UTU NEWS
| Volume 30 | March, 1998 | Number 3 |
UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION A Service of the United Transportation
Union Charles L. Little Editorial Offices: WELCOME TO THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR "The UTU stands for historical craft autonomy and the preservation of engine, train and yard service. The BLE stands only for the preservation of engineers. Our pledge is a guarantee to all operating employees and is backed by the power of our Constitution and Unification Agreement. The BLE cannot, and will not, make a similar pledge." UTU International President Charles L. Little
TABLE OF CONTENTS Historical craft autonomy pledged ................##A AROUND THE UTU
MEMBERSHIP PROFILES Local 2 member marks train's passing .............##I BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT "Consolidations" ..............................##J Charlotte, N.C., bus workers okay pact ...........##K YARDMASTER REPORT "A willingness" ...............................##L EDITORIALS About historical craft autonomy ..................##M STATE WATCH News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##R MONTHLY FEATURE Yardmasters -- A vital part of today's UTU .......##S SENIOR NEWS RRB's annual report finds system healthy ......##T TPEL HONOR ROLL Contributors' continued support recognized ......##CC MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Q & A Explanation of benefits, and managed care ....##DD NOTICES Regional Meeting dates, prices noted ............##EE ==================================================== IN THIS EDITION --Historical craft autonomy pledged ................##A CLEVELAND, OHIO -- Charles L. Little, International President of the United Transportation Union, has reaffirmed preservation of historical craft autonomy as guaranteed under the Unification Agreement and UTU Constitution. Little issued a pledge to all locomotive engineers, firemen, hostlers, conductors, brakemen and switchmen that guarantees the UTU will continue to honor historical craft autonomy, tradition and history in pursuing the union's Operating Unity Initiative with the National Mediation Board (NMB). Little also said that the UTU guarantees that seniority rosters for each craft -- locomotive engineer, firemen, hostler, conductor, brakeman, switchman -- will not be changed or commingled with any other. "The BLE says we seek to eliminate the position of locomotive engineer," said Little. "They are wrong. Many UTU International officers, including the assistant president, national legislative director, general secretary and treasurer and several vice presidents, hold seniority as locomotive engineers." The UTU provides double protection to guarantee historical craft autonomy and preservation. Both the 1969 Unification Agreement and Article 80 of the UTU Constitution guarantee it, Little said. When all operating employees are represented in one classification of Train and Engine Service Employees, historical craft autonomy will continue unchanged as stated in the UTU Constitution to protect existing employment and voting rights, he added. "If anyone wants to eliminate operating employees on the railroad," said Little, "it is the BLE. They have negotiated secret deals on VIA Rail, the I&M Rail Link and Montana Rail Link to eliminate conductors. The BLE continues to negotiate secret deals to sell out conductors, brakemen and switchmen so that engineers will be the only operating employees left standing on the railroads in the 21st Century." Little said the UTU is committed to ensuring that operating employees across the board survive and prosper well into the 21st Century. "The UTU stands for historical craft autonomy and the preservation of engine, train and yard service," said Little. "The BLE stands only for the preservation of engineers. Our pledge is a guarantee to all operating employees and is backed by the power of our Constitution and Unification Agreement. The BLE cannot, and will not, make a similar pledge." For many years, the BLE has openly advocated doing away with all other operating crafts. It is no secret that the BLE seeks to eliminate the crafts of conductor, brakeman and switchman. It is well known that the BLE wants the locomotive engineer to be the highest paid member of the crew, which is an appropriate goal, but not if it means the engineer is the only member of the crew. The facts speak for themselves: -- In 1987, the BLE made a secret deal with the Montana Rail Link to eliminate the craft of conductor, which cost hard-working union members their jobs; -- In 1994, the BLE told its members to cross UTU picket lines during a strike against the Soo Line; -- In 1996, the BLE made a deal with the I&M railroad to eliminate the craft of conductor, which cost hard- working union members their jobs; -- In 1997, the BLE made a secret deal with VIA Rail, the Canadian national passenger rail carrier, to eliminate the craft of conductor and assistant conductor, and create one-man engine crews, which will cost hundreds of hard-working union members their jobs. To this very day, the BLE is negotiating secret deals to put conductors, brakemen and switchmen out of jobs. In response, the UTU asked the NMB to rule that a "representation dispute" exists railroad industry-wide among all operating employees, which includes locomotive engineers, firemen, hostlers, conductors, brakemen and switchmen. For representation purposes under the law, this craft or class would be called Train and Engine Service Employees, but each historical craft would maintain its own distinct autonomy under the UTU Constitution and Unification Agreement, including separate seniority rosters. --Operating Unity Initiative on track ...........##B In other developments regarding the UTU's Operating Unity Initiative: -- Seniority rosters will not be commingled and seniority dates remain sacred, President Little has reaffirmed. -- March 2, 1998, is the deadline set by the National Mediation Board (NMB) for the UTU and BLE to submit their initial briefs on the representation dispute. Reply briefs are due by March 17, 1998, and it is hoped the NMB will make a ruling soon thereafter. -- At a February 13, 1998, AFL-CIO hearing, the UTU said the federation should wait until after the NMB rules on whether a representation dispute exists on the railroads before acting on an Article XX action filed by the BLE. The UTU's countercharges against the BLE for soliciting UTU members on Conrail also were considered. -- At a special emergency meeting held in Las Vegas in early February, the BLE leadership pledged to conduct an "all-out campaign" against the UTU, saying it will "not hesitate to utilize any and all means" to stop the Operating Unity Initiative. (See editorial, "ANY AND ALL MEANS?"). -- To illustrate the BLE's disregard for craft autonomy and unity, it attempted at the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh, Pa., last September to amend Article XX of the federation's constitution to allow union raiding on railroads with less than 200 employees. Sensing the overwhelming opposition of delegates, the federation quietly tabled the proposal. --CN announces purchase of Illinois Central ........##C The Canadian National Railway has announced its acquisition of Illinois Central Corp. for about $2.4 billion in stock, cash and the assumption of debt. The companies, when merged, will form a cross-border rail giant with almost $4 billion in annual revenues and a 19,000-mile trackage system stretching from Vancouver to Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 26,000 employees, it would be the fifth-largest railway in North America. Illinois Central Corp. operates the 2,600-mile Illinois Central railroad from Chicago south to the Gulf Coast and the 850-mile Chicago Central line from Chicago west through Iowa. Both Abraham Lincoln and Casey Jones are former employees. CN officials said the IC would continue to operate under its name, and that few layoffs could be expected because the two railroads have almost no overlapping routes or facilities. The merger "is going to mean more work for us, more trains going to the warm-water ports of the Gulf Coast," said IC General Chairperson Jeff Clements. Clements explained that since the merger was basically an end-to-end consolidation, there would be few negative impacts to UTU members working on the carrier. "I view it as a positive situation," Clements said. "We envision increased traffic, more trains of grain, forest products and potash headed south." Approval of the consolidation by the Surface Transportation Board is required by law before the transaction can be completed. Because the companies do not have overlapping track or facilities, observers predict STB approval should be routine. --Budget proposal includes Amtrak capital .......##D President Clinton has proposed a $43.3-billion budget for the Department of Transportation for fiscal 1999, the largest in DOT history. The request funds Amtrak with money from the Highway Trust Fund and with a $2.3-billion tax credit approved by Congress last year for capital improvements. The proposal would give Amtrak $621 million in capital funding from the Highway Trust Fund, which drew howls of protest from highway lobby representatives. Of the $1.1-billion tax credit Amtrak is scheduled to receive this month, $400 million would go for maintenance of cars and tracks and $292 million for operating subsidies, according to reports. Amtrak estimates that its overall federal capital needs total more than $4 billion over the next five years. --BNSF, UP to share tracks to break logjam .........##E The Union Pacific (UP) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) have announced a plan the railroads, shippers and others hope will help unclog freight-chokes rail lines in Texas. The National Transportation Safety Board also recently announced that it will conduct three days of hearings this month to investigate safety problems at the UP. The safety agency said the hearings would focus on federal oversight of the railroad and the carrier's own safety program. The trackage deal calls for joint ownership of a former SP line between Houston and New Orleans and joint dispatching in Houston. The plan requires Surface Transportation Board review before implementation. The STB has been under pressure to take more aggressive steps to end the rail service problems and boost competition in Texas and elsewhere. The plan would give the BNSF access to more than 100 additional customers between western Louisiana and Houston. UP would gain a bypass route around Houston under trackage rights. Joint dispatching will be done in suburban Houston at a UP facility. The BNSF has been pressuring the UP to make a deal, and even threatened to ask the STB to re-open the merger case and order divestiture of the eastern part of SP system. The STB approved the merger of the UP and SP in 1996, but the board has the authority to revisit its decision for five years. The six-month-long shipping crisis on the UP and elsewhere has cost the U.S. economy an estimated $2 billion. --FRA crackdown aims at compliance ..............##F The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is cracking down to ensure that all U.S. railroads are operating their trains with auxiliary lights and working two-way end-of-train devices. The FRA says it will download event recorder data to check train speeds to ensure compliance. If the end-of-train device fails en route or if the locomotive's auxiliary lights are not working properly, remember these tips: -- FRA regulations require that if the end-of-train device fails en route, the speed of the train is limited to 30 miles per hour; -- If the locomotive is running with an inoperative auxiliary light, train speed is restricted to 20 miles per hour when passing public highway rail grade crossings. Unless the carrier has sought a waiver from the FRA, UTU members could be subject to these inspections and fines. --UTU, UTUIA strong and growing ....................##G -- The financial condition of the UTU and UTUIA is strong and growing stronger, the International reports. The UTU closed out 1997 with more than $41 million in assets and no long-term debt. The UTUIA entered 1998 with assets of more than $219 million. "Our union is financially strong," said International President Charles L. Little, "and the UTUIA is in the best shape ever." -- Membership in the UTU increased by 1,178 in 1997. -- The UTU is in the process of purchasing the former Amnesty International Building in Washington, D.C. The new UTU Building, located at 304 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E., will house the International's National Legislative Department offices. The building's public reception area will be rented out for official functions. The International also is in discussions to purchase or build a new headquarters in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. AROUND THE UTU --News from around the U.S. and Canada ..........##H LOCAL 4, CHARNY, QUEBEC Working with like-minded groups in the area, members of the local helped collect 10,847 signatures on a petition to save the Southshore Stations (Charny and Levis) from abandonment. The petition has been presented in Ottawa by Levis Federal Deputy M. Antoine DubŽ, and a final decision on the matter was due as this edition went to press. LOCAL 33, PATERSON, N.J. Members on New Jersey Transit held a party for six brothers who recently retired from bus service. The local meets at 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month at the Disabled Veterans Administration Building, 730 Hazel Ave., Clifton. N.J. LOCAL 343, HAMILTON, ONT. The local continues to represent members working in Oakville and at other terminals despite the closure of the Hamilton Terminal on December 15, 1997, according to Local President Scott C. Montani. The local is fighting for a separate Safety & Health Committee for the Oakville Terminal, which now includes yard and road workers. Members needing information can write to Mike Mann at 404 Charlton Ave. W., Hamilton, ON L8P 2E7, or can call him at (905) 572-1083. LOCAL 394, ALBANY, N.Y. Congratulations go to conductor Dave Brahm and engineer Tom Cannon, who have qualified as American Red Cross first-aid and CPR instructors, according to Local Chairperson S.T. (Woody) Cowles, Jr., legislative representative, delegate and labor/management coordinator. Cannon, a former UTU (E) general chairperson, and Brahm, the local's alternate delegate, trained and certified more than 100 Conrail employees in first-aid and CPR procedures in 1997. L-492 & L-1570, ROSEVILLE, CAL. Roseville switchmen and enginemen (L-1570) and conductors and brakemen (L-492) will hold their Annual Retirement Dinner March 28, according to Jim Feickert, president of Local 1570. For information or to make a reservation, contact Walt Wilson at 1890 Pheasant Hill Ln., Auburn, CA 95603, or via e-mail at wwilson@foothill.net. LOCAL 504, WHEELING, W. VA. Members send their best wishes to James J. Welsh, who recently retired after 33 years on CSX/B&O, according to Jack Pennybacker, local legislative representative and assistant state legislative director. From 1975 until his retirement, Welsh was vice local chairperson (road), served from 1975 to 1994 as local chairperson (road), was the local's delegate from 1979 to 1982, held the post of secretary from 1983 to 1987, and was the local's vice president from 1973 to 1975. LOCAL 583, FOND DU LAC, WISC. The newly chartered local comprised of Wisconsin Central workers recently welcomed to its first meeting State Representative John P. Dobyns (R) of the 52nd Assembly District, who was the principal author and sponsor of the state's two-person train crew law. Dobyns was presented with a TPEL check by the local's Legislative Representative Craig C. Peachy, Sr., who was joined during the event by Alternate Legislative Representative Patrick A. Dobbs, Local Committee of Adjustment Secretary Duwayne J. Balthazor and WCL-UTU General Chairperson Jeffery J. Minton. LOCAL 872, OMAHA, NEB. Members have created a fund to assist the family of the late Terry G. Thomas, a 47-year-old switchman who worked for BNSF for 26 years. A trustee for the local, Thomas was struck in the head and killed instantly by a switch handle on January 24, 1998, leaving behind a wife of 17 years and three children. According to Secretary/Treasurer Wes Ryun, those wishing to help can send donations to UTU Local 872, 155 Charles Park Dr., Council Bluffs, IA 51503. LOCAL 940, WICHITA FALLS, TEX. Members are mourning the death of C.D. Wright, who was killed in an auto accident December 12, 1997. Wright, a BNSF employee since 1980, served as local chairman for the last two years, and leaves behind a wife and two children. Cards may be sent to 909 Eighth St. #203, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, and will be forwarded to his family. Also, a scholarship fund has been set up in his memory. Send contributions to UTU Special Scholarship Fund, Local 940, Attn: Account Number 1821230776, Bank One, Wichita Falls Tower, P.O. Box 540, Wichita Falls, TX 76307. For information, contact Vice Local Chairperson K.W. Fiihr at (940) 766-2851, or Matt McKnight at (940) 592-0186. LOCAL 1374, NEW CASTLE, PA. Because issues ranging from safety to proper pay for safety committee members remained unresolved beyond reasonable time limits, members at the December meeting voted to halt voluntary support of the safety committee, according to Bob Morley. L-1582, ALBANY, N.Y. Members are taking up a collection to assist the family of Ralph Dixson, a 27-year Adirondack Trailways employee who died January 15 after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to James Kerner. Contributors should make checks payable to Rosie Lee Dixson and mail them to Kerner c/o Adirondack Trailways, 625 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018. LOCAL 1594, UPPER DARBY, PA. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) recently gave special recognition to Frank Martino, Jr., a former local officer and now the member with the most seniority, who has been with SEPTA and its predecessor Red Arrow Lines for more than 40 years, working nearly every service offered by the agency, including bus, light rail, high-speed, snow plows, bullet cars, and work cars. LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, B.C. Members have appointed John Holliday as Local Historian and Retiree Liaison. Holliday has acquired a boxcar from BC Rail, now on location at the Western Canada Railway Historical Society Museum, with the idea of creating a UTU display. Holliday brings artifacts he has collected to each monthly meeting. Meanwhile, available on the local's website (http://unix.ultranet.ca/utu/) is an eye-opening safety report put together by the province covering the years 1992 through 1996. MEMBERSHIP PROFILES --Local 2 member marks train's passing .............##I On December 2, 1997, Raymond C. Bottles placed a commemorative wreath in front of the former New York Central (NYC) System's deserted passenger depot in Elyria, Ohio, along what is now a Conrail mainline. The wreath wasn't a tribute to a fallen worker. It marked the 30th anniversary of the final run of the New York Central's (NYC) famed passenger train, the fast and luxurious 20th Century Limited. Bottles said he placed the wreath because plenty of people still remember the train as special, and because he wants to remind the public that traveling by train is still an option they can enjoy. Assistant legislative representative for Local 2 in Toledo, Ohio, Bottles enjoys a personal connection with what was called "The Greatest Train in the World." Workers were required to have 20 years' seniority to work on the prestigious train. Though too young and without the seniority, Bottles was assigned as a brakeman from Toledo to Buffalo, N.Y., when old-timers took time off and the railroad needed an extra for the run. Today, Bottles believes he is one of the last active brakemen who worked on the train. In fact, as far as he can determine, there are only 14 former NYC employees remaining, and six are scheduled to retire this year. Because he won't retire until 2004, there's a good chance Bottles will be one of the last NYC employees on the former Toledo Division, he said. BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT --"Consolidations" ..............................##J We have all seen changes in the structure of many major companies in the United States over the last few years. These companies have either bought out smaller companies and/or merged to form giant corporations or conglomerates. Once the mergers have taken place, many of the companies have had major reductions in employees or have closed whole divisions. Through it all, I never believed that we would see any such major consolidation in the bus industry, especially after deregulation of the industry not too long ago. Well, we have now seen major consolidations by three of the major players: Greyhound, Coach USA and Laidlaw, Inc., and I am sure we have not seen the end. We have some serious concerns as to the direction that these consolidations will take. Most of the companies, with which the UTU has contracts, when purchased by either Greyhound or Coach USA, have remained as wholly owned subsidiaries and have not, at this point, been adversely affected by the purchases. These companies also have purchased non-union properties. It is a well known fact union contracts provide for better wages, benefits and working conditions than non- union companies. We are concerned that these companies may attempt to turn some of the work over to the non- union properties, where they can perform the services at cheaper costs. We must keep watch that these companies do not try to increase business with their non-union subsidiaries which do the work cheaper than their unionized subsidiaries. --Charlotte, N.C., bus workers okay pact ...........##K UTU Local 1715 drivers and maintenance committee, under the direction of Vice President Bernie McNelis, negotiated a new three-year contract with Transit Management of Charlotte. The members ratified the agreement by a better than two-to-one margin. The new agreement calls for a 9.55% wage increase over three years. Top operator rates will be $16.50 and "A" mechanic rates will be $17.16. The normal retirement age was reduced from 65 to 63 and the pension cap was raised by $1,500 per year, from $12,000 to $16,500. The company, for the first time, is contributing up to 1% of the employee's gross annual earnings into a 475(k) plan. The company's contribution to the health care plan was increased by $35 per month per member over three years. Maintenance members also received increases in tool, safety shoe and uniform allowances. McNelis commended Steve Smith, Greg Ashley, Brenda Moore, Leroy Ellerbe, Ed Wingo, Joe Mendola and Don Page for their hard work and dedication. YARDMASTER REPORT --"A willingness" ...............................##L Working together for effective results combined with the willingness to serve develops unity. Effective results are achieved through negotiations, which culminate in contract provisions that give job security, quality of work life, benefits and compensation recognizing the contribution our membership makes to the financial success of our employers. Recent, pending and future mergers of America's railroads have and will drastically impact the work and personal lives of our membership. Negotiating implementing agreements pursuant to notices served following authorization of the mergers demands unity of purpose by the general committees. If the membership is not the most important consideration, effective results will not be achieved. We have reached tentative agreements covering yardmasters employed on the Illinois Central and the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. With only minor modifications, these agreements will be prepared for membership distribution and ratification. We petitioned the National Mediation Board (NMB) for the assignment of a mediator to assist in the Soo Line yardmaster contract negotiations. General Chairperson Tom Turner and his committee, like the trainmen's general committees, are unable to tolerate the Soo Line's unwillingness to be realistic in its demands. Unless negotiations with the Canadian National (Grand Trunk Western) and St. Lawrence & Hudson (Delaware & Hudson) move in a more positive direction, we will be petitioning the NMB for mediator assignment to these negotiations. EDITORIALS --About historical craft autonomy ..................##M The UTU is the only operating rail union that guarantees autonomy for all historical operating crafts - locomotive engineers (as well as firemen and hostlers), conductors, brakemen and switchmen. It is a double guarantee backed by the power of the UTU Constitution and the 1969 Unification Agreement. When the National Mediation Board rules to permit elections, the UTU will continue to honor historical craft autonomy and tradition for all operating crafts, including locomotive engineers. That is union law. The BLE stands only for the preservation of engineers. Our pledge is a guarantee to all operating employees. The BLE cannot, and will not, make a similar pledge. So, it is understandable that the BLE leadership is crying wolf. But they should look in the mirror. It is no secret that the BLE is working to eliminate conductors, brakemen and switchmen. It is well known that the BLE wants the locomotive engineer to be the only operating craft working on the railroad. If the BLE has its way, it would eliminate up to 75,000 jobs for conductors, brakemen and switchmen so its members would be the last craft standing -- and be the highest and only paid. For 29 years, the BLE has thumbed its nose at operating rail unity while working both openly and secretly to eliminate the other operating crafts. Recently, the BLE has even taken to hiding behind the skirts of the non-ops in the Transportation Trades Department's rail division while whining about labor unity. The whole point of our Operating Unity Initiative is to create unity. The UTU is committed to ensuring that operating employees across the board survive and prosper well into the 21st Century. The BLE is not. That is the truth, plain and simple. --What does "any and all means" mean? ...........##N Has BLE leadership lost its marbles? At its recent emergency Las Vegas meeting, BLE issued a resolution saying it will use "any and all means" to stop operating unity on the railroads. Usually, a reputable organization with effective leadership would say "any and all legal means." So what's up? Why did the BLE not use the word "legal?" Does this mean, for example, that the BLE will sanction violence to stop the Operating Unity Initiative? Does it mean the BLE will condone illegal activities by its members to stop a democratic representation election? What else does it mean? By leaving out the word "legal," BLE leadership does itself and its members a big disservice. Will BLE leadership really use "any and all means" to stop you from voting? Only time will tell. --"Update: Operating
unity" ........................##O As expected, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is throwing all kinds of chaff into the air. But this weak flak is failing to hit any target and our "Operating Unity Initiative" is going strong. BLE President Clarence Monin and his hallelujah choir are crying that the heavens will fall if locomotive engineers unify with the other operating crafts. Rarely has Chicken Little done so little for his flock. Rather than thinking that the sky is falling, the BLE's "Chicken Little" should lift his eyes and see that the creation of a single, mighty operating rail union means a better day for all. Since 1969, when the UTU was founded, the BLE has thumbed its nose at operating unity on the railroads. Now, when unity among operating rail labor is needed more than at any other time in our proud history because of technology and mergers, the BLE thumbs its nose again at closing ranks with its natural, historical allies and crew mates, conductors, brakemen and switchmen on the nation's railroads. Instead, it goes running to the non-ops at the rail labor division of AFL-CIO's Transportation Trades Department (TTD) to pass a resolution condemning the UTU for wanting you to have the right to vote. The National Mediation Board will make that decision. Something seems out of place here. On the one hand, the BLE is now jumping behind the convenient battle cry of union solidarity, when on the other it has hamstrung operating rail solidarity for 29 years for its own self- interests. And is the BLE now taking orders from the TTD rail labor division? Is it taking orders from them regarding the Conrail sale and putting BLE members' jobs at serious risk when the merger takes place? The UTU is the only operating rail union that has a double guarantee to preserve historical craft autonomy. It is guaranteed under the Unification Agreement and UTU Constitution. It is a pledge we reaffirm to all locomotive engineers (including firemen and hostlers), conductors, brakemen and switchmen. The UTU also guarantees that seniority rosters for each craft - locomotive engineer (including hostlers and firemen), conductors, brakemen and switchmen - will not be commingled. Some of the BLE chaff says we seek to eliminate the position of locomotive engineer. That's pure bull-chaff. Many of our top International officers hold seniority as locomotive engineers. Historical craft autonomy will continue unchanged as stated in the UTU Constitution to protect existing employment and voting rights. The BLE's history of selling out conductors, brakemen and switchmen so that engineers will be the only operating employees left standing on the railroads in the 21st Century is legend. We are committed to ensuring that operating employees in engine, train and yard service survive and prosper well into the 21st Century. You tell me which union, the UTU or BLE, will best protect your job? --"Makeup of Congress
threatens labor's gains" ..##P After every census, taken every ten years, state and federal government district lines are re-drawn to reflect population movement and growth. State legislatures redistrict, and Congress is reapportioned and redistricted. This is a highly partisan insider game that has a tremendous impact on all of us. The census in 2000 could require many Congressional seats to move from such labor-friendly states as New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois to states with a poor labor history such as Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Georgia and Florida. Losses also could come through redistricting, or the re-drawing of district lines in each state. We could lose many seats and votes because legislators elected this November will be drawing these lines. We could very easily lose numerous seats in states that elect a bad governor and bad legislators this year. We could suffer numerous losses in California if they elect a bad governor and lose the state senate. The same goes for Florida and Texas. The redistricting process alone could cost as many as 30 seats. We could wake up one morning and find that the transit companies have enough votes to repeal Section 13(c) of the Urban Mass Transit Act, which contains job protections vital to UTU members. We could find that the railroads have enough votes to privatize Railroad Retirement, to repeal the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), and to finally place all rail contracts under compulsory arbitration. The make up of Congress could have changed so there are enough votes to repeal all labor laws that have taken labor 75 years to pass. To avoid the nightmare that could happen in 2002 we must start working today. The state governors who will be elected in most states this year will be in office in 2002. Many of the members of the upper house who will draw the district lines will be elected this fall. When the states redistrict in 2001 it will be the members of Congress elected in 2002 who could do major damage to labor in 2003. It all seems so far off; who cares? Your enemies care. They are working now to make sure that elected officials friendly to them will be elected this November. The stakes are very high in each state but for Congress this is the ultimate game. If we want to avoid this nightmare and have the chance to a pleasant dream, we will have to register and vote for UTU-endorsed candidates in primary elections and again in the November general elections. Your enemies are working now. If we don't want nightmares in the next century, we can't sleep now. --Voices: Members share their opinions .............##Q 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: WHEN DO YOU MOST FEEL PRIDE IN YOUR WORK? "I'm a conductor on Union Pacific, and secretary for my local. Working for the carrier, I feel good about my job when there's a critical situation and I take action that keeps a wreck from happening, saves a person from getting hurt, or prevents a derailment and destruction of property. Working for the union, it's being able to help somebody with a problem, and having the person appreciate the help. A lot of people don't know how to get the union to work for them." -- NICHOLAS DIPUCCIO, L-1117, LAS VEGAS, NEV. "I'm a general chairperson on BNSF. I'm most proud of my efforts when we come up with a negotiated agreement. It's a win-win situation, with both sides relatively happy with the outcome. Both sides can look at it and say, 'I got what I wanted from it.' Nobody's getting hurt, and each side gets something they wanted. When you have to go to arbitration, neither side comes out with what they really wanted, there's a lot of hard feelings, and it's really not satisfying." -- KEN W. MASON, L-1423, GALESBURG, ILL. "In my job as local chairperson, I feel pride when I've done something good for my members, or when the membership is rewarded, either individually or as a whole. I'm also an engineer, and I take a lot of pride in getting my train over the road and answering the customer's needs. I work for CSX, but run CP Rail trains from Detroit to Chicago. There's a lot of competition, a lot of ways for CSX to route the traffic, so we have to do what we can to make the line competitive." -- JEREMY FERGUSON, L-313, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. "I'm a general chairperson, but for this local on New Jersey Transit, that's a part-time job. Otherwise, I drive a bus. As a union officer, I feel best when I get satisfaction for members who really appreciate what I do when I represent their interests. As a driver, I feel pride when passengers recognize me, they know my driving, and say they're glad to see me. Just being there for the people, and giving them quality service that you know they appreciate, that's a good feeling." -- ROBERT JONES, LOCAL 33, PATERSON, N.J. STATE WATCH --News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##R ILLINOIS Joe Szabo, director of the Illinois Legislative Board, is asking all UTU members to call or write their state representatives, state senators and the office of Governor Jim Edgar, urging support for HB 2667, which would require a minimum of two qualified operating employees on all trains operating in Illinois and would prohibit remote control operation of trains in the state. The legislation, which was introduced by Rep. Arline Fantin, has received an outpouring of support from public safety professionals following the unanimous passage of similar laws in Wisconsin last year. Fantin originally introduced the legislation last year, but it was held in deferred consideration. "While the railroads have labeled the second crew member superfluous, we all understand the need for a well coordinated team to ensure compliance with operating rules, the safe handling of hazardous materials, and proper grade-crossing safety," said Szabo. "I urge all retired and active UTU members and their families to act now." VIRGINIA In an attempt to improve CSX's Critical Incident Program, Virginia Legislative Director Richard E. Jeskey and Assistant Legislative Director Margaret Fiala met recently with Rob Shinn, the railroad's resident vice president of legislative affairs. The program is designed to provide professional counseling for employees who are experiencing post- traumatic stress as a result of witnessing serious bodily injury or death while on the job. A toll-free telephone number will provide employees with access to the proper health care professionals. The number is 1-800-657-3366. Jeskey pointed out that the union-negotiated health plan also provides access to professional help outside the company-provided programs. Because of legislation drafted in the Virginia General Assembly, Jeskey added, Norfolk Southern Railroad said they will soon implement a similar program. UTU local legislative representatives C. Ted Dover (1739) and Thomas George (631) were also in attendance at the meeting. IOWA In a letter to President Bill Clinton, Iowa Legislative Director Pat Hendricks commended Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene Molitoris for her efforts in promoting the safety and welfare of rail employees and the general public. "As a result of the recent tragic events on the Union Pacific Railroad, Ms. Molitoris has taken a strong and well-balanced approach to solving our safety concerns," wrote Hendricks. The letter was signed by Hendricks and the following legislative representatives: John E. Sweeney (646), Alan E. Thompson (316), Stephen P. Miller (228), William D. Backoff (17), Larry J. Pearson (306), Darrell L. Morrow (493), James H. Sandman (418), Dean A. Schafer (329), Phillip M. Wright (643), Steven R. Bovenmyer (867) and James H. Jones (199). FLORIDA Billy C. Knight, three-term chairman of the Florida State Legislative Board, retired December 2 after more than forty years of injury-free service as a conductor on the CSX Railroad. Knight, a member of UTU Local 1035 at Lakeland, Fla., was presented with a plaque by Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene Molitoris at the FRA's Safety Assurance and Compliance Program meeting December 1 in Tampa, Fla., commending his years of service. State Legislative Director Carl Cochran, who was in attendance at the meeting, expressed the gratitude of all UTU members for Knight's work on the legislative board. ARIZONA Legislative Director Scott Olson reported that the Arizona House of Representatives has been contacted by the UTU's state legislative board there and urged to introduce new legislation regarding insurance, hours of service for drivers, vehicle safety, and driver training of railroad-contracted "taxi" services. Representatives were also petitioned to enforce existing state codes for contract taxi services. Assistant Legislative Director Bill Chrisman, Legislative Representative Glenn Spafford (1081), Assistant Legislative Representative Steve Coffey (1081) and Designated Legal Counsel Chip Rabb III spearheaded the initiative. Further developments will be sent to the UTU NEWS as they become available. Olson also noted that the Arizona AFL-CIO would remain neutral if a representation election is ordered on the Union Pacific Railroad. NORTH DAKOTA State Legislative Director John Risch submitted testimony in a field hearing held by the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation in Bismarck, N.D., opposing a recent move by agricultural shippers and others to promote "competitive access" to U.S. railroads. Competitive access, or "forced access," as termed by those who oppose it, would grant the Surface Transportation Board the power to force railroads to allow other rail carriers, and possibly shippers, to use their privately-owned track. In his testimony, Risch emphasized that "competitive access" would erode both the job security and job safety of rail workers. Risch cited two recent accidents between shortline railroads and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe as evidence of threats to job safety. "For the government to force us to stand aside while others take our jobs is not a possibility and would be government-sanctioned union busting," Risch stated, citing current labor agreements. More on this issue is likely to follow. INDIANA James E. Carrico, Sr., director of the Indiana Legislative Board, was recently elected vice president of the Indiana AFL-CIO. Congratulations to Brother Carrico on this most prestigious honor. --------------------------------------- The traditional print edition of this month's UTU NEWS includes a pair of photographs on the STATEWATCH page: -- Legislative Representative David Harden of UTU Local 333 at North Vernon, Ind., C. Busse of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, and Indiana Legislative Director James E. Carrico, Sr., are depicted in attendance at a recent Informational Conference sponsored by Local 333; -- In the second photo, Florida State Legislative Director Carl Cochran looks on as Federal Railroad Administration chief Jolene Molitoris presents retired Florida Legislative Board Chairman Billy C. Knight with a plaque commending him for his years of service. --------------------------------------- MONTHLY FEATURE --Yardmasters -- A vital part of today's UTU .......##S Realizing that corporate mergers and restructuring were permanently altering the face of the railroad industry, Railroad Yardmasters of America President A. T. Otto, Jr., declared in 1985 that "the time has come for the rail labor movement to do the same...we must change with it, or be left at the post." With a three-to-one vote in favor of a merger, the RYA's members took their future into their hands and approved a consolidation with the United Transportation Union (UTU). Today, the UTU's Yardmaster Department represents approximately 2,000 yardmasters and clerical employees on all of the Class I railroads in the United States, as well as Amtrak and many regional lines. "Although the Yardmaster Department is a small percentage of the UTU's membership," said Burlington Northern Santa Fe General Chairperson Billy Cobean, "we have maintained our autonomy, while receiving tremendous support from the International." UNION PACIFIC UNION YARDMASTER COUNCIL Clearly, the most noteworthy event for the UTU's Yardmaster Department in the last year was the formation of the Union Pacific Union Yardmaster Council. In an effort to retain hundreds of union yardmaster jobs, the UTU and the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) teamed-up to form the UPUYC to represent UP yardmasters following the merger of the UP and Southern Pacific Railroads. Prior to the merger, yardmasters on the SP were represented by the Western Rail Supervisors' Association of the TCU, while those employed on the former Missouri Pacific and the former Chicago & North Western were represented by UTU. To complicate matters, a portion of UP's yardmasters were represented by the Yardmaster Steering Committee, an association of UP supervisors with no formal agreement with the carrier. As a result, 80% of UP yardmasters working on the merged system chose union representation, and 97% of those voting chose the UPUYC. In announcing the historic alliance, International President Charles L. Little said that the unions avoided a representation fight to protect the collective bargaining agreements already in place. In addition to retaining their respective members, the UTU and TCU will each claim an additional 90 members, as the 180 members of the Yardmaster Steering Committee will join union ranks. Union Pacific General Chairperson Jerry Martin, who along with General Chairperson David Just and TCU WRSA Chairman Rusty Strain also serve on the council, was particularly heartened by the addition of the UP supervisors. "It was the first time on a major scale that we were able to bring management people back into the union," Martin said. Negotiations between UP officials and council representatives were held this year on January 21-23, February 9-12 and February 24-26. New wage rates, seniority rosters and job descriptions were among the many topics of discussion. The council now represents 540 yardmasters on the Union Pacific. BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE Employees entering yardmaster service on the BNSF will now receive training at the carrier's new state-of- the-art facility at Johnson County Community College in Kansas City, Kan. BNSF Chairperson Billy Cobean was present as the college's new yardmaster simulator was unveiled. Cobean said the simulator was set up just like a yardmaster's office, with computers, multi-channel radios and telephone and fax equipment. Cobean also reported that a tentative agreement has been reached on the Kansas City, Fort Worth and Amarillo in regard to the Section 4 notices served there. He said the agreement is "far superior" to those reached at other terminals and expects a ratification vote soon. CONRAIL/CSX NORFOLK SOUTHERN The words "corporate takeover" rarely bring smiles to the faces of a company's employees, and the announcement of the proposed division of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk Southern was no exception. Realizing the potential harm to UTU membership, International President Charles L. Little sanctioned general chairpersons on the affected committees to reach protective agreements with those railroads in return for the UTU's restraint in opposing the deal. "This is a milestone commitment to protect union jobs by having the carriers agree to grant automatic certification to train-and-engine service employees, yardmasters and hostlers who could be adversely affected by the looming merger of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk Southern," said Little. Carver says the carriers' proposed operating plan calls for the possible reduction of 25 yardmaster positions between the three railroads involved. However, he feels that following transfers and reassignments, no actual job losses are likely. "It's too early to tell," said Arthur. "Nobody really knows what will happen until it happens." Conrail General Chairperson J.R. Cumby and CSX (B&O) General Chairperson Richard Degenova both pointed out that no merger was ever done for the sake of employees. "In fact," Degenova said, "all mergers are to eliminate employees. "No mergers are for the employees," said Cumby, "but if and when it happens, we just want to get in and do what's right for everybody." R.J. Cooper, general chairperson on the Norfolk Southern (N&W), said that although he supports the merger "conditionally," many members do not because they realize that potentially jobs may be in jeopardy. REPRESENTATION VOTE If the National Mediation Board rules that a representational dispute exists between the UTU and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), and calls for a representation election, UTU yardmasters would not have an opportunity to vote. However, a UTU victory would provide plenty of opportunity. Consolidation of the UTU and the BLE, regardless of the method, would be beneficial to the yardmasters, and to those employed in the operating crafts. BLE agreements prohibit those in engine service from accepting promotion to yardmaster without losing their engineer seniority, and Cobean recalled one who was just recently denied the opportunity. "Most BLE general committees hold the position that anyone holding seniority in engine service is not permitted leave of absence to work in any capacity except as an exempt officer," said Carver. Thus, it is not surprising that the UTU yardmaster general chairpersons express overwhelming support for the UTU's bid to create a single operating classification represented by a single operating union. "We feel we are headed in the right direction under President Little's leadership in unification of all crafts for more influence over the carriers," said Cooper. Cobean agrees. "The UTU offers outstanding opportunity for the various crafts to work on a united front. We are tremendously fortunate to have the leadership of President Little and Assistant President Boyd." In an environment that is constantly changing due to technological advances and corporate consolidations, the UTU's yardmasters remain committed to excellence. Joking that he has been run over by trainmen trying to get out the door after two weeks of training, Cooper said that complex operations and ever-changing computer technology are part of the job. "We'd just like to get across to the carriers the worth and importance of our jobs," said Just. HIGHLIGHTS FROM UTU YARDMASTER GENERAL COMMITTEES -- Although the Houston Belt and Terminal has become another casualty of the UP/SP merger, general chairperson Larry Smith reported that no yardmaster jobs were lost. On March 1, the terminal was formally dissolved and the assets were divided equally between owning carriers UP and BNSF. Smith is one of five yardmasters who chose employment with BNSF, while five others joined UP and will eventually become members of the UPUYC. Another five have accepted management positions. -- The Yardmaster Department is proud to welcome 16 clerical employees from the Ohio-based, Class II Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad into UTU membership. The UTU represents five yardmasters on the property, as well as train and engine service employees. W&LE Yardmaster General Chairperson Jerry Fortune, who recently participated in an organizing drive on the Indiana Southshore Railroad, said the UTU cannot ignore employees on shortline rails. "They probably make up close to 25% of railroad employment in the U.S.," he said. -- Joe Mercurio, who represents 17 yardmasters on the Canadian Pacific (former Delaware and Hudson) said contract talks with CP are continuing. The 27-year union officer, who said he was educated during the "Guilford era," expressed concern over a management proposal to control train operations in the company's Buffalo yard from their yard in Binghamton, N.Y. "The carrier wants to create, basically, a super yard. Yardmasters in Binghamton, 250 miles away, would be controlling our yard in Buffalo. I'm not going to let that happen," he said. -- Yardmaster General Chairperson Tom Turner reports that he is "absolutely getting nowhere" in obtaining a new contract for yardmasters on the CP (former Soo Line). A federal mediator has now been assigned by the National Mediation Board to assist in negotiations. He said management has proposed locking yardmasters into the craft and refusing them a return to train service. A contract with the Indiana Harbor Belt is likely soon, as management has basically agreed to the terms of the last national agreement. -- The contract covering yardmasters on the Long Island Rail Road will expire in December 1998, reports Chairperson John Eschmann. Negotiations to take over some current management positions (trainmaster) are making progress. Management may propose that employees pay a portion of their medical coverage, "but we'll strike before that happens," Eschmann said. ------------------ Serving the yardmasters at the International are Assistant to the President-Yardmasters DON CARVER and Alternate Assistant to the President-Yardmasters BOB ARTHUR. CARVER was the Assistant President of the Railroad Yardmasters of America in 1985. He was elected to his present office in 1987 and was re-elected at each of the past two UTU Conventions. His dedication and expertise are highly regarded among all general chairpersons served by the department. A member of the International since 1987, ARTHUR succeeded Carver as the chairman and labor member of the Fourth Division of the National Railroad Board of Adjustment, a labor-management board established under the Railway Labor Act to resolve disputes in interpretation and application of agreements with U.S. rail carriers. Together, the two assist the general committees of adjustment in handling yardmaster grievances, provide support in contract negotiations, and oversee insurance matters for members under the RYA contracts and policies. The traditional print edition of this month's UTU NEWS includes a pair of photographs accompanying the special Yardmasters feature : Yardmaster and UTU Local Chairman (1963) Clifford N. Kramer operates computer equipment that controls hub movements at CSX's Queensgate Yard in Cincinnati, Ohio. "I sit down for eight hours and it seems like half an hour because of the constant work. I'm on my way before you know it," he said. SENIOR NEWS --RRB's annual report finds system healthy ......##T The U.S. Railroad Retirement System should remain financially healthy for at least the next 20 years, according to the 1997 annual report recently released by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). The report includes statistics from fiscal year 1996 as well as the results of the 20th Triennial Actuarial Valuation, submitted to Congress in June 1997, and the 1997 railroad unemployment insurance financial report. At the end of fiscal year 1996, the net position of the system's various trust funds totaled $14.8 billion, with revenues for the year exceeding expenditures by $564.4 million. The RRB noted that investment earnings of $1.1 billion during the year, including a capital gain of $148.9 million on the sale of investments, accounted for a major portion of the increase recorded by the system. Railroad retirement and survivor benefit programs are financed through five accounts, the report said, with revenues to those five accounts exceeding expenditures by approximately $610.7 million during fiscal 1996, and the equity balances of the retirement trust funds increasing by about $611.1 million to $14.7 billion. Results of the 20th Triennial Actuarial Valuation, reported by the RRB late last summer, reflected an improvement over the last triennial valuation, and concluded that barring a sudden, unanticipated, large decrease in railroad employment, no cash-flow problems will arise during the next 20 years. The 1997 financial report for the unemployment insurance system was also favorable, indicating it would remain solvent except under the board's most pessimistic employment assumption. Even then, projections indicate only a small, short-term cash flow problem might develop, with quick repayment of the loan resulting from the shortfall. The report noted that as a result of investigations conducted by the RRB Office of Inspector General, about $701,000 was returned to the RRB's trust funds and $64,000 was returned to the Medicare trust funds. The board also noted the number of field offices, which stood at 86 in January 1995 and 57 in June 1997, will be further reduced to 53 by the end of 1998. --Retired railroader takes to the sky ..............##U The sky's the limit for some, but for 80-year-old Retiree Program member Vernon L. Renfro, who's been flying since age 16, it's just one more place to enjoy life. A member of Local 1518, Indianapolis, Ind., Renfro probably would be a retired pilot today had it not been for a heart murmur that kept him out of the air corps. Instead, when the U.S. entered World War II, Renfro answered the call as a member of the 715th Railroad Operating Battalion. Those years marked the only period in Renfro's life, after getting his pilot's license, that he wasn't flying. Renfro grew up on the south side of Chicago, and at age 14 landed a job doing light maintenance at Midway Airport during the Depression. Renfro not only learned to fly there at age 16, but also met such legendary aviators as Roscoe Turner, Jimmy Doolittle and Eddy Rickenbacker. Later in life, his hobby led him to meet Howard Hughes. At 17, he got a job at the Western Indiana railyard as switchman, but the job was only available in the winter, so he jumped at the chance in 1938 to hire out as a brakeman with the Big Four Railroad in Mattoon, Ill. After the war, Renfro went back to the rails, eventually becoming a conductor before retiring in July 1978. In his early 20s, Renfro bought his first plane, a Tayne Knight Twister, purchased second-hand from someone who had built it from a kit. Thirteen more planes would follow. Renfro said the best plane he owned was a Beechcraft T-Tail, an all-weather, single-engine, four-seater he bought just after retiring, but he has fond memories of buzzing his fellow rail workers in a Benson Baby Ace, a single-engine, 65 h.p. high-wing plane. Today, he owns and flies a restored 1946 Luscom Silvaire. --VA patient enrollment required ................##V Beginning on October 1, 1998, veterans of U.S. military service must take steps to be enrolled in the VA Healthcare System to be treated at Veterans Administration (VA) medical facilities, with certain exceptions. Under the Veterans Healthcare Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, those who need not worry about enrollment include veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more; veterans who have been discharged from military service for less than a year for a compensable disability determined to have been incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and which has not yet been rated; and veterans who are seeking care for a service-connected disability. Also exempt are those who received care from the VA after September 30, 1996. Veterans can receive more information or apply for enrollment at any VA site providing medical care. --Info available on CPP changes ....................##W Canadian seniors should be aware of changes that took effect January 1, 1998, that impact a range of benefits payable through the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The changes affect contributions made to the plan, as well combined pensions, retirement pensions, disability payments, and death and survivors' payments where eligibility occurs after December 31, 1997, according to Human Resources Development Canada. The changes follow a statutory review of the CPP and are designed to ensure the plan is affordable for future generations and can be sustained in the face of an aging population. Those in Canada with questions about CPP or Old Age Security (OAS) benefits can receive more information by calling the toll-free number 1-800-277-9914 (in English) or 1-800-277-9915 (in French). --PA retirees to hold spring dinner .............##X The Railroad Retiree Club of PA, Chapter II, Pottsville, Pa., will hold its annual spring dinner Wednesday, April 15, 1998, at the Middleport Inn, Middleport, Pa. One of the event's organizers, UTU Retiree Program Coordinator George Koval of Local 300, Philadelphia, Pa., recently received the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board's Citizen Achievement Award in honor of his "significant and valuable contributions to the mission and operation" of the board. For information about the upcoming dinner, or to make reservations, call Koval at (717)-622-1684. --Retiree marks 100th birthday .....................##Y Retired member Edward C. Westerman recently received from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board a congratulatory letter marking the celebration of his 100th birthday on December 31, 1997. A member of Local 1831, Babylon, N.Y., Westerman last worked as a yard brakeman on the Long Island Rail Road in December 1964. --Annual picnic in St. Petersburg, Fla., set ...##Z Retired railroaders from all crafts in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, Fla., are invited to join the fun at the annual picnic begun by Conrail retirees seven years ago, according to Retiree Program member Joe Alenduff of Local 1963, Louisville, Ky., who notes 120 invitations have been mailed out. This year's picnic will be staged in St. Petersburg's Ft. DeSota Park in shelter No. 3-E on March 21, 1998. The event begins at 11 a.m. Participants are urged to bring a dish or two to share, with iced tea, coffee and ham sandwiches to be furnished by the organizers. For more information, call Alenduff at (813) 522- 6808. --Cruise features the sounds of the Big Bands .....##AA Those eyeing the Caribbean cruise being sponsored this autumn by the UTU Travelers Club will be interested to learn that Norwegian Cruise Lines has changed the entertainment theme to feature the music of the Big Band Era. The Thanksgiving week cruise aboard the luxury ship The Norway is still set for November 21-28, 1998, with prices starting at just $959 per person (inside stateroom, double occupancy, airfare not included). Travelers will depart from Miami, Fla., and visit St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Maarten. For more information, contact our Travel Consultant Lynn Westphal toll free at Landfall Travel by dialing 1- 800-835-9233, or write to: UTU Travelers Club, Landfall Travel, 14724 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107. --The Final Call ...............................##BB 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. 0001 ... Tomczyk, Felix J. ............. Holland, NY 0001 ... Edwards Jr., G. H. ............ Buffalo, NY 0060 ... Wynne, John ............... New Milford, NJ 0110 ... Hernandez, Victor ...... Corpus Christi, TX 0150 ... Hoover, James J. ............... Export, PA 0168 ... Mathey, Edward N. .............. Peoria, AZ 0171 ... Michel, D. J. .................. Aurora, IL 0211 ... Snyder, Frederick C. ......... Scranton, PA 0238 ... Iman, Benjamin W. ............... Ogden, UT 0281 ... Lazenby, Billie G. ........... Sullivan, WI 0306 ... McKown, Orville L. ......... Sioux City, IA 0333 ... Dunn, William A. ............ Vincennes, IN 0407 ... Amerson, James B. .......... Charleston, SC 0453 ... Wallace, Thomas W. ............ Mattoon, IL 0454 ... Grauer, Wm. H. .............. Baltimore, MD 0493 ... Houy, Russel J. ............... Hayward, WI 0504 ... Nightingale, H. R. .......... Glen Dale, WV 0577 ... Smith, Malcolm C. .......... Villa Park, IL 0590 ... Doyle, J. W. .............. Lyndon Sta., WI 0632 ... Mahan, Francis T. ...... St. Petersburg, FL 0632 ... Dumm, Henry P. ............... Spangler, PA 0655 ... Dotson, Veldon D. ................ Wise, VA 0707 ... Roberts, James M. .......... Marysville, KS 0724 ... Choate, James D. ............... Vienna, IL 0727 ... Hoemberg, Paul V. ............. Staples, MN 0785 ... Taylor Sr., George R. ....... Princeton, KY 0804 ... Keith, Malcolm S. .......... Hoisington, KS 0904 ... Crabtree Sr., John C. ...... Evansville, IN 0965 ... Whitten, Gene E. .............. Hawkins, TX 0977 ... Kuh, J. L. .................. Kennewick, WA 0991 ... McDowell, Francis L. ....... Wellsville, OH 1092 ... Posey Jr., Albert S. ........... Teague, TX 1117 ... Smith, Richard P. ........... Las Vegas, NV 1126 ... Wertenberg, Rex H. .............. Pratt, KS 1301 ... Hickey, Calvin M. ........... Knoxville, TN 1373 ... Minter, William R. ........ Maple Shade, NJ 1377 ... Behrens, Alfred H. ......... Cincinnati, OH 1379 ... Stork, Melvin C. ......... Grand Valley, AZ 1383 ... Drummond, Willard .......... Valparaiso, IN 1383 ... Woodruff, James L. ....... Schererville, IN 1393 ... Butters, James B. ............... Depew, NY 1403 ... Baker, Frank D. ................ Belton, MO 1418 ... Lani, Joseph ............. New Brighton, PA 1470 ... Knepp, Henry P. ........... Ormond Bch., FL 1502 ... Eichelberger, Ralph ... Lk. Panasoffkee, FL 1518 ... Kupfer, Grover A. ............ Lawrence, IN 1524 ... Conner, Joshua B. ............. Houston, TX 1534 ... Lester, William J. ............ Chicago, IL 1548 ... Butler, George W. ........ Bowling Grn., KY 1581 ... Overlease, George A. ...... Bakersfield, CA 1732 ... McMillan, Fred G. ............ Paradise, CA 1765 ... Christensen, Russell J. ....... Wyoming, MI 1780 ... Frey, Albert F. ........... Kansas City, MO 1823 ... Jaworski, Joseph A. ......... St. Louis, MO 1831 ... Grammick, William J. ........ Keansburg, NJ 1910 ... Holt, John R. .................. Albany, GA 1918 ... Brasfield, Thomas W. .......... Houston, TX 1948 ... McCarl, George E. ............. Weirton, WV 1957 ... Scott, Fred W. ............... Carthage, TX TPEL HONOR ROLL --Contributors' continued support recognized ......##CC 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 Sharrock, John C. 102 Toledo, OH DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB ($600 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Galloway, Thomas H. 102 Toledo, OH Virgin, Gary K. 1000 Minneapolis, MN Tello, Michael F. 1882 Minneapolis, MN DIAMOND PLUS CLUB ($400 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Brister Jr., Ernest L. 564 Cleburne, TX Stubblefield, James E. 891 Whitefish, MT DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Turner, Asber 904 Evansville, IN Carmody Sr., John S. 1081 Glendale, AZ Caliste, Carla S. 1175 Duluth, MN McNelis, Bernard J. 1594 Upper Darby, PA DIAMOND CLUB ($300.00 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Chavez, Larry A. 202 Denver, CO Hersey, Michael J. 262 Boston, MA Reynolds Jr., Lester 631 Brunswick, MD Burkard, John L. 1000 Minneapolis, MN GOLD CLUB ($100 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE *Moore, Ralph O. 9 Slaton, TX Doyle, J.J. 61 Philadelphia, PA Dobbins, Joseph A. 77 New York, NY Matthews, Gary W. 77 New York, NY O'Shea, Kevin A. 77 New York, NY Reinholt, David J. 77 New York, NY Kollar Jr., Edward A. 84 Los Angeles, CA *Wilson, Isaac 84 Los Angeles, CA Osborne, Ronald E. 195 Galesburg, IL Johnson, Gregory L. 200 North Platte, NE Curtis, Shawn P. 202 Denver, CO Ramon, Frank C. 202 Denver, CO Albrecht, Roger W. 226 Moberly, MO Hawes, Donald D. 226 Moberly, MO Redmond, Ronald K. 226 Moberly, MO Kustes, Kerry J. 228 Cedar Rapids, IA Mass, John R. 228 Cedar Rapids, IA Redden, Gary P. 243 Ft. Worth, TX Andrew, Robert W. 258 Savanna, IL Christen, Scott J. 258 Savanna, IL Knutson, John M. 258 Savanna, IL Parker, Alan D. 258 Savanna, IL Reed Jr., Robert D. 258 Savanna, IL Jedrzejczyk, Ted 286 North Platte, NE Thomlison, Michael D. 286 North Platte, NE McKittrick, Charles N. 311 La Crosse, WI Allen, Gerald L. 313 Grand Rapids, MI Boruta, Matthew J. 313 Grand Rapids, MI Woodford, Robert W. 313 Grand Rapids, MI Nowlin, Charles A. 349 Kansas City, MO Culbertson, Dean A. 445 Niota, IL Grace, Henry R. 446 Cheyenne, WY Bruner, Fred L. 453 Clinton, IL Ensley, Donald T. 454 Baltimore, MD Griffin, Stanley W. 454 Baltimore, MD Lapinski, Leroy J. 454 Baltimore, MD McLaren, Michael P. 454 Baltimore, MD Samm, James P. 454 Baltimore, MD Sanjaun, Andres B. 454 Baltimore, MD Wilgis, Harry J. 454 Baltimore, MD Williams Jr., Richard 454 Baltimore, MD Stanfield III, Lloyd 462 Pine Bluff, AR Tucker, Allan R. 500 Grand Jct., CO Barnes, Ricky M. 564 Cleburne, TX Burns, Stephen R. 564 Cleburne, TX Cooke, John T. 564 Cleburne, TX Davis, Tony D. 564 Cleburne, TX Howell Jr., Charles W. 564 Cleburne, TX McAdams, James B. 564 Cleburne, TX Prioleau III, Ulysses 564 Cleburne, TX Stewart, Timothy K. 564 Cleburne, TX Tolson, Tom 564 Cleburne, TX Winder, Lola M. 564 Cleburne, TX Cheek Jr., James T. 622 Birmingham, AL Bly III, Russell M. 631 Brunswick, MD Trumbetic, Derek J. 631 Brunswick, MD Poppleton, William S. 646 Council Bluffs, IA Rasmussen, Kevin R. 646 Council Bluffs, IA *Howard, Louie J. 847 Birmingham, AL *Sturgill Jr., H.D. 924 Richmond, VA Schaefer, Robert L. 982 Rochester, NY Emberland, Donald E. 1000 Minneapolis, MN Godeen, Ronald E. 1000 Minneapolis, MN Johnson, Steve 1000 Minneapolis, MN Jouppi, Michael J. 1000 Minneapolis, MN Logan, Thomas G. 1000 Minneapolis, MN Long, James R. 1000 Minneapolis, MN Milberry, Thomas 1000 Minneapolis, MN Ryan, Timothy J. 1000 Minneapolis, MN Page Jr., Bernard B. 1006 Brownsville, PA Hatcher, Tommy G. 1016 Enid, OK Hughes, Terry C. 1016 Enid, OK Massine, Kevin P. 1059 Minot, ND Callaway, Franklin A. 1126 Pratt, KS Kizzire, Charles E. 1126 Pratt, KS Spaulding, James D. 1126 Pratt, KS *Chesser, A.H. 1313 Amarillo, TX Tronson, Dennis M. 1344 Mandan, ND Bleigh, Rondal K. 1374 New Castle, PA Finamore, Richard A. 1374 New Castle, PA Geraci, Anthony J. 1374 New Castle, PA *Kerr, Harold R. 1374 New Castle, PA Sefcik, Thomas G. 1374 New Castle, PA LaFargue, Charles M. 1458 DeQuincy, LA Lilly, David O. 1458 DeQuincy, LA Myers, Timothy 1458 DeQuincy, LA Redden, Robert L. 1458 DeQuincy, LA Chaney, Michael 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Dixon, Rocky A. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Green, Roy M. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Gutierrez, Leandro R. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Jarrell, Wardell 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Johnson, Terry W. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Lentz, Steve D. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Mathes, Charles D. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Turner, Bernell 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Krumwied, John E. 1525 Carbondale, IL Campbell, Wayne M. 1529 Walbridge, OH Dixon, Benny B. 1532 Kansas City, KS Staley, Michael O. 1554 Ogden, UT Cornelison, Wes 1581 Bakersfield, CA Keiser, Coleen 1581 Bakersfield, CA Ellis, Richard C. 1589 New Brunswick, NJ Fregoni, Frank J. 1589 New Brunswick, NJ Maldonade Jr., Wm. 1608 Chatsworth, CA *Miller, Donald Q. 1732 San Jose, CA *Pyritz, William D. 1800 Tucson, AZ Elliott, Cynthia A. 1882 Minneapolis, MN Gay, David J. 1882 Minneapolis, MN Hauser, Donald W. 1882 Minneapolis, MN Schingen, Steven L. 1882 Minneapolis, MN Ewing, William A. 1895 Chicago, IL Haake, Bernard H. 1895 Chicago, IL Kratz, Ronald C. 1949 Baltimore, MD MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Q & A --Explanation of benefits, and managed care ....##DD QUESTION: What is meant by reasonable and customary charges when I receive my Explanation of Benefits form and part of my claim was not paid? ANSWER: The insurance company uses information provided by an independent organization that collects fee information from most major health care administrators. These statistics are compiled by the insurance company based on the procedure code, geographical area, date of service and fee charged. To ensure the most current information available is used, this data is updated twice a year. Generally, a fee is considered reasonable if it is not more than the amount charged 90% of the time. QUESTION: If I am in managed care will the reasonable and customary charge be applied to my doctor/hospital visit? ANSWER: No. As long as you see your primary care physician first and he/she refers to a specialist, a $15 co-pay is all that is required for each visit. QUESTION: My dependent child is over 19 years old and away at college. What should I do to ensure my dependent child's eligibility? ANSWER: Secure enrollment records from the college indicating your dependent child is a full-time student and forward same to United HealthCare. NOTICES --Regional Meeting dates, prices noted ............##EE Listed below are telephone numbers and room rates for the host hotels for the three UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings scheduled for later this year. Due to the popularity of the meetings and the limited number of rooms available at the hotels, those members planning on attending a Regional Meeting should call as soon as possible to make their room reservations. A one-night deposit is required to guarantee your reservation. It can be paid by credit card when you call. Remember, each Regional Meeting will last three full days, and will offer something for everyone, from bus and rail members to local and general committee members to family members. A golf outing will be held the day before the first day of the meetings. Monday - Wednesday, June 22-24, 1998 International Plaza Hotel Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 1J4 (800) 668-3656; (416) 244-1711 NOTE: If traveling by train or plane, you must have a valid passport or certified copy of a birth certificate with official raised seal. GUEST ROOM RATES: $99 (Canadian) per night, plus tax, single or double occupancy (identify yourself as with the UTU). GUEST ROOM DEPOSIT: Required and applied to first nights' stay; check or credit card; NOTE: To obtain the best possible U.S./Canadian currency exchange rate please use a credit card. RESERVATION DEADLINE: May 27, 1998; only 400 rooms are available. OVERFLOW HOTEL: Carlton Place Best Western, (416) 675-1234; same room rate as International. PARKING: Free at both hotels; $5C for other guests. CHECK IN: 3 p.m.; Check out: Noon. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- Monday - Wednesday, July 20-22, 1998 Westin Galleria and Oaks Houston, Tex. 77210 (800) 228-3000; (713) 960-8100 GUEST ROOM RATES: $92 per night, plus tax, single or double occupancy (identify yourself as with the UTU). GUEST ROOM DEPOSIT: Required and applied to first nights' stay; check or credit card. RESERVATION DEADLINE: June 26, 1998. PARKING: $14 overnight; $6.50 short term. CHECK IN: 3 p.m.; Check out: 1 p.m. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- Tuesday - Thursday, Aug. 11-13, 1998 Reno Hilton, Reno, Nev. 89595 (800) 648-5080; (702) 789-2031 GUEST ROOM RATES: $99 per night, plus tax, single or double occupancy (identify yourself as with the UTU). GUEST ROOM DEPOSIT: Required and applied to first nights' stay; check or credit card. RESERVATION DEADLINE: July 10, 1998. PARKING: Free. CHECK IN: 3 p.m.; Check out: 11 a.m. ----------------------------------------------- --Regional Meeting registration form ...........##FF UTU REGIONAL MEETING PRE-REGISTRATION FORM By registering in advance for the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings, you will speed registration at the meeting sites and help organizers plan more accurately. Name badges and information kits will be waiting for you upon arrival. _______Toronto, Ont,, June 22-24, 1998 _______Houston, Tex., July 20-22, 1998 _______Reno, Nev., Aug. 11-13, 1998 UTU Local_______or other affiliation_________________ Name/Title___________________________________________ Name for Badge (if different)________________________ 2d Registrant name/title_____________________________ Name for Badge (if different)________________________ 3rd Registrant name/title____________________________ Name for Badge (if different)________________________ Home address_________________________________________ City_________________________________________________ State_______________________ Code____________________ Daytime phone number (_______) ______________________ Advance registration fee of $100 (U.S.) per person included with this form? ______Yes ______No All registration fees include: Sunday (Monday Reno) welcome reception; Monday (Tuesday Reno) night theme reception; Tuesday (Wednesday Reno) night special night out and Wednesday (Thursday Reno) evening reception/banquet/awards dinner; three lunches; all training workshop materials. This fee is due 30 days prior to each meeting date. Make all checks payable to "UTU Regional Meeting." Send this completed form to UTU Registration, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. You may cancel seven full days prior to arrival with no penalty. Please fax any changes or cancellations immediately to the UTU International at (216) 228-5755. --Regional Meeting golf outing information ........##GG Arrangements have been made for golf outings at each of the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings. These golf outings will be held the Sunday before the start of each Regional Meeting (except at Reno; the golf outing will be held on Mon., Aug. 10) at challenging local golf courses. Printed below is information on the individual golf outings and a registration form. Please note the registration deadline for each golf outing. The registration fee includes the greens fee and golf carts, as well as round-trip transportation to the golf course from the host hotel. TORONTO, ONTARIO, REGIONAL MEETING Date: Sunday, June 21, 1998 Place: TBA Tee-off time: TBA Fee per person: $75 U.S. per person Deadline for registering: June 1, 1998 Details for the golf outings at Houston, Tex., and Reno, Nev., Regional Meetings have yet to be determined. Watch for details in the UTU NEWS. --Regional Meeting golf registration form ......##HH GOLF OUTING REGISTRATION FORM Name______________________________________Local_______ _ Address_______________________________________________ _ City/State/ZIP________________________________________ _ Which golf outings will you be attending? ______Toronto ______Houston ______Reno Handicap or average 18-hole score_____________________ The format at all outings will be scramble/best ball. All foursomes will be established by draw from a handicap pool. No prearranged foursomes will be considered. Foursomes will be made up of one golfer from each of four classes: A, B, C and D. Please complete this form and send it with your registration fee (payable to "UTU") by the applicable deadline to: UTU REGIONAL MEETING GOLF REGISTRATION, 14600 DETROIT AVE., CLEVELAND, OH 44107-4250. ------------------------------------------------ --Hazmat handling classes offered .................##II The George Meany Center for Labor Studies will conduct a series of four hazardous waste/chemical emergency response training programs at the center's campus in Silver Spring, Md. The classes will be held Apr. 26-30; July 19-23; Aug. 2-6, and Aug. 16-20. This training addresses the required procedures and different levels of response and worker protection in case of a hazardous materials release. Training also includes advanced classroom instruction as well as intensive hands-on drills, including a simulated hazmat response in full safety gear. Transportation, lodging and meals are provided for all program participants. In addition, participants who are not full-time union staff will be provided a stipend of $107 for each of the four days of training. Space is limited to 25 for each program, and participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information contact the Meany Center at (301) 431-5435. --Monthly apparel winner announced .............##JJ This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of UTU-logoed wearing apparel is Steven W. Cosper of Ft. Worth, Tex., whose name was randomly drawn from UTU's list of active and retired members. Brother Cosper is an active member of Local 937 at Mart, Tex., which represents workers employed on the Union Pacific Railroad (Southern District). Brother Cosper 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 (many new items are now available; write the UTU Supply Department for details). This program is a way to thank the many men and women who make this union great. --Photos wanted for UTU calendar, more ............##KK UTU wants your photos for its 1999 UTU calendar. Active and retired members are invited to submit photos taken in any year depicting their workplace or a UTU social function. (People in photos must be UTU- connected.) The 12 best photos will be featured in next year's UTU calendar, and their contributors will be awarded their choice of apparel bearing the UTU logo. Submissions should be sent to UTU International Headquarters, and must be received by August 15, 1998. Meanwhile, the UTU Public Relations Department is always seeking to diversify and expand its catalog of up-to-date photographs for possible use in illustrating UTU NEWS articles. Photos of UTU-represented railroad, bus or mass transit personnel, as well as photographs of equipment and locations, would be welcomed. Photos generally cannot be returned, although special requests may be honored. Either black and white or color photos are acceptable. If possible, please identify those people or places pictured. Send your photographs to UTU NEWS, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107. --UTUIA handles tomorrow today .................##LL How many times have you thought, "I really should look into some life insurance for the kids," and the next thing you know, a year or more has gone by and you haven't found the time to do so? It's never too early to start thinking about life insurance for children and grandchildren. Permanent life insurance provides living benefits and is a wonderful way to provide a legacy for your youngsters. What better way to show them you care? Permanent life insurance is very inexpensive at young ages, and premium-paying choices are endless. Premiums can be paid in one lump-sum payment, over a five- or ten-year period, for the whole life, or anything in between. For information and personal service, call (800) 558- 8842, Ext. 211 today! UTU NEWS |