UTU NEWS
| Volume 30 | September, 1998 | Number 9 |
UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION A Service of the United Transportation Union Public Relations Department Charles L. Little Roger D. Griffeth Editorial Offices: WELCOME TO THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR "Privatization of railroads has brought 52,000 unemployed Mexican railroad workers. The few that have been rehired have suffered reductions in salary, their benefits have been lost or diminished, their working conditions have become extremely inhuman, and their union agreed to waive their local rights." Salvator Zarco, TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS EDITION Pres. Little: UP crisis not over yet
..............##A AROUND THE UTU News from around the U.S. and Canada ..............##E MEMBERSHIP PROFILE Conrail volunteers sustain OpLifesaver .........##F BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT "How Many Jobs?"
..................................##G YARDMASTER REPORT "Giving Credit"
................................##H EDITORIALS Labor Day 1998
....................................##I Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr. "They're counting on you..."
......................##K Voices: Members share their opinions
...........##L STATE WATCH News from UTU State Legislative Boards
.........##N SPECIAL REPORT "The Changing Face of UTU Membership" ..........##P SENIOR NEWS .............................##Q Club's first president sets record straight TPEL HONOR ROLL Contributors' continued support recognized......##R NOTICES Special elections set for November
................##S ==================================================== IN THIS EDITION --Pres. Little: UP crisis not over yet ..............##A RENO, Nev. -- Although the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has declared that a crisis on the Union Pacific (UP) no longer exists in Houston, the United Transportation Union knows the crisis is not yet over. Not by a long shot. "We know what the real story is on the Union Pacific," said International President Charles L. Little. "UP cleaned up Houston enough to satisfy the STB, and shipped its troubles to Tucson and points west." UTU members working on the UP gave reports at the Regional Meeting here of trains being tied up in knots in the Tucson area, and others. One local officer reported, "Trains are tied up like a Rubik's Cube on every available piece of track around Tucson. Nothing's moving." Little said here that the International's priority is to make sure that "the 15,000 UTU members working on the Union Pacific have jobs." He called the UTU's current position regarding the UP "a tough balancing act." "We want to make sure there are jobs to go to and paychecks to support families," said Little. "No matter what you may hear, the UP is in a precarious position and the UTU does not want to be the organization to push them over the edge and out of business. On the other hand, we're working our damnedest to have them stop pushing our members over the edge." During his opening speech at the Reno Regional Meeting, Little said that the UP has to change the way it operates "or it will go out of existence." Recently, the UP issued a letter apologizing to its employees for the hardships it has imposed upon them. The July 28 letter acknowledged the carrier's responsibility for causing the worst service crisis - and among the worst operating rail conditions - in recent American railroad history. "If UP's attitude doesn't change, then it will go out of business," said Little. "The July 28 letter and other information we have received may be showing a serious attitude adjustment is finally in the works. But the jury's still out on that." Little credits UTU members and officers with instigating the UP attitude change. "The more than 1,000 calls to our UP hotline and the hard work of our local and International officers is paying off," Little said. "UP knows it cannot survive unless it treats its employees better and dramatically improves working conditions. That's still a big job." The UP's July 28 letter said, "We're working with your labor organizations right now to develop plans for: more predictable work schedules through an innovative crew scheduling program; less time on the road for every TE&Y employee; an aggressive fatigue management program; other changes aimed squarely at improving your quality of life." Since the service crisis was declared about seven months ago, UP's stock value has dropped by 50% and it has lost hundreds of millions of dollars. Since September 1997, UP said it has lost more than $373 million from operations. In its July 28 letter to employees, UP concluded: "The financial picture shows we're at a very crucial time where it's imperative that we (UP) get operations and service levels back to normal as quickly as possible." Byron A. Boyd, Jr., assistant president, said, "The Bible tells a story about King Solomon's Court and the baby. Do you cut the baby in half, or hand it to one of the two women? We cannot cut the Union Pacific in two, because it will not survive and 15,000 UTU members will have their lives disrupted. "What we are doing is pushing as hard as we can to get this sick child through its first tough year of life. And the UP needs all the pushing we can give it. If the Union Pacific does not survive, it's not because we didn't do all we could to save it and thousands of our members' jobs." --Van drivers aided in quest to unionize .........##B To assist the van drivers of California-based Renzenberger, Inc., in their efforts to unionize under the UTU banner, the UTU Bus Department is asking all rail members in the state who are served by the company to promote unionism among its drivers and to support their efforts. Renzenberger operates one of the van services in California which shuttle rail crews around rail yards and from location to location, mainly for the Union Pacific and Amtrak. In late July, the UTU mailed to all active rail employees in that state a letter urging support of the drivers' efforts, along with two authorization cards. "We are asking our rail crews to promote unionism, to promote the UTU, and to encourage and support these Renzenberger employees in their efforts to become unionized," said Vice President and Bus Department Director Bernie McNelis. On August 10, the UTU filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a representation election to be held for approximately 300 Renzenberger employees. McNelis also said the drivers and UTU would attempt to organize their counterparts in the northern portion of the state. "We are hoping to stick to our tentative schedule, with ballots being mailed by the NLRB in late September and being tabulated in early October," McNelis said. He added that he is grateful for all of the assistance he has received from bus and rail general chairpersons and state legislative directors in this cooperative effort. --Airport workers join UTU ..........................##C The UTU was certified as the collective bargaining agent for the custodial employees of Airport Group International in Albany, N.Y., on July 30, 1998. UTU International Vice President and Bus Department Director Bernie McNelis thanked New York State Legislative Director Sam Nasca and General Chairperson William Taylor (L-1582) for their hard work. All are eager and willing to assist our newest members in contract negotiations. --Meetings show UTU stronger than ever ...........##D RENO, Nev. -- The United Transportation Union concluded its summer Regional Meetings here setting an all-time attendance record and with strong UTUIA sales. In addition, International President Charles L. Little said the UTU is in the best financial position it has ever been in and that there are no outstanding major lawsuits against the union. He also said the UTU's purchase of a new headquarters for the National Legislative office in Washington was paid for in cash. More than 3,000 UTU members attended this summer's three Regional Meetings in Toronto, Houston and Reno. The Toronto meeting set a single-meeting attendance record of 1,400 members. Record amounts of UTUIA insurance policies were sold. "The spirit of the UTU is alive and well," said Little. "This summer we had more members come to the Regional Meetings with their families than ever before. That shows the spirit of this union is alive and well." Members and officers interviewed here agree that the UTU is right back on track. Al Chesser, International President from 1972 to 1980, delivered keynote luncheon speeches in Houston and Reno. He said, "You elected the right person (Little) at the right time. I agree with what he has done 100%." Others interviewed here echoed former International President Chesser. David Hakey, of Local 1458, DeQuincy, La., said, "The UTU is headed in the right direction, doing what needs to be done, with the best interests of its members and the labor movement foremost on its agenda. The future of our union looks very bright, and I'm very optimistic about what lies ahead. This administration, and President Charles Little, can count on my full support." Rich Draskovich, senior vice general chairperson, Union Pacific-Eastern District, said, "The UTU's in the best position that it's ever been in. We've got great legislative representatives, real good general chairpersons, and the leadership at the top is superb. The BLE initiative is so important to our future; we can only be stronger if we're united. I'm getting wildly enthusiastic responses to it from all the members, top to bottom, and I've got nothing but optimism about our future." Regarding the Reno Regional Meeting, Draskovich said, "I've been going to these meetings for 14 years, and in the past two years, they've been way ahead of previous offerings. These have been superior to all of them. I recommend them to everybody. It was excellent." Monty Tuchel, general chairperson of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern, said, "This is a great organization, and the initiative with the BLE is leading us in the right direction. On the DM&E, we represent conductors and engineers, and it works really well on our property. We have no problems at all. Craft autonomy has been preserved and we're proof that it works!" As to the Reno Regional Meeting, Tuchel said, "Smaller locals and committees like ours can't afford money for frivolous reasons, and I've been really gratified by my experiences here. This meeting has been the best I can remember. I need as much knowledge on the arbitration process as I can get, and these sessions really helped. It's a great opportunity that people from a smaller local like ours otherwise don't get." Scott Olson, Arizona state legislative director, said, "I've been a member of the BRT and UTU for nearly 33 years, and I've never seen it as strong in upper leadership as it is today. Without that leadership, we'd be in trouble and our jobs would be in great jeopardy. My hat's off to Charles Little, Byron Boyd and James Brunkenhoefer. I can't imagine a better guy to handle our initiative regarding the BLE than Charles Little." Jeff Shoop, local chairperson of Local 855 at Spokane, Wash., said, "I feel confident we're taking the steps needed to tackle the issues we'll be facing in the immediate future. I'm an engineer, and I'd like to see the UTU and BLE combine. I was glad to see this initiative take shape. I'm also glad to see organizations such as the Big Sky Pilots join forces with us and help us diversify." B.W. Robertson of Local 1564, Los Angeles, said, "The UTU is doing an outstanding job. Our membership is expanding well, and the organization appears to be well respected in all quarters. We really are moving toward the future and heading to greater advances." James Lillo, local chairperson of Local 586 in Willard, Ohio, said, "I think the leadership is on the mark with the BLE initiative. I don't think the average worker is well served by having multiple unions on the same property. We need to unify. I strongly approve of the job Charles Little and Byron Boyd are doing. I find it progressive." About the Reno Regional Meeting, Lillo said, "The meeting was quite a bit different from those offered 10 years ago. It was the most informative ever, and I've got a lot to take back to the membership. I enjoyed the sessions on discipline policies and about the website, but in particular liked the session on membership motivation. We have a lot of new hires, and the motivation techniques will be helpful. The fellowship was great." Santa Cruz Metro Transit General Chairperson David Lyall (23), said, "Great meeting. Lots of seminars. I wanted to attend the NAFTA meeting, but it was held at the same time as the bus workshops, where we did talk about NAFTA's effect and how it relates to the U.S. and Canada. Anyone who came to these meetings would have found the bus workshops valuable." The traditional print version of this edition of the UTU NEWS includes a photograph accompanying this article which depicts the three surviving UTU International Presidents together at the recent UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting in Houston, Tex. Gathered together were UTU International President Emeritus G. Thomas DuBose, International President Charles L. Little, and former International President Al. H. Chesser. AROUND THE UTU --News from around the U.S. and Canada ..............##E NOTE: Contributions to this column are encouraged and welcome! Send your news items to: UTU News, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250, or call us at (216) 228-9400. Items may also be faxed to (216) 228- 5755 or sent via e-mail to UTU@compuserve.com. ------------------------------------------------------ LOCAL 9, SLATON, TEX. Doing his part to help the Democratic party regain lost ground in Texas, member Ralph O. Moore used his restored 1953 International pickup truck to pull a 16- ft. tandem-axle trailer in the Lubbock, Tex., Independence Day Parade. The truck and trailer carried campaign signs, as well as UTU and other union logos, and in the cab was Mark Harmon, candidate for U.S. Representative from the 13th District. On the trailer were 22 Lubbock Central Labor Council members, while other council members flanked them on foot and distributed candy. LOCAL 23, SANTA CRUZ, CAL. Members, who work for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, donated their time and effort to host their fourth annual Senior Appreciation Dinner in May at a local senior center, according to Local Chairperson J. David Lyall. Begun on the 15th anniversary of the merger of the Santa Cruz drivers' association with the UTU, the event allows members to share their good fortune with customers who make their jobs enjoyable. This year, members cooked hundreds of chicken dinners rather than the spaghetti of earlier years. LOCAL 404, NEWARK, OHIO The local recently hosted a family picnic for active and retired members and their families at the Infirmary Mound Park near Granville, Ohio, where more than 40 enjoyed a catered lunch and fellowship, punctuated by the distribution of door prizes donated by local businesses, according to Local Secretary B.R. Parker. LOCAL 631, BRUNSWICK, MD. Members of the local are mourning the death of former Secretary/Treasurer Robert L. Durham, 43, a CSX conductor who succumbed to stomach cancer July 20, leaving behind a wife and five daughters, according to Local Chairperson Tom George. A trust fund established for his children last year has received donations totaling $17,000. Succeeding Durham as secretary/treasurer is Ricky Holder. LOCAL 643, FT. MADISON, IOWA Members have raised and contributed $11,000 to help Brother Ronald D. Douglas, who recently lost his wife Joyce after a long battle with cancer. Besides expressing their heartfelt sympathy, members of the local also contributed their Personal Leave Days to Douglas to help in his time of need. LOCAL 762, MONTGOMERY, ALA. Members working for CSX are receiving ballots to vote on changes made to their agreement last April, according to the local's Randy Pullen, general chairperson of GO- 025. Besides altering the operations of the extra board, the agreement brings a change in the extra-board guarantee worth about $3,000. Members, who pioneered the new CSX disciplinary policy, are greeting 40 to 50 new hires each week, orienting them to the job and the benefits of UTU membership. LOCAL 811, SAN BERNARDINO, CAL. The local's annual retirement dinner will be held 5-7 p.m. on November 14 at the National Orange Show Restaurant in San Bernardino, according to Secretary and Treasurer Stephen T. Dawson. Tickets are needed for the event, which honors those who retired in the past year with a dinner and commemorative plaque and frequently draws a lot of the older retirees. For information or tickets, call Dawson at (909) 883-8433, or Local President Larry L. Halverson at (760) 247-8757. Meanwhile, Dawson and Local Chairperson Mike Rehfeldt are helping train new hires and are using UTU videos to present orientation classes to increasing numbers of new UTU members. LOCAL 1293, ALTOONA, WISC. Local Treasurer Robert Drabek forwarded an invitation to all UTU international officers to attend the Union Pacific Railroad All Crafts Picnic, scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Lake Altoona County Park. Besides games for children, raffle prizes, and music, the event features free food and refreshments. All current, retired and former workers, their children, and their grandchildren are invited to attend. For information, contact Drabek by calling (715) 834-7397, or call Betty Dewitz at (715) 832-8773. LOCAL 1589, NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. Members working for Suburban Transit recently welcomed new Local President Richard C. Ellis to a local that has seen its membership double in the last year as a result of the hiring of more full-time workers by Coach USA, their employer's parent company. According to Secretary and Treasurer Frank Fregoni, local officers are looking for suggestions for a better time to hold regular meetings in the hope that attendance will rise. Meetings are now held at 11:15 a.m. on the third Monday of the month at the American Legion Post #459 in North Brunswick, N.J. LOCAL 1722, YORK, PA. Local Chairperson Stephen Stambaugh and others, including members of Locals 830 and 215, as well as BLE members and management personnel, last month presented to Norfolk Southern (NS) management reasons to preserve the Conrail Labor/Management Critical Incident Response Team program. Vital assistance was contributed by General Chairperson Jim Clark, Pennsylvania State Legislative Director Don Dunlevy, and Vice General Chairperson Gary Galvin. A letter from BLE President Monin supporting the program, which is being continued during the transition period, was read during the presentation. Meanwhile, the local is sponsoring a picnic on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the VFW Post in Columbia, Pa. For information, contact Stambaugh at (717) 244-6175. MEMBERSHIP PROFILE --Conrail volunteers sustain OpLifesaver .........##F Sometimes the Operation Lifesaver volunteers of UTU Local 1707 dress the part when giving presentations to younger school children, but says Local Chairperson Jim Viall, "we don't do career day...we're in there to scare the hell out of them." Viall, Bill Stroup and Dave Scafuro, conductors for Conrail in Ashtabula, Ohio, have all witnessed fatalities on the rails and it is something that none of them want to see again. And it's also what drew each of them to participate in the Operation Lifesaver program. All three have completed Operation Lifesaver presenter certification and their audiences include school children, school bus drivers, and even firefighters. In fact, said Stroup, "We never turn anybody down." Added Viall, "If we see three people on a street corner, we'll do a presentation." Their mission is, of course, to educate the public to the hazards of railroads and rail/highway grade crossings. More than 1,000 people a year are killed in trespassing incidents or at rail/highway grade crossings. Conrail was a strong supporter of the Operation Lifesaver program, but the impending break-up of the carrier brought an end to all labor/management joint projects. No more time-off for Lifesaver presentations. But that hasn't stopped the three from continuing their work. In July, Viall, Stroup and Scafuro trekked sixty miles to the Southpark Mall in Strongsville, Ohio, to set up an Operation Lifesaver booth in the mall. Because Conrail withdrew all support, they conducted their program under the UTU banner. "We're going to do our program, one way or the other," said Viall. BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT --"How Many
Jobs?" ..................................##G How many jobs must a part-time employee work in order to make a decent living? United Parcel Service employs part-time employees. From what I've heard and read, UPS seemed like it would be a good company to work for, even for a part-time employee, as far as making a decent hourly wage. However, it is the full-time employees that make a fairly decent wage. UPS has a problem, similar to what many companies have with part-time employees: When a part-timer can find a better full-time job, they leave. UPS is going to fix that! They are helping their employees find other part-time jobs to supplement their income. Some UPS facilities are posting part-time jobs that are available at other companies. Other companies who are participating with UPS are, for example, Hertz Rent-A-Car and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The idea is to have two or more employees share one position. This is to allow employees to have flexible hours, especially mothers. Some of the employees who work part-time make about $120 per week or a little more. One single mother of two from South Philadelphia thinks she is one of the lucky ones. She drives part-time for UPS during the day and also now drives for Hertz Rent-A-Car. Her biggest concern is juggling time between her two jobs and her children. Oh, by the way, when she got the part-time job her yearly salary jumped from about $8,500 per year to $13,000 per year. How many jobs does it take to make a decent living? YARDMASTER REPORT --"Giving Credit"
................................##H Cooperation and teamwork are cardinal principles of good union representation. Officers and members who share a common direction and a sense of community can achieve goals more quickly and easily because of the strength drawn from one another. Many great lessons are learned from the study of nature. When you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. It is believed that geese honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up the speed. Get involved. When a sister or brother is having a difficult time handling the load, offer to assist. Lend a helping hand. When your representatives have resolved a problem or settled a dispute, let them know that you appreciate their hard work and achievements. By standing behind our leaders and applying these principles on every local committee, general committee, and legislative board, and in each department of our organization, the United Transportation Union will be even stronger in the future than it is today. EDITORIALS --Labor Day 1998 ....................................##I This is not going to be your typical union Labor Day editorial. Instead, it is a special challenge to every UTU member. This has not been an easy year for the rail, bus and transportation industries. The Union Pacific meltdown and abuse of its workers. The Conrail sell off to CSX and NS. A bitter transit strike at SEPTA in Philadelphia. Further consolidation in the bus industry. The list goes on. This also has not been an easy few years in the Mexican rail industry. Because of NAFTA and government privatization, more than 52,000-of about 83,000-Mexican union rail workers have lost their jobs. Elsewhere in this edition of the UTU NEWS, Brother Zarco explains, from a true Mexican trade unionist viewpoint, what has happened south of the border. Once, the Mexican rail industry was considered an important part of the government infrastructure protected under the national constitution. All of that is gone, and today the Mexican government not only participates in, but aides private companies that include American railroads like Union Pacific and KCS, in facilitating drastic job cuts. In this country, labor unions are independent of our government. In Mexico, labor unions are part of the government control structure. Brother Zarco's story makes us realize how fortunate we are that things are different in the U.S. and Canada. North of the border, we have Labor Day every day of the year. It may not be perfect, but it is the best in the world. In Mexico, Labor Day never comes. And right now, all over Europe the national rail and transportation union workers are facing the same job issues they have been facing in Mexico. Let us remember the strength and value of North American labor unionism. And let us hope that one day Mexican union employees enjoy the same rights of Labor Day every day that we do. The challenge to you is this: It is up to every UTU member to work diligently to protect the labor rights we have earned. We owe each other no less. And let each of us tell the North American railroads that are practicing anti-worker actions in Mexico that we don't like what we are seeing. --"Al Chesser: An Inspiration"
...................##J Al Chesser was an inspiration to all UTU members who saw him this summer. The former International President spewed forth his own special brand of fire and brimstone as he gave memorable luncheon keynote speeches at the Houston and Reno Regional Meetings. Although Chesser may now be in his early 80s, he displayed the kind of bottomless passion and drive that has powered this union since its founding. Al said it as he saw it, and he saw it with a unique clarity honed by experience and vision. He challenged us, and he challenged organized labor, but what he truly did was light the torch of unionism and fraternalism in us all. Sometimes it takes an old, seasoned hand to show us what we have. It was especially gratifying to hear Chesser's endorsement of our Operating Unity Initiative. "I'm behind what he (Charlie Little) has done 100%," Chesser said, to a standing ovation at the Reno meeting. "You elected the right person at the right time," Chesser added. It became very apparent this summer that the members of this union also believe strongly in what we are doing and what we are about to do. When you have the blessing of veteran leaders, and the support of current members and leaders, then you have a union poised to do great things. Never before in my time as a UTU member have I seen a stronger resolve among our membership and its officers. Never before have I seen a more unified spirit. At all three Regional Meetings this summer, we talked about how this union is making history. We talked about how we can lend a hand in writing our own history. I believe that Al Chesser helped us begin a new chapter by taking us back to the future. As much as the past was about strength through unity, so too is our future. We all know full well that operating unity is essential for the railroad worker of the 21st Century. Just as important is the protection of historical craft autonomy and seniority. Those are foundations we cherish and pledge to build on. In another few weeks, President Little and I will review the recommendations of the five UTU/BLE unity committees and meet with the BLE's top two leaders. We will see if there is a framework under which we can combine the best of the UTU and BLE into a new labor organization that will benefit all operating rail employees, as well as our bus drivers, pilots, and other members. It is clear after our summer of meetings that our membership wants us to do everything we can to combine all historical operating rail crafts. We promise to do that. Al Chesser would expect no less. --"They're counting on you..."
......................##K During this session, some in Congress wanted to repeal Section 13(c) of the Urban Mass Transit Act, which provides labor protections for UTU mass transit members. They are counting on you. Some in Congress wanted to eliminate New York Dock and other labor protections. They are counting on you. A few members of Congress even wanted to privatize your Railroad Retirement System, threatening its stability and security, possibly even cutting precious pension dollars. They are counting on you. Some in Congress wanted to eliminate funding for Amtrak, eliminating more than 20,000 union jobs and destabilizing Railroad Retirement. They are counting on you. Many of you have worked beyond the point of exhaustion. You are not only fatigued but have been harassed and intimidated. Some in Congress wanted to repeal the Hours of Service Act. They are counting on you. Our widows who draw Railroad Retirement desperately need a change in the law to keep them from going into poverty. For months Congress has done nothing. They are counting on you. You see, those in Congress who want to do real harm to you and your family know you are dependable. They are sure you will find an excuse not to register, not to vote. After all, across the United States almost 40% of UTU members and their families are not registered to vote. They know that of those registered, only about one-half take the time to vote. This time they are predicting it will be as low as one-third. They also know that, of the small number who vote, many will put their jobs last. They are sure you will put all the subjects that are covered in 30-second attack ads on your agenda ahead of voting with your job. I must comment: It appears they will not be let down. There are only a few days left to register to vote. Please go and fill out the forms if you are not registered. It takes three minutes to complete a mail-in voter registration form. Election day is actually much more than November 3. Every state has absentee voting. It goes on for days, and in some cases weeks before November 3. Some of you might try your excuse that you couldn't get off work in time to vote before election day. We know you work on call; we know you don't know when you are going to work or how long you will be working when you get there. The excuse of not being able to vote won't work with your friends, but it will work with those who count on you not to vote. I hope this is the one time in your life that you disappoint those who count on you. This election's turnout is expected to be so low that those who do show up, and vote with their union and their jobs, will really have a major impact. You see, those who wanted to repeal Section 13(c), Hours of Service, Railroad Retirement and labor protections, they and their friends are registered and they are going to vote. They are counting on you not to. --Voices: Members share their opinions ...........##L Periodically, the UTU NEWS will contact members at random to report their thoughts on a question of interest to the general membership. This month's question: WHAT'S THE MOST STRESSFUL ASPECT OF YOUR JOB? "Driving a bus for Suburban Transit, I find one of the most stressful things is dealing with New York City traffic. Also, the schedules are very tight, and there's a lot of pressure on us to make our times. We get as much grief from management as we do from riders when it comes to staying on schedule, especially from commuters going to work in the morning. Dealing with the public is difficult. They're impatient with us when air conditioning isn't the best, or we get stuck in traffic." -- FRANK FREGONI, L-1589, N. BRUNSWICK, N.J. "I'm a conductor on CSX, with 26 years of experience, 15 of them as general chairperson, and one of the more stressful things I've seen is the hours. You go on duty at 2 a.m., work for 12 hours, take the next eight hours off, and then you find yourself back on duty again at 10 p.m. It keeps your body clock all screwed up. A lot of the younger guys quit because of that. Other than that, hitting an automobile is probably the most stressful thing, but that doesn't happen every trip." -- RANDY PULLEN, L-762, MONTGOMERY, ALA. "As a ticket agent for Adirondack Trailways, I'd say the biggest source of stress is the public. They too frequently don't know where they're going, and many times they don't speak English. It gets more confusing because I work for one line, but sell tickets for six others. They change rates with little notice, the public gets angry, and they dump on the ticket agents. Also, due to a recent robbery, management keeps changing our procedures for handling money, so that adds to the stress." -- JAMES KERNER, L-1582, ALBANY, N.Y. "I work for Conrail, and a big source of stress right now is not knowing which railroad I'm going to be working for when the CSX/NS takeover is complete, and where I'll be living. It's hard to plan anything. Even the officials here don't know what's going on. My son and daughter aren't happy about the prospect of moving, because they want to stay by their friends. And call times are a problem, too, again because it's hard to make any plans, and keeping an eye on new hires adds to the stress. -- DAVE SCAFURO, L-1707,ASHTABULA, OHIO --Feedback: Mexican rail workers &
privatization ....##M National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer was recently sent by International President Charles Little to investigate labor problems on railroads in Mexico. While in Mexico City, Brunkenhoefer tried to meet with all of Mexico's rail union leaders. When the establishment union learned Brunkenhoefer was going to meet with union leaders who lost their jobs due to massive downsizing by the newly privatized national railroad, he was kept waiting for hours, and top leaders suddenly became unavailable. One of the downsized Mexican rail union leaders Brunkenhoefer met was Salvator Zarco, who is leading a growing movement to restore many of the more than 52,000 union rail jobs -- out of 83,000! -- that have been lost during privatization. Zarco was invited to address the UTU Houston Regional Meeting. "Brothers and sisters, Brother Zarco's story is testimony that we are living in a global economy," said UTU International President Charles L. Little. "Now you see what's happening in Mexico, and it's also happening in other parts of the world. It's been happening to us here in the United States. We do need to band together all over the world for the betterment of working people everywhere." UTU members contributed $2,300 to help fund Zarco's new union movement. Here are some highlights of Zarco's speech (translated from Spanish) delivered on July 21, 1998. ---------------------------------- Good afternoon, sisters and brothers of the United Transportation Union. In January 1995, the Mexican Congress approved a constitutional reform that allowed the turnover of the railroads to private capital, both local and foreign. Now, due to privatization, what was a great national enterprise has become fragmented into small, medium and large companies. Today, what was once a trade group that was united in a single unit with a single employer and with just one collective bargaining agreement has become dust with an infinity of owners, bosses and collective bargaining agreements. Before the privatization of Mexico's railroad, the number of railroad workers at the government-owned Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Mexico (FNM) was diminished 50%- from 83,200 workers in 1990 to only 44,139 in 1996- through programs planned by the World Bank. This was possible due to the elimination of shops, cargo services such as the express, and the reduction of services to passengers. In addition, FNM also reduced the years required for retirement, which now forces male workers to live on a pension of only $166 a month after 25 years, and for women workers after 20 years of service. "OUR AGREEMENT WAS GUTTED" In June 1996, our collective bargaining agreement was gutted and reduced from 3,045 clauses to only 208 clauses. Mexican work legislation requires that when a company changes owner, such as what is happening with our railroads, the new owner must assume all the obligations from the previous owner. That means the new boss must respect the collective bargaining agreement that is current and also the payroll of the existing workers with all the acquired rights, much like your labor protections here. However, in the process of privatization, this law has not been respected. All of our rights have been violated with the purpose of making it easier for the Mexican government to turn over the companies without any labor obligations. For instance on June 23, 1997, the first privatized line, the Northeast Railroad, was turned over to the private company, TFM, which is owned by a Mexican shipping company and the Kansas City Southern Industries. CONTRACTS NEVER READ BUT FORCED TO SIGN All of the 8,700 railroad workers who worked on the Northeast Railroad were fired and received compensation from FNM. But then the new company, TFM, rehired only 4,500 workers and forced them to sign individual 28-day contracts that they never got to see or read beforehand. Our union's leadership received a new collective bargaining agreement from TFM, but with only 38 clauses. The contract establishes more rights for the railroad's owners than workers. The pendulum has swung backward for the workers and this contract reduces salaries, reduces or eliminates benefits, allows the owner to utilize contractors without limit and to make personnel adjustments at their discretion, and more. The immediate result was that the crews of the TFM trains were drastically reduced, and many people lost their jobs. Today, the crews are made up of one conductor, one engineer and one brakeman. Due to congestion at the border bridge in Laredo, Texas, the work periods of crews have increased on average to 30-40 hours at a time without any rest. Some workers have even worked 60 hours without any rest. ASLEEP IN THE CAB WITH AN ALARM CLOCK AT THEIR SIDES As, and I quote, a humanitarian gesture, the TFM authorized crews, with the approval of the train dispatcher, to sleep one or two hours in the locomotive cab with the obligation of having an alarm clock at their sides. Such working periods put at risk the lives of the workers and even the assets of the company. They are illegal, they are inhuman, and they are against all common sense. But it's understood that the owners are looking to make their business profitable as soon as possible, and to recover their investment as soon as possible by exploiting their workers. On Feb. 16, the government sold the North Pacific Railroad to Ferromex, a company owned by the Union Pacific and its Mexican partners. In order to force the North Pacific's 13,500 workers to quit and seek unemployment compensation, the government's FNM withheld their paychecks and only paid those who signed letters of resignation. Due to this tactic, 3,500 union railroad workers in the State of Sonora occupied the main tracks and blocked transit of trains from Feb. 16-24. During those nine days there were marches of support by women and taxi drivers, business people donated food, Indian people offered their support as did several chapters of unions of miners, telephone workers and other unions in a wide front of solidarity. VERY FEW WORKERS REHIRED Of the 13,500 workers, Ferromex rehired only 3,000 workers under 28-day contracts. For instance, in Benjamin Hills, Sonora, a little town that was born because of the railroad, only 32 of 250 shop workers were rehired. Of 200 track workers, only 30 were rehired. Of 100 train workers, only 30 were given employment. No office workers were rehired. The establishment rail union also received a new collective bargaining agreement with Ferromex with only 60 clauses that the workers are now beginning to learn about. On April 30, the railroad terminal of the Valley of Mexico was privatized. Of 2,500 workers only 700 were rehired, and even now the new collective bargaining agreement is not known. At the end of this year, the Southeast Railroad will be delivered into private hands. PRIVATIZATION HAS COST 52,000 RAIL WORKERS THEIR JOBS Privatization of railroads has brought 52,000 unemployed Mexican railroad workers. The few that have been rehired have suffered reductions in salary, their benefits have been lost or diminished, their working conditions have become extremely inhuman, and their union agreed to waive their local rights. In Mexico, we know about the aggressions you have suffered in your labor rights due to the merger of railroad companies. Due to the globalization of the world's economy, big companies today have their hands and arms extending all over the world, without regard to borders of nations. The North American Free Trade Agreement has become a free exploitation agreement. NAFTA makes it necessary that the workers unite our efforts above and beyond all borders. Together we can better defend our rights. You live of your work, and so do we. That means that we have common interests that are above our differences of language or the color of our skin. Sisters and brothers, your problems are my problems. Your fight is my fight. I appreciate you, the brothers and sisters of the UTU. I am proud to be here today at the invitation of President Charles Little. Long live unity, equality and fraternity of all workers. Long live United Transportation Union. Thank you. STATE WATCH --News from UTU State Legislative Boards .........##N DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UTU Local 1933 in Washington, D.C., has issued a direct challenge to members of UTU locals working for Amtrak. Local Chairperson Ray Cunningham said: "It's time for a reality check! Your contribution to TPEL has a direct effect on your life. Our members working for Amtrak need to assess the level of commitment they are making to TPEL. Does it match the commitment of resources the International so willingly provides in fighting the annual battle for Amtrak survival? "According to current statistics, Amtrak members give to TPEL at a rate that is 33% less than the national average. What would happen if our organization gave 33% less attention to addressing safety issues? Or gave 33% less dedication to contract negotiations and was 33% less effective in securing legislation beneficial to railroaders? "We challenge you to increase TPEL giving in your local 33% to bring us in line with the national average. And an additional 33% to replenish the resources Amtrak issues have depleted from the TPEL fund. Put your money where your mouth is! Give generously to TPEL." KANSAS Effective July 1, the limit for damages in the state from wrongful death suits was increased from $100,000 to $250,000, reported State Legislative Director Don Lindsey. The legislation raising the cap, which was passed by the Kansas Legislature in May, was strongly supported by the UTU, the state AFL-CIO and others. "We had one of the lowest, if not the lowest, limit on damages in the Midwest, and at least now, we are comparable to the other states in the Midwest," Lindsey said. In the future, Lindsey said the UTU and others will push to have the limit raised to $500,00, which was their intent through the current legislation, which they pursued for two years. He thanked Democrats and Republicans on both sides of the floor for their cooperation. MICHIGAN State Legislative Director David Brickey reported that a series of meetings were held recently across the state where members could air their concerns regarding the acquisition of Conrail by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern. Issues such as job location, the re-routing of traffic, joint facilities and seniority were of primary concern to UTU members. From July 7-9, meetings were held in the cities of Lincoln Park, Sterling Heights and Grand Rapids, and were attended by Brickey, Assistant Legislative Director Don Carter, and Rex A. Grice, vice general chairperson of GO-687 Norfolk Southern Lines (N&W-NKP-W&LE). State Sen. Christopher Dingell and State Rep. Gloria Schermesser were also present. Meeting participants also had the opportunity to tour MEMBERSHIP I, the UTU's mobile education center, which traveled to each of the meeting sites. Meanwhile, Brickey recently accepted a donation of $300 for TPEL from retiree Robert Courvoisier, who came to tour MEMBERSHIP I. A photograph of Brickey and Courvoisier, a former local chairman and legislative representative of Local 683 at Detroit, Mich., appears in the traditional print edition of this month's UTU NEWS. --SLDs offer election recommendations ...............##O The following recommendations for support in upcoming elections were made by the respective legislative boards. * denotes incumbent DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA House of Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D)* NORTH CAROLINA (Sept. 15 primary election) House of Representatives Dist. 1 Eva Clayton (D)* Dist. 3 Jon Williams (D) Dist. 4 David Price (D)* Dist. 7 Mike McIntyre (D)* Dist. 9 Rory Blake (D) Dist. 12 Mel Watt (D)* SOUTH CAROLINA Senate Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (D)* House of Representatives Dist. 1 Mark Sanford (R)* Dist. 2 Jane Frederick (D) Dist. 4 Glenn Reese (D) Dist. 5 John M. Spratt Jr. (D)* Dist. 6 James E. "Jim" Clyburn (D)* SPECIAL REPORT --"The Changing Face of UTU Membership" ..........##P There are those who think of the United Transportation Union (UTU) as an international labor organization composed solely of rail, bus, and mass transit workers living in the U.S. and Canada. They should think again. As quickly as the final days of this millennium are slipping away, the UTU is evolving into a broadly based, diversified labor organization that today includes such workers as shuttle-van drivers, airplane pilots, airport operations personnel, cashiers, truckers, parking lot attendants, mechanics, and even bartenders. "We know the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and we know the Railway Labor Act (RLA)," said John Nadalin, UTU's director of strategic planning, and a key player in the UTU's efforts to establish an organizing strategy. "We're in a good position to represent workers in a wide range of occupations." Knowledge of the two major bodies of U.S. labor law make the UTU uniquely qualified to succeed in diversifying its membership. Also, the legacy of representing non-rail workers is part of the history of the unions that comprise today's UTU. One of the UTU's rail-oriented predecessor unions, the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (BRT), marked its entry in the field of bus worker representation back in 1928. As a result, the UTU has years of experience with the NLRA. Most of those in "non-traditional" UTU-represented occupations work closely with International Vice President Bernie McNelis, who heads the UTU Bus Department. "In some ways, this department really needs a new name," McNelis said, "because we now represent a lot of occupations beyond the realm of bus operations." McNelis said he sees a lot of logic in his department representing the concerns of cashiers, mechanics and parking lot attendants. "We're very accustomed to working with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the various state labor laws that apply in different locations," McNelis explained. "Some job details and terminology may be different from the bus industry, but the way you handle arbitrations and grievances remains the same, and the way you negotiate for working conditions is the same." Sometimes, subtle legal nuances bring workers into the Bus Department fold, even though they're clearly not in the bus business. McNelis pointed to the truck drivers working for PARSEC in Miami and Jacksonville, Fla. The company is closely affiliated with the Florida East Coast Railway, and because of that relationship, its drivers previously had been regulated under provisions of the RLA. Recently, however, it was ruled they should be governed by the NLRA. The bartenders represented by Local 645 in Babylon, N.Y, also enjoy a similarly indirect connection with rail operations. "A law was passed in the New York State some years back that made it legal to sell alcoholic drinks on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) platforms," said UTU New York State Legislative Director Sam Nasca. "Because of the bartenders' close connection with LIRR operations, they voted to be represented by the UTU." New York State is also home to the "non-traditional" UTU members working for Airport Group International (AGI) at the Albany International Airport in Albany, N.Y. Members of Local 1582 (a local split between bus workers and AIG workers) chose the UTU in a January 1996 certification election. According to General Chairperson Bill Taylor, UTU- represented AGI workers include those in the Operations Department, who keep runways clear and ready for use while supervising basic airport operations and infrastructure; workers in the Building Maintenance Department, and those involved in Parking Operations, including cashiers and shuttle-bus operators. Taylor said the facility, recently designated an international airport, is just completing a $170-million expansion program and is in the process of hiring a significant number of new employees. Among them are nearly 50 cleaners, who have already filed with the NLRB to begin the process of becoming UTU members. Nasca and Taylor also noted the UTU recently filed for representation authority over the "911" Emergency Response Dispatchers in the Albany tri-county area. "They came to us after learning about our reputation and our successes," Nasca said. Increasingly, employees in non-unionized, transportation-related occupations marked by unsafe working conditions, lousy benefits, and management by fear are approaching the UTU. "None have shown as much determination to organize and improve their quality of life than the van and limousine drivers that haul our rail crews around the yards and between terminals," said McNelis. "They drive incredibly long hours each week to make a living," McNelis said. "If fatigue overtakes them, and they decide not to take an assignment, the company will pass them by with the next few assignments to teach them a lesson. This puts the drivers in a bad financial situation, so their usual incentive is to drive until they drop." Such drivers nationwide are calling on the UTU to help them cope with a difficult situation. At a number of properties, those involved are at a sensitive stage of organizing and declined to comment on their progress. Those further along the organizing path include drivers working for Professional Transportation, Inc., which has operations employing hundreds in such states as Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio; and those employed by Roaring Forks Transit Agency, which operates between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, with garages in Aspen and Carbondale. The Roaring Forks operation includes at least 115 shuttle drivers, but their ranks are swollen during ski season as they make runs between various slopes. Drivers there have collected "A" cards and have filed a petition for a representation election. In addition, drivers working for Renzenberger Van Service, which operates in the Bakersfield, Cal., area, have filed a petition for an election. Momentum is also gathering for drivers working for Janovec Reliable Transportation Services (JRTS), which runs van shuttles primarily for CSX and Amtrak crews in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. JRTS drivers nearly a year ago voted for UTU representation, but now are hung up waiting for a NLRB ruling in the wake of their employer contesting the election. "It's been a long, hard battle," said JRTS driver Jack M. McCallister, who noted the delay has caused a few drivers to lose faith. "But now is not the time to jump ship," he said. "That's just what JRTS is wanting to happen, but now's the time to be strong, pull together, and hang in there." Most of the 180 JRTS drivers "aren't asking for a whole lot," McCallister explained. "We're concerned about basic stuff. All we want is fairness, the chance to earn a little more, and get some vacation time and better health benefits." Sometimes, workers approach the UTU from the clear blue sky. Such was the case with the Big Sky Pilots Association (BSPA), which chose by a margin of 22-to-3 to merge with UTU, a vote approved and recognized by the National Mediation Board on June 24, 1998. According to former BSPA President Taun Deverill, the group includes 32 full-time and three part-time pilots, and four dispatchers may soon be joining them in the UTU. All are employees of the Big Sky Transportation Company, a regional commuter airline headquartered in Billings, Mont. and serving 11 cities in Montana, as well as Spokane, Wash. The BSPA self-organized in 1979, but "we didn't have the clout to deal with the company," Deverill explained. "We needed a union with more resources and more legal expertise. We needed a professional union to help with negotiations. Then UTU Montana State Legislative Director Fran Marceau explained to us what the UTU had to offer. "I think this is going to work out well for us because the UTU has so many experts with the Railway Labor Act, which we work under," Deverill continued. "We're re-negotiating our contract now with the help of UTU Vice President Larry Davis. I think everyone here is very pleased with the UTU." SENIOR NEWS .........................................##Q --Club's first president sets record straight About sixteen years ago, then-UTU Pennsylvania State Legislative Director E.W. "Tex" Croyle championed the idea of starting a statewide club for retired railroaders and their spouses. Answering the call were the late Ed. H. Beaver and Retiree Program member William H. Lotz, Jr., who transformed Croyle's idea into the Railroad Retiree Club of Pennsylvania. Today, the organization boasts 300 members in three chapters, holds monthly meetings, organizes day trips, hosts an annual picnic and Christmas Dinner, and supplies members with a newsletter. "A story about the death of Charles J. Sludden, Sr., in the UTU News carried some incorrect information," said Lotz, who wished to set the record straight. "He wasn't the first president of the club. I was the club's first president for a one-year term, and was subsequently re-elected the following year. Brother Sludden followed me as president of the club." The club's first newsletter editor was Ed Beaver, who was succeeded by current editor and Retiree Program member Bill Sutton who, like fellow Retiree Program members Croyle and Lotz, belongs to Local 816 in Harrisburg, Pa. Retired UTU member Max Wickman of Local 830, Harrisburg, Pa., elected the club's president last June, will assume the office this month, with Lotz serving as vice president. Lotz began his career in 1936 as an apprentice in the car shops, and jumped at the chance to become a passenger trainman in 1939, joining Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Lodge 511 in Philadelphia. During his 46-year career, Lotz worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Penn Central, Conrail, and ultimately Amtrak, where he last worked in 1976 as conductor on the Broadway Limited. "I worked for four organizations, but never changed lockers," Lotz observed. For club information, contact Lotz by writing to him at 301 15th St., New Cumberland, PA 17070-1312, or call him at (717) 774-5588. --HCFA works on Y2K challenge Amid warnings that Medicare and the health care industry in general appear especially vulnerable to computer glitches that might occur at the turn of the millennium, the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has set a December 1998 goal of making its systems year-2000 compliant. The problem is rooted in the way older hardware and software denotes years in two-digit formats. In the year 2000, some computers may be fooled into thinking the year is 1900, or that the double zeroes are meaningless. The potential problem is often referred to as the "Y2K bug," and systems immune to the problem are dubbed as being "Y2K compliant." At a recent Senate hearing, HCFA Administrator Nancy- Ann DeParle said the Y2K bug could affect the processing of claims forms and cause delays and inaccuracies in payments to vendors for Medicare. "If we don't fix all information systems that might have year-2000 problems," DeParle said, "enrollment systems might not function, beneficiaries could be denied services because providers may not be able to confirm eligibility, and providers could have cash flow problems because of delayed payments." --U.S. weighs creation of national medical ID The U.S. government is holding hearings to determine if it should implement a 1996 law that calls for assigning a "unique health identifier" to every citizen to create a national database for tracking health histories. The "identifier" would be used to track citizens as they changed doctors and health insurance companies, and would be the first comprehensive national identification system since the Social Security number appeared on the scene in 1935. The concept is praised by insurance companies and public health researchers, but has privacy advocates frightened that personal information could be abused. The debate is heightened by the lack of a federal law to protect patient privacy. Under the law, officials were expected to propose a plan for the identifier last February, but because of the contentious nature of the assignment, have made little headway and instead launched the hearings to get public comment. --Lehigh Valley Rail reunion set for Sept. 19, 1998 Plans have been finalized for the 16th Annual Lehigh Valley Railroad (LVRR) Reunion and Dinner, according to Retiree Program member Eugene K. Schuler of Local 498, Allentown, Pa. Open to all crafts, the event will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, 1998, at the Plainfield Township Fire Hall, R.D. #1, Pen Argyl, Pa., on Rt. 115 in Northampton County. Doors open at 11 a.m., with dinner served at 1 p.m. For information, contact Schuler at 1359 N. VanBuren St., Allentown, PA 18103, or call him at (610) 432-0631. Missing from this year's event will be the late Local 498 member Edwyn Landis, Sr., who passed away July 13, 1998 at the age of 104. Brother Landis, former treasurer of Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Lodge 85 in Easton, Pa., hired on with the LVRR in 1916 and retired as a conductor in 1966, said Schuler, who noted Landis' mind was clear right up to his death, though he had spent his last two years in a nursing home. Landis put five sons through college and received an honorary degree himself from Lafayette College. He is survived by his sons, 15 grandchildren, 32 great- grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. --In memoriam: D.H. Creasy; K.W. Pritchett; W.H. Henry Retired UTU Vice President Dale H. Creasy, 83, a member of Local 198, Peoria, Ill., passed away July 5, 1998, after a long illness spent in a nursing home. Brother Creasy began his rail career in 1939 as a fireman on the Peoria & Pekin Union Railway (P&PU), joined Lodge 48 of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen (BLF&E) in October 1940, and was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1945. Creasy worked on his local grievance committee from 1941 to 1943, and then served as general chairperson of the P&PU from 1949 until 1966. He was elected BLF&E alternate vice president in 1963 and became a vice president in 1966. Re-elected in 1968, he retained the position after unification and was re- elected at the 1971 UTU Convention. He retired Jan. 1, 1976. Creasy is survived by his wife, Ruth. ----------------------------------------------- Retired UTU General Chairperson Kenneth W. Pritchett, 86, a member of Local 6, Indianapolis, Ind., passed away July 30, 1998. Brother Pritchett began his rail career in 1941 on the Peoria & Eastern Railway (Big Four) as a fireman and was promoted to engineer in 1948. He joined the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen, and served as local chairperson from 1954 to 1968, when he was elected general chairperson of the Big Four (NYC), a position he held until his retirement in 1977. He is survived by his wife Janet, sons John and Joe, and two grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------- Retired UTU General Chairperson William H. Henry, 75, a member of Local 265, Pocatello, Idaho, passed away July 13, 1998. Brother Henry began his rail career in 1942 on the Union Pacific as a switchman, and moved to Pocatello in 1946. He served as local chairperson for 24 years, and in 1972 was elected general chairperson, a position he continued to hold until his retirement in 1977. --The Final Call 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 0027 Zembala, Edward J. Cleveland, OH 0072 Silman, Thomas H. Sebastian, FL 0113 Boggan, Woodrow W. Winslow, AZ 0113 Copsey, Lynn E. Sun City, AZ 0150 Miles, John V. Crafton, PA 0171 Burnell, R A. Dixon, IL 0238 Richmond, Lewis W. Arroyo Grande, CA 0243 Anthony, Howard R. Ft. Worth, TX 0284 Earle, Donald D. Kent, OH 0306 Gifford, Dale M. Cherokee, IA 0386 Vanderberry, Charles Ft. Lauderdale, FL 0407 Constine Jr.,William Charleston, SC 0432 Coatney, Allen A. Bloomington, IN 0486 Flor, B.G. Miles City, MT 0577 Starr, Harold H. Evergreen, CO 0587 Wood, John E. New Prt. Richey, FL 0600 Lee, William G. Cumberland, MD 0601 Testement, Claude Galion, OH 0605 Drummond, James L. Peachtree Cty., GA 0610 Ciotola, Anthony P. Powell, OH 0610 Moszner, E. Richard Baltimore, MD 0632 Costlow, Walter J. Johnstown, PA 0632 Pringle Jr.,Webster T. Tyrone, PA 0632 Young, Oscar N. Clearfield, PA 0633 Reiff, Melvin P. Clear Spg., MD 0633 Stimmel, Donald E. Hagerstown, MD 0816 Boyer, John P. Berwick, PA 0847 Allison, Dwight D. Orange Bch., AL 0867 Hines, Melvin W. Des Moines, IA 1168 Winn, Carry E. Clovis, NM 1177 Nichols, Donald A. Willmar, MN 1202 Parker Sr.,Raymond Ft. Wayne, IN 1217 Nason, H.R. McAdam, NB 1238 Pickard, Roland J. Portland, OR 1279 Garland, R.J. Greybull, WY 1376 Bryant, Harold R. Newark, OH 1393 Reilly, Leo D. Bradenton, FL 1399 Charles W. Piper Terre Haute, IN 1422 Lowe, Ashton W. Oroville, CA 1594 Ray Sabo Freeland, PA TPEL HONOR ROLL --Contributors' continued support recognized......##R 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 month. 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 Vaughn, Wiley D. 1790 Fitzgerald, GA DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB ($600 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Hendricks, Patrick C. 306 Eagle Grove, IA Dennis, Ralph J. 329 Boone, IA DIAMOND PLUS CLUB ($400 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Clements, Ronald R. 622 Birmingham, AL Simpkins, Randall B. 622 Birmingham, AL Boda Jr., Joseph A. 693 Brewster, OH Thompson, William J. 693 Brewster, OH Fenrick, Don E. 1557 Memphis, TN DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Hogan, Barry A. 847 Birmingham, AL Rahn, Ronald E. 903 Jacksonville, FL Wszolek, Albert F. 1186 Gary, IN Wall, Curtis A. 1221 Tampa, FL Chappell, Lawrence E. 1291 Birmingham, AL Kerner, James J. 1582 Albany, NY DIAMOND CLUB ($300.00 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE *Courvoisier, R.A. 683 Detroit, MI Lewis, Richard D. 1563 El Monte, CA Gomez, Efrain R. 1608 Chatsworth, CA GOLD CLUB ($100 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Owens, Stephen L. 20 Beaumont, TX Iles, Darrell G. 64 Huron, SD Christensen, J.S. 200 North Platte, NE Clark, Brad 200 North Platte, NE Daniels, Ted J. 200 North Platte, NE Dishman, Casey L. 200 North Platte, NE Dowhower, Franklin D. 200 North Platte, NE Elsten, Chris N. 200 North Platte, NE Franzen, Chad C. 200 North Platte, NE Gies, Roger D. 200 North Platte, NE Grubbs, Joe L. 200 North Platte, NE Hammett, George P. 200 North Platte, NE Hankins, Brian K. 200 North Platte, NE Harmsen, Thomas L. 200 North Platte, NE Hoatson, Shawn D. 200 North Platte, NE Hosselkus, Kevin E. 200 North Platte, NE Ishmiel, Daniel J. 200 North Platte, NE Lacina, Dennis L. 200 North Platte, NE McConnell, Mark L. 200 North Platte, NE Murphy, Charles R. 200 North Platte, NE Palmer, Robert L. 200 North Platte, NE Pitner, Eric M. 200 North Platte, NE Rathbun, Joseph S. 200 North Platte, NE Sieveke, Dana R. 200 North Platte, NE Sorenson Jr., D.G. 200 North Platte, NE Younghans, Shayne C. 200 North Platte, NE *Pearson, Warren A. 259 St. Joseph, MO *Blake, Gene F. 293 Houston, TX *Clark, Arnie 425 Indianapolis, IN McElley, Johnny R. 500 Grand Jct., CO Nelson, Fred R. 500 Grand Jct., CO *Atchley, Jim 564 Cleburne, TX Hopkins, Larry 733 DeQueen, AR Cobb Jr., Robert O. 762 Montgomery, AL Couch, Mark A. 763 Pittsburg, KS Albi, James J. 800 Jersey City, NJ Gulizia, Justin T. 818 Ft. Worth, TX Gresham, Kevin T. 947 Chaffee, MO Wilkerson, Bryan A. 947 Chaffee, MO Holt, James M. 965 Dallas, TX Sprouse, John D. 970 Abbeville, SC *Eden, Anthony A. 1016 Enid, OK Fortenberry, William 1088 Jackson, MI Banks, Martin C. 1117 Las Vegas, NV Czech Jr., Daniel E. 1117 Las Vegas, NV Salazar, Dennis C. 1117 Las Vegas, NV Walsh, Daniel M. 1117 Las Vegas, NV Bettles, Loren B. 1126 Pratt, KS Strother, Michael D. 1162 Erwin, TN Walker, William T. 1241 Richmond, CA Eastman, Steve E. 1293 Altoona, WI Fitzmaurice, D.R. 1293 Altoona, WI Guolee, Gilbert J. 1293 Altoona, WI Newman, David A. 1381 Hammond, IN Birmingham, Kevin M. 1421 Franklin Park, IL Bevil, Brandon C. 1524 Houston, TX Bailey, Stephen D. 1532 Kansas City, KS Bodehamer, Ronald S. 1532 Kansas City, KS Carrillo, Victor H. 1532 Kansas City, KS Engel, Stephen L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Howerton, Jeramy R. 1532 Kansas City, KS McLaughlin, Baron L. 1532 Kansas City, KS McNiel, Jerald E. 1532 Kansas City, KS Murray, Bernie L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Rinck, Bill L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Russell, Anthony 1532 Kansas City, KS Shumate, Mitchell R. 1532 Kansas City, KS Smith, Craig J. 1532 Kansas City, KS Smith, Lawrence C. 1532 Kansas City, KS Taylor, William A. 1532 Kansas City, KS *Pound, Kenneth 1573 Klamath Falls, OR Cuevas, Alfredo 1608 Chatsworth, CA Higbee, Robert C. 1608 Chatsworth, CA Sharp Sr., Anthony D. 1608 Chatsworth, CA Lewis, Kenneth G. 1762 Flint, MI *Slattery, Louis E. 1770 Los Angeles, CA Myers, Jason A. 1780 Kansas City, MO Easterday, Randy L. 1915 Tracy, CA Ferguson, Patrick C. 1915 Tracy, CA Holderbein, Gary R. 1915 Tracy, CA Mitchell, Joseph C. 1915 Tracy, CA Patrick, James E. 1915 Tracy, CA NOTICES --Special elections set for November ................##S In accordance with the UTU Constitution, an election for certain positions as designated in Article 57, lines 3-4 and 12-13, will be held during the month of November 1998. This special election notice is to advise that nominations for Local Committee(s) of Adjustment (chairperson, one or more vice chairpersons, and secretary), delegate, and alternate delegate, will be accepted at all October 1998, local meetings. Nominations may be filed by petition signed by at least five (5) eligible voters in the local, or may be made from the floor at the October 1998, meeting. Elections will be conducted by mail ballot or at the local's November 1998, meeting, dependent upon local bylaws or procedures. --UTU readies job bank ...........................##T All UTU general chairpersons (rail, bus, etc.) are urged to contact the UTU webmaster via e-mail (webmaster@utu.org) or by fax (216-228-5755) to let the International know of new job openings on their properties. Members and others interested in viewing these employment opportunities will be able to view these job listings on the UTU website (www.utu.org) beginning in mid-September. --Monthly apparel winner announced ..................##U This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of UTU-logoed wearing apparel is Samuel Grey of Hartsville, Tenn. Brother Grey is an active member of Local 974 in Nashville, Tenn., which represents workers employed on the CSXT(L&N) in the Nashville area. Congratulations to Brother Grey! Brother Grey 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 to the UTU Supply Department for details). This program, in which active and retired members' names are drawn at random, is a way to thank the many men and women who make this union great. --MMCP, CHCB packages to be mailed ...............##V Each year employees covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan living in areas of the country that have the Managed Medical Care Program (MMCP) have the opportunity to change benefit plans for themselves and their dependents. This year, employees residing in managed care areas approved by the plan will be mailed materials to enroll in either MMCP or Comprehensive Health Care Benefit (CHCB) effective January 1, 1999. By October 12, 1998, enrollment kits will be mailed to all railroad employees living in areas of the country where the MMCP is available. New areas which were added to the MMCP effective September 1, 1998, and November 1, 1998, will not be included in this year's annual enrollment, but will be included in the annual enrollment which will be conducted in the fall of 1999. These areas include: -- North Carolina (Fayetteville and Wilmington, and expansion of Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh network sites); -- Macon, GA. The re-enrollment process provides employees with the chance to change their benefits for the coming year, to update personal information on themselves and their dependents, and to obtain the latest updated provider directory. The enrollment kit will include a brochure explaining the MMCP, a pre-filled enrollment form, a benefits wheel which illustrates the benefits under MMCP and CHCB for specific types of services, and a list of commonly asked questions and answers about managed care, along with an updated provider directory. Enrollment forms must be returned by November 13, 1998. Employees who wish to remain in the CHCB and obtain updated information on Preferred Providers may do so by calling Member Services. --United HealthCare offers directory ................##W A new feature has been added to the United HealthCare member services telephone number (1-800-842-9905) for railroad employees and dependents. Now, members can request a personalized provider directory, a customized, up-to-date, seven-page list of network health care providers which is printed and mailed to the member's home upon request. The directory can include primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals located in that ZIP code or within a 30-mile radius of the caller's home. When you call the member services number (first option), you will be asked to enter your Social Security number and your ZIP code. Your eligibility will be verified while you are on the phone, and your directory will be printed and mailed within 48 hours to the address in United HealthCare's system. --Members invited to memorial dedication .........##X Railroad workers and their families are invited to attend the Railway Memorial Project Bronze Dedication Ceremony Sept. 7, 1998, at 1 p.m. at Credit Union Park in Whitefish, Mont. The goal of the project is the design and casting of a life-size bronze memorializing those fallen workers who have dedicated their lives to this nations' railroads. Send donations to 1415 Berne Rd., Columbia Falls, MT 59912. --UTU policy concerning fees objectors ..............##Y 1. Any person covered by a UTU union shop or an agency shop agreement in the United States who elects to be a non-member has the legal right to object to political and ideological expenditures not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or other activities germane to collective bargaining. Each non- member who objects shall pay the reduced fees. To the extent permitted by law, a non-member cannot participate in Union elections as a voter or as a candidate; attend Union meetings; serve as delegate to the Convention, or participate in the selection of such delegates; or participate in the process by which collective bargaining agreements are ratified. 2. The objecting non-members shall provide notice of objection by notifying the International General Secretary-Treasurer of the objection by first-class mail postmarked during the month of September each year or within thirty (30) days after he/she first begins paying fees and receives notice of these procedures. The objection shall contain the objector's current home address. Once a non-member objects, the objection shall stand until revoked. Objections may only be made by individual employees. No petition objections will be honored. 3. The following categories of expenditures are chargeable: a. All expenses concerning the negotiation of agreements, practices and working conditions; b. All expenses concerning the administration of agreements, practices and working conditions, including grievance handling, all activities related to arbitration, and discussion with employees in the craft or class (or bargaining unit) or employer representatives regarding working conditions, benefits and contract rights; c. Convention expenses and other union internal governance and management expenses; d. Social activities and union business meeting expenses; e. Publication expenses to the extent coverage is related to chargeable activities; f. Litigation expenses related to contract administration, collective bargaining rights, and internal governance; g. Expenses for legislative and administrative agency activities to effectuate collective bargaining agreements; h. All expenses for the education and training of officers and staff intended to prepare the participants to better perform chargeable activities; i. All strike fund expenditures and other costs of economic action, e.g., demonstrations, general strike activity, informational picketing, etc., that benefit members of the bargaining unit or craft represented by UTU; 4. The International shall retain a certified public accountant to perform an independent audit of the records of the International and subordinate units maintained by the International General Secretary- Treasurer. The International shall also retain a neutral referee for the purpose of determining the percentage of expenditures that fall within the categories specified in Section 3. The amount of the expenditures that fall within Section 3 shall be the basis for calculating the reduced fees that must be paid by the objector. The neutral referee shall also give an opinion concerning the adequacy of the escrow amounts maintained pursuant to Section 17, and later will verify the existence and the amounts of money in any escrow accounts. 5. The neutral referee shall complete the report no later than May 31. This report shall include an analysis of the major categories of union expenses that are chargeable and non-chargeable. A copy of the neutral referee's report shall be sent to all non-members whose timely objections have not been revoked. 6. Each person entitled to receive the referee's report may challenge the validity of the calculations made by the neutral referee by filing an appeal with the International General Secretary-Treasurer. Such appeal must be made by sending a letter to the International General Secretary-Treasurer postmarked no later than thirty (30) days after issuance of the independent referee's report, whichever is later. 7. After the close of the appeals period, the International General Secretary-Treasurer shall provide a list of appellants to the American Arbitration Association (AAA). All appeals shall be consolidated. The AAA shall appoint an arbitrator from a special panel maintained by the AAA for the purpose of these arbitrations. The AAA shall inform the International General Secretary-Treasurer and the appellant(s) of the arbitrator selected. 8. The arbitration shall commence by August 1 or as soon thereafter as the AAA can schedule the arbitration. The arbitrator shall have control over all procedural matters affecting the arbitration in order to fulfill the need for an informed and expeditious arbitration. 9. Each party to the arbitration shall bear their own costs. The appellants shall have the option of paying a pro-rata portion of the arbitrator's fees and expenses. The balance of such fees and expenses shall be paid by UTU. 10. A court reporter shall make a transcript of all proceedings before the arbitrator. This transcript shall be the official record of the proceedings and may be purchased by the appellants. If appellants do not purchase a copy of the transcript, a copy shall be available for inspection at the International during normal business hours. 11. Appellants may, at their expense, be represented by counsel or other representative of choice. Appellants need not appear at the hearing and shall be permitted to file written statements with the arbitrator instead of appearing. Such statement shall be filed no later than fifteen (15) days after the transcript becomes available, but in no case more than thirty (30) days after the hearing closes. 12. Fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the first hearing, appellants shall be provided with a list of all exhibits intended to be introduced at the hearing and a list of all witnesses intended to be called, except for exhibits and witnesses that may be introduced for rebuttal. On written request from an appellant, copies of exhibits (or in the case of voluminous exhibits, summaries thereof) shall be provided to them. Additionally, copies of exhibits shall be available for inspection and copying at the hearing. 13. The International shall have the burden of establishing that the reduced fees set forth in the neutral referee's report are lawful. 14. If the arbitrator shall determine that more than one day of hearings is necessary, hearings shall be scheduled to continue from day to day until completed. The parties to the appeal shall have the right to file a brief within fifteen (15) days after the transcript of the hearing is available, but in no case more than thirty (30) days after the hearing closes. The arbitrator shall issue a decision within forty-five (45) days after the submission of post-hearing briefs or within such other reasonable period as is consistent with the rules established by the AAA. 15. The arbitrator shall give full consideration to the legal requirements limiting the amounts that objectors may be charged, and shall set forth in the decision the legal and arithmetic basis for such decision. 16. If an objector receiving an advance reduction wishes to continue objection, he/she shall continue to pay the reduced fees that he/she is currently paying until the neutral referee issues the report. As soon as possible after the issuance of the neutral referee's report, he/she shall pay the amount of the reduced fees calculated by the neutral referee. Persons objecting for the first time shall be sent a copy of the report prepared by the neutral referee for the previous year and shall pay the reduced fees as soon as possible. 17. Each month thereafter for all objectors, an amount shall be put in an interest-bearing escrow account equal to 25% of the reduced monthly fees, or such other greater amount as the neutral referee may recommend. All objectors from the previous year shall be paid the amount of non-chargeable money that is in the escrow account as determined by the neutral referee's report as soon as practicable after its issuance. The appropriate unit of UTU shall not, however, take its portion of the monies in the escrow account until fifteen days after the conclusion of the period within which an objector may appeal the report of the neutral referee, or upon the issuance of the decision of the arbitrator, whichever is later. 18. When the decision of the arbitrator is announced the monies remaining in the escrow account shall be distributed in accordance with the decision. PERCENTAGE OF CHARGEABLE FEES DETERMINED BY NEUTRAL REVIEW FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1997 International.................67.0 GENERAL COMMITTEES OF ADJUSTMENT*, INCLUDING LOCALS UNDER JURISDICTION *) Unreviewed GOs will have 1997 average of chargeable percentages of GOs audited of 100.0 applied to any new objectors. All General Committees and Local Commmittees .............................100.0 STATE LEGISLATIVE BOARDS** **) Unreviewed SLBs will have a 0% chargeable percentage applied to new objectors. LO 005 California...........86.6 LO 026 Minnesota............75.7 LO 035 New York.............90.8 LO 038 Ohio.................92.7 LO 48 Texas.................64.9 Unreviewed Boards..............0.0 --UTUIA offers ULTIMATE PAR policy ...............##Z UTUIA is proud to provide a permanent whole life policy that lets you choose the length of your premium paying period -- whether its one year or 30! Unlike other whole life insurance, the flexibility of ULTIMATE PAR is in the premium-paying period. This policy can be created to allow premiums to be paid for shorter durations than the lifetime of the insured. A limited premium-paying pattern allows you to make payments during the period when your earning power is high and relieving you of payments during later years when income decreases, such as at retirement. Under a limited premium-paying pattern, you can create a policy which is paid-up with a single premium, or the premium can be spread over any number of years you select. ULTIMATE PAR is especially suited for adults who wish to create a paid-up policy as quickly as possible, or to parents or grandparents who wish to provide a paid-up policy for their children or grandchildren. Issue ages are 0-70. Make your own choice about the schedule of your premiums by choosing UTUIA's ULTIMATE PAR. For information and personal service, call (800) 558- 8842, Ext. 211 today, or write to: UTUIA Marketing and Sales Dept., 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107- 4250. ==================================================== UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION |
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