September 1999 - UTU News

UTU NEWS

Volume 31 September 1999 Number 9

UTU NEWS
ONLINE EDITION

SEPTEMBER 1999

----------- PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY -----------

A Service of the United Transportation Union
Public Relations Department

Charles L. Little
International President

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Paul C. Thompson
International General Secretary & Treasurer

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Editorial Offices:

UTU NEWS
14600 Detroit Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250

UTU@compuserve.com

http://www.utu.org

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IN THIS EDITION

Little, Boyd win re-election .................##A

BLE war chest readied by UTU ...................##B

Gore endorsed for president ..................##C

Dubroski wins BLE recall .......................##D

National Mediation Board Update ..............##E

UP conductor killed in accident ................##F

Amtrak reviews security after stabbing .......##G

Members send unsafe-crossing reports ...........##H

Members eligible for BLE 401(k) Plan .........##I

Daughter spearheads bone-marrow drive ..........##J

Court rules on two-person crew law ...........##K

AROUND THE UTU

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

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE

PBS aims camera at Member's occupation .......##M

STATE WATCH

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

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT

"Regional Meetings a huge success" ...........##O
Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

Bus department launches organizing campaigns ...##P

YARDMASTER REPORT

"UP agreement results due soon" ..............##Q
Editorial by Don R. Carver
Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS

Tale of Two Unions .............................##R

Gore for President ...........................##S

"Work has just begun" ..........................##T
Editorial by Charles L. Little
UTU International President

"I believe in the UTU. I believe in you" .....##U
Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
UTU Assistant President

"I promise not to let you down" ................##V
Editorial by Paul C. Thompson
UTU General Secretary and Treasurer

"Railroads need to learn people skills" ......##W
Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
UTU National Legislative Director

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

SENIOR NEWS

Government accounts aimed at paper checks ....##Y

Uniform sparks ongoing hobby ...................##Z

Healthcare industry still facing Y2K bug ....##AA

Seniors enlisted as fraud-busters .............##BB

The Final Call ..............................##CC

TPEL HONOR ROLL

Contributors' growing support recognized.......##DD

NOTICES

Roster of UTU International officers ........##EE

Monthly apparel winner announced ..............##FF

UTU employees graduate LOMA .................##GG

Photo coverage of 8th UTU Convention ..........##HH

UTUIA offers IRAs, flexibility ..............##II

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IN THIS EDITION

--Little, Boyd win re-election .................##A

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- By an overwhelming landslide, Charles L. Little was re-elected International President of the United Transportation Union on August 23 at the 8th Quadrennial UTU Convention at the Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel.

Rejoining the 63-year-old Little is Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., 53, who was re-elected by acclamation.

Paul C. Thompson was elected by acclamation to his first term as General Secretary and Treasurer. Roger D. Griffeth resigned his position as General Secretary and Treasurer, effective September 1.

More than 2,500 persons, including 654 delegates from the United States and Canada, attended the convention. The total attendance at the three Regional Meetings and Convention was more than 5,500 persons.

Little received 83% of the vote with 536 out of 645 total votes. His opponent, Griffeth, had 17% with 109 votes. There were eight votes that were declared invalid.

"I want to thank the delegates and all UTU members who have elected me to serve another four-year term," said Little. "This is a resounding endorsement of our efforts to reinvigorate the UTU and unite the historic rail operating crafts under one union. Now, it's on to winning our case at the National Mediation Board, and then winning a representation vote on the Union Pacific Railroad."

Said Boyd: "I am honored that the delegates have re- elected Charlie Little and me to lead the UTU over the next four years. The UTU has never been more unified behind its leaders and in its mission to unify the historic rail operating crafts. The delegates at this convention have sent a loud and clear message to the BLE that we have the will and the passion to win."

ELECTED BY ACCLAMATION Also re-elected by acclamation were National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer and Canadian Legislative Director Tim Secord.

James A. Stem was elected Alternate National Legislative Director, and Dennis Tennant was elected Alternate Canadian Legislative Director.

NEW COMMUTER VP The union's delegates voted to create a new vice president position for rail commuter service to serve its expanding rail commuter membership, whose numbers now total more than 10,000 individuals.

To represent commuter service members, the delegates elected as vice president Tony Iannone, secretary of Amtrak General Committee GO-769 for conductors and yardmen. Mike Canino was elected Alternate Vice President - Commuter Rail Service.

OFFICERS RETIRE Four veteran International officers announced their retirements. Retiring are Vice Presidents Al Smith, Larry Davis, and Robert Earley. Also retiring is Ed Carney, a member of the Board of Appeals.

VICE PRESIDENTS ELECTED The delegates elected five new vice presidents and re-elected nine incumbents.

Re-elected are International Vice Presidents Dan E. Johnson, Pete Patsouras, Kim Thompson, Bernie McNelis (Bus), Bruce Wigent, Rick Marceau, Mike Futhey, and Canadian Vice Presidents J.W. Armstrong and Guy Scarrow.

Newly elected Vice Presidents are Carl Vahldick, David Hakey, Roy Boling, Patrick Drennan and Tony Iannone.

OTHER OFFICERS ELECTED Elected Assistant to the President - Yardmasters was Don Carver. Elected to serve alongside Carver as Alternate Assistant President - Yardmasters was Jerry Martin.

Elected to the positions of First Alternate Vice Presidents were Steve Thompson (East), Artie Martin (West), and J. L. Batton (South).

Elected Alternate Vice Presidents were Robert Sharpe (Canada), Percy Palmer (Bus, West), Carolyn Scarsella (Bus, East), and Mike Canino (Commuter Rail).

Elected to the positions of Second Alternate Vice Presidents were D. J. Schuler (East), John Babler (West), and John Hancock (South).

MORE OFFICER ELECTIONS Elected to the U.S. Board of Appeals were W.J. Shelton, J.E. Fitzgerald, G.D. Welch, Dirk Sampson, and J.T. Harford.

Elected to the Board of Appeals-Canada were B.L. McLafferty, B. M. Gleason and E. F. Seagris.

Persons elected to the Executive Board are J.A. Houston, J.J. Risch, S.T. Dawson, Karen L. Belcher, and C.M. Good. Joseph A. Boda, Jr., was elected to the office of Alternate to the Executive Board.

CONSTITUTION CHANGES In addition to authorizing a new commuter rail vice president and a dues increase, the delegates also:

-- Amended Article 23, Line 15, so that members of the UTU Board of Directors "will vote on all decisions and actions taken by the Board and will not be allowed to abstain from the voting, except as stated herein above concerning his/her actions or decisions. The Annual Report shall show how each member of the Board of Directors voted on all appeals brought pursuant to Article 75 II immediately following the decision."

-- Reaffirmed that the official languages of the UTU in Canada are English and French."

-- Amended Article 22 concerning the Board of Trustees to state that "The International President, General Secretary and Treasurer, and the Senior Canadian Vice President shall comprise the members of the Board of Trustees. The International President shall serve as Chairperson; the Senior Canadian Vice President shall serve as Vice Chairperson and the General Secretary and Treasurer shall serve as Secretary."

--BLE war chest readied by UTU ...................##B

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- The delegates attending the 8th Quadrennial UTU Convention here voted to raise funds for local education and training -- and to raise a special "war chest" to take on the BLE in representation elections on North America's railroads.

International President Charles L. Little urged the delegates to send a strong message to the BLE by voting in favor of a $5 dues increase. The measure passed by a two-thirds vote after Little's speech and a spirited debate. The UTU's International dues are still 20% less than those of the BLE.

Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., both pledged that there would not be another dues increase during the next four years. Three dollars will be used in the BLE representation campaign, $1 will be used for new education-and-training programs at the local level, and $1 will go to the convention fund, which is the first time since 1969 that funds are being raised for this purpose.

In his speech to the delegates, Little stressed UTU unity and commitment to representing all historical operating crafts.

"Brothers and Sisters, on Monday you sent the strongest message possible to the BLE by re-electing Byron and me, and electing Paul Thompson in landslide numbers," Little said. "Now, I ask you to complete that message by voting for this dues increase so we can beat the BLE on the Union Pacific and every other railroad in North America."

Little told the delegates that "I would not ask for this dues increase unless we absolutely needed it. Well, we need it, and let me tell you why. Our union is financially strong and stable, and I intend to keep it that way. To do that we need to make sure our funds are not depleted during our fight to the finish with the BLE. We need to build a special war chest that we can use after we win the representation vote on the Union Pacific for votes on other carriers."

Little continued: "The BLE only has about $12 million today, and their worst fear is that we will raise more money at this convention to beat them. I say let the BLE's worst fears be realized. I can assure you that by voting for this dues increase, the BLE will hear how loudly the UTU's money talks."

Little also pointed out that the UTU may have to battle some carriers when representation elections are held which would like no union whatsoever.

"There's one more very important thing you need to know," Little said. "Don't just think that we will be fighting the BLE in a representation election. We will probably be fighting some of the railroads who see this as an opportunity to get rid of both the UTU and BLE. They could spend millions in an anti-union campaign to make sure union members don't vote and don't have representation.

"We need to get 50% of the vote -- plus one -- in every representation vote on every carrier or there will be no union. That's the law as set forth by the National Mediation Board."

When asked if the UTU would re-enter "friendly" merger talks with the BLE, Little said, "As far as a friendly merger with the BLE, who the hell over there can you trust?"

Little said that if the National Mediation Board (NMB) action is not successful that the UTU intends to begin an "A" card campaign.

"If we are not successful at the NMB," Little said, "we will take on the BLE on the Union Pacific Railroad anyway. We have more engineers on the UP than they do. That's going to be our first target. After that we'll do a few carriers at a time."

--Gore endorsed for president ..................##C

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Vice President Al Gore endorsed the Railroad Retirement System and the possibility of early retirement in a congratulatory letter sent to UTU President Charles L. Little here.

Gore's pledge to support the Railroad Retirement Board earned him the UTU's endorsement for President. The Vice President told 2,500 UTU members and friends that he "believed in the UTU" at the July Washington, D.C., Regional Meeting. The UTU was the first major union to endorse Bill Clinton in his White House bids in 1992 and 1996.

"I want to thank the Vice President for his kind words of congratulations," said Little. "I'm even more pleased that he has come out in full support of our sacred Railroad Retirement System. He also would like this system to be able to provide for an earlier retirement age."

Little continued, "Al Gore has now shown that he supports our retirement system in the strongest possible way, and we will support him in his quest to be our next President. We, and all honest railroad and transportation workers, stand four-square behind him."

In his letter to Little, Gore said:

"Congratulations on your recent election as President of United Transportation Union (UTU). I am sure the confidence your union's members have shown in your leadership will be fully rewarded.

"I have enjoyed working with your members and UTU's leadership as Vice President on issues that concern all working men and women. I look forwarding to continuing to do so in the future.

"I know that the future of the Railroad Retirement Board is of particular concern to your retirees and future pensioners. I agree with the congressional study that demonstrated that the Board continues to provide the most effective and efficient supervision of the interests of pensioners in the railroad retirement program.

"As we move forward, I hope the day will come when the Railroad Retirement Trust Fund will have sufficient funds to be able to provide even earlier pensions for your members.

"I look forward to your support in the campaign in the coming months. We have built a positive and warm relationship that I hope will continue for many years."

--Dubroski wins BLE recall .......................##D

Clarence Monin is out and Ed Dubroski is in as president of the BLE, by the narrowest of margins.

But the BLE's first successful recall election in its 136-year history shows a union that is clearly split down the middle. Now another recall election may be in the works, according to well-placed BLE sources.

Only about half of the BLE's active members voted in the recall election against Monin, and that half was nearly split down the middle. Only 6,937 BLE members, or 50.03%, favored removal of Monin, according to the BLE.

First Vice President Ed Dubroski's margin of victory over Monin was only 37 votes out of 13,737 valid ballots cast, according to the Journal of Commerce.

The BLE had publicly predicted that more than 25,000 members would vote in the most important election in its history. However, according to BLE sources, because only half of the active members voted, and because nearly half of that half backed Monin, a recall election against Dubroski and GS&T Russell W. Bennett is being planned.

--National Mediation Board Update ..............##E

As this issue of the UTU NEWS reached deadline, the National Mediation Board had not yet ruled on the UTU's petition seeking a representation election on the Union Pacific Railroad.

To stay on top of the latest news, check the UTU's website at <www.utu.org> where the latest developments will be posted.

--UP conductor killed in accident ................##F

ANDERSON, Cal. -- Union Pacific conductor Jack W. Sparkman, Jr., 57, a member of Local 694 at Dunsmuir, Calif., died Wednesday, June 23, 1999, in Redding, Calif., after a train accident.

A 35-year employee, Sparkman was crushed between two railroad cars as they were being moved off the main line in Redding, according to reports.

Sparkman's train crew was switching two groups of cars from a train on the mainline into a cement plant when the accident occurred. He was pinned between the two groups. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the accident.

Born July 22, 1941, in Sacramento, Sparkman was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Destiny Fellowship in Redding.

--Amtrak reviews security after stabbing .......##G

Amtrak says it will review its security in the wake of stabbings aboard its Lake Shore Limited train last month that left three people injured, two of them critically.

Conductor Michael Dwyer (UTU Local 168), 52, at presstime remains in critical condition at a Cleveland- area hospital with a head wound. The other conductor, Sean Wilcox, 26, of Merrillville, Ind., was treated and released.

--Members send unsafe-crossing reports ...........##H

The UTU, with the help and guidance of its members across the United States, is compiling a list of unsafe rail grade crossings which will be turned over to federal and state officials.

The union recently distributed an unsafe grade crossing report form to local officers. While reports of unsafe grade crossings should be sent or faxed to the UTU International, members also are strongly encouraged to immediately report unsafe grade crossings to their employers, their local legislative representatives, and their state legislative directors.

--Members eligible for BLE 401(k) Plan .........##I

CLEVELAND -- UTU members working in engine service on former Conrail properties are eligible to participate in the BLE 401(k) Savings Plan, and if they are told anything else they should immediately contact the union.

BLE membership is not required of employees in engine service who wish to participate in the BLE 401(k) Savings Plan on former Conrail properties. However, the UTU International continues to receive reports that some BLE officials on those properties are touting the "BLE Plan" as a savings vehicle for BLE members only.

UTU Local 982 Chairperson David Murphy reports that UTU members are being told, "You have to belong to the BLE to participate."

That's simply not true, said UTU Designated Legal Counsel Gerald B. Chattman, managing partner in the Cleveland law firm of Chattman, Gaines and Stern.

Chattman filed suit against the BLE and Conrail last year in U.S. District Court in Ohio on behalf of UTU members employed in engine service who were excluded from participating in the program.

"This was discrimination, and we said either put us in, or give us a new plan," Chattman said.

The case was settled prior to reaching the courtroom and the UTU was made a party to the settlement.

"Members of the UTU working in engine service at former Conrail properties are eligible to participate in the BLE Plan, and if they are told anything to the contrary, they should call the UTU to investigate the matter," he said.

Paragraph three of the settlement reads: "The parties agree that all locomotive engineers employed by Consolidated Rail Corporation ("Conrail")...shall be eligible to participate in the BLE 401(k) Savings Plan ("the BLE Plan"), beginning with plan year 1998, without regard to whether they are members of the BLE."

Unlike the Conrail 401(k) Plan, the BLE Plan called for Conrail to match pre-tax contributions to the savings plan, up to 2%, in the form of company stock, to the extent allowed by law.

Approximately 450 UTU members on Conrail who were employed in engine service prior to December 31, 1998, and had participated in the Conrail Plan were allowed to transfer funds being held in their account with the Conrail Plan to the BLE Plan, upon written request.

UTU members now working on CSX or Norfolk Southern who receive promotion to engine service are also eligible to participate in the BLE Plan.

"We need to spread the word so that newly hired and promoted engine service members understand that we fought for and succeeded in the right to have them included in this program," said Murphy.

Murphy said that at big terminals, like in Selkirk, N.Y., the BLE is apparently using the savings plan as a recruitment tool to convince train service personnel being promoted to engine service to join the BLE. "They're also telling this erroneous information to new transportation employees," he said.

UTU members employed in engine service on either CSX or NS who would like to participate in the BLE Plan should contact Merrill Lynch and request an enrollment kit for the BLE 401(k) Plan. The telephone number is 1- 800-229-9040.

An automated voice system will then request a social security or account number, but if one is not entered, the caller will be connected with an operator who can assist him or her. Members may also contact their local chairperson for more information.

--Daughter spearheads bone-marrow drive ..........##J

Despite suffering a potentially fatal blood disease, 15-year-old Randie Cockman is determined to help others while she works to help herself.

The daughter of CSX conductor Mitchell L. Cockman of UTU Local 1011, Hamlet, N.C., Randie is afflicted with Fanconi anemia. While there is no cure, a bone marrow transplant would grant her more time.

Because none of Randie's family members has a matching marrow type, they approached the Community Marrow Donor Program, which keeps a registry of volunteers willing to donate bone marrow. Unfortunately, no match was found. Randie has decided to dedicate her efforts to raising money for the Community Marrow Donor Program and finding volunteers to fill out the registry.

Each potential bone marrow donor must be tested and typed, a procedure that carries a $70 laboratory fee that many volunteers can't afford.

Through the Randie Cockman Marrow Drive, money will be raised to defray these costs, and potential donors will be enlisted for addition to the registry. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60, in good general health and not excessively overweight, can become a potential marrow donor. Eligible volunteers simply need to sign a consent form and give a small amount of blood.

Those who wish to help Randie can write a check to "Community Marrow Donor Program" and send it to: Community Marrow Donor Program, Attention Donor Services, 1201 Hylan Ave., Hamlet, NC 28345. Please note "Randie Cockman Marrow Drive" on the check. For more information, call Mitchell L. Cockman at (910) 582-3281.

--Court rules on two-person crew law ...........##K

CHICAGO -- The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld requirements of the State of Wisconsin's two- person rail crew law for over-the-road freight operations, but not for hostling and helper operations.

The court held that the state's two-person crew law requirements are not valid with regard to hostling and helper operations because those are preempted by federal regulations issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that address related blue-flag protections.

"The court said the state cannot adopt a regulation where the federal government has already covered the subject matter," said UTU Designated Legal Counsel Lawrence M. Mann.

"You can still negotiate to ensure a two-person crew is involved in hostling and helper operations," Mann said, "but this ruling means that such requirements cannot be included as part of a state law."

"I think the decision regarding hostlers and helpers in this court is wrong," Mann said, "but we want another court to challenge this provision."

Mann said UTU members should know that if they seek similar legislation in other states, it should not include anything but a requirement for a two-person crew aboard a locomotive.

Wisconsin's law was crafted, in part, in reaction to the Wisconsin Central's plan to use one-person crews and remote-control operations. Concerned over safety on the WC, and not willing to wait for disaster, UTU State Legislative Director Thomas P. Dwyer II worked with State Representative John Dobyns, who introduced the two-person crew measure. It was adopted in December 1997.

UTU International President Charles L. Little has urged all state legislative directors to work for the adoption of similar legislation.

AROUND THE UTU --News from around the U.S. and Canada ...........##L

LOCAL 4, CHARNY, PQ On July 5, the Canadian National Railway ran its 1,000th train between St. Romuald (Quebec) and Riviere- des-Prairies (Montreal), according to Treasurer LOUIS- FRAN‚OIS GARCEAU, who noted the local has had four conductors working the run since it was created in November 1996. "It's an employee realization, and CN- Ultramar have enjoyed a good partnership since," Garceau said.

LOCAL 64, HURON, S.D. Train and engine service employees on the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (DM&E) are celebrating 10 years of UTU representation with three picnics this month sponsored by Designated Legal Counsel HUNEG, STONE, KOENIG, LENEAVE & KVAS. On September 10, a picnic will be held in Rapid City, S.D. The following day, picnics will be staged in Huron, S.D., and Waseca, Minn., according to General Chairperson PHIL CRAIG. For information, contact South Dakota State Legislative Director RICK DAVIDS at (605) 662-7933, or Craig at (507) 388-5568, who noted that DM&E officials told 50 workers a decade ago that organizing would mean a loss of jobs and lower wages. Three contracts have been ratified since that time, bringing the current 125 workers closer to a Class I contract.

LOCAL 349, KANSAS CITY, MO. Attending the recent UTU Convention in Miami Beach, Fla., in his capacity as a Delegate, Local Chairperson and Legislative Representative AL NOWLIN and his wife PHYLLIS also enjoyed an opportunity to conduct an in- depth interview with retired former UTU President AL CHESSER, who's the subject of a book the Nowlins are writing.

LOCAL 898, BOSTON, MASS. Members are mourning the death of Amtrak conductor JAMES G. GRIFFIN, who recently succumbed to liver cancer. Griffin was one of about nine Amtrak employees who was to benefit from funds raised in the second annual BILLY FLAHERTY North Side vs. South Side Railroaders Hockey Game, according to E.B. RADOVICH of Local 1462, Boston, Mass.

LOCAL 982, ROCHESTER, N.Y. After the Regional Meeting in Washington, D.C., officers inaugurated a TPEL membership drive at their monthly meeting that garnered more than $1,000 in additional contributions, according to Legislative Representative DAVE MURPHY. Representing employees on the Rochester & Southern as well as those in train and engine service on CSX's Northern District at Rochester and Syracuse, the local is the largest TPEL contributor in the state, a fact recognized by State Legislative Director SAM NASCA in a letter of commendation to Local President GEORGE GRIMSHAW.

LOCAL 1421, FRANKLIN PARK, ILL. Proud of the people he represents, newly elected International Vice President P.D. DRENNAN noted after the installation of officers at the UTU Convention that every member of his local is at least a TPEL Gold Club member ($100 or more per year), and that a plaque was awarded at one of the Regional Meetings recognizing the unit as the top-contributing local. In fact, the local has been among the top-ten contributors since at least 1995.

LOCAL 1565, W. HOLLYWOOD, CAL. Bus operator MARK HOLLAND, an employee of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was recently declared the best driver to maneuver through the obstacle course at the 1999 Bus Roadeo, sponsored by the American Public Transit Association and held July 24 at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, Cal. The win was a repeat performance for Holland, who aced the same competition four years ago. Besides winning a stainless steel watch, Holland will progress to the championships in Orlando, Fla., to be held October 8.

LOCAL 1582, ALBANY, N.Y. New contracts have been ratified by maintenance members at Adirondack Transit Lines in Albany, N.Y., and by the ticket and baggage members at the Port Authority in New York City. The three-year pacts provide health- care savings, increases in wages, pensions and tool allowances, and safety bonuses. Chairpersons EDWARD ROSA and JAMES KERNER, along with Vice Chairperson RUSS GAILLARD, working with a mediator and assisted by International Vice President BERNIE MCNELIS, at times faced five company attorneys during negotiations for the four local units, but made no concessions.

LOCAL 1709, PONTIAC, MICH. The unit of Women/Wives Against the Railroad (WARR) associated with the local, known as FAM-RAIL, is making informational packets available to those interested in organizing their own WARR chapter. For information, contact MARLENE HAINES at (248) 693-2281 or KAY PLANCK at (248) 627-3253, or send e-mail to < planktrain@ameritech.net>. Meanwhile, the group reported a healthy turnout at its recent picnic, including a number of retirees.

LOCAL 1715, CHARLOTTE, N.C. Transit Management of Charlotte, Inc., soon may be inaugurating new service, and Chairperson LEROY ELLERBE and his committee, with assistance from International Vice President BERNIE MCNELIS, Alternate National Legislative Director JIM STEM and the UTU Legal Department, are working to ensure new transit work is performed by members of the local.

LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, BC The website shared with Local 1923, Prince George, B.C., has been updated to include the latest issue of the local's newsletter, The Meeting Point, according to Local 1778 Secretary and Treasurer DAVID MOORHOUSE, as well as new information on fatigue, a new logo, a new engine cab committee report, some local history, information on Brother CLYDE MULHALL's retirement party, and more. Access the page at <http:// www.ultranet.ca/utu/>.

LOCAL 1908, BUFFALO, N.Y. Contract negotiations for Laidlaw school bus drivers were continuing at UTU News presstime, according to Local Chairperson CAROL SCARSELLA. Meanwhile, mechanics there are also voting on a new three-year pact that calls for a 10% wage increase, and a new contract for maintenance workers will likely be considered by members this month.

GO-875 (LACMTA) General Chairperson JAMES WILLIAMS and his committee, representing workers on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), are facing issues related to the formation and addition of new transit zones. Despite the clear-cut language in their agreement, Williams and the committee continue to fend off the agency's attempts to avoid its contractual obligations.

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE --PBS aims camera at Member's occupation .......##M

"This will be my first time on television," said ROBERT L. LUJAN of Local 1607 in Los Angeles, Cal., "but I'm the star of the show everyday. When you operate a bus in Los Angeles, you're in show business, whether you want to be or not."

Lujan, who works for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, recently was chosen to be filmed on the job for an upcoming Public Broadcasting System (PBS) series entitled "Livelyhood."

The segment with Lujan's contributions, "Carpool to Nirvana," deals with finding the ideal workplace and searching for the best commute. Set to air on PBS in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. on October 15, Lujan noted different regions may show it at different times and dates.

Focusing on the interaction between Lujan and his passengers and how the public feels about "the stranger who has their life in their hands," Lujan said the interviewers were intrigued by a number of other items.

"They were flabbergasted at the length of our work day. Due to split shifts, it's common to start work at 4 a.m. and still be working at 7 p.m.," said Lujan. "They had no idea of the physical dangers bus operators face dealing with the public, and the health threat posed by long-term exposure to diesel fuel. And they were amazed at the diversity of the workforce, the length of service some of our people have, and how commitment to the job can affect families."

Lujan, who started as an operator in 1982, serves his local as treasurer, legislative representative and a convention delegate, but didn't get involved in union activities until about 1990. "It started to get important," he explained. "The older you get, the more important these things are."

STATE WATCH --News from UTU State Legislative Boards .........##N

ARIZONA State Legislative Director SCOTT OLSON reports that complaints by UTU members against carrier officials here for rules and testing violations are at an all-time high.

So far this year, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe have been found guilty of numerous violations by the Federal Railroad Administration and the Arizona Corporation Commission and fines will be levied.

In one case, Olson said, a UP official had instructed a yard foreman to call his engineer and tell him to come back to a join without giving him the distance. This was a violation of testing rules because the official knowingly caused a rules violation by the yard foreman because the distance was not relayed.

In another incident, BNSF officials were cited for a dark signal test violation when a train operating at maximum speed went by a dark signal that was supposed to be set to yellow. A stopped train was on the tracks just beyond the next dark signal. Luckily, the trainmaster in charge called the locomotive and told him to stop.

"This was very nearly a rear-end collision due to the officer's abuse of testing procedures. Thanks need to go out to Local 113 Chairperson BUTCH YOUNG for getting this information to me so quickly," Olson said.

Olson is asking all UTU members to report any problems with signals to his office as soon as possible. Be sure to include the time, date, names of witnesses, and any communications with the dispatcher's office. He can be e-mailed at stolson@aol.com, or called at (602) 370-4961.

TEXAS An amended version of House Bill 2922, which makes changes to a law regarding the obstruction of a street, railroad crossing or public highway by a train as a misdemeanor punishable by fine, was passed into law and took effect on Sept. 1, 1999.

According to Legislative Director SAM ARRINGTON, the amended version states that train crews will not be issued a citation, nor will they ever have to sign for one. The citation will be directed to the carrier, and train crews will be relieved from having to show their drivers' licenses.

As amended, the law also extends the time a crossing can be legally blocked from five minutes to ten.

As originally filed, the bill would "bury us deeper between the old rock and a hard place," said Arrington.

He added, "In no way does this bill relieve train crews from their responsibility to cut a crossing, but it will put the blame where it belongs."

Arrington said that copies of the law will be forwarded to each legislative representative and noted that crews should keep a copy handy to show law enforcement officials how the new law reads.

Arrington praised the work of Assistant Director CONNIE ENGLISH and stressed the importance of having an informed legislative team on the job "all day, every day."

VIRGINIA Because of swift and thoughtful action by UTU members, CSX Transportation has issued a safety bulletin to all employees concerning the proper use of battery- operated lanterns.

Recently, Local Chairperson JIMMY CHAPMAN (854) notified Assistant Legislative Director MARGARET FIALA about a fire that appeared to have been caused by rechargeable lantern batteries. An investigation found that it was not the first fire resulting from similar circumstances.

Fiala notified Legislative Director RICHARD JESKEY, who in turn contacted James T. Schultz, a CSXT vice president and chief of safety. Schultz requested that Chapman send the lantern to the company's Jacksonville office for analysis.

Testing showed that when the posts of the batteries made contact with metal, a fire could develop. The company then issued the bulletin regarding the proper use of the lanterns and batteries.

"Because of Sister Fiala's and Brother Chapman's prompt actions in this matter, disastrous consequences for CSXT and their employees may have been averted," Jeskey said.

WISCONSIN Local 312 Chairperson TIMOTHY DENEEN, assistant legislative director of the Wisconsin Legislative Board, has been invited by U.S. Representative PAUL RYAN (Dist. 1) to serve as a member of the congressman's Labor Advisory Board.

The purpose of the board is to provide input and feedback on federal legislation and policy matters that have an impact on labor.

"Your participation on the Board will ensure I obtain input that will allow me to effectively represent everyone I was elected to serve. Our communication will allow me to work for you in Congress to the best of my ability," Ryan wrote in a letter to Deneen.

Deneen was one of the key players in the passage of Wisconsin's two-person train crew law.

"I know our members in Wisconsin are proud of all the work Tim Deneen does on their behalf. I congratulate Brother Deneen on this appointment," said International President CHARLES L. LITTLE.

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT --"Regional Meetings a huge success" ...........##O Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

This year's Regional Meetings were once again a huge success. Almost all the locals from the Bus Department had at least one representative in attendance. All of the Regional Meetings were well attended by bus members, with the most bus members at the Los Angeles meeting. The locals with the most bus members attending were from our Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA) locals: 1563, 1564, 1565, 1607 and 1608.

LACMTA General Chairperson James Williams, his committee and volunteers, as hosts of the meeting, did an excellent job in providing guest speakers, offering support and helping International staff members.

North County Transit District General Chairperson Karen Belcher was the presenter for our workshop on bus accident investigations. The workshop was well received by those in attendance and, by most accounts, provided much needed information to help our officers and members. Chairperson Belcher did an excellent job in preparing and presenting the program.

Laidlaw Transit General Chairperson Jim Harford was a presenter in the "Organizing for Change" workshop in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and Organizing Representative J. David Lyall made the presentation at the St. Louis meeting.

For next year's Regional Meetings we are considering having workshops on accident investigation, arbitration, third party and/or product liability lawsuits for bus members, preparing for cross examination of a company witness in grievance procedure and workers' compensation. Your suggestions are welcome as well. I ask our locals to prepare to send as many representatives from their local as possible to next year's Regional Meetings. They are well worth attending.

--Bus department launches organizing campaigns ...##P

Building on the momentum gained from its recent organizing victories on van service properties in California and Kansas, the UTU's Bus Department has launched several new campaigns on properties throughout the states of Texas and Louisiana.

The efforts in those states seek to unionize van service employees on Renzenberger, Cimmaron, and other properties.

"We are seeking to unionize these employees at their request. They contacted the UTU after hearing about our victories on Renzenberger in California and elsewhere," said Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis. "These efforts will benefit not only the van company employees, but the rail crews they transport," he added.

In other news, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has upheld the representation election won in April by UTU for 23 part-time bus drivers employed by O.N.E. Bus, a division of New Jersey Transit.

O.N.E. Bus management had immediately sought to have the election overturned on grounds that pension-plan materials for the company's full-time drivers, which were posted near the polling station, had unfairly influenced the voters.

NLRB Acting Regional Director J. Michael Lightner, in May, recommended that the NLRB in Washington uphold the election, and the board decided in the UTU's favor.

Full-time drivers at O.N.E. Bus are represented by UTU Local 759 in Newark, N.J.

McNelis said that as long as the company does not appeal the decision to the courts, the drivers there will begin preparing contract proposals.

The UTU has also filed a petition with the NLRB to hold a representation election for part-time bus drivers at Evergreen Trails in Seattle, Wash.

An NLRB hearing was held August 17, 1999, said UTU Local 324 Chairperson Brian Donald, and post-hearing briefs have been filed. A decision is expected by mid- September.

UTU Local 324 at Seattle represents the full-time drivers at Evergreen.

McNelis commended the efforts of Dan Bentley, Rodney Overgoard, John Bamman, Jason Milovich and Donald for their success in obtaining authorization cards from a majority of Evergreen's part-time drivers.

YARDMASTER REPORT --"UP agreement results due soon" ..............##Q Editorial by Don R. Carver Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

The agreement in principle reached with the Union Pacific was expanded to a full contract in Chicago, Ill., in early August.

Copies of the proposed agreement and ratification ballot have been circulated to the membership for approval. Ratification ballots were scheduled to be counted by the council August 31, 1999, in Houston, Tex.

Section 6 notices may be served on or after November 1, 1999, for the next round of contract negotiations. Proposals submitted by the membership through their locals and general committees will be discussed and considered, along with proposals from International officers during the District 1 General Chairpersons' meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21, 1999. Based on actions taken by the general chairpersons, our national Section 6 notice will be drafted and served.

The dispute with Amtrak on C-2 protection will soon be resolved. The organizations and Amtrak will have submitted their final briefs by UTU News press time. We will then await the final decision. With resolution of this dispute, mediation of a yardmaster contract will resume.

Yardmaster positions are being established at various points across the Norfolk Southern system in accordance with provisions of the new guaranteed extra board agreement. These positions will give some of our yardmasters much-needed relief. A critical shortage of yardmasters exists not only on the NS but also on most carriers across the country. Negotiations with the Norfolk Southern for a yardmaster training agreement are underway.

The FRA has been asked to investigate instances where yardmasters have been forced to remain on duty in excess of 16 consecutive hours. Safety of the employees we supervise is our first priority. We are of the opinion that safety is compromised by the actions of carrier officials in these instances.

EDITORIALS

--Tale of Two Unions .............................##R

One union just finished the summer by re-electing its International President by an overwhelming landslide. The other union finished the summer by kicking out its International President in a divisive recall election - and faces the possibility of another recall election in the near future.

One union ended the summer stronger and more united than ever before as it re-elected most of its top officers by landslides or acclamation. The other union is split down the middle, with half not caring enough to vote in the most important election in its history, and the half that voted split down the middle.

Which union would you want to represent you? The union that ended the summer strong and united with a Blueprint for the 21st Century and $43 million in the bank? Or the union that is self-destructing from within, with only about $12 million in the bank and no plan for the future?

To us, and to more people every day, there is only one choice: UTU. We are the rail and transportation union of the 21st Century. Of that there is no doubt.

--Gore for President ...........................##S

At the Washington, D.C., Regional Meeting, Al Gore said he "believed in the UTU."

Now, the UTU is saying it believes in Al Gore by endorsing him for President.

Gore earned our endorsement through his 25-year relationship with the UTU, and because he has formally come out in favor of protecting and preserving the Railroad Retirement Board and our current system.

The President-to-be even told UTU President Charlie Little that he hoped the day would come when the Railroad Retirement System would have enough money so rail workers could take earlier retirement.

While other unions talk about political action, we get the results that matter to you.

Now, to get the results we need, all of us must do what we can to get Al Gore elected President of the United States.

--"Work has just begun" ..........................##T Editorial by Charles L. Little UTU International President

Brothers and Sisters, our work has just begun. I am honored and humbled that the delegates to our 8th Quadrennial Convention re-elected me your International President.

But now the election is behind us, and it's time to get moving with our plans for the future. Your delegates elected a proven and effective leadership team, and added some outstanding new blood to the ranks of International officers.

What was especially gratifying was that the delegates did not shy away from making the right decisions, if sometimes those decisions were tough. By having the courage to vote by a two-thirds majority for a $5 dues increase - really just 16 cents a day - they guaranteed that the UTU would remain financially strong, be able to invest in education and training at the local level, and have the funds to win the representation war with the BLE. Even with the dues increase, UTU International dues are still 20% less than those of the BLE.

Make no mistake about it: Your delegates did the right thing, and sent the right message to the BLE. For that they are to be commended. You have my word that there will be no other dues increase during the next four years.

The delegates also made a very wise decision by creating a vice president position for rail commuter service, the fastest-growing segment of our membership. The UTU has more than 10,000 rail commuter members, and new Vice President Tony Iannone is passionate about offering them the finest representation.

So, too, are the other newly elected International officers. In addition to Iannone, four new vice presidents were elected: Carl Vahldick, David Hakey, Roy Boling and Patrick Drennan. They will help fill the void created by the retirements of legendary Vice Presidents Al Smith, Larry Davis and Bob Earley. Our best wishes go with our three brothers, and also Ed Carney, who is retiring from the Board of Appeals.

The elections by acclamation of Assistant President Byron Boyd and GS&T Paul Thompson are especially gratifying. Both are highly capable brothers whose integrity and expertise are virtually unmatched in our business.

We had more than 2,500 people at our Quadrennial Convention, and another 3,000 attended our three regional meetings. The total of 5,500 UTU members and friends shows me the true spirit that's alive and well in our great union. I heard Vice President Pete Patsouras say this was the best convention in 25 years, and I heard others echo that feeling. Still others said they had never been prouder of the UTU.

All I can tell you is that I will do my very best for you. I know that I ended the summer better and stronger than I started it. And I think the UTU did, too.

If we have sent a message to the BLE, it's that the UTU is coming as a united organization, and we are coming at full throttle with a plate full of resources.

--"I believe in the UTU. I believe in you" .....##U Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr. UTU Assistant President

Four years ago, Charlie Little asked me to join him in guiding the UTU in a new direction.

You honored me then by unanimously electing me Assistant President, and you honored me again by returning me to office in Miami Beach by acclamation.

Thank you, friends. I promise to keep the faith with you.

I admire Charlie Little for his tenacity, his vision of the future, but most of all for his great personal integrity. His re-election is a proud moment in this union's history.

Former Presidents Al Chesser and Tom DuBose said in Miami Beach that President Little has assembled the finest leadership team in rail labor history.

Al said that it better damn well be because we're just about to enter a new century.

It is gratifying that the UTU is acknowledged by top national and international leaders as the number-one union in the transportation field in North America.

These are history-making times, and times like these mean the UTU needs seasoned and effective leadership.

I have been in the rail industry for 34 years, and for 30 of those years I have been a union officer.

I have worked in train and engine service and am an engineer from the Union Pacific Railroad.

I have been a local secretary, vice local chairperson, local chairperson, vice general chairperson, general chairperson, International vice president, and assistant president.

I'm proud to say I have never -- never -- done anything that would damage the reputation of this union.

Let me tell you a few things I believe in:

I believe in the UTU.

I believe in you.

I believe in being responsible to the membership.

I believe in being positive about our union and its future.

I believe in building this union up.

I believe that you want to keep the UTU moving forward. I believe that you want to hear more national leaders, like Al Gore and Dick Gephardt, say that they believe in the UTU.

I believe you want us to bring together all of the operating crafts under one union.

I believe you want us to continue expanding our education and training programs at the local level and at our Regional Meetings.

You elected Charlie Little and me four years ago to make a difference, and I believe we have made a difference.

You elected us on August 23 to continue on with that mission, and we will.

We are a union that writes history. We wrote history again in Miami Beach. We are a union standing on the edge of the 21st Century ready to take strong steps to assure our -- and your -- future.

We have re-established the strength and vitality of the UTU, and we will build on that sturdy foundation.

There is no other transportation union that commands the respect of national leaders that the UTU does.

We have the track record of success. We have a proven and effective leadership team. We have a bold new plan in our Blueprint for the 21st Century.

We have the willpower to succeed.

--"I promise not to let you down" ................##V Editorial by Paul C. Thompson UTU General Secretary and Treasurer

Brothers and Sisters, I am honored that your delegates elected me by acclamation to the job of General Secretary and Treasurer of the UTU. I promise not to let you down.

My first task is to restore honesty and integrity to the job that has been blatantly abused in recent months. I have thoroughly reviewed the UTU's finances along with Vice President Larry Davis and the UTU's Executive Director of Finance, Stu Collins. After this review, I am completely confident this union is financially solid and stable, and has nothing to be ashamed of.

I vow to protect the UTU's financial viability. I never have -- and I never will -- do anything that would damage the reputation and integrity of this union for some political purpose.

Now, I want to tell you my plan to restore integrity and honesty to the job of GS&T and to take politics out of it.

-- As GS&T, I will work with the professional International office staff and our professional advisors to make sure the UTU stays in strong and stable financial shape.

-- As GS&T, I will require quarterly meetings of staff and professional advisors to stay on top of our finances.

-- As GS&T, I will report more effectively and regularly to the membership about what is going on with the union's finances with regular reports in the UTU News, on the website, and at Regional Meetings and other forums.

-- As GS&T, I will work cooperatively with the International officers and staff. We are a team that can accomplish more by working together than we can by ourselves.

-- As GS&T, if there are any financial concerns, I will fix them immediately and not wait and try to blame others.

I believe I have the experience and qualifications to become the kind of GS&T this union needs and deserves.

We have great times ahead of us. We have a top-notch leadership team in Charlie Little and Byron Boyd. Brothers and sisters, I am honored to join that team and to serve you for the next four years.

--"Railroads need to learn people skills" ......##W Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer UTU National Legislative Director

In my more than 30 years of experience in the railroad industry, I have met some fairly decent trainmasters and rail foremen of engines.

They are dedicated human beings who recognize that their real job is serving the shipper and making sure that the shippers' needs are met.

They know that, in order to achieve that goal, they need a motivated work force. They work with UTU crews in order to solve problems. They mentor and train rather than harass and intimidate. They attempt to find real solutions to real problems rather than just looking for someone to blame. The last thing that they talk about is charges, investigations and discipline.

We take our hats off to them. There are too few of them.

One of the reasons that railroads cannot attract more people like this is because some railroads treat their front-line officers worse than they treat us. They work them like dogs.

For many of them, having a seven-day-a-week, twelve- hour-a-day job would be a break. The supervisor or manager is calling them at all hours of the day and night, screaming and shouting and making demands.

Even with their pay, retirement plan, stock options and additional benefits, many people that they supervise have better jobs and make more money. It seems that just about the time that they get their families settled in one community, they are uprooted and moved across the system. If their spouse has a job, and many today do, they have to start their career over in a new city with a new employer basically at the bottom.

It is because of these conditions that there are so many former trainmasters and road foremen in the operating ranks. Many of them have made excellent local union officers because they have a true understanding of what upper management is really like.

There is another group who take trainmaster and road foreman jobs and love it. They do it because of their ego. They are insecure human beings who think if you wear a white shirt and tie, drive around in a company car and have a title, people will respect you.

Rather than working with crews, they bark orders, make commands and believe that the only way to motivate people is by discipline and firing. They act like they would rather be charging someone and beginning investigations than having a day off with their families.

These unfortunate and insecure people make our lives miserable. They have not realized that positive motivation gets positive results. These people give orders and never listen. Rather than finding solutions to problems, they look around searching for someone to charge. As long as they can convince upper management that they are not to blame for whatever goes wrong and that one of our members has been charged, then they have covered their tails and everything is okay.

If the railroads were smart they would create front- line supervisor jobs that would attract the best people.

They would provide not only superior pay and benefits but also more time off, just like our members want. If they did this, instead of attracting insecure and dubious candidates, they would attract the best and the brightest.

And the best and the brightest supervisors would achieve the greatest productivity from UTU members, the customers would get the best service, business would grow and the stockholders would be happy.

We would all win, but I guess I am just dreaming. I doubt that the railroads will ever change.

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

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: AS A DELEGATE, DO YOU FEEL THE UTU IS RESPONSIVE TO THE MEMBERSHIP?

"I'm an LACMTA train operator, a third-time delegate, vice local chairperson and treasurer. We're on track to being more responsive, and with Charlie Little in charge, we can keep going in that direction. The bus department needs parity. My local has 1,000 members, but the same vote as a 100-member local. We've again proposed one delegate for every 300 members to give the department more influence. We have 6,000 bus members, but one international vice president. We need to change that." -- THOMAS E. ISAACS, L-1565, LOS ANGELES, CAL.

"Absolutely, I do. From my experience serving as a delegate five times, I'm very comfortable with the procedures and the results they produce. Delegates have an opportunity to keep the UTU on track to do what's necessary to deal with the rail industry and other organizations giving us problems. The members of my local offer their ideas and suggestions on proposals they're familiar with and any position up for election, but I was given blanket privilege to use my judgment on their behalf." -- VAUGHN D. BECKER, L-1, BUFFALO, N.Y.

"No, I feel the various people in the highest offices are not really in touch with the working members out here, and I don't think there's enough power in being a delegate. I first served as a delegate in 1995, and I feel voting for offices should be handled differently because it takes too much time. There's too much politics, and the business is not being addressed. Maybe we need to extend the convention longer than five days, or have the delegates work longer into the night." -- LARRY D. THACKER, L-48, NORFOLK, VA

"I'm a first-time delegate representing Union Pacific enginemen on the former Chicago & North Western. I believe my participation will make a difference, or I wouldn't be here. A former delegate told me what to expect, and at a local meeting, we discussed how I'd vote, so I think our members have confidence their concerns are represented. Charlie Little's approach of being proactive instead of reactive has made quite a difference in our union and in the attitude our members have towards it." -- STEVE STALEY, L-597, CHICAGO, ILL.

SENIOR NEWS

--Government accounts aimed at paper checks ....##Y

Seniors who still receive their Railroad Retirement, Social Security or other federal benefit checks via the mail will be given another incentive to have the money deposited electronically.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, working with several banking institutions, is planning to offer a new, low-cost direct-deposit program for federal payment recipients.

The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 had required those with bank accounts who started receiving federal benefits on or after July 26, 1996, to accept payments electronically. All others were to be required to accept direct deposit beginning Jan. 2, 1999.

Though nearly 70% of benefit recipients were already getting payments electronically, the government subsequently learned that some 10 million recipients do not have bank accounts or would face a hardship in getting to the bank.

Implementation of the law was placed on hold last year in the wake of a public outcry, and direct deposit became strictly voluntary to allow the government time to work out an accommodation.

Under the new program arranged by the Treasury Department, participating banks will be allowed to charge beneficiaries a maximum fee of $3 a month to handle electronic transfers. The fee will allow account holders at least four cash withdrawals and four balance inquiries each month, either from tellers or through automated teller machines.

The accounts will be subject to the same consumer protections that the financial institutions make available to other account holders. No minimum balance will be required, except as required by federal or state law, and account holders will get monthly statements. The individual institutions will decide whether to pay interest on account balances.

In announcing the new program, the Treasury Department did not indicate when it might require all beneficiaries to receive direct deposit of benefits.

The direct-deposit program is aimed at saving the government money in the long run because it would reduce the costs of printing and mailing benefit checks.

Last year, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board said it could save $1.5 million annually if all payments were issued electronically. As a whole, the federal government would save a projected $100 million annually. In addition, government figures indicate some $65 million is lost each year by individuals, businesses and the government as a result of forgery, theft and counterfeiting of paper checks.

--Uniform sparks ongoing hobby ...................##Z

When the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) sponsors a nostalgic steam excursion, UTU Retiree Program member Lloyd Dragoo gets a call.

A member of Local 1503 in Marysville, Kan., Dragoo has what the BNSF and about 30 other current and former railroads need to turn the clock back to yesteryear. The railroads have the track and rolling stock, but Dragoo has the uniforms.

Since 1973, when he went on disability after nearly 30 years with the UP as a switchman, trainman and yardmaster, Dragoo has been collecting railroad items, beginning with passenger uniforms. He now has 52 complete uniforms.

In fact, Dragoo has just about everything related to railroading, but he doesn't buy items, and he won't sell them.

"I really don't look for stuff," Dragoo explained. "I correspond with people, word gets out, and they send me things, or they trade for things. But I won't take old railroad watches. They should stay in the family."

The collection, numbering beyond a thousand individual pieces, includes a telegraph table, conductors' badges, full sets of dining service and linen from a number of carriers, whistle posts, spike hammers, wrenches, lanterns, crossbucks, timetables, and plenty more.

The oldest item may be an 1885 UP timetable, he said, while the newest is probably some Amtrak china. One elusive item he'd like to acquire is a Rock Island conductor's uniform.

Among items he's collected, Dragoo most values a letter of commendation the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (BRT) issued to his father at retirement.

"My dad was president of BRT Lodge #11 in Hastings, Neb., the same lodge I joined when I started switching in 1945," Dragoo said, "and my son, Nile, who works for the UP, is secretary and treasurer of UTU Local 1503 in Marysville."

Early this year, the Hastings Museum in Hastings, Neb., built an entire exhibit from the collection, but Dragoo has no plans for future exhibits. "It's just an ongoing hobby," he said.

--Healthcare industry still facing Y2K bug ....##AA

A government report has raised questions about whether healthcare providers are prepared to meet the problems that might be caused by the Y2K computer bug.

According to a recently released report from the General Accounting Office (GAO), an investigative arm of Congress, testing conducted by Medicare has uncovered numerous billing system failures.

"Testing with providers has been limited and reported results are not encouraging," the GAO said.

In particular, the GAO report was critical of surveys conducted by industry groups, such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Hospital Association (AHA). The AHA surveys were deemed unreliable because of low response rates, as was the AMA survey, which was answered by just 7% of doctors polled.

More than a quarter of healthcare providers (123 out of 434) who participated in Medicare claims tests ran into problems, the GAO said.

Meanwhile, the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion separately cited healthcare among areas of chief concern in its third quarterly report.

Industry leaders continue to insist they will be ready for January 1, when many computers originally programmed to recognize only the last two digits of the year will be unable to differentiate between 1900 and 2000.

--Seniors enlisted as fraud-busters .............##BB

The U.S. government has found an effective weapon in its battle against Medicare fraud, and that weapon is the nation's seniors.

A pilot program asking Medicare beneficiaries to help spot billing irregularities has worked so well that the Department of Health and Human Services has announced grants totaling $7 million that will go to 39 states for the Medicare Senior Patrol Project.

The program will build on the success of the $2- million pilot project begun two years ago in a dozen states. The grants will be used to teach retired accountants, doctors and nurses how to work with Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in their community and help them spot problems with billing or benefits.

In the two years since the project began, Medicare losses to fraud have dropped from $23 billion to $13 billion a year, and fraud convictions have risen by 240%.

--The Final Call ..............................##CC

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 6 Bell, Robert E. Indianapolis, IN 113 Barto, Ronald C. Winslow, AZ 118 Kelly, Raymond H. Oak Hill, WV 283 Smith, N.J. Klamath Falls, OR 626 Wolf, Robert L. McCook, NE 674 Towns Jr., Leslie C. Augusta, GA 781 Geddes, William Lee Shreveport, LA 830 Bowler, Kenneth N. Pottsville, PA 991 Brown, Karl E. Morris, PA 1390 Handl, Frank R. Manahawkin, NJ 1399 Paige, Thomas L. Terre Haute, IN 1629 Johnson, Orris C. Phoenix, AZ 1687 Barnes, Sr., James E. Dona Ana, NM 1713 Armistead, Eugene C. Mesa, AZ 1762 Lewis, Gene E. Otter Lake, MI 1780 Hare, Vincent R. Kansas City, MO

TPEL HONOR ROLL --Contributors' growing support recognized.......##DD

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 two months. 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

DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB ($600 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Tibbit, Paul W. 331 Temple, TX Lewis Jr., Harry C. 597 DesPlaines, IL Frye, Christopher 1462 Boston, MA Justice, John P. 1462 Boston, MA Waite, Garrett 1462 Boston, MA

DIAMOND PLUS CLUB ($400 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Correll Jr,. Jack L. 265 Pocatello, ID Passet, Joseph R. 329 Boone, IA Reedy, Michael J. 329 Boone, IA Iannone, Costantino 838 Philadelphia, PA Cunningham Jr., M.R. 1933 Washington, DC Cumby, James R. 1962 Toledo, OH

DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Garvin, Thomas D. 2 Toledo, OH Larremore, James W. 113 Winslow, AZ Rookard, John R. 324 Seattle, WA Elliott, William D. 338 Chattanooga, TN Elliott, Randal J. 974 Nashville, TN Reed, Barry P. 1053 Selma, AL Hopkins, Douglas A. 1062 Huntington, WV Botts, Thomas H. 1241 Richmond, CA Lawrence, Charles F. 1252 Fresno, CA Bessom, David A. 1581 Bakersfield, CA Russo, Mike A. 1629 Phoenix, AZ

DIAMOND CLUB ($300 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Greene, Roger H. 240 Los Angeles, CA Green, Mark O.L. 329 Boone, IA Bernhardt, Brad J. 418 Sioux City, IA Nordgren, Mark A. 418 Sioux City, IA Rasco, Jan 418 Sioux City, IA Sandman, James H. 418 Sioux City, IA Turner, John J. 418 Sioux City, IA Murphy, David M. 982 Rochester, NY Martz, Dennis G. 1538 Chicago, IL

GOLD CLUB ($100 or more per year) NAME LOCAL CITY/STATE Hamilton, Steven N. 17 Marshalltown, IA Anderson, Lance S. 18 El Paso, TX Jackson, Peter C. 211 Binghamton, NY Bramblett, Dennis L. 219 Hannibal, MO Myhre, Michael J. 228 Cedar Rapids, IA Baker, Stephen P. 234 Bloomington, IL Kennedy, Glen W. 234 Bloomington, IL Kennedy, Phillip D. 234 Bloomington, IL York, Daniel G. 234 Bloomington, IL Mejica, George E. 239 Oakland, CA Briggs, Leonard A. 453 Clinton, IL Smith, Schuyler V.W. 490 Princeton, IN Fossum, Matthew W. 525 Grand Forks, ND Meyer, Jake P. 544 Havre, MT Edmondson, Jeffrey A. 559 Roanoke, VA Pfiffner, Richard J. 582 Stevens Pt., WI Ryan, Michael J. 646 Council Bluffs, IA *Robinson, James H. 683 Detroit, MI *Rader, Carl E. 750 Knoxville, TN Clubine, Michael D. 982 Rochester, NY Page Jr., Bernard B. 1006 Brownsville, PA Dixon, James E. 1053 Selma, AL Farley, Kenneth R.I. 1062 Huntington, WV Pinckney, Rosalind R. 1138 Miami, FL Lilly, Sean M. 1172 Mullens, WV Harris, Richard A. 1258 Elgin, IL Gilghrist, Richard F. 1374 New Castle, PA Mayberry, Cory A. 1383 Gary, IN Tennione, Alfred L. 1383 Gary, IN Keeney, William T. 1389 Russell, KY Yacks, Gary L. 1620 Elkhart, IN Miller, Barry L. 1628 Pittsburgh, PA Preisach, Richard D. 1628 Pittsburgh, PA Dillahunty, Harvey L. 1678 Minden, LA Warren, David J. 1732 San Jose, CA Arrington, Dorothy LA851 Mineola, TX Glenn, Mary 6666 Cleveland, OH

NOTICES

--Roster of UTU International officers ........##EE

Following is the roster of UTU International Officers elected at the 8th Quadrennial Convention in Miami Beach, Fla., August 23-27, 1999. (An asterisk denotes an officer elected for the first time.)

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT Charles L. Little

ASSISTANT PRESIDENT Byron A. Boyd, Jr.

GENERAL SECRETARY AND TREASURER Paul C. Thompson

U.S. NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR James M. Brunkenhoefer

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Timothy S. Secord

VICE PRESIDENTS Peter L. Patsouras Carl M. Vahldick* Patrick D. Drennan* Bruce R. Wigent Roy G. Boling* David L. Hakey* Malcolm B. Futhey, Jr. Rick L. Marceau Bernie J. McNelis W. Guy Scarrow Dan E. Johnson, III Kim N. Thompson John W. Armstrong C. Anthony Iannone*

YARDMASTERS Don R. Carver, Assistant to the President-Yardmasters Jerry D. Martin, Alternate Assistant to the President- Yardmasters

ALTERNATE NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DIRECTORS James A. Stem, Jr., U.S. Dennis Tennant, Canadian

ALTERNATE VICE PRESIDENTS 1st: Steve J. Thompson-East* 2nd: Dennis J. Schuler-East 1st: Artie Martin, III-West 2nd: John W. Babler-West* 1st: Jerry L. Batton-South 2nd: John C. Hancock-South* Robert W. Sharpe-Canada* Percy Palmer-West (Bus) Carolyn D. Scarsella-East (Bus) Michael J. Canino-Commuter Rail

U.S. BOARD OF APPEALS W. James Shelton, Chairperson James E. Fitzgerald, Secretary Glen D. Welch, Member Dirk A. Sampson, Member* James T. Harford, Member

CANADIAN BOARD OF APPEALS Barry L. McLafferty, Chairperson Brian M. Gleason, Secretary* Edwin F. Seagris, Member*

EXECUTIVE BOARD James A. Huston, Chairperson John J. Risch, Secretary Steve T. Dawson* Karen. L. Belcher* Craig .M. Good

ALTERNATE TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD Joe A. Boda, Jr.*

--Monthly apparel winner announced ..............##FF

This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of apparel bearing the UTU logo is Thomas F. Bennett of Denver, Col.

Brother Bennett is a member of Local 202 in Denver, which represents workers employed by the Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads.

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 Bennett!

--UTU employees graduate LOMA .................##GG

A number of employees at the UTU International recently have completed insurance education courses sponsored by the Life Office Management Association (LOMA).

A group of the most recent graduates appear in a photograph included in the traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU NEWS.

Pictured are Jeff Weisbarth, Pat Schmidt, Sam Pierce, Bruce Karl, Helen Townsend, Barb Papp, Jerry Palmer and Barb Tomasch. Pierce and Karl earned the highest, university-level designation of Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI). The others achieved the designation of Associate, Customer Service (ACS), awarded to those who complete a five-course program to meet the service requirements of the life and health insurance industry.

--Photo coverage of 8th UTU Convention ..........##HH

A special, two-page photo feature is included in the traditional print edition of this month's issue of the UTU NEWS.

Highlights include pictures of newly elected officers and candid glimpses of the Delegates.

Members who are not receiving the print edition at home should contact the UTU International by writing to: Mail List, United Transportation Union, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107; call (216) 228-9400 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST; or send e-mail to <UTU@compuserve.com>.

--UTUIA offers IRAs, flexibility ..............##II

UTUIA's Traditional IRA and Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity offer tax-deferred savings, which means tax is not paid on the interest earned until funds are withdrawn.

UTUIA also offers a Roth IRA which provides for the tax-free accumulation of funds once certain requirements are met.

UTUIA is currently crediting 6% interest on each of these products.

Start saving for your future today. Contact your UTUIA representative or call the UTUIA Marketing and Sales Department today toll-free at (800) 558-8842, Ext. 211., for more information on these outstanding tax- deferred and tax-free products.

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UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION

SEPTEMBER 1999

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PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY