UTU NEWS

UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION
MARCH 1999
PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY

A Service of the United Transportation Union
Public Relations Department

Charles L. Little
International President
Roger D. Griffeth
International General Secretary & Treasurer

Editorial Offices:
UTU NEWS
14600 Detroit Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250
UTU@compuserve.com http://www.utu.org

WELCOME TO THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR

"I was pleased to learn of your ongoing efforts to build a new labor organization, and I applaud your desire to address the common needs of members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and United Transportation Union..."

-- Vice President Al Gore

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

IN THIS EDITION

Conrail crisis claims four lives .................##A
BRC reinstates fired member ...................##B
Gore backs UTU/BLE unity .........................##C
Unity Initiative update .......................##D
New members ratify contracts .....................##E
Renzenberger van drivers choose UTU ...........##F
NJ Transit approves budget plan ..................##G
"Different Strokes" actor pleads no contest ...##H
$20 billion sought for Cal. transportation .......##I
New UTU Auxiliary lodge established ...........##J
Former general chairperson recognized ............##K

AROUND THE UTU

News from around the U.S. and Canada ..........##L

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE

UP recognizes member's safety contributions ......##M

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT

"Middle class not always in the middle" .......##N
Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

YARDMASTER REPORT

"Yardmaster Department welcomes two" .............##O
Editorial by Don R. Carver
Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS

A round of thanks .............................##P
Thanks, Al Gore ..................................##Q

"Conrail safety crisis" .......................##R
Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
UTU Assistant President

"Members get a lot for their dues" ...............##S
Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
UTU National Legislative Director

Voices: Members share their opinions ..........##T

Feedback: "10 Commandments of Daytime Sleep" .....##U
(From November 1998 WORKING NIGHTS magazine.)

STATE WATCH

News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##V

FEATURE

Meetings supply education, fraternity, and fun ...##W

SENIOR NEWS

Retiree leads as top TPEL donor ...............##X
Medicare scores in battle against waste ..........##Y
J.D. McBride dies at age 75 ...................##Z
The Final Call ..................................##AA

TPEL HONOR ROLL

Contributors' continued support recognized....##BB

FELA UPDATE

Time limits govern claims for damages ...........##CC

NOTICES

UTU moves into new D.C. headquarters .........##DD
Constitution questions must be mailed ...........##EE
Far West Caucus to meet ......................##FF
Pack named to UTU director post .................##GG
Monthly apparel winner announced .............##HH
UTU 1999 Quadrennial Convention information .....##II
UTU 1999 Regional Meeting information ........##JJ
Regional Meeting pre-registration form ..........##KK
Airline offers discount fares ................##LL
Regional Meeting golf outings planned ...........##MM
Regional Meeting golf registration form ......##NN
Right member, wrong photo .......................##OO
UTUIA offers Disability Income Replacement ...##PP

====================================================

IN THIS EDITION

Conrail crisis claims four lives .................##A

CLEVELAND -- After four fatalities on Conrail in a nine-day period during January, the UTU demanded that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) launch an immediate investigation.

On January 25, UTU International President Charles L. Little demanded in a letter to FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris that the agency begin an immediate investigation of Conrail after three UTU members and one BLE member were killed in accidents in Ohio, New York and New Jersey between January 14 and 22.

Little noted that a series of accidents on the Union Pacific Railroad led to a major FRA investigation. In 1998, there were a total of 24 deaths on all Class I railroads. After the first month of 1999, Little noted, there already have been 17% of last year's benchmark, and all on one railroad.

"This is every bit as serious as the Union Pacific's past problem," said Little, "and requires the same degree of scrutiny."

In response to the UTU's request during the current Conrail safety crisis, the FRA held a meeting in Philadelphia with the carrier and its buyers, Norfolk Southern and CSX, in early February. Following the meeting, the FRA began an investigation on Conrail property, but it has not yet reported the results to the UTU or other unions as it said it would do. Little has requested the results be made public.

A Conrail manager, however, told a dozen UTU and BLE local chairpersons that the FRA said the carrier was doing what it should in regard to observation of safety and rules compliance. Dave Wilson, general manager of Conrail's Dearborn Division, told the union leaders in a conference call that the FRA also said that Conrail's response to failure was "lax" and that it needed to "be tougher on the discipline process." Wilson said the "heat would be turned up" on the Dearborn Division regarding discipline.

As Conrail waits to be carved up between Norfolk Southern and CSX on June 1, it is suffering a serious shortage of both engineers and conductors, which is causing severe fatigue and stress. In addition, during the longer-than-expected transition period, many top Conrail managers and others have left the carrier for new jobs at NS and CSX, leaving Conrail shorthanded.

The most publicized accident occurred on January 17 near Toledo, Ohio, when three Conrail trains collided, killing two railroad workers.

Killed were Raymond Corell, 52, of Angola, Ind., a conductor who was a legislative representative and secretary/treasurer of UTU Local 227 in Huntington, Ind., and R.H. Bell, 57, of Oregon, Ohio, a locomotive engineer represented by BLE Division 457 in Toledo.

Corell and Bell were thrown from the engine of a mail train and died of head injuries. The UTU Transportation Safety Team aided in that accident investigation.

On January 22, a rail car derailed and flipped over near Attica, N.Y., killing Larry K. Stroman, 45. Stroman was killed when the Conrail freight car he was riding road up on a snow-covered flange on a roadway, derailed, and flipped over, crushing him. A conductor who was working as a trainman, Stroman belonged to UTU Local 318 in Hornell, N.Y., and had just completed engineer training. He had been working on the railroad for one year and two weeks.

On January 14, Anthony R. Scarpello, 54, working for Conrail in Port Newark, N.J., was killed while switching an industry. Scarpello, a conductor, belonged to UTU Local 1390 in Trenton, and had been working on the railroad for five years.

In the Northwestern Ohio accident that killed two crew members, rail cars were scattered over a quarter mile on Conrail's busiest route in the Midwest. One engine burned for hours and a handful of homes in Bryan, about 50 miles west of Toledo, were evacuated for several hours.

BRC reinstates fired member ...................##B

CHICAGO -- If everything goes as planned, Belt Railway of Chicago (BRC) Switchman Kenneth D. Filipiak will be back at work when you are reading this story.

Filipiak, who was wrongly fired in connection with witnessing the accidental death of his foreman, Gene Janik, was expected to return to work on February 22.

His plight was brought to the attention of an influential U.S. senator and several key Illinois congressmen and state legislators by the UTU. About 20 lawmakers agreed to intercede on Filipiak's behalf with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and BRC ownership.

"What the Chicago Belt did to Ken Filipiak was flat out wrong," said Byron A. Boyd, Jr., UTU assistant president. "We owed it to him to do everything we could to right that wrong. But nothing will ever right the fact that three fine men have died at the Chicago Belt recently."

Also aiding the UTU in restoring Filipiak's job was the BRC's largest shareholder, CSX.

After learning that he would be returning to work, Filipiak told the UTU News as it was going to press that he was happy to be returning to work but added, "I'm very distraught because I lost three of my friends." Janik, 57, was the third Belt employee killed in 26 months and the second in a four-month period.

Filipiak said he was personally close not only to Janik, but also to Switchman Michael Mallin, fatally struck by a moving freight car February 4, 1998, and Switchman Andrew Shiu, fatally injured in a coupling accident March 20, 1996, while working as conductor. All three were UTU members of Local 1597 at Chicago.

"There was no reason for any of it," Filipiak said. "They were all good guys, all safe workers, all had families. I used to go sailing with Mike Mallin, Gene Janik came to my wedding, and Andrew Shiu was about to go hunting with us. I still suffer headaches over this, and I have feelings I will never get over."

When the UTU relayed news of Filipiak's unjust firing to influential Chicago and Illinois lawmakers, many quickly came to his defense.

Those who have jumped to Filipiak's support include Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Cong. William O. Lipinski (D-Ill.), Cong. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) and other members of the Illinois congressional delegation.

Following discussions between National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer, Illinois SLD Joe Szabo and the elected officials, nearly 20 U.S. and Illinois legislators sent letters asking FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris to order an investigation of the Belt's safety practices and disciplinary policies. They also contacted BRC's owners, including CSX, asking that justice be done.

"Our job is to shine the spotlight on bad situations like the one at the Chicago Belt," said Brunkenhoefer. "That's what we did and our work paid off. When the UTU talks in Washington, and in many state capitols, people listen."

As reported in the February UTU News, the controversy centered on fallout from the death of Switch Foreman Janik on May 26, 1998. Filipiak, 39, was the first member of Janik's crew to reach the fatally injured foreman as he bled to death while crushed between the couplers of two freight cars. He was fired after BRC management alleged he had changed his account of the incident to favor the victim's family.

Moments after Janik's death, a shaken Filipiak reportedly told a BRC railroad agent that Janik was dead when he reached him. At a hearing several days later, however, Filipiak said Janik lived for a few seconds after he reached him, but expired soon thereafter. The alleged "discrepancy" between the two accounts led the carrier to suspend Filipiak in November and to fire him in January.

Sen. Durbin, himself a former railroad employee whose father was a yardmaster and his mother a switchboard operator at the New York Central Railroad's yard in East St. Louis, asked the FRA administrator for a multi-disciplinary full-team safety assessment of the Belt.

Cong. Jackson, whose 2nd District includes several large railroad yards and thousands of railroad employees, called for the same measures. Jackson also sent a lengthy letter to Belt Railway President C.T. Shurstad, rebuking him for using the extreme disciplinary measures.

Gore backs UTU/BLE unity .........................##C

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Al Gore has personally endorsed the unification of the United Transportation Union (UTU) and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE).

In a January 28 letter the Vice President sent to UTU President Charles L. Little and BLE President Clarence V. Monin, Gore said:

"I was pleased to learn of your ongoing efforts to build a new labor organization, and I applaud your desire to address the common needs of members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and United Transportation Union...

"I wish you the best of luck as your negotiations continue. The vitality of the American labor movement has never been more critical to the future well-being of this country and its families.

"I look forward to working with you both in the months and years ahead."

Little welcomed Vice President Gore's support. He cited White House attention to the UTU/BLE unification as a significant sign that the unity initiative is important to the continued vitality of American union workers and national commerce.

"Vice President Al Gore is a friend to rail labor," said Little, "and he knows that UTU/BLE unification is in the best interests of our members and the labor movement. He also knows that it is in the best interest of the American public.

"Al Gore has been our friend, as has Bill Clinton, over the last six years," Little continued. "We expect that our support will continue for at least the next six years."

UTU National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer said he expects others in Washington and in state governments to come out in favor of UTU/BLE unity in the months ahead.

"It is widely acknowledged in the halls of Washington and in state legislatures around the U.S.," said Brunkenhoefer, "that unity among rail operating employees is a win-win for everyone involved and will strengthen our political voice."

He added: "Al Gore's support of unification between the UTU and BLE, and for all rail operating employees, is a significant endorsement from one of labor's strongest allies. He has been our friend, and we will continue to be his friend."

Unity Initiative update .......................##D

CLEVELAND -- A draft of the joint unification agreement between the UTU and BLE should be completed by mid-March.

When the UTU/BLE Drafting Committee completes its draft of the unification agreement, it will be submitted to the Oversight Committee for review. The Oversight Committee consists of UTU International President Charles L. Little, UTU Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., BLE President Clarence V. Monin, and BLE First Vice President Ed Dubroski.

"We expect the Drafting Committee to conclude its work on the unification agreement and then turn its attention to working on a new Constitution," said Little. "Everything is moving along as planned."

UTU Vice President Paul Thompson, one of five UTU members on the 10-person Drafting Committee, said, "We will deliver a quality unification agreement that addresses mutual concerns on time."

Thompson said the Drafting Committee will be meeting at the end of April and May to begin work on writing a new Constitution for the new union.

New members ratify contracts .....................##E

The UTU-represented employees on two recently organized properties have obtained their first contracts after protracted and sometimes difficult negotiations with their employers.

The new contracts cover the custodians employed by Airport Group International in Albany, N.Y., and the ticket, express and utility agents at Amarillo Trailways Bus Center in Amarillo, Tex.

Approximately 30 AGI custodians are now members of UTU Local 1582 at Albany, joining their fellow AGI workers employed in operations, parking, and field and building maintenance at the Albany International Airport.

The custodians' contract contains all of the provisions of the agreement covering the other UTU-represented employees there, but establishes a new wage scale for custodial employees.

"The contract was ratified overwhelmingly, just last night," said New York State Legislative Director Sam Nasca, on February 19. "We are formalizing the agreement today with signatures."

Nasca also announced that Leon Ward was elected to serve as a vice chairperson of Local 1582 handling custodians' affairs.

Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis thanked both Nasca and Local 1582 General Chairperson William Taylor for their hard work and dedication in reaching the agreement.

He added that he is looking forward to AGI's pledge to hire up to 20 new custodial employees in the near future.

Workers for Amarillo Trailways obtained their first contract last December under what McNelis termed "very difficult circumstances." He did not elaborate, but credited Alternate Vice President Percy Palmer and bargaining unit chairperson Richard Kritselis for their perseverance in bringing negotiations to a conclusion.

One concession obtained from AT was a reduction of the time limit for participating in the company's 401(k) plan. Also, employees now will be paid time and one half for working holidays and more than 40 hours per week, as well as report and call-back pay .

Kritselis said that although the contract did not provide for any wage increase at this time, "the company had a policy in place where they gave a percentage raise after two years, and we did get them to put that in writing."

AT employees are now members of UTU Local 1697 at Lubbock, Tex., under the leadership of General Chairperson Roy Arnold.

Renzenberger van drivers choose UTU ...........##F

The UTU has echoed its successful organization of Renzenberger Inc. van operators in Southern California with a near unanimous response from the company's drivers in Northern California.

In a representation election held February 2, drivers for the company's Northern California operations chose the UTU by a whopping 65-7 margin, bringing all of the company's approximately 400 drivers and mechanics in that state under the UTU umbrella.

Renzenberger operates one of the van services in California which shuttles rail crews around rail yards and from location to location, mainly for the Union Pacific and Amtrak. The company, headquartered in Shawnee, Kan., has more than 1,100 drivers in 21 states.

The employees who participated in the election were concentrated in the Northern portion of the state in the cities of Roseville, Fresno, Oakland and Stockton.

Only one day prior to this election, employees in the Southern region began their contract negotiations with Renzenberger management. It is not yet clear if a single contract will cover all of the employees.

Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis praised all of individuals who assisted in educating Renzenberger employees about UTU.

"I especially want to thank Organizing Representative J. David Lyall and General Chairperson Jim Harford, who spent countless hours with these drivers at meetings, on the telephone, in the yards, and visiting homes," he said.

"I also want to personally thank California State Director J.P. Jones for allowing our organizers the use of his office and staff, and for his all-around support in this effort."

Kristen Prather and Paul Stein, both of UTU Local 1741 in San Francisco, and Renzenberger employee Victor Martin, were also invaluable.

NJ Transit approves budget plan ..................##G

NEWARK -- NJ Transit will replace 1,220 buses and add 400 rail cars to the tracks as part of an $867-million spending plan approved last month by the agency's directors.

The fiscal year 2000 capital budget includes $105 million for an initial segment of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System and $48 million for a similar project in South Jersey.

The board of directors was especially pleased with $136 million set aside to buy the buses and train cars. The 1,220 "cruiser" buses in the fiscal 2000 budget are due early next year. When all those buses are on the road, NJ Transit will have replaced more than half its fleet.

Specifics on how many of the buses and cars are slated for use in North Jersey were not available. But Albert Cafiero of Tenafly, who has followed Bergen County transit issues for 40 years, criticized spending $48 million on South Jersey's light rail system.

"Different Strokes" actor pleads no contest ...##H

Actor Gary Coleman of television's "Different Strokes" fame pleaded no contest last month to disturbing the peace following an incident last year in which he was accused of assaulting UTU member Tracy Fields of Local 1564.

Coleman had been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery after Fields, a bus operator for LACMTA, charged that Coleman struck her repeatedly in the head and breast after she asked him for an autograph.

$20 billion sought for Cal. transportation .......##I

SACRAMENTO -- California State Senate leader John Burton has proposed a legislative plan to address a backlog of $20 billion or more needed for transportation projects in the state.

Burton told reporters recently that strong measures are needed to shore up the network of highways, bridges and mass transit that's critical to the state's economy.

He cited research showing California's population has increased by more than 50% over the past 20 years while the state's highway capacity has grown by only 7%, and that 75% of its urban freeways are in poor to fair condition.

Moreover, Los Angeles is rated the nation's most congested urban area. San Francisco-Oakland is fifth on the U.S. top-10 list, San Diego ninth, and Riverside-San Bernardino 10th.

Two of the bills in Burton's package would ask voters to approve $16 billion in transportation bonds over eight years, and lower the threshold for passing local transportation sales taxes from a two-thirds vote to a simple majority.

A third bill would direct state transportation planners to update their assessment of needs to help identify high priority projects for action.

Burton says he believes California Gov. Gray Davis and other Democrats in the state will support the proposals but Republicans may balk at lowering the two-thirds vote threshold.

State regulations dictate that a two-thirds vote is needed in each chamber to place measures on the 2000 ballot.

New UTU Auxiliary lodge established ...........##J

Employees at the UTU International Offices in Cleveland, Ohio, have formed a new 35-member chapter of the UTU Auxiliary.

Officers were installed by Auxiliary President Edith Walters at a recent ceremony, and International President Charles L. Little praised the group for its good work on behalf of the union and its families.

A photograph in the traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS depicts Lodge Treasurer Barbara Blackburn, Secretary Kim Hilliman, President Jackie Bassin and Vice President Barbara Tomasch. Other officers include Outer Guard Elizabeth Parsell, Inner Guard Marge Westphal, Legislative Representative Olga Moore, Alternate Legislative Representative Kathy Earley, Delegate Pat Durica and Alternate Delegate Barbara Morris.

Former general chairperson recognized ............##K

Montey Tuchel, former general chairperson on the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad (DM&E), was recently awarded a plaque and UTU jacket for his years of service to the members of his committee.

Some 150 UTUers work on the DM&E, which runs about 500 miles across the upper Midwest.

A photograph in the traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS depicts Vice President Bruce Wigent and UTUIA Field Supervisor Ronald M. Tokach presenting the plaque to Tuchel.

AROUND THE UTU

News from around the U.S. and Canada ..........##L

LOCAL 1, BUFFALO, N.Y.

About 200 people attending the local's Christmas party enjoyed the opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones last December, according to Past President LARRY CARTWRIGHT, who noted the annual event is dedicated to honoring retirees from the New York Central and other Conrail predecessors.

LOCAL 4, CHARNY, P.Q.

Members of the local will be holding their regular meetings at 9 a.m. at the ARCN in Ste-Foy on the third Monday of each month except in May, when the meeting will be held on the second Monday of the month, according to Secretary-Treasurer LOUIS-FRANCOIS GARCEAU.

LOCAL 23, SANTA CRUZ, CAL.

Members of the local, who work on the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, can be seen at work on a typical day, thanks to the photo layout recently created and posted on the local's website by J. DAVID LYALL at <http://www.cruzio.com/~dlyall/local23.html>.

LOCAL 168, CHICAGO, ILL.

Local President ED DACE, JR., has forwarded local members' gratitude to International President CHARLES L. LITTLE, International Auditor TOM WILSON, Billing and Audit Director RUSS DAVISSON and JACK BERK, a member of the International staff, for their recent assistance in maintaining the integrity of the local. "This is one fine union that takes care of its own," said Dace.

LOCAL 243, FORT WORTH, TEX.

Members recently raised $305 to help UTUIA sponsor the building of a house during Easter week for Habitat for Humanity, and Local President EUGENE I. REYNOLDS has issued a challenge to all other locals to meet or beat these efforts.

LOCAL 473, LA GRANDE, ORE.

Members are making preparations to host a pair of day-long educational meetings, according to Local President DAVID J. THIELEN. Representatives from the FRA, ODOT Oregon Rail Safety, the Railroad Retirement Board, Union Pacific Health System, and United HealthCare will be on hand, as well as UTU Designated Legal Counsel and UTU officers from every level, Thielen said. MEMBERSHIP I, the UTU's mobile education and training coach, is also scheduled to be at the meetings, which are open to members of all labor organizations and their families. The meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 7 at the Community Center in Hermiston, Ore., and on April 8 at the Eagles Lodge in La Grande.

LOCAL 508, SMITHVILLE, TEX.

Plans call for members of the local working for the Union Pacific to be part of the new San Antonio, Tex., hub, and a proposed hub agreement is likely to go out for ratification in the next few weeks, according to local member and General Chairperson J.A. SAUNDERS of GO-561. Meanwhile, members are expressing their gratitude for arrangements that resulted in a December visit from MEMBERSHIP I, the UTU's mobile education and training coach. The visit allowed members to hold their regular monthly meeting in the motorcoach, as well as obtain a briefing on the UTU/BLE Unity initiative.

LOCAL 631, BRUNSWICK, MD.

Members are mourning the death of Local President LESTER L. REYNOLDS, JR., who passed away January 23 following a valiant battle with liver cancer, according to UTUIA Field Supervisor TOM ANZIANO (L-1373). Survived by his wife Betty and three children, Reynolds was president of the B&O Veterans, chaired the annual Santa Train effort, was 1998 UTUIA Volunteer of the Year runner-up, and was active in community affairs.

LOCAL 1373, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Members have set up a fund to help the family of the late JOE KOCHERSPERGER, whose sudden death in December was reported here last month. According to UTUIA Field Supervisor Tom Anziano, donations to assist his wife Ann Marie and their three children can be sent to: Joe Kochersperger Memorial Fund, Coffey and Kaye, Attorneys at Law, Suite 718, Two Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

LOCAL 1375, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Members are mourning the sudden death of Local President EUGENE J. MOLLOY, who passed away in early January, according to Secretary and Treasurer JAMES M. CASSIDY. Local officers now include Chairperson ERIC FELD, President BERNARD M. STANTON, and Vice President NICHOLAS V. CACCAVO.

LOCAL 1391, LORAIN, OHIO

About 30 of the local's 80 members off the Lake Terminal Railroad have been placed with CSX and are headed to Atlanta, Ga., for ground training, said Local Chairperson TIMOTHY J. SMITH. A non-union railroad created specifically to replace the 104-year-old Lake Terminal began operations at the USS/Kobe Steel mill last December. About 10 members continue to work for Lake Terminal's owner, Transtar, switching cars on and off the mainline, while the UTU International is helping the remainder find rail jobs. Smith remains hopeful Norfolk Southern will hire some members this month, and CSX has indicated a desire to do more hiring from the local in May. Smith offered his gratitude to EILEEN WARD, MIKE LOWE and other CSX officials from Jacksonville, Fla., "who treated our people with respect and couldn't have been nicer to us." Despite recent developments, Smith said the local is in good financial shape and continues to hold meetings at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Lorain's Ukrainian Club.

LOCAL 1582, ALBANY, N.Y.

The local held its second annual dinner honoring retired bus drivers from Adirondack Transit Lines and Pine Hill-Kingston Bus Corp. Put together by Local President WES WOHL, Secretary-Treasurer RUSS GAILLARD, and UTUIA Field Supervisor JIM CRIBBS, the event included door prizes and was attended by active and retired members, as well as New York State Legislative Director SAM NASCA and International Vice President BERNIE McNELIS.

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE

UP recognizes member's safety contributions ......##M

Conductor Kenneth D. Backes has a new pair of steel-toed safety shoes, courtesy of the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad.

It's not that UP has become a soft-touch, because it didn't exactly "give" the shoes to Backes. Instead, the shoes and a special certificate were presented to Backes in recognition of his status as a 1998 J.C. Kenefick Safety Award nominee.

Each year since 1986, the UP has bestowed the safety award on an agreement employee who has demonstrated an outstanding on-the-job safety achievement. Nominees are culled from various departments, and those named by a superintendent or director are presented a pair of safety shoes and a certificate. Nominees selected as award finalists receive 10 shares of UP stock and a plaque, and the winner receives 25 shares of stock and a plaque.

Backes, a member of Local 1216, Kansas City, Mo., said his participation in the Safety Assurance Compliance Program (SACP) apparently caught the attention of one of the railroad's superintendents, who nominated him for the annual award.

A railroader for 21 years, Backes began his career in Jefferson City, Mo., on the Missouri Pacific, which ultimately merged with the UP.

"We've made some real strides on crew utilization through SACP," Backes said. "I work on a lot of safety-oriented stuff, just doing what I feel needs to be done. But Nebraska State Legislative Director Ray Lineweber and Missouri State Legislative Director Larry Foster give me a lot of help, and they deserve credit."

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT

"Middle class not always in the middle" .......##N
Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

Constantly I hear many of our legislators talk about helping and assisting the middle class, but they seem to forget the working poor and the poor.

Some members in the Bus Department would appear to be in the middle class, but many have to pay all or a portion of their heath care costs for their dependents. Even though some may make what many would consider a decent hourly or mileage wage rate, deducted out of their earnings is their health care costs, which then drops them from the middle class category.

The majority of UTU members are fortunate in having their health care provided by their employer at no cost to the member and are earning a middle-class income as well. Many of those employees we are organizing in the van companies which provide service for our rail crews are making minimum wage or slightly above without any benefits. To me, they are the working poor.

Think of it: these drivers are working 60 or 70 hours a week and making about $350 to $450 a week, before taxes, and then having to pay for their own and their dependents' health care, rent or mortgage, food and other normal expenses. No pension is provided for these drivers.

Anti-worker groups and proponents, some of whom are members of Congress, are attempting to get rid of, or privatize, social security and want the worker to be able to invest in his or her own pension plan. These van drivers need the protection of social security as it is and should not leave to chance whether they will have a pension available to them if their private investments fail. Those same proponents for privatizing social security also are against paying overtime, against the minimum wage standard and so on. We must not let them succeed at destroying our middle-class standard of living, let alone completely ruin the lives of the working poor.

We, as a union and union members, who are better off than some of our brothers and sisters, must remember that not all of us can pay the same dues requirement. We must continue to support a lesser dues requirement for those members who do not have the earnings and benefits most of us enjoy.

YARDMASTER REPORT

"Yardmaster Department welcomes two" .............##O
Editorial by Don R. Carver
Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

The Yardmaster Department welcomes two new general chairpersons: Dennis J. Burke and Leonard J. "Lenny" Forchione.

Dennis is a member of Local 1971 and represents the yardmasters on the former Seaboard Coast Line portion of CSX Transportation.

Lenny is a member of Local 1962 and represents yardmasters on the former Grand Trunk Western (GTW) Railroad, former Detroit, Toledo & Ironton and the former Detroit & Toledo Shore Line portions of Canadian National.

GTW yardmasters recently ratified a new single-system agreement. Previously, the D&TSL was covered by a separate agreement. The new pact was effective February 15, 1999. General wage increases of 3% annually are retroactive to January 1, 1995. The seven-year pact provides for 18% in general wage increases and three lump-sum payments.

The agreement also provides for system seniority with prior rights and no forced moving. Paid training and moving allowances will be given to yardmasters under the system seniority arrangement. The provision allows for voluntary exercising of seniority to vacant positions. Yardmasters will be paid to attend rules classes and skills update classes. The GTW yardmasters will increase their paid holidays by one. Also, one week of vacation will be permitted one day at a time. All the yardmasters will be covered by the 1996 national health care package.

D&TSL yardmasters also have been given enhanced New York Dock protections. The merger-protected D&TSL yardmasters are certified adversely affected for lifetime protection with the provisions of the September 4, 1979, merger protection applicable to all merger-protected yardmasters on the system.

The Amtrak contract is in mediation. Following completion of the protection arbitration, mediation will resume.

EDITORIALS

A round of thanks .............................##P

Thanks to the hard work and good offices of many people, Ken Filipiak should be back on the job today.

The Belt Railway of Chicago (BRC) has agreed to let Filipiak return to work with impunity after firing him for all the wrong reasons. As you know, Filipiak witnessed the death of his friend and foreman, Gene Janik, and his account of the events did not please the BRC.

When a good man gets killed and the railroad fires his friend, who witnessed his last dying gasps, then something is seriously wrong at the railroad. Fortunately, wiser minds prevailed, but not without prodding.

Those who worked diligently to protect Filipiak's rights include UTU Vice President Bruce Wigent, National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer, Illinois State Director Joe Szabo and many others.

When the UTU asked for the help of Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Congressmen William O. Lipinski (D-Ill) and Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.), they jumped into the fray. So, too, did about 20 other lawmakers.

Rep. Lipinski said: "I am worried that Mr. Filipiak, shocked and confused about the death of his co-worker, was not given the benefit of the doubt in the matter. Just as the Belt is innocent until proven guilty in a legal matter, I believe that employees, such as Mr. Filipiak, should be innocent until proven guilty in any disciplinary matter brought against them."

Lipinski is so very right. It is called treating people like human beings.

There is one more "thank you." That goes to CSX, the BRC's largest shareholder, which stepped in to make sure Filipiak received fair treatment.

But three good men have been killed in 26 months -- two within the last four months -- at the BRC. What's wrong has to get fixed. Stay tuned.

Thanks, Al Gore ..................................##Q

The fact that Vice President Al Gore has stepped up to the plate and is the first prominent public official backing our plans to form a new labor organization shows how important unification really is.

It is smart politics for Gore, the likely Democratic nominee for President in 2000, to be the first to support one union for all operating rail employees.

Gore, a long-time friend of labor, is helping lead the parade of those who know we must be bold and creative in forging positive change as we enter the 21st Century.

Thanks for your support, Mr. Vice President.

"Conrail safety crisis" .......................##R
Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
UTU Assistant President

What happens to a railroad when it is in limbo? Unfortunately, and tragically, we know the answer.

During a nine-day period in January, four good people, three UTU members and one BLE brother, lost their lives working for Conrail.

As everyone knows, Norfolk Southern and CSX have purchased Conrail and the date of its carve-up has been pushed back several times for various reasons. Now, June 1 is the operative date for the limbo to end.

On January 25, UTU President Charlie Little demanded a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) investigation into the Conrail fatalities. When a series of accidents plagued the Union Pacific, the FRA jumped in with guns blazing. The same guns need to be unholstered now.

Just because a railroad is being split between two others doesn't mean oversight should stop. In fact, more diligence is needed. The purchasing railroads also have an obligation to keep Conrail operating safely.

Although the FRA conducted a meeting with Conrail, NS and CSX in Philadelphia soon after the fourth death, nothing much has come of it. We can only wonder why there has not been the same degree of scrutiny in the latest episode of fatalities.

Just like in the Union Pacific case, a serious shortage of both engineers and conductors, especially on the Dearborn Division, is causing severe fatigue and stress among Conrail operating employees.

Yes, this problem should go away on June 1. But will others die in the meantime?

The FRA needs to look at how overworked operating employees are being treated and how little rest they are getting. Conditions such as these create accident situations.

Morale and safety go hand in hand, and morale on Conrail's Dearborn Division, we are told, is at an all-time low.

So how does Conrail react? After the FRA acted on the UTU's investigation request, Dearborn Division General Manager David Wilson told a dozen UTU and BLE local chairpersons that the FRA's safety audit concluded that Conrail needed to "get tougher in the discipline process."

Wilson indicated that because the UTU asked for an investigation, the "heat was going to be turned up on the Dearborn Division regarding discipline." That is a completely wrong-headed reaction.

When we heard about Wilson's comments, President Little sent another letter to FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris, saying, "I am sure you will agree with me that turning up the heat on discipline is no way to correct unsafe conditions and procedures."

During the next few months, Conrail should be scrutinized more than ever for safety. Clearly, something is wrong here, and that includes the misguided attitude to turn up the heat on over-worked and over-stressed employees.

The ball is in the FRA's court and also that of Norfolk Southern and CSX. If this situation isn't resolved soon, I fear it may carry over after June 1, and that would be a tragedy.

"Members get a lot for their dues" ...............##S
Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
UTU National Legislative Director

Hello to our new members! We have many new members because the United Transportation Union grew by almost 15% last year. This organization represents railroad trainmen and enginemen, bus drivers, commuter lines, yardmasters and even airline pilots. Our ranks grew by several hundred members in non-railroad areas, but most of our new members were hired on railroads.

Many of our new members have never been part of a union before and I am sure that they, like everyone else, are interested in where their dues money goes. I think that it is important to point out to them, that it is through being a union member and paying their dues, that they get the level of pay and benefits that comes with being employed by a railroad or other industry with a strong union.

Take the railroads, for example. There is not a single non-union railroad in the United States that pays more than a Class I railroad with a UTU contract. Not one single railroad has a better health care policy than a Class I railroad with a UTU contract. Every railroad in the United States would like to pay less money in salaries and provide fewer benefits. The railroad provides what they do to each new employee, not because you are such a nice person, but because they have no choice. Your voice through the union demands it.

Does your union do all that you want it to do? Probably not. But it does provide effective representation. When the company that you work for doesn't pay you properly, it is your union that fights for your full payment. If it was not for the union, your employer could fire you just because they don't like you, but they know that if they did that, they would have to face your union. It is very much the same in other industries. Yes, you pay a little money to the union but you make a lot more money because the union is there for you.

Another thing that may be new to you is the concept of your union "local." The local is just as the name implies. It handles the bulk of the issues at the job site. The local works in harmony with the larger elements of the organization.

It may seem like your local is run by a handful of people who at first glance seem to be a little standoffish, a little aloof. They come by that naturally. Your co-workers elected them because they were the ones who always showed up for the meetings and always did the work of the local for little or no pay and with little or no help. Most of the input they receive is in the form of complaint, rather than thanks for their efforts.

Introduce yourself to these local officers. They are there to help you. Tell them who you are and where you are from. They are not used to members, especially new ones, introducing themselves, or giving them thanks for the work they do. If you get to know the officers of the local, you will probably find out that they are nice people and would be more than joyful to share the work and the responsibilities with a new member. Contrary to the perception in the movies, your union is made up overwhelmingly of good, hard-working, law-abiding citizens such as yourself. UTU is a union that wants to inspire your pride in belonging. Get to know your local officers. You will find that they are honest, hard working and knowledgeable and really happy to see new members.

(Continued next month)

Voices: Members share their opinions ..........##T

Periodically, the UTU NEWS will contact members at random to report their thoughts on a question of interest to the general membership.

This month's question: WOULD YOU TRADE WAGES FOR EARLY RETIREMENT?

"I'd have to look at such a proposal very closely. We need to keep our Railroad Retirement system intact, because it's a good system. We have a responsibility to keep it solvent for the next generation. If we knew the railroads would continue hiring at the current pace, then we could probably afford some changes, but if something happened to the economy and we had layoffs, we could end up jeopardizing our system. We'd have to check any such plan very carefully." -- JEFFREY P. CLEM, L-1458, DEQUINCY, ILL.

"I'm 55 now, and it's always tempting, but I wouldn't trade wages for early retirement. You could be here today and gone tomorrow. You do plan for retirement, but you need to take life on a daily basis. I'd much rather have the wage increases, because you see that today and now. You might not make it to retirement. It's the Lord's blessing to make it to retirement, and I put my trust in the Lord to take care of my needs. I'm pretty sure it will take care of itself." -- ROBERT I. GARRETTE, L-83, HOUSTON, TEX.

"Working for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, we get our pension and medical benefits from the California Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), and the short answer is that we did make a trade for early retirement. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) on this property sought the change, but the entire workforce had to agree to it. The UTU explained what it meant to UTU members, who approved it by 65%. Today, we pay more and retire earlier." -- J. DAVID LYALL, L-23, SANTA CRUZ, CAL.

"I think I would be willing to pay higher taxes for an earlier retirement, but I'm not sure about trading away wage increases. I would want to evaluate the proposal to see how much money would be involved. As far as retiring at an earlier age, I don't think I know anyone who would be against it in principle. As long as the money was worth it. I'm 47 years old, but I think younger workers should really think about it, too, and I think the UTU should be looking at it." -- DAVID RAYER, L-1949, BALTIMORE, MD.

Feedback: "10 Commandments of Daytime Sleep" .....##U

This article is reprinted with permission from the November 1998 issue of Working Nights. Copyright 1998 Circadian Information (Cambridge, Mass.) www.circadian.com

---------------------------------

Of all the challenges you face, perhaps the biggest is having to sleep in the daytime. You have to overcome your body's natural tendency to wake up in the morning, not to mention outside light and noise.

To overcome these hurdles, you need to do everything in your power to recreate night during the daytime. The more you can make 9 a.m. seem like the rest of the world's 3 a.m., the more likely you'll be able to fall asleep and stay asleep.

To help you meet this challenge, try to observe the Ten Commandments of Daytime Sleep:

1. Thou shalt seek absolute darkness. Even a crack of sunlight can disrupt sleep. Use thick curtains, aluminum foil or a second set of drapes to ensure that sunlight does not come through the windows. If light still seeps in, wear eyeshades.

2. Thou shalt block out noise. Nothing is more annoying than falling asleep only to be awakened by a phone call, doorbell, lawnmower or kids playing in the street. To eliminate noise, wear earplugs, disconnect the phone, turn off the doorbell and use a fan to mask outside sounds. Some people find it useful to convert an area of their basement into a dark, quiet place for daytime sleep.

3. Thou shalt eliminate disturbances. Put the word out to family members, neighbors and friends that they should not disturb you except in dire emergencies, just as you wouldn't bother them at 4 a.m. unless there was a crisis. Even small children can learn that when your door is closed, you shouldn't be pestered.

4. Thou shalt get comfortable. Buying a first-rate bed with a firm mattress and comfortable blankets and pillows is a worthwhile investment in your health and long-term happiness. Also, make sure the bedroom stays cool and that air circulates freely.

5. Thou shalt avoid sunlight before sleep. Sunlight before sleep interferes with sleep by sending signals to the brain that it's time to wake up. Experienced daytime sleepers wear dark sunglasses during the drive home.

6. Thou shalt keep a regular sleep schedule. You should try to keep the same bedtime as much as possible when working a particular turn. Avoid sleeping at random times during the day or night.

7. Thou shalt adopt a pre-sleep routine. It helps to follow a consistent, relaxing routine just before going to bed. Steps might include eating a light snack, taking a shower, brushing your teeth and reading for 15 minutes.

8. Honor the pre-work nap. Because sleep during the daytime is often abbreviated (four or five hours), you may find it beneficial to take a 20- to 30-minute nap in the evening before going to work. If you can't sleep more than three hours in the morning, try to get several more hours of sleep before work.

9. Thou shalt not ingest caffeine and alcohol before sleep. Due to their caffeine content, drinking coffee, tea or cola or eating chocolate within three or four hours of bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep. Alcohol, meanwhile, reduces sleep quality and may force you to awaken to use the bathroom.

10. Thou shalt stay away from heavy food. Eating heavy, starchy or greasy food during the overnight hours or when you get home can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. It's better to eat lighter foods such as soups, fruit and toast.

How many of the Ten Commandments do you currently follow? If you're breaking more than a few, you stand to improve your sleep quality and quantity by making some key changes to your sleep environment and routine.

STATE WATCH

News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##V

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials are so pleased with the training provided to bus and rail operators for handling unruly passengers that they are recommending that supervisors participate in the same eight-hour program.

The training includes instruction on how to properly deal with disorderly passengers, as well as training in customer service and assisting the disabled.

Training is being provided by the Seattle-based Strategies Training Systems.

ILLINOIS

State Legislative Director Joe Szabo recently testified before the Transition Team of newly elected Governor George Ryan on the need for expansion and enhancement of mass transit and commuter rail systems in order to ease congestion in greater Chicago.

Szabo testified on behalf of the Council of Mayors, representing some 300 communities on the council's Chicago Area Transportation Study. He is the mayor of Riverdale, Ill.

MONTANA

In a letter to Legislative Director Fran Marceau, the Federal Railroad Administration expressed its appreciation for his report of a violation of the FRA Accident/Incident Reporting Regulation by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.

Following an April 30, 1998, incident in which a UTU member sustained an injury that required reporting under FRA guidelines, a BNSF official asked the employee's physician to change a prescribed medication to samples in an attempt to avoid reporting the injury to the FRA. The official also failed to report to crew management that the employee was injured.

The FRA determined that the official intended to interfere with proper medical treatment and to prevent the injury from being reported. A recommendation for civil penalty was forwarded to the FRA Office of Chief Counsel.

NEW YORK

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is considering a new policy that would allow train conductors and operators to nap while on the job in an effort to reduce fatigue and improve safety.

If implemented, the plan would permit train and engine service employees on New York subways, the Metro North Commuter Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road to nap during breaks when the trains are stopped.

"This is currently on consideration status. We would lobby for and support any efforts by the MTA to implement the practice, as the UTU has on the Union Pacific," said State Legislative Director Sam Nasca.

MTA management is searching for sleep consultants to review its current work practices.

NORTH CAROLINA

State Legislative Director James A. Stem, Jr., reports that Mrs. Evelyn Linder, a 53-year member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the UTU, passed away on January 24 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Linder was the N.C. Legislative Director to the Auxiliary and had served as the organization's president for 25 years. She was also a strong supporter of the UTU Tri-State Boosters Association and had served as secretary of the association's scholarship committee.

She is survived by her husband Thomas Linder, daughter Jeannie, son Jerry, and four grandchildren.

NORTH DAKOTA

In an attempt to help identify issues and possible solutions to the public's perceived dissatisfaction with the judicial system in this nation, State Legislative Director John Risch has accepted appointment by the North Dakota Supreme Court to the Committee on Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary.

In other news, Risch testified last month before the state's Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to Senate Bill 2349, which he said "would provide an 'FDA' shield for manufacturers of medical devices and drugs."

He added that the legislation "would take away the power of North Dakota judges and juries to decide when a company's behavior should be punished" by limiting punitive damages against a manufacturer whose products or devices had received Food and Drug Administration approval.

WISCONSIN

Governor Tommy Thompson announced last month that Amtrak will spend $25 million to begin work on a high-speed rail line linking nine Midwestern states.

When completed, the Midwest Rail Initiative will carry passengers over 3,000 miles of track at speeds up to 110 mph. The service will run in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.

State Legislative Director Thomas P. Dwyer announced that Local 1293 at Altoona, Wis., has again led all UTU locals in the nation in average contribution per member to the Transportation Political Education League. The average contribution per member of the Union Pacific (C&NW) employees in Local 1293 is $11.08.

FEATURE

Meetings supply education, fraternity, and fun ...##W

Railroad worker or pilot, union officer or new member, you will find the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings informative, enlightening and fun.

UTU and UTUIA officers and staff work 12 months a year to give all members and their families the best possible Regional Meetings. No detail is overlooked, from exciting host city to quality educational presentations to great entertainment.

The theme of the Regional Meetings this year is "Education and Training." This year's presentations have been designed to bring UTU officers and members, as well as BLE officers, up to date on the latest changes in federal and state regulations, unification efforts, union procedures and leadership skills.

"Our efforts over the past three years to increase the education and skill level of our membership has paid off," said Eric Pack, director of public relations, education and training for the UTU. "Having a well-trained and better-educated membership is a prerequisite to having qualified representatives and members.

"This year's meetings are dedicated to that effort," Pack said.

"Through the leadership of President Little and Assistant President Boyd, we now are truly providing the kind of education and training which will make this union strong," Pack said.

Seminars this year will include a coping skills workshop for members of the UTU Auxiliary, a program featuring a Wall Street transportation analyst, a session on the history of New York Dock protective conditions, a workshop focusing on preparations needed for giving a deposition, a leadership-building skills workshop, a presentation on the Cornell University workplace study in which many UTU members participated, a session on changes in drug- and alcohol-testing regulations, a workshop on electronic hours-of-service record keeping, a presentation on labor economics given by the AFL-CIO, and many more.

While education and training are the focus of the Regional Meetings, entertainment, fraternalism and fun have not been overlooked.

Regional Meeting planners always strive to give members and their families a variety of entertainment opportunities, and this year is no different.

Each Regional Meeting will feature a golf outing the day before the meeting begins, a welcoming reception the night before the meeting begins, an Auxiliary tour the first afternoon, a theme reception the first night with food and great entertainment, a night out at a local attraction with food and entertainment the second night, and the President's Banquet the third evening. Dress for all events but the banquet is casual.

Whatever your job, no matter how long you have been a union member, there will be something of interest, and plenty of fun, at the 1999 UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings.

LOS ANGELES

At the Regional Meeting in Los Angeles, the theme reception will be "A Taste of California." Many of the areas of the Golden State will be featured, from the vineyards to the beaches to the Gold Rush towns of olden days. Bring your dancing shoes because the band will keep things lively.

The second night in Los Angeles, members are invited to spend a night out at one of the world's most famous attractions, Universal Studios Hollywood. Members will have a T-Rex attack them on "Jurassic Park® - The Ride," speed through time on "Back to the Future® - The Ride," and get a behind the scenes look at the world's biggest and busiest working movie studio on Universal Studios' Backlot Tram Tour.

ST. LOUIS

In St. Louis, the theme reception will focus on the city's role as "Gateway to the West." Drawing on influences from New Orleans to Canada, St. Louis has a rich cultural history, and the theme party, with its music and cuisine, will reflect that heritage.

The second night, members and their families are invited to attend a night-time contest between the St. Louis Cardinals, featuring all-time home-run hitter Mark McGuire, and the Montreal Expos at the beautiful Busch Stadium. During the game, food and beverages will be provided.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

At the Regional Meeting in Washington, D.C., the theme reception will be "Welcome to the Best of Our Nation's Capitol." As home to ambassadors, Congressmen and the President, Washington is prominent among the world's great cities, and the first-night theme party will reflect that stature.

The second night in Washington, D.C., members are invited to attend a night out at the National Museum of American History. This three-story museum is devoted to the preservation and display of America's history, from transportation to communications to inventions which shaped our nation. It will be an unforgettable evening for all.

SENIOR NEWS

Retiree leads as top TPEL donor ...............##X

UTU Retiree Program member Donald Q. Miller, a former UTU local legislative representative and a city councilman from 1959 to 1971 in San Luis Obispo, Cal., was surprised to find himself once again in a leadership role.

A member of Local 1732 in San Jose, Cal., Miller was genuinely taken aback when he was informed recently that his $2,000 gift to the Transportation Political Education League (TPEL) last year made him 1998's leading individual contributor.

"I've always felt the state and federal government played a major role in our industry, and it behooves us to be very involved in politics," Miller said of his generous contribution to the cause. "We've got to get our friends elected to further the best interests of our industry."

Miller said he had the industry's best interests in mind nearly 50 years ago when he was involved in promoting the United Railway Operating Crafts. "We tried in 1950 to urge the railway labor organizations to consolidate," he explained. "We participated in the Switchman's Sick Strike in March 1951, a wildcat strike that went for six or seven days before the government stepped in."

Though the effort proved premature by a few years, Miller said the idea was ultimately vindicated. "I thought formation of the UTU was the greatest thing, and it should have happened years earlier," he said. "The current UTU/BLE unity initiative is a must. They've got to consolidate."

Miller began his rail career in 1941 with the Pennsylvania Railroad's Philadelphia Terminal Division. At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the Army and served in Iran with the 711th Railway Operating Battalion.

After mustering out of the service, he hired on as a switchman with the Terminal Railroad Association in St. Louis, Mo., and joined the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. A short while later, he headed to California, where he went to work as a switchman on the Santa Fe. In 1950, he hired on as a switchman with the Southern Pacific in San Luis Obispo, a position he held until his retirement in 1980.

He and his wife of 51 years, Esther, have two children and three grandchildren.

Medicare scores in battle against waste ..........##Y

Improper Medicare payments to hospitals, doctors and other health care providers declined dramatically in 1998, reaching the lowest rate since audits began three years ago, according to a report released last month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Medicare waste, fraud and mistakes consumed about $12.6 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended September 30, 1998, according to HHS auditors. The amount lost was the equivalent of 7 cents out of every dollar spent by Medicare for direct payments to health care providers, including doctors and hospitals.

In fiscal 1996, the first year such audits were conducted, improper Medicare payments totaled about $23.2 billion, or 14%.

A crackdown on Medicare waste began in 1993, and since then, the proportion of the program's 860 million bills a year that are reviewed by auditors has risen from about 5% to 14%.

At the same time, the Justice Department is working more closely with Medicare auditors to investigate suspicious claims and prosecute cases of suspected fraud.

According to HHS, hospitals received the most improper Medicare payments in 1998, including $2.8 billion for care involving overnight stays and $1.2 billion for outpatient care. Meanwhile, home health care companies showed the greatest improvement, with overpayments dropping to $800 million from $2.5 billion in 1997.

Overall, the auditors found that the practices of billing for services that were not medically necessary and upcoding services to secure a higher reimbursement rate were the two major problem areas responsible for a large share of overpayments.

Those two practices combined accounted for about $9.3 billion in improper payments. Another $2.1 billion in overpayments was attributed to documentation discrepancies. The remaining $1.2 billion lost was attributed to billings for services not covered by Medicare, and other types of errors.

HHS Inspector General June Gibbs Brown called the 45% reduction in overpayments since 1996 "a truly remarkable improvement. People are taking it seriously that someone is going to check on what's going on," she said.

Inspector Brown noted improper payments could range from inadvertent mistakes to outright fraud and abuse, but the portion of improper payments attributable to fraud could not be quantified.

Hospitals, doctors and home health care agencies accounted for more than 77% of improper payments, with about 39% of that total chalked up to erroneous hospital claims, 26% to doctors, and nearly 13% to home health care agencies.

Medicare served 39 million beneficiaries in fiscal year 1998 and incurred about $210 billion in benefit payments, including about $33 billion in managed care expenditures.

J.D. McBride dies at age 75 ...................##Z

Retired UTU General Chairperson Jackie D. McBride, 75, passed away at the Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Tex., on January 19, 1999.

McBride enjoyed a 48-year career with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (The Katy), where he began work as a brakeman on June 6, 1942. He joined the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, got married on August 21, 1943, and two days later entered the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as an aerial gunner.

He returned to the railroad after the war, was promoted to conductor in 1953, and served as local chairperson on the Choctaw Division for eight years. In 1974, he was elected UTU General Chairperson for GO-561, a position he held until his retirement in January 1990.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mildred, and two children.

The Final Call ..................................##AA

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.

TPEL HONOR ROLL

Contributors' continued support recognized....##BB

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

Altier, Joseph P. 29 Babylon, NY
Moody Sr., Willard J. 48 Norfolk, VA
Moody Jr., Willard J. 48 Norfolk, VA
Wilson, Eddie W. 48 Norfolk, VA
Harrington Jr., R.E. 168 Chicago, IL
Webb, Robert D. 240 Los Angeles, CA
Boudreaux, Joe N. 243 Ft. Worth, TX
Coffey Jr., Joseph A. 300 Philadelphia, PA
Downes, Daniel J. 528 Chicago, IL
Harrington, P.J. 577 Northlake, IL
Albertini, Guy M. 610 Baltimore, MD
Acker, Laurence C. 620 Chicago, IL
Youngdahl, Jay T. 656 N. Little Rock, AR
Barczak, Ronald J. 1000 Minneapolis, MN
Gilwee, James F. 1201 Stockton, CA
Warshauer, Michael J. 1245 Atlanta, GA
Manley, Duncan Y. 1291 Birmingham, AL
McVay, William W. 1418 Conway, PA
Peirce Jr., Robert N. 1418 Conway, PA
Sophie Jr., K.J. 1433 Elmwood Park, IL
Freeley Jr., James F. 1473 Boston, MA
Steinburg, Rodney V. 1524 Houston, TX
Thompson, Robert B. 1534 Chicago, IL
Sands, John C. 1538 Chicago, IL
Brugess, George T. 1620 Elkhart, IN
Hoey, J. Dillon 1895 Chicago, IL

DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB
($600 or more per year)

NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE

Kelly, Thomas R. 493 Waterloo, IA
Jones, Darrell H. 564 Cleburne, TX

DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB
($365 or more per year)

NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE

Lee, Ralph J. 240 Los Angeles, CA
Whiteley, Ronald N. 257 Morrill, NE
Barta, Ricky A. 493 Waterloo, IA
Smith, Lyndon P. 622 Birmingham, AL
Graham, Harrin L. 762 Montgomery, AL
*Hodges, Homer R. 818 Ft. Worth, TX
Moody, Larry D. 904 Evansville, IN
Mann, John A. 974 Nashville, TN
Wall, Curtis A. 1221 Tampa, FL
Freeman, Carl D. 1291 Birmingham, AL
Justice, James M. 1814 Spartanburg, SC

DIAMOND CLUB
($300.00 or more per year)

NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE

*Smith, Albert L. 150 Carnegie, PA
Holland Jr., Jack 215 Harrisburg, PA
Stubbs Jr., Joseph L. 773 Galveston, TX
Ott, Jerome J. 911 Minneapolis, MN
Towner, Dennis W. 911 Minneapolis, MN
*Bennett, Jay C. 1629 Phoenix, AZ

GOLD CLUB
($100 or more per year)

NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE

*Moore, Ralph O. 9 Slaton, TX
Caldwell, Robert F. 17 Marshalltown, IA
*Miller, Joseph O. 30 Jacksonville, FL
*Kitts Sr., Huston W. 48 Norfolk, VA
Armijo, Manuel C. 49 Pueblo, CO
Barlish, Victor J. 49 Pueblo, CO
VanAsperen, David G. 64 Huron, SD
*Simmons, Arthur L. 74 Marion, OH
*Beason, LeRoy 94 Kansas City, KS
*Rice, D.M. 95 Rensselaer, NY
*Renna, Edward J. 117 Vancouver, WA
*Weyhe, John J. 168 Chicago, IL
Bandy Jr., Byron D. 200 North Platte, NE
Bartholomew, Jim 200 North Platte, NE
Whitman, Edward E. 200 North Platte, NE
*Erickson Jr., A.E. 202 Denver, CO
*Hill, Donald W. 202 Denver, CO
*Chandler, Dennis R. 204 Pueblo, CO
*Schild, Roy H. 212 Albany, NY
*Foster, Jack R. 221 N. Little Rock, AR
*Estep, David C. 225 Bellevue, OH
*Gilbert, Henry E. 234 Bloomington, IL
*Thornton, James L. 238 Ogden, UT
Bond, Robert H. 239 Oakland, CA
Brown, Adam H. 243 Ft. Worth, TX
McKinney Jr., M.A. 243 Ft. Worth, TX
Ward, Steven K. 243 Ft. Worth, TX
*Pearson, Warren A. 259 St. Joseph, MO
*Powers, James E. 265 Pocatello, ID
*Jacobs, Wayne W. 281 Milwaukee, WI
*Loften, Frederick L. 281 Milwaukee, WI
*Koval, George J. 300 Philadelphia, PA
*Saylor, William W. 300 Philadelphia, PA
*Yarborough, Kenneth 311 La Crosse, WI
*Hackett Sr., Lynwood 328 New Haven, CT
*Slinkard, Hubert W. 330 Poplar Bluff, MO
Culver, Phillip J. 383 New Albany, IN
*Castaldo, Anthony 385 Croton, NY
*Keck, Eugene 425 Indianapolis, IN
Tuma, Kenneth S. 446 Cheyenne, WY
Schmitt, Brian J. 486 Glendive, MT
*Davis, Wayne J. 489 San Antonio, TX
Hubbard, Chris 490 Princeton, IN
Mace, Larry W. 490 Princeton, IN
Meier, Roy T. 490 Princeton, IN
Stuckey, Alan H. 490 Princeton, IN
*Nelson, Donald L. 492 Sacramento, CA
Boston, Queston B. 493 Waterloo, IA
Craig, Steven E. 493 Waterloo, IA
*Schuler, Eugene K. 498 Allentown, PA
*Pettycord, James R. 507 Van Buren, AR
*Lightfoot, Tom F. 508 Smithville, TX
*Rosprim Sr., James T. 524 Palestine, TX
*DuBose, G. Thomas 535 Macon, GA
Ortega, James M. 564 Cleburne, TX
Larson, Kenneth J. 577 Northlake, IL
Sipla, Gregory O. 582 Stevens Pt., WI
McIntyre, Richard J. 597 Des Plaines, IL
*Thompson, Robert W. 622 Birmingham, AL
*Able, Edward W. 633 Hagerstown, MD
*Conlee, Donald W. 643 Ft. Madison, IA
*Hanson, Raymond C. 643 Ft. Madison, IA
Main Jr., Robert E. 646 Council Bluffs, IA
Bragalone, Marc B. 656 N. Little Rock, AR
Jenkins, Jeffery A. 656 N. Little Rock, AR
*Clark, Robert W. 724 Ft. Wayne, IN
*Graves, Jesse 750 Knoxville, TN
*Croyle, Everett W. 816 Harrisburg, PA
*Bortner, Lawrence W. 830 Harrisburg, PA
*Peterson, Duane D. 832 Superior, WI
Evans, Ceasar R. 847 Birmingham, AL
*Knutson, Lyle P. 855 Spokane, WA
*Adams, Robert L. 856 Houlton, ME
*Teeple, Robert W. 872 Omaha, NE
*Graham, Charles P. 891 Whitefish, MT
*Koestler, Marlin 891 Whitefish, MT
*Lockwood, Charles F. 891 Whitefish, MT
Newton, Michael M. 911 Minneapolis, MN
Johnson, Jarvis 923 Dalhart, TX
*Sturgill Jr., H.D. 924 Richmond, VA
*Garrett, John B. 933 Jefferson City, MO
*Robinson, Robert F. 949 Sherman, TX
*Fay, Walter R. 951 Sheridan, WY
Grulke, Andrew J. 1000 Minneapolis, MN
*Nelson, Floyd R. 1000 Minneapolis, MN
*Scott, Daniel H. 1000 Minneapolis, MN
*Rushing, W.C. 1053 Selma, AL
*Lyon, Robert J. 1059 Minot, ND
Marcum, Ronald B. 1062 Huntington, WV
*Rask, Raymond A. 1067 Virginia, MN
*Cindric, Joseph A. 1074 Freeport, PA
*Ritz, John 1074 Freeport, PA
*Bragg, Ingram R. 1081 Glendale, AZ
*Curran, Henry S. 1081 Glendale, AZ
*Steyaert, James B. 1081 Glendale, AZ
*Hadnott, Alton H. 1106 Rocky Mount, NC
Dyer, Michael J. 1117 Las Vegas, NV
*Mills Jr., J.L. 1117 Las Vegas, NV
Nelson, Steven L. 1117 Las Vegas, NV
*DeVaun Jr., L.L. 1129 Raleigh, NC
Biegert, Kenneth J. 1177 Willmar, MN
*Tryon, Eugene C. 1177 Willmar, MN
*Zimmerman, James L. 1188 Oklahoma City, OK
*Brower Jr., S. 1221 Tampa, FL
*Brown, Charles W. 1241 Richmond, CA
*Thompson, Dallas F. 1241 Richmond, CA
*Chesser, Al H. 1313 Amarillo, TX
*Echols, David A. 1313 Amarillo, TX
Carter Jr., W.J. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS
Wigley, James C. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS
*Kerr, Harold R. 1374 New Castle, PA
McMeans, Dennis L. 1377 Covington, KY
*Orthmeyer, James F. 1377 Covington, KY
*Colonna II, G.A. 1378 Wilmington, DE
Wilson, Ronald C. 1383 Gary, IN
*Williams, Clair H. 1393 E. Buffalo, NY
*Bennington, H.G. 1399 Terre Haute, IN
*Smith, Archie A. 1409 Kansas City, KS
*Guttler Jr., John 1413 Jersey City, NJ
*Holliday, Barry J. 1422 Los Angeles, CA
*Roop, Robert L. 1468 Walla Walla, WA
*St. Amant, Robert A. 1477 Dearborn, MI
*Duff, Grady W. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA
Schwartz, Andreas 1501 Baton Rouge, LA
*Brock, Walter H. 1502 Wildwood, FL
*Sekosky, Raymond F. 1525 Carbondale, IL
*Hinko, Adam 1534 Chicago, IL
*Hoffman, R.W. 1545 Monroe, LA
Jackson, Michael E. 1548 Indianapolis, IN
*Tansel, Eugene A. 1548 Indianapolis, IN
Ford Jr., John L. 1554 Ogden, UT
Schofield, Sherman D. 1554 Ogden, UT
*Allen, Jack T. 1557 Memphis, TN
*Hanagan, Robert M. 1570 Roseville, CA
*Bonagofski, Joseph 1574 Portland, OR
*Green, Crystal 1597 Chicago, IL
*Waller, Marvin L. 1598 Manchester, GA
*Brown, William V. 1628 Pittsburgh, PA
Hutchinson, Michael 1637 Wishram, WA
*Miller, Donald Q. 1732 San Jose, CA
*Kersch, Robert W. 1765 Grand Rapids, MI
*Wotaszak, L.J. 1765 Grand Rapids, MI
Douglas, Randolph L. 1770 Los Angeles, CA
*Gilbert, Walter F. 1770 Los Angeles, CA
*Slattery, Louis E. 1770 Los Angeles, CA
*Welch, Donald C. 1770 Los Angeles, CA
Smith, Samuel M. 1780 Kansas City, MO
*Pyritz, William D. 1800 Tucson, AZ
Brandt, John A. 1882 Minneapolis, MN
*Black, George D. 1917 Cincinnati, OH
Billings, Steven A. 1957 Silsbee, TX
McCart, Jeremy P. 1957 Silsbee, TX
Varisco, C.C. 1957 Silsbee, TX
*Miller, Ada M. R Cahokia, IL

FELA UPDATE

Time limits govern claims for damages ...........##CC

How much time do you have to file a lawsuit if you are injured on the job?

Everyone knows the answer to that question: It's three years, right?

The answer to that question is yes, no and maybe.

Under the Federal Employers Liability Act, the injured employee must have settled the claim against the railroad or have filed a lawsuit within three years of the injury.

Failure to do either of those things means that you cannot thereafter recover anything for your injury.

That's only a partial answer, however. Many times it is necessary to sue the industry on whose property the injury occurred. The time limit for that lawsuit may vary by a number of years, depending on the state law.

Sometimes it's important to sue a government entity -- a city, county or state. Under those circumstances, it may be necessary by state law to notify that entity that you intend to sue it within 100 days of your injury. Failure to provide that notice will defeat your claim.

In short, never rely upon the belief that you have three years in which to handle your claim for damages. Many railroaders have so relied -- and they have been sadly mistaken.

Monte Bricker, Coordinator
Designated Legal Counsel
1-888-241-7076

NOTICES

UTU moves into new D.C. headquarters .........##DD

The UTU's National Legislative Department has moved into its new offices in Washington, D.C.

The UTU purchased the former Amnesty International Building, which is near Union Station, last year to house those offices.

The address of the new office is 304 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20003. The new telephone number is (202) 543-7714, and the new fax number is (202) 543-0015.

Constitution questions must be mailed ...........##EE

E-mail is a quick way to contact the UTU International, but it is not as secure or reliable as it should be.

To ensure the highest quality of service to the membership, those with questions involving interpretation of the UTU Constitution, including the UTU/BLE Unity Initiative and the upcoming convention, are requested to write to International President Charles L. Little at the UTU International via the traditional U.S. or Canadian postal services, and not via e-mail.

Far West Caucus to meet ......................##FF

Arizona State Legislative Director Scott Olson, the chairperson of the Far West Caucus, will hold a meeting of all local delegates to the International convention from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming at the Los Angeles Regional Meeting.

The location and time of the meeting will be announced later, Olson said.

"All delegates from locals in those states are automatically members of the caucus," Olson said. "The bylaws for the caucus require a meeting at the last West Regional Meeting before the national convention and to meet at the convention site the Sunday before the start of the convention to elect officers and meet with candidates for International offices."

Pack named to UTU director post .................##GG

Eric S. Pack has been named by International President Charles L. Little to the position of director of public relations, education and training.

Pack replaces Charles Bethge, who has retired.

Pack began railroading with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company in 1970 as a switchman at Clifton Forge, Va. He was promoted to conductor in 1975 and engineer in 1978. He held a variety of union positions including local chairperson and local president.

Pack was appointed Operation RedBlock system coordinator for the CSX Transportation Company in 1987 and retained that position upon his recent appointment.

As Operation RedBlock coordinator at CSX, Pack coordinated the activities of 167 program prevention teams; more than 3,500 employees were involved in the program, he said. He also was responsible for policy interpretation with labor and management officials, designing curricula, training all Operation RedBlock team members, meeting planning activities, the development of system training schedules, working with other labor leaders to implement similar programs systemwide, and working with officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, Cornell University and others regarding alcohol- and drug-testing regulations.

Pack also has been charged with planning and producing the three UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings scheduled for 1999.

Monthly apparel winner announced .............##HH

This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of UTU-logoed wearing apparel is Leo Gibson of Baton Rouge, La.

Brother Gibson is an active member of Local 1501 in Baton Rouge, which represents workers employed on both the Illinois Central and Kansas City Southern railroads.

These items are awarded every month by random drawing to show appreciation to the many members who have supported the UTU throughout the years. Congratulations to Brother Gibson!

UTU 1999 Quadrennial Convention information .....##II

UTU 1999 QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION

-------------------------------

Monday through Friday,
August 23-27, 1999

Fontainebleau Hilton Resort and Towers
4441 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140

Reservation number: (800) 548-8886

CUT-OFF DATE FOR ROOM RESERVATIONS: July 20, 1999
DAILY ROOM RATES: $125, single or double; $250 to $375 for suites
PARKING: $13, valet only

Room reservations for all delegates attending the 1999 UTU Quadrennial Convention will be made by the International. Delegates will be receiving a packet of information in April by mail explaining registration procedures, credential requirements and other details.

Admittance onto the floor at the 1999 UTU Quadrennial Convention is restricted to delegates from individual locals. Officers, members and others may observe the proceedings from a small gallery at the rear of the convention floor.

UTU 1999 Regional Meeting information ........##JJ

Listed below are telephone numbers and room rates for the host hotels for the three UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings scheduled for later this year.

Due to the popularity of the meetings and the limited number of rooms available at the hotels, those members planning on attending one of these Regional Meetings should call as soon as possible to make their room reservations.

A one-night deposit is required to guarantee your reservation. It can be paid by credit card when you call.

The UTU web site (www.utu.org) features the latest Regional Meeting information, links to web sites of host hotels, and a registration form.

Remember, each Regional Meeting lasts three full days. A golf outing is held the day before the first meeting day.

The UTU works hard to ensure that each Regional Meeting offers something of interest to all members, from local members to local and general committee officers to members of the family. Come and see why a UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting is something not to be missed. (All rates quoted are per day)

-----------------------------------------------

WESTERN REGIONAL MEETING
Monday - Wednesday, May 24-26, 1999

Wyndham Hotel at Los Angeles Airport
6225 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Reservation number: (310) 670-9000

Cut-off date for room reservations: April 13,1999
Room rate: $109 double/$99 single
Parking rates: $7 self park/$12 valet

Overflow hotel for Los Angeles meeting:

Sheraton Gateway Hotel (next door to Wyndham)
6101 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Reservation number: (800) 445-7999
Cut-off date for room reservations: April 13, 1999
Room rate: $109 double/$99 single
Parking rates: $9 self park/$13 valet

-----------------------------------------------

CENTRAL REGIONAL MEETING
Monday-Wednesday, June 14-16, 1999

Regal Riverfront Hotel Downtown St. Louis
200 South 4th Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
Reservation number: (314) 241-9500

Cut-off date for room reservations: May 2, 1999
Room rate: $99, single or double
Parking rates: $11

-----------------------------------------------

EASTERN/CANADIAN REGIONAL MEETING
Monday-Wednesday, July 11-14, 1999

Hyatt Regency Washington (on Capitol Hill)
400 New Jersey Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Reservation number: (202) 737-1234

Cut-off date for room reservations: June 1,1999
Room rate: $99, single or double
Parking: $22, valet only

-----------------------------------------------

Regional Meeting pre-registration form ..........##KK

------------------------------------------------

UTU REGIONAL MEETING PRE-REGISTRATION FORM

------------------------------------------------

By registering in advance for the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings, you will speed registration at the meeting sites and help organizers plan more accurately. Name badges and information kits will be waiting for you upon arrival.

Which Regional Meeting will you be attending?

_______Los Angeles, Cal., May 24-26, 1999

_______St. Louis, Mo., June 14-16, 1999

_______Washington, D.C., July 11-14, 1999

 

UTU Local_______or other affiliation_________________

Name/Title___________________________________________

Name for Badge (if different)________________________

2d Registrant name/title_____________________________

Name for Badge (if different)________________________

3rd Registrant name/title____________________________

Name for Badge (if different)________________________

Home address_________________________________________

City_________________________________________________

State_______________________ Code____________________

Daytime phone number (_______) ______________________

Advance registration fee of $100 (U.S.) per person

included with this form?

______Yes ______No

All registration fees include: Sunday welcome reception; Monday lunch and evening theme reception; Tuesday lunch and special night out; Wednesday lunch and evening reception/banquet/awards dinner, and all training workshop materials. This registration fee is due 30 days prior to each meeting date. Make all checks payable to "UTU Regional Meeting." Send this completed form to: UTU Meeting Registration, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. You may cancel seven full days prior to arrival with no penalty. Please fax any changes or cancellations immediately to the UTU International at (216) 228-5755.

Airline offers discount fares ................##LL

Southwest Airlines, a unionized national air carrier, is offering discounted airfares for travel to and from the Regional Meeting cities of Los Angeles, St. Louis and Baltimore/Washington, D.C.

Members should call the Southwest Airlines Group and Meeting Desk at 1-800-433-5368, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., by no later than five days prior to the first date of travel, and refer to identifier code E8389 for Los Angeles, E8399 for St. Louis, or E8409 for Baltimore/Washington, D.C., to take advantage of this offer.

UTU members should make their airline reservations as soon as possible as fares are subject to terms and availability. Because of scheduling, reservations may not yet be available for confirmation.

Regional Meeting golf outings planned ...........##MM

Arrangements have been made for golf outings in each of the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting cities.

These golf outings will be held the Sunday before the start of each Regional Meeting at challenging local golf courses.

Printed below is information about locations, tee-off times, fees and registration deadlines. A registration form follows. Please note the registration deadline for each golf outing.

The registration fee includes the greens fee and golf carts, as well as round-trip transportation to the course from the host hotel.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF., REGIONAL MEETING
DATE: Sunday, May 23, 1999; 8 a.m. shotgun start
PLACE: Camarillo Springs Golf Course, Camarillo, Calif.

FEE: $75 per person
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: May 14, 1999

ST. LOUIS, MO., REGIONAL MEETING
DATE: Sunday, June 13, 1999; 7:30 a.m. shotgun start
PLACE: Stonewolf Golf Club, Fairview Heights, Ill.

FEE: $75 per person
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: June 4, 1999

WASHINGTON, D.C., REGIONAL MEETING
DATE: Sunday, July 11, 1999; 7:30 a.m. shotgun start
PLACE: Marlborough Country Club, Upper Marlboro, Md.

FEE: $75 per person
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: July 2, 1999

Regional Meeting golf registration form ......##NN

------------------------------------------------

GOLF OUTING REGISTRATION FORM

------------------------------------------------

Name______________________________________Local________

Address________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP_________________________________________

Which golf outing(s) will you be attending?

______Los Angeles

______St. Louis

______Washington, D.C.

Handicap or average 18-hole score_____________________

Registration fee included? _____Yes _____No

The format at all outings will be scramble/best ball. All foursomes will be established by draw from a handicap pool. No prearranged foursomes will be considered. Foursomes will be made up of one golfer from each of four classes: A, B, C and D.

Please complete this form and send it with your registration fee (payable to "UTU") by the applicable deadline to: UTU REGIONAL MEETING GOLF REGISTRATION, 14600 DETROIT AVE., CLEVELAND, OH 44107-4250.

------------------------------------------------

Right member, wrong photo .......................##OO

Del Hankins, a member of Local 115 in San Francisco, Cal., and a driver for Grosvenor Bus Lines, participated in last month's "Voices" feature, offering his insights as to why having UTU members on the payroll is an advantage to employers.

Unfortunately, a photograph of Wally Brondstatter, a bus driver with the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District and a member of Local 23 in Santa Cruz, Cal., was used to illustrate Hankins' comments.

A photograph of Brother Hankins appears in the traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS, which offers apologies and expresses regrets for last month's error.

UTUIA offers Disability Income Replacement ...##PP

UTUIA recognizes your need to replace disability with the ability to meet never-ending obligations when an accident or illness strikes. Our unfailing commitment to provide the best Disability Income Replacement insurance has made UTUIA the association to rely upon for affordable disability income insurance.

For more information, contact your UTUIA representative, or call the UTUIA Marketing and Sales Department today toll-free at (800) 558-8842, Ext. 211.

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UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION
MARCH 1999
PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY

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