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====================================================
                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
====================================================
        -------------------------------------
                       MARCH 2000
        -------------------------------------
====================================================
      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
====================================================

    A Service of the United Transportation Union
            Public Relations Department

                Charles L. Little
             International President
                        ---
                Paul C. Thompson
    International General Secretary & Treasurer
                        

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

The following may be reprinted, or re-posted in 
electronic form, in part or in whole, to any network or 
computer system worldwide, or distributed via disk, 
provided proper credit is included and no alteration of 
text occurs other than for formatting purposes.

NOTE: This text file is best viewed using a 12 pt. 
monospaced (nonproportional) font such as Monaco or 
Courier.

------------------------------------------------------
                      WELCOME TO 
           THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR

   "When the UTU wins the representation election on the 
Union Pacific, and if the world does not end as the BLE 
predicts, can we assume the BLE didn't understand this 
process, or were they misleading us?"

   -- Local 305 Chairperson Pat McFall
------------------------------------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS
--The UTU NEWS On-Line Edition takes advantage of the 
search-and-find features in your word processing 
software or on-line editor. For example, to see what 
Local 305 Chairperson Pat McFall advises locomotive 
engineers ("Consider these points"), have your word 
processing software or on-line editor search for the 
text ##P.

IN THIS EDITION
--UTU forges historic "cramdown" deal ...............##A
--STB sets hearing on rail mergers ...............##B
--BNSF cancels maligned policy ......................##C
--NMB decision near ..............................##D
--Clinton proposes pro-Amtrak budget ................##E

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

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
--Unionists' ideas light way to safety ..............##G

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

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Proposed rule toughens testing" ..................##I
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.
--Negotiations scheduled .........................##J

YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Amtrak yardmasters ratify contract" ..............##K
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS
--Historic cramdown deal .........................##L
--STB hearings on mergers ...........................##M
--"Embrace the future" ...........................##N
   Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
   UTU Assistant President
--"Rail execs could learn from young Mary" ..........##O
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director
--Spotlight: "Consider these points" .............##P
   Letter written by Pat McFall
   to BNSF and other locomotive engineers
   Local Chairperson, UTU Local 305
--Voices: Members share their opinions ..............##Q

POWER OF ONE
--One union protecting your job and family .......##R

SENIOR NEWS
--RRB's Medicare contractor withdraws ...............##S
--Retiree's annual visit boosts TPEL .............##T
--PRR, Navy vets groups plan reunions ...............##U
--The Final Call .................................##V

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

NOTICES
--Insurance change prompts calls .................##X
--Monthly apparel winner announced ..................##Y
--UTU 2000 Regional Meeting information ..........##Z
--Regional Meeting pre-registration forms ..........##AA
--Airlines offer discount fares ..................##BB
--UTUIA offers IRAs, flexible annuities ............##CC

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

IN THIS EDITION

--UTU forges historic "cramdown" deal ...............##A

   CLEVELAND -- The United Transportation Union (UTU), 
North America's largest rail-transportation union, has 
reached an historic agreement with the nation's major 
railroads for legislation that will provide better 
protection for workers affected by merging railroads.

   The UTU and the Class I railroads represented by the 
National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC) have 
agreed to end "cramdown" during railroad mergers. 
"Cramdown" is the practice of railroads overriding or 
modifying collective bargaining agreements in the 
implementation of consolidations, mergers, and 
acquisitions of control under Section 11323 of the 
Interstate Commerce Act.

   The agreement and statute will give the union the 
right to pick which contract applies.

   "This is the real thing and we believe it will act as 
the template for other unions interested in ending 
cramdown," said Charles L. Little, UTU International 
president. "Now unions cannot be beaten out of favorable 
collective bargaining agreements by the railroads using 
the exemption provision in the Interstate Commerce Act."

   The agreement, which other rail unions are studying, 
will be presented to Congress in the form of a statute 
for approval. Until it becomes law, however, the Class I 
carriers belonging to the NCCC have agreed to be bound 
by its terms. Those railroads include Union Pacific, 
Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation, Burlington 
Northern Santa Fe, and Kansas City Southern.

   "We believe that other forward-thinking rail unions 
will sign on," said Little. "This goes way beyond a 
moratorium on cramdown and takes us to the finish line 
in one bold stroke.

   "Where there is more than one collective bargaining 
agreement, the union - not the carrier - will pick which 
contract applies," said Little. "If the union fails to 
select an agreement within the time frame for 
negotiations contained in the New York Dock conditions, 
an arbitrator will pick the agreement most beneficial to 
employees with regard to rates of pay, rules, working 
conditions, and crew consist agreements."

   In regard to seniority, while seniority 
districts/territory boundaries will be subject to 
modification, that modification "shall not, however, 
cause employees who were in service on the effective 
date of the consolidation or coordination to lose their 
seniority date on any territory where they previously 
held seniority and they shall be permitted to exercise 
such seniority.

   "However, employees cannot be forced to a new 
location until they exhaust all seniority at their home 
location," according to the agreement. For the operating 
crafts, the agreement also states: "Provisions relating 
to seniority of all employees involved in the 
consolidation or coordination shall be integrated by 
agreement between the involved carrier(s) and 
organization(s) with disputes resolved by an arbitrator. 
Train service rosters and engine service rosters shall 
not be consolidated with each other."



--STB sets hearing on rail mergers ...............##B

   WASHINGTON -- In the wake of the proposed Canadian 
National (CN) Railway merger with Burlington Northern 
Santa Fe Corp. (BNSF), the Surface Transportation Board 
(STB) is holding an unprecedented four-day public 
hearing beginning March 7 on consolidation of the North 
American railroad industry.

   Never before has any announced railroad merger met 
with so much early opposition. More than 160 witnesses 
have asked to participate in the hearing, including 
other Class I railroads, shippers, and unions. The UTU, 
which is the only rail-transportation union to announce 
its opposition to the merger,  will present testimony.

   Opposition is also mounting in Canada, where UTU 
Canadian Legislative Director Tim Secord has asked that 
hearings be held on the proposed merger. "We have asked 
the Canadian government to actively look at the 
repercussions of the merger and how it will affect our 
members," Secord said.

   The co-chairman of an important Canadian 
parliamentary committee studying the planned CN/BNSF 
merger said that, despite comments by CN's CEO Paul 
Tellier, the deal is not a fait accompli. Winnipeg South 
member of Parliament Reg Alcock said that his committee 
will give the deal a lengthy examination and will 
recommend legislation to block the deal if he sees fit.

   Alcock said he was concerned about recent statements 
Tellier made that suggested the deal was as good as 
approved. Said Alcock, "These rails run under Transport 
[Canada] legislation that's passed by [the House of 
Commons]. That company [CN] acts under a mandate granted 
by this House. To suggest the government of Canada is 
powerless in this is silly."

NO LEGISLATIVE ROADBLOCKS
   Tellier, a former clerk of the Privy Council, the 
highest bureaucratic position in the country, said he 
had assurances from Transport Canada that there would be 
no legislative roadblocks to scuttle the deal. Alcock 
called Mr. Tellier's comments "arrogant" and said they 
reflect the "cozy relationship between CN and the 
department."

   In the U.S., CN and BNSF have asked that the STB 
handle their merger application in 365 days. The two 
railroads filed a petition with the STB proposing the 
365-day schedule for the agency's review. They told the 
board that their application will be filed as soon as 
practicable after March 20.

   In scheduling the March 8 hearing, the STB noted that 
it did not intend to prejudge the as-yet-unfiled BNSF/CN 
merger application, but would provide a forum for 
discussion of broader matters that have arisen since the 
merger was proposed last month.

   Speculation has been rife since the announcement that 
the CN/BNSF deal, if approved, would lead to another 
round of consolidation, ultimately resulting in just two 
North American transcontinental railroad systems.

EXPLORE ALL OPTIONS
   Cong. Bud Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the House 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and 
Cong. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), the committee's ranking 
Democrat, wrote the STB, urging it to "promptly explore 
all options to ensure an early and vigorous debate" on 
whether the "downstream" effects of the proposed BNSF/CN 
transaction are in the public interest.

   The STB said it wanted to hear from all interested 
persons about their concerns over the BNSF/CN deal's 
potential for sparking further consolidation, and about 
the way the industry is regulated. It also invited 
interested parties to address whether these developments 
would be good for large and small railroads and their 
shippers.

   The Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act, 
the law that created the STB, gives the agency 15 months 
to reach a decision from the time the application is 
filed.

   It is also within the STB's rights to extend the 
proposed schedule. Indeed, other railroads and some 
shippers are likely to seek an extended schedule, and 
lawyers who are experts in the field say the agency can 
waive the 15-month requirement.

   The proposed schedule, which is substantially longer 
than the schedules adopted for some recent STB merger 
proceedings, anticipates a full discussion of all issues 
relevant to the BNSF/CN transaction, including its 
cumulative and any potential crossover effects on the 
North American rail industry, the companies said in a 
statement.

MERGER TIMETABLES
   The Interstate Commerce Commission handled the merger 
between Burlington Northern Railroad and Atchison, 
Topeka and Santa Fe Railway - which created BNSF in 1995 
- in seven months, but that came after a four-month 
suspension in processing the application while BN and 
Union Pacific Railroad fought for control of Santa Fe.

   The STB took just eight months to approve UP's 
acquisition of Southern Pacific Rail Corp. in 1995-96.

   The division of Conrail property and operations 
following the joint purchase of the Northeastern rail 
system by Norfolk Southern Corp. and CSX Corp. took the 
STB 13 months, following an additional month while the 
two carriers submitted plans to deal with safety issues.

   Unsure that they can successfully block the BNSF/CN 
combination on its merits, opposing shippers and other 
major railroads have indicated in recent weeks that they 
will seek to delay the proceeding as long as possible.

   While Ottawa currently has no legislation in place 
that allows it to review such rail mergers, sources have 
previously told The Toronto Globe and Mail that 
legislation aimed specifically at the proposed merger of 
CN and BNSF is being contemplated. The Canadian 
Transportation Act is due for its five-year revision 
this summer, and the source said the proposed amendments 
would give the federal government the power to review 
and possibly prevent deals such as the CN/BNSF merger.



--BNSF cancels maligned policy ......................##C

   CLEVELAND -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway 
Company (BNSF) announced in early February that it has 
canceled its Availability Policy.

   BNSF said it has taken this action after more than 
two months of discussions with the United Transportation 
Union and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

   The BNSF is instead implementing a new attendance 
policy.

   "The goal of these guidelines," the carrier said, "is 
to ensure that train, yard and engine-service employees 
work full-time, with reasonable time off."

   BNSF says the new policy is based on input from TY&E 
employees, the UTU and the BLE.

   "Train, yard and engine employees are key members of 
the BNSF community. Each TY&E employee has a 
responsibility to the other members of our community to 
be a full-time employee. Each TY&E employee also has a 
right to reasonable time off," said BNSF's Dave Dealy in 
a message to BNSF supervisors.

   Here is a summary of BNSF's attendance guidelines:

   -- TY&E employees in unassigned service will be 
considered full-time employees if they lay off no more 
than 25% of weekdays and weekend days during a 
continuous three-month period.

   -- Continuous compliance with these guidelines for 12 
months will clear an employee's record of any previous 
attendance issues addressed under these guidelines.

   -- Any time an employee is not marked off, as well as 
time marked off for jury duty, bereavement leave, 
engineer recertification, or layoff union or company 
business, is considered the same as on-duty time.

   -- Vacation, personal leave, layoff on miles, foot of 
board, bump board and any other paid leave is considered 
neither on-duty nor off-duty time.

   -- Supervisors of TY&E employees are empowered to 
consider employees' individual circumstances.

   -- Local union leaders are encouraged to become part 
of the process of applying these guidelines.

   -- Prearranged layoffs are encouraged. Employees may 
request a layoff up to 90 days in advance, and will 
receive a prompt response. BNSF cannot cancel a 
prearranged layoff without the employee's consent.



--NMB decision near ..............................##D

   As this issue of the UTU NEWS goes to press, the 
special three-person panel of labor-relations experts at 
the National Mediation Board is preparing to release its 
decision regarding a representation election on the 
Union Pacific Railroad.

   The decision was expected to be released on March 1. 
As soon as the decision is made public, it will be 
posted on the UTU website at <http://www.utu.org>.

   The UTU is preparing to print a special edition of 
the UTU News which will contain the NMB decision and 
comments from International President Charles L. Little 
on the matter.

   Check the UTU website daily for the latest 
information.



--Clinton proposes pro-Amtrak budget ................##E

   WASHINGTON -- On February 7, President Clinton 
released his fiscal 2001 budget that would fund 
intercity passenger rail programs at the $989-million 
level authorized for Amtrak.

   The request divides this amount between two programs. 
The president's request for Amtrak is $521 million in 
general funds. Separately, there is another $468 million 
for a new "Expanded Intercity Rail Passenger Service 
Fund," to be available for Amtrak and/or states. This 
fund would draw from part of the $3 billion in gas-tax 
revenues the federal government now projects that it 
will collect in 2001 in excess of estimates used in TEA-
21.

   Unfortunately, there is big opposition to the $468 
million in the Senate Environment and Public Works 
Committee and the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, which control use of gasoline 
tax revenues. Many legislators think that excess gas-tax 
revenues, even at the $3-billion level, should all go to 
highway programs, even if passenger rail starves.



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

LOCAL 4, CHARNY, Q.C.
   Secretary and Treasurer Louis-Fran¨ois Garceau, 
legislative representative and secretary of the Quebec 
Legislative Board, recently celebrated 25 years as a UTU 
officer. He first won office as chairperson of Local 
1288 in Senneterre, Q.C., and has held offices since.

LOCAL 23, SANTA CRUZ, CAL.
   Best wishes are extended to J. David Lyall, known 
locally as "Chairman Wow," who took early retirement 
from the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District one 
day after his 51st birthday. One of the local's founding 
activists, Brother Lyall still works on the local's 
website at < 
http://www.cruzio.com/~dlyall/local23.html>.

LOCAL 168, CHICAGO, ILL.
   Secretary and Treasurer L.T. Channing, an Operation 
RedBlock captain, recently completed two days of 
specialized post critical incident stress management 
(PCISM) training with fellow Amtrak conductor Anne 
Sedlack (L-1525, Carbondale, Ill.). "Our local is 
especially sensitive to these issues," Channing said. 
"The incident in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, where two of our 
members were brutally slashed by a knife-wielding 
passenger, had a tremendous effect on the rest of the 
crew."

LOCAL 324, SEATTLE, WASH.
   A tentative agreement for part-time bus operators at 
Evergreen Trails was put out for ratification as this 
edition reached deadline. The agreement places part-time 
operators in the same contract with full-time operators, 
according to Vice President and Bus Department Director 
Bernie McNelis, who noted negotiations will re-open in 
September.

LOCAL 465, GILLETTE, WYO.
   Following the local's regular monthly meeting in 
January, members held a chili feed in honor of Larry 
Timkar, who retired after 42 years of rail service, 
according to Local President Billy Montgomery. Timkar 
began working on the Rock Island Railroad in 1958. Best 
wishes are extended to Timkar and his wife Jo.

LOCAL 770, HEAVENER, OKLA.
   The annual Christmas party raised support for the 
Women's Crisis Services Shelter in Heavener, Okla., 
according to Legislative Representative Tommy Robinson 
and his wife Kim. In 1998, the local collected $250 for 
the shelter, and this year held a drive to donate canned 
foods, turkeys, hams and candy. More than 100 attended 
this year's event, and plans are being made for a family 
picnic.

LOCAL 771, NEEDLES, CAL.
   Brakemen and conductors working a BNSF combination 
extra board are reminded by Douglas R. Gordon, editor of 
their newsletter, Bake Head News, that monthly meetings 
are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 
the Tri-State Alanon Club Bldg., 801 B Street in 
Needles, Cal. Members also can stay abreast of 
developments by accessing the local's website, 
maintained by Glen A. Williams, at 
<http://www.bakehead.com>.

LOCAL 1042, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
   Members are mourning the death of Merrl Moody, a 
long-time UTU member and strong supporter of the union, 
who passed away January 19. Brother Moody, well liked 
and respected, will be missed by all. He is survived by 
his wife Judi and his children.

LOCAL 1413, JERSEY CITY, N.J.
   Members have offered suggestions for a Section 6 
package to be served soon to Port Authority Trans-Hudson 
Corp. (PATH) management, according to General 
Chairperson Raymond E. Arenas. Members recently helped 
win the property its second consecutive Outstanding 
Achievement Award from the American Public Transit 
Association. Meanwhile, plans are coming together for a 
joint New Year's 2001 ball to be held with the 
conductors working on New Jersey Transit.

LOCAL 1462, BOSTON, MASS.
   Members offer their best wishes to conductor Earl L. 
Fiske, who has decided to take a well-deserved 
retirement, said Secretary and Treasurer Dave Bowe. 
Meanwhile, the local is co-sponsoring with Local 262 
(Boston) the Third Annual Billy Flaherty Railroaders' 
Hockey Championship on April 22, pitting Amtrak MBTA 
Commuter employees against Amtrak InterCity workers to 
raise funds for Amtrak employees battling cancer and 
other diseases. This year's game is dedicated to Local 
262's Dave Fowkes and others who recently passed away. 
Those interested in playing or helping out should 
contact E.B. Radovich (L-1462) at (617) 823-4407, or 
Paul Torosian at (508) 528-3965. Donations should be 
made payable to BF HOCKEY and sent to 420 Chestnut St., 
Franklin, MA 02038.

LOCAL 1582, ALBANY, N.Y.
   Custodians, building maintenance personnel and 
operations and parking employees of the AGI group 
overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement last 
month that brings a $1-an-hour wage increase retroactive 
to December 1999 and a similar increase over the next 
two years, as well as pension enhancements, safety 
payments and other improvements.

LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, B.C.
   Members recently ratified a three-year pact along 
with others working under the Council of Trade Unions 
(CTU) banner, said Secretary and Treasurer David 
Moorhouse. The pact, retroactive to December 31, 1997, 
came in the wake of a nine-day lockout that ended 
January 5, 2000, when BC Rail came to terms with the 
CTU, whose Chairperson Robert Sharpe also serves as UTU 
general chairperson and UTU alternate international vice 
president.

LOCAL 1957, SILSBEE, TEX.
   Among the roughly 100 who attended the local's recent 
barbecue, raising more than $400 for the Silsbee Fire 
Department, were General Chairperson Paul Tibbit, 
UTUIA's Lawrence Chappell, Operation Lifesaver's Robert 
Ivey, and Steve Young and Andy Corolla of sponsoring 
Designated Legal Counsel Helm, Fletcher, Bowen and 
Saunders, said Local President Mike McCauley. Details 
about the upcoming educational seminar are available 
from McCauley by calling (409) 755-4601 or by referring 
to the local's website at <http://www.local1957.org>, 
where an article notes BNSF conductor James Holmes, 
featured in these pages last month, was misidentified as 
a UP employee.

GO-049, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.
   Members of the B&O general committee of adjustment 
(GCA) are mourning the death of former Vice General 
Chairperson John S. McGary, who passed away January 25. 
Brother McGary's 30 years of service included 16 as 
chairperson of Local 1374, New Castle, Pa. He also was 
secretary and vice general chairperson of the B&O GCA 
until his retirement in 1985. He is survived by three 
sons.

AUXILIARY OF THE UTU
   Members are mourning the death of Past International 
President Catherine I. Smith, who passed away at age 84 
on January 13. Auxiliary president from 1967 through 
1994, she worked for the organization's goals for many 
years prior to holding office.



MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
--Unionists' ideas light way to safety ..............##G

   A better lantern soon will be available for 
evaluation by rail workers on the Burlington Northern 
Santa Fe (BNSF), according to Bob Pearson, who credits 
development to the input of a group of concerned 
unionists, including members of Local 1177 in Willmar, 
Minn.

   Pearson, the local's legislative representative, 
believes nationwide adoption of the new lantern would 
result in greater safety, and wants the Association of 
American Railroads (AAR) to know a tool is available 
that he believes "is far superior to what we have now."

   Back in 1996, Pearson was signaling an engineer with 
a standard Star Model 292 lantern, which had replaced 
the discontinued Model 222. When asked why he was slow 
in responding to the signals, the engineer explained 
"the lantern had a visibility problem, "Pearson said. 
"You would have to walk backwards for the signals to be 
seen well, a dangerous practice that would violate 
safety rules."

   Approaching a safety team about the problem, Pearson 
was invited to participate in a project already underway 
that was aimed at designing a better lantern.

   "I started offering input at the group's second 
meeting, where Al Herrington of AG Design & Associates 
unveiled drawings for a prototype," said Pearson. "Among 
other innovations, Herrington had designed a carbon 
monoxide detector that's used in rail tunnels. Using our 
suggestions, he designed the new lantern."

   Pearson emphasizes the end product resulted from the 
ideas of numerous individuals from all crafts, including 
the innovative "light collection cage that makes it 
appear you're carrying a ball of fire. That idea came 
from D.H. Jones of Local 564 in Cleburne, Tex.," he 
said.

   "I don't want credit for designing this lantern," 
Pearson said. "All I want is a lantern that works."

   (A photograph appearing in this month's print edition 
of the UTU NEWS shows Bruce A. Klaassen and Bob Pearson 
of Local 1177 in Willmar, Minn., examining one of the 
new lanterns.)



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

ARIZONA
   State Legislative Director Scott Olson reported that 
the following UTU members were elected to the state's 
legislative board at its quadrennial meeting in January: 
Assistant State Director David Shearer (1629), 
Chairperson Steve Coffey (1081), Vice Chairperson 
Charlie Loud (1800) and Secretary and Engine Service 
Officer Mark Marquez (151).

   Guests at the meeting included Vice President Dan 
Johnson, U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, State Attorney General 
Janet Napolitano, State Senate Assistant Minority Whip 
Chris Cummiskey, Arizona AFL-CIO Secretary Chuck 
Huggins, and U.S. Congressional candidates Stuart Starky 
(D) and David Mendoza (D).

   Also present at the meeting was UTU Designated Legal 
Counsel Lloyd Rabb, who presented information on laws 
pertinent to UTU members and the importance of TPEL.

   A legislative manual by the UTU State Directors' 
Association was issued to all in attendance, as was a 
directory of all state office holders.

   Olson gave credit to Loud for his time and effort in 
formulating a guide with information on TPEL, alcohol 
and drug testing, and recommendations for families of 
members injured on the job. Copies of the guide were 
provided to legislative representatives to be 
distributed to members throughout the state.


CALIFORNIA
   California Assistant State Legislative Director Mike 
Anderson and Local 492 Secretary and Treasurer Daryl 
Stinchfield recently met with Art Torres, chairman of 
the California State Democratic Party, during the 
California State Democratic Convention, which was held 
February 11-13 in San Jose, Calif. (A photograph of this 
meeting appears in this month's print edition of the UTU 
NEWS.)

   Approximately 1,650 delegates from around the state 
attended the proceedings, along with Vice President Al 
Gore, former Sen. Bill Bradley, Senators Dianne 
Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and Gov. Gray Davis.

   Anderson and Stinchfield, both delegates, serve as 
chairperson and treasurer, respectively, of the Placer 
County Democratic Central Committee.

   Meanwhile, California State Legislative Director J.P. 
Jones urges members in the Golden State to vote for the 
following candidates on March 7 (incumbents denoted with 
*; no recommendation in districts not listed):

PRESIDENT
Al Gore (D)

U.S. SENATE
Dianne Feinstein (D)*

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Dist.
1    Mike Thompson (D)*
4    Mark A. Norberg (D)
5    Robert Matsui (D)*
6    Lynn Woolsey (D)*
7    George Miller (D)*
8    Nancy Pelosi (D)*
9    Barbara Lee (D)*
10   Ellen Tauscher (D)*
12   Tom Lantos (D)*
13   Fortney "Pete" Stark (D)*
14   Anna Eshoo (D)*
15   Mike Honda (D)
16   Zoe Lofgren (D)*
17   Sam Farr (D)*
18   Gary Condit (D)*
20   Cal Dooley (D)*
22   Lois Capps (D)*
24   Brad Sherman (D)*
26   Howard Berman (D)*
27   Adam Schiff (D)*
29   Henry Waxman (D)*
30   Zavier Becerra (D)*
32   Julian Dixon (D)*
33   Lucille Roybal Allard (D)*
34   Grace Napolitano (D)*
35   Maxine Waters (D)*
37   Juanita McDonald (D)*
42   Joe Baca (D)*
46   Loretta Sanchez (D)*
49   Susan Davis (D)
50   Bob Filner (D)*


IOWA
   On January 17, the Iowa Legislative Board sponsored a 
reception and informational meeting with U.S. Secretary 
of Transportation Rodney E. Slater aboard a special 
coach car at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad in 
Boone, Iowa, reported Director Pat Hendricks.

   The two-hour session was attended by members and 
officers of three Iowa locals, who were provided the 
opportunity to ask questions of Slater and to discuss 
their concerns. They presented Slater with a "UTU and 
Proud" baseball cap and several UTU lapel pins.

   "This was a rare opportunity for our members to meet 
with a member of the cabinet of the President of the 
United States," said Hendricks.

   A photograph appearing in this month's print edition 
of the UTU NEWS shows members of UTU Locals 306, 329 and 
867 greeting U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. 
Slater outside of the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad 
station in Boone, Iowa.


MISSOURI
   The 2000 Missouri Legislative Board reorganization 
meeting was held January 26-27 in Jefferson City, Mo., 
and the following UTU members were elected to office: 
Legislative Director W. Larry Foster (226), Assistant 
Director Curt Jones (5), Chairperson Andrew L. Kinne 
(1403), Vice Chairperson Donald F. Davis (1388), 
Alternate Vice Chairperson Kenneth D. Backes (1216), 
Secretary Steve W. Loucks (947) and Alternate Secretary 
Harold E. Davidson, Jr. (1780).

   A photograph appearing in this month's print edition 
of the UTU NEWS depicts members of the Missouri State 
Legislative Board during a break at the board's 
reorganization meeting.


OHIO
   Newly elected UTU local legislative representatives 
gathered in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 7 for a special 
training seminar presented by the Ohio Legislative 
Board.

   The seminar, which was led by Assistant Director Joe 
Boda, emphasized the need for pro-active representation 
and outlined the manner in which safety violations are 
filed at the federal (FRA), state and local levels.

   "Instructing our legislative representatives on the 
responsibilities charged to their office and the 
importance of handling those responsibilities in a 
timely and efficient manner is not only beneficial to 
them, but to all of the members they represent," said 
State Legislative Director Bill Thompson.

   A photograph appearing in this month's print edition 
of the UTU NEWS includes Dave Myers (601), Tom Gruzinski 
(1661), Lenny Conetsco (27), Robert Smith (1397), Joe 
Boda (693), Glenn Newsom (1549), Joe Turner (440), James 
Tschour (138) and Kenneth Mackey (991).


TENNESSEE
   The state legislative board last month was successful 
in getting the state Senate to pass the UTU-drafted 
"minimum train crew bill," but Director Jerry Anderton 
said the union still faces an uphill battle in the House 
Transportation Committee.

   "The railroads, especially the NS and CSX, are 
opposing this with all means at their power, including 
misrepresentations of our current crew consist agreement 
on CSX," Anderton said.

   Local legislative representatives from around the 
state were bused to the Capitol the day of the vote to 
lobby senators for passage of the measure, Anderton 
added.

   He also thanked state AFL-CIO President Jim Neeley 
for his assistance in getting the bill passed by the 
state's Senate Transportation Committee, which helped 
ensure passage by the full Senate.



BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT

--"Proposed rule toughens testing" ..................##I
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

   As recently reported, the Transportation Department 
issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that attempts to 
screen out poor lab tests and expand the number of drugs 
that could disqualify safety-sensitive employees from 
their jobs.

   The new rules would detect substitute drugs and make 
medical personnel who perform the tests accountable for 
their actions.

   Under the new rules, medical personnel who do not 
perform the substance abuse tests according to federal 
standards would be barred from doing tests in the 
future.

   The new drug-testing rules are aimed at safety-
sensitive workers who try to get around the testing 
rules by using substitute drugs. The new tests also will 
find adulterants, which refer to chemicals similar to 
traditional drugs but with a slightly different 
composition which, as a result, do not show up in 
laboratory tests.

   The Transportation Department's drug and alcohol 
advisor reported recently that the rate of attempts by 
safety-sensitive workers to use substitute drugs has 
increased. According to the Transportation Department, 
both new applicants and employees are doing 
adulteration. Adulteration of a specimen, according to 
federal rules, is the same as a refusal to test and 
subjects the employee to the same consequences as an 
employee who tests positive.

   The United States Department of Transportation and 
the Department of Health and Human Services have 
authorized all laboratories to test for adulteration and 
foreign substances.

   If you need help with a drug or alcohol problem, get 
it. Using adulterants to hide a problem won't work 
anymore, and could cost you your job.



--Negotiations scheduled .........................##J

   Contract negotiations between the UTU and organized 
Renzenberger employees in Kansas and Missouri should 
begin soon. Alternate Bus Vice President Percy Palmer 
was scheduling dates with company representatives as 
this issue of the UTU NEWS went to press.

   Negotiations should also begin shortly for school bus 
drivers and aides at Delco School Bus in Darby, Pa., as 
UTU representatives there are making final adjustments 
to their contract proposals.

   Also, the UTU is seeking to be recognized by 
Milepost, the company which acquired the van-service 
business of the former Renzenberger operation in 
Southern California, reports Bus Vice President Bernie 
McNelis. Should the company fail to recognize the UTU, 
McNelis said the union would take appropriate action to 
secure representation.



YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Amtrak yardmasters ratify contract" ..............##K
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

   Amtrak yardmasters have ratified the proposed 
contract. Part of the new contract is the establishment 
of yardmaster positions at locations where Amtrak has 
opened package-handling facilities. These new positions 
are a direct result of an experimental agreement the 
committee entered into with Amtrak at Toledo, Ohio. The 
experimental agreement proved to be successful for the 
membership and Amtrak. We should never be reluctant to 
seize an opportunity to expand work opportunities for 
our members.

   Norfolk Southern (NS) yardmaster committees are 
negotiating on a system agreement to cover the 
territories under the jurisdiction of former Southern 
Railway and Nickel Plate committees, as well as the 
portions of the former Conrail territory acquired by the 
NS. Southern Railway General Chairperson W.B. Headrick, 
Jr., (GO-346) and Nickel Plate General Chairperson R.J. 
Cooper, (GO-348) held negotiating sessions with the NS 
in Norfolk, Va., February 15-17. Negotiations will be 
continued March 16 and 17. The goal of these 
negotiations is to enhance contractual benefits and 
establish uniform handling of yardmasters system-wide.

   The UTU National Negotiating Committee held sessions 
with the National Carriers' Conference Committee on 
February 23 and 24. Additional negotiating sessions are 
scheduled for March 13-15, 2000.

   We are looking forward to the Regional Meetings this 
year. The International has developed a curriculum of 
educational and informative workshops. Attending one of 
the Regional Meetings should be at the top of your 
priority list this summer. The UTU leads transportation 
labor in training officers and educating its membership. 
Make plans to attend the meeting near you.



EDITORIALS

--Historic cramdown deal .........................##L

   Too often the word "historic" is used when nothing 
"historic" really happens. But in the case of the 
agreement the UTU reached with the National Carriers' 
Conference Committee (NCCC) in mid-February to end 
cramdown in rail mergers, "historic" is the right word.

   What makes this deal special is that it will give the 
union the right to pick which contract applies. That 
means the carrier can no longer choose the contract that 
is better for them but worse for union members. In 
effect, the carriers can no longer "cramdown" the 
throats of UTU members inferior contracts. And if the 
union fails to select an agreement within a certain time 
frame, an impartial arbitrator will pick the agreement 
most beneficial to employees with regard to rates of 
pay, rules, working conditions, and crew consist 
agreements.

   What also makes this deal special is that all of the 
American railroads belonging to the NCCC - Union 
Pacific, BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Kansas City 
Southern - have agreed to be bound by its terms until 
Congress approves a statute to turn this into the law of 
the land. That means we are protected, beginning now.

   Ending cramdown is a major issue for rail labor. 
After an agreement late last year between the 
Association of American Railroads and some unions 
providing for a cramdown moratorium collapsed within a 
day, it became imperative to do something positive to 
solve this impasse. This agreement between the UTU and 
NCCC, which can be adapted to the specific concerns of 
different historical crafts, goes far beyond a 
moratorium and takes us to the finish line. It is our 
hope that it will be a template for other rail unions, 
and will lead to quick action by Congress.



--STB hearings on mergers ...........................##M

   The merger announcement between Canadian National 
Railways and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. has 
spawned an unprecedented hearing before the Surface 
Transportation Board (STB).

   More than 160 witnesses have asked to testify, 
including the UTU, the only union to announce its 
opposition to the merger.

   It's a good move for the STB to take a serious look 
at the consolidation of the North American railroad 
industry and what it means to the future. It's a good 
sign that both the U.S. and Canadian governments are 
taking a good, hard look at this deal and what it means 
to working railroaders and their families.



--"Embrace the future" ...........................##N
   Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
   UTU Assistant President

   It is time to quit talking about what is bad and to 
start focusing on what is good.

   It is time to quit all of the "trash talking" that 
has gone on over the last two years specifically - as 
well as the last 30 years generally - about either the 
UTU or the BLE.

   It is time to stop inciting and to start educating 
about the real issues that threaten our way of life and 
our jobs.

   It is time to talk about the real issues we will be 
facing in the next 30 years.

   It is time that everyone - UTU and BLE - opens their 
minds to what one strong union can do to provide a 
better and more secure future working on your behalf.

   The bottom line is that one union does need to exist 
representing all historical rail operating crafts, as 
well as other transportation workers.

   All of the heated rhetoric is nothing more than red 
herrings that are keeping us from focusing on the real 
issue - the very issue of maintaining our way of life 
working in the transportation industry.

   We are all justifiably proud of the unions, and 
crafts, we belong to. I am proud to be a locomotive 
engineer. We can all proudly say we are members of the 
UTU and BLE, but it is now more important to protect our 
jobs and our families by understanding that we all 
should be represented by one union with the power to 
stand up against the carriers in the 21st Century.

   It is very clear that rail labor cannot continue down 
the same dysfunctional and antiquated path of splintered 
union representation that benefits nobody other than the 
carriers.

   Only by joining together under one union can we avoid 
assisting the railroads in their efforts to whipsaw the 
UTU and BLE into bidding against each other.

   Unifying all historical crafts - locomotive 
engineers, conductors, switchmen, trainmen - under one 
union banner will help maintain a way of life that pays 
well and supports the families of tens of thousands of 
union members who embrace dangerous and gritty work that 
tests the human spirit.

   By unifying, we will help each craft maintain true 
autonomy while protecting each other against the 
encroachment of technology that seeks to replace man 
with microchips and machines.

   What is really at stake is continuing a way of life - 
your life!

   That should be more important than propping up 
organizations whose best days are better left to the 
history books.

   It is time to put aside past animosities and to 
embrace the possibilities of a unified future.

   The more important issue is what the railroads will 
continue to do to two separate operating craft unions in 
the future, and what one union - unified in solidarity - 
can do for all operating craft employees in the 21st 
Century!



--"Rail execs could learn from young Mary" ..........##O
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

To Mr. Railroad CEO:

   As you are aware, there will be a hearing soon on 
major railroad consolidations at the Surface 
Transportation Board. Among the topics will be the 
downstream effect of the Western railroad mergers. I 
would like to offer you some advice for the hearing.

   Conductor Bill Jones has a daughter, Mary, in the 
second grade. Young Mary spent part of last summer 
operating a lemonade stand. Mary learned first-hand 
about competition, marketing, sales, and, most 
importantly, customer service. I would suggest that you 
call young Mary in as a business consultant. There is a 
lot you could learn from her.

   For example, in reviewing the list of proposed 
witnesses for the hearing, it appears that your 
dissatisfied customers will dominate it. Mary would not 
have let that happen.

   The STB has done a good job of trying to protect the 
industry. It recognizes that, even though you have 
problems, we cannot allow those problems to lead to a 
disintegration of the railroads. The STB has worked very 
hard at protecting the industry against re-regulation 
and ill-conceived congressional action. It has deflected 
a great deal of shipper anger but it hasn't been able to 
protect you from yourselves.

   One group that is not on the witness list is the 
American Trucking Association (ATA). You see, they have 
no complaints. While you play the games of trading 
traffic back and forth between yourselves, the members 
of the ATA take your business and keep it. Oh, every 
once in awhile there is an exception. But the rule is, 
while you fight each other, they win and you lose.

   You see, the members of ATA don't have to build the 
highway system, they don't have to maintain that system 
and they don't have to pay taxes on it. Your friendly 
national, state and local governments provide it all. 
And although truckers do pay a pittance of taxes for the 
right to tear up our roads, while polluting much more 
than any car or train, the owners of the automobiles, 
who are trying to keep out of their way, pay for almost 
all of it. Look out the window of your chauffeur-driven 
limo and see your competition buzz by fueled with their 
enormous government subsidy while you sit back and rail 
against government intervention. Your business continues 
to refuse to accept one penny of federal support, while 
your competition comes to Washington every day and 
carries home billions.

   You will never win this game if you continue to wear 
rose-colored glasses and live in an unrealistic world of 
competition. Some would question whether or not your 
ideas of competition with the truckers are drug-induced. 
Hello? All of your competition in this country gets a 
lot of subsidies from the government: the airlines, the 
barge lines, as well as the truck lines. Even Mary lets 
her parents pay for her raw materials.

   Wall Street has been watching you. They don't believe 
that you are going to grow the top line and move into an 
exciting new millennium. They act like you are on the 
verge of the 1970's. You do not impress anyone with your 
efforts to drive your stock up through buybacks and 
cutting your investments in capital expenditures. We 
know your next move; you have done it before. It will be 
to cut everything, including us.

   Don't wait too long to call young Mary. She seems to 
understand a lot more about competition and customer 
satisfaction than you do. I am sure that she can be very 
helpful. And I know she wants you to be successful so 
that her dad can keep his job.



--Spotlight: "Consider these points" .............##P
   Letter written by Pat McFall
   to BNSF and other locomotive engineers

NOTE: Following is a letter written by PAT McFALL, UTU 
Local 305 local chairperson for locomotive engineers, to 
all BNSF and other concerned locomotive engineers.
----------------------------------------------

   A BLE local chairman on the Union Pacific Railroad 
says on the BLE website that, after the UTU wins the 
election on the UP, there will be no union contract and 
locomotive engineers will only make $20,000 a year.

   When the UTU wins the representation election on the 
Union Pacific, and if the world does not end as the BLE 
predicts, can we assume the BLE didn't understand this 
process, or were they misleading us?

   The National Mediation Board (NMB) and the UTU tell 
us that all contracts will remain in effect. That is the 
law of the land under the Railway Labor Act. The 
difference is that only the UTU will be allowed to 
enforce past BLE contracts and sign new ones for 
locomotive engineers. That is how it was done in 
previous cases. This would be vise versa if the BLE 
wins.

   The day after the election will not bring the end of 
the world, as the BLE claims, and, in fact, most of us 
will not even notice a twitch of difference. The 
expectations are for improved future negotiations with 
the railroads, and an end to separatism, backstabbing, 
blame, and scapegoating.

   This vote is about our long-term future. I support 
one union with historical craft autonomy. Consider this:

   1. RAILROADS WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT 
CONTRACTS TO THE HISTORICAL CRAFTS FOR A SEPARATE VOTE, 
thus the checks and balances are still there. All crafts 
will still be separately hammering away at the 
railroads' indifferences. But the backstabbing will be 
replaced with a united front. I support unity.

   2. President Little, and most of the pre-85 UTU 
members, could easily just wait out their remaining 
years until retirement playing golf and hanging out. 
THIS VOTE IS NOT ABOUT HIM; IT IS ABOUT YOUR FUTURE. The 
benefits of this vote will show long after President 
Little and most of the current International officers 
are long gone. Any argument about how they are just 
trying to take care of themselves is off base. They 
could easily skate right into an easy retirement at our 
expense. Instead, however, they are putting it all on 
the line and acting like "visionaries."

   3. TWO OF THE THREE TOP UTU INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS 
ARE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS. We have more vice presidents 
who are locomotive engineers than the BLE. Also, the 
UTU's political action committee, TPEL, is headed by a 
locomotive engineer. The general chairperson of one of 
the largest UTU committees on the UP which represents 
trainmen is a locomotive engineer, as are local 
chairpersons that head trainmen committees. Would they 
be out to destroy their own craft? It's a matter of 
trust, and I trust unity, with craft distinction.

   4. Ebb and flow between crafts is the UTU position 
with the NMB. Don't be misled by overzealous BLE members 
or officers. Just as airline flight engineers, co-
pilots, and pilots are different crafts, they flow from 
one position to another as their seniority allows. 
LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS WILL STILL DO LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS' 
WORK, AND CONDUCTORS WILL STILL DO CONDUCTORS' WORK. Ebb 
and flow is the argument. I support unity and one 
railroad union. The FRA recognizes each separate 
historical craft, as does the Railway Labor Act, and on 
none of the previous railroads where this has been done 
has any railroad been successful in using the NMB ruling 
on representational issues to consolidate historical 
crafts. The BLE's argument is based on "what if?" The 
UTU's is based on precedent and documentation.

   5. IF THE BLE WINS, THEY HAVE NO CRAFT DISTINCTION, 
NO CRAFT AUTONOMY. The BLE offers simple majority rule 
with no craft protection, no united crafts. The UTU 
already had in place a system that protects each craft's 
autonomy, but unites us into one union. I support unity 
with craft distinction.

   6. Since 1969, when the UTU was formed from four 
crafts, HISTORICAL CRAFT AUTONOMY HAS BEEN MAINTAINED. I 
support one union, with craft distinction.

   7. I have never been to a UTU meeting where they have 
dumped on the BLE, or locomotive engineers. But I left 
the BLE after TIRING OF THE CONSTANT AND CRUEL DUMPING 
ON THE UTU, and their blaming them for everything. I 
have always supported one union.

   8. WE WILL BE FACED WITH THIS VOTE, ONE WAY OR 
ANOTHER. I believe the UTU leadership will find a way to 
make a vote happen. In the past, the UTU (1969, 1982, 
and even the BLF&E in 1948) has offered to step down, 
merge, start a new union, or meet to discuss ending the 
backstabbing and scapegoating, but it never works. I 
support one union.

   9. THERE WILL BE NO SUCH THING AS NOT VOTING. If you 
do not send in a ballot, it is a vote for becoming a 
non-union railroad. No matter how cynical you are, your 
actions will be a vote; you cannot avoid taking 
responsibility. This is unlike any other election. I am 
not comfortable with the situation either, but anything 
worth obtaining has a risk. I support one united union 
among all crafts, with historical craft distinction.

   10. I think both sides have valid issues without 
resorting to lies or distortions. One thing is for sure: 
NOT VOTING IS A VOTE FOR NON-UNION. There is no 
distancing yourself from this; make a choice, vote, be 
informed.

   11. WHAT ELSE COULD THE UTU HAVE OFFERED THE BLE TO 
UNITE? When the UTU and BLE were discussing forming a 
new union, the UTU offered all of its UTU locomotive 
engineers, hostlers, engineer trainees, leadership, 
enginemen, etc., to them for the sake of unity. No 
lodges, BLE divisions, or BLE officers were to be 
eliminated. Only the UTU-E committees were in jeopardy, 
and we were willing to do it for the sake of unity and 
our conductor brothers. Some UTU-E members were furious 
at the UTU leadership over this offering to the BLE, but 
I supported the one-union concept.

   12. THE BLE THINKS THE UTU MEMBERSHIP SHOULD VOTE ON 
OUR LEGAL DEPARTMENT'S NMB BRIEF. In the U.S.A., the 
greatest democracy in the world, delegates and elected 
officials make policies, laws, city ordinances, and 
elect presidents. They then are accountable to us at 
every election. We elected every one of our delegates 
after the NMB petition was made, and they elected our 
International officers on the platform of one union last 
August in Miami Beach by either an overwhelming 
landslide or by acclamation. Every time this issue is 
mentioned at Regional Meetings, the room comes alive, 
standing ovations, cheers, whoops and hollers. I support 
one union.

   13. Regardless if you think the risks are what the 
BLE indicates, or as the UTU indicates, one thing is for 
certain: WE CANNOT CONTINUE DOWN THE SAME OLD PATH. Each 
union blaming the other; secret and separate 
negotiations; neither side knowing or telling what the 
other is doing; and then placing obstacles in each 
others' path, not for the members' sake, but to better 
enhance their union's position to obtain the other 
union's members. When the "marriage" was called off 
things were said and done by both unions that cannot be 
taken back. We are faced with this NMB action, like it 
or not. It cannot be erased. I am not comfortable with 
this turn of events either, but we must deal with it. I 
support one union, with historical craft distinction.

   14. The UTU Insurance Association (UTUIA), UTU credit 
cards, and other ACTIVITIES HAVE HELPED KEEP OUR 
INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DUES 25% LOWER THAN THE BLE'S 
INTERNATIONAL DUES. The BLE has recently indicated they 
are interested in these approaches to revenues, too. 
These revenues help pay for our state-of-the-art, high-
tech training facility on wheels, Membership I, as well 
as officer salaries, office space, and much more. Check 
out our UTU website, www.utu.org, for details.

   I support one railroad union.



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

The UTU NEWS regularly contacts members at random to 
report their thoughts on a question of interest to the 
general membership.

   This month's question: DO YOU FEEL YOUR JOB TAKES A 
TOLL ON YOUR HEALTH?

   "I've been driving a bus for the Los Angeles 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 16 years, and 
I think it takes a toll, both mentally and physically. 
Some find it hard dealing with the public, but that 
doesn't get to me. But I've had repetitive motion 
injuries, including wrist and elbow problems from the 
steering wheel and from opening and closing the door. I 
had to have surgery on my left wrist for carpal tunnel 
syndrome about a year and seven months ago. Many drivers 
I know have trouble with their backs and their knees, 
but we have a good health and welfare plan here."
   -- AARON MONTGOMERY, L-1608, CHATSWORTH, CAL.

   "I'm a yard conductor and general chairperson on 
BNSF, and I've been railroading for 30 years. I've seen 
a lot of people the job has taken a toll on, but so far, 
I'm doing okay. It's not an easy way to make a living. A 
lot of times, you're out in inclement weather. When you 
first start, you're on call 24 hours a day, and some 
people don't adapt well to shift work and changing 
schedules. I see a lot of knee, ankle and foot problems, 
probably due to walking on the ballast. There's not a 
level place to walk on the railroad. And there's a lot 
of stress that comes from poor management."
   -- ROBERT REPSTINE, L-202, DENVER, COL.

   "I'm a general chairperson for yardmasters working 
for CSX. In hindsight, yardmasters have accepted more 
responsibilities than some of the other crafts. Because 
of the long hours, the overload of work and a shortage 
of people to do it, stress has become the number-one 
issue for yardmasters. Stress puts a mental and physical 
strain on the body. That's why President Little's 
emphasis on quality-of-life issues is so important to 
yardmasters. Reduce the hours, and you reduce the stress 
and solve some of the problems associated with stress."
   -- DOYLE TURNER, L-1962, TOLEDO, OHIO

   "I'm a Union Pacific conductor with 38 years of 
experience, and I'm working a pool job. When I was 
younger, I didn't think the job took a toll, but as you 
get older you see that it does, mentally and physically. 
The irregular hours play into it, not knowing when 
you're next going to work. It makes it hard to get 
adequate rest, especially while you're trying to juggle 
your job with being a husband and a father. And there's 
definitely wear and tear on your knees, ankles and your 
back from the job. But I chose the profession, and I 
believe the biggest part of working a job is your 
attitude."
   -- MIKE WOMACK, L-613, AUSTIN, TEX.



POWER OF ONE
--One union protecting your job and family .......##R

NOTE: This month's print edition of the UTU NEWS 
includes a special "Power of One" unity poster. Members 
are encouraged to display this poster to show support 
for unity among UTU and BLE members. Below is the text 
that appears on this month's poster.
--------------------------------

ONE UNION WITH THE POWER
TO PROTECT YOUR JOB AND FAMILY

   Now is the time to open your minds to what can be a 
better future for you and your family.

   While we can proudly say we are members of the UTU 
and BLE, it is now more important to say that we should 
all be represented by one union with the "Power of One" 
to stand up against the carriers in the 21st Century.

   Rail labor can no longer continue down the same 
archaic path of splintered union representation which 
benefits nobody other than the railroads.

   That's why the UTU is so committed to unifying all 
historical crafts under one union banner, where each 
craft will maintain true autonomy and help protect the 
other against technology.

   What is really at stake is continuing a way of life 
-- your life! -- on the railroad, which pays well for 
tens of thousands of union workers who accept hard and 
dangerous work.

   The true issue is not what the UTU and/or the BLE 
have done to, or for, members in the past. It is what 
one union can do for all operating employees in the 
future!

   In the 21st Century, we need the POWER OF ONE union 
to stand strong and protect a way of life that provides 
for so many.



SENIOR NEWS

--RRB's Medicare contractor withdraws ...............##S

   Uniprise, a UnitedHealth Group company, recently 
announced that it will be withdrawing as a contractor 
for administration of the Medicare Part A, Part B and 
Durable Medical Equipment programs.

   This means that United HealthCare will no longer 
serve as the Medicare Part B administrator for railroad 
retirees and their dependents receiving benefits from 
the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

   The Health Care Financing Administration and the RRB 
will negotiate agreements with new contractors to 
administer these programs, and the UTU will work to 
ensure a smooth transition to all affected 
beneficiaries.

   The following questions and answers about the pending 
change have been supplied by Uniprise:

   Q. WHO WILL BE THE NEW CONTRACTOR AND WHEN WILL THEY 
TAKE OVER?

   A. This has not yet been determined. The RRB will 
select the new contractor and the date the transition 
will occur. We expect that these decisions will be made 
within the next few months. Railroad beneficiaries and 
providers will be notified when these decisions are 
made.

   Q. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY MEDICARE BENEFITS?

   A. Your Medicare benefits will not be affected. Your 
claims will be processed and paid by the new contractor 
according to the same coverage and reimbursement rules 
that we have been following.

   Q. WILL THE NEW CONTRACTOR HAVE MY MEDICARE RECORDS?

   A. Yes. We will transfer all our Medicare beneficiary 
and provider files to the new company at the time of 
transition.

   Q. WILL I NEED TO DO ANYTHING SPECIAL BECAUSE OF THE 
CHANGE IN CONTRACTORS?

   A. No. We will be working closely with the RRB and 
the new contractor to assure the transition goes 
smoothly and with no impact on Medicare beneficiaries or 
providers.

   Q. WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS 
CHANGE?

   A. Your questions should be directed to our customer 
service area. They will be able to research your 
specific issues and provide a response. The toll-free 
telephone number is (800) 833-4455.



--Retiree's annual visit boosts TPEL .............##T

   Each February, UTU Ohio State Legislative Director 
W.J. Thompson can count on the appearance in 
Pennsylvania of a groundhog heralding Spring's arrival, 
and the appearance of Retiree Program member Herman R. 
Weaver, who invariably brings a $100 contribution for 
the Transportation Political Education League (TPEL) 
fund.

   "Brother Weaver started making his yearly visits 
before his retirement," said Thompson. "Those visits 
must span 15 years now."

   In fact, Weaver reveals his annual visits to the 
legislative board's Columbus, Ohio, office  have 
occurred for better than two decades.

   "To tell the truth, I can't remember exactly when I 
began dropping off my donations," said Weaver, a member 
of Local 1376 in Columbus, Ohio, where the generous 
retiree lives.

   To the best of his recollection, Weaver first began 
delivering his contributions well before he retired from 
Conrail in 1982. "I have a wife and raised six children, 
and if it weren't for the union, I probably wouldn't 
have had a job," Weaver said. "I like to show my 
appreciation in return."

   Weaver spent 41 years on the rails, beginning as a 
brakeman with the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1941. During 
World War II, Weaver left to spend a couple years with 
the U.S. Marine Corps, but then returned to railroading, 
earning his promotion to conductor soon afterwards. He 
saw steam power give way to diesel, and witnessed his 
employer evolve into the Penn Central and then Conrail.

   "It was a good job," Weaver said, "and that's one of 
the reasons I support TPEL, to help keep today's 
railroaders working. It wouldn't hurt for everybody to 
give a little."



--PRR, Navy vets groups plan reunions ...............##U

   A group of Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) retirees is 
making plans for its 16th annual reunion, while the 
U.S.N. Armed Guard World War II Veterans are searching 
for their former gun crews.

   Retiree Program member John F. Travis of Local 838, 
Philadelphia, Pa., said the PRR retirees will gather May 
15-16 at the Willow Valley Resort just outside 
Lancaster, Pa.

   For more information, contact Travis by calling (610) 
459-1126, or write to him at 254 Bishops Dr., Aston, PA 
19014-1326; or contact Charlie Bacon, also of L-838, at 
420 Woodland Ave. 7-B, Springfield, PA 19064.

   Meanwhile, Retiree Program member Vernon C. Herbert 
said the former naval armed guards will reunite May 21-
25 at the Drawbridge Estate Hotel, 2477 Royal Drive, Ft. 
Mitchell, KY 41017. Call the hotel toll-free at 1-800-
352-9866 or 1-800-354-9793.

   Herbert, of Local 1917, Cincinnati, Ohio, said the 
gunners worked on liberty ships, tankers, troop ships, 
and many other smaller crafts as needed. Contact Herbert 
at (513) 931-6269, or write to him at 8910 Tripoli Dr., 
Cincinnati, OH 45251.



--The Final Call .................................##V

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

LOCAL      NAME                            CITY
0001    Bennet, Frederick D.         Lenexa, KS
0005    McNeill, Joe D.             Raymore, MO
0145    Swartz Jr., Arthur        Lancaster, OH
0150    Stickler, George E.         Antioch, TN
0204    Murray, Raymond S.          Durango, CO
0211    Quigley, Thomas E.           Auburn, NY
0215    Kruger, Alfred U.        Waynesboro, PA
0225    Deasy, Robert F.          Cleveland, OH
0228    McGrew, Charles K.     Cedar Rapids, IA
0298    Wilburn, Herrick T.          Kenett, MO
0303    McClary, James P.    Grand Junction, CO
0306    Hicks, Dale R.             Cherokee, IA
0324    Fountain, Jay F.            Seattle, WA
0376    Hodges, Spurgeon R.      Louisville, KY
0386    Seta, Frank P.            Annapolis, MD
0432    McCabe, William J.        Champaign, IL
0440    Vandergriff, Robert L.   Cincinnati, OH
0453    Johnston, Paul J.       Shelbyville, IL
0528    Derosch, Eugene R.          Kenosha, WI
0650    Ellingworth, Hal W.      Waterville, MN
0650    Fransdal, Norman M.     Estherville, IA
0740    Houk, K.H.                Ft. Wayne, IN
0756    Gunn Sr., Carlton K.    San Antonio, TX
0771    Robinson, Billy R.          Needles, CA
0792    Greer, Carl H.            Riverview, FL
0792    Herris, Elwyn J.          Cleveland, OH
0807    Anderson, Lester A.          Tucson, AZ
0832    Kuehnast, E.L.       Chippewa Falls, WI
0835    Black, Merrill L.            Arroyo, CA
0845    Kelley, George J.          Paradise, CA
0856    Lent, John T.        E. Millinocket, ME
0867    Gryll, Kenneth           Des Moines, IA
0891    Collins, L.P.                Lovell, WY
0903    Graham, Edwin D.       Jacksonville, FL
0933    Bailey, John E.              Nevada, MO
0949    Richardson, Carl D.       Texarkana, AR
0979    Kerley, Robert L.              Alma, IL
0982    Matyas, Stephen            Syracuse, NY
1043    Brunell, William A.          Sparks, NV
1168    Moreland, David              Clovis, NM
1074    Brodar, Frank A.           Pitcairn, PA
1177    Anderson, S.F.                 Mesa, AZ
1177    Urbanski, R.F.            St. Cloud, MN
1261    Dean, Joyel F.             Marietta, GA
1292    Joki, John W.             Mtn. Iron, MN
1378    Moyer, Wilford F.            Newark, DE
1390    Sarama, Edward J.         Alphareta, GA
1390    Smith, Richard J.            Rahway, NJ
1447    Horowitz, Jacob           San Diego, CA
1502    Davis, William J.             Ocala, FL
1544    Kantrim, Albert J.           Nipomo, CA
1545    Campbell, James F.           Morrow, LA
1614    Gorman Jr., Thomas P.      St. Paul, MN
1736    Sheldon, Richard H.          Owosso, MI
1762    Buck, Franklin           Evansville, IN
1780    Lewis, John                  Lawson, MO
1823    Barge, James O.           St. Louis, MO
1883    Frisco, Anthony             Orlando, FL
1895    Buffano, Bernard M.         Chicago, IL

NOTE: Erroneously included in this listing last month 
were THOMAS J. DEVINE (L-1390), GEORGE SMELT (L-1221), 
RODNEY PRIVETT (L-1177), LeROY C. BUERKLE (L-1344) and 
JOSEPH C. DUDEK (L-1370), who are alive and well and 
enjoying their retirements. The UTU NEWS regrets the 
errors.



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

   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

PLATINUM CLUB
($1,200 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
VanBree, Frank E.       72    Battle Creek, MI
Pfiester Jr., R.E.    1770    Los Angeles, CA

DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB
($600 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Huston, James A.      1532    Kansas City, KS

DIAMOND PLUS CLUB
($400 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Joslin, Leroy R.       281    Milwaukee, WI
Zuber, Randolph F.     832    Superior, WI
*Rice, Philip N.       835    Bakersfield, CA

DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB
($365 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Carlson, Bruce A.      832    Superior, WI
Cornwell, James E.    1011    Hamlet, NC
Cochran, Carl E.      1138    Miami, FL
Williams, Donald C.   1370    New York, NY
Palukaitis, Algirdas  1494    Chicago, IL
Walton, Ronald G.     1494    Chicago, IL
Duran, Steven C.      1534    Chicago, IL
*Klarich, Jesse A.    1581    Bakersfield, CA

DIAMOND CLUB
($300 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
*Smith, Albert L.      150    Carnegie, PA
Gillett, Steven C.     259    St. Joseph, MO
Brinkman, Leo M.       305    Lincoln, NE
Fuchs, Thomas R.       311    LaCrosse, WI
Varnum, Philip R.      311    LaCrosse, WI
*Morin, Louis A.       386    Reading, PA
Breivogel, Philip J.   490    Princeton, IN
McCoy, Lawrence R.     490    Princeton, IN
Dunn, Mark A.          768    Decatur, IL

GOLD CLUB
($100 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
*Moore, Ralph O.         9    Slaton, TX
Eckenboy, Daniel G.     32    Glendale, CA
*Reizovic, Frank J.     60    Newark, NJ
Hill, Robert J.         77    New York, NY
*Wilson, Isaac          84    Los Angeles, CA
*Beason, Leroy          94    Kansas City, KS
*Worley, Everett W.     94    Kansas City, KS
*Rice, Douglas M.       95    Rensselaer, NY
Macias Jr., Clemente F. 98    San Luis Obispo, CA
Litwin, Michael        100    Oakland, CA
*Purnell, Thomas F.    150    Carnegie, PA
*Curtis, Mark D.       194    Elkhart, IN
*Cox, Walker M.        195    Galesburg, IL
Gross, Bradley P.      200    North Platte, NE
*Erickson Jr., A.E.    202    Denver, CO
Lucero, Enriques M.    204    Pueblo, CO
Millard, Dennis R.     204    Pueblo, CO
*Schild, Roy H.        212    Albany, NY
*Able, Edward W.       215    Harrisburg, PA
*Gilbert, Henry E.     234    Bloomington, IL
*Pearson, Warren A.    259    St. Joseph, MO
*Powers, James E.      265    Pocatello, ID
*Jacobs, Wayne W.      281    Milwaukee, WI
*Johnson, Carrol E.    283    Portland, OR
*Werner, Wilbur D.     298    Garrett, IN
Bentzen, Dennis H.     311    LaCrosse, WI
McHenry, Gerald B.     311    LaCrosse, WI
Nelson, James E.       311    LaCrosse, WI
Perkins, A.B.          311    LaCrosse, WI
Weber, James S.        311    LaCrosse, WI
Wuest, Rudolph P.      311    LaCrosse, WI
*Yarborough, K.A.      311    LaCrosse, WI
Archiquette, Vernon J. 322    Milwaukee, WI
Lotz, Robert C.        322    Milwaukee, WI
Mobley, Roger F.       322    Milwaukee, WI
Kresl, Kevin P.        367    Omaha, NE
*Mills, Charles M.     453    Clinton, IL
*Davis, Wayne J.       489    San Antonio, TX
*Luker, Carl S.        489    San Antonio, TX
Cole, Duane C.         490    Princeton, IN
Wilkerson, Carl V.     490    Princeton, IN
*Kouw, A.J.            492    Sacramento, CA
McKinney, Eugene R.    492    Sacramento, CA
*Nelson, Donald L.     492    Sacramento, CA
Parish, John E.        496    Portsmouth, OH
Woodrum, Donavan R.    496    Portsmouth, OH
*Schuler, Eugene K.    498    Allentown, PA
*Pettycord, James R.   507    VanBuren, AR
*Atchley, Jim          564    Cleburne, TX
*Simmons, Arthur L.    586    Willard, OH
*Stanfield, Gehrett E. 586    Willard, OH
Greene, Jeffrey A.     605    Grafton, WV
*Cole, Walter J.       734    Battle Creek, MI
*Graves, Jesse         750    Knoxville, TN
*Moseley, Philip L.    781    Shreveport, LA
Lewis, Deborah W.      782    Asheville, NC
*Hocker, William A.    792    Cleveland, OH
*Perkins, George R.    807    Tucson, AZ
*Bortner, Lawrence W.  830    Harrisburg, PA
Jaros, John A.         832    Superior, WI
*Lorimor, Larry E.     832    Superior, WI
Mercier, Michael G.    832    Superior, WI
Rutledge, Gary R.      832    Superior, WI
*Long, Ronald F.       835    Bakersfield, CA
*Adams, Robert L.      856    Houlton, ME
*Teeple, Robert W.     872    Omaha, NE
*Graham, Charles P.    891    Whitefish, MT
*Koestler, Marlin      891    Whitefish, MT
*Lockwood, Charles F.  891    Whitefish, MT
*Paul, William J.      891    Whitefish, MT
*Bass Jr., Joseph O.   903    Jacksonville, FL
Lynn, Jason E.         904    Evansville, IN
Reddington, Britt W.   904    Evansville, IN
Young, Bobbie D.       904    Evansville, IN
*Sturgill Jr., H.D.    924    Richmond, VA
*Garrett, John B.      933    Jefferson City, MO
Louis, Ray E.          942    Florence, SC
Lowery, Ulysses W.     942    Florence, SC
*Scott, Daniel H.     1000    Minneapolis, MN
*Hanna, John          1006    Brownsville, PA
*Cedar, George R.     1007    Syracuse, NY
*Brower Jr., S.       1035    Lakeland, FL
Fraga, Patrick S.     1035    Lakeland, FL
*Rushing, Wilford C.  1053    Selma, AL
*Cindric, Joseph A.   1074    Freeport, PA
*Bragg, Ingram R.     1081    Glendale, AZ
*Steyaert, James B.   1081    Glendale, AZ
*Griffin, James M.    1105    Wilmington, NC
*Mills Jr., James L.  1117    Las Vegas, NV
*DeVaun Jr., L.L.     1129    Raleigh, NC
Hunt, Haywood J.      1129    Raleigh, NC
Poole III, York D.    1129    Raleigh, NC
*Floyd, Thomas J.     1168    Clovis, NM
*Blakeley, Jimmie D.  1188    Oklahoma City, OK
Wise, Joseph E.       1188    Oklahoma City, OK
*Bass, Jerry          1200    Portola, CA
*Chesser, Al H.       1313    Amarillo, TX
*Estes, Gordon E.     1313    Amarillo, TX
*Merritt, Earl M.     1313    Amarillo, TX
*Slepsky, Eugene B.   1365    Youngstown, OH
Martone, Donato F.    1370    New York, NY
Purvis, Daryl         1370    New York, NY
*Orthmeyer, James F.  1377    Covington, KY
Williams Jr., S.C.    1388    St. Louis, MO
*Bennington, Harry G. 1399    Terre Haute, IN
Perry, Jason D.       1403    Kansas City, MO
*Smith, Archie A.     1409    Kansas City, KS
*Holliday, Barry J.   1422    Los Angeles, CA
*Howard, Lige         1518    Indianapolis, IN
*Patrick, Houston E.  1524    Houston, TX
*Balas, Frank J.      1529    Walbridge, OH
Grdina, John J.       1534    Chicago, IL
*Hinko, Adam          1534    Chicago, IL
*Hoffman, Raymond W.  1545    Monroe, LA
*McManus, James R.    1545    Monroe, LA
*Keck, Eugene         1548    Indianapolis, IN
*Bonagofski, Joseph   1574    Portland, OR
Hita, Josˇ L.         1607    Los Angeles, CA
Mowry, Jayson D.      1620    Elkhart, IN
Norment, Timothy L.   1620    Elkhart, IN
*Brown, William V.    1628    Pittsburgh, PA
Lewis, Brian P.       1730    Richmond, CA
*Alquist, Alfred E.   1732    San Jose, CA
Fortes, Martin N.     1748    Cleveland, OH
Napier, Walter        1748    Cleveland, OH
*Gilbert, Walter F.   1770    Los Angeles, CA
*Slattery, Louis E.   1770    Los Angeles, CA
Bain, William T.      1780    Kansas City, MO
*Pyritz, William D.   1800    Tucson, AZ
Barr Jr., Howard N.   1881    Baltimore, MD
Bench Jr., William P. 1881    Baltimore, MD
Marsh Sr., Stephen W. 1881    Baltimore, MD
McCusker, Loren M.    1881    Baltimore, MD
Wagner, J.R.          1818    Baltimore, MD
Quigley, Martin C.    1883    Riverdale, IL
*Catalina, Charlie    1904    Houston, TX
*Black, George D.     1917    Cincinnati, OH
Hines, Kenneth C.     1951    Albany, NY
Pfeffer, Paul W.      1951    Albany, NY
*Hodges, James F.        R    Klamath Falls, OR
Atchley, Babe       LA-170    Ft. Worth, TX



NOTICES

--Insurance change prompts calls .................##X

   The UTU International has received telephone calls 
from active and retired members inquiring about the 
notice of life insurance change which appeared on the 
front page of the January 2000 UTU News.

   The notice explained that, with the implementation of 
the new NRC/UTU health and welfare plan in January, the 
life insurance benefits, which include accidental death 
and dismemberment benefits, of active and retired 
employees of BNSF, Conrail, CSXT, Kansas City Southern, 
Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific would now be handled 
by Minnesota Mutual.

   This life insurance benefit, which is $10,000 for 
eligible active employees and $2,000 for eligible 
retired employees, is part of both the national health 
and welfare plan (GA-23000) and the NRC/UTU health and 
welfare plan. For those eligible UTU members either 
actively employed or retired from the railroad carriers 
listed above participating in the NRC/UTU health and 
welfare plan, this benefit is now being administered by 
Minnesota Mutual.

   This is the only change in the life insurance 
benefit.

   For those employees covered under the national health 
and welfare plan, this benefit continues to be 
administered by MetLife.

   Minnesota Mutual and MetLife are cooperating to 
assure prompt and proper handling of any life-insurance 
claims received.

   Further information can be obtained by calling 
Minnesota Mutual toll-free at (800) 328-9442 and/or 
MetLife toll-free at (800) 310-7770.



--Monthly apparel winner announced ..................##Y

   This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item 
of apparel bearing the UTU logo is Richard Wirt of 
Princeton, W. Va.

   Brother Wirt is a retired member of Local 655 in 
Bluefield, W. Va., which represents workers employed by 
the Norfolk Southern (N&W Proper).

   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 Wirt!



--UTU 2000 Regional Meeting information ..........##Z

   The UTU/UTUIA's Regional Meetings scheduled for this 
coming summer promise fraternalism, education and fun.

   Each Regional Meeting lasts a full three days, with 
the President's Banquet on the evening of the third day.

   The $125 advance registration fee per member or guest 
includes: Sunday welcome reception; Monday lunch and 
evening buffet dinner and entertainment; Tuesday lunch 
and evening dinner and entertainment; Wednesday lunch 
and evening Presidential reception and banquet, as well 
as all training workshop materials. On-site registration 
is $175 per member or guest.

   New this year are one-day registrations for those 
members who would like to attend the Regional Meetings 
but can't spare the time away from work or family. The 
cost of a one-day registration for any day is $50. 
Payments for individual events, such as lunches and 
tours, can be made at each meeting.

   Also new this year are registration procedures, with 
separate registration forms for members and guests. 
Additionally, credit cards are now being accepted for 
payment of Regional Meeting fees. At this time 
registration is not available on the UTU website.

   Details on the UTU/UTUIA golf outings, which are held 
the Sunday morning before the first day of each Regional 
Meeting, will be announced soon. Each outing will cost 
$80, which includes greens fees, golf carts and 
transportation from the host hotel. All courses require 
soft spikes and proper attire. Deadline for registration 
is two weeks prior to the outing.

   Make all checks (U.S. funds only, please) payable to 
"UTU Regional Meeting." Send your completed forms to UTU 
Meeting Registration, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 
44107-4250. You may cancel seven full days prior to 
arrival with no penalty. Please fax any changes or 
cancellations immediately to the UTU International at 
(216) 228-5755.

------------------------
June 12-14, 2000
Reno Hilton
2500 East Second St.
Reno, Nevada 89595
Hotel direct reservations: (775) 789-2126
Toll-free reservations: (800) 648-5080
Reservation code: UTU Regional Meeting
Room rate: $99 single/double; $109 triple; $119 quad
Reservation deadline: May 1, 2000
Self parking: free; valet parking: tip only

------------------------
July 10-12, 2000
Sheraton Hotel
2101 Civic Center Blvd., Birmingham, Ala. 35203
Hotel direct reservations: (205) 324-5000
Toll-free reservations: (800) 325-3535
Reservation code: UTU Regional Meeting
Room rate: $99 single/double; $105 triple/quad
Reservation deadline: June 1, 2000
Parking: self $7 per day; valet $12 per day, both with 
in/out privileges

------------------------
August 28-30, 2000
Minneapolis Hilton and Towers
1001 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 55403
Hotel direct reservations: (612) 397-4999
Toll-free reservations: (800) 445-8667
Reservation code: UTU Regional Meeting
Room rate: $119 single/double; additional person $20
Reservation deadline: July 20, 2000
Parking: self $12.50 per day; valet $20 per day both 
with in/out privileges



--Regional Meeting pre-registration forms ..........##AA

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

Which Regional Meeting will you be attending?

_______ Reno, Nev., June 12-14, 2000

_______ Birmingham, Ala., July 10-12, 2000

_______ Minneapolis, Minn., August 28-30, 2000


UTU Local _______ or other affiliation ______________

Name/Title __________________________________________

Name for Badge (if different) _______________________

Home address ________________________________________

City ________________________________________________

State _______________________ Code __________________

Daytime phone number (_______) ______________________

How will you be paying?

_________ By enclosed check

_________ By credit card

Circle type of credit card:  VISA     MasterCard

Credit card number _________________________________

Date of expiration _________________________________

Amount charged _____________________________________

Signature __________________________________________

Advance registration fee of $125 (U.S.) per person 
included with this form?

______ Yes          ______ No

NOTE: Advance registration fee per member or guest is 
$125; on-site registration per member or guest is $175.
Make all checks payable to "UTU Regional Meeting." Send 
this completed form to: UTU Meeting Registration, 14600 
Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. Please fax any 
changes or cancellations immediately to the UTU 
International at (216) 228-5755.
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------
UTU REGIONAL MEETING GUEST REGISTRATION FORM
------------------------------------------------
This form is to be used by spouses, children and guests 
of UTU members attending a Regional Meeting.

Which Regional Meeting will you be attending?

_______ Reno, Nev., June 12-14, 2000

_______ Birmingham, Ala., July 10-12, 2000

_______ Minneapolis, Minn., August 28-30, 2000

Name ________________________________________________

Name of member ______________________ Local _________

Relationship to member ______________________________

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


------------------------------------------------
UTU REGIONAL MEETING GOLF REGISTRATION FORM
------------------------------------------------
Which golf outing will you be attending?

_______ Reno, Nev., June 11, 2000

_______ Birmingham, Ala., July 9, 2000

_______ Minneapolis, Minn., August 27, 2000

Name _______________________________ Local __________

Address _____________________________________________

City/State/ZIP ______________________________________

Handicap or average 18-hole score ___________________

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



--Airlines offer discount fares ..................##BB

   UTU members planning to attend one of these Regional 
Meetings should know that discount air fares to the 
Regional Meeting cities have been arranged by the 
International.

   Members wishing to inquire about discount air fares 
to Reno, Nev., or Birmingham, Ala., should call 
Southwest Airlines toll-free at (800) 433-5368. Identify 
yourself as with the UTU and refer to I.D. code G0530 
for Reno or I.D. code G0540 for Birmingham, Ala.

   Those inquiring about discount air fares to 
Minneapolis should call Northwest/Continental Airlines 
toll-free at (800) 328-1111 and refer to code: World 
File NMPFR.

   For the lowest-possible fare, a Saturday night stay 
is required.



--UTUIA offers IRAs, flexible annuities ............##CC

YOU WORK HARD FOR YOUR MONEY...
     MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU!

   Make your IRA contribution for the year 2000 and 
start earning 6% interest immediately.

   Your contribution can be made to a Traditional IRA or 
the new Roth IRA, which permits your funds to accumulate 
tax free once certain minimum requirements are met.

   A Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity also earns 6% 
interest and offers you tax-deferred savings on all of 
your contributions.

   Start saving for your future today. Contact your 
UTUIA representative today or write to: UTUIA Sales 
Dept., 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250.
====================================================
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The preceding may be reprinted or re-posted in 
electronic form, in part or in whole, to any network 
or computer system worldwide, or distributed via disk, 
provided proper credit is included and no alteration 
of text occurs other than for formatting purposes.
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                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
====================================================
        -------------------------------------
                       MARCH 2000
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      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
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                         -30-