IN THIS EDITION

--NMB to hear UTU vs. BLE on July 6 ................##A

CLEVELAND -- As the National Mediation Board (NMB) 
begins hearings July 6, two top officers of the 
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) admit their 
union is split down the middle, troubled financially, 
paralyzed, and intentionally provoked the UTU.

   The BLE's number-two officer charged its president 
with scuttling unification to save his job. BLE First 
Vice President Ed Dubroski, who is facing off against 
BLE President Clarence Monin in a bitterly contested 
recall election, said in a letter to members that Monin 
"provoke(d) the UTU into going back to the NMB" to save 
his job.

   In his June 14 State of the Union speech at the St. 
Louis Regional Meeting, UTU International President 
Charles L. Little told the 1,000 UTU members at the 
Regal Riverfront Hotel that the BLE itself has now 
confirmed it was internal politics and deception that 
scuttled unification, not UTU finances or anything else.

   Little said that a "civil war" inside the BLE 
prompted its president into intentionally "provoking" 
the UTU into reactivating its NMB petition.

   "The BLE is engaged in a civil war," said Little. "It 
is a house divided, and it will not stand. The UTU is a 
house unified. We will stand, and we will prevail."

   Little added, "The BLE provoked this latest 
confrontation, and now it's up to the NMB to do its job 
and provide a safe haven for a representation vote on 
the Union Pacific."

   The NMB hearings on the UTU's petition to hold a 
representation election for the craft or class of Train 
and Engine Service Employees on the Union Pacific 
Railroad will take place July 6-9. Briefs are due by 
August 2 and reply briefs by August 9. The matter will 
be ready for decision then, the NMB said, and a decision 
is expected by the end of August. The hearing will begin 
at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6, at the NMB's headquarters 
in Washington, D.C.

   On May 11, the UTU requested that the NMB reactivate 
this proceeding after being notified on May 10 by the 
BLE that it was withdrawing from unification 
discussions. In 1961, the NMB used a similar hearing 
procedure when it found Flight Deck Crewmembers (pilots, 
co-pilots, flight engineers) was a proper craft or class 
on United Airlines.

   The BLE announced it is planning a rally in 
Washington, D.C., on July 6 to intimidate the NMB from 
authorizing a representation election on the Union 
Pacific Railroad. The BLE's mobilization team, called 
the "brownshirt army" according to a letter by BLE's 
Iowa state legislative director that was part of federal 
court documents, will lead the rally.

   In St. Louis, Little told the UTU members about how 
the BLE is calling its mobilization team a "brownshirt 
army."

   "For anyone who remembers," Little said,  "the 
brownshirts operated in Germany in the 1930's. They were 
a contemptuous group, and have no place in America or in 
the American labor movement. They are an affront and 
slap in the face to every World War II veteran and every 
American. Their formation by the BLE speaks to the 
lowest form of leadership and paranoia."

   In regard to the BLE's planned July 6 rally, he said, 
"Regardless of the BLE brownshirts and their tactics in 
Washington, D.C., or elsewhere, we believe the NMB will 
make a decision by the end of August allowing a 
representation election on the Union Pacific."

   The BLE's troubled finances are also playing a big 
part in the recall against its president.

   BLE General Secretary-Treasurer Russell W. Bennett 
told the Washington, D.C.-based Daily Labor Reporter in 
its May 26 edition that "the union (BLE) is in financial 
trouble." He said he recently reported to the membership 
that the union "operated in the red in 30 of the past 34 
months."

   "The BLE is in financial trouble, not the UTU," said 
UTU Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. "This blows 
the lid off their fabricated reason for pulling out of 
unification. It shows how their leadership has totally 
misled its members."

   Boyd pointed out that on May 10 the accounting firm 
of Ernst & Young completed its final audit of UTU 1998 
finances. The UTU's audited financial statements 
indicate that UTU finances are sound and stable. The UTU 
has $43 million in the bank; the UTUIA has assets of 
about $221 million and record reserves of approximately 
$33 million.

   In contrast, the BLE has not yet filed its 1998 LM 
financial report with the Department of Labor, which was 
due in March. In addition, Bennett's letter to members 
showed the BLE general fund was in the red for the last 
three years, and that its strike fund had only about 
$32,000.

   On May 20, Bennett won a court decision permitting 
him to send out recall ballots. Monin's request for a 
temporary restraining order was denied by Judge Ann 
Aldrich of the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio.

   Bennett told the Daily Labor Reporter that recall 
ballots were being mailed to approximately 30,000 active 
members and must be returned on or before July 27. He 
said the BLE constitution provides that recall must be 
approved by a simple majority of Said the UTU's Boyd: 
"This story in the Daily Labor Reporter confirms that 
UTU has been telling the truth and the BLE has been 
lying to us and its members."

   In his letter to BLE members, Dubroski said, 
"President Monin has proved to me that he is willing to 
risk all in his effort to keep his position, even if it 
means putting the members of the BLE as a whole at risk, 
as he has done by provoking the UTU into going back to 
the NMB."

   He also said: "Our Constitutional process has broken 
down, and our brotherhood is nearly paralyzed, not 
because of the Statement of Principles (with the UTU), 
but because of the manipulation of information and 
officers by our International President.

   "Our Advisory Board is split down the 
middle...President Monin has proven himself unworthy of 
the trust of the members and officers of this 
organization, and we cannot begin to put our house in 
order while he remains in office."

--UTU files suit over drug-test adulterants .....##B
   by Eric J. Eakin
   UTU NEWS Staff Writer

   CLEVELAND -- The UTU has filed suit in the U.S. Court 
of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco 
seeking to overturn federal regulations which prohibit 
an employee's urine sample from being re-tested in the 
face of an indication for adulterants.

   When urine samples are taken from transportation 
workers for drug and alcohol testing, the sample is 
split into two parts, one of which is tested, the other 
of which is retained in case of error or dispute.

   "The issue related to adulteration has caused a 
problem," Designated Legal Counsel Larry Mann, who filed 
the lawsuit on the UTU's behalf, said. "If there is a 
positive drug reading under the current regulations, the 
employee has the right to have the split sample tested."

   However, when the sample has been judged to be 
adulterated with some foreign substance, that is not 
considered a positive and the employee cannot demand 
that the split be tested to verify the accuracy of the 
alleged adulteration, and can be fired as a result, Mann 
explained.

   "We believe that not allowing the employee to have 
his or her split sample re-tested for adulteration is a 
violation of the due process of law," Mann said.

DOT TO PROPOSE CHANGES
   The Department of Transportation (DOT) later this 
summer is expected to reveal proposed changes in drug 
and alcohol testing regulations, and the issue of 
adulteration and testing split samples is expected to be 
addressed in the new rules

   In the meantime, Mann said, "There are a number of 
railroad workers who have lost their jobs because they 
allegedly have an adulterated sample and they can't get 
it re-tested."

   Lamar Allen, the drug and alcohol testing program 
administrator for the Federal Railroad Administration, 
who conducted the drug and alcohol testing workshops at 
the recent Los Angeles and St. Louis Regional Meetings, 
said the biggest problem continues to be with the 
collection of urine for drug testing.

   He said the DOT this summer will be issuing a 
proposed rulemaking covering several areas, including 
collection procedures, and UTU members need to be 
informed and involved in the process.

   DOT will be considering rule changes which would 
mandate standardized proficiency testing for all 
collectors; make third-party providers, like testing 
labs, liable for errors; institute standardized 
collection procedures to help insure the integrity of 
the collection process, and other changes, Allen said.

   The rules which mandate that the second part of a 
split urine sample can only be used to challenge 
positive findings, not adulterants, also will be part of 
the upcoming rulemaking, Allen said.

   The time for those with "shy bladders" to produce the 
required 45 milliliters of urine has been extended to 
three hours from two, Allen said.

   However, if the person being tested in a Federal 
random test, not for-cause testing, "expires" under the 
Hours of Service law before the testing is complete, he 
or she may walk away from the test, Allen said.

"NEVER REFUSE A FEDERAL TEST"
   Allen also had a number of tips for UTU members 
attending the workshops. "Never refuse a Federal drug or 
alcohol test," he said. Instead, members should 
immediately write in the "Remarks" section of the 
collection form his or her specific concerns, and 
quickly follow up by calling carrier and union 
officials.

   Allen also said the second-hand pot smoke defense is 
not worth pursuing. "Passive inhalation won't be 
detected" by the latest generation of testing 
methodology, he noted. "You could stand in a closet with 
20 pot smokers" and still test negative, he noted.

   Raising positive levels for opiate detection also is 
needed to "get rid of the poppy-seed positives," Allen 
said.

   Workers in various occupations have been known to add 
salt, Visine, bleach or vinegar to their urine samples, 
or to drink quarts of water to dilute them. Others have 
purchased pre-screened urine from private companies. 
Still others have used over-the-counter nitrate crystals 
to veil marijuana residue in urine or consumed special 
drinks that are said to flush out the urinary tract 
within an hour.

THE NITRATES EAT THE EVIDENCE
   The nitrates hide the evidence of marijuana usage but 
leave a trail, Allen said. Those persons who are 
detected with such telltale high nitrate levels in their 
urine "are either dead or will die shortly," he noted.

   Many of the 72 laboratories licensed by the 
government to analyze urine samples have begun testing 
specifically for these adulterants, Allen said, and that 
has increased the number of UTU members and others who 
have been identified as refusing to provide random 
samples.

   The testing of hair follicles for drug use or other 
substances is unreliable, Allen noted. Hair tests, while 
more comprehensive and convenient, have been rejected 
for use by the federal government because they may be 
discriminatory, according to reports. Some studies show 
that drug traces remain in black hair up to 50 times 
longer than in blond hair.

   The Federal Railroad Administration also is looking 
at the safety impact of those persons who operate 
railroad trains across international boarders, such as 
Mexican and Canadian crews, as well as dispatchers in 
Canada who dispatch in the U.S.

UTU MEMBERS CAN CHALLENGE RESULTS
   Because of the efforts of the UTU, railroaders are 
the only employees in the transportation industry who 
can challenge the testing results, Allen said. "You have 
the right to challenge a finding, unlike all others, who 
must get a lawyer," Allen told the meeting attendees.

   Individual carriers can conduct their own testing 
programs using their own authority, but their company 
programs cannot adversely impact the Federal programs, 
Allen said.

   The Federal Railroad Administration has determined 
that, since random drug positive rates continue to be 
below 1% of those tested, the railroad industry minimum 
annual random drug testing rate for 1999 will continue 
at 25% of covered railroad employees.


--No Conrail meltdown--yet .........................##C

   CLEVELAND -- It's not a meltdown -- yet. Although 
some problems were expected with the split up of Conrail 
between CSX and Norfolk Southern, no one anticipated 
what has happened since June 1.

   Service disruptions, primarily along former Conrail 
territory in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio 
and Indiana, are interfering with production schedules 
nationwide. The sub-par performance comes despite 
optimistic projections about smooth operations and 
traffic increases that both companies delivered right up 
until June 1. 

   While the current situation on CSX and Norfolk 
Southern doesn't yet match the Union Pacific Railroad 
merger woes, the stakes this time may be much higher. 
Time is not on the side of either CSX or NS. Wall Street 
investors, shippers and lawmakers are petrified of a 
Union Pacific instant replay, and the news media is more 
aggressive with its coverage.

   There is less turmoil and fewer crew shortages on CSX 
than on NS, according to reports. Shippers say NS has 
more problems than CSX. In fact, some veteran rail 
observers say that conditions on NS are a lot worse a 
lot faster than happened on Union Pacific. As the UTU 
News was going to press, NS still didn't have an 
effective method for tracking Conrail trains. Railroad 
analysts say that the problems at CSX do not appear to 
be as troublesome as Norfolk Southern's. 

   "It could be a very long and hot summer if CSX and NS 
don't fix the problems fast," said Byron A. Boyd, Jr., 
UTU Assistant President. "There are people in Washington 
waiting for any excuse to try to re-regulate the 
railroad industry. We think that would be a big 
mistake."

   CSX and NS are getting cooperation from former 
Conrail employees, and union officials are urging their 
members to help.

   "Our livelihoods and jobs depend upon helping CSX and 
NS," Jim Carrico, UTU's Indiana state legislative 
director, told Rail Merger Intelligencer. "But if they 
don't ask us for help, we can't help them. They're 
trying to divert too much too fast. NS doesn't want to 
listen to the people who actually do the job."

   In fact, both CSX and NS have reached out to the UTU 
to help solve their problems. CSX has been working 
cooperatively for some time with UTU officers, and asked 
for help in solving its Cleveland service problem.

   In what appears to be the first small step to opening 
itself to UTU input, NS CEO David Goode, at the urging 
of UTU President Charles L. Little, has called many UTU 
local officers seeking first-hand "unfiltered" 
information on his railroad's problems and possible 
solutions.

   "David Goode has taken the first small step in 
opening communications and reaching out to the UTU for 
help," said Boyd. "But there is still a long way for NS 
to go in changing its culture. The only way for NS to 
succeed long term is to start acting more like CSX where 
it comes to a union/carrier partnership."


--DuBose supports Little, BLE initiative ........##D

   ST. LOUIS -- UTU President Emeritus G. Thomas DuBose 
told 1,000 UTU members at a June 14 UTU/UTUIA Regional 
Meeting luncheon that "taking on the BLE is not an easy 
job, but it can be done."

   DuBose praised International President Charles L. 
Little's leadership. "I've known Charlie Little a long 
time," he said. "We've laughed together, cried together 
and had a few fights. But I can truly stand here and say 
that he is the right man and he has the right plan for 
the UTU's long-term future. He has the ability, courage 
and foresight to lead the UTU into the 21st Century."

   DuBose was given a rousing ovation when he said, "If 
the BLE wants a fight, let's give them a fight. I 
believe in this union so much if need be I'll be the 
first casualty."

   DuBose's keynote luncheon speech capped a powerful 
showing of UTU solidarity. In his morning State of the 
Union speech, International President Charles L. Little 
was repeatedly interrupted with applause and standing 
ovations when he talked about unifying all rail 
operating employees under the UTU banner and taking on 
the BLE at the ballot box on the Union Pacific Railroad. 
Little succeeded DuBose, who served as president from 
1991 to 1995.

   "I've come full circle and have never been any 
prouder of our union than I am today," DuBose said. "I 
echo everything President Little said this morning. This 
is a good union, a great union to serve."

   DuBose said, "I think President Little is on the 
right track with the BLE. I know he is committed to a 
peaceful merger. But he is also committed to a vote. 
With your help, we will win that vote."

   DuBose also acknowledged former UTU President Al 
Chesser, who supports the unity initiative and the NMB 
process. "Al knows the sacrifices four union presidents 
made 30 years ago to form the UTU," DuBose said.

   "For some reason, the BLE doesn't understand that 
unification is coming, with or without them," DuBose 
said. "UTU will be the cornerstone of rail and 
transportation labor in the 21st Century."

   DuBose criticized those who have been spreading false 
information about the UTU.

   "This union has nothing to hide," he said. "So, I 
have a real problem with people inside the organization 
making our internal business public business."


--New UTU building named for Al H. Chesser .........##E

   WASHINGTON -- The UTU has named its new national 
legislative office building in Washington, D.C., in 
honor of former president Al H. Chesser.

   The building, previously the Amnesty International 
Building on Pennsylvania Avenue, will now be known as 
the Al H. Chesser Building. Chesser, 85, was UTU 
president from 1972 to 1979.

   "Al Chesser is what the UTU and transportation labor 
is all about," said UTU International President Charles 
L. Little. "We all owe him this honor and much more."

   "I want to thank the UTU and its great members for 
this honor," said Chesser. "It is a union that is ready 
for the 21st Century and is looking to the future, not 
the past."

--Passenger rail cars to be safer ...............##F

   WASHINGTON -- The Transportation Department, aiming 
to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on rail 
passenger trains, issued its first rule ever on 
passenger railroad equipment last month.

   The rule requires new passenger cars put into service 
after November to be heavier and more fire resistant, 
with all of the new requirements in place by 2002. Older 
train cars can get waivers.

   Excluded from coverage are metropolitan and suburban 
short-haul railroads, such as the New York subway system 
and San Francisco's BART system, and tourist, excursion 
and historic railroads.

   The standards will require more steel, more fire-
resistant materials and heavier steel collision posts 
but the new cars will cost roughly the same to make as 
existing cars, officials said.

   Some train windows will be made bigger so that people 
can get out of the cars more easily when crashes do 
occur.

AROUND THE UTU

--News from around the U.S. and Canada .............##G

LOCAL 2, TOLEDO, OHIO
   Member Ray Bottles, one of the last active trainmen 
that worked on the New York Central's 20th Century 
Limited has been chosen to participate in the 
introduction of the U.S. Postal Service's stamps 
commemorating great passenger trains. The five-stamp 
series will be unveiled August 26 at the Cleveland 
Convention Center at a ceremony to be attended by 
Cleveland Mayor Michael White and other dignitaries. 
U.S. Postal Service Communications Specialist Mark 
Reynolds is looking for others connected with the trains 
depicted (including the Daylight, the Congressional, the 
Hiawatha, and the Super Chief) and can be contacted at 
(216) 443-4803.

LOCAL 4, CHARNY, PQ
   The growing local now boasts some 70 members in yard 
service, up from just 34 a year ago, said Secretary and 
Treasurer Louis-François Garceau, who now counts 175 
members.

LOCAL 7, NORTH PLATTE, NEB.
   Retired engineer Clifton A. Hiltabidel was recently 
presented a UTU Brass Lantern by International President 
Charles L. Little, who attended the annual spring dinner 
held in conjunction with Locals 200 and 286, both in 
North Platte, according to Local 7's President Jim 
Jackson.

LOCAL 23, SANTA CRUZ, CAL.
   Bargaining resumed last month between the local and 
the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, according 
to Local Chairperson Ian McFadden, who noted that 
innovative negotiating techniques employed when talks 
opened in April led to the expeditious conclusion of the 
first phase of contract talks.

LOCALS 78 & 265, POCATELLO, IDAHO
   Member Greg Farris (L-78) recently kicked off the 9th 
Annual Oakley Archibald Idaho State University (ISU) 
Rodeo Scholarship Fund Drive, according to UTUIA Field 
Supervisor George J. Millward. For the past eight years, 
the two locals have given a $500 scholarship to the ISU 
rodeo team in the name of the UTU and the late Brother 
Archibald, who was killed on his last run before 
retirement. A 12-gauge Browning shotgun donated by UTU 
Designated Legal Counsel Bricker, Zakovics, Querin, 
Thompson & Ritchey is being raffled off to raise funds. 
For information, contact Farris at (208) 233-8724, or 
Lin Whitworth at (208) 775-3773.

LOCAL 446, CHEYENNE, WYO.
   The UTU's mobile education and training coach, 
Membership I, made a recent stop that coincided with a 
dinner for the local hosted by UTU Designated Legal 
Council Rossi, Cox, Kiker & Inderwish. In attendance 
were International President Charles L. Little and 
Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. During the 
evening, President Little presented retiree Fred J. 
Mueller with a 60-year service pin and a UTU Brass 
Lantern.

LOCAL 473, LA GRANDE, ORE.
   Members this month are slated to begin participating 
in a 120-day work/rest pilot project that will make them 
the first on the Union Pacific to have pool turns with 
days off, according to Secretary and Treasurer Larry 
Romine. Those wishing to compare experiences and discuss 
related developments are encouraged to attend the 
local's regular meeting, held the second Wednesday of 
the month at 2 p.m. at 1209 Adams Avenue, Ste. G, in La 
Grande, Ore.

LOCAL 818, FORT WORTH, TEX.
   After more than 32 years as an elected officer 
serving in two UTU locals, member Frank D. "Chester" 
Flanigan retired at the end of last month. Flanigan's 
plans for retirement include the establishment of a club 
for fellow rail retirees in the area. Those wishing to 
contact him should write to Box 162, Keller, TX 76248.

LOCAL 1168, CLOVIS, N.M.
   In late May, Local President Richard K. Barnard 
presented Past Local Chairperson John Hays, Jr., with a 
special plaque on behalf of International President 
Charles L. Little recognizing Hays' many years of 
outstanding service as an ambassador for the 
Transportation Political Education League (TPEL) Fund. 
Hays, with 44 years of service on the BNSF, has served 
most of his career as either the yard local chairperson 
or the local chairperson representing conductors, and 
daily promotes the importance of contributing to TPEL.

LOCAL 1608, CHATSWORTH, CAL.
   Growing at a phenomenal rate due to new hiring, the 
local is gaining about 40 new members every two weeks, 
said Local Chairperson Vic Baffoni, who encourages new 
hires to make a point of meeting their UTU officers to 
learn what their union offers them. Recently, members 
took pride in learning that Secretary, Treasurer and 
Delegate Franz VonKruger has been appointed to the UTU 
Constitution Committee. Meanwhile, the local's Cinco de 
Mayo celebration and its Juneteenth party were both 
resounding successes, marked by the attendance of 
numerous retirees.

LOCAL 1709, PONTIAC, MICH.
   A family picnic set for July 18 will mark the demise 
of the old Grand Trunk Railroad (GTR), which formally 
ceased to exist at the beginning of July courtesy of the 
Canadian National's purchase of the Illinois Central 
(IC) and its plan to merge the GTR and IC. Called a 
"funeral" picnic, the event is being organized by the 
ladies of FAM-RAIL, a local chapter of the national 
Women/Wives Against the Railroad (WARR), according to 
FAM-Rail Chairperson Marlene Haines, wife of member 
Joseph R. Haines III. For information and directions to 
the picnic site, call (248) 627-3253.

LOCAL 1813, WEST COLTON, CAL.
   Members recently sponsored their 21st Annual Two-Man 
Scramble Golf Tournament at Los Serranos Golf and 
Country Club in Chino Hills, Cal., where some 160 
amateur golfers from various area labor unions 
participated, according to Local President L.A. 
Schweigert. Among players on hand were UTU International 
President Emeritus G. Thomas DuBose and International 
Vice President Dan Johnson.


--Members share duties training engineers .......##H

   "In the past, training was left up to time," 
explained Mark E. Marquez, chairperson of Local 151 in 
Winslow, Ariz. "But today, with two-person crews, 
engineers have five times as much to learn, and about 
50% less time."

   With that in mind, Marquez wastes no time in making 
sure BNSF conductors working the old Santa Fe lines get 
the training they need to become top-notch engineers.

   "The railroad realized no one hires out as a brakeman 
or switchman anymore. They had a training program in 
place for conductors, but not for engineers," Marquez 
said. "At a 1995 local chairperson's meeting attended by 
a BNSF vice president, I asked, 'Why not?'"

   Railroad officials hadn't realized the training 
deficiency existed, Marquez said. But one of the 
agreements negotiated by UTU General Chairperson C.D. 
"Bud" Davis called for a fireman-in-training program. "I 
said, 'Hey, if we have the agreement, we should 
administrate the program as much as possible,'" Marquez 
recalled. "So we sat down with a local road foreman, and 
figured out what to do."

   Early in the process, Marquez realized he'd need a 
hand, and he called on John England. Together, he and 
England, who serves as Local 1674 chairperson, 
legislative representative and delegate, became 
"coordinators of coordinators," helping about a dozen 
others on the old Santa Fe system administer the 
training program in a way that best prepares new 
engineers for the job ahead.

   "I've coordinated training for about 150 students," 
England said, "and it makes a difference. We end up 
retaining most of them in the UTU, and we get a better 
engineer because the program gives them time to 
concentrate on becoming the best engineer they can be."

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT

--"Interesting facts from the AFL-CIO" .............##I
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

   -- From 1989 to 1997, the number of temporary workers 
employed by temporary agencies increased from 1.3 
million to 2.4 million.

   -- Thirty percent (30%) of the workforce hold non-
traditional jobs (part-time, temporary, on-call and 
independent contracting.) The vast majority of part-time 
and temporary workers receive little or no benefits.

   -- "Independent contractors" is a term probably most 
of us are not familiar with in respect to the labor 
movement. Companies are using contractors as a way of 
getting around identifying them as employees, thereby 
saving on pension and health benefits.

   -- An independent contractor is defined as one who 
obtains his own clients and customers to whom he 
supplies goods or services. Independent contractors 
account for 8.5 million workers. Only three percent (3%) 
of workers classified as contractors receive health or 
pension benefits.

   -- In Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, hundreds of 
chicken catchers employed by Perdue Farms became 
"independent contractors" when Perdue reclassified them. 
After the reclassification, the employees were no longer 
entitled to overtime, medical or pension benefits, 
vacation or profit-sharing options.

   -- In many careers in which women work, they are paid 
at a lower wage scale than their male counterparts. It 
is reported that women earn 74 cents for every dollar 
men earn. Clearly that is wrong and we should support 
equal pay equity.

   In unity there is strength.


O.N.E. Bus pursues appeal .....................##J

   On May 25, Acting Regional Director J. Michael 
Lightner of the National Labor Relations Board's 
regional office in Newark, N.J., recommended that last 
April's election of the UTU as collective bargaining 
representative for the part-time drivers at O.N.E. Bus 
be upheld. However, O.N.E. Bus management has decided to 
pursue their appeal all the way to the NLRB headquarters 
in Washington, D.C., reports Bus Department Vice 
President Bernie McNelis. Until an official ruling is 
made by the NLRB, contract talks are on hold.


--Coach USA buyout has no immediate impact .........##K

   Stagecoach Holdings Ltd.'s recent purchase of Coach 
USA should have no immediate impact on properties the 
UTU represents, reports Vice President Bernie McNelis.

   On June 17, 1999, McNelis spoke with a representative 
of Coach USA, who verified that business would continue 
as usual. The Coach USA spokesman stated they do not 
expect any changes to the current management operations 
of their subsidiaries at this time.


YARDMASTER REPORT

--"Yardmasters ready for the challenge" .........##L
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

   Yardmasters are prepared to meet the challenge.

   The Union Pacific Railroad continues its unacceptable 
demands in the negotiations for a new contract to cover 
its yardmaster employees. A mediator has been assigned 
by the National Mediation Board in an attempt to bring 
peaceful resolution to this dispute.

   The Union Pacific Yardmaster Council is to be 
commended for their diligence in these difficult 
negotiations. In negotiations, as in life, good things 
often come neither easily nor quickly.

   Exemplary of Union Pacific tactics, five New York 
Dock Section 4 coordination notices were served on the 
council immediately following its first mediation 
session. The notices cover Union Pacific facilities in 
Portland, Stockton, Kansas City, East St. Louis and New 
Orleans.

   Mediation sessions were held in Omaha on June 8, 9 
and 10. The next sessions are scheduled for August 2-5 
in Chicago.

   New York Dock Section 4 negotiations are scheduled 
for July 19, 20, 21, and 22 in Kansas City.

   This year's Regional Meetings seem to be the best 
ever and are being well attended by yardmasters.

   The yardmaster surveys are not being returned as 
promptly as has been requested. Completing and returning 
the survey are essential to the viability of the 
results. Our target is the return of 80% of the surveys.  
If you have not returned the survey, please do so 
immediately.


EDITORIALS

--Showdown at the NMB ..............................##M

   Beginning July 6, the National Mediation Board 
convenes hearings that will pit the future against the 
past. The board will ultimately have to decide if 
railroad labor should step forward into the 21st 
Century, or remain trapped in its 19th Century roots.

   We believe the NMB will agree with doing what's best 
for 21st Century union rail workers and ultimately 
sanction a "winner-take-all" election on the Union 
Pacific Railroad.

   The choice then will be simple. Vote for the UTU and 
get a union that is preparing for the 21st Century. Vote 
for a union that's Constitution and unity agreement 
guarantees autonomy for every craft-not just one. Vote 
for a union that is financially strong and stable. Vote 
for a union with the No. 1 PAC-our TPEL-in the 
transportation industry and in Washington. Vote for a 
union that stands together and where no craft can steal 
the jobs of another.

   Or vote for the 19th Century. Vote for them and vote 
for the end of jobs for conductors and assistant 
engineers. Vote for them and get a bankrupt union 
embroiled in paralyzing politics and an internal "civil 
war." Vote for them and you may end up without your job.

   There's only one real choice: UTU. We are the power 
of one union united to represent you in the 21st 
Century.

--Will Norfolk Southern change? .................##N

   June 1 came and the world as Norfolk Southern knew it 
came to a grinding halt. Everybody thought there would 
be some problems with the Conrail carve-up, but nobody 
knew they'd be this bad this soon, especially on the NS.

   The Union Pacific Railroad learned-almost too late-
that it needed to change its ways to overcome its 
meltdown. CSX has trouble spots with its Conrail 
acquisitions, but it is the industry leader in creating 
a working culture where UTU members are included in 
solving problems and making decisions.

   The wake-up call for the NS has come loud and clear. 
Now, NS needs to follow the example set by CSX and UP 
and change its corporate culture to include its union 
employees.

   NS CEO David Goode took a small step in that 
direction when he directly called UTU local chairpersons 
asking for their assistance in solving his railroad's 
woes. But it is only a small step.

   NS has a long way to go, and many big steps are 
needed. Fast.


--"A labor union united" ...........................##O
   Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
   UTU Assistant President

   The UTU has completed two very successful Regional 
Meetings in Los Angeles and St. Louis, and I have never 
seen our union more "united" since its founding 30 years 
ago.

   And it couldn't be happening at a better time. 

   As the BLE implodes in its own bloody "civil war" and 
the truth about its finances and truthfulness becomes 
public, the UTU has come together in ways that are 
inspiring.

   Our union is financially strong, our membership is 
growing, and we are well prepared to take on the BLE at 
the National Mediation Board beginning July 6, and at 
the ballot box on the Union Pacific Railroad.

   It is especially gratifying to hear respected 
national leaders, like Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan, 
single out the UTU for praise. The two-term Democratic 
governor, who is running against Republican John 
Ashcroft for the Senate, called the UTU the "preeminent 
rail and transportation union in North America" while 
applauding our leadership and financial strength.

   It is just as pleasing to hear the fire pour from 
President Emeritus Tom DuBose. In St. Louis, he joined 
former President Al Chesser as UTU senior statesmen who 
speak from the heart and tell it like it is.

   DuBose said it like it is when he said, "For some 
reason, the BLE doesn't understand that unification is 
coming, with or without them. UTU will be the 
cornerstone of rail and transportation labor in the 21st 
Century."

   He also raised everyone's heartbeats when he 
proclaimed, "If the BLE wants a fight, let's give them a 
fight. I believe in this union so much if need be I'll 
be the first casualty."

   At a time when BLE politics is paralyzing their 
brotherhood, DuBose showed that in the UTU, the union 
comes first. "I've come full circle and have never been 
any prouder of our union than I am today," he said. "I 
echo everything President Little said (this morning). 
This is a good union, a great union to serve."

   DuBose extended his praise to his former rival. "I've 
known Charlie Little a long time," he said. "We've 
laughed together, cried together and had a few fights. 
But I can truly stand here and say that he is the right 
man and he has the right plan for the UTU's long-term 
future.

   "He has the ability, courage and foresight to lead 
the UTU into the 21st Century."

   I've made no secret that Charlie Little is my friend, 
as well as our President. In Los Angeles and St. Louis, 
it was clearly evident that the members who attended 
those Regional Meetings agree with DuBose.

   Charlie Little is the man to lead the UTU into the 
21st Century. He has proven his ability and courage. He 
is committed to doing what is right for your future. 
Under his leadership, the UTU has never been in better 
shape and more prepared for the future.


--"Railroad discipline system serves no one" ....##P
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

   Railroads are constantly searching for opportunities 
to save money. I would like to make a suggestion based 
on the premise that the current, most widespread, system 
of discipline serves no one well. It doesn't help the 
railroads and it doesn't help you.

   Under the current system, the carriers are the 
arresting officers, judges, the juries and the courts of 
appeal. Their system is people intensive and those 
people all have to be paid to arrive at an outcome that 
is as predictable as anything I can think of.

   If something goes wrong and you are the closest 
person to it, then you are going to spend some time on 
the street. The time off only can have a negative impact 
on your attitude. You will learn nothing except how nice 
it is to spend some time with your family. The railroads 
smile smugly and think that their dollar investment in 
taking you off the job is money well spent. You can be 
honest with them, if that time on the street helped you 
learn to be more proficient at what you do, write them 
and tell them. Send a copy to me.

   Why don't the railroads wake up to the realization 
that they need to get to the root cause of the problem? 
What is it that will make them understand that training, 
not discipline, will prevent accidents and injuries?

   Why don't they invest their money in real training 
instead of on carrier officers who run around in the 
middle of the night trying to find out why a wheel fell 
off and secretaries taking dictation from 
superintendents proffering charges against good 
employees who just happened to be in the wrong place?

   Why do they want to spend their dollars tying up 
officers, employees and witnesses in a hearing that 
everyone knows will end in dismissal or some other form 
of penalty? What is their compulsion to pay for 
stenographers transcribing the proceedings? We all know 
who is going to be found guilty. Nothing positive comes 
out of this event for either labor or management.

   In spite of that, they just keep on doing it. It's as 
if they believe that the beatings should continue until 
morale improves. They have been doing it for over a 
hundred years.

   Why don't they buy into the concept of accident 
prevention through training and thorough understanding 
of the elements of their employees' jobs and 
responsibilities? I don't mean posters on the wall in 
the register room; I mean accident prevention.

   I believe accidents and injuries and rules violations 
happen because of a lack of training. I also believe 
that if the carriers would take some of the dollars that 
they use in the discipline process and instead invest in 
additional training for the employees, they would be 
much more likely to get positive results such as 
reductions in accidents, injuries and rules violations 
and improved attitudes.

   Believe it or not, this is how it is done in most 
other industries. This is a winning formula and it 
works. CSX is already moving in this direction. Isn't it 
time for the railroads to catch up?

   The employees are the most valuable asset a company 
has. Why not treat them as such?


--Voices: Members share their opinions .............##Q

   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: ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR 
OCCUPATION?

   "My only complaint would be that LACMTA doesn't make 
life easier on our membership, which would lighten my 
workload. I drove a bus for 23 years before becoming a 
full-time local chairperson, secretary to the general 
committee of adjustment, and chairperson of the state 
legislative board. I'd consider retiring, but there's a 
great group of able officers here, and we really like 
doing what we can to help the membership. As long as 
they want me, I'll be sticking around."
   -- VIC BAFFONI, L-1608, CHATSWORTH, CAL.

   "I'm very satisfied, and have been as a railroad man 
for 35 years. I've raised three children on my earnings. 
One's a dentist, another's a chiropractor, and the third 
is a machinist, and it was all made possible by UTU 
benefits we've received through the years. I'm a general 
chairperson on BNSF, and by craft I'm a conductor who 
began on the Santa Fe. I've always liked railroad work. 
My wife used to tell me this was the only part of my 
life I didn't complain about."
   -- JACK HOLDEN, L-771, NEEDLES, CAL.

   "I'm a pretty happy railroader, I guess. I'm a 
promoted conductor on a switching job in the yard for 
BNSF, sometimes working some local freights and coal 
trains. I like the physical aspects, and like the guys I 
work with. I could see myself retiring from here. My 
father and my grandfather both did it, so my eyes were 
wide open when I started here. The lack of quality 
family time and difficulty coordinating schedules with 
my wife can be a problem, but the job pays a lot of 
money."
   -- MARK MILEHAM, L-113, WINSLOW, ARIZ.

   "I've been railroading for 27 years, and on the 
whole, I'm satisfied. But it's probably due to being a 
conductor AND a union officer. At the railroad, as a 
conductor for UP, I'm just working for the bucks, but as 
a local officer, I'm working for my fellow employees, 
which is very satisfying. Because I'm involved and at 
meetings, I hear what's going on, whereas others maybe 
only hear second-hand information, which can be wrong 
and frustrating. I like the idea of being of service."
   -- LARRY ROMINE, L-473, LA GRANDE, ORE.


--Feedback: Better start looking for answers ....##R

   I have been a union member for 57 years and an 
officer at one level or another of a union for 45 years. 
I retired from active union service in 1992, but 
retained my union affiliation in two labor 
organizations. I am now, and always have been, a 
fraternal trade unionist, and not a businessman passing 
as a trade unionist.

   Our forefathers, as trade unionists, banded together 
because they believed that in unity there was strength, 
and further, that the injury of one was truly the 
concern of all. It was this strong belief in the 
principle of comradeship that gave them the strength of 
purpose to challenge the "Lords of Money" who found it 
most convenient to rigorously separate their love of God 
from the love of their fellow man.

   The spirit of brotherhood that developed amongst 
workers helped in the struggle to overcome the control 
over their lives by the titans of Industry and their 
anointed political allies in government, at both the 
federal and state levels.

   It was this spirit of fraternalism coupled with the 
daily struggles of past generations of trade unionists 
that made possible the benefits of life now enjoyed by 
the families of today's generation of workers.

   I do not believe that the disconnected rail unions of 
today will prove capable of providing the united action 
needed to meet the power struggles that lie ahead in the 
rail industry, because a house divided cannot stand.

   The industry power brokers and their political allies 
in government are determined to put together a few 
transcontinental corridors for freight traffic, 
dismantle Amtrak, and throw the rest of the industry to 
the "sharecroppers" now desperately trying to operate 
500 marginal short lines, and hoping someday to gain 
open access to the tracks of the major trunk lines.

   In many ways, I see us backtracking to where we 
began: we started to build a national rail system by 
linking together the separate short lines of yesterday. 
Now we find ourselves in the ridiculous position of 
dismantling the very system we created to fasten the 
nation together, by chopping the system into pieces, so 
that managers of today can build corridors designed for 
freight traffic only, without the interference of 
passenger trains. I remind you that Amtrak, with the 
exception of the Northeast Corridor, must operate its 
trains on tracks owned by freight railroads. Remember 
that 28 years ago, these same freight railroads went out 
of the passenger train business, and they don't want to 
go back and try it again.

   I believe that the present high-speed corridor 
mentality is not in the best interest of our nation if 
it is developed at the expense of our one and only 
national system of passenger trains. Research dollars 
now being paid consultants for feasibility studies on 
select corridors might be better spent on rebuilding and 
retooling Amtrak, training employees for the tasks that 
lie ahead, rebuilding its shops, signal systems, 
infrastructure, tracks, stations, and expanding its 
service to communities not now being served, and most 
important, by improving the lives of its workers, and 
the safety of their workplace.

   While it is true that I am no prophet, I see little 
advantage to the nation to spend tax dollars on high-
speed corridors while Amtrak begs for needed funds from 
a reluctant Congress to keep the national system 
operating under the threat of reducing capital and 
eliminating operating funds if Amtrak is not "self 
sufficient" by the year 2002.

   In my view, first things ought to be first, and 
preserving and expanding our national system takes 
precedence over the development of questionable high-
speed corridors at taxpayer expense and over the 
opposition of the manager of freight railroads.

   My message to all rail workers is simple. We now have 
problems looking for solutions, and you and your fellow 
union members had better become part of the team looking 
for the answers. If you are content to leave it to 
somebody else, you will not like the answer they give 
you.

   Together, you and your unions had better start doing 
your own research for the solutions to the problems you 
will face in the 21st century. What will happen to the 
jobs, wages, benefits, pensions and the other items that 
will impact the lives of you and your family in the 
conglomerate world of tomorrow?

   It's time to look at your hole card and see what it 
will take to stay in the game. The other players already 
know what they hold.

   Time is running out, and the question remains of 
whether or not the rail labor unions, as now structured, 
will be ready and able to meet the challengers of 
tomorrow. If not, isn't it about time for a change, a 
consolidation of forces, and a renewal of the faith in 
fraternalism?

   I leave you with this thought, in the words of Edgar 
Guest: "Things are very few on earth, that wishes can 
attain. What'er we want of any worth- we've got to work 
to gain." Do not let the next generation of rail trade 
unionists condemn our generation for the most deadly of 
our judgments- indifference.

Dan Collins
UTU Local 1393
3919 Evelyn Drive
North Olmsted, OH 44070


--BLE sold VIA Rail workers down the river .........##S

The following letter to International President Charles 
L. Little was written by former VIA Rail conductor R.F. 
Scarrow, who had been a member of UTU Local 472 at 
Windsor, Ontario:
------------------------------------
   Dear Brother Little:

   I am writing to you in regard to the elimination of 
my position of conductor at VIA Rail Canada. I am a 
former UTU member who was forced to become a BLE member 
due to a representation vote which was ordered by the 
Canadian Labour Relations Board between the unions. 
Although it appeared to me that the company (VIA Rail) 
was supporting the BLE campaign, and the membership 
numbers favoured the BLE, they won the vote with a 
narrow majority.

   During the campaign, the BLE in Canada made many 
election promises. International President C. Monin 
committed to "enhance the former conductor and assistant 
conductor's standard of living." I am sure your office 
has reference to the BLE rhetoric.

   Upon becoming our bargaining agent, the brotherhood 
put up a "questionable" fight to preserve our jobs and 
enhance our standard of living. Subsequently, they 
signed an agreement which allowed most of our work to be 
awarded to the Canadian Auto Workers and secured a 
"bonus" for their elite members (locomotive engineers) 
to perform the rest of our duties. In my opinion, there 
was also another "secret deal" signed to protect the 
position of locomotive engineer at VIA Rail.

   The tentative agreement was put to a vote and 
accepted. I believe the vote was stacked against the 
former UTU members because what many call a "bribe." The 
majority of the BLE members (locomotive engineers) at 
VIA received a "bonus" for wiping out our jobs. They 
sold us down the river for a handful of change.

   It is my position that the BLE failed to live up to 
their solemn promises and commitments. Their credibility 
and integrity as an organization representing all their 
members is a joke amongst railroaders. If they only knew 
what a union was. As a result, some of the former UTU 
members at VIA Rail joined forces and filed unfair 
labour practices charges against BLE. The decisions in 
these proceedings are yet to be announced.

   It is my wish to make all UTU members aware of the 
BLE's true agenda when it comes to representing anyone 
other than locomotive engineers. They sell their jobs to 
secure an increase in wages for their members.

Sincerely
R.F. Scarrow

PS: In Canada, we denote the BLE to mean "Brotherhood of 
Large Egos."


STATE WATCH

--News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##T

CALIFORNIA

   State Legislative Director J. P. Jones reports 
progress on the UTU-sponsored bill (Senate Bill 200) 
that, if passed and signed into law, would require two 
qualified employees on every freight train operating in 
the state. One of these employees must be a qualified 
trainman, according to the legislation.

   Earlier this year SB 200 passed out of the State 
Senate Industrial Relations Committee and moved to the 
Senate Appropriations Committee for further 
consideration.

   The bill passed in committee on a party-line partisan 
vote, with all of the Republicans voting no, or against 
the UTU position.

   Members can help get this legislation passed by 
signing up for TPEL, Jones noted.

FLORIDA

   State Legislative Director Carl Cochran reports that 
on May 21, 1999, Governor Jeb Bush signed into law House 
Bill 121 which created the Three Strikes Violent Felony 
Offender Act.

   Besides reclassifying certain crimes as felonies, the 
act defines the label of "three-time violent felony 
offender" and requires courts to impose certain 
mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for such 
offenders.

   It now classifies as a felony the "shooting at or 
throwing any object in path of railroad vehicle 
resulting in great bodily harm."

   "Three-strike violent criminals will see the inside 
of prison for longer periods under this bill," said 
Cochran. "This means, in the state of Florida, if 
someone throws a rock or shoots at one of our trains, it 
will be a felony."

NEBRASKA

   UTU International President Charles L. Little 
recently presented Nebraska State Legislative Director 
Ray Lineweber with an "Award for Excellence" at the 
annual spring dinner held by UTU Locals 7, 200 and 286. 
The award recognized Lineweber's outstanding service to 
UTU members and his dedication to TPEL.

   "Although the award was given to me and has my name 
on it, it should go to all of our UTU members, who so 
unselfishly give of themselves," Lineweber said. "It is 
also a reflection of the leadership of President Little 
and Assistant President Boyd, who have been very 
supportive of all of our legislative and safety 
efforts."

   A photograph of the presentation appears in the 
traditional print edition of this month's UTU NEWS.

SOUTH DAKOTA

   State Legislative Director Rick Davids is behind the 
efforts of two South Dakota senators to have enacted 
rules which would require all railroad equipment to be 
marked with reflective devices to reduce rail-highway 
crossing accidents.

   Senators Tim Johnson and Tom Daschle are proposing 
legislation, which is intended to reduce accidents in 
which motorists run into the sides of trains at poorly 
lighted crossings, which occurs in 20% of collisions at 
crossings, according to the Federal Railroad 
Administration.

   Getting these types of regulations enacted on the 
state level has been tried for the past eight to 10 
years, Davids said, but the state level "is not the 
place to do it. You'd have to stop every car coming in 
at the border," Davids said.

   "I hope it works, I hope they get something done," 
Davids said. "We have a lot of unprotected country 
crossings and trains are easy to run into. Anything we 
can to do prevent our crews from picking up remains in 
the middle of the night, we support."

WASHINGTON

   State Legislative Director Tom Retterath would like 
to thank all UTU members in the state who contacted 
their respective lawmakers in the last several weeks 
regarding funding for operation of the new Seattle to 
Vancouver, B.C., Amtrak run.

   The funding for this project was included in the 
transportation budget which was passed by the state 
legislature on May 19.

   Appropriation of $17.6 million was made to continue 
two daily round trips between Seattle and Portland and 
to fund the existing Seattle-Vancouver round trip, as 
well as an additional $6.3 million to add a second 
Seattle-Vancouver round trip.

   "Thank you very much for all the phone calls, 
personal contacts and e-mails," Retterath said. "Those 
contacts made a big difference."

   Retterath also offered the following highlights of 
other rail projects included in the transportation 
budget:

   -- $9.4 million to renovate Seattle's King Street 
Station;

   -- $15 million for a Sound Transit-Amtrak joint 
maintenance facility;

   -- $3 million for acquisition of up to six rail 
passenger cars to add capacity to existing trains; and,

   -- additional funds for railroad overpasses in 
Seattle, Auburn and Tacoma.


MONTHLY FEATURE

--"UTU ready for the 21st Century" .................##U
   by UTU International President Charles L. Little
   Speech delivered at St. Louis Regional Meeting
   June 14, 1999

   Good morning, brothers and sisters. My name is 
Charlie Little and I'm here this morning to tell it like 
I see it.

   In Los Angeles a few weeks ago, I spoke my mind and 
set the record straight. Here in St. Louis, I intend to 
do the same thing.

   Since we met in Los Angeles, there are several new 
developments that deserve comment. But before I do, I 
want to welcome all of you who have come to this year's 
second regional meeting.

   Our meeting in Los Angeles was a big success with 
more than 600 people attending, and we expect this 
meeting in St. Louis to be even bigger. In fact, I'm 
told we have about 1,000 people here.

   I also want to take a moment to thank all of those 
people who have helped organize this meeting, including 
Larry Foster, Norbert Shacklette, Ken and Carol Menges, 
Richard and Deanna Duley, Andrew and Linda Kinne, Donald 
and Annette Davis, Lyman Frank, Kerri Frank, and Leslie 
Prenger. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to 
the UTU.

TELL IT LIKE IT IS

   Now, as I did in Los Angeles, it's time to tell it 
like it is.

   And there's only one place to start, and that's with 
the BLE.

   You need to know that the story we told in L.A. about 
the break-up of unification talks has been confirmed in 
a letter by the BLE first vice president.

   You know the story.

   We learned by reading the BLE website on May 8 that 
their Advisory Board had announced they were withdrawing 
from unification.

   At 4:15 p.m. on Monday May 10, BLE President Clarence 
Monin finally sent us a letter saying they were not 
going to unify because they were concerned about UTU 
finances.

   Everyone now knows-and the BLE First Vice President 
has now confirmed-that it was a phony excuse.

   In fact, the BLE First Vice President Ed Dubroski 
admits in his letter that BLE President Clarence Monin 
posted the resolution withdrawing from unification on 
their website knowing that this action "would provoke 
the UTU" into reacting exactly the way we did.

   He said that President Monin deliberately "provoked 
the UTU into going back to the National Mediation 
Board."

   He said that President Monin is "willing to risk all 
in his effort to keep his position."

   Now, let me get back to the UTU's finances.

   You have heard by now that on the morning of May 10, 
Ernst & Young, one of the world's largest and most-
respected accounting firms, finished their final audit 
of UTU's 1998 finances.

   They said the UTU's finances are strong and stable.

   That report by Ernst & Young was the BLE and Monin's 
worst nightmare.

   It popped the balloon on their cooked-up financial 
excuse.

   The Ernst & Young Report also deflated the hot air 
coming from a handful of self-serving UTU politicians, 
who "cooked the books" to make us look bad to further 
their own secret agenda.

UNION FINANCES NOT TROUBLED

   Four years ago this union's finances were troubled. 
Today, they are not.

   But these few people think they know more than Ernst 
& Young and professional accountants. You know what, 
I'll take Ernst & Young's word any day. I'll take their 
word over any one who would actively work with the BLE 
and "cook the books" to destroy unification and hurt the 
UTU.

   Today, as the Ernst & Young report shows, the UTU has 
nearly $44 million dollars in the bank.

   Today, the UTUIA has record assets of more than $221 
million dollars and record reserves of about $35 million 
dollars.

   But on May 8, the BLE said they were concerned about 
our finances, and that's why they called off the 
unification.

   Well, Ernst &  Young has no concerns, and neither do 
we! If anyone should be concerned about finances, it's 
the BLE.

   In fact, in a recent article in the Daily Labor 
Reporter, the BLE's general secretary and treasurer 
admitted the BLE has been operating in the red for 30 of 
the last 34 months.

   Now, there isn't a business, union or family that 
doesn't operate in the red in some months. But 30 out of 
34 months? Something's wrong there. Especially since the 
BLE's International dues are 40% higher than the UTU's 
dues.

   Even with higher dues, the BLE can't operate in the 
black. By their own admission, the BLE's general fund 
has been in the red for the last three years, and its 
strike fund is nearly depleted, with only about $32,000 
dollars. 

   The BLE has not yet filed its 1998 LM financial 
report with the Department of Labor, which was due in 
March. What are they trying to hide?

   In the real world, the BLE should be happy to unify 
with a financially strong partner like the UTU. But, 
once again, it appears that the BLE's timing was way 
off.

   They forgot we had Ernst &  Young coming in on May 10. 
They forgot we have money, and that they don't. I think 
they must use Serbia's public relations firm.

   The Ernst & Young Report shows that the BLE's public 
excuse for pulling out of unification was a fraud. It 
was a cover story concocted to cover up much deeper 
problems in the BLE leadership in Cleveland and around 
North America.

   No, the real reason the BLE dropped out of 
unification is because Clarence Monin and some other 
officers ran scared from a recall.

   Monin chose to throw away unification because he 
couldn't take the heat and he didn't deal a straight 
hand. He couldn't stand up to a closed-minded BLE 
minority, and according to Ed Dubroski, he "misled and 
deceived" their officers and members.

   Monin chose to try to save his own skin by trading 
unification to keep his job. He and his cronies chose to 
betray the BLE membership to keep them from voting on a 
recall and on unification.

   Tell me, what happened to the myth of the BLE 
democratic process?

   Tell me, why did the BLE Advisory Board order their 
general secretary and treasurer not to send out the 
recall ballots he had ready to go on May 8?

   What was the deal?

   I think everyone in this room knows that answer.

   In fact, it took a Federal judge in Cleveland to 
right that wrong. The judge denied Monin and the BLE's 
request for a temporary restraining order to stop the 
recall.

   The judge said that the BLE membership should be 
allowed to vote on the recall, and that Monin and the 
BLE were wrong to stop it. The BLE recall ballots have 
been sent out. They are due back by the end of July.

   Right now it appears that the BLE is imploding from 
within. Their first vice president said that their 
"Brotherhood is nearly paralyzed" and their 
"Constitutional process has broken down."

   The BLE is engaged in a civil war. They are at war 
with each other. They are a house divided.

   Now, we hear rumblings that the BLE and the BMWE are 
discussing merger, again. In fact, the BLE's first vice 
president wrote that the president of the BMWE tried to 
wedge in between the UTU and BLE just days before we 
signed the Statement of Principles.

TALK ABOUT STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

   Talk about strange bedfellows. The BLE didn't like it 
when we talked about the relationship between train and 
engine service.

    What will their members say about the linking of 
engine service and maintenance of way? What will they 
say about the golden parachutes their officers and BMWE 
officers will guarantee each other?

   I said it in Los Angeles, and let me repeat it here 
in St. Louis: The UTU is committed to operating unity.

   We bent over backwards to accommodate the BLE and its 
culture. We knew the real condition of BLE finances. But 
we truly wanted to create a new union where democratic 
principles and historical craft autonomy was honored. We 
wanted to take advantage of the power of one union 
representing all operating employees during this time of 
change in the rail industry.

   We have wasted enough time working in good faith with 
the BLE and trying to do what is right for the future of 
operating rail employees. We have exhausted our efforts 
and our patience working inside the "house of labor" to 
forge a meaningful and fair unification with the BLE.

   The UTU has done everything the AFL-CIO asked us to 
do in working with the BLE to unify during the last 
year. President John Sweeney and Tom Donahue know that 
only one union should represent operating railroad 
employees.

   They know we operated in good and open faith with the 
BLE. They know the UTU is sound financially. And they 
know we didn't kill unification-the BLE did.

   They also know the real reasons. And those reasons 
are not UTU finances or what the dues would have been in 
the new union. Remember that our dues are 40% less than 
the BLE's International dues.

WINNER-TAKE-ALL ELECTION

   So, we have asked the National Mediation Board to 
sanction a winner-take-all representation election on 
the Union Pacific Railroad.

   We believe it is the NMB's duty to let the future 
take its course and allow a democratic election on the 
nation's largest railroad. We believe the NMB has enough 
facts to order the UP election, and will have even more 
facts after hearings in early July.

   Now you may have heard that the BLE is staging a 
rally in Washington, D.C., on July 6 to try to 
intimidate the NMB.

   It has also come to light that the BLE's mobilization 
team is being called a "brownshirt army."

   For anyone who remembers, the brownshirts operated in 
Germany in the 1930's. They were a contemptuous group 
and have no place in America or in the American labor 
movement. They are an affront and slap in the face to 
every World War II veteran and every American. Their 
formation by the BLE speaks to the lowest form of 
leadership and paranoia.

   Regardless of the BLE brownshirts and their tactics 
in Washington, D.C., or elsewhere, we believe the NMB 
will make a decision by the end of August allowing a 
representation election on the Union Pacific.

   And when we win the UP election --

   And the next on CSX --

   And the next on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe --

   And the next one on the Norfolk Southern, and every 
other Class I railroad; when union members have spoken 
in a free democratic election not stymied by paralyzing 
BLE politics, there will be only one operating rail and 
transportation union left standing. And it will be the 
UTU.

   On that day, and let me repeat here what I said to 
your brothers and sisters in Los Angeles, the last words 
of BLE history will be written in the final chapter that 
began on May 8.

   That was the day its leadership backed out of the 
best unification deal in rail labor history in order to 
save their own skins. And in the process, the BLE 
betrayed its members, and also every other union member 
in North America.

   I'm a very easy person to understand.

   I tell you what I'm going to do.

   I tell you how I'm going to do it.

   And then I set out to get it done.

   Four years ago, when I was elected president of this 
great union, I told everyone what I was going to do.

   I put together my "Blueprint for a New Beginning," 
along with a talented team of UTU leaders, and I 
promised to get things done.

   I didn't really care about making friends, or 
creating enemies.

   I cared about fixing what was wrong, and kicking this 
union up a few notches.

   Along the way, I've made some new friends, and some 
new enemies.

   And you know something, I'm proud of both 
accomplishments.

   But this union needed a new beginning, and a new 
vision for the future.

   We needed to fix our finances, and we did.

   We needed to strengthen our organizing, and we did.

   We needed to restructure and reinvigorate the 
international, and we did.

   We needed to automate and computerize, and we did.

   We needed to boost our political clout, and we did.

   We needed to be proactive and set a positive agenda 
for the 21st century, and we did.

   Four years ago, the 21st century still seemed far 
away.

   But now it's about six months away.

UNION PREPARED FOR 21ST CENTURY

   My goal has always been to prepare the UTU to be 
North America's number one rail and transportation union 
in the 21st century, and we have done that.

   The UTU must be a union that represents 21st century 
rail and transportation workers using leading edge 
techniques.

   We cannot be held captive to 19th century thinking 
that seeks to preserve the past at the expense of your 
jobs and your family's future.

   We care about preserving all of your jobs and crafts, 
not solely preserving a single craft.

   That's why we will press on with our mission to unify 
all train and engine service employees under the UTU 
umbrella, and we will not stop until we win.

   That's why we will continue to expand our organizing 
efforts at bus operations, regional airlines and 
shortlines!

   That's why we plan to increase our political presence 
across the U.S. in preparation for the presidential 
elections in 2000.

   And that's why we cannot stop the momentum that has 
resulted in so many positive results for our union.

   As I stand before you today, I am proud to report 
that the UTU is prepared to tackle the challenges of the 
21st century. Our "New Beginning" has firmly taken root.

   The UTU will begin the 21st century as North 
America's leading transportation union.

   Our finances are strong and stable.

   Our membership is growing.

   The UTUIA is at all-time highs.

   We are Y2K ready.

   And we are ready to take on the BLE in representation 
elections on the Union Pacific and across the U.S.

THE BLE WILL NOT STAND

   The UTU is not a house divided. We will stand, the 
BLE will not.

   We are a union of brothers and sisters of many crafts 
who look out for each other and do what is right. We do 
not sell out our brothers and sisters to put a few more 
dollars in our back pockets by taking away another 
person's job.

   Just ask those conductors on VIA Rail in Canada or 
the Montana Rail Link or the Soo Line about what the BLE 
did to their jobs.

   I am proud to report that every International 
officer, except one, stands with us.

   I am proud to report that every International 
officer, except one, has poured their hearts and souls 
into protecting your job and future in the rail 
industry.

   I am proud to report that every International 
officer, except one, is working with your best interests 
at heart.

   Eugene Debs' vision is within sight. The promise of 
unification will finally give operating employees the 
power of one to take on the mega-railroads.

   Our accomplishments have taken the hard work of many 
fine people.

   At the head of that list is Byron Boyd. Nobody works 
as hard as he does and covers as many miles as he does 
each year representing your interests.

    Byron is the best assistant president I can ever 
remember in UTU history. We share the same vision and 
principles. And, more importantly, we share the same 
passion to make a difference.

   We vowed not to sit on our hands.

   We said we would not suffer fools.

   We said we wanted to make history, not become a part 
of history, and that is what we are doing.

   We also know that we need a strong team at the 
International and in other leadership positions. People 
like Dan Johnson, Paul Thompson, Bob Earley, Larry 
Davis, Mike Futhey, Al Smith, Bruce Wigent, Kim 
Thompson, Pete Patsouras, Rick Marceau, Guy Scarrow, and 
John Armstrong.

   In the Bus Department, people like Bernie McNelis and 
Percy Palmer.

   In the Yardmasters Department, old pros like Don 
Carver.

   The UTU is also blessed with outstanding legislative 
leaders, like Larry Foster, Jim Stem, Jack Shaver, Joe 
Szabo, Bill Thompson, Ray Lineweber, Tom Dwyer, Sam 
Arrington, Larry Foster, Don Dunlevy, Dave Brickey, Pat 
Hendricks, and many others.

   Then there's Tim Secord in Canada. Everybody who 
knows Tim Secord knows he has his own unique way to get 
results. 

   Now, you're probably asking yourself, "What about 
Brokenrail?"

   As you probably know, both Brokenrail and I are 
Texans. Now, you have to be pretty tough to be a 
unionist in Texas, and pretty darn street smart.

   Brokenrail's instinct, knowledge and "street smarts" 
about Washington and politics is of vital importance to 
Byron and me, and to everyone in this union. It is a 
major reason for our political success. It's a major 
reason why about 98% of UTU endorsed candidates won 
their races in the last elections.

TPEL IS NUMBER ONE
   In fact, TPEL is the number one transportation 
political action committee in the U.S. and has helped 
put us at par with the carriers in Washington.

   Brokenrail knows how we made real history at the 
National Wage and Rules Panel with our landmark 
announcement this spring to eliminate serious work/rest 
issues.

   Brokenrail and the other true leaders in this union 
know that the wage and rules panel is our best hope for 
the best deal we can get on our major issues.

   First of all, the wage and rules panel, contrary to 
what a few misinformed politicians may think, is where 
we can get real results, like we did on work/rest 
issues.

   We have implemented many pilot projects to test 
different solutions at many different places. They are 
just that, pilot projects.

   Rest assured that there will be no implementation of 
any agreements without the ratification procedures in 
our Constitution being followed to the letter.

   The UTU is driving the agenda at the wage and rules 
panel. Now that the BLE has dropped out of unification, 
we believe we will be able to accomplish even more.

   We are working to end the entry-rate pay and dual 
basis of pay for post-1985 members.

   We intend to make sure that the most productive rail 
workers in the world are paid accordingly.

   Finally, after decades of declining railroad 
employment, thousands of new operating employees are 
being hired.

   We have been successful in organizing Renzenberger 
van drivers in California and in other places.

   We are on the upswing again.

   Since 1997, Byron and I have attended 17 general 
committee meetings and answered every question asked. 
Over the course of this administration, we have had 
question-and-answer "shoot-outs" in Chicago, Memphis, 
Seattle,  North Platte, Des Moines, Cheyenne, Denver, 
Houston, Kansas City, Nashville, Jacksonville, Toronto, 
Vancouver, Victoria, New Orleans, Los Angeles, 
Roseville, Massillon, Ohio, and three in Cleveland.

   The drumbeat we are hearing is to continue going down 
the same track.

   From every corner of the union, we are being told to 
take on the BLE for the last and final time.

   From every corner of the union, we are hearing that 
our work in getting CSX and UP to enact new disciplinary 
programs are right on track.

   We are hearing that MEMBERSHIP I is making a big 
impact wherever it goes and is worth every cent.

   We are hearing that members are looking forward to 
more healthcare choices when BlueCross BlueShield comes 
on line January 1.

   I have said that we would like to get the national 
freight-handling contract finished as quickly as 
possible.

   I believe we can do that now that the BLE will no 
longer slow us down.

   You must understand this: I do not believe in being 
confrontational with the carriers, unless they offer no 
other alternative.

   I believe in beating them with facts and figures, and 
good, hard negotiating.

   I believe in seeking common ground where we can agree 
on issues that are good for you and good for your 
employers.

   We are very fortunate this time. The economy is 
booming and railroads need tens of thousands of new 
workers to compete.

   They need us more than at any other time in the last 
30 years. They need us because if the Conrail carve-up 
fails, and right now there are many trouble spots, the 
railroad industry will be re-regulated to death by 
Congress.

   As I said, there already are problems popping up with 
this merger. Let me assure you, we are watching CSX and 
Norfolk Southern very carefully.

   We know what's going on in Elkhart and Cleveland. We 
know what's happening in Toledo and Harrisburg and 
Chicago. We know what's happening in Buffalo and other 
places. We have been to this party before.

UTU WILL NOT TOLERATE ANOTHER UP
   We have told Norfolk Southern in particular to fix 
their problems. We have told them that we will not 
tolerate another UP situation for very long.

   They know it can be a long, hot summer if they don't 
get their act together.

   They also know the news media is watching. They know 
they don't have much time to turn things around.

   The Union Pacific learned how much they needed the 
UTU to climb out of its service crisis. We-you-saved 
that railroad.

   The carriers know that they need our expertise to 
keep pace with truckers and other forms of 
transportation.

   The carriers know they need professional union 
operating employees to compete in the 21st century.

   They know they need the "new" UTU.

   Now, Norfolk Southern and CSX need the UTU-and you-
more than ever. Once again, it will be UTU members who 
will save their hides.

   But what we are doing is protecting our jobs, and 
making the case once again that UTU members are the best 
union rail employees in North America.

   That is why the time is now for the UTU!

   The 21st century will be our time to carry forward 
the torch of proactive unionism.

   By the end of this year, we will be in heavy 
negotiations on a new national contract.

   By the end of this century we will have beaten the 
BLE on the UP, and probably other railroads.

   As the 21st century begins, we will be the undisputed 
rail and transportation union in North America dedicated 
to representing our members with true grit and 
determination.

   Tim Smith and the members of Local 1391 in Lorain, 
Ohio, know about grit and determination. They also know 
what the UTU did to help them in their fight to keep the 
104-year-old Lake Terminal Railroad operating at the 
steel mill. Ask them what we did to help them.

   Ask Ken Filipiak in Chicago what the UTU did to get 
him his job back at the Chicago Belt when he was fired 
for witnessing a fatal accident and not saying what the 
railroad wanted him to say.

   As long as I stand here as your president, I will 
fight for the Ken Filipiaks. 

   I will fight for the small locals, like Local 1391 in 
Lorain.

   I will fight other unions who want to steal your 
jobs.

DOING WHAT IS RIGHT

   And I will fight the carriers, at the negotiating 
table and in Washington, to do what is right for you.

   I am not concerned about saving my skin, unlike some 
other rail union presidents.

   I am not concerned about making friends and being 
liked by the carriers, or other union leaders.

   I have only one concern, and that is to give you 
everything this union can.

   So you make a good living.

   Have a good life.

   Raise your families in security. And feel pride in 
who you are and what at you do at your job.

   Thank you and God bless you.

SENIOR NEWS

--RC&D's Kelley makes it happen .................##V

   Retiree Paul R. Kelley, of Local 199, Creston, Iowa, 
will tell you there's life after 43 years of 
railroading, and it's a great time for "Making Things 
Happen."

   The 68-year-old Kelley last April was elected 
president of the seven-state North Central Resource, 
Conservation and Development Association (RC& D), an 
organization that uses the above quote as its motto.

   The RC&D program, with a $70-million budget, is 
administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as 
one of the few federal grassroots-driven programs where 
local people decide what issues are important and what 
projects will be adopted.

   "We're working on a dam for a nearby community facing 
a water supply problem," said Kelley. "We're also trying 
to set up Hispanics and other minorities in farming 
ventures to grow crops you usually can't get in Iowa. 
We're collecting pollen for pharmaceutical companies 
that make anti-allergy medicines, and we're looking at 
creating a domestic hazelnut industry. That's never been 
tried here and may be a failure, but someone has to be 
the cutting edge. We set it up, and if it works, we turn 
it over to someone and let them make a living."

   While Kelley is president of the RC&D Iowa League and 
a member of the national RC&D board of directors, he's 
also the devoted husband of a woman who gave him three 
boys, all now working for BNSF.

   Brother Kelley began rail work with the Chicago, 
Burlington & Quincy as a brakeman and member of BRT 
Lodge 99 at a time when work was hard to find and lay-
offs frequent. "Every time I got laid off, I'd head back 
to Iowa State, where I studied horticulture, botany and 
forestry. I was offered management positions with the 
railroad and banks, but learned you couldn't work those 
jobs wearing overalls!"

   The greatest lesson he's learned, Kelley said, "is 
the importance of getting involved. We can learn a lot 
from our association with other human beings, and it's 
about the most important thing in life."


--Lawmakers still seek Social Security reform ......##W

   Democrats and Republicans on a key House committee 
recently agreed with Clinton Administration officials to 
continue searching for a compromise Social Security 
rescue plan as wrangling continued in the Senate over 
what to do with budget surpluses.

   Events affecting Social Security generally affect the 
Tier I portion of Railroad Retirement benefits.

   House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) late last month 
emerged from a closed-door meeting with 25 members of 
the Ways and Means Committee to tell the press that the 
bipartisan session was a signal that Social Security 
reform is still possible this year.

   Among those participating in the session was Social 
Security Commissioner Kenneth Apfel, a sign observers 
interpret as promising.

   Rep. Bill Archer (R-Tex.), Ways and Means chairman, 
said both sides agreed to "expend every effort" to 
achieve reform of the pension system, which faces 
insolvency by 2034. Several rank-and-file lawmakers 
echoed the positive nature of the session, but some 
cautioned that tough decisions lie ahead.

   Meanwhile, Senate Democrats recently blocked a bill 
Republicans said would protect Social Security 
surpluses. The measure would require support of 60 of 
the 100 senators to approve using Social Security funds 
for tax cuts or increased spending.

   Democrats began their delay tactics after Republicans 
refused to let them offer an amendment that would set 
aside over the next 15 years $698 billion in surpluses 
that don't come from Social Security to revamp Medicare.

   The controversial amendment would reduce the money 
available for a tax cut sought by Republicans. "Given 
the choice between Medicare and tax cuts, or just tax 
cuts, our Republican colleagues are choosing just tax 
cuts every time," said Senate Minority Leader Tom 
Daschle (D-S.D.).



--LVRR, 712th TROB, PRR veterans to reunite .....##X

   As summer begins in earnest, plans are coming 
together for reunions of veterans of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad (LVRR), the 712th Transportation Railway 
Operating Battalion (TROB), and Indiana-area retirees 
from the Pennsylvania Railroad.

   The 17th Annual LVRR Reunion and Dinner will be held 
September 18, according to Eugene K. Schuler of Local 
498, Allentown, Pa. The event, open to all crafts, will 
be held at the Plainfield Township Fire Hall, RD #1, Pen 
Argyl, Pa., on Rt. 115 in Northampton County. Doors open 
at 11 a.m., with dinner served at 1 p.m.

   Schuler noted that former UTU LVRR General 
Chairperson Jim Reilly, longtime chairperson of the 
reunion committee, was recently hospitalized, but is 
recuperating and looking forward to the event. In 
addition, Schuler and his wife Eleanor were recently 
inducted in the Pennsylvania Voters Hall of Fame at a 
special ceremony honoring those who participated in 50 
or more consecutive general elections.

   For information, contact Schuler by writing to 1359 
N. VanBuren St., Allentown, PA 18103, or by calling 
(610) 432-0631.

   Later that month, former members of the 712th TROB 
(including World War II and Korean War veterans) will be 
reuniting at the Executive Inn Riverfront in Paducah, 
Ky., September 23-26.

   For more information and to make plans to attend, 
contact Charles W. Sewell, 223 Cumberland Rd., 
Gilbertsville, KY 42044, or call (270) 362-8211.

   Meanwhile, Retiree Program member R.L. Brown of Local 
1518, Indianapolis, Ind., said the 19th Annual 
Pennsylvania Railroad Reunion , hosted in Columbus, 
Ind., will be held Tuesday, July 13, and that meetings 
of the PRR veterans are always held on the second 
Tuesday of each month.

   Brown said the event, to be held in the Columbus, 
Ind., Holiday Inn, draws about 100 participants and will 
run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact 
Brown at (812) 376-8273, or write to him at 3170 
Flintwood Dr., Columbus, IN 47203.


--T.F. Moore, Jr., D.D. Lewis pass away ............##Y

   Thomas F. Moore, Sr., retired former UTU Board of 
Appeals Secretary and former Switchmen's Union of North 
America (SUNA) general chairperson on the Southern 
Pacific (SP) Western Lines, passed away after a long 
illness, just 15 days shy of his 83rd birthday, on June 
8 in Tucson, Ariz.

   Brother Moore hired on with the SP as a switchman in 
1937. As a charter member of SUNA Desert Lodge #60 (now 
UTU Local 1800), he held every local office. He was 
elected to SUNA's first GCA on the SP Western Lines, 
serving three terms as General Secretary, and was 
elected to the SUNA Board of Directors in 1953, holding 
that position until unification, when he began serving 
on the UTU Board of Appeals until his retirement in 1979.

   Daniel D. Lewis, retired Chesapeake and Ohio (North) 
general chairperson, died as the result of a heart 
attack on June 5 at the age of 66.

   Brother Lewis began his career as a switchman in 1956 
on the Chesapeake & Ohio. He  was elected local 
chairperson in 1978, secretary of his general committee 
of adjustment in 1979, and vice chairperson in 1983. In 
1985, he became general chairperson, a position he held 
until his retirement in December 1996.


--The Final Call ................................##Z

   Following are the names of members of the UTU Retiree 
Program who have died recently, according to reports 
received at the UTU International Headquarters. These 
brothers and sisters will be sorely missed by their many 
friends and by fellow UTU Retiree Program members.

LOCAL      NAME                            CITY

0006   Haniford, T.M.                 Cocoa, FL
0095   Harmon, D.E.                  Delmar, NY
0300   Leonard, John T.        Jacksonville, FL
0322   Paape, Winfred A.          Green Bay, WI
0432   Rodgers, John W.           Palestine, IL
0440   Stingley, Raymond L.       Jamestown, OH
0453   Laws, Carl J.                Clinton, IL
0602   Courogen, Michael C.         Sunbury, PA
0602   McMullen, Cecil C.         Sodus Pt., NY
0656   Smart, Delphard E.            Bryant, AR
0653   Seidel, Gordon T.        Blue Island, IL
0860   McClelland, Roger D.      Gallipolis, OH
0931   Herndon, John H.              Grover, NC
1074   Cole, James B.           New Stanton, PA
1376   Batt, Charles T.           Johnstown, OH
1458   Myers, Martin              Schriever, LA
1469   Smith, Cecil E.              Whiting, KS
1538   Wallace, Dean E.       Sun Cty. Ctr., FL
1634   Slyker, Glenn E.               Huron, OH


FELA UPDATE

--Who can you turn to? ............................##AA

   All of us are aware of how dangerous railroading can 
be.

   How many of our wives, husbands or children know what 
to do in the event of injury?

   Do your dependents have a telephone number to call to 
get advice in the event of your death?

   It's not a question which is easily asked.

   Unfortunately, it is a necessary one.

   Most railroaders don't know how to handle these 
tragedies. Almost none of their dependents do, either.

   Unfortunately, railroad representatives have been 
known to take advantage of these families because they 
are grief stricken and without knowledge of their 
rights.

   This is one of the most important reasons that the 
UTU has appointed Designated Legal Counsel, in order to 
give advice under the most stressful circumstances.

   You owe it to your family and to your loved ones to 
sit down with them and to explain what can happen to 
you, and who they can turn to and trust in the event 
they need help.

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

NOTICES

--UTU Canada boasts new website ................##BB

   UTU Canada has completed its Internet website. 
Previously, the UTU Canada site was a separate page off 
the UTU International's website (www.utu.org). You can 
access the page at <http://www.utu-canada.com>.


--Health care providers out of the loop ...........##CC

   Effective May 31, 1999, Medical Associates of North 
Georgia, in Canton, Ga., will no longer be participating 
in the Atlanta, Ga., PPO, Managed Choice or Elect Choice 
networks, Aetna US Healthcare has announced. Also, 
Bayonne Hospital in Bayonne, N.J., has been terminated 
from the network.

--Monthly apparel winner announced .............##DD

   This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item 
of apparel bearing the UTU logo is William F. Jones of 
Stone Mountain, Ga.

   Brother Jones is a member of Local 1033 in Atlanta, 
Ga., which represents workers employed by CSX/ L& N.

   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 Jones!

--Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield slated ...........##EE

   Ask people if they want more choice in taking charge 
of their family's healthcare, and the answer is a 
resounding, "YES." For the first time in more than 30 
years, many railroad workers will be getting a new 
healthcare choice.

   The new United Transportation Union Health & Welfare 
Plan for UTU covered employees on the major railroads of 
NS, CSX, Conrail, BNSF, UP and KCS will give them a 
major new healthcare choice-Regence 
BlueCross/BlueShield.

   Open enrollment for the new UTU Plan will give about 
43,000 members working under UTU contracts the option of 
signing up with a new healthcare plan, Regence Blue 
Cross/Blue Shield. If members want to change, then they 
must return an open enrollment form by October 1.

   So, now it's your choice -- finally. If you like your 
current healthcare plan-United Healthcare/Aetna-then you 
do not need to return your open enrollment form. But if 
you would like to change to Blue Cross/Blue Shield, then 
you must return your form.

   If you are a member of a Hospital Association, your 
dependents can be in BlueCross/BlueShield. It's time to 
think about your family's healthcare future, so watch 
for the open enrollment form coming next month. 
Eventually, the goal is for all UTU-covered employees to 
be eligible for the plan.

--UTUIA offers ULTIMATE PAR Policy .............##FF

   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.