June 1999 - UTU News

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WELCOME TO 
THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR
"As we enter the 21st Century, we don't need two unions 
doing the same thing for operating employees who have become 
functionally integrated."
-- UTU International President Charles L. Little
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

--The UTU NEWS On-Line Edition takes advantage of the search- and-find features in your word processing software or on-line editor. For example, to learn about the process behind the National Wage & Rules Panel ("Inside the Wage & Rules Panel"), have your word processing software or on-line editor search for the text ##P. IN THIS EDITION

--Member killed working on DM&E ....................##A --UTU ready for UP vote .........................##B --UTU Bus Department on a winning roll .............##C --WARR chapters sprout nationally ...............##D --Pact reached on Adirondack Transit Lines .........##E --Constitution Committee meets ..................##F AROUND THE UTU

--BLE or WWF? ......................................##K --Big wins at Renzenberger ......................##L --"You deserve a vote!" ............................##M Editorial by Charles L. Little UTU International President

--Retiree's largesse paves path to past ............##U --Travelers Club offers two packages ............##V --19th PRR reunion set for July 17 .................##W --Medicare establishes new toll-free line .......##X --The Final Call ...................................##Y TPEL HONOR ROLL

--Monthly apparel winner announced .............##BB --UTUIA names scholarship winners .................##CC --Regence BlueCross/BlueShield selected ........##DD --HSA in liquidation ..............................##EE --UTU/UTUIA 1999 Regional Meeting information ..##FF --Regional Meeting pre-registration form ..........##GG --Airline offers discount fares ................##HH --Regional Meeting golf outings planned ...........##II --Regional Meeting golf registration form ......##JJ --UTUIA offers Ultimate Par Policy ................##KK ==================================================== IN THIS EDITION --Member killed working on DM&E ....................##A Dale Schlicht, a conductor on the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DM&E) and member of Local 64 at Huron, S.D., was killed in April in a switching accident at Waseca, Minn. He was 54. Schlicht apparently was crushed between rail cars while hooking air hoses. An investigation into the accident continues. Schlicht was married to Barbara Schlicht, who is an engineer for the DM&E and also a member of Local 64. She was the first female engineer on the Chicago and North Western, a DM&E predecessor. The two enjoyed hunting together. "It was the saddest funeral I ever went to," former UTU Minnesota State Director Willis Croonquist said. --UTU ready for UP vote .........................##B CLEVELAND -- By late August, the UTU and BLE will probably know whether there will be a "winner-take-all" shoot-out on the Union Pacific Railroad. By then the National Mediation Board (NMB) is expected to decide whether the workers who operate a railroad train are similar to the workers who operate a jet plane. If so, the NMB will sanction a representation election on the Union Pacific where operating employees will choose between the UTU and BLE to solely represent them. The winner of that election will likely call for similar representation elections on other Class I railroads. The UTU holds more than a two-to-one advantage in operating employees working on the Union Pacific Railroad. The loser faces going out of existence. "It's time that we get this issue settled once and for all," said UTU International President Charles L. Little. "As we enter the 21st Century, we don't need two unions doing the same thing for operating employees who have become functionally integrated. So let the members choose between the two and walk into the future with a new beginning and better representation." Little pointed out that the NMB "used a similar hearing procedure in 1961 when it found 'Flight Deck Crewmembers' (pilots, co-pilots, flight engineers) was a proper craft or class on United Airlines." "The UTU is confident that our case has merit and will prevail," said Little. "We are well-organized and unified on the Union Pacific and other Class I railroads in anticipation of an August decision." Little added: "The NMB knows that internal strife within the BLE should not block an open election that democratically allows operating employees to choose between two strong and proud unions. This is not about saving the jobs and golden parachutes for some BLE officers, it's about doing what's right for the future of railroad operating employees and their families." This turn of events came about because on the afternoon of May 10, the BLE formally pulled out of unification talks because of a recall election pending against International President Clarence Monin and other officers. On May 8, the BLE posted a resolution on its website from its Advisory Board saying it was withdrawing from unification talks because it was concerned about UTU finances. Ironically, on the morning of May 10 the accounting firm of Ernst & Young finished its annual audit of UTU's 1998 finances reporting that the union had more than $43 million dollars in the fold and that the UTUIA had set all-time highs in revenue ($221 million) and cash reserves ($33 million). The world-renowned accounting firm voiced no concerns about the UTU's finances. (In contrast, the BLE had $17 million in the bank at the end of 1997, according to U.S. government records.) "The BLE's stated excuse for withdrawing from unification," said Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., "is as transparent as professional wrestling on the WWF circuit." REINSTATE NMB PETITION On May 11, the UTU wrote a letter to the NMB asking it to reinstate its petition to hold representation elections on the Union Pacific Railroad. The UTU also said that the BLE's concern that the UTU refused "to provide critical financial data" as the reason for its withdrawal from unification negotiations is a "phony excuse" because "all relevant information was provided prior to the Statement of Principles." UTU told the NMB that the real reason the unification was ended was to fend off a BLE recall election. The letter said: "The real problem is internal strife within BLE that has resulted in a call for the recall of BLE President (Clarence) Monin. UTU's audited financial statements discussed with the firm of Ernst & Young, LLP yesterday at the closing conference belies BLE's cover story." UTU added that the BLE's action "makes it apparent that unification of UTU and BLE will not occur, and it is, therefore, clear that further delays in this matter will serve no useful purpose." The UTU believes the NMB has sufficient information to "now find that a dispute exists" on the Union Pacific and for an election to be held. Little wrote in response to Monin's May 10 letter withdrawing from unification that "your finance people were furnished last fall with a copy of a 1995 outside legal opinion we obtained that validated UTU's action regarding the Job Benefit Fund before that action was taken." Little wrote, "Certainly the fact that lawyers disagree is hardly unusual, and it surely cannot be a legitimate basis to call off unification so important to the members we serve." NO MAGIC DATE Little also said that "there was no magic about May 1" and that the BLE knew well in advance that determining the dues level of the new union could not be finalized until after the August 23-27 UTU Quadrennial Convention, where the delegates will consider proposed amendments to the UTU dues level, which is the starting point for setting dues of a new union. Little noted that a meeting was scheduled for May 11 in Cleveland of the Oversight Committee and counsel. Little said that the UTU met with the Labor Department on May 19 and "is seeking an administrative advisory opinion to put the issues to rest" regarding the Job Benefit Fund. "A major law firm gave us an opinion in 1995 that said what we wanted to do with the Job Benefit Fund was okay, and our auditors, Ernst & Young never voiced a concern about it," said Little. "To settle matters once and for all, we are asking the Labor Department to make a determination. That's the open and legitimate way to proceed." BUY TIME ON RECALL Little concluded that BLE politics, not UTU finances, scuttled unification. "Both you and I know what happened," Little wrote to Monin. "You moved up the meeting of your Advisory Board that was scheduled for the week of May 17 in Sandusky to last Saturday because your General Secretary and Treasurer was threatening to send out the recall ballot on you on May 10. "At the May 8 meeting of your Advisory Board, a second resolution was passed putting the issue of the recall ballot on you on hold. The alleged legal concerns you express are bogus because I know for a fact neither of your lawyers were at the Advisory Board meeting. "Let's not kid each other. Rather than talk today (May 11) as scheduled about resolution of the legal issues raised, about which lawyers disagreed, at a meeting your lawyer set up, you gave in to the internal pressures on you and killed the unification to buy time on your recall," Little concluded. The NMB set July 12 as the date the hearing will begin and July 16 as the end date. The hearing will cover whether Train and Engine Service Employees is a proper craft or class and whether the Railroad Merger Procedures of the Board are involved in the dispute. Witness and counsel lists are due June 18 and a pre-hearing conference is set for June 22. The hearing is limited to the period of July 12 through the end of business on July 16. Briefs are due by August 2 and reply briefs are due August 9. The matter will be ready for decision then. --UTU Bus Department on a winning roll .............##C CLEVELAND -- The UTU's Bus Department realized its third consecutive organizing victory on the properties of Renzenberger Inc., a transit operation that moves rail crews to and from their work assignments. The approximately 45 workers who chose UTU representation in April's election bring to nearly 450 the total number of the company's drivers and mechanics who have sought out the UTU in the last six months. That number represents nearly 41% of Renzenberger's "blue- collar" work force in the United States, which totals approximately 1,100 in 21 states. The workers who voted UTU are located on properties in Topeka, Wichita, Parsons, Fort Scott, and Coffeyville, Kan., and in the city of Nevada, Mo. "This was basically in the backyard of Renzenberger, and it took a great effort on the part of our organizers to seize this victory," said Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis. "The things we're hearing from the company's employees are pretty much the same, from property to property. They want improvements in wages, benefits, working conditions and hours. Some work 80 hours a week just to bring in a decent income," he said. McNelis said workers' concerns are also about safety. "There have been many complaints about the company not keeping their vans in good operating condition," he said. "Some have serious safety defects, and when these people report poor conditions, they are threatened and intimidated. They want input on vehicle condition, not only for themselves, but for the rail crews they are hauling." McNelis also offered an update on negotiations for the company's California employees. He said that Alternate Vice President Percy Palmer and General Chairperson Jim Harford have made some progress on non-economic issues, but the company still refuses to recognize the northern and southern units as a single bargaining unit. Renzenberger employees Victor Martin and Linzy Franklin also have a seat at the bargaining table. "We have tried to convince the company to negotiate both (California) units at the same time, but they have been reluctant to agree to that," McNelis said. McNelis also mentioned that Martin, who led the organizing effort in California, was honored at the Los Angeles UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting for his role in the Renzenberger effort. "We're not done. We have already received calls from Renzenberger employees in Louisiana, Texas and Nebraska who have heard about our other victories," McNelis said. --WARR chapters sprout nationally ...............##D CLEVELAND -- Following the founding chapter's success, local units of Women/Wives Against the Railroad (WARR) are beginning to take root in about 100 communities across the nation, according to a Michigan chapter's chairperson. But they are also changing the Michigan group's name to be a bit more "family friendly." "The name `WARR' sounds a little harsh to us," said Michigan's Marlene Haines. "We are now FAM-RAIL, to emphasize the fact that we are railroad-family oriented." "There's at least four sites here in Michigan," said Haines, "and sites all over other states like California and Texas. I did a quick count, and there are about 100 sites out there where people have expressed an interest in starting a unit." The UTU was helpful in promoting WARR by featuring it often in the UTU NEWS. "We hope to work with FAM-RAIL -- and WARR -- even more in the future," said Vice President Paul Thompson, "because unions are about families." WARR was established in North Platte, Neb., in 1998 by Kathy Beisner, the wife of Union Pacific Railroad (UP) employee Ron Beisner, when she lost her patience with the way manpower mismanagement and disregard for safety affected her home life. In response, she brought together others looking to take a stand for more humane scheduling and a better quality of life for railroad families. In July 1998, as the UP struggled to extricate itself from a logjam created in the wake of its acquisition of the Southern Pacific Railroad, the women of WARR met with UP executives to demand the carrier hire more workers, allow employees more rest time, and address safety and family issues. Ultimately, the UP responded by establishing a new scheduling program in September 1998. Haines, the wife of UTU member Joseph R. Haines III of Local 1709, Pontiac, Mich., noted that her local chapter, formerly known as the Southeastern Michigan Region Four Subsidiary of WARR, recently changed its name in a bid to soften its image and attract members. Haines said FAM-RAIL meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, in the same hall and on the same evening Local 1709 meets at 8 p.m. (VFW Post #1008, Airport Rd. at M-59 in Waterford Township). "We've found we have a better source of information by going with our railroad workers to their union meetings," said Haines, who noted members of the UTU local work for Grand Trunk Western (GTW) and are concerned about the effects of Canadian National Railway's pending merger with the Illinois Central. Meanwhile, FAM-RAIL is inviting all GTW families to a picnic set for July 18, 1999. "We call it the `Funeral Picnic for Grand Trunk Western Families,'" said Haines. For information and directions to the picnic site, call (248) 627-3253. --Pact reached on Adirondack Transit Lines .........##E With the old contract ready to expire, negotiators for Local 1582 have produced a tentative three-year pact for Adirondack Transit Lines operators and maintenance workers, Albany Ticket and Baggage agents, and Port Ticket and Baggage agents. The contract calls for about a 4.5% economic increase, including improved wages, pensions, health care, etc. --Constitution Committee meets ..................##F Members of the UTU Constitution Committee met last month at UTU International Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, to consider more than 150 amendments to the union's constitution that have been submitted by members. Their recommendations will be used by delegates at the upcoming convention. A photograph in the traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS depicted the committee. All delegates from their locals, those in the picture included Mike Litwin (Local 100); Franz VonKruger (Local 1608); Guy Ethier (Local 1508); Jack Shaver (Local 202); John Eschmann (Local 1978); Bob Bilello (Local 29), and Steve Fritter (Local 1933).

--News from around the U.S. and Canada .............##G LOCAL 15, BILLINGS, MT. The members of the former Big Sky Pilots Association last month were officially granted the full charter of a UTU local and subsequently elected a full slate of officers, including those serving on local committees of adjustment in Dallas, Tex., and Billings. Regular meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on the third Sunday of the month at Logan International Airport in Billings. LOCAL 18, EL PASO, TEX. There's still time to arrange attendance at the first UTU WES-TEX Mini Regional on June 21, according to PETE SANDOVAL, who said the day-long educational and social event will include UTU International President CHARLES L. LITTLE as a featured guest. Continental breakfast, lunch, a social mixer and dinner will be provided at no cost. To reserve a spot, call the local's office at (915) 532-1818. LOCAL 168, CHICAGO, ILL. Brother JIM HOOPER, representing Designated Legal Counsel ROBERT E. HARRINGTON, JR., recently hosted an educational dinner coordinated by Conrail Local Chairperson RANDY MALUCHNIK allowing Conrail committee members to air matters of concern for those who become Norfolk Southern (NS) employees this month, said Secretary LEE T.G. CHANNING. Also attending were Local Chairperson RICH ROSS and Vice Local Chairperson LARRY GRUTZIUS, NS employees and members of Local 1895-E in Chicago, who fielded questions about NS working conditions, said Vice Chairperson RICK DELEON. LOCAL 465, GILLETTE, WYO. The annual FRANK VIELHAUER Memorial Picnic will be held at Dalby Park in Gillette on July 24 and 25, 1999, giving members two chances to attend, according to Local President BILL MONTGOMERY. The event, named for a local member who succumbed to a brain tumor, is sponsored by UTU Designated Legal Counsel ROSSI, COX, KIKER and INDERWISH. Meanwhile, Conductor GARY GOODRICH has been awarded the monthly BNSF Powder River Safety Award for his role in catching a train with numerous flat spots. LOCAL 483, TORONTO, ONT. The deadline for receipt of applications for the DOUG HENNINGSEN Memorial Award Scholarship has been extended to July 11, according to Treasurer DEBORAH PAGE. Members of the local can receive more information and application forms for the $1,000 undergraduate scholarship by contacting Page at 79 Woodward Ave., Brampton, ON, L6V2K5, or by calling her at (519) 927-3758. LOCAL 951, SHERIDAN, WYOMING Members of the local will be enjoying their annual picnic on July 24 at Kendrick Park in Sheridan, according to Local President WILLIAM D. FORD. Though the event, sponsored by UTU Designated Legal Counsel ROSSI, COX, KIKER and INDERWISH, starts at 2 p.m., a special meeting attended by general chairpersons and international officers will precede it at 10 a.m. LOCAL 1522, WASHINGTON, D.C. Members are mourning the loss of retired former Washington Terminal Company General Chairperson BERNARD T. HARDY, who passed away on April 19, according to Legislative Director STEVE FRITTER. Brother Hardy, who retired in 1983, had joined the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen in 1941, and during World War II was a Pacific Fleet boxing champion. LOCAL 1558, BERGENFIELD, N.J. Best wishes are extended by the local and the UTU International to PETE MORELLI, local president and former chairperson, who has left Rockland Coaches, Inc., to pursue other interests. Brother Morelli served the local for many years as a dedicated union officer and committee member. Succeeding Morelli as local president is Local Vice President WILLIAM TIMMS. LOCAL 1582, ALBANY, N.Y. Members working for Airport Group International (AGI) have elected RON PALKA as their new chairperson in the wake of WILLIAM TAYLOR's retirement. The local's officers and members join those at the UTU International in wishing the best for Brother Taylor, who was the first chairperson elected at AGI subsequent to organizing by the UTU. LOCAL 1741, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. Negotiations for a new labor agreement with employer Laidlaw Transit, Inc., are proceeding as the July 31 expiration date of the current contract approaches, said General Chairperson JIM HARFORD. While numerous issues must be addressed, a major concern is a continuation of the prevailing-wage agreement. LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, B.C. Local Secretary DAVID MOORHOUSE, who serves as local newsletter editor and webmaster, was selected by the Council of Trade Unions on BC Rail to serve as the first full-time safety advisor as per an agreement that created the position for a two-year pilot term. Among his duties, Moorhouse will help create a joint Return-to-Work program for injured and disabled employees. Meanwhile, Brother RICHARD GIRARD was one of five Canadian members chosen by lottery for a "scholarship" sponsored by UTU Canada that will send him to the Regional Meeting in Washington, D.C. LOCAL 1929, E. ST. LOUIS, ILL. UTU Designated Legal Counsel and local member STEPHEN TILLERY has recently published a book, The Railroader's Handbook, getting great reviews and being distributed in several states, said member MICHAEL E. KOHLENBERGER. The book includes information about FELA, retirement and disability benefits, rights and obligations of employees injured on the job, unemployment benefits, and more. GO-887, UNION PACIFIC (SP-WESTERN) A ceremony was scheduled for May 26 to mark the reopening of the Roseville Yard, and the relocation of Roseville Hub pool freight assignments is scheduled for June 16, according to General Chairperson J.K. KLEIN. --J.F. Garrard wins Burch Memorial Award ........##H Amtrak conductor J. F. "Frank" Garrard, of Local 30 in Jacksonville, Fla., and an Amtrak conductor, was recently presented the Dr. Gary Burch Memorial Award by the National Association of Railroad Passengers. The award, established in 1994 and sponsored by the family of a man who was fatally injured in a 1991 passenger train derailment, recognizes an individual in the rail industry who has done the most to improve the safety of rail passengers. Brother Garrard began his career in 1969 on the Seaboard Coast Line and has been with Amtrak for the past 13 years. A veteran of several grade crossing accidents, Garrard once took a 40-hour course at Texas A&M, "the best fires school in the nation," he said. He has since developed his own four-hour course accredited through the Bureau of Standards of Florida State Fire College. In addition, funded completely by Amtrak, he teaches railroaders from Miami to Washington an evacuation course developed by the railroad that includes CPR and first-aid training. "Firefighters don't know what passenger cars are made of, and don't realize their equipment won't help them extricate passengers in an emergency," Garrard explained. "I'm determined and dedicated to getting this knowledge out, especially to railroaders. After all, conductors and engineers are the first responders on the scene - not firemen. And we'll do all we can." Garrard noted his family's connection with the UTU keeps getting tighter. His son is a UTU-represented assistant conductor with Amtrak, and his daughter is finishing up at Madison Junior College with the help of a UTUIA Scholarship.

--"Will labor unions survive the future?" ..........##I Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept. There are many times we wonder whether unions will survive in the new millennium. Even with all the organizing work with which many unions are involved, we know there is still a long way to go, and sometimes I question whether we will get there. But that feeling never lasts long as I hear about young people stepping forward to take up a cause. As part of a UNITE-commissioned project, an 18-year-old student from New Jersey designed a book cover that depicts everyday items kids use, such as sneakers, jeans and soccer balls, and includes an explanation of the dismal conditions children work under to produce them. This 18-year-old hopes to make students aware of children being exploited all around the world and to make them realize students can make a difference. The AFL-CIO also reports that it's never too early to start fighting sweatshops. First graders at another school in New Jersey launched a letter-writing campaign that helped convince the mayor and city council of their city to adopt a resolution banning city purchases of sweatshop goods. The mayor of the city stated that "these young people have stepped up our community conscience." As a union officer, representative or member, we can help by informing the young people of the injustices, not only to children, but also to many working people around the world so they will be aware and hopefully make a difference. In unity there is strength.

--"Martin named assistant director" .............##J Editorial by Don R. Carver Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept. We welcome Jerry D. Martin to the Yardmaster Department as the assistant director. Jerry began his rail career in 1963 with the Texas & Pacific Railroad Company in Fort Worth, Texas. He became a yardmaster in 1970 and four years later was elected to the office of local chairperson in the former Railroad Yardmasters of America. His tenure as a general chairperson began in 1978 and continued until his selection as Yardmaster Department assistant director. His skills as an organizer served the yardmaster craft well. The UTU and Transportation Communications Union joined forces to form the Union Pacific Union Yardmaster Council (UPUYP) to represent the yardmaster craft on the Union Pacific Railroad. Those of us who have worked with Jerry over the years know his dedication as a unionist, his dedication to the membership and his abilities as a knowledgeable representative. A member who has neither met nor dealt with Jerry will soon know the concern for and desire to assist the membership that he possesses. Jerry and his wife, Catherine, have moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Their son, Chris, is a medical student at the University of North Texas and has remained in Fort Worth. The Yardmaster Department, with the assistance of Barbara Feuer, Ph.D., and The Catalyst Group, has developed and distributed a yardmaster stress survey to a randomly selected group of 253 yardmasters. Recipients of the survey should promptly complete and return it.

--BLE or WWF? ......................................##K We hear that the World Wrestling Federation's (WWF) Rick Flair has been hired to handle public relations for the BLE. How else can a thinking person explain the BLE's phony excuse for withdrawing from unification talks? "The BLE's stated excuse for withdrawing from unification," said Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., "is as transparent as professional wrestling on the WWF circuit." On the day Ernst & Young gave its final stamp of approval on the UTU's 1998 finances, the BLE claimed it was pulling out of unification because of concerns about UTU finances. Talk about bad timing. Ernst & Young says the UTU has $43 million in the bank and the UTUIA had all-time highs in cash reserves ($33 million) and revenue ($221 million). And the BLE wants intelligent people to believe it was about money? Everyone knows the real reason the BLE bailed out of unification was because its International President and other officers faced a recall election. Now, they're in for a real WWF shoot-out. And neither Rick Flair nor the New World Order can save them. --Big wins at Renzenberger ......................##L With three consecutive organizing victories on Renzenberger Inc., properties, the UTU Bus Department is rolling sevens and elevens. The 450 Renzenberger drivers and mechanics who voted to join the UTU represent nearly 41 percent of the company's U.S. workers, and more representation elections are in the offing in Louisiana, Texas and Nebraska. Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis and his team did a great job in this organizing effort. Now, the UTU is going to bat to improve wages, benefits, working conditions and hours. The UTU is also concerned about the poor safety conditions of too many Renzenberger vans and the company's harassment of drivers who report poor conditions. This must stop. Renzenberger must operate safe vehicles not only for UTU members who drive them, but also for the UTU and BLE rail crews who are transported in them. --"You deserve a vote!" ............................##M Editorial by Charles L. Little UTU International President Make no mistakes about it: BLE politics, not UTU finances, scuttled unification. Sadly for BLE members, its leadership failed them -- again -- in order to save their own skins. Everyone knows the real story by now. On May 8, the BLE's General Secretary and Treasurer was readying recall ballots against President Clarence Monin, and others. Later that day at an emergency meeting of its Advisory Board, Monin agreed to halt unification on the phony pretext of concerns about UTU finances and the recall was stopped. The BLE posted on its website the resolution withdrawing from unification on May 8, but didn't have the courage to notify UTU officially until 4:15 p.m. on May 10. What could have been a very meaningful and fair merger between the UTU and BLE will now most likely turn into a "winner-take-all" representation election on the Union Pacific Railroad sometime after late August. When that election happens, and the others that follow, there will be only one union left standing. And it will be the United Transportation Union. It could have been different, but the BLE wanted to play Texas showdown. So it's time that we get this issue settled once and for all. We no longer need two unions doing the same thing for operating employees who have become functionally integrated. The real winners in these elections will be union rail operating employees. The losers will be BLE officers who are more concerned with preserving their jobs and golden parachutes than doing what's right. We believe that you, UTU and BLE members, know in your hearts that the power of one strong union working with you is the best way to proceed into the 21st Century. We believe that a majority of you knew the time had come to move forward in history rather than being trapped in the past. George Meany said 35 years ago that labor leaders should view the union "as an instrument of progress for working people rather than an institution devoted to its own perpetuation." The glove fits the BLE leadership to a tee -- perpetuation at the expense of member representation and democratic rights. In a June 2, 1989, Journal of Commerce column, UTU President Fred Hardin answered BLE critics who screamed that UTU was trying at that time to force a "hostile takeover." The BLE's Monin is now shouting the same refrain: "Hostile takeover." So let me quote Hardin, because he said it well and right: "The UTU's alleged crime is forcing a `hostile takeover.' There is no such animal in labor. Unlike employees, union members cannot awaken to find themselves `owned' by a new organization. No merger of union members can happen without a vote." And a vote is what all operating employees deserve. The say will be all yours. --"The IRS Treats Us Better" ....................##N Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer UTU National Legislative Director An open letter to Dick Davidson, CEO, Union Pacific; John Snow, CEO, CSX; Arnie Krebs, CEO, BNSF; David Goode, CEO, NS; Paul Tallier, CEO, IC-GTW, and others. ----------------------------------------- The railroad industry gives itself an award for safety, the Harriman Award. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sets up standards for the reporting of railroad injuries and accidents. A committee reviews the reports and bestows the Harriman Award on what is supposed to be the safest railroad for the past year. They tell the public the award was based on the FRA statistics. What they don't tell you is that if the FRA does not catch railroads not reporting accidents, then those numbers are not included in the statistics. So, the questions arise: Is the railroad that wins the Harriman Award the safest railroad, or is it the railroad that has not reported accidents and injuries accurately? Does the railroad encourage its employees to contact management? Does management make the corrections needed to prevent another accident? Does management sit down in a non-punitive way and provide additional training? Does the carrier encourage the injured employee to find a doctor that will provide the best medical care and that the injured employee has faith in? OR, does the railroad use threats, harassment and intimidation to scare the employee? Do employees face the possibility of an investigation with discipline or possible firing if he or she reports an injury or accident, or attempts to go to their own doctor? Does the manager hint to the employee to wait to make the report to see if they are going to be okay, suggesting that this is a way of avoiding discipline? And if the injured employee follows the manager's suggestion and later makes a report, does the railroad charge them with not reporting on time, as required by the rules, and give them discipline? When an employee is injured, does the manager attempt to gain statements at the accident scene or in the emergency room from a medicated employee or an employee in pain? And then, if the employee does not give the exact same statement at a later time, using the exact same words, does the management then charge them with lying and attempt to discipline them? Are injured employees shadowed by trainmasters and claim agents from the moment of injury to the hospital? In the emergency room are they barraged with questions? Are doctors being told by railroad managers, who are not qualified to offer medical advice, how to avoid treating the patient so that it will not be reported to the FRA? Our members are treated better by the Internal Revenue Service. You wonder why they hire lawyers. We have been told that many managers' bonuses are based on the number of injuries reported in their territory. Instead of motivating managers to be good trainers, good mentors and helpful, this bonus system encourages some managers to use the threat of discipline and firing to discourage reporting. Gentlemen, you are in the best position to see the plain truth of this matter. Some of you are playing fair and some of you are not. You should resolve yourselves to take the high ground and make sure that those who cheat are not rewarded. Rail management could set standards so that the carrier that has the best safety culture wins the award, which is the way it should be. --Voices: Members share their opinions .............##O 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: HAVE YOU WITNESSED A TRAUMATIC INCIDENT WHILE WORKING? "I'm a yard local chairperson, working for BNSF. I've been railroading since 1977. About four years ago, we had a grade crossing blocked at night when a car of drunk guys slammed into our train. Two got out, and we thought maybe everything's alright. But there was another passenger flung up under the dash, and he was pretty bad. It doesn't bother me all the time, but whenever we're at that crossing, I always think about it. We always have to worry about crossings." -- MIKE SABALA, L-1313, AMARILLO, TEX. "I drive for the Los Angeles Country Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and over a 23-year period, I've been pretty lucky. I've been in arguments over fares and in other situations, but I've been able to let it go and avoid violence. But once, a young lady was giving a gang sign out the window, and someone shot at the bus, hitting her in the hand. It happened so fast. Others I work with have been in robberies, bus hijackings, even rapes. It weighs on your mind." -- ULYSSES "BUTCH" JOHNSON, L-1564, LOS ANGELES, CAL. "Unfortunately, crossing accidents become a fact of life when you're working through-freight or passenger service. Maybe the most frightful time I recall was when I was an Amtrak trainman and we hit a school bus. It turned out the bus was empty and the driver was okay, but you never know about these things. Crewmen suffer from these incidents, even at near-misses. Every time you go back to a crossing where something happened, it brings back memories." -- DON H. CARTER, L-683, DETROIT, MICH. "I hate to even talk about it. I'm an engineer on Norfolk Southern, but when I was firing, we hit a school bus, a church bus actually. There was a boy killed in it. It's been a good 15 years ago, but it doesn't leave you. I also was recently involved in a case where another worker hit a man lying along the tracks. The company wasn't going to let him get off work. The NS probably lags behind the others in understanding the need for counseling or something along those lines." -- DAVE BENSON, L-559, ROANOKE, VA. --Feedback: Inside the Wage & Rules Panel .......##P by Dan Johnson UTU Vice President -- Administration The National Wage and Rules Panel gives UTU the opportunity to proactively address the issues of greatest concern to the members, not those items of greatest concern to the railroads. It also provides, for the first time in history, the opportunity for UTU to gather data from the railroads that can be used to support UTU's positions at the bargaining table. That's one reason we came to the historic landmark agreement this spring with the carriers to tackle serious work/rest issues on a flexible, localized basis with strong union involvement. Back in 1982, the Study Commission compounded the two-tier pay system of today, froze the overmile payments applicable to road freight assignments, and exacerbated the basic day mileage issue, all of which had the sole effect of reducing earnings and increasing work. The power and authority of the Study Commission was placed into effect by Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 195 and compelled the parties to meet on agenda items driven by the railroads. Once these Study Commission "recommendations" were rendered, they became the basis upon which future negotiations were conducted. And, in fact, the Study Commission is directly responsible for the two or three major issues (i.e. dual basis of pay and entry rates) affecting the membership today. Clearly, an alternative to the Study Commission was needed. The Wage and Rules Panel was created at the request of UTU to study and evaluate the issues affecting members' work rules and quality of life. It must be fully understood, however, that while pilot projects have been initiated on many different issues, there will be no implementation of any agreements without the ratification procedures of the UTU Constitution being fully adhered to. MUTUAL INTERESTS Additionally, the Wage and Rules Panel has allowed the opportunity to discuss the issues openly and bargain on the basis of the parties' mutual interest in resolving the issues, rather than the past technique of trying to defend, protect and preserve certain rules and practices which no longer have validity. The old negotiating technique left our members in a no-win situation because of neutrals like Mr. Van Wart, who chaired the Study Commission, trying to impart their wisdom as to what the railroad industry work rules and pay basis should be. UTU's current strategy is to address the concerns and obtain for the members what they want and demand: better wages and benefits, guaranteed and predictable time off, and issues surrounding quality of life. The recent accounts of the Wage and Rules Panel activity reported in Traffic World were accurate, but only slightly. UTU has gone on record publicly, through statements made by Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., before the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and before the National Transportation Safety Board in Dallas, Tex., both of which are posted on the UTU web page, stating what has been discussed at the panel. This is not the first time that the UTU has publicly stated an agenda and then went out and obtained it. We do not know where we will end up in the course of Wage and Rules Panel discussions, or with the national negotiations, because we are nowhere near the end of that process. But you can be absolutely certain that any discussions reached will take fully into account the desires of the membership and will reflect their productivity, which is the highest of any industry. And we do not intend to submit any proposal for ratification by the membership of United Transportation Union that cannot be supported. There has been some concern expressed that the National Wage and Rules Panel is an attempt to circumvent the provisions of the UTU Constitution by reaching agreement with the carriers without following Article 91 and the Railway Labor Act. The fact is, however, that the Wage and Rules Panel is a continuation of the negotiations which began in 1994 with the serving of the Section 6 Notices. Although an arbitration award established rates of pay and working conditions as a result of that notice, the items before the Wage and Rules Panel were of such significant importance to UTU that discussion has continued virtually non-stop in an effort to favorably resolve them. EXPRESS THE NEEDS OF UTU MEMBERSHIP These discussions are not for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of the Constitution, but rather a continuation of the 1994 Notice and a precursor to the 1999 Notice. By continuing the dialogue with the carriers on these issues, UTU has been able to fully explore the reasons behind the demands of the railroads and fully express the needs of the membership. This detailed exchange of information is unprecedented and we have already seen the positive effect it has had, through the implementation of various experimental projects and the agreement to solve chronic fatigue problems that have plagued UTU members for many years. This is a far superior way of doing business. We will no longer repeat the failed pattern of negotiating for two years, submitting the dispute to a PEB, being compelled to negotiate pursuant to the PEB recommendations, and then arguing with the railroads over the meaning and application of the agreements reached in conclusion of that process until the next Section 6 Notice is served, beginning that process all over again. For far too long, we have allowed the railroads to dictate the nature of our fate as we vigorously tried to defend long- standing rules and practices. We have seen the gradual erosion of work rules, rates of pay and working conditions over the past 30 years. But the contributions UTU members have made to keep the rail industry thriving have not been commensurate when it comes to their compensation over the same period. Productivity of UTU members has always been among the highest of any industry and it continues to increase. We must now find a way to obtain long-lasting benefits in exchange for our productivity surge. PURSUE AGGRESSIVE AGENDA To repeat bargaining techniques of the past is not addressing the needs of the UTU membership. The industry has changed, and continues to change. We must recognize the impact it will have on our future, then have the foresight and courage to pursue an aggressive agenda that reflects the desire of the members. We have laid the groundwork in the Wage and Rules Panel. We have learned, in detail, what the railroads want to accomplish and we have expressed, in detail, what we expect. The change over the past 30 years has been mostly for the benefit of the railroads. And if the change continues, we want it to benefit UTU members. That is why we have been studying alternatives to the current basis of pay. We have studied an hourly basis of pay for road freight employees and we have examined a per-trip basis of pay. However, as President Little stated, during the panel process both labor and management found the issue of an alternative basis of pay too complicated to equitably address at this time. In any event, under no circumstances will UTU ever agree to require longer hours of work or additional job tasks without full and complete compensation. Moreover, that compensation must be focused upon our ever-increasing productivity. And if the work rules are archaic, so, too, is the fact that there can be no predictable freight schedules and calling times for pool crews. What we expect is just compensation and benefits that properly reflect our productivity! And what we expect is quality of life through guaranteed and predictable time off. --Study Commission vs. Wage & Rules Panel ..........##Q Below is a comparison of the Study Commission established by presidential Emergency Board 195 in 1982 with the Wage & Rules Panel created at the UTU's request. STUDY COMMISSION -- Established pursuant to Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 195 (BLE PEB 194) and Article XI of the October 15, 1982, National Agreement. -- The chairman of the Study Commission made recommendations to dispose of all unresolved issues, and while not final and binding on the parties, the parties committed to good faith in considering the recommendations as a means of resolving the matters. -- Absent agreement, these items were subject to the Section 6 provisions of the Railway Labor Act. -- Recommendations have served as the basis upon which the 1985 National Agreement and the 1991 Implementing Document (PEB 219) were negotiated. -- Both of these national settlements had a devastating impact on the membership insofar as rates of pay and work rules are concerned without taking into consideration any of the productivity increases of the employee. WAGE & RULES PANEL -- Established pursuant to Article XIII of the Award of Arbitration Board No. 559, effective May 8, 1996. -- This is a non-binding joint review to study and comprehensively examine the issues listed. -- Provides for test and pilot projects to evaluate potential resolutions with approval of the impacted General Committees. -- Non-binding recommendations for disposing of the unresolved issues will not be used by either party in further handling pursuant to the provisions of the Railway Labor Act. -- Recommendations, if any, will provide a basis upon which to build the next settlement. -- Thoroughly exploring the carrier position on all matters of interest and developing data to assert and express the proactive position of UTU in order to address the issues of the members concerns. STATE WATCH --News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##R GEORGIA A fund to defray the costs of medical expenses for Georgia Legislative Director Wiley Vaughn has been established by the UTU designated legal firm of Warshauer & Woodruff in Atlanta, Ga. Vaughn was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in early March following a series of severe headaches. After two surgical procedures, he remained in the intensive care unit of Crawford W. Long Hospital in Atlanta for nearly two months, said Assistant Legislative Director Danny Boyles. Boyles added that Vaughn is currently recuperating at his home following a period of rehabilitative therapy. He is awaiting a third, and possibly a fourth, surgical procedure. Send contributions to the Wiley Vaughn Benefit Fund, c/o Warshauer & Woodruff, 2700 The Grand, 75-14th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3645. If you wish to offer your support or best wishes, you may write to Vaughn at 243 Meadowlark Lane, Fitzgerald, GA 31750. All UTU members wish Vaughn a speedy recovery. ILLINOIS Union officials across the state are calling on their members to launch a telephone, fax, e-mail and letter-writing campaign to convince the Illinois General Assembly to support Governor George Ryan's $12-billion public works and infrastructure program known as "Illinois First." "UTU people need to get on the phone now and urge their state senators and representatives to vote for Illinois First," said Legislative Director Joe Szabo. "Illinois First means more job security for people who operate the trains here." Szabo urged union members to support the governor's plan, adding that it was savaged by anti-tax elements alarmed at the increased user fees that would pay for the state's share of federal-state matching grants. "Just call the Capitol switchboard at (217) 782-2000 and ask to be connected to the office of your state senator and representative," he said. "If you prefer to save the cost of a long-distance call, you can deliver the same message to the staff who run your legislator's district office." NEVADA Assemblyman Bernie Anderson (D-Sparks) has introduced AB 31 which, if passed, would require trains operating in the state of Nevada to be manned by at least two competent employees. The language of the bill was patterned after the Wisconsin Bill and is being guided through the state legislature by Legislative Director Jack Fetters and Assistant Legislative Director Rod Nelms. The bill is currently before the Senate Transportation Committee after being passed by the Assembly Transportation Committee by a vote of 30 to 12. Brother Nelms said that the governor will likely sign the bill into law if it is passed. PENNSYLVANIA In an effort to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity project sponsored by the United Transportation Union Insurance Association, UTUIA Local Unit 17, based in Upper Darby, Pa., on April 29, held a drawing for a 19" color television. The drawing raised $1,000 for the Habitat home built by UTUIA. Bill Griffin of Glassboro, N.J., who works in the CSX car department in Philadelphia, was the winner of the drawing, which was held at the office of Pennsylvania Legislative Director Don Dunlevy. A photograph in the traditional print edition of this month's UTU NEWS depicts Dunlevy, Legislative Office Secretary Peggy Carroll (who drew the winning ticket), Local Unit 17 President and Field Supervisor Tom Anziano, and Tony Mirarchi, UTU Local 1373 president. MONTHLY FEATURE --UTUIA volunteers work in natural "Habitat" .......##S Thirty-five representatives of United Transportation Union Insurance Association gave new meaning to the phrase "home for the holidays" this past Easter. They built one. Taking part in a "blitz build" sponsored by Habitat for Humanity the week before Easter, UTUIA volunteers spent a full day working on a new, single-family home in Americus, Ga. It was all part of UTUIA's mission to encourage and facilitate community outreach and volunteer activities through the fund-raising efforts and labors of its local units. "Even though UTUIA's primary function is to provide insurance products to ensure the quality of life that UTU members have come to enjoy as members of a great transportation union, it does more than that. As a fraternal benefit society, we help the community as well," said UTUIA Director of Marketing Sandra Kranick. Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that works in partnership with people in need to construct simple, decent dwellings. The homes are then sold through no-interest mortgages to individuals in need who have contributed hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" labor working on their own house and the houses of others. Mortgage payments are placed in a revolving "Fund for Humanity" to finance the construction of even more homes. The blueprints for participating in the "blitz build," where hundreds of Habitat volunteers gather at a single location to work on many homes simultaneously, was laid at last year's UTUIA annual sales meeting. In casual conversation, Kranick mentioned her recent return from Des Moines, Iowa, where she and Iowa Legislative Director Pat Hendricks had participated in a Habitat project with the Iowa Fraternal Congress. Many of the field supervisors at the meeting expressed an interest in participating in a similar endeavor. "At the time, I knew we needed something on a national basis to get other UTUIA members across the country active in their local units," said Kranick. "So we decided to make this our first national cause." Initially, UTUIA decided to pursue a project in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, near the International, where it might be easier to gather a large group of volunteers. "Out of the blue, the National Fraternal Congress contacted us and asked if UTUIA would like to participate in Habitat's blitz build in Americus," said Kranick. "Since we have an annual sales meeting each year, I approached President Little and proposed setting up our sales meeting around the build, and he gave us the green light," Kranick added. The sales meeting was scheduled for Columbus, Ga., during the last week of March 1999, and on March 29, the assembled volunteers were transported to Americus by UTU's mobile education and training coach, MEMBERSHIP I. In Americus, the Habitat program was sponsoring an entire development -- more than 100 homes. The National Fraternal Congress, an umbrella-organization comprised of nearly 100 fraternal benefit societies, including UTUIA, had agreed to sponsor a seven-home cul-de-sac. UTUIA pledged to cover the cost of building a single home, approximately $37,000, which would pay for a portion of the materials, building permits, and skilled labor that was not being donated by volunteers. "However, much of this cost was offset by the fund-raising activities of our local units," said Kranick. In Jacksonville, Fla., Unit 10 raised $623.00 through a golf-putter raffle at a special meeting there, according to unit Secretary and Treasurer Thomas W. Pope. Unit 17 in Upper Darby, Pa., contributed $1000.00, which was raised through the raffle of a color television donated by UTU designated legal counsel Joseph A. Coffey of Coffey & Kaye., said Field Supervisor and Unit 17 President Tom Anziano. Field Supervisor Roger Sparks reported that $1,130.00 was given by Local Unit 6 in Kansas City, Mo., which was also raised through a raffle. And Local Unit 1, based at the International in Cleveland, contributed $1,200.00 of the proceeds from a reverse raffle held February 20. The list goes on, and more money is still being raised. Several of UTUIA's local units have golf tournaments and other fund-raisers planned for the summer. Most of the major construction, such as laying the home's foundation and pouring the concrete driveway and walkways, was performed by local professional contractors who volunteered both materials and service. Under the supervision of Habitat for Humanity personnel, UTUIA volunteers worked on putting up drywall, landscaping, roofing, framing windows, and a variety of other odd jobs. And not just on the UTUIA-sponsored home. "We actually worked on three houses, not just the UTUIA house," said Kranick. "I thought it was great. I loved it," said Anziano. "We got to meet the family moving into the home and that was just great." When asked if he would participate in another Habitat project, Anziano responded "Absolutely! I would do it again tomorrow. In fact, I would like to do it on my own time." During the day, UTU International President Charles L. Little, UTUIA Director of Sales Gene Felling, Kranick, and the other volunteers took a minute to pose for photographs with Darrell and Claudia Walters, the buyers of the home. "They hugged me...they hugged Charlie. It was a very heart-warming experience," Kranick said. "I've been involved in many worthwhile causes, but the Habitat project was a truly exhilarating experience." On Saturday, April 3, officials from Habitat for Humanity presented the Walters family with the keys to their new home. Since their formation in 1994, the local units of UTUIA have raised tens of thousands of dollars for charitable organizations throughout the United States and have performed thousands of hours of community service. "It isn't that we are using UTUIA money to fund these projects. Our local units are raising money to help their communities," said Kranick. She added that "UTUIA is more than an insurance company. It's a fraternal benefit society. We help the community in addition to providing insurance benefits for our members." If you would like more information on how you can assist the UTUIA local unit in your area, contact your UTUIA field supervisor, or contact the UTUIA Marketing Department at (216) 228-9400. Ext. 203. --Directory of UTUIA Local Units ................##T UTUIA LOCAL UNITS The following UTUIA Local Units have been established for the purpose of engaging in fraternal activities which will benefit both UTUIA members and the communities in which they live. All UTUIA members (those individuals having insurance with the UTUIA) are encouraged to participate in the activities of their local unit. Listed below are the meeting sites and the president of each unit. Local Unit 1 -- Cleveland, OH, 2nd Tues., 4:30 p.m. 14600 Detroit Ave. C.L. Parker, President P.O. Box 905 Adairsville, GA 30103 Local Unit 2 -- Greenville, TX, 2nd Mon., 6:00 p.m., 4224 King St. T.E. Condran, President P.O. Box 593 Terrell, TX 75160 Local Unit 03 -- Chattanooga, TN, 2nd Mon., 11:00 a.m., 7320 Shallowford Rd. J.P. Sullivan,President 11768 Suncrest Dr. Walton, KY 41094 Local Unit 04 -- Memphis, TN, 1st Mon., 7:00 p.m., 3185 Tulip Poplar J.F. Cunningham, President 2228 Cornwall Germantown, TN 38138 Local Unit 05 -- Rowland Hts., CA, 2nd Tues., 10:30 a.m., 18880 E. Gale Ave. S.J. Decoste, President 2457 Valley View Dr. Chino Hills, CA 91709 Local Unit 06 -- Kansas City, MO, 1st Thurs., 8:00 a.m.,1601 Universal Ave. O.L. Morgan Jr., President 6219 E. 109th Terrace Kansas City, MO 64134 Local Unit 07 -- Monee, IL, 4th Wed., 7:30 p.m., Brian's Place S.C. Hale, President 22684 County Rd. 118 Goshen, IN 46528 Local Unit 08 -- Roseville, CA, 1st Tues., 7:00 p.m., 110 Park Ave. R.H. Lloyd, President 9225 Ronan Ct. Elk Grove, CA 95624 Local Unit 09 -- Mandan, ND, 3rd Tues., 11:00 a.m., Seven Seas Motor Inn R.M. Tokach, President 4904 Tokach Drive South Mandan, ND 58554P Local Unit 10 -- Jacksonville, FL 2nd Tues., 6:00 p.m., 5221 University Blvd. West W. Newell Jr., President 1951 Ocean Drive South, Unit A-3, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Local Unit 11 -- Battle Creek, MI, 2nd Mon., 3:00 p.m., Eagles Lodge, 19757 Capital Ave. NE D.E. Hiatt, President 482 Capital Ave. NE Battle Creek, MI 49017 Local Unit 12 -- Baldwin, NY, 3rd Thurs., 11:00 a.m., Coral House L.C. Robert, President 831 Midwood Dr. North Bellmore, NY 11710 Local Unit 13 -- Seattle, WA, 2nd Tues., 9:00 a.m., 9125 15th Place J.R. Rookard, President 8289 SE Culver St. Olalla, WA 98359 Local Unit 14 -- Mobile, AL, 1st Fri., 6:00 p.m., 1708 Dauphin St. J.A. Russell, President 721 S. University Blvd. Mobile, AL 36609 Local Unit 15 -- Washington, DC, time and date varies, 304 Pennsylvania Ave. SE J.M. Fletcher Sr., President 2233 Seminole Rd. No. 27 Jacksonville, FL 32233 Local Unit 16 -- Grand Junction CO, 1st Thurs. 9:00 a.m., Rio Grande Fed. Crdt. Union, 536 Ouray Ave. E.D. McElley, President 573-33 3/4 Rd., Clifton, CO 85120 Local Unit 17 -- Upper Darby, PA, 4th Tues., 11:00 a.m., 1012 Keystone Ave. T.R. Anziano Jr., President 1923 Oak Leaf Lane Holmes, PA 19043 SENIOR NEWS --Retiree's largesse paves path to past ............##U Retiree Norman Snyder remembers the Rock Island Line, and he wants to make sure others will, too. As a lifelong resident of Herington, Kan., who started his rail career on the Rock Island in November 1945, Brother Snyder has paid great attention to the renovation of Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The structure, built from 1910 to 1914 for $5.7 million, will reopen on Nov. 10, 1999, as a museum and entertainment complex. The two-year project, spearheaded by the Kansas City Museum, cost some $250 million. A portion of that money comes from those who have purchased 4"X8" or 8"X8" paving stones and had names inscribed on them. Among the names that will be immortalized at the Union Station Donor Plaza are those of 143 former Rock Island trainmen, switchmen, clerks and enginemen, thanks to Norman Snyder, who pledged $5,000 to the project. "I'm trying to get railroaders from other lines that once came into the station to contact me, because I'm sure they'll want to be a part of this," said Snyder, who has always felt strongly about railroading. Snyder had joined the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen and served as local chairman of Lodge 374 until he became an engineer, joining the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) in 1954. When the Rock Island tried to run a pair of crews non-stop to California, he joined the UTU. "I was only in the UTU a year or two, joining Local 1066 in Herington, Kan. (now Local 506), so I could walk the picket line," Snyder explained. "The BLE didn't support the strike at first. My father was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen for 50 years, so I felt strong ties to support the trainmen." Those who wish to reach Snyder to learn about the Union Station project can call him at (785) 258-3226, and orders may be placed for paving stones by calling 1-800-604-3800. --Travelers Club offers two packages ............##V UTU members seeking travel and adventure will have a hard time deciding between a pair of fraternal travel opportunities recently announced by the UTU Travelers Club. The excursion packages, planned for this autumn, include a seven-day Irish Discovery Tour scheduled for Oct. 21-28, 1999, and a seven-night "Texarribean" Cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's The Norwegian Sea, due to set sail Nov. 21-28, 1999. The Irish Discovery Tour, priced at just $1,259 per person (based on double occupancy, including all taxes) includes round-trip airfare between New York City and Shannon, Ireland, via AerLingus, with return from Dublin. (Single supplement $175.) In Ireland, trip participants will enjoy the use of a fully escorted motorcoach for the entire tour. Also included are six nights' hotel accommodations (all rooms with private bath or shower); all dinners and a full Irish breakfast each morning; a medieval banquet at St. John's Castle; an Irish coffee reception in Killarney; admission to Blarney Castle, the Cobh House, the Waterford crystal factory, Kerry the Kingdom and other attractions, and more. Comfortable hotels, lively touring, delicious meals, good company, and special evenings in Shannon and Dublin all combine to create a very special experience from start to finish. Meanwhile, those with a taste for warm sea breezes, luxurious surroundings, 18-oz. Black Angus T-bone steaks, and a dash of salsa will want to make their reservations for Norwegian Cruise Line's "Texaribbean" Cruise. Inside cabins for this seven-night cruise are priced at just $984 per person (double occupancy, including all port charges and taxes), with outside cabins available for $1,083 per person. A third person can share a cabin for just $437. (Prices are "cruise only;" please call for airfare from your home city to Houston.) The Norwegian Sea will depart from Houston, Tex., on Sunday, November 21 , spend the next day at sea, and then visit such ports-of-call as Cancún and Cozumel, Mexico, on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Roatán, Honduras, on Thursday, returning to Houston the following Sunday morning. The Norwegian Sea was dubbed "Ship of the Year" at her debut, thanks to expansive decks, lavish public rooms and incredible swimming and sports facilities. Throw in the sensational Tex-Mex entertainment, tastefully appointed staterooms with satellite TV, the Monte Carlo Casino, restaurants with flexible hours, and wide range of social activities, including country-western dance classes and Mayan enrichment lectures, and there's no wonder this "Texaribbean" cruise has become a year-round phenomenon. For complete information, color brochures and reservation forms for the above fraternal travel opportunities, call Lynn Westphal toll-free at 1-888-280-7657, at (440) 327-7822, or send e-mail to <Lwestphal@aol.com>. Or write to: UTU Travelers Club, 33015 Hollow Tree Oval, North Ridgeville, OH 44039. --19th PRR reunion set for July 17 .................##W Retiree Program member R.L. Brown of Local 1518, Indianapolis, is making final arrangements for the 19th annual Pennsylvania Railroad Reunion. Open to everyone, this year's event will be held Saturday, July 17, 1998, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Columbus, Ind., Holiday Inn. Last year's event drew 104 men from all crafts, who enjoyed the food, the presentation of door prizes, and socializing. For more information, call Brown at (812) 376-8273, or write to him at 3170 Flintwood Dr., Columbus, IN 47203. --Medicare establishes new toll-free line .......##X Medicare beneficiaries throughout the U.S. who need information about health plan options, want a new copy of the Medicare & You handbook, or simply want to know what other beneficiaries think about their manage care plan can now call the toll-free number 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Callers can speak with a service representative in English or Spanish between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. Those who call at other times can access an automated service to order health plan information, Medicare handbooks, or listen to a tape that answers frequently asked questions Those with access to a teletypewriter (TTY) or telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) can call 1-877- 486-2048. --The Final Call ...................................##Y Following are the names of members of the UTU Retiree Program who have died recently, according to reports received at the UTU International Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be sorely missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU Retiree Program members. LOCAL NAME CITY 0001 Bowers, James E. Steinhatchee, FL 0005 Davis, Conrad L. Ft. Scott, KS 0017 Hulsizer, Kenneth W. Galesburg, IL 0029 Manganiello, Paul Jackson Hts., NY 0100 Bussell, Ben R. Pollock Pines, CA 0228 Hendrickson, Roger J. Marquette, IA 0281 McMahon, James J. Neshkoro, WI 0300 Kelly, Thomas J. Flourtown, PA 0312 Johnson, David E. Friendship, WI 0322 Jenner, R. M. Lake Geneva, WI 0385 Nealis, William V. Bronx, NY 0386 Williard, Charles J. Schuylkill Hvn., PA 0421 Cotter, Richard W. S. Wales, NY 0440 Moran, Raymond J. Cincinnati, OH 0498 Knorr, Harold C. Center Vly., PA 0577 Herd, J. J. Sapello, NM 0602 Courogen, Michael C. Sunbury, PA 0816 Taylor, Kenneth R. Harrisburg, PA 0931 Glenn, Erastus H. Piedmont, SC 0951 Steel, William A. Sheridan, WY 1043 Simpkins, Weyman G. Napa, CA 1074 Fox, Norman V. Pittsburgh, PA 1074 Keating, Frank H. Ligonier, PA 1313 Buske, Charles R. Amarillo, TX 1469 Hoffschneider, Arthur E. N. Bend, OR 1522 Hardy, B. T. Chesapeake Bch., MD 1637 Avery, R. W. Ridgefield, WA TPEL HONOR ROLL --Contributors' continued support recognized.....##Z 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 Emert, Paul E. 750 Knoxville, TN Kiker, David B. 951 Sheridan, WY Hancock, John C. 1011 Hamlet, NC Callis, F. Lance 1405 St. Louis, MO Britt, Donald S. 1570 Roseville, CA DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB ($600 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Sullivan, Thomas E. 7 North Platte, NE Clark, James H. 782 Asheville, NC Valley, Jimmy H. 783 Spencer, NC DIAMOND PLUS CLUB ($400 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Smith, Michael E. 1129 Raleigh, NC Westbrook Jr., R.H. 1129 Raleigh, NC UTU Aux. Lodge 1 Port Huron, MI DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Martin, David M. 257 Morrill, NE Kunda, Danny R. 322 Milwaukee, WI Romine, Larry J. 473 La Grande, OR Harley III, Carroll 674 Augusta, GA Bush, James E. 903 Jacksonville, FL Kight, Joseph E. 903 Jacksonville, FL Chapman III, J.A. 924 Richmond, VA Mann, John A. 974 Nashville, TN Strickland, S.C. 998 Waycross, GA Jones, Harry M. 1011 Hamlet, NC Griffin, Robert O. 1021 Greensboro, NC Morris, Dwight M. 1021 Greensboro, NC Pealstrom, Jerry R. 1031 Savannah, GA Fisher Jr., W.H. 1105 Wilmington, NC Lamm, Glenn A. 1129 Raleigh, NC McEllhiney, David 1138 Miami, FL David, Ben C. 1221 Tampa, FL Finamore, R.A. 1374 New Castle, PA Williams Sr., G.E. 1502 Wildwood, FL Gomez, T.F. 1544 Maywood, CA Pike, Jerome W. 1598 Manchester, GA Muneio Jr., G.J. 1760 Detroit, MI DIAMOND CLUB ($300.00 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Martin, Craig L. 243 Ft. Worth, TX Kershner, John A. 465 Gillette, WY Carrola, Andy 489 San Antonio, TX Pace, John C. 556 Tacoma, WA Bagby, George W. 866 Rawlins, WY Morrison, W.E. 933 Jefferson City, MO Rowe, Richard E. 1765 Grand Rapids, MI GOLD CLUB ($100 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE *Sloan, George F. 5 Kansas City, MO Klapper, Bill C. 5 Kansas City, MO Bowman Jr., M.C. 9 Slaton, TX Stephenson, Jeffrey J. 17 Marshalltown, IA *Wilson, Isaac 84 Los Angeles, CA Moore Sr., Keith J. 84 Los Angeles, CA Ryan, John V. 84 Los Angeles, CA Ulrich, Alan 105 Las Vegas, NV Jackman, James J. 185 Brookfield, MO Morris, Vaden 185 Brookfield, MO *Isek, John A. 194 Elkhart, IN Baade, John D. 200 North Platte, NE Barner, Mark S. 200 North Platte, NE Barner, Tony D. 200 North Platte, NE Beisel, Steven R. 200 North Platte, NE Bradshaw, R.M. 200 North Platte, NE Brinson, James I. 200 North Platte, NE Brown, Will F. 200 North Platte, NE Bunger, Emil E. 200 North Platte, NE Castillo, Jon M. 200 North Platte, NE Chrisman, K.L. 200 North Platte, NE Cramer, Charles L. 200 North Platte, NE Davis, Bruce L. 200 North Platte, NE Delp, Adam R. 200 North Platte, NE Espedido, James 200 North Platte, NE Essman, David J. 200 North Platte, NE Fisher, Tom J. 200 North Platte, NE Guernsey, Justin D. 200 North Platte, NE Hansel, Curtis W. 200 North Platte, NE Hasenauer, Lyle W. 200 North Platte, NE Hollowell, N.S. 200 North Platte, NE Hurley, Thomas J. 200 North Platte, NE Jacobson, Jim A. 200 North Platte, NE Kavanough Jr., J.L. 200 North Platte, NE MacMillan, C.P. 200 North Platte, NE May, Cody M. 200 North Platte, NE Miller, Doye D. 200 North Platte, NE Mixer, Brian C. 200 North Platte, NE Morin, José S. 200 North Platte, NE Morris, Robert D. 200 North Platte, NE Nesvara, Michael L. 200 North Platte, NE Palmer, Wayne 200 North Platte, NE Post, Dustin E. 200 North Platte, NE Read, Charles W. 200 North Platte, NE Redden, Rex A. 200 North Platte, NE Rosenberg, Jerry L. 200 North Platte, NE Schultz, Rodney B. 200 North Platte, NE Schumacher, C.E. 200 North Platte, NE Sheffield, Kenny V. 200 North Platte, NE Staat, Troy L. 200 North Platte, NE Streeter, Todd A. 200 North Platte, NE Trisdale Jr., D.L. 200 North Platte, NE Woods, James A. 200 North Platte, NE Lesmann, Gary W. 202 Denver, CO Turner, Kenneth R. 202 Denver, CO Bender, Brian T. 226 Moberly, MO Dale, Kevin P. 226 Moberly, MO Kitchen, Donald L. 226 Moberly, MO Lowry, John E. 243 Ft. Worth, TX Lynes, Ronald W. 243 Ft. Worth, TX McConnell, J.K. 243 Ft. Worth, TX Sanford, Jimmie W. 243 Ft. Worth, TX Weeks, Kenneth C. 243 Ft. Worth, TX Chessia, Robert W. 262 Boston, MA *Johnson, Carrol E. 283 Portland, OR Simon, Joe M. 286 North Platte, NE Kopcznski, M.R. 291 Meadville, PA Creager, Roger W. 298 Garrett, IN *Lotz, Robert C. 322 Milwaukee, WI Lavey, Gregory G. 322 Milwaukee, WI McLain, Kevin B. 376 Louisville, KY *Clark, Arnie 425 Indianapolis, IN *Hopper, Donald 425 Indianapolis, IN *Mills, Charles M. 453 Clinton, IL *Nord, Frank H. 486 Glendive, MT Ailstock, Chad M. 490 Princeton, IN Schafer, Cody 490 Princeton, IN Dunlap, Blyth L. 564 Cleburne, TX Schermerhorn, M.S. 564 Cleburne, TX Reed, Bobby G. 573 Danville, KY Robinson, Terry L. 643 Ft. Madison, IA Watson, Scott K. 643 Ft. Madison, IA Dickerson, M.L. 674 Augusta, GA Penley, Dennis G. 782 Asheville, NC Barbee, James C. 783 Spencer, NC Bilyeu, Michael E. 783 Spencer, NC Cook, Mark H. 783 Spencer, NC Latta Jr., Ralph H. 783 Spencer, NC Lineberger, W.M. 783 Spencer, NC Martin Jr., Paul F. 783 Spencer, NC Paglio Jr., Joseph A. 783 Spencer, NC Richardson, J.G. 783 Spencer, NC Tatum, Harold E. 783 Spencer, NC *Hocker, W.A. 792 Cleveland, OH Connelly, C.M. 818 Ft. Worth, TX *Lorimor, Larry E. 832 Superior, WI *Howard, Louie J. 847 Birmingham, AL Holder, Don F. 847 Birmingham, AL *Bass Jr., Joseph O. 903 Jacksonville, FL Benson, Ricky A. 942 Florence, SC Harrington Jr., C.W. 942 Florence, SC Rogers, Thad E. 942 Florence, SC Combs, Aaron T. 1003 Kankakee, IL Houston, James M. 1021 Greensboro, NC Tharington, H.F. 1021 Greensboro, NC Gatlin Jr., James 1117 Las Vegas, NV Graham, Russell T. 1117 Las Vegas, NV McKelvey, John P. 1117 Las Vegas, NV Lee III, Neal C. 1129 Raleigh, NC *Leinen, Eugene 1177 Willmar, MN Baston, Edward E. 1190 Ludlow, KY Berg, Robert W. 1293 Altoona, WI Gooderham, Brian 1293 Altoona, WI *Harmon, John M. 1328 Louisville, KY Arrington, Jesse I. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS Fairchilds, W.G. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS Humphreys, J.D. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS Kahler, Harry R. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS Nelson, Jerry E. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS Smith, J.P. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS Tirello, Walton E. 1334 Hattiesburg, MS Trevena, Sidney 1374 New Castle, PA *Kenny, Edward C. 1375 Philadelphia, PA Brendel, Kenny D. 1421 Franklin Park, IL VanDeel, Daniel J. 1421 Franklin Park, IL Metken, Steven R. 1433 Elmwood Park, IL Motte, Joseph W. 1462 Boston, MA Lasota, Slawomir 1445 Elizabeth, NJ Ryan, Herbert C. 1462 Boston, MA Cutrer Jr., Clyde M. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Dowdy, Chris M. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Gettridge, L.C. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Guillory, Linus P. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Roy Sr., Terry J. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Schmitt, Thomas J. 1501 Baton Rouge, LA Edwards, Roger W. 1503 Marysville, KS Andrews, Samuel 1532 Kansas City, KS Clark, Norman L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Daugherty, D.S. 1532 Kansas City, KS Doughty, K.W. 1532 Kansas City, KS Douglas, Devan M. 1532 Kansas City, KS Gayer, Scott L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Holton, K.M. 1532 Kansas City, KS Jacquinet, B.W. 1532 Kansas City, KS Joordens, Aaron 1532 Kansas City, KS Lively, Michael W. 1532 Kansas City, KS Means, Michael A. 1532 Kansas City, KS Miller, Melvin L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Rueter, Shawn A. 1532 Kansas City, KS Sheehan, Robert M. 1532 Kansas City, KS Shiflett, Robert L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Williams, Rober L. 1532 Kansas City, KS Griffin, Larry C. 1545 Monroe, LA Cummins, Robert L. 1548 Indianapolis, IN *White, Ernest L. 1559 Yuma, AZ Palmer, Theodore J. 1559 Yuma, AZ Strom, Edward M. 1559 Yuma, AZ Suarez, Francisco J. 1559 Yuma, AZ *Kmieciak, R.J. 1582 Albany, NY *Wotkun, R.R. 1597 Chicago, IL Kincade, Todd A. 1597 Chicago, IL Votteler, C.W. 1597 Chicago, IL Johnson, Alan L. 1620 Elkhart, IN Carlson, Kerry R. 1637 Wishram, WA *Drake, John W. 1730 Richmond, CA Honeman, R.A. 1761 Saginaw, MI Barbarich, R.C. 1780 Kansas City, MO Koenig, James C. 1794 Eugene, OR Humphrey, M.V. 1801 Stockton, CA Whatley, Jimmy L. 1801 Stockton, CA Bealer, R.C. 1836 New Orleans, LA Gasser, Danny L. 1883 Riverdale, IL Nelson, Robert J. 1883 Riverdale, IL Hirsch Jr., W.A. 1951 Albany, NY *Hodges, James F. R Klamath Falls, OR NOTE: Cornelius M. English of Local 489 in San Antonio, Tex., was inadvertantly left off the Double Diamond Club member list in the annual TPEL Honor Roll. UTU NEWS regrets the error. FELA UPDATE --Responsibility for on-the-job injuries ..........##AA What kind of fault results in making the railroad responsible for on-the-job injuries? The law requires that employees be furnished with both a safe place to work and with safe tools and equipment, so if your workplace is dangerous or if equipment is defective, and if you get hurt because of that, then the railroad must compensate you. Are you provided with an old, rickety chair with loose legs or with a chair with a caster that constantly falls out? Are you required to walk at night in an area which is not properly illuminated? Is the ground where you work covered with debris or stumbling hazards? If conditions like this do exist and if you are injured because of those conditions, then you have a valid claim against your employer. Before the railroad can be legally responsible, however, it must be shown that the railroad knew about the condition (or that the condition had existed for so long that it should have known about it) and failed to correct it. So it is very important to put the railroad on notice of the dangerous condition so that there is an opportunity to repair it. Notice to your employer should be in writing, with a copy to your union representative. Monte Bricker, Coordinator Designated Legal Counsel 1-888-241-7076 NOTICES --Monthly apparel winner announced .............##BB This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of apparel bearing the UTU logo is S. Lanthier of Mirabel, Quebec. Brother Lanthier is a member of Local 1390 in Montreal, Quebec, which represents workers employed by Canadian National Railways. These items are awarded every month by random drawing as a show of appreciation to the many members who have supported the UTU throughout the years. Congratulations to Brother Lanthier! --UTUIA names scholarship winners .................##CC The names of the 50 winners of a continuing $500 UTUIA scholarship were selected at random recently, and are printed below. This year, more than 1,500 students applied for UTUIA scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of chance, not grades. All winners have been notified by mail of their selection. If your name is shown and you have not been contacted by the UTU International, please write or call as soon as possible. ----------------------------------------------- DISTRICT 1 - CONNECTICUT, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT Derek T. Hersey, stepson of Arthur H. Woodard of Local 856, Houlton, Maine; Evan R. Romano, son of Richard N. Romano of Local 645, Babylon, N.Y.; Paul F. Roberts, grandson of Kenneth F. Drobner of Local 394, Albany, N.Y.; Heather K. Kennedy, daughter of John J. Kennedy of Local 385, Croton-on- Hudson, N.Y.; Philip A. Kane, son of Philip L. Kane of Local 645, Babylon, N.Y. DISTRICT 2 - DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, MARYLAND, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA Kristine A. Shelvey, daughter of Charles M. Shelvey of Local 291, Meadville, Pa.; David J. Lapic, grandson of Joseph F. Marsilio of Local 1590, Freedom, Pa.; Marya Kosenkov, daughter of Valentino Kosenkov of Local 60, Newark, N.J.; Chad A. Leuz, grandson of Lawrence P. McGlynn of Local 1390, Trenton, N.J.; Stephanie L. Kreiner, granddaughter of John L. Kreiner of Local 1949, Baltimore, Md.; Sarah B. LaPaze, granddaughter of John D. Tremba of Local 1374, New Castle, Pa. DISTRICT 3 - ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, KENTUCKY, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia Kristen M. Freeman, granddaughter of William E. Preast of Local 1011, Hamlet, N.C.; Frederick D. Harrell, stepson of Leon Craig of Local 1053, Selma, Ala.; Joshua G. Head, son of Glen L. Head of Local 1033, Atlanta, Ga.; Jeremiah S. Goldston, son of Ray S. Goldston of Local 459, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Elizabeth J. Boozer, daughter of Pitts S. Boozer of Local 793, Columbia, S.C.; Jordan L. Doyle, daughter of Fred A. Doyle, Jr., of Local 1031, Savannah, Ga.; Adam F. Leisring, son of Daniel P. Leisring of Local 1377, Covington, Ky.; William H. Keith, Jr., son of William H. Keith, Sr., of Local 1346, Nashville, Tenn. DISTRICT 4 - INDIANA, MICHIGAN, OHIO Stacey D. Judy, daughter of Dana A. Judy of Local 1962, Toledo, Ohio; Kelley E. Termeer, granddaughter of Jerney Little of Local 145, Columbus, Ohio; Vanessa M. Didado, daughter of Dennis J. Didado of Local 792, Cleveland, Ohio; Tara M. Tuttle, daughter of Kenneth A. Tuttle of Local 1399, Terre Haute, Ind.; Chris D. Douglass, son of David B. Douglass, Jr., of Local 1761, Saginaw, Mich.; Eric J.F. Davis, son of John A. Davis of Local 2, Toledo, Ohio. DISTRICT 5 - ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN Brian R. Zaborowski, son of Phillip Zaborowski of Local 1883, Riverdale, Ill.; Patrick W. Ross, son of Richard J. Ross of Local 1895, Chicago, Ill.; Randall D. Asher, son of Linda S. Asher of Local 1883, Riverdale, Ill.; Kristin J. Becker, granddaughter of Sylvester V. Brown of Local 168, Chicago, Ill. DISTRICT 6 - ARKANSAS, LOUISIANA, OKLAHOMA, TEXAS Hillary H. Appleby, daughter of George H. Appleby of Local 564, Cleburne, Tex.; James A. Varnell, son of James L. Varnell, II, of Local 462, Pine Bluff, Ark.; Jennifer Alaniz, stepdaughter of George Aviles of Local 110, Laredo, Tex.; Kimberly D. Krejci, stepdaughter of John D. Ledford of Local 489, San Antonio, Tex.; Traci E. Jones, daughter of Michael A. Jones of Local 1886, Houston, Tex. DISTRICT 7 - IOWA, KANSAS, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA Karie J. Uchtman, daughter of Randall E. Uchtman of Local 303, Springfield, Mo.; Julie A. Meier, daughter of James L. Henton of Local 934, Alliance, Neb.; Angelica L. Wichman, daughter of Gary L. Wichman of Local 934, Alliance, Neb.; Jason M. Anderson, son of Charles M. Anderson of Local 259, St. Joseph, Mo.; April M. Menzie, daughter of Jeanne M. Menzie of Local 962, Alliance, Neb.; Melissa K. Lief, daughter of Timothy C. Lief of Local 1177, Willmar, Minn. DISTRICT 8 - ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, UTAH Nicole D. Mooring, daughter of John D. Mooring of Local 202, Denver, Colo.; Chandel M. Martin, daughter of Richard W. Martin of Local 1422, Los Angeles, Cal.; Olivia Villarreal, daughter of Francisco Villarreal of Local 1563, El Monte, Cal.; Lisa L. Wallace, granddaughter of Jimmy L. Wallace of Local 1732, San Jose, Cal.; Jeremy L. Mohrlang, son of Gary L. Mohrlang of Local 500, Grand Junction, Colo.; Mykah L. Palmer, granddaughter of Floyd B. Palmer of Local 202, Denver, Colo.; Jessica I. Fitch, granddaughter of Jesse C. Fitch of Local 1422, Los Angeles, Cal. DISTRICT 9 - ALASKA, IDAHO, MONTANA, OREGON, WASHINGTON, WYOMING Angela M. Fleming, daughter of John T. Fleming of Local 1626, Anchorage, Alaska; Melissa A. Grover, granddaughter of Owen L. Grover of Local 471, Eugene, Ore.; Benjamin D. Giddens, grandson of Thomas B. Sloan of Local 324, Seattle, Wash. --Regence BlueCross/BlueShield selected ........##DD The National Carriers' Conference Committee and United Transportation Union Health and Welfare Plan has selected Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon as a healthcare option, beginning January 1, 2000. Regence will provide claims administration and customer service for up to 43,000 UTU members working on carriers belonging to the Class I trade organization who select the new BlueCross BlueShield coverage option. Merck Medco will provide prescription drug coverage, and Magellan will provide behavioral/mental health services. VSP will provide for vision services. --HSA in liquidation ..............................##EE The Health Services Association (HSA) has been placed in liquidation by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. If you were insured by HSA you may be eligible for replacement coverage under United HealthCare Group Policy GA- 23111. You and your dependents are eligible if you worked for a railroad in a position represented by one of the railway labor organizations while you were in active service. GA-23111 offers the following plans: Plans D or F for individuals eligible for Medicare; Plan E for individuals covered under The Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan; Plan C for all other individuals. You may obtain more information by calling United HealthCare at: (300) 809-0453 for Plans D or F; (300) 342- 5252 for Plans C or E. --UTU/UTUIA 1999 Regional Meeting information ..##FF Listed below are telephone numbers and room rates for the host hotels for the two remaining 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. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- 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 NOTE: All rooms at the Hyatt Regency have been taken; there is no overflow hotel. However, registered members are welcome to attend all meetings, lunches and other activities as scheduled. ----------------------------------------------- --Regional Meeting pre-registration form ..........##GG ------------------------------------------------ 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 ................##HH Southwest Airlines, a unionized national air carrier, is offering discounted airfares for travel to and from the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting cities. 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 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 ...........##II 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. 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 ......##JJ ------------------------------------------------ GOLF OUTING REGISTRATION FORM ------------------------------------------------ Name______________________________________Local_______ _ Address_______________________________________________ _ City/State/ZIP________________________________________ _ Which golf outing(s) will you be attending? ______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. ------------------------------------------------ --UTUIA offers Ultimate Par Policy ................##KK UTUIA is proud to provide a permanent whole life policy that lets you choose the length of your premium paying period -- whether its one year or 30! Unlike other whole life insurance, the flexibility of ULTIMATE PAR is in the premium-paying period. This policy can be created to allow premiums to be paid for shorter durations than the lifetime of the insured. A limited premium-paying pattern allows you to make payments during the period when your earning power is high and relieving you of payments during later years when income decreases, such as at retirement. Under a limited premium-paying pattern, you can create a policy which is paid-up with a single premium, or the premium can be spread over any number of years you select. ULTIMATE PAR is especially suited for adults who wish to create a paid-up policy as quickly as possible, or to parents or grandparents who wish to provide a paid-up policy for their children or grandchildren. Issue ages are 0-70. Make your own choice about the schedule of your premiums by choosing UTUIA's ULTIMATE PAR. For 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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