Cloyde D. 1374 New Castle, PA Pander Sr., D.E. 1374 New Castle, PA Panici, Robert A. 1374 New Castle, PA Rayner, Arthur G. 1374 New Castle, PA Rees Jr., Charles S. 1374 New Castle, PA Regula, Robert E. 1374 New Castle, PA Riley, John R. 1374 New Castle, PA Sanner, Kenneth L. 1374 New Castle, PA Scully, William H. 1374 New Castle, PA Sherman, Jay E. 1374 New Castle, PA Sonntag Jr., Paul 1374 New Castle, PA Stanley, David A. 1374 New Castle, PA Uber, Fred Paul 1374 New Castle, PA Vigliotti, James P. 1374 New Castle, PA Warren, James D. 1374 New Castle, PA Wojnar, John F. 1374 New Castle, PA Yohman, Raymond L. 1374 New Castle, PA Zagorsky Sr., R.A. 1374 New Castle, PA Zimmermann, R.J. 1374 New Castle, PA Devine, Thomas J. 1428 Jersey City, NJ *Stephan, Frank 1433 Elmwood Park, IL O'Donnell, James W. 1445 Elizabeth, NJ Terrell Jr., David 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Williams Jr., Claude 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Dare, R.W. 1525 Carbondale, IL Gehring, Shawn M. 1525 Carbondale, IL Helmick, Craig E. 1525 Carbondale, IL Hines, Gary L. 1525 Carbondale, IL Lampley, Steve A. 1525 Carbondale, IL Rowland, John E. 1525 Carbondale, IL Colarich, Robert C. 1532 Kansas City, KS Gee, Shaun P. 1532 Kansas City, KS Richey, Sheldon L. 1532 Kansas City, KS *Hollands, Samuel H. 1558 Bergenfield, NJ Saunders Jr., Leon I. 1564 Los Angeles, CA Kerner, James J. 1582 Albany, NY Lamalfa, Danny A. 1582 Albany, NY Rochester, Larry L. 1582 Albany, NY Weatherwax, Daniel W. 1582 Albany, NY Thomas, John R. 1608 Chatsworth, CA Vonkrueger, Franz 1608 Chatsworth, CA Debeck, B.M. 1620 Elkhart, IN *Fink, George W. 1637 Wishram, WA *Drake, John W. 1730 Richmond, CA Manley, John L. 1730 Richmond, CA *McCann, Jack L. 1770 Los Angeles, CA Barber III, Stephen 1780 Kansas City, MO Kinch, Destry A. 1780 Kansas City, MO Koenig, James C. 1794 Eugene, OR Hanson, Stuart A. 1800 Tucson, AZ *Blake, Gene F. 1917 Cincinnati, OH Sellers, Oscar B. 1971 Atlanta, GA Jouppi, John M. 1976 St. Paul, MN Cobean, W. J. 1977 Seattle, WA M. Louise Riley LA/016 Columbus, OH Linder, Evelyn LA/580 Raleigh, NC Arrington, D.M. LA/851 Mineola, TX Thompson, Ann L. LA/770 Houston, TX NOTICES --UP makes safety hotline available ...........##II To help make their jobs safer, members employed on the Union Pacific are strongly encouraged to call the carrier toll free at 1-888-860-5511 to anonymously voice their safety concerns. --Jacket awarded in monthly drawing ..............##JJ This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of UTU-logoed wearing apparel is DENNIS G. ROBINSON of Running Springs, Cal. Brother Robinson is an active member of Local 1846 at West Colton, Calif., which represents Union Pacific Southern Pacific workers in the West Colton area. Robinson will be receiving by mail a gift certificate redeemable for any one of the many fine quality union-made UTU jackets, shirts or caps available through the International. --Notice of new UTU credit card mailed ........##KK By mid-October, all UTU members should have received an invitation through the mail to sign up for the UTU credit card offered by The Huntington National Bank. Remember, a percentage of every retail sale is contributed to help support the UTU's educational programs. In addition, you receive these valuable benefits: -- Two low-rate, money-saving card options: select a Prime Plus card with no annual fee and a low introductory rate of just 1% over the "Prime Rate" (9.5% APR) for six months; after that your rate will be "Prime Rate" plus 4.9%. To get an even lower rate, choose the Prime card with a rate of "Prime Rate" plus 0% (currently only 8.5% APR). This is not an introductory rate. The card has a low $35 annual fee. -- Transfer balances from other accounts, too. You'll enjoy the convenience of consolidating your credit card balances to one account, and save money on interest with the Huntington's low rates. -- Convenient toll-free numbers to get quick answers from The Huntington Bank. Be one of the first to get a UTU credit card and use it proudly. This is another benefit offered by the UTU for its members and supporters. --UTU offers members four travel packages ........##LL Four new travel packages for 1998 arranged by the UTU offer active and retired members multiple opportunities for fun, adventure, excitement and relaxation. The first package brings members a chance to SKI THE AUSTRIAN ALPS for just $1199 per person, including air fare, motorcoach transfers, all breakfasts and dinners, and first-class accommodations. Because this package, set for Jan. 17-25, 1998, takes participants to Salzburg, Venice, Milan, Munich and Innsbruck, 40% who reserve a space traditionally have been non-skiers. Next on the agenda is a trip to ENCHANTING IRELAND, set for April 16-23, 1998. Priced at just $1,499 per person, this package also includes air fare, motorcoach transfers, all breakfasts and dinners, and first-class accommodations, as well as special tours and entertainment. Those with a taste for a classic, relaxing ocean cruise will want to book a cabin for the ALASKA EXPERIENCE, scheduled for April 25-May 3, 1998. Those aboard will experience the Inside Passage and visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Juneau while surrounded by luxury. Prices start at just $2,465 per person (excluding air fare). Those seeking a scenic adventure by road, rail and sea will be interested in FRENCH CANADA & GASPƒ PENINSULA BY RAIL, a package planned for Sept. 17-24, 1998, that includes visits to Saguenay Fjord, Montreal and Quebec. Prices begin at just $1,533 per person. Prices quoted for all trips are based on double occupancy. For full details and to make reservations, contact Landfall Travel toll free at 1-800-835-9233, or write to: Landfall Travel, 14724 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107. --UTUIA unveils permanent whole life policy ...##MM UTUIA is proud to announce a new permanent whole life policy that lets you choose the length of your premium-paying period -- whether it's one year or 30! Unlike other whole life insurance, the flexibility of ULTIMATE PAR is in the premium-paying period. This policy can be created to allow premiums to be paid for shorter durations than the lifetime of the insured. A limited premium-paying pattern allows you to make payments during the period when your earning power is high and relieves you of payments during later years when income decreases, such as at retirement. Under a limited premium-paying pattern, you can create a policy which is paid-up with a single premium, or the premium can be spread over any number of years you select. ULTIMATE PAR is especially suited for adults who wish to create a paid-up policy as quickly as possible, or to parents or grandparents who wish to provide a paid-up policy for their children or grandchildren. Issue ages are 0-70. Make your own choice about the schedule of your premiums by choosing UTUIA's ULTIMATE PAR. For more information, contact your UTUIA Representative or call the UTUIA Marketing and Sales Department today toll free at 800-558-8842, Ext. 211; or write to UTUIA, 14600 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. ==================================================== |