UTU NEWS
| Volume 30 | May, 1998 | Number 5 |
UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION A Service of the United Transportation Union Public Relations Department Charles L. Little International President Roger D. Griffeth International General Secretary & Treasurer Editorial Offices: WELCOME TO THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR "If unity among all operating employees can be achieved within the House of Labor, then we have all won." UTU Int'l Asst. President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS EDITION UTU, BLE talks eye affiliation or merger ........##A AROUND THE UTU News from around the U.S. and Canada ............##I MEMBERSHIP PROFILE Member commands place of distinction .........##J BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT "Labor in action" ...............................##K SEPTA members approve new pact ...............##L YARDMASTER REPORT "Pact ratified" .................................##M EDITORIALS One labor union for all ......................##N "It takes courage to hang tough" ................##Q "Open letter to rail executives" .............##R "Amtrak has suffered long enough" ...............##S Voices: Members share their opinions .........##T STATE WATCH News from UTU State Legislative Boards ..........##U MONTHLY FEATURE UTU rolls out classroom on wheels ............##V FELA UPDATE "Heed time limits for claims" ...................##W SENIOR NEWS Member's photos spice "Reading RR Weekend" ...##X NOTICES Monthly apparel winner announced ...............##CC ==================================================== IN THIS EDITION --UTU, BLE talks eye affiliation or merger ........##A CLEVELAND -- Talks about an affiliation or merger between the United Transportation Union and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers will resume in mid-May and continue to be facilitated by former AFL-CIO President Tom Donahue. On April 9, the principal officers of the UTU and BLE held their first meeting where Donahue served as chairman. Donahue agreed to continue in that role and has scheduled further meetings with each union's leadership separately before holding new joint meetings in mid-May. For the present time, both unions have agreed to a news blackout of the substance of the discussions. UTU International President Charles L. Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., met with BLE International President Clarence V. Monin and First Vice President Ed Dubrowski at a Cleveland airport motel on April 9. Donahue, who was asked by AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney to facilitate the discussions between the two rail operating unions, chaired that meeting. Little said he was "optimistically encouraged" after the April 9 meeting concluded. "It was a good first meeting," he said. "We have a lot of work to do." According to Donahue, "Both these unions are committed to their memberships and are now engaged in a consideration of what the appropriate relationship between them should be, a consideration of what structures and procedures will best serve their members and insure the proper representation of their interests in collective bargaining. I look forward to working with the leaders of the BLE and the UTU in the weeks ahead as they consider these matters." In late March, at the behest of Sweeney, the UTU and BLE agreed to put their current differences "on hold" and to begin "good faith" discussions in an effort to resolve long-standing issues and to facilitate "consideration of an affiliation and/or merger." Both organizations also agreed to refrain from further activities that are detrimental to either union. At Sweeney's request the UTU asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to "hold in abeyance" its request to create a consolidated craft and class of Train and Engine Service Employees and to sanction representation elections beginning on the Union Pacific Railroad. On January 12 the UTU filed a petition with the NMB seeking such a ruling, which set off a controversy within rail labor. "The UTU asked the NMB to put our application 'on hold' while we begin serious discussions to include all operating employees under one big labor tent," said Little. "If our discussions result in an affiliation or merger, this application would become moot." Little said the UTU "has not withdrawn its NMB application" but is "willing to put that process on hold to see if we can accomplish what is best for all of operating labor at the negotiating table." --UTU/UP hotline pinpoints trouble spots .......##B CLEVELAND -- The Union Pacific Railroad's operating problems continue to disrupt the lives of United Transportation Union members working on the nation's largest carrier. On March 23, the UTU established a special telephone hotline for members to report special problems they are encountering on the troubled UP. In the first four weeks of operation, the UTU-UP hotline has received more than 350 calls reporting a virtual smorgasbord of operating concerns ranging from hours of service violations to ineffective lineups to pay issues. "The hotline has given us an eye into the heart of the problems on the Union Pacific," said International Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. "The UP has a long way to go to live up to the commitments it made to us in Houston recently. They better get on the stick and fast." Boyd said the hotline has "helped shine the spotlight on some of the major problem areas" and it has aided and reinforced the UTU's efforts to get to "the heart of the problems affecting nearly every UTU member on the UP." "Our members who have used the hotline have given the UP general chairpersons and the International a few more bullets to use in making the Union Pacific get its house in order," said Boyd. "I want to thank the members who have cooperated in the spirit of fraternalism and professionalism and helped shine the spotlight on the UP's problems. I also want to salute the general chairpersons and local officers who have used hotline reports to further challenge the carrier to fix things now." While some of the hotline complaints already were in the "pipeline," according to several UP general chairperson, the sheer volume of complaints adds urgency to the issue. "The hotline does good," said UP General Chairperson G.A. "Pete" Eickmann (UP-Eastern District). "It gives members some place to air their gripes and get it to the locals." Said General Chairperson Sam Rudel (UP-Missouri Pacific), "The hotline shows that the International is listening, which is important. It shows the International is being proactive. It's been bringing some issues to the Union Pacific's attention." Norm Lucas, general chairperson (UP-Western District) added, "I applaud the effort." He noted that the hotline supplements the mechanisms already in place for grievance handling, rate of pay complaints, crew calling procedures and safety issues. Warner Biedenharn, UTU International's Membership Services director, is managing the hotline at the International. He said the hotline is meant to "give the International a window on the bigger problem on the Union Pacific and to assist the general chairpersons and local officers in spotlighting certain issues in order to help resolve problems." In some cases, Biedenharn noted, International President Charles L. Little and Assistant President Boyd have helped resolve several issues directly with the Union Pacific. Biedenharn, who responds personally to virtually every call, noted that some Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineer (BLE) members have also used the hotline. "We are glad to take all calls," he said. "Everyone in rail labor is affected by the UP's problems." Biedenharn asked that the hotline be used primarily to report current operating, safety and pay issues and that callers please be as specific as possible. Said Boyd, "All indications are that the performance of the Union Pacific is the key to its survival. It is time for the UP to fulfill its commitments to UTU members, its shippers, the government and the American people. They must put out the fires they have and stop starting new ones. The hotline shows us that new fires are starting that the carrier promised to fix. That cannot continue for too much longer." --Conrail talks continue ..........................##C UTU representatives and officials from Conrail, Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSXT are continuing to meet in an effort to work out an implementing agreement should the government approve the sale and breakup of Conrail. At UTU News presstime, union and NS officials were meeting to work out the details of an agreement for that property. Talks with CSXT officials were to begin the following week. "We are still hopeful of reaching implementing agreements with both carriers before the Surface Transportation Board makes its final decision in June," Vice President Robert Earley said. --CN workers ratify contract ...................##D A three-year contract calling for wage increases, pension improvements, better health-care provisions and other benefits has been ratified by more than 5,800 Canadian National employees represented by a joint council comprised of the UTU and BLE. The contract is retroactive to the beginning of the year. --UTU seeks more two-person crew laws .............##E UTU International President Charles Little is urging all state legislative directors to work for the adoption of two-person locomotive crew laws in their respective states. Little called the effort "a major new national legislative initiative the United Transportation Union is undertaking on a state-by-state basis." "As you know, Wisconsin recently enacted the 'UTU Two-Man Crew Bill,' making it the first state in the country with such a law to promote railroad safety," Little wrote to the state directors. "When Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson signed the law, he proclaimed it the 'UTU Bill' because of our members' efforts to get it passed." "The International is asking that each state legislative director, with the assistance of local officers and members, begin planning a campaign to get a 'UTU Two-Man Crew Bill' passed in their respective state," Little continued. "In Wisconsin, the 'UTU Bill' requires that a certified railroad locomotive engineer and a qualified railroad trainman be on every railroad train or locomotive operating in the state." For guidance, a copy of the legislation passed by the Wisconsin Assembly and a videotape of the bill-signing ceremony was sent to each SLD. "State Legislative Director Thomas P. Dwyer II led the Wisconsin effort and was assisted by many other UTU officers and members," Little said. "Many legislators credited the strong grassroots effort by UTU members and praised the expertise of union officers." "We believe we can replicate the Wisconsin effort on a carefully coordinated state-by-state basis," Little said. "By passing similar laws in more states, we will enhance railroad safety by assuring that two-person crews operate every railroad train or locomotive. This unprecedented safety effort by the UTU is an example of our proactive approach to solving difficult issues. We believe, as we learned in Wisconsin, that the best way to affect railroad safety is by getting laws passed at the state level where government is more receptive to tackling important issues and listening to constituents." --Boyd attends NTSB safety hearing .............##F Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., recently represented the UTU at National Transportation Safety Board hearings on national railroad safety issues, where questioned carrier officers on their compliance with Federal safety laws. In a photo appearing in the traditional print edition of this month's issue of the UTU NEWS, Boyd is shown meeting with Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene Molitoris while Wyoming State Legislative Director T.R. Shelby looks on. --Fred Hardin succumbs to illness .................##G Fred A. Hardin, former International president of the UTU, died April 3, 1998, at his home in Boca Raton, Fla., after a short illness. He was 80 years old. Hardin began his railroad career at Greenville, S.C., in 1940 as a Southern Railway brakeman. He became interested in affairs of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (BRT) and was elected vice general chairman and then general chairman for his union, handling union affairs with the railroad. Hardin was elected alternate vice president of the BRT in 1964 and became a full vice president in 1968, winning re-election in 1971 and 1975. He was elected International president of the UTU in 1979 and won re-election at national conventions in 1983 and 1987. He retired in 1991. Hardin also served as chairman of the Railway Labor Executives' Association from 1981 to 1984 and as chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee for the cooperating railway labor organizations, handling negotiations over health and welfare issues with the nation's rail carriers, from 1973 through 1984. In 1985, Hardin was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as a member of the President's Advisory Committee on Mediation and Conciliation. He also was appointed by President Gerald Ford as the labor member on a national panel to study rising costs of medical care. "Hardin's death marks the end of an era," UTU International President Charles L. Little said. "All UTU members, and working men and women everywhere, owe Fred Hardin a debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts on their behalf. We extend our sincere condolences to his family." Hardin was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, in 1991. He is survived by daughters Carol H. Mascia of Boca Raton, Fla., Jane Hardin-Dikman of Tampa, Fla., and son David Hardin of South Florida, and six grandchildren. The family requests that contributions be made to Hospice by the Sea, 1531 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, Fla. 33486. --Gus Welty, 66, passes away ...................##H Gus Welty, senior editor of RAILWAY AGE, died at his home in Clarendon Hills, Ill., in March after a long illness. He was 66. Welty worked as a reporter for the Greensburg, Pa., Tribune before joining the Chicago office of RAILWAY AGE in 1957. His name was on RAILWAY AGE's masthead for the next 41 years, first as regional news editor, then western editor, and finally senior editor. Welty was best known for his widely quoted "Lines on Labor" column, for which he won awards for excellence in editorial writing. "Although he may not have always agreed with labor's stand on a subject, you could trust that Gus Welty would always be willing to listen to you and give you every opportunity to make your case," UTU International President Charles L. Little said. "He called them as he saw them, and that kind of honesty and forthrightness over the years helped railroad management and labor, guided it to the middle ground of cooperation and compromise. We may not have always seen eye to eye, but we will miss his gruff voice of reason." AROUND THE UTU --News from around the U.S. and Canada ............##I LOCAL 4, CHARNY, QUEBEC Despite a preliminary decision to abandon eight miles of track and close a pair of Southshore stations (Charny and Levis), Secretary-Treasurer LOUIS-FRANCOIS GARCEAU recently appeared before Parliament's Standing Committee on Transport in his role as secretary-treasurer of the Coalition Pour le Maintien et l'utilisation Accrue du Rail (Coalition to Maintain and Use Actively the Railway) to present facts arguing for a reconsideration of the action. Transcripts of the session are available via the Internet at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/36/1/parlbus/commbus/house/tran/evidence/tranev16-e.htm. LOCAL 117, VANCOUVER, WASH. A reunion is planned for employees, their families and friends associated with Amtrak's Pioneer Trains #25 and #26, which were eliminated in May 1997, according to GERALD R. CREECH. The reunion, open to all, will feature a barbecue May 16 at the Hat Rock Campground near Hermiston, Ore. For information, contact Creech at (514) 983-2644, write to him at P.O. Box 320, Plymouth, WA 99346, or e-mail: <gerry-cathycreech@juno.com>. LOCAL 168, CHICAGO, ILL. Members working for Amtrak recently participated in peer support training conducted by the carrier's Employee Assistance Program in cooperation with a group that previously served the Union Pacific's program. According to Secretary/Treasurer and Legislative Representative LEE CHANNING, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran involved for years in efforts to address post-traumatic disorders, credit for keeping the local involved in such progressive programs goes to Local Chairperson M.C. McKENNA. LOCAL 465, GILLETTE, WYO. BNSF Engineer TERRY L. EARLEY has been promoted to Sergeant Major with the Wyoming Army National Guard's 115th Field Artillery Brigade Operations in Cheyenne, Wyo., according to Local President Billy Montgomery. Brother Earley has 29 years with the military. LOCAL 492, SACRAMENTO, CAL. Local Legislative Representative JOE DEBBS recently was honored at the annual awards banquet of the Safety Leadership Conference in Omaha, Neb., as winner for the 1997 J.C. Kenefick Award for Safety. Praised by Union Pacific (UP) President Jerry Davis, who addressed the 378 in attendance, Debbs thanked those who aided his efforts, including the safety committees in Roseville, Salinas, San Jose, Stockton and Dunsmuir in California, as well as the committee in Sparks, Nev. Debbs will represent UP in competition for the national Harold Hammond Award presented by the E.H. Harriman Memorial Awards Institute. LOCAL 507, VAN BUREN, ARK. A fund has been set up to assist Brother FRED GARCIA and his family, whose house burned down early last month, according to Local Chairperson PATRICK LYNCH. Garcia, local chairperson for conductors and trainmen, served as a delegate at the last UTU Convention. Those who wish to help the Garcias, who have a four-year-old daughter, should make checks payable to "Fred Garcia Fire Fund," and should direct them to the First National Bank, 228 Phoenix Village Mall, Ft. Smith, AR 72901. LOCAL 1035, LAKELAND, FLA. Members honored Local Chairperson TERRY PARKER, who is in his seventh term, for his many years of service with a surprise party, according to Local President RICKY E. LOMINACK and Secretary/Treasurer LARRY PLATT. Brother Parker was presented with a plaque and two Shimano Calcutta rods and reels. Also recognized for her contributions to the local was Parker's wife BARBARA, who was presented with a card and a check in appreciation of her many years spent answering the phone and taking messages for her husband. LOCAL 1202, FORT WAYNE, IND. Members who work for Norfolk Southern are doing battle with the company, which won't let employees mark off as sick. Regular meetings are held at noon on the second Tuesday of each month at the Trion Tavern in Fort Wayne, according to Local Chairperson MARK GOEBEL, who encourages members to attend the meetings. LOCAL 1299, CHICAGO, ILL. Elected by acclamation as new local chairperson is ANDREW ROBUCK, who was nominated for the post after members of the local learned WALTER RODZEN had submitted his resignation to Local President WILLARD A. BOOTH. LOCAL 1409, KANSAS CITY, KAN. A recent Operation Lifesaver presentation based on personal experience, delivered by Conductor DAVID BOYLES at a U.S. Department of Transportation "Moving Kids Safely" regional conference in Kansas City, Mo., so impressed a local television anchorperson that Brother Boyles was asked to work on a grade-crossing series for the evening news. LOCAL 1620, ELKHART, IND. Members of the local, along with the labor community at large, were saddened by the loss of MICHAEL LAWRENCE, a retired Teamster and union activist who died after an extended illness. In 1990, Lawrence joined the Division of Labor Studies staff at Indiana University South Bend and helped create the Labor in the Schools program. According to Local Legislative Representative STEVEN R. FILBERT, Lawrence was recognized for his many achievements in 1995 when then-Governor Evan Bayh honored him as Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award Indiana can bestow on one of its citizens. LOCAL 1697, LUBBOCK, TEX. The local was honored to learn one of its members, LEON DAVIS, was chosen to serve as an operator of MEMBERSHIP I, the UTU's mobile training and conference center. The local's newsletter this month recognizes JIM LAING of Albuquerque, N.M., as "Member of the Month," according to Local Treasurer PAT TUMAN. LOCAL 1741, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. Four UTU members, all school bus drivers with Laidlaw Transit, were instrumental in saving the life of a janitor who collapsed from a heart attack at the company's facility. While JAMES WYNN and DONALD BROWN administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to janitor M. Barfield, OLLIE ROBINSON and FRANK LEMMON sought help. Paramedics praised drivers Wynn and Brown for their quick thinking and positive response, saying their efforts made the difference between Mr. Barfield resting at San Francisco General Hospital or resting in peace. MEMBERSHIP PROFILE --Member commands place of distinction .........##J At age 78, with 56 years of membership, 48 as local chairperson (until his recent retirement), Charles "Chuck" McGowan probably held a longevity record with the UTU. Endurance aside, McGowan holds a place of distinction due to something he did in St. Louis, Mo., on July 8, 1963. At the 38th convention of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen (BLF&E), McGowan proposed a resolution urging the industry's operating crafts to unite as a single union. The resolution led directly to talks which, in half a decade, culminated in the Unification Agreement that forms the bedrock of today's United Transportation Union. Needing money while attending the University of Arizona from 1939 to 1941, McGowan went to work for the Southern Pacific (SP) in February 1942 as a fireman. World War II heated up, and he left the railroad in July 1942 to join the Marines. When he returned to the states, he married and went back to the SP, becoming an engineer in 1946. McGowan earned a degree in education, but railroading had gotten under his skin. He was elected local chairperson in 1950, a post he held with Local 1629 in Phoenix, Ariz., until his recent retirement. For seven years, he also served as the first SP committee vice general chairperson. McGowan thinks he may hold a place of distinction for another incident. "I was one of the last of the railroaders to be hijacked," he explained. "In 1966, a pair of escaped prisoners got on our train with a shotgun. The incident ended when the cops took them away about two hours later." BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT --"Labor in action" ...............................##K Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept. On Feb. 26, 1998, more than 200 Buffalo, N.Y., area labor unions launched their own health care plan called LaborHealth Plan. The LaborHealth Plan will actually be two plans, which include a HMO and a PPO. As part of the plan, employees using the plan will have the option of using unionized hospitals and health-care providers. According to news reports, the idea is to harness unions' buying power to fight rising health care costs that are blocking efforts to win wage increases. The LaborHealth HMO plan will cost approximately 5% less than competing HMOs. Meanwhile, New York legislators have enacted a new law that requires the phone number of the owner and/or operator of every school bus to be posted on the rear of the vehicle so motorists can keep a watchful eye over these carriers and easily report drivers traveling in an improper or dangerous manner. Can you imagine how many grievances this legislation will cause? Every school bus driver will now have every motorist judging his or her abilities! In another development, the New York State Assembly has passed legislation that will allow employees up to 24 hours of parental-involvement and eldercare leave each year. Parental-involvement leave allows for parents to take time off from work to attend parent-teacher conferences or to take a child or elderly family member to the doctor. The New York Senate has not yet taken action on this bill. It is hoped the U. S. Congress will pass similar legislation to allow everyone to be entitled to this important time off to attend to family needs. Thanks to Alternate Vice President Trudy Weber for this information. --SEPTA members approve new pact ...............##L Members of UTU Local 1594, which represents 280 bus and rail operators, have overwhelmingly ratified a new, three-year contract with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. The agreement calls for wage increases totaling 10% over three years, a 32% pension increase, the continuation of fully paid family health care coverage, and an incentive program that allows members to earn paid days off, along with some paid days up front. The agreement also provides early retirement incentives and changes in Workers' Compensation programs. The UTU was the first of the major unions representing SEPTA workers to agree on a new contract. More than 5,500 other unionized employees are continuing to work as negotiations continue. "This is probably one of the best contracts ever on SEPTA Suburban," said Vice President Bernie McNelis of the UTU Bus Department, who assisted with the negotiations. "The war never ends, but this battle is over," said General Chairperson Robert T. Gabe, who was assisted by Vice Chairpersons M. Buchanan, T. Bisignani, R. Koran and G. Yagmourian. YARDMASTER REPORT --"Pact ratified" .................................##M Editorial by Don R. Carver Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept. St. Lawrence & Hudson (former D&H) yardmasters have ratified a new contract. The new pact provides for general wage increases and 20 minutes paid transfer time. The St.L&H yardmasters are not required to contribute to the premium offset provided for in the national health care package. Lump sum and retroactive wage payments are due within 60 days following the ratification. The yardmaster committees on Conrail, Norfolk Southern and CSXT have begun joint discussions with their carriers for the handling of yardmasters in the CSXT and NS purchase and break up of Conrail. Six yardmaster general chairpersons will be involved in these discussions. They are: J.R. Cumby, Conrail; D.K Turner, CSXT; R.P. DeGenova, CSXT; E.C. Howell, CSXT; R.J. Cooper, NS, and W.J. Headrick, Jr., NS. More yardmasters will be affected by the CSXT/NS purchase of Conrail than by any transaction in the past. Meetings were held last month in Williamsburg, Va., and Chicago, Ill. Future meetings are scheduled in Cincinnati, Ohio and Jacksonville, Fla. The National Mediation Board has scheduled mediation sessions on the Soo Line yardmaster contract in Minneapolis for May 19, 20 and 21. Mediation sessions are pending for Amtrak and Grand Trunk Western yardmaster committees. New York Dock, Section 4, negotiations are scheduled later this month between the BNSF and UTU committees representing the yardmasters in Denver, Colo., on the former BN and C&S yardmasters for consolidation of the Denver Terminal. EDITORIALS --One labor union for all ......................##N On January 12, when we began our Operating Unity Initiative, the United Transportation Union pledged itself to creating one great railroad union for all operating employees. We believed it was the right thing to do then, and we believe it is the right thing to do now. At the urging of AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney, and under the guidance of former federation president Tom Donahue, we are beginning serious dialogue with the leadership of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Our ultimate goal is to forge a bond between the two unions that will result in one stronger-than-ever organization that can best represent the interests of all operating employees and the historical operating crafts. We must remain optimistic that rational minds and true hearts will be able achieve this goal at the conference table within the House of Labor. But whatever the results of these merger talks with the BLE, there is no turning back from our stated goal. There must be one powerful operating rail union to take our members into the 21st Century. --MEMBERSHIP I: Training, pride and more ..........##O Now, the UTU is literally a union on the move. The union's commitment to bring education and training programs directly to its members where they live is now a reality in the form of MEMBERSHIP I. This customized, state-of-the-art motorcoach-a classroom (and much more) on wheels-is also much more than a symbol of the UTU's forward momentum. It is an example of a union that is recreating itself for the challenges of the 21st Century by using transportation and technology to better serve its members. Take a tour of MEMBERSHIP I in this month's UTU NEWS feature-of-the-month ("UTU rolls out classroom on wheels"). The mobile facility will be coming to a town near you soon. And it will be at each of this summer's Regional Meetings. --Wake-up time at UP, other railroads ..........##P Our telephone hotline reveals clearly that severe operating problems still exist on the Union Pacific Railroad. The UP has yet to live up to many of the promises it made recently in Houston. Severe problems persist system-wide in such areas as the crew calling system, management attitude, hours of service, and others. Patience is running thin. Yet, we in rail labor know that the UP is just a microcosm of the railroad industry. Can UP clean up its act? It better. But then the question is: Who's next? --"It takes courage to hang tough" ................##Q Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr. UTU International Assistant President Courage is a concept too often misunderstood. Courage can be both a grand act that makes history, or small acts that get you through the day. Today, courage is a concept that must be made relevant and valuable again. It must be liberated from the trash pile of worn-out clichŽs and given fresh, important meaning. Do you know you are giving courage that new meaning? That's because it lies within the heart of every member in the United Transportation Union. Tough times often draw out the courage within each of us. And make no mistake, these are tough times in the transportation industry. Do you know what courage is? It's going to work everyday. For many, it means going to work on a railroad in serious trouble, the Union Pacific. Since we began the UTU-Union Pacific Hotline, we have learned first hand the courage of many UTU members. So far, we have received more than 350 calls. We know a hotline cannot solve the problems of a railroad in chaos-and the UP fits the bill. But we can use the extra information to help resolve some troublesome issues, exert extra pressure on the carrier, and in some cases step in and get immediate results. That's a win-win situation for UTU members. After many of the stories we have heard, we know it takes great courage just to hang in there. And the Union Pacific is just the most visible example. Other carriers face similar issues. If it were not for you, the UTU members, going beyond the call of duty every day, the UP and other carriers would be up the creek. This is a time of great courage in this union, and I applaud all of you. But there is also another kind of courage. That is the courage to stick to your guns even when the establishment rallies against you. It is the courage to try to make history because you know it is the right thing to do. When Charlie Little began the Operating Unity Initiative in January, he had the courage to take on the rail labor establishment to do what is right long-term for all operating employees. Just as he had the courage to begin a necessary initiative with the National Mediation Board, he also has the courage to throttle back and try to achieve the same results at the conference table with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. If unity among all operating employees can be achieved within the House of Labor, then we have all won. If not we will still have the courage to proceed through the only means available. When we see how brave all of you are every day, we can do no less. --"Open letter to rail executives" .............##R Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer UTU National Legislative Director Your employees have been telling you to wake up for a long time. They have given you numerous warnings. You see, Mr. CEO, the UTU members want to see your railroad prosper because that is how they keep their jobs and prosper. Unfortunately, instead of listening to the employees who care, you have been looking in the mirror and congratulating yourself on bigger bonuses and dividends. Mr. CEO, your service has gotten so bad that, when you blame your problems on rail labor, the shippers don't listen any more. But now the chickens are coming home to roost. Your service is lousy, and every week it gets worse. You have been acting toward your shippers like you have been acting toward your employees. You have been ignoring them and, when confronted with reality, you simply deny it. No one believes you when you tell them it's going to get better next month, or soon. The UTU members have stuck with you and, if you will listen, they have some wonderful solutions to your problems. In fact, if you had been listening to them all along, you may not have the problems you are faced with today. Some shippers are not leaving your railroad to go to another railroad. They're leaving for trucks or other forms of competing transportation. Yes, it may cost them money but it is what they have to do to get dependable service and their products to market. Shippers are ripping out their tracks and paving over their road beds so they can park truck trailers to load what you should be carrying. When and if you get your service problems straightened out, they won't care. They will already have made a major capital investment in their trucking equipment. Shippers all over the U.S. are begging for rail cars but you don't have any because either you didn't buy them or they're stuck on some siding someplace. There are trains sitting in sidings all over America with no power because you bought no locomotives. You sold a lot of what you owned to the shortlines. There are trains sitting everywhere without crews because you refused to hire and train sufficient people. Trains are sitting right now, not moving, while the crews await transportation. When they finally do get picked up, they are usually driven by a low-paid van driver who is more tired than the crew he's hauling. It is unbelievable that you have left some dedicated employees out there for more than 20 hours after they have gone on duty before they can get a little rest. The only ally you have, the only group to stand with you, are the employees that you ignore. You can have all of the high level, important meetings at headquarters on how to deal with your issues; you can hire all the consultants that you want. They will be of little help. Why don't you pay attention to those people who told you the problem was coming and have solutions on how to correct them? Don't wait too long. Your shippers are leaving you as fast as they can find a trucking company to haul their goods. I suggest you cut the vanity and start working for sanity because what you are doing now is simply crazy. --"Amtrak has suffered long enough" ...............##S Editorial by Daniel W. Collins, Local 1393 Former UTU Asst. GS&T, Amtrak Board of Directors The time has arrived for a "New Deal (or a "Fair Deal") for Amtrak in its life-support struggle for survival. The patient has suffered long enough. There now exists an absolute need to correct the long-standing imbalance in the allocation of Federal funds to support the several transportation modes we have in this country. Why do legislators at the Federal and state levels insist on labeling financial support for Amtrak, our one and only national passenger train system, as a subsidy, and at the same time insist that support for our highways, airways, and waterways is a needed investment in the nation's future? A good example of this stinking thinking is the present congressional effort by politicians of both parties to pump $215 billion into highways, and at the same time set up a Reform Council on Amtrak to oversee investment of $2.2 billion by council members, some of whom have openly expressed in their writings that the need exists to either privatize, regionalize or liquidate the company? It should also be remembered that the $2.2-billion investment is a one-shot deal, designed to replace Amtrak's bid for a continuing source of funding through sharing a small part of the Federal tax on gasoline. A half-cent sharing in the gasoline tax would have provided Amtrak about $750 million of needed capital per year over the long haul versus a quick fix of $2.2 billion over the short haul for two years, while $5 billion is actually needed to rebuild the railroad. The architects of this funding swap intend to cut operating and needed capital funding appropriations to force Amtrak into a state of "self-sufficiency" by the year 2002. What they really intend is to give Amtrak a one-shot deal for two years, and then let their hand-picked Reform Council tell Congress that it didn't work and the time has come to liquidate the company, and reorganize it by implementing Cong. Bud Shuster's "Blue Ribbon Plan" by setting up two separate companies on the Northeast Corridor, Amerail to maintain the infrastructure and Amtrak to operate the trains, and let the rest of the system go to the highest bidder -- if they can find one. The concept of a national passenger system will in a short time disappear. Without Federal support for a national system, the separate states cannot and will not assume responsibility for operating and maintaining a truly national system of passenger trains. Whatever appropriations dollars they muster will, of necessity, be used to maintain their highways, secondary roads, and city streets, along with aged bridges desperately in need of repair. They also will be more concerned with supporting their regional and commuter services than with interstate passenger trains. The other fact worth bringing to light is that once the nation's one and only national passenger train system disappears, there will never be another one. The idea that competitive passenger train service can come about because of a policy of "open access" to privately owned trackage of freight railroads is not about to happen, and no politician has the guts to suggest nationalizing the tracks, as we have done with the interstate highway system. The freight railroads won't allow it, the competition couldn't afford it, and Congress can't force it. Members of Congress like to talk about their support for needed change. What they mean is the need for other people to change, not themselves. If they were truly concerned with needed change, I would suggest that they first take a good look at the injustice they have done to Amtrak and its people over the past 27 years, their 60-year lack of support for a national transportation policy that recognizes and supports the needs of all our transportation systems, not the greed of some. For 27 years, the people of Amtrak have struggled against all odds to keep the system intact and operating for the benefit of millions of Americans. They deserve something better than the dismantling efforts of a Government-sponsored demolition squad. Patrick Henry once said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. My advice to the people of Amtrak, and to their union leaders, is to be ever vigilant of the actions of the "Reformation Council." Remember that the responsibility for saving your company is yours, not theirs. You will be here after they have gone, if your actions speak louder than their words and if your efforts are joined with the efforts of others to preserve this national asset. The choice is yours to make now. Not two years from now! Once it's gone, there will never be another national railroad passenger system. If you care enough to help save our system, contact: Mr. Anthony Iannone, Secretary, Save Our System Committee, 1515 Market Street, Ste. 515, Philadelphia, PA 19102. --Voices: Members share their opinions .........##T 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, answered by UTU State Legislative Directors: DOES LABOR NEED ITS OWN POLITICAL PARTY? "I don't think labor should separate itself from mainstream political activities in this nation. We can be more effective if we actively participate in the structure that exists today. I think our focus should be in encouraging members to register, to vote, and be more politically active than they have been in the past. What we really need to do is convince our membership that what happens politically is significant to their families." -- JAMES A. STEM, JR., N. CAROLINA STATE LEG. DIR. "A labor party would be great if we had enough union members across the nation to elect the candidates, but with union membership standing at 14%, we would have a very difficult time getting any candidate elected. It's probably easier with a two-party system than with three, four or more parties diluting the vote. If everybody got registered, and they all voted, and they'd consider labor recommendations, we could do pretty good with the system we have now." -- ROBERT W. MARSHALL, KENTUCKY STATE LEG. DIR. "Forming our own party is not a solution. I think it sends the wrong message, and it would be counterproductive. A third party dilutes both existing parties to some extent, and definitely would hurt the Democratic Party. I don't think we have the finances available to get a Labor Party candidate elected. None of it makes a bit of difference if working people don't register and then vote. You'd be amazed to find out how many working people aren't registered and never vote." -- DAVID BRICKEY, MICHIGAN STATE LEG. DIR. "No, I don't personally believe so. I do believe people need to participate in the process, first, by registering to vote, second, by voting, and third, by contributing to our TPEL and other labor-oriented political action committees so we can support the candidates that support labor. Also, by participating in the established system, members can voice their concerns to their elected representatives. I believe our members should hold their representatives accountable." -- JAMES E. CARRICO, SR., INDIANA STATE LEG. DIR. STATE WATCH --News from UTU State Legislative Boards ..........##U CALIFORNIA California State Legislative Director James (J.P.) Jones recommends that members in the Golden State vote for the following candidates in the June 2 primary election. Where no district is given, no selection has been made. Incumbents are noted with *. SENATE Barbara Boxer (D)* HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dist. 1st Mike Thompson (D) 5th Robert Matsui (D)* 6th Lynn Woolsey (D)* 7th George Miller (D)* 8th Nancy Pelosi (D)* 9th Barbara Lee (D) 10th Ellen Tauscher (D)* 12th Tom Lantos (D)* 13th Fortney Stark (D)* 14th Anna Eshoo (D)* 16th Zoe Lofgren (D)* 17th Sam Farr (D)* 18th Gary Condit (D)* 22nd Lois Capps (D)* 24th Brad Sherman (D)* 26th Howard Berman (D)* 27th Barry A. Gordon (D) 29th Henry Waxman (D)* 30th Xavier Becerra (D)* 31st Matthew Martinez (D)* 32nd Julian Dixon (D)* 33rd Lucille Roybal-Allard (D)* 34th Grace Napolitano (D) 35th Maxine Waters (D)* 37th Juanita McDonald (D)* 42nd George Brown (D)* 46th Loretta Sanchez (D)* 49th Christine Kehoe (D) 50th Bob Filner (D)* ILLINOIS The State Legislative Board has joined ranks with the Illinois State AFL-CIO and the Chicago Federation of Labor to endorse the candidacy of Cong. Glenn Poshard (D) for governor of Illinois. Poshard is clearly one of the most ethical officials in government today, Illinois State Legislative Director JOE SZABO said. He has declined to spend over $1.2 million available to him to run his congressional office during his eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives and has received a "gold star" from The Chicago Tribune for his 100% attendance record in Congress. Poshard voted against the permanent replacement of striking workers, opposed Fast Track NAFTA expansion and has voted against legislation that would allow employers to avoid paying overtime, Szabo said. MISSOURI State Legislative Director W. LARRY FOSTER reported that the outstanding efforts of UTU Local 933 members and state and local officials have paid off, as 215 Union Pacific Railroad employees will remain on the job in Jefferson City, Mo. The carrier had announced last November that some or all of the 215 Jefferson City-area employees would be transferred to boost productivity following its merger with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Fearing a loss in revenue, state and local politicians joined union officials in lobbying the company to keep the jobs in Jefferson City. "I really feel most everyone is going to be able to stay here several years, if not through" retirement, said UTU Local 933 Chairperson DELMER BROWN. Foster would like to congratulate Local Chairperson (SP Lines) Kenneth R. Menges, Legislative Representative Lyman A. Frank and Brown. NORTH CAROLINA State Legislative Director JAMES A. STEM, JR., was elected to the position of alternate national legislative director by the members of the UTU Board of Directors at a meeting held at the International on April 6. Stem replaces GENE PLOURD, who retired from the post at the end of 1997. As the office of alternate national legislative director is considered a part-time position, Stem will remain the state legislative director in North Carolina. "I will serve, as needed, as a public relations liaison, to communicate our message to the members of Congress," Stem said. OHIO The Executive Committee of the Ohio State Legislative Board has unanimously endorsed Lee Fisher as the Democratic candidate for governor in the state. As Fisher is facing a difficult primary election this month, State Legislative Director BILL THOMPSON urges all UTU members to support Fisher in the state's May 5th primary election. Fisher has served a public career spanning 15 years, including as state representative, a state senator, and as the state's attorney general. MONTHLY FEATURE --UTU rolls out classroom on wheels ............##V MEMBERSHIP I gives UTU members the home-field advantage when they are on the road. Regardless of its location in North America, MEMBERSHIP I is designed to stay in touch at all times and be a state-of-the-art education and training center for UTU members. The idea behind creating MEMBERSHIP I dates to the early 1980s. "This has been a long time coming," said Charles L. Little, International President. "In the early 1980s, some of us realized the need for a mobile education facility. This is the result of the dream and hard work of many UTU members. Of course, the computer revolution and technology has changed the world dramatically since we first conceived of the idea." Bearing a name that connotes labor solidarity, MEMBERSHIP I is a first-of-its kind in the organized labor movement. Never before has a major International union tried to meld technology and transportation in such a way to serve its members. "The MEMBERSHIP I name was President Little's idea," said Charles R. Bethge, director of public relations, education and training. "It's a classroom and conference center on wheels crafted to stay perpetually on the road." Added Bethge: "Years ago, President Little had an idea for a way to deliver education and training to those members who couldn't make it to our Regional Meetings. And this is the way to do it." With a satellite communications system and the ability to host video training and organizing conferences from anywhere in North America, MEMBERSHIP I will deliver on the potential that top-rate education and training can offer. Here is more information about MEMBERSHIP I: MANY, MANY USES MEMBERSHIP I will be used for live training lectures and software demonstrations. It will also be used for local union meetings, claims conferences, general committee meetings, national and state legislative presentations, organizing efforts, membership services exhibitions, voter registration campaigns and more. THE CREW Only UTU members need apply. That's the idea behind the plan to use UTU member bus operators to pilot MEMBERSHIP I. The first crew was hand-picked by Vice President Bernie McNelis, head of the UTU Bus Department, to take MEMBERSHIP I on its inaugural journey. They are: General Chairperson Daniel T. Bentley, of Local 324 in Seattle, Wash., where members work for Evergreen Trails, Inc. (Gray Line of Seattle); Dick Peterson and Brian Donald, both of Local 324, Seattle, and Leon Davis, an employee of Texas, New Mexico & Oklahoma Coaches, Inc. (Panhandle Trailways), a member of Local 1697 in Happy, Tex. CREW MANNING PLAN Eventually, there will be other operators on the MEMBERSHIP I team. But for now it's up to Bentley, Davis, Peterson and Donald to handle the break-in period and work out any kinks. Usually, a crew of two will operate the motorcoach. Crews will spend about three or four weeks at a time on the road before being replace by a new rotation. BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT The driver's area is outfitted with a CB radio, an Intec back-up monitor (allowing the operator to see what's directly behind the vehicle), a Paneltronics power panel, a stereo cassette deck, a cellular phone, a Marley heater, a night-driving curtain, and a Philips Global Positioning Mapping System, with door-to-door trip-planning software. A lever also allows the operator to actuate a brass railroad airhorn. THE FIRST STOP The first stop for MEMBERSHIP I was the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) general committee offices in Irwindale, Cal. There, General Chairperson James Williams, his staff and representatives of Locals 1563, 1564, 1565, 1607 and 1608, hosted by International President Charles Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., toured the bus and viewed its capabilities. That evening the bus was the centerpiece of a UTU local meeting nearby. CONFERENCE ROOM ON WHEELS The back two-thirds of MEMBERSHIP I serves as the mobile classroom and conference center. It includes seating for 22 people and an instructor's station. The conference center is wired for sound and is equipped with a video- and computer-projection system, along with power jacks and network connections at each seat, which will allow members to bring their laptop computers into a training session and network with the instructor, an off-site lecturer, and each other. THE BUILDER Members of Teamsters Local 284 working at Custom Coach of Columbus, Ohio, built MEMBERSHIP I under the supervision of the UTU International. STAYING IN TOUCH MEMBERSHIP I features a state-of- the-art GPS navigational system hooked up to an onboard mapping screen mounted near the driver's seat. The motorcoach is tracked at all times from a satellite, which can pinpoint its position within 50 ft. anywhere on earth. If MEMBERSHIP I, for example, misses a turn, the system immediately begins plotting a new route to get to the destination. Or if MEMBERSHIP I gets stuck in traffic, the system will determine an alternate route. VITAL STATISTICS MEMBERSHIP I is built on a 45-ft. long, 8.5-ft. wide MCI chassis and is 13.5-ft. high. Under the hood is a 470-h.p., DDEC 3 computer-controlled Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and a transmission retarder. Besides its 192-gallon fuel tank, which allows for about a 1,500-mile range, it carries a 100-gal. fresh-water tank, as well as a 100-gal. holding tank. OTHER PARTS AND PIECES Some other onboard systems include dual water pumps, a heat exchanger, Copeland air-conditioning, Webasto-fuel oil heat and a microphor toilet, all perched atop a torsion ride offering a view through thermopane windows. HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE "Kneeling" technology makes the motorcoach accessible to those in wheelchairs. ELECTRONICS POWER SYSTEM To accommodate MEMBERSHIP I's onboard electronics, the motorcoach was built with a 2,800-watt inverter, a 20kW generator set, house batteries, and a 24-volt battery charger. OFFICE ON WHEELS MEMBERSHIP I can be used as a mobile field office with full-function capabilities. Directly behind the operator is an area of MEMBERSHIP I known as the Executive Office. Included are a settee and a swivel chair, a lavatory, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, a microwave oven, and a solid-surface countertop to serve as an ad hoc galley. Electronics in the Executive Office include a digital satellite phone, a cellular phone and facsimile machine, a VCR and 20-inch television, and an AM/FM cassette stereo system with a 10-stack CD player and Bose speaker system. EDUCATIONAL ELECTRONICS The Instructor's Station in the conference center includes a MicroLogix MidiTower, an Intel 233-Mhz processor with 64 Mb of RAM, a 3 Gb hard drive, a 32X CD-ROM drive, a 56 Kb FAX/Modem, a sound board, and a network interface card. A Toshiba 305 CDS with an Intel 166-Mhz processor, 2.1-Gb hard drive, and 48 MB of RAM serve as the back-up system. It also includes a pair of Hewlett-Packard printers. A/V CAPABILITIES MEMBERSHIP I can host either video or audio teleconferences. It includes a Polycom Audio Conference System, a centered master console, and remote microphones. COMMUNICATIONS MEMBERSHIP I is also a self-contained communications center, with a digital satellite communications system that allows Internet connections. Cellular and landline telephone connections also can be made from the classroom area. THE LATEST SOFTWARE Besides software allowing Internet access, the onboard computers are loaded with the Microsoft Windows '95 operating system, along with a variety of Microsoft applications including Access '97, Word '97, Excel '97 and Power Point '97. In addition, software used by field supervisors and others is included. WANT TO SEE MEMBERSHIP I? MEMBERSHIP I will be at all Regional Meeting locations. You also can check on its itinerary on the UTU's web site (www.utu.org). If your local or group would like to schedule a visit or training aboard MEMBERSHIP I, please send a letter specifying locations, dates and times to Cheryl Sneed, President's Dept., UTU, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107. FELA UPDATE --"Heed time limits for claims" ...................##W by Monte Bricker, Designated Legal Counsel 1-800-547-8811 How much time do you have to file a lawsuit if you are injured on the job? Everyone knows the answer to that question -- it's three years, right? The answer to that question is yes, no and maybe. Under the Federal Employers' Liability Act the injured employee must have settled the claim against the railroad or have filed a lawsuit within three years of the injury. Failure to do either of those things means that you cannot thereafter recover anything for your injury. That is only a partial answer, however. Many times it is necessary to sue the industry on whose property an injury occurred. The time limit for that lawsuit may vary by a number of years depending on state law. Sometimes it is important to sue a government entity -- a city, county or state. Under those circumstances it may be necessary under state law to notify that entity within 100 days of your injury that you intend to sue it. Failure to provide that notice will defeat your claim. In short, never rely upon the belief that you have three years in which to handle your claim for damages. Many railroaders have so relied -- and they have been sadly mistaken. Monte Bricker, Coordinator Designated Legal Counsel Program 1-800-547-8811 SENIOR NEWS --Member's photos spice "Reading RR Weekend" ...##X If you're a railfan, your other hobby is photography, and you spent your career employed by a railroad, you might consider yourself the luckiest person in the world. That's exactly the way retired member Robert J. Linden feels. During his 41 years on the Reading Railroad and Conrail, Linden rarely showed up for work without a camera. Today, he has thousands of photographs and slides, "from the sublime to the ridiculous," he said, "and I got the pictures the railfans couldn't get." Linden is more than willing to share his shots, along with his detailed memories. A member of Local 1375, Philadelphia, Pa., he's slated to host a presentation at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pa., during the Reading Company Weekend, set for July 3, 4, and 5, 1998. Like the shows he presented last year, these promise to last about an hour-and-a-half, depending on audience response. "We always have a nice group there, and I get a chance to see a lot of old friends," Linden said. Linden's father worked for the Reading Railroad from 1904 to 1932. In 1941, Linden signed on as a brakeman at the Erie Avenue Yard and became a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen's Black Diamond Lodge #978. Linden served with the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946. Grounded by airsickness, he was assigned to work on the Northern Pacific Railway, where "they had the big Mallet engines, and we saw miles and miles of tanks, jeeps and equipment needing to be shipped." While in the service, Linden married, and after VJ-Day, he brought his wife to Pennsylvania, went back to passenger service on the Reading, and progressed to conductor. A split shift allowed Linden to see his growing family and gave him the better part of the afternoon to simply ride the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) and take photographs. "I never got turned down for a ride on the PRR," Linden said. "The GG1 electrics on the PRR were my favorites! I have a photo somewhere of us doing exactly 100 mph. It's a hand-held shot. The track bed was so smooth. There were no vibrations at all." Time brought changes that transformed the area's railroads into Conrail, but circumstances allowed Linden to continue working passenger runs until he retired in February 1982. Members can contact Linden by calling him at (215) 855-6635, by writing to him at 610 Knoll Dr., Lansdale, PA 19446, or by attending the Reading Company Weekend at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Contact the museum by writing to P.O. Box 15, Strasburg, PA 17579, or call (717) 687-8628. --Oakland "Old Rails" write .......................##Y The Oakland Old Rails News, heir to the defunct Port Costa News, has made it into its third year with publication of the fifth issue earlier this year, according to editor and Retiree Program member Dick Murdock of Local 100, Oakland, Cal. Full of updates, recollections and more, copies may be obtained by contacting Murdock at P.O. Box 1436, Ross, CA 94957-1346. --Local 1373 to sponsor retiree reception ......##Z The Fifth Annual Retiree Reception for B&O/CSX retirees from Local 1373, Philadelphia, Pa., will be held on June 14, 1998, at the firehouse in Folcroft, Pa., from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to UTUIA Field Supervisor Tom Anziano. This year's event will cost $25 per couple ($15 per single). For more information, contact Anziano at 1-800-315-5609, or call L-1373 Chairperson Joe Kochersperger at (610) 446-6082. --Toledo, Ohio, retirees meet monthly ............##AA The first Monday of the month marks the day that around 100 retired New York Central, Pennsylvania Railroad, and Conrail retirees get together at 11 a.m. for lunch at The Surf Restaurant in Toledo, according to Gene LaHote of Local 890, Toledo, Ohio. For more information, contact LaHote by calling him at (419) 693-9775. --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. LOCAL NAME CITY 0001 Shanahan, Francis E. Buffalo, NY 0009 Thompson, R. H. Lubbock, TX 0018 Oglesby, Chester E. Tucumcari, NM 0060 Kelly, Joseph J. Dover, NJ 0094 Brubaker, Robert L. Kansas City, KS 0211 Buffone, Charles A. Waverly, NY 0228 Slutts, Robert G. Eldon, IA 0228 Smith, Richard E. Ottumwa, IA 0318 Smith, Rexford S. N. Hornell, NY 0329 Bass, Richard L. Boone, IA 0464 Gilbert, C. W. Eufaula, OK 0498 Smetzer, W. Harold Avon Pk., FL 0577 Drabik, Stanley C. Niles, IL 0622 Parker, William H. Birmingham, AL 0632 Hoover, Warren J. Altoona, PA 0656 Muller, Robert F. Little Rock, AR 0693 Beckwith, Glenn H. Akron, OH 0693 McPherson, Donald Massillon, OH 0694 Johnson, C. H. Dunsmuir, CA 0734 Yeakey, Kenneth P. Kalamazoo, MI 0753 Murphree, Norman L. St. Charles, MO 0792 Pipcak, Sam Canton, OH 0800 Hunter, Harry E. Glassboro, NJ 0832 Sclavi, Jean P. Superior, WI 0832 Stanke, Wilfred A. Stevens Pt., WI 0878 Martin, Durward W. Greenville, TX 1031 Thompson, Francis L. Pooler, GA 1075 Long Jr., Strother B. Taylor, MI 1129 Cooley, William C. Wake Forest, NC 1280 Joelson, Thomas A. Casper, WY 1292 Krmpotich, Robert F. Duluth, MN 1388 Watson, Ernest M. Overland, MO 1389 Swann, Truman E. W. Hamlin, WV 1390 Solomon, Julius W. Palm Bch., FL 1409 Adams Jr., Claude M. Marysville, KS 1445 McLean, William S. Plainfield, NJ 1447 Gasaik, Andrew J. Hopewell Jct., NY 1458 Smith Jr., Murphy Houston, TX 1491 Pflanz, Arthur F. Matamoras, PA 1518 Pettijohn, Donald E. Indianapolis, IN 1529 Szymanski, Daniel F. Toledo, OH 1544 Staats, Elmer V. San Marcos, CA 1614 Reeve, Robert Shoreview, MN 1800 Surma, Edmound A. Mesa, AZ 1917 Stiver Jr., John P. Fairfield, OH 1948 Barnhart, Thomas M. Elizabeth City, NC 1975 Baugher, Richard D. Waterloo, IL NOTICES --Monthly apparel winner announced ...............##CC This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of UTU-logoed wearing apparel is Gerald Taylor of Paterson, N.J. Brother Taylor is an active member of Local 33 in Paterson, which represents workers employed on NJ Transit Bus Lines. --Paris, France, travel package slated ........##DD The UTU Travelers Club is making available to active and retired members an opportunity to visit Paris, France. Set for Nov. 1-8, 1998, the package is priced at just $1,099 per person (plus $53 tax, based on double occupancy). Included is round-trip airfare from Baltimore to Paris on Iceland Air, four nights in a Paris hotel, two nights in Reims, France, breakfast and dinner each day, extensive sightseeing, and the use of a deluxe motor coach. Still available are a few berths on the Thanksgiving-week Caribbean cruise featuring Big Band music aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's The Norway. It drops anchor in St. Thomas, St. John and St. Maarten. Slated for Nov. 21-28, 1998, prices are $1,101 per person for an outside oceanview stateroom and $959 per person for an inside stateroom (based on double occupancy). For more information, call our Travel Consultant Lynn Westphal of Landfall Travel toll free at 1-800-835-9233, write to him at 14724 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107, or e-mail him at <LWestphal2@aol.com>. --Airlines offer Regional Meeting discounts .....##EE Southwest Airlines is offering a discount on most of its already low fares, for travel to and from the UTU Regional Meeting cities of Houston, Tex., and Reno, Nev. Members should call the Southwest Airlines Group and Meeting Desk at 1-800-433-5368, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by no later than five (5) days prior to first date of travel and refer to identifier code E1078 (Houston) or E1088 (Reno) to take advantage of this offer. UTU members also are advised to call right away as fares are subject to terms and availability. Because advance bookings are accepted by Southwest only through dates for which schedules have been opened, reservations may not yet be available for confirmation. Travel in or out of Dallas Love Field is subject to the requirements of the Wright Amendment. Continental Airlines also is offering UTU members discount rates on airfares to all three regional meeting cities. For reservations on Continental, please call Landfall Travel, 1-800-835-9233, or Continental's MeetingWorks Department at 1-800-468-7022. When contacting Continental directly, please refer to Reference Number "PCVXCX" and Code "ZDVF." --Toronto meeting update ......................##FF Members planning on attending the Toronto, Ont., Regional Meeting are now being directed to the Days Inn Airport, which is 10 minutes from the International Plaza. All rooms at both the International Plaza Hotel and the Carlton Place Best Western have been reserved. All three hotels are near the Toronto International Airport. --Regional Meeting dates, prices noted ...........##GG 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 ..........##HH ------------------------------------------------ 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 .......##II 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: Hunter's Glen Golf Club, Kleinburg, Ont. Tee-off time: 7:30 a.m. shotgun start Fee per person: $75 U.S. per person Deadline for registering: June 1, 1998 HOUSTON, TEX., REGIONAL MEETING Date: Sunday, July 19, 1998 Place: Bear Creek Golf World, Houston, Tex. Tee-off time: 8:30 a.m. shotgun start Fee per person: $75 U.S. per person Deadline for registering: July 3, 1998 RENO, NEV., REGIONAL MEETING Date: Monday, Aug. 10, 1998 Place: Wildcreek Golf Course, Sparks, Nev. Tee-off time: 8 a.m. shotgun start Fee per person: $75 U.S. per person Deadline for registering: July 31, 1998 --Regional Meeting golf registration form .....##JJ ------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------ --UTU watches, rings make great gifts ............##KK With Father's Day coming up on June 15, the time is right to drop a hint about (or make plans to surprise someone with) the perfect gift: A custom-designed UTU medallion watch or ring. To give members greater choice, UTU watches are available from two different manufacturers, Hamilton and American Time, in two different price ranges, with a number of styles from which to choose. Regardless of which manufacturer's watch you choose, these watches are all available in men's and women's styles, with your choice of either a Speidel expansion band or a genuine leather strap. And each manufacturer accommodates special engraving to personalize these fine timepieces. HAMILTON WATCHES Hamilton watches feature a Swiss quartz movement, the UTU logo, and your choice of a steam locomotive, caboose, or city bus in stunning, three-dimensional, micron-plated gold raised relief. Each can be engraved on the back and are delivered in a luxurious jeweler's presentation box suitable for gift-giving. The leather-strapped Hamilton watches are available for just $129, and the expansion bracelet model is priced at only $139. Either can be personally engraved on the back at no additional cost. (Please allow four to six weeks for delivery. Add $5 for shipping.) RINGS Featuring the UTU logo with smooth-top or facet-cut birthstone of your choice (birthstones are simulated), these rings, handmade by Jostens, are available in 10K Gold for $375 or in Aurora (gold alloy) for $199. Rings may be engraved and personalized. For more information about these Hamilton watches and Jostens rings, or to place your order, call (440) 247-5414; or send your name, address, phone number and the description of the ring or watch and band desired, along with your personal engraving instructions, to: AIG-Dept. R, 67 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. Payments may be made by check or money order payable to "AIG," or by Visa or MasterCard. Include card number and expiration date with order. AMERICAN TIME WATCHES Also available for gift-giving are three distinctive union-made UTU medallion watches produced by American Time. Featuring a five-jewel Swiss movement mounted in a classic, 18-karat gold-tone case, each precision timepiece is protected by a mar-resistant mineral crystal, backed by a two-year limited warranty, and may be engraved with a name and date or other personalized message. These watches are available in three styles: a black dial with gold tick marks or Arabic numerals, a gold-colored UTU logo and a date indicator; a white dial with gold tick marks or Arabic numerals, blue and red UTU logo and a date indicator; and an elegant 14-karat gold-filled dial boasting proof-coin brilliance, with Roman numerals and a gold-colored UTU logo. The white- or black-dial watches are available for $75 (plus $6.50 shipping), and the 14-karat gold- dial watch is priced at $100 (plus $6.50 shipping). Engraving is extra, all prices quoted are U.S., and Canadians are requested to please add $10 to the shipping price. For more information, or to place your order in time for Father's Day delivery, call American Time today toll free from the U.S. or Canada at 1-800-272-5120. --UTUIA Disability Income Replacement .........##LL WITH UTUIA'S DISABILITY INCOME REPLACEMENT INSURANCE, YOU WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT "INSUFFICIENT FUNDS" UTUIA recognizes your need to replace disability with the ability to meet never-ending obligations when an accident or illness strikes. Our unfailing commitment to provide the best Disability Income Replacement insurance has made UTUIA the association to rely upon for affordable disability income insurance. For more information, call the UTUIA Marketing and Sales office toll-free at 1-800-558-8842, Ext. 211, for personal service, or write to: UTUIA, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION |