UTU NEWS
| Volume 30 | November, 1998 | Number 11 |
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
UTU International President Charles L. Little TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS EDITION UTU/BLE talks continue to November 12 ............##A CSX conductor dies in collision with truck ....##B UTU members to enjoy healthcare choice ...........##C Clues found in Sunset Limited derailment ......##D Van drivers, bus cleaners choose UTU .............##E BNSF, UP agree to port user fee ...............##F Six die while sleeping on UP tracks ..............##G Money set for maglev planning .................##H ATSF caboose earns Brass Lantern Award ...........##I AROUND THE UTU News from around the U.S. and Canada ..........##J MEMBERSHIP PROFILE Annual CSX Christmas train delivers fun ..........##K BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT "Our blessings" ...............................##L YARDMASTER REPORT "All the news..." ................................##M EDITORIALS Meaningful unification ........................##N More healthcare choices ..........................##O "Stand and deliver" ...........................##P "News vs. Facts vs. Truth" .......................##Q Voices: Members share their opinions ..........##R Feedback: Appreciating our Leadership ............##S MONTHLY FEATURE Lake Terminal workers fight for their jobs ....##T STATE WATCH SLDs offer election recommendations ..............##U News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##V SENIOR NEWS Low inflation keeps pension COLAs in check .......##W Retiree underscores value of involvement ......##X N&W retirees meet monthly in Roanoke, Va. ........##Y The Final Call ................................##Z TPEL HONOR ROLL Contributors' continued support recognized.......##AA NOTICES Q's and A's on Blue Cross/Blue Shield ........##BB Monthly apparel winner announced ................##CC Travelers Club sets sights on Italy ..........##DD Rail workers to get vision care plan ............##EE Class-action asbestos case halted ............##FF Two providers opt out of plan ...................##GG UTU Retiree Program makes years golden .......##HH Holiday gift ideas say "UTU and Proud" ..........##II UTUIA Permanent Life makes a lasting gift ....##JJ ==================================================== IN THIS EDITION --UTU/BLE talks continue to November 12 ............##A CLEVELAND -- On October 5, the United Transportation Union, with the unanimous support of its Board of Directors, asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to reinstate its petition to hold representation elections on the Union Pacific for all operating employees. However, at the request of the NMB, the UTU has agreed to re-open talks with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) for 30 days. In a letter sent to both unions on October 13, NMB Chief of Staff Stephen E. Crable gave the UTU and BLE a deadline of November 12 to resolve their differences. "If no agreement is reached by November 12, 1998, your organization (UTU) may renew its request for the Board to resume processing this case," Crable said. "The UTU has great respect for the leadership of the NMB and AFL-CIO facilitator Tom Donahue," said Charles L. Little, International President. "We are willing to meet with the BLE under the terms of the May 21 Montana Agreement that said both unions would 'explore the creation of a New Organization uniting the two rail operating unions while ensuring the protection of craft autonomy and existing rights of representation.'" Little said that under terms of the Montana Agreement, "a federation between the UTU and BLE is not on the table, only a true unification." It is expected that Donahue will continue as facilitator. In March, the UTU had asked the NMB, at the request of AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, to hold its petition in "abeyance" pending the outcome of negotiations with the BLE under the direction of Donahue to form a new organization. The UTU's October 5 request was made after negotiations with the BLE regarding forming a new labor organization to represent all operating railroad employees failed to produce an acceptable plan. In its letter to the NMB, the UTU said, "The time has simply passed for continuing to work on this fruitless enterprise." The BLE admitted in a press release that it never seriously considered forming a new union with the UTU as it agreed to do on May 21 in Montana under the direction of Donahue, but only sought a federation. In Montana, however, the idea of forming a federation between the BLE and UTU was rejected, and the two unions pledged to talk only about creating a new union. The Montana Agreement was signed by the leaders of both unions. The BLE said in its press release that the UTU leadership "rejected the BLE's efforts to achieve a federation among (sic) the two unions, saying that only a merger would be accepted by the UTU." Little said, "We sincerely sought the creation of a brand new organization, as we agreed to do in Montana combining the best of the two unions, but that was never the BLE's intent." "A PHONY FEDERATION STRUCTURE" In a letter sent to the BLE, Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., said, "Our proposal provided for continued progress on a true unification of our two unions, and your reply indicates insistence on the status quo with a phony federation structure that is meaningless." The letter also said, "To begin with, despite all the time devoted to BLE-UTU unification, it still appears that you want a federation, instead of a new union, and we cannot proceed with this matter on that basis...because it is not a meaningful unification that will address the problems that divide us and cause problems in the workplace for our respective memberships." In addition, the UTU said that the BLE attempted to "foment a strike" that was "without basis" on the Union Pacific Railroad in an attempt to embarrass UTU during the final week of negotiations. The UTU said it received reliable reports from BLE officers in late September about an attempt by BLE to create a strike situation for "no stated reason" on the Union Pacific. The sources said BLE wanted to embarrass the UTU. CREATE A STRIKE SITUATION In regard to a strike on the UP, the sources said that Monin directly contacted BLE Union Pacific mobilizers during the last week in September, bypassing his general chairmen, asking that they create a strike situation on UP. They said Monin wanted "to look good" when the NMB ordered a representation vote and that he wanted to try to force UTU members to cross the picket line. That plan, however, backfired when BLE general chairmen on the UP and the carrier heard about it. "In his press release, Clarence Monin expressed 'bewilderment' at our charge that the BLE was planning a strike on the Union Pacific to harm the UTU," said Little. "It's not the first time Clarence Monin has been bewildered, and it certainly will not be the last." In regard to a trumped up strike on the Union Pacific, the UTU's letter to Monin said, "Equally as disturbing are reports we began to receive after our meeting on September 29 about your threatened strike of the Union Pacific Railroad. Those reports indicate that you approached your 'mobilizers'... on Union Pacific and told them to request strike authority, which you would grant to put UTU in a 'trick bag,' apparently meaning we would tell our members to cross your picket line. Both of our fathers were trade unionists and they would turn over in their graves if we would do so." The letter continued, "UTU has never ordered a BLE picket line crossed in its history, not even in the BLE 1982 national strike where the chief issue was more compensation for engineers than conductors. It was BLE, however, that ordered its membership to cross the firemen's picket lines in the 1965 national strike and in UTU's 47-day strike on the Soo Line in the summer of 1994. Finally, as we understand it from reports, there was no stated reason for the strike and your general chairmen knew nothing about it, which, if true, shows its purpose was to try to embarrass UTU." On January 12, the UTU asked the NMB in Washington, D.C., to rule that a "representation dispute" exists rail industry-wide among operating employees in a single craft or class of Train and Engine Service Employees. Concurrently, the NMB was asked to "order elections" among union employees on the Union Pacific Railroad represented by the UTU and BLE. PRESERVE, PROTECT AND GUARANTEE AUTONOMY "We wanted a new and stronger union that would preserve, protect and guarantee the autonomy of all of the historical operating crafts. A federation would not be effective in solving the problems that divide us and cause problems in the workplace for our respective memberships," Little said. Little said it was "the BLE that engaged in a charade from the beginning." "The BLE's own words prove that they told Tom Donahue and us one thing, and their membership another, in order to stall the National Mediation Board process so they could attempt to shore up support on the Union Pacific Railroad when a representation election was ordered," Little said. "The fact is the UTU will win this election." --CSX conductor dies in collision with truck ....##B A UTU member was killed when a special CSX Transportation passenger train collided with a loaded log truck stalled on a track in southeast Georgia last month. Killed was Conductor James R. Godwin, Sr., of Jacksonville, Fla. The 55-year-old Godwin was a member of Local 1031 in Savannah, Ga. The train, carrying 21 passengers and a two-man crew, was bound from Jacksonville, Fla., to Washington, D.C., on a recruiting trip for Edward Waters College in Jacksonville. The accident occurred about 7:30 p.m. on private property south of the city of Ludowici, Ga. The log truck was stuck on the tracks on a dirt road when it was struck. Pieces of metal that were ripped off the truck's frame were scattered along the railroad bed, and flying logs knocked down power lines. --UTU members to enjoy healthcare choice ...........##C CLEVELAND -- The United Transportation Union and the National Carriers' Conference Committee are expanding healthcare choices for 43,000 UTU-represented employees working on certain Class I railroads, beginning April 1, 1999. UTU members who work for six major Class I railroads -- Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Kansas City Southern and Conrail -- will be able to choose Blue Cross Blue Shield as their health insurance provider. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) is not part of the expanded healthcare choice program with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Only locomotive engineers working under UTU agreements will have this option. Unfortunately, engineers working under BLE agreements will not have this option. Currently, United HealthCare and Aetna provide healthcare insurance for all union workers, including UTU members, under the Railroad Employees' National Health and Welfare Plan. "Our members have been saying that they want greater choice in their healthcare options and that is what they are getting," said Charles L. Little, UTU International president. "At a time when American healthcare consumers' choices of doctors and hospitals are being increasingly restricted, this union is giving its members more choice and freedom to control their personal medical decision making." The coverage will start April 1, 1999, instead of the previously announced January 1, 1999, in order to ensure sufficient time for open enrollment and a smooth transition. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will provide both traditional comprehensive and managed healthcare insurance options. For UTU members who select Blue Cross coverage, the Michigan Plan will also provide all administrative services. UTU members who select Blue Cross Blue Shield will also receive mental health and substance abuse services from Magellan Behavioral Health, the nation's largest managed behavioral healthcare company, serving 61 million persons in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company will provide life insurance coverage. Merck/Medco will continue to administer the prescription drug benefit. UTU members will have the ability beginning April 1, 1999, to choose Blue Cross Blue Shield, United HealthCare or Aetna as their Managed Medical Care Program (MMCP) provider, depending on availability in different geographic areas. ValueOptions will continue to offer mental health and substance abuse services for UTU members who choose to continue with United HealthCare or Aetna. In those areas where UTU- represented employees do not have the option of selecting the MMCP benefit, the Comprehensive Health Care Benefit will be administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Information on Blue Cross Blue Shield enrollment will be made available to UTU members in the future. The new Blue Cross Blue Shield healthcare option mirrors the current national health and welfare plan. --Clues found in Sunset Limited derailment ......##D Three years after saboteurs derailed Amtrak's Sunset Limited near Phoenix, Ariz., killing a porter and injuring 78, the FBI said its painstaking search for the perpetrators could be nearing an end. With help from Arizona law enforcement authorities, FBI agents recently pulled several vehicles from an 800- foot vertical mine shaft, about 35 miles north of the crash site. One of the vehicles, a rusted, twisted dune buggy suited for desert travel, may be linked to the derailment. Then agents found something perhaps even more crucial: a long tool called a "J-hook," shaped like the letter. Experts say it's possible such a tool could be used to extract railroad spikes. In addition, the FBI increased an outstanding reward offer to $320,000, up from $120,000. --Van drivers, bus cleaners choose UTU .............##E CLEVELAND -- Nearly 300 transportation employees are one step closer to UTU membership. The van drivers of Renzenberger, Inc., on Oct. 15, and the equipment cleaners at California Charter in Long Beach, Cal., on Oct. 9, chose the UTU to serve as their collective bargaining agent. UTU Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis characterized both victories as significant, saying management at both companies used highly paid "union busting" firms to keep the UTU out. The van drivers at Renzenberger shuttle rail crews around rail yards and from location to location, mainly for the Union Pacific and Amtrak, while the employees at California Charter are responsible for cleaning and washing the company's charter buses. Renzenberger, Inc., which is headquartered in Shawnee, Kan., has more than 1,100 drivers in 21 states. Last month's election was for the approximately 250 drivers on the company's Southern California division, and McNelis said the UTU is not stopping there. "We hope to carry the momentum of this election over to employees of Renzenberger in Northern California and elsewhere," he said. "Our first order of business now is to gather suggestions from employees for a first contract," he added. McNelis was especially grateful to Alternate Vice President Percy Palmer, General Chairpersons Jim Harford, David Lyall and William Koehn, and Local Chairperson Rick Ortega. "They went above and beyond the call," the union officer said. Strategic Planner John Nadalin, California State Legislative Director J.P. Jones, Assistant Director Mike Anderson, and Field Supervisors K.D. Lee and Serge Decoste were also instrumental to this effort McNelis said, not to mention the rail crews who supported the van drivers on a daily basis. "This was truly a joint bus and rail effort," McNelis said. --BNSF, UP agree to port user fee ...............##F LOS ANGELES -- The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have finalized a user-fee arrangement with the Union Pacific (UP) and Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) railroads that will assure funding for the $2.4- billion Alameda Corridor. The UP and BNSF have agreed to pay a user fee of $30 per loaded 40-foot container, $8 per empty unit and $8 for other railcars, such as coal cars. The fees will increase each year in line with the consumer price index. The agreement is significant because it means that construction on the nation's costliest intermodal project can proceed full-throttle until its expected completion in February 2002. Train movements to and from the ports will be consolidated into a single corridor, eliminating some 200 grade crossings in the congested urban area. A 10- mile stretch of the corridor will be 30 feet below street level. --Six die while sleeping on UP tracks ..............##G NORIAS, Texas -- A Union Pacific (UP) freight train last month struck and killed six people, all Mexican immigrants, sleeping between railroad tracks. The 105-car train was on its way to Brownsville from Houston when the accident occurred in Kenedy County, about 60 miles north of Brownsville. No cars derailed. "When (the crew) saw the people lying between the tracks, there was no way they could stop," UP spokesperson Mark Davis said. A train that size could take up to a mile to come to a halt, he said. For many Mexican immigrants seeking a better life in Texas and beyond, the path is familiar. Copperheads, corals, rattlers and other venomous snakes infest the range, and authorities say that may explain why six men were sleeping in the path of the train. "There is a great (misbelief) that if you sleep between the railroad tracks, snakes won't get you," Davis said. "Unfortunately, trains will." The six unidentified men were killed around 3:15 a.m. The victims may have believed that trains do not run at night in the U.S., as is the case in Mexico. "The train crew saw some debris on the tracks," said Letty Garza of the U.S. Border Patrol. "That next split second, they saw heads raise up and then six people were killed instantly." --Money set for maglev planning .................##H WASHINGTON -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater has announced that grant funds will be available for pre-construction planning of a magnetic levitation (maglev) transportation system at a U.S. location. Maglev technology uses magnetic fields to safely and comfortably propel a vehicle at speeds of 240 mph or more on a specially designed guideway. Maglev trains can travel at speeds estimated to be at least 30% faster than Japanese bullet trains and almost twice the speed of any train currently operating in the U.S. In Germany, there are plans to break ground shortly on the construction of a system using this technology to link Berlin and Hamburg, a distance of 180 miles, with travel time of one hour. "The purpose of the maglev deployment program is to demonstrate this promising 21st century technology to the American people," FRA Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris said. The interim final rule sets a deadline of Dec. 31, 1998, for interested states and designated authorities to submit applications for planning grants. The FRA will accept proposals from interested organizations or authorities designated by one or more states. Grant funds of $15 million are available in fiscal year 1999 to carry out pre-construction planning activities. Several states have already indicated an interest in applying. --ATSF caboose earns Brass Lantern Award ...........##I The winner of the 1998 UTU Brass Lantern Award, given to the builder of the model railroad caboose that best captures the essence of railroading, is Robert Ernst of Independence, Mo. Ernst, who operates a railroad video and model- building business and has been building railroad models for more than 34 years, built an HO model of an AT&SF caboose, circa 1990, complete with brake rigging, piping, handrails and grab irons, and indescribable detail. He started with an Athearn kit and modified it to conform with photos he had taken of a similar caboose in a KCS yard. Ernst, who received the award at the National Model Railroad Association's national convention and competition in Kansas City, expressed his appreciation to the UTU for its support. Photos of Ernst and his model appear in the traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS. AROUND THE UTU --News from around the U.S. and Canada ..........##J Local 77, New York, N.Y. Members have created a web page for their retirees inviting all to join the pensioners who meet for lunch on the third Monday of each month (except January and February) around 11 a.m. at Umberto's Restaurant on Rt. 9 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. For information, contact Grace Butler at (914) 454-4555. See the web page at <http://members.aol.com/UTULOCAL77/index.html>. Local 81, Vista, Cal. Labor is helping labor again this year, thanks to the local's participation in food drives coordinated by the San Diego Labor Council, which runs a food bank assisting unionists who are out of work, on strike, or may need assistance for a variety of reasons. The effort also helps with utility bills and distributes toys to children. To get more involved, contact General Chairperson and Legislative Representative Karen Belcher at (760) 745-3126. Local 171, Aurora, Ill. Members held their biannual dinner last month, sponsored by UTU Designated Legal Counsel Yaeger, Jungbauer, Barczak & Roe, Ltd. Also, a party was held for Brother Bill Loeser, who has been suffering health problems, and guest speakers have been arranged for the November and December meetings. Local 343, Hamilton, Ont. Last month, on Canada's Thanksgiving weekend, members were honored when Membership I, the UTU's high-tech mobile education and training motorcoach, pulled up at the monthly meeting, marking the first time it visited a Canadian local. According to Scott Montani, the motorcoach made a spectacular impression on members of Locals 107, 416, 472 and 537, and on Ontario Federation of Labour affiliates who were in attendance. Local 759, Newark, N.J. Members working for Community Bus Lines in Passaic, N.J., are making plans for their annual Christmas party, likely to be held at the VFW Hall on Paulison Avenue, according to Joseph Duhart. For information, contact Secretary and Treasurer Tony Ortiz at (973) 815-0360. Local 792, Cleveland, Ohio Members of the local, caught up in the Conrail/CSXT/NS transaction, are beginning to report problems "as big as the UP has in Houston," according to Local Chairperson Dave Morrison, who notes there have been days no trains were moving due to gridlock. Also noted is a shortage of qualified employees available for an overwhelming amount of work. Local 807, Tucson, Ariz. With the switchmen of Local 1800 in Tucson, the trainmen of Local 807 are gearing up for the joint annual special meeting, to be held Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 4550 S. Palo Verde Boulevard in Tucson. Membership I will arrive on the scene the day before, and guests will include UTU International President Charles L. Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. Also attending will be people from The Crow Law Firm (designated legal counsel), as well as UTU legislative and health and welfare representatives. New hires are especially urged to come and learn about their union. For information, contact Greg Dion by calling (520) 797- 7913, or send e-mail to him at <dionutu807@aol.com>. Local 924, Richmond, Va. A surprise visitor to the local's annual family picnic, sponsored last month by Designated Legal Counsel Eddie W. Wilson, Willard J. Moody Sr., and Lawrence M. Mann, was CSXT Chief Executive John W. Snow, according to Local President Margaret Fiala, who said more than 500 came to the event. Local 1293, Altoona, Wisc. Wisconsin State Legislative Director Tom Dwyer presented members with a plaque recognizing the local as the state's top contributor to TPEL, according to Local Alternate Legislative Representative Ken Staves. The local is also proud to lead the nation in contributions per member, with each donating an average $11 per month. Local 1391, Lorain, Ohio Members plan to travel to USX headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa., for informational picketing aimed at drawing attention to steel mill USS/Kobe's strategy to avoid renewing its switching agreement with the Lake Terminal Railroad (see related story on Pages 6 and 7). Chairperson Tim Smith said members have posted a web page detailing their struggle at <http://www.angelfire.com/oh/mervman/index.htm>. Local 1620, Elkhart, Ind. Members presented the UTU's prestigious Brass Lantern Award to Nancy Guyott, counsel for the Indiana Department of Labor, IOSHA, for her tireless efforts to improve rail safety, at the second annual Rail Labor Rally, held recently in Elkhart's McNaughton Park, according to Steven R. Filbert, chairperson of the Indiana State Legislative Board's executive committee. The event, sponsored by Designated Legal Counsel Hoey, Farina & Downes, included a visit from Membership I, as well as representatives from the FRA, United HealthCare, UTUIA, the United Labor Agency, Elkhart Mayor Jim Perron, and Julie Vuckovich, who represented Cong. Tim Roemer. Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C. A TPEL membership drive held last month was stoked by a visit from Membership I. According to Local Chairperson Steve Smith, due to incredible regional growth, the city has earmarked $1.2 billion for transit, and Transit Management of Charlotte, which employs members, is being transformed into a 10-county transit authority. New work includes a neighborhood transit service, and light rail is being developed along two corridors. Local 1760, Detroit, Mich. Members will be holding their annual Christmas party Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1998, at the DAV Memorial Hall, 6117 Chase Rd., Dearborn, Mich., according to Secretary and Treasurer Jerry D'Ortenzio, who notes the event begins at 8 p.m. All CSXT craft employees and retirees are invited. For information, contact D'Ortenzio by calling (734) 522-1043. Meanwhile, a good time was had by all who attended the family picnic in late August sponsored by the local, Operation RedBlock, and members of BLE Local 582. GO-875, LACMTA A report here last month made it appear members of Local 1563 were the only to benefit from a recent arbitration ruling. According to General Chairperson James Williams, members of Locals 1563, 1564, 1565, 1607, and 1608, working for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, all stand to benefit from the ruling. The arbitration resulted when LACMTA tried spinning off more than 20 bus lines in violation of local agreements. Ruling for the UTU, the arbitrator asked the parties to work out a remedy, but due to agency stall tactics, the arbitrator has agreed to take back jurisdiction over the award. Final disposition of the case is still pending, but it appears LACMTA will not be able to spin off any of the lines. MEMBERSHIP PROFILE --Annual CSX Christmas train delivers fun ..........##K It's hard to say when an annual event becomes a tradition, but after delivering the goods for about the past six years, the CSX Christmas Train, sponsored by the Philadelphia/Wilmington Safety Committee, is certainly close to becoming one. According to Tony Mirarchi, president of Local 1373 and chairperson of the committee, all active and retired UTU members and their families, as well as other CSX workers, are invited to participate in this year's free event. Planned for Sunday, December 13, the annual train ride departs from Philadelphia's R.G. Tower at about 9 a.m. for a round-trip journey to Wilsmere, Del., that ends around noon. Due to the popularity of the event, which last year drew more than 1,200 riders, a second train is scheduled to depart on the same date from Wilsmere Yard at about 1 p.m. for a round-trip run to the Susquehanna Bridge. As in years past, the effort is made possible by volunteers who bring the trains up from Baltimore, clean the coaches, and then decorate for the holiday. Mirarchi promises prizes and refreshments for all in attendance. A member of the safety committee, in full regalia as Santa Claus, will deliver gifts to the children, and a retired yardmaster dressed as a clown will entertain. The safety committee, which includes members of Locals 1373 and 1378, is dedicating this year's effort to Local 1378 Chairperson Bill Stone's son, Adam, who was paralyzed from the neck down about six months ago. The traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS includes a photograph of the CSX Philadelphia/Wilmington Safety Committee. Pictured are Tony Mirarchi, June P. Alexander, Barry Lovell, Jim Martino, Paul Ogden, Tom Bacon and Joe Kochersperger. For more information, contact Mirarchi by writing to 929 Georgetown Rd., Swarthmore, PA 19081, or call him at (610) 544-6399. BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT --"Our blessings"
...............................##L Most of us are very fortunate to be where we are, with what we have, as a result of being in a labor union. We have a lot to be thankful for. Do we constantly need improvement in wages, benefits and working conditions? Yes, but the basis for what we have had been fought for and established before most of us became members of a union. Our parents, or grandparents, or someone, fought just to become organized as a union. They went through the fear of being terminated, companies' threats of going out of business or the firing of employees just because they wanted to go union. Most of us did not have to go through organizing campaigns to have unions represent us; the union was there for us when we took the job. We had the protection of the union once we completed the probationary period. We cannot forget that a union protects us, and that employees we are organizing are not protected, and they are afraid. No matter what the issues are among the employees, when it comes time to vote, I believe it comes down to fear among the employees. The employee is afraid of two things: First, many employees are not even aware of what a union is all about, having never been in a union, or known anyone in a union, and are afraid of change. Second, they are afraid they will lose their jobs because of the union, because that is what the company tells them. Organizers have to calm those fears with the confidence of the facts that companies do not go out of business after being organized or that all the employees are fired. We have to convince them that unionism and the UTU are the way to go. Happy Thanksgiving! YARDMASTER REPORT --"All the news..."
................................##M Soo Line yardmasters have ratified the proposed contract. Reaching the agreement has been a long, hard struggle. The agreement provides for 10.5% in general wage increases and 7% in lump-sum payments. It allows one week of vacation to be taken one day at a time and the 4% to 6% cost -of-living allowance increase rolled into the basic rate of pay, effective December 31, 1999, as provided in the Award of Arbitration Board No. 559. The Soo Line yardmasters will begin participation in a gain-sharing plan that has a maximum, annual lump-sum payment of 4% of the previous year's total compensation. Compensated transfer time is provided. Health care coverage benefits were increased without any employee contributions. -- General Chairperson Thomas P. Turner and the yardmaster general committee are to be commended for their diligent work in bringing this round of negotiations to a successful conclusion. Tom wishes to thank everyone for the cards and calls following his recent surgery. -- The BNSF yardmaster committee is in negotiations with the Portland Terminal (PT) Railroad to replace the PT agreement with a mirror of the BNSF agreement, excluding the ROA provision. The accord has finally been reached with the BNSF to eliminate entry rates for yardmasters. -- CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern control of Conrail is moving closer to reality. We are awaiting the decision of the CSXT arbitration panel. Immediately following adoption of the arbitration award the ratification process will begin on the portions of the yardmaster craft's implementing agreements not covered by the award. EDITORIALS --Meaningful unification ........................##N From the beginning of talks with the BLE in May, until the September 30 deadline, the UTU kept its word about working for the creation of a new organization, as agreed to in Montana. When it became apparent that the BLE, contrary to the Montana Agreement, would only accept a meaningless "federation," there was no other choice but to go back to the National Mediation Board (NMB). UTU members should note that the decision to return to the NMB was made with the unanimous support of the Board of Directors. Now, the NMB has wisely asked both unions to give it another shot for 30 days. If no agreement is reached by November 12, the NMB said the UTU "may renew its request to the Board to resume...this case." The UTU will devote the time and resources required to unify the UTU and BLE at the negotiating table. However, this NMB extension must be used by the parties to reach an actual agreement on unification. A federation between the two unions cannot be on the table. From the beginning, the UTU has worked diligently to create a real unification. We will continue this effort not because we seek to please the AFL-CIO or the other rail unions or the carriers. We are doing it because it is the right thing to do and because of its critical importance to the working lives of all operating employees on the nation's railroads. We will accept no less than a real unification. We should know where things stand on November 12. --More healthcare choices ..........................##O At a time when the choice of healthcare providers is shrinking, the UTU and the National Carriers' Conference Committee are expanding healthcare choice for 43,000 UTU-represented operating employees working on six major Class I railroads. The key word in this is "represented." Only operating employees working under UTU agreements are eligible at this time. Unfortunately, UTU engineer members working under BLE agreements are not eligible because the BLE is not part of the expanded healthcare-choice program. Once again, the UTU delivers more for its members working under agreements it has negotiated. It's another reason why unification is a major benefit for all rail workers. --"Stand and deliver" ...........................##P There is only one acceptable solution for the future of all operating rail employees. There is only one meaningful solution to guaranteeing the future of the historical rail operating crafts. That solution is a real unification between the BLE and UTU. Nothing else will work. Especially a phony federation that will not solve the real problems facing operating rail labor. On October 5, when it became obvious that the BLE was not serious about unification, our Board of Directors unanimously supported asking the National Mediation Board (NMB) to approve a representation election on the Union Pacific Railroad. Elsewhere in this issue of the UTU NEWS is the story behind that story. I want you to know why President Little, the Board and I are so committed to unification. We sincerely believe that the only way to preserve the historical operating crafts and to protect operating rail workers' futures is for one union to represent everybody. We sincerely believe that the only way to preserve craft autonomy and seniority for the long term is for one union to represent everyone. One strong union can stand up and represent the best interests of the historical crafts with the carriers much more effectively than two unions. Everyone knows that. In fact, over the course of the summer and since October 5, we have received many words of support from future-thinking members of both unions saying that the rank-and-file wants one union representing them. They were pleased that UTU and BLE were actually talking about creating a future together. Those are the voices that matter. If President Little and I wanted to take the easy road, we would have done nothing. But we were elected to make a difference. We were not elected to please the leadership of the AFL-CIO. We were not elected to please the leadership of other rail unions. We were not elected to please those who believe that the status quo is acceptable. We were elected to represent the best interests of our members. Those members told us that they want unification with the locomotive engineers union. So did many BLE members and leaders. In good faith, we still seek a real unification with our natural brothers and sisters in the BLE. As a locomotive engineer, I understand the many issues we can resolve for all of the historical crafts working within one strong union. The NMB has asked us to try again. We will do so one last time at the negotiating table working with Tom Donahue, a man of true integrity. It's time to stand up and deliver a meaningful unification by November 12. Or else it will be time for all operating rail workers to choose between either the UTU or BLE at the ballot box. Either way, there will be one union because that is what the future demands. --"News vs. Facts vs. Truth" .......................##Q Today's news reports, no matter where you get them, whether it is from the radio, television, or off the screen of your computer, may have little or no relationship to events that actually took place. These media are no longer owned by responsible people who want to bring a factual accounting of the day's events into your living room or workplace. They are now subsidiaries of worldwide corporations who use all forms of media to sell advertising. The real money in the news comes from the advertisements, not from the sale of the newspaper. The portion of the newspaper, TV program or radio that you find enjoyable is only used to get you to pay attention to the ads. The practice of media law is booming. And their advice to the corporate media conglomerates? You can print anything as long as you can attribute it to someone other than your reporter. How many times have you heard the phrase, "from a reliable source who wishes to remain anonymous?" Reporters are no longer responsible for their stories. They are merely "talking heads." They no longer have the time to verify their stories, nor are they even encouraged or allowed to check them out or make sure they are accurate. Instead, they are in the business of reporting rumors, gossip or they read directly off some major corporate news release. Yes, this type of journalism increases circulation, which increases the number of ads sold which increases the bottom line for the big global corporations. But through all of this, what we see or hear has little or no relationship to the truth or to the relating of facts. I believe that the framers of the Constitution did not include the freedom of press simply so that major corporations could increase their bottom line. The news media has been singled out for this Constitutional protection and with it goes an obligation that somehow has been forgotten. Because of this situation, many of the best and brightest who used to be attracted to Washington to work in public service improving your life don't even want to come close to this place. They don't want themselves or their families subjected to the scrutiny, let alone the rumor mill. Why? Because the press focuses on what many of us would consider little more than trash. After the printing of the trash and the ads, there leaves no room or time for the real news. Yes, there is news about what is happening in Washington that affects you and your family, news about what the politicians are doing that concerns your job, improvements in health care, a bill of rights for patients, safety issues on your job, the funding of railroad retirement, labor protections and so many other issues vital to you and your family. These issues simply don't get reported. I don't blame the reporters; most of them are as disgusted as you are. They are told that the bottom line is more important than responsible truth or accuracy. These gigantic world-wide corporations have done just like the railroads; they have laid off everyone they can find from the loading docks to the print shop to the news room floor. Bottom line versus straight line. Does this sound just like the railroad or bus company that you work for? That's the news for now. Film at 11. --Voices: Members share their opinions ..........##R 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 GUIDES YOUR CHOICES ON ELECTION DAY? "The number-one thing I consider is the financial aspect. If the candidate's a union man or thinks about the average person, I'd consider that as the number-one thing. As far as political party is concerned, that's not really important to me, and neither is a candidate's personality. I like to see a candidate take an interest in our resources, such as air, wildlife, water, or things that keep our kids off dope. I know some who don't vote, but there's no excuse. If you don't vote, you don't count." -- JOSEPH DUHART, L-759, NEWARK, N.J. "I vote strictly by labor issues because I believe, first and foremost, having economic stability is important, so I vote for candidates who will support my job and pocketbook. Other issues are peripheral. Also, I work for a public agency supported by state and federal funding, so it's important that we have candidates that are labor-supportive and supportive of transit. I know people who don't vote because they don't see the impact or importance of it. But one vote makes a difference." -- KAREN BELCHER, L-81, VISTA, CAL. "I'm not really interested in side issues. I usually vote bread-and-butter issues, pocketbook issues, things that put food on the table and protect my job. You're traditionally voting Democratic if you're voting for those things. We have very few Democrats holding even local offices in this part of Texas, but I vote a straight Democratic ticket. If for some reason I can't vote for the Democrat, I won't vote for that position at all. I also vote early. It behooves all people in the rail industry to vote early." -- DAVID ARTERBURN, L-1313, AMARILLO, TEX. "I look at all the issues, but I usually vote for the labor-recommended candidates, or those who are helping labor, because when they help labor, they help families. I like candidates who are willing to go the extra mile to benefit everybody. I use the absentee ballot to make sure I get a chance to vote. It's much easier, especially if you don't know what your schedule might be like. If we fail to vote, we might as well turn everything over to the Communists." -- DAVID OJEDA, L-1563, EL MONTE, CAL. --Feedback: Appreciating our Leadership ............##S I have read (Byron Boyd's) column in the September issue of the UTU NEWS, which contained many very kind remarks about my activities at our Houston and Reno meetings. I deeply appreciate the comments. Having the opportunity to have a small part in our union's activities at these meetings, after all these years, was indeed a renewal of spirit for me. I must emphasize there have been times in past years that I was deeply concerned about our organization. Those were very depressing occasions. I thought Charlie Little would make a good president, but he has performed beyond my expectations. Byron Boyd's talent, aggressiveness, and loyalty have been a great asset to Charlie. I believe they compliment each other. I also feel sure that my good friend Dan Johnson is a positive addition to the leadership team. There truly is a "New Beginning." After unification, and all during Charlie Luna's administration, the slogan and word was "unity," and it worked well. During my administration, I used the slogan, "Tomorrow." Now, Charlie's slogan, "A New Beginning," is certainly timely and very appropriate. I close by saying that my recent observation tells me it is like a breath of fresh air when you are suffocating. My thanks and very best wishes. MONTHLY FEATURE --Lake Terminal workers fight for their jobs ....##T LORAIN, Ohio -- For 104 years, the Lake Terminal Railroad has been the only carrier to service the steel mill in this Northeastern Ohio city near Cleveland. Founded in 1894, there are many third-generation families working on the railroad. In addition, the Lake Terminal is the oldest business in Lorain County still operating under its original name. But if USS/Kobe Steel president George Babcoke has his way, the 170 union workers on the Lake Terminal, including 88 UTU members, will be out of work on December 28. A ghost company using non-union workers created specifically to kill off the legendary unionized railroad will replace them. On September 23, more than 200 people, including many mothers with children and grandmothers, packed the steps of Lorain City Hall at a kick-off rally organized by the UTU and attended by members of the United Auto Workers, United Steel Workers of America and others. Membership I, the UTU motorcoach, was on hand to assist in the demonstration. The rally began an unprecedented 90-day campaign to save the historic Lake Terminal Railroad, which has included full-page ads in local newspapers and a labor rally at USX corporate headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh on October 20. USX Corp. and Japan's Kobe Steel Co. own USS/Kobe Steel through a joint venture. "We are asking USS/Kobe Steel to renew its operating agreement with the Lake Terminal," said Tim Smith, UTU general chairperson on the Lake Terminal Railroad. "We are asking USS/Kobe Steel to consider the families and the children. Finally, we are asking USS/Kobe Steel -- and its corporate parents -- to do the right thing." Smith said that the UTU International has provided strong support in the fight to save the Lake Terminal Railroad. "Charlie Little and Byron Boyd have helped us every step of the way," Smith said. George Babcoke, president of USS/Kobe Steel, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that his company needs to trim $80 million to survive, so it is switching to a rail company that offers a competitive price. However, the Lake Terminal Railroad only accounts for about 5% of the steel mill's operating costs. Smith said that the union has bent over backward to help USS/Kobe's bottom line. Babcoke failed to tell Ohio's largest newspaper that the railroad he is planning to hire does not yet exist, does not own one piece of rail equipment, does not have a single employee and that the bidding process was rigged against Lake Terminal. "There is no way a legitimate company like the Lake Terminal Railroad, that cares about worker safety, can compete against a ghost company that's being formed to get rid of union workers," Smith said. "Babcoke is a pretty good fiction writer, but we know the real story. There is no way any company can compete economically against a company that doesn't yet exist. The bidding process was rigged from the start." The Lake Terminal Railroad is owned by Transtar Holdings, which also operates four other unionized railroads employing several hundred UTU members at USX steel mills. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently ran a story with the headline, "USX fires own railroad." Ironically, USX owns 45% of Transtar. That is why other UTU members at USX Transtar-owned railroads planned to join the October 20 protest in Pittsburgh. They are concerned that the Lake Terminal Railroad's fate might happen to them, unless they get USX to change its mind. "We see the handwriting on the wall," said a UTU member off the Union Railroad in Pittsburgh, who attended the Lorain kick-off rally. "First, it's the Lake Terminal. Then they'll be coming after us. We have to stop it here." All four other Transtar-owned USX railroads were expected to have representatives in Pittsburgh for the rally. (Note: The UTU NEWS was going to press on the date of the Pittsburgh rally. A story about that rally is on the UTU website, www.utu.org.) Community reaction in Lorain has been strongly in favor of saving the Lake Terminal Railroad. The city hall rally was the largest labor demonstration in many years and featured many notable locals. Alex Olejko, the mayor of Lorain from 1985 to 1996, worked for 38 years as a steelworker at the mill where his son now works. "It's a shame what's happening here," Olejko said. "The Lake Terminal has been part of this community for 104 years. Some families have worked on it for three and four generations. Where's the compassion for these workers and their families? You hear about this happening somewhere else, but now it's here. We can't let these jobs leave the community without a fight." At the rally, Olejko's sentiments were shared by the dozen speakers, including officers and representatives from the UTU, United Auto Workers, United Steelworkers of America, Transportation Communications Union, AFL- CIO, and the National Association of Railroad Veterans. Don Schnurr, president of UAW Local 2000, said, "Unionism has taken on a new, reinvigorated spirit since the Flint strike, and we have to stand up and take care of each other. You backed us during the Flint strike, and we will do whatever it takes to back you now." Tim Rowe, a member of UAW Local 42, added, "We're here to show our support for UTU members, as well as the steelworkers whose jobs are on the line. We're looking at losing quite a few jobs here in Lorain, and we want to show our solidarity." A concern for workers' safety was strong during the rally. In its 104-year history, the Lake Terminal Railroad has an exemplary safety record. The hiring of poorly trained, non-union workers operating remote- controlled trains will create a dangerous operating situation and lead to serious injury or death, Smith said. In fact, at a Federal Railroad Administration hearing in 1993, it was reported that 11 steel mill workers were killed because of accidents involving radio-controlled trains. More have been killed since. Railroad fatalities in steel mills are the leading cause of all fatal accidents in the industry. At integrated steel mills, like USS/Kobe, transportation workers comprise 2% of the workforce, yet suffer more than 18% of all fatalities, largely because of remote- controlled operations. Stan Cinniger, 53, an engineer and former chairperson of UTU Local 1391, has worked at the USS/Kobe mill for 26 years. "We've got to stop it here, or it will spread," he said. "This is just the beginning. I don't know if it's from USS/Kobe alone, or with Transtar's cooperation, but I think the scenario was written out long before we got the news. But we're going to throw a monkey-wrench in the works." UTU member Russ Tolson has worked at Lake Terminal Railroad for five years as a hot metal expediter. His five-year-old son, Russ, Jr., and his wife, Wendy, joined him at the Lorain rally. "I think the situation is pretty lousy," Tolson said. "You think you have a good job, and then the next thing you know, they pull the rug out from under you. It's just greed." Tolson's wife Wendy added, "I'm scared. Without a job, you don't pay for your house, you don't pay for your car, you can't pay any of your bills. I hope we don't lose everything. You try to do the best you can, and then something like this happens. We've come too far to lose it all." Ten years ago USX sold its "in-house railroads," including the Lake Terminal Railroad in Lorain, the Union Railroad in Pittsburgh, the Bessemer & Lake Erie in Pennsylvania, the Birmingham Southern in Alabama and the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern in Indiana to Transtar Holdings LP, which is partly owned by USX. At that time, USS/Kobe Steel entered into a 10-year agreement with the Lake Terminal, which expires Dec. 28, 1998. "We are a very competitive railroad on a level playing field," said Smith. "But when George Babcoke rigged the game to get rid of the Lake Terminal and its hard-working union workers, there is no way his false challenge can be met." STATE WATCH --SLDs offer election recommendations ..............##U The UTU has endorsed the following candidates for national office based on recommendations by its respective state boards: *denotes incumbent ARKANSAS U.S. Senate Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D) House of Representatives Dist. 1 Marion Berry (D)* Dist. 2 Vic Snyder (D)* Dist. 4 Judy Smith (D) KENTUCKY U.S. Senate Scotty Baesler (D) House of Representatives Dist. 3 Chris Gorman (D) Dist. 4 Ken Lucas (D) Dist. 6 Ernesto Scoresone (D) --News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##V ARIZONA David Shearer (1559), chairperson of the Arizona State Legislative Board, has been elected vice chairman of the state Democratic Party. Shearer, of Yuma, Ariz., is also currently serving as Chairman of the Yuma County Democratic Party and on the Re-elect Pastor to Congress campaign. CALIFORNIA Two UTU members were elected in July to serve on the Democratic Central Committee of Placer County in Northern California. Assistant State Director Mike Anderson (1570) and UTU Local 492 Secretary and Treasurer Daryl Stinchfield were elected to the offices of committee chairman and treasurer, respectively. Anderson is now in his twenty-third year as a member of the committee, while Stinchfield is beginning his fifth two-year term. The county central committees coordinate party politics within the county. GEORGIA The Georgia legislative board is seeking possible solutions from members to the problem of rail grade crossing accidents following the death of a UTU conductor in that state last month. Local 1031 conductor James Godwin of Jacksonville, Fla., was killed Oct. 1 when the special CSXT passenger train he was on collided with a loaded logging trailer that was stuck on the tracks in Ludowici, Ga. Referring to trucks and other vehicles colliding with trains at grade crossings, State Director Wiley Vaughn said, "We are seeking remedies to this situation, either through the enforcement of laws we have, or possibly through new legislation." Members who can offer some insight into this recurring problem should contact Vaughn at the state legislative office at (770) 216-8579. MICHIGAN Diane Brickey, wife of State Legislative Director David Brickey, is interested in forming a local chapter of the UTU Ladies' Auxiliary in the Lansing, Mich., area. Mrs. Brickey said the chapter would require at least 15 members who might meet approximately six times per year, serve as a support system for other families, and write an occasional letter to state and national representatives. Interested wives, mothers, daughters or other family members are invited to phone Brickey at (517) 482-7618. In January, the Ladies Auxiliary will become the UTU Auxiliary and will be open to all family members, male and female. PENNSYLVANIA UTU members and the union's mobile education and training coach, MEMBERSHIP I, joined more than 45,000 other marchers in the annual Labor Day Parade in downtown Pittsburgh in September, reports State Director Donald Dunlevy. Approximately 150 union groups and 29 bands and drill teams were represented in the parade, which began at Civic Arena and made its way to Point State Park. Many of the parade's participants rallied around bakery workers from Nabisco's East Liberty plant, whose jobs are threatened by the plant's closing. A photograph in the traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS depicts UTU Bus Vice President Bernie J. McNelis and Pennsylvania Legislative Board Vice Chairman Ronald J. Hardesty bearing the UTU banner while leading the UTU's contingent in the parade. Other marchers representing the UTU included Bob and Megan Burkardt, MEMBERSHIP I drivers Leroy Ellerbe and Dick Peterson, and McNelis' wife, Joan. MISSISSIPPI State Legislative Director A. Neal Fowler was recently re-elected to his fourth consecutive term as president of the Mississippi State AFL-CIO. This prestigious position automatically entitles Fowler to serve as the state's delegate to the national AFL-CIO. We congratulate Brother Fowler for years of service to UTU members and to all of organized labor. WEST VIRGINIA The local legislative representatives of UTU locals in the state have elected new officers to serve on the state legislative board. John R. Pennybacker, Jr. (504) has been elected to the position of state legislative director; Mark Mewshaw (605) has been elected assistant state director; Byron R. Mullens (1172) has been elected chairperson of the legislative board; James K. Clark (118) has been elected secretary of the legislative board; and Jim Selbe (915) has been elected third vice chairperson. WYOMING State Director T.R. Shelby urges members in Wyoming to support pro-labor candidates in the Nov. 3 elections. Also, the DM&E railroad expansion has been put on hold. In addition, the UTU continues to oppose the Tongue River Railroad. SENIOR NEWS --Low inflation keeps pension COLAs in check .......##W Social Security and Railroad Retirement Tier I benefits are scheduled to rise 1.3%, and Tier II benefits will increase .04% in January 1999, the lowest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in a dozen years. The increase is so small mainly because a healthy U.S. economy has kept a lid on inflation. The adjustment is equal to the December 1986 increase, the lowest since the automatic adjustments became effective in 1975. Yearly COLAs have been below 3% since 1994. COLAs for Railroad Retirement annuities, like those scheduled for Social Security, are based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during the 12 months preceding October 1998. While COLAs for Social Security and Tier I benefits increase according to the percentage of the CPI rise, Tier II benefits are adjusted by 32.5% of the change in the CPI. Vested dual benefit payments and supplemental annuities also paid by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) are not adjusted for the rise in the CPI. The 1.3% COLA also affects Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits issued through a welfare program for poor, blind or disabled people by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Increased payments to SSI beneficiaries will begin on Dec. 31, 1998. The average Railroad Retirement employee annuity will rise $13 a month to $1,297, and the average combined benefits for an employee and spouse will increase $18 a month to $1,887. For aged widow(er)s, the average survivor annuity will rise $9 a month to $777, the RRB said. Under Social Security, the average retired worker's benefit will rise $10 a month to $780. Average combined benefits for an employee and spouse receiving Social Security will rise $17 a month to $1,310. --Retiree underscores value of involvement ......##X Retired bus operator Jim McGarrity has a message for active and retired UTU members alike: "If you disagree with what's happening, get involved!" Thanks in large part to McGarrity's attitude and community involvement, the people of Havertown, Pa., live in a town that enjoys the benefits of a profitable ice skating rink, and soon will boast a park for handicapped children. "We had to stick our neck out a little to get The Skatium," McGarrity said of the 26-year-old ice rink. "Old folks didn't want it because it appeared to benefit only youngsters. But it's gotten kids off the streets, and it's made a profit every year it's been in operation." McGarrity, of Local 1594, Upper Darby, Pa., is equally proud of his recent involvement in developing Merry's Place, the park for handicapped children. "McDonald's Restaurants donated the special play equipment, but nothing would have happened if we hadn't raised a quarter-million dollars to secure and develop the park," he said. Besides driving a bus, McGarrity also was a rail operator for 32 years, running a train on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's Norristown Division (Route 100), once known as the Philadelphia & Western Railroad and then Red Arrow in the 1960s. It was just one of the union-represented transportation jobs he held. "I've been involved with unions since I was 18," McGarrity said. "I was a milkman then, and belonged to Teamsters Local 169." Though retired from transportation, McGarrity still serves his community. After 20 years of involvement with the Parks and Recreation Department, he was elected one of nine commissioners, a position he's held for seven years. Feeling that the lesson of involvement can be applied to the UTU, McGarrity was featured in one of the union's recent videotaped showpieces, aptly entitled Membership Involvement. "I hope younger members of the UTU understand the old-timers won't always be here, and it's up to them to make their union work," McGarrity said. "The strength of our union is dependent on the people in it." --N&W retirees meet monthly in Roanoke, Va. ........##Y Members of the N&W Roanoke Valley Retiree Association have issued an invitation to all rail retirees to join them at their regular meetings at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month (except in December, when the group meets at 7 p.m.) at the Roanoker Restaurant, located at 2522 Colonial Avenue in Roanoke, Va. For information, contact UTU Retiree Program member John S. Bentley of Local 363, Roanoke, Va., by calling him at (540) 982-6888. --The Final Call ................................##Z 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 0002 Fullan, Jerome W. Bloomfield, MI 0049 Vislosky, John B. Pueblo, CO 0234 Berberet, Edward Bloomington, IL 0240 Sullivan, Robert J. Vacaville, CA 0243 Wellman, Leon Ft. Worth, TX 0363 Chrisman Jr., Halsey Salem, VA 0458 McGillis, Allan M. Mactier, ON 0489 Bartek, Alfonse J. Moulton, TX 0535 Tidwell, Daniel L. Macon, GA 0587 McFarland, James Lebanon, NH 0597 Eberhard Jr., Daniel Murray, KY 0693 Harubin, Walter P. Adena, OH 0807 Curry, Ishmael D. Tucson, AZ 0997 Good, John H. Marysville, PA 1000 Baird, Alexander Coon Rpds., MN 1006 Smith, George E. Finleyville, PA 1043 Werrell, J. Phil Hamilton, MT 1106 English, Marvin Rocky Mt., NC 1117 Martin, J. M. Minden, NV 1299 Carpenter Sr., Clifford Cairo, IL 1299 Smith, Robert M. LaPorte, IN 1375 Joyce Jr., James Philadelphia, PA 1397 Schreck, William Grove City, OH 1400 Currier, Frederick Islesboro, ME 1470 Watson, James R. Hyattsville, MD 1517 Gehring, Kenneth Cincinnati, OH 1526 Holmes, Charles Mich. Cty., IN 1591 Matthews, Leroy Baltimore, MD 1594 Foster, Ernie Havertown, PA 1770 Schmoker, Alvin E. Hemet, CA 1887 Suddeth, Kenneth M. Morris, AL TPEL HONOR ROLL --Contributors' continued support recognized.......##AA 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 Young, L. Steven 20 Beaumont, TX Fisher, Alan J. 195 Galesburg, IL Thompson, Kim N. 226 Moberly, MO *Miller, Donald Q. 1732 San Jose, CA DIAMOND PLUS CLUB ($400 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE *Spillman, Ernest G. R Rowland Hts., CA Nelson, Lloyd A. 486 Glendive, MT Shelley, James P. 556 Tacoma, WA Parker Jr., Larry A. 771 Needles, CA Ladies Auxiliary Lodge 915 Chattanooga, TN DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Lingane, Jeremiah N. 30 Jacksonville, FL Pope, Thomas W. 30 Jacksonville, FL Marino, Anthony M. 60 Newark, NJ Mesa, Robert 84 Los Angeles, CA Hakey, David L. 293 Houston, TX Renz, V.L. 556 Tacoma, WA Mewshaw, Mark 605 Grafton, WV Gordon, Douglas R. 771 Needles, CA Wheeler, Dale L. 1058 Nampa, ID Cowen, Cynthia K. 1081 Glendale, AZ Brown, David K. 1175 Duluth, MN Eckwright, James E. 1293 Altoona, WI Brooks Jr., David A. 1470 Edmonston, MD Brooks, David A. 1470 Edmonston, MD Lavoie, Lionel H. 1470 Edmonston, MD Scott Jr., David V. 1470 Edmonston, MD Adams, Edward T.C. 1732 San Jose, CA Boggs, William O. 1933 Washington, DC Thorpe, Andrew A. 1933 Washington, DC DIAMOND CLUB ($300.00 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Lucia, Albert H. 84 Los Angeles, CA McKenna, Michael C. 168 Chicago, IL Doyle, Michael R. 281 Milwaukee, WI Orr, Brian L. 305 Lincoln, NE Engh, Lynda M. 306 Eagle Grove, IA Cowan, William C. 504 Wheeling, WV Wheaton Jr., Donald 898 Boston, MA Case Jr., Donald F. 924 Richmond, VA Sykes, Charles M. 1016 Enid, OK Hopkins, Douglas A. 1062 Huntington, WV *Bennett, Jay C. 1629 Phoenix, AZ GOLD CLUB ($100 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Hackley Jr., John W. 30 Jacksonville, FL Albitre, Richard J. 84 Los Angeles, CA Ashley, Robert E. 200 North Platte, NE Aubushon, Anthony 200 North Platte, NE Beavers, Kent O. 200 North Platte, NE Berol, Joseph T. 200 North Platte, NE Blauvelt, Vaughn 200 North Platte, NE Briggs, Jon W. 200 North Platte, NE Bright, Brian 200 North Platte, NE Elske, Michael L. 200 North Platte, NE Hansen Jr., Robert W. 200 North Platte, NE Henderson, Ronald L. 200 North Platte, NE Kaslon, Christopher A. 200 North Platte, NE Peterson, Mark W. 200 North Platte, NE Robinson, Trudi A. 200 North Platte, NE Bridgman, Kent H. 202 Denver, CO Cooper Jr., Gary M. 226 Moberly, MO Cox, Daniel J. 226 Moberly, MO Holt, Clayton E. 226 Moberly, MO Jennings, Gary W. 226 Moberly, MO McFarland, Cris 226 Moberly, MO Miller, Luane L. 226 Moberly, MO Winfield III, Leroy 226 Moberly, MO Wood, William D. 226 Moberly, MO Weber, James E. 228 Cedar Rapids, IA *Ebling, Robert E. 386 Reading, PA Harrison, Donald O. 407 Charleston, SC Demaree, Douglas A. 464 Arkansas City, KS *Hicks, Merlyn R. 464 Arkansas City, KS Schroeder, Jerry D. 464 Arkansas City, KS Nickisch, Terry G. 486 Glendive, MT Sutphin, Clarke W. 486 Glendive, MT Weber, Scott E. 486 Glendive, MT Heichelbech, Steven L. 490 Princeton, IN Leaf, James A. 495 Salina, KS Morris, Charles C. 504 Wheeling, WV Wise, Curtis A. 524 Palestine, TX Anderson, Randal C. 544 Havre, MT Christopherson, Donnie 544 Havre, MT Kardell, Gregory A. 544 Havre, MT Latray, Marlin H. 544 Havre, MT Malsam, Robert A. 544 Havre, MT Olson, Michael R. 544 Havre, MT Rummell, Greg S. 544 Havre, MT Stoltz, Fredric A. 544 Havre, MT Lucas, Ransom 556 Tacoma, WA Southwell, Larry F. 556 Tacoma, WA Brown, Charles M. 565 Centralia, IL Downer, Michael J. 662 Richmond, VA Hudgins Jr., Robert L. 662 Richmond, VA Whalen, Michael J. 662 Richmond, VA Frey, William F. 730 Great Falls, MT Kincaid, Glenn A. 730 Great Falls, MT Zandhuisen, Hans 730 Great Falls, MT Sanchez, Guillermo P. 756 San Antonio, TX Williams, Glenn A. 771 Needles, CA Croft Jr., Harry L. 830 Harrisburg, PA Langston, Perry J. 891 Whitefish, MT Woodcock, Jeffrey S. 940 Wichita Falls, TX *West Sr., Ernest C. 974 Nashville, TN Weary, Fred A. 997 Enola, PA Gulley, Michael S. 1081 Glendale, AZ Boggess, Raymond A. 1175 Duluth, MN Ethington, Dennis M. 1293 Altoona, WI Long, Johnnie E. 1293 Altoona, WI Pedersen, Esten M. 1293 Altoona, WI Beran, James H. 1391 Lorain, OH Harper, Howard I. 1391 Lorain, OH Levendosky, Craig 1391 Lorain, OH Millard, Roger G. 1391 Lorain, OH Stevens, Daniel A. 1391 Lorain, OH Bert, McKinley 1470 Edmonston, MD Durm, Barry E. 1470 Edmonston, MD Smith, Kenneth R. 1470 Edmonston, MD Wetzelberger, Charles 1470 Edmonston, MD Wickham, Paul R. 1470 Edmonston, MD Hilbun, Michael K. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA McNeil, Thomas L. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Ryder Jr., Richard A. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Templet, Allen J. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Williams, Michael J. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA McAnerney, Robert 1503 Marysville, KS Boyd, Theodore W. 1522 Washington, DC Ryan Jr., Patrick 1522 Washington, DC Bonner Jr., Floyd H. 1545 Monroe, LA Gallardo Jr., Ralph 1563 El Monte, CA Garcia, Carlos R. 1563 El Monte, CA Moran, Viola 1563 El Montre, CA *Border, George F. 1564 Los Angeles, CA Aron, Antonelli T. 1626 Anchorage, AK Coleman, Michael J. 1629 Phoenix, AZ Todd, John R. 1629 Phoenix, AZ Walfoort, Michael 1629 Phoenix, AZ *Fink, George W. 1637 Wishram, WA Rosa, Alan M. 1637 Wishram, WA Rowe, Gary D. 1637 Wishram, WA Eaddy Jr., Dwight E. 1715 Charlotte, NC Moore, Brenda H. 1715 Charlotte, NC Shannon Jr., James O. 1715 Charlotte, NC Smith, Steven H. 1715 Charlotte, NC Brwon, R. Jason 1780 Kansas City, MO Burch, Paul B. 1780 Kansas City, MO Krmpotich, Ritchie E. 1857 Green River, WY Radovich, Thomas R. 1895 Chicago, IL Foxworth Jr., Orlando 1933 Washington, DC Hollar, Winifred K. 1933 Washington, DC Lamprinakos, William 1933 Washington, DC Serio, Frank J. 1933 Washington, DC Tacconi, Joseph N. 1933 Washington, DC Watson, Steven A. 1933 Washington, DC Williams, Carolyn 1933 Washington, DC Woods, Blake 1933 Washington, DC Sears, Mark E. 1976 St. Paul, MN Riley, M. Louise LA/016 Columbus, OH Haynes, Christine LA/322 El Paso, TX Spencer, Alice D. LA/487 Seattle, WA Linder, Evelyn LA/580 Raleigh, NC Parker, Mae LA/771 Needles, CA Arrington, Dorothy LA/851 Mineola, TX Ladies Auxiliary Lodge 771 Needles, CA NOTICES --Q's and A's on Blue Cross/Blue Shield ........##BB Below are some questions and answers regarding the addition of Blue Cross/Blue Shield as an option to the current National Health and Welfare Plan covering UTU- represented employees. Q -- WHEN WILL THE NEW PLAN OPTION BECOME EFFECTIVE? A -- The Blue Cross/Blue Shield option will become available April 1, 1999. Q -- WILL MY BENEFITS CHANGE FROM WHAT I HAVE NOW? A -- No. The benefits are the same as those contractually negotiated during the last round of national negotiations and provided under the National Plan. Q -- I AM HAPPY WITH MY CURRENT MANAGED MEDICAL CARE PROGRAM DOCTORS. WILL I BE ABLE TO RETAIN HIS OR HER SERVICES IF I ELECT COVERAGE FROM BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD? A -- Most doctors participate in several managed care plans through many different insurance companies. Check with your doctor to see if he or she participates in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield network. If he/she is not in the network, you and your family will have to pick physicians from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield network, should you elect this coverage. Q -- THE 43,000 UTU-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES WHO WORK FOR SIX MAJOR RAILROADS -- UNION PACIFIC, CSX, NORFOLK SOUTHERN, BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE, KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN AND CONRAIL -- WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF SELECTING BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD AS THEIR MANAGED CARE PROVIDER. I WORK FOR A RAILROAD OTHER THAN THE ONES MENTIONED. DO I HAVE THE OPTION OF SELECTING BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD? A -- No. At this time only those UTU-represented employees on these carriers are eligible. Other carriers may elect to participate in the program in the future. Q -- IF I CHOOSE BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD AS MY MANAGED CARE PROVIDER, WILL I RETAIN THE CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROVIDER AND LIFE INSURANCE PROVIDER? A -- No. Under the new UTU plan, the mental health and substance abuse benefit will be administered by Magellan Behavioral Health and the life insurance benefit will be administered by Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Co. Q -- I AM CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY A CARRIER WHICH PARTICIPATES IN A HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION. HOW WILL MY HEALTH CARE OPTIONS CHANGE? A -- Hospital association members are not affected by any of these options and/or changes. However, your dependents may select Blue Cross/Blue Shield as their managed care provider. Q -- WILL I BE PERMITTED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD AND UNITED HEALTHCARE IF I SELECT THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE BENEFIT? A -- No. Blue Cross/Blue Shield will provide the comprehensive health care benefit under the UTU plan. --Monthly apparel winner announced ................##CC This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of UTU-logoed wearing apparel is Steven M. Beebe of Pocatello, Idaho. Brother Beebe is an active member of Local 78 in Pocatello, which represents workers employed on the Union Pacific-Eastern Lines. Brother Beebe 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; for details, write to the UTU Supply Department, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107- 4250; or call 216-228-9400.) This program, in which active and retired members' names are drawn each month at random, is a way to thank the many men and women who make this union great. --Travelers Club sets sights on Italy ..........##DD The UTU Travelers Club is offering members, their families, and their guests an opportunity to experience Italy as part of a package that's guaranteed to create the memories of a lifetime at a surprisingly affordable price. Those who sign up for the 10-day Springtime in Italy excursion, set for March 18-27, 1999, will stay at deluxe hotels in Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan, where all accommodations include private facilities. The package includes breakfast each morning, a three- course meal each evening, and the services of local sightseeing guides. On the road between cities, participants will enjoy the services of an experienced driver and a professional tour guide aboard a deluxe motorcoach with reclining seats, a refrigerator, air conditioning and restroom facilities. Best of all are the destinations and tours arranged for travelers in each of these four major world-class cities. Tours in Rome include the Catacombs, San Giovanni in Lateran, St. Paul's Church, the Vatican and its museum, and the Sistine Chapel, with time earmarked for souvenir hunting and leisure. Florence boasts such highlights as the Duomo, the Accademia, Sta. Croce Church, and the Medici Chapels. In Venice, travelers will visit St. Mark's Cathedral, the Doge's Palace and Alexander's horses, while still getting the chance to take a gondola ride. In Milan, a local guide will lead visits to Sforza Castle, the mighty Duomo cathedral, La Scala Opera House, and other destinations. Entrance fees for all tours are included in the package price. Also included in the package is round-trip airfare from Washington, D.C., to Rome, with a return flight from Milan, all for just $1,799 per person (based on double occupancy, plus $65 taxes). Space is limited, and at this price, seats will be booked fast! For a full itinerary and complete details, members are urged to contact Landfall Travel today by writing to: UTU Travelers Club/Italy, 14724 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107; or call Lynn Westphal at (216) 521-7733, or dial toll-free at 1-800-835-9233. --Rail workers to get vision care plan ............##EE Effective Jan. 1, 1999, the Railroad Employees National Vision Plan, administered by Vision Service Plan (VSP), will be available to most agreement employees and their dependents. Employees must meet the following requirement in order to be eligible for this benefit: -- Railroad and union must have reached agreement to provide vision benefits, and -- The employee must have completed one or more years of service. The vision benefit applies to both Hospital and Non- Hospital Association employees who meet these requirements. You do not have to apply for coverage. VSP will be receiving a list of eligible employees and their dependents twice a month from United HealthCare (UHC). VSP has an extensive nationwide network of doctors who provide the finest optometric care and materials. The plan is designed to assist covered employees and dependents in maintaining their vision by providing for regular eye examinations and benefits toward vision care expenses including glasses or contact lenses. Detailed information about the benefits will be available in the Railroad Employees National Vision Plan Summary Plan Description (SPD), which will be mailed to all employees in early November. VSP has established a toll-free number for the plan. When you want to use your vision benefits, call the toll-free number (1-888-877-4782) to locate a participating provider. You first make an appointment with the participating provider for yourself or a dependent, identify yourself as a VSP member, and provide your social security number. The VSP participating doctor will contact VSP to verify eligibility and plan benefits and obtain authorization so that you can receive an eye examination and corrective eyewear, if necessary. If you are not currently eligible for services, the VSP participating doctor will notify you of this. During your eye examination, the VSP participating doctor will determine if corrective eyewear is necessary. If so, he or she will coordinate your prescription with one of VSP's contract wholesale laboratories and dispense your eyewear. If you choose to go to a provider who does not participate with VSP, VSP will reimburse you in accordance with the Non-Member Provider Benefit shown in the SPD as long as you obtain services from a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician. You will be responsible for paying the provider and submitting itemized receipts to VSP. If you use a non- member provider, it is important to note that the plan reimbursement schedule does not guarantee full payment. --Class-action asbestos case halted ............##FF In 1993, some 56 unions, including the UTU, received notice of a proposed class-action settlement in the case of Georgine vs. Amchem Products. The class action involved individuals who had been occupationally exposed to asbestos but who had not, as of January 15, 1993, filed a lawsuit for asbestos- related injury. In June 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court held that this class action and proposed settlement could not go forward, and the class was decertified. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has now ordered that unions which received the 1993 notice attempt to notify their members of the termination of the class action. Any former Georgine class member who has a claim for an asbestos-related condition must file that claim in court within time limits allowed by individual state laws. All class members should direct any further questions about this notice to their own counsel, or to Gene Locks, Greitzer and Locks, 1500 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19102; (800) 334-1147; (215) 985-2960 fax. --Two providers opt out of plan ...................##GG The UTU has been advised that, effective Jan. 1, 1999, the contractual arrangement between Health First and United HealthCare will be terminated, resulting in the disruption of the Managed Medical Care Plan benefit to approximately 330 railroad members in Colorado. Health First is a large, independent practice association in Colorado representing 51 physicians. Even with the decision of Health First to discontinue participation, there are still 1,569 primary care physicians in the network. If any questions arise, call United HealthCare member services toll free at (800) 842-9905. Also, Beacon Medical Group has notified Aetna U.S. Healthcare of its intent to terminate its participation in the insurer's Central Pennsylvania networks, effective Jan. 1, 1999. Beacon Medical Groups consists of 25 primary care physicians and four specialists in eight office locations. Aetna U.S. Healthcare's clients can still be seen by over 265 hospitals, 5,049 primary care physicians, and 14,890 specialists throughout Pennsylvania. --UTU Retiree Program makes years golden .......##HH Retired UTU members, those nearing retirement, and other retired persons who desire to make the most of their golden years should consider membership in the UTU Retiree Program. A variety of worthwhile benefits are available for Retiree Program members at a cost of only $9 per year. These benefits include: -- Discounts on prescription drugs when they are mail-ordered through National Rx Services, one of the nation's largest mail-order drug companies; -- Membership in the UTU Retiree Travelers Club, which sponsors affordable excursions geared to the interests of retired persons; -- Discounts on car rentals from National Car Rental outlets worldwide, Tilden Rent-A-Car in Canada and Europcar in Europe; -- A free medical information card which contains a microfilm chip listing the member's name and address, doctors' names and telephone numbers, medications being taken, allergies, special medical conditions and other vital information; -- An important papers folder ideal for filing insurance policies, wills, stock, bond and mutual-fund certificates, marriage certificates and other important documents; -- A L.I.F.E. Organizer, which is a 40-page booklet designed for recording important legal, insurance, financial and estate information you and your family need, and a Senior's Health Pass, which is a booklet for recording and updating your complete medical history, special diets and more. To join, send check or money order for $9 in U.S. funds for one year's dues to: UTU Retiree Program, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. UTU members should remember to indicate their Local number. --Holiday gift ideas say "UTU and Proud" ..........##II The UTU makes available to its members a wide variety of high-quality wearing apparel, watches, rings and other items. If you are looking for Christmas gifts that say "UTU and Proud," the UTU has just what you need. The UTU ring proudly displays the UTU logo and highlights "Progress Through Unity." It also features the wearer's smooth-top or facet-cut simulated birthstone circled with the words "United Transportation Union." It is backed by a lifetime guarantee. Hamilton-made UTU medallion watches are emblazoned with the UTU logo and choice of steam locomotive, caboose or city bus. American Time also offers a line of UTU watches. Engraving on the back of watches is available at no extra charge. The UTU also offers five different jackets to its members, from the warm Hooded Stadium Jacket to the colorful Rally Jacket. Also available are four different styles of UTU-logoed polo-style short-sleeve shirts. UTU baseball caps range from the embroidered "UTU and Proud" caps to nine different "craft" baseball caps to knit stocking caps. Other items available include travel cups, belt buckles, pocket knives, license plate frames, barrel bags, money clips, pens, golf balls, playing cards and more. All UTU items are union or American made and are sold at cost. Some engraved items can take between four and six weeks for delivery, so don't delay. For complete information on UTU items, write the UTU Supply Dept., 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107. --UTUIA Permanent Life makes a lasting gift ....##JJ ATTN: Parents! Grandparents!! This Christmas, Give Your Children or Grandchildren a Lasting Gift... A Gift That Will Keep on Giving... Have you ever stopped to think about what you could have done with the money you spent on Christmas gifts in the past? If you're like most parents and grandparents, you go overboard. But what usually happens to those gifts? Do they end up in the corner, rarely played with -- or worse yet, broken? Why not give your little ones a lasting gift this Christmas? Permanent life insurance provides living benefits and is a wonderful way to provide a legacy for your youngsters. What better way to show them you care? Permanent life insurance is very inexpensive at young ages, and premium-paying choices are endless, since premiums can be paid in one lump-sum payment, over a five- or ten-year period, for the whole life, or anything in between. Give a gift that keeps on giving! 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. The preceding may be reprinted or re-posted in electronic form, in part or in whole, to any network or computer system worldwide, or distributed via disk, provided proper credit is included and no alteration of text occurs other than for formatting purposes. UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION |
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