uuuuu    uuuuu   ttttttttttttttt   uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuu    uuuuu   ttttttttttttttt   uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuu    uuuuu        ttttt        uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuu    uuuuu        ttttt        uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuu    uuuuu        ttttt        uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuu    uuuuu        ttttt        uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuu    uuuuu        ttttt        uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuu    uuuuu        ttttt        uuuuu    uuuuu
   uuuuuuuuuuuuuu        ttttt        uuuuuuuuuuuuuu
    uuuuuuuuuuuu         ttttt         uuuuuuuuuuuu 

====================================================
                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
====================================================
        -------------------------------------
                        MAY 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.
------------------------------------------------------

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, for an update 
on the status of national rail contract negotiations 
("We're cautiously optimistic"), have your word 
processing software or on-line editor search for the 
text ##N.

IN THIS EDITION
--Unions ask Congress to improve pensions ..........##A
--Union chiefs urge passage of pension reform ...##B
--BLE agreement permits remotes ....................##C
--Cornell seeks member input on retirement ......##D
--NMB calls off TexMex election ....................##E
--Laidlaw, Alex drivers to vote .................##F
--TPEL donors make UTU No. 1 .......................##G

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

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
--Fellow member brings training and better luck ....##I

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

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Carrying the most important cargo" ..............##K
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Interim agreement for yardmasters" ...........##L
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS
--Stand up for better rail retirement ..............##M
--"We're cautiously optimistic" .................##N
   by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
   UTU Assistant President
--"Railroad Retirement reform deserves support" ....##O
   by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   National Legislative Director
--Feedback: Chesser backs AFL-CIO decision ......##P
--Voices: Members share their opinions .............##Q

POWER OF ONE
--The Power of TPEL .............................##R

SENIOR NEWS
--RRB notes earnings-rule amendments ...............##S
--Portsmouth star recalls rail record ...........##T
--Three retired former Gen. Chairpersons die .......##U
--The Final Call ................................##V

TPEL HONOR ROLL
--Contributors' annual support recognized ..........##W
--TPEL tops all rail union PACs .................##X
--National Legislative Director's message ..........##Y
--Limited-edition lapel pin marks donations .....##Z
--Members trust TPEL ..............................##AA

NOTICES
--Monthly winner ...............................##BB
--UTUIA increases dividend ........................##CC
--Tri-State Boosters to meet in Birmingham .....##DD
--BlueCross/BlueShield benefits explained .........##EE
--United HealthCare notes GA-23111 changes .....##FF
--UTU 2000 Regional Meeting information ........ ..##GG
--Regional Meeting pre-registration forms ......##HH
--Airlines offer discount fares ...................##II
--UTUIA offers Ultimate Par policy .............##JJ

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

IN THIS EDITION

--Unions ask Congress to improve pensions ..........##A

   WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On April 17, the United 
Transportation Union (UTU) joined with a major coalition 
of 11 rail unions and retiree organizations, 
representing more than three million members, to launch 
a national campaign to convince Congress to enact the 
best improvements to the Railroad Retirement system in a 
generation.

   "We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our 
brothers and sisters in 10 other unions to ask Congress 
to pass these major improvements to Railroad 
Retirement," said Charles L. Little, UTU International 
president. "Altogether we represent more than three 
million persons, and we are asking everyone to step up 
to the plate and tell your representatives and senators 
to support our Railroad Retirement Improvement Act."

   The unions in the coalition include the UTU, 
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Transport Workers 
Union, International Association of Machinists, 
Transportation Communications Union, American Train 
Dispatchers-BLE, International Brotherhood of 
Boilermakers and Blacksmiths, Sheet Metal Workers 
International Association, NCF&O/Service Employees 
International Union, and the Hotel Employees &  
Restaurant Employees union.

   The Brotherhoods of Maintenance of Way Employes and 
Locomotive Engineers are not part of the coalition. The 
BMWE and BLE oppose the legislation. Ironically, the 
American Train Dispatchers Division of the BLE has split 
with its mother union and supports the legislation.

   A draft bill currently circulating in Congress, 
called the "Railroad Retirement and Survivors' 
Improvement Act of 2000," has been received favorably by 
key members. The union coalition is asking its three 
million members to contact their congressional 
representatives and senators immediately to request that 
they support the bill.

   In a letter signed by all 11 unions (at right), the 
coalition urges its members to take charge of the 
political process and their Railroad Retirement futures.

   When the Railroad Retirement Improvement Act of 2000 
becomes law, it will:

   -- Increase benefits for surviving spouses of retired 
workers by stopping the bereaved from losing 50% of 
their Tier II annuity.

   -- Restore unreduced retirement benefits at age 60 
with 30 years service.

   -- Expand the retiree health insurance plan to age 60 
with increases in the lifetime benefit maximum indexed 
to the medical inflation rate.

   -- Allow for the Tier II system to invest in equities 
and thereby achieve a higher rate of return on 
investments.  This would make both benefit increases for 
employees and retirees and tax decreases for the 
carriers possible.

   -- Guarantee that the railroads will ensure future 
solvency of the fund by absorbing any necessary future 
tax increases.

   -- Reduce vesting from ten to five years.

   -- Repeal the retirement benefit cap for current and 
future retirees alike.

   "Our major legislative effort this year is to pass 
this legislation to dramatically improve Railroad 
Retirement, which also fixes the inequity in the so-
called 'widow's benefit'," said James Brunkenhoefer, UTU 
national legislative director. "We need everyone to get 
involved and to lobby their elected official in 
Congress."



--Union chiefs urge passage of pension reform ...##B

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

   Your retirement future is now in your hands.

   As a major coalition of 11 rail unions and rail 
retiree organizations, representing more than three 
million members, we are now asking for your help to 
enact the best improvements to Railroad Retirement in a 
generation. We need your help right now. We need to do 
it this year. We now have a bill before Congress. While 
the draft bill does not yet have a number, it does have 
a title. The bill is called the "Railroad Retirement and 
Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000" and it is now in the 
"discussion draft" stage. It has been received favorably 
by key members of Congress and is being reviewed by 
others. The bill has many more steps to go through in 
Congress before it becomes law, and now it's your turn 
to become actively involved in the process.

   In order to be successful, we hope you will take 
immediate action this and every other time you are 
asked. Right now we need you to contact your 
congressperson and your senators to support and co-
sponsor the "Railroad Retirement and Survivors' 
Improvement Act of 2000." Please visit them, write them, 
call them, fax them and e-mail them. The success of this 
legislation, and the future significant improvements to 
your Railroad Retirement, rests with you, the active and 
retired railroad workers, your families and friends. 
When it becomes law, the legislation will:

   -- Increase benefits for surviving spouses of retired 
workers by stopping the bereaved from losing 50% of 
their Tier II annuity.

   -- Restore unreduced retirement benefits at age 60 
with 30 years service.

   -- Expand the retiree health insurance plan to age 60 
with increases in the lifetime benefit maximum indexed 
to the medical inflation rate.

   -- Allow for the Tier II system to invest in equities 
and thereby achieve a higher rate of return on 
investments. This would make both benefit increases for 
employees and retirees and tax decreases for the 
carriers possible.

   -- Guarantee that the railroads will ensure future 
solvency of the fund by absorbing any necessary future 
tax increases.

   -- Reduce vesting from ten to five years.

   -- Repeal the retirement benefit cap for current and 
future retirees alike.

   We urge you to ask your congressional delegation to 
prepare to support and co-sponsor the "Railroad 
Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000" that 
would put these provisions into effect through law. 
Addresses for your congressional delegation can be found 
in many local phone books under "Government Offices." 

   Take charge of your future, and work with us to make 
Railroad Retirement the best it can be for you and your 
family. We need to do this now; we need to do it for 
each other. Step up and take action together -- for our 
futures!

Sincerely and fraternally yours,

F. LEO McCANN, president
American Train Dispatchers Department, BLE

ROBERT ROACH, JR., general vice president
International Association of Machinists

SONNY HALL, president
Transport Workers Union

DAN L. DAVIS, director of the Railroad Department
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

GEORGE J. FRANCISCO, JR., president
National Conference of Firemen and Oilers,
Service Employees International Union

JOSEPH A. STINGER, administrative assistant
to the president, director of the Railroad Div., 
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

W. DAN PICKETT, president
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen

ROBERT A. SCARDELLETTI, president
Transportation Communications
International Union

CHARLES L. LITTLE, president
United Transportation Union

ISAAC MONROE, administrative assistant
to the president,
Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees
International Union

DON C. BUCHANAN, director of railroad
and shipyard workers
Sheet Metal Workers International Association



--BLE agreement permits remotes ....................##C

   CLEVELAND -- At least 60 union railroad workers 
represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers 
(BLE) on the Montana Rail Link (MRL) will lose their 
jobs by the end of the year because of an agreement 
their union made with the carrier permitting the 
operation of remote-controlled "black boxes" in 
switching operations.

   In December, the MRL revealed in a letter to 
employees that the BLE had agreed to replace operating 
employees with remote controls in some switching 
operations.

   Now, the total job loss is known: At least 60 workers 
will be laid off by the MRL with the cooperation of the 
BLE.

   A recent report from the Montana AFL-CIO on a project 
to retrain displaced workers quoted the BLE asking for 
"assistance for its members who will be laid off due to 
automation of Montana Rail Link operations."

   Sources say that the BLE's remote-controlled deal 
with MRL will cost 20 jobs in the near future and at 
least 60 by the end of the year. The layoffs will occur 
in Laurel, Helena and Missoula, the sources said. They 
also said that at least one yardman will be eliminated 
from every train, leaving only a locomotive engineer and 
one yardman. In addition, the locomotive engineer will 
be required to leave the train to use the "belt pack."

   A March 11 report to the Montana AFL-CIO Executive 
Board by Dave Morey, director of "Project Challenge," 
revealed the BLE's request for assistance to retrain 
members laid off. Sources say the BLE's Dave Ditzel made 
the request for help.

   In a December 3 letter to employees, MRL President 
Daniel K. Watts revealed that its "labor organization" 
(BLE) was working with the carrier and Federal Railroad 
Administration (FRA) to develop operating plans for 
remote-controlled operations.

   "I realize," Watts wrote, "this decision is of great 
concern to MRL employees as it could eventually impact 
our current employment levels."

   Neither the BLE nor Watts ever said at the time that 
60 union workers would lose their jobs. The BLE 
represents all operating employees on the Montana Rail 
Link.



--Cornell seeks member input on retirement ......##D

   CLEVELAND -- The UTU has been selected to participate 
in a national study that will examine how retirement 
affects the lives of working people in the service, 
construction and manufacturing sectors.

   The study, conducted by the School of Industrial and 
Labor Relations (ILR) at Cornell University, hopes to 
help unions better tailor their retirement programs and 
activities to fit the needs of members who are nearing 
retirement or already in retirement.

   The UTU enjoys a long relationship with Cornell's 
School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Over the past 
decade, the UTU has participated in two other ILR 
studies.

   The upcoming study will occur in two phases. Cornell 
researchers will begin with interviews of UTU retirees 
and members nearing retirement age. Based on these 
interviews, they will develop a survey to track the 
retirement experiences of UTU members. Survey 
participants will be selected randomly from among all 
retirement-eligible members, and will be paid $20 per 
interview. Interviews will take about 40 minutes. If 
Cornell researchers contact you, we hope you will agree 
to participate.



--NMB calls off TexMex election ....................##E

   CLEVELAND -- After first indicating on March 9 that a 
representation election on the Texas Mexican Railway 
(TexMex) would most probably take place, the National 
Mediation Board (NMB) on March 25 dismissed the BLE's 
application for an election against the UTU.

   In calling off the election, the NMB said it "will 
not accept an application (for a representation 
election) for a two-year period" on the TexMex. The two-
year bar, the NMB said, began on March 1, 2000, which is 
the date of the decision in the TexMex case.

   In denying an election for at least two years, the 
NMB said its "rule is based upon the principle that 
labor stability is enhanced by providing labor and 
management a reasonable period of time for a collective 
bargaining relationship after a certification....When 
the board issued the certification for Train and Engine 
Service Employees on March 1, 2000, the result is that 
the Board will not accept an application for a two-year 
period."



--Laidlaw, Alex drivers to vote .................##F

   Organizers for the United Transportation Union's Bus 
Department are hopeful that their latest campaigns will 
bring nearly 500 new members into the organization.

   As this issue of the UTU News went to press, an April 
28 election was scheduled for approximately 190 school 
bus drivers and aides employed by Laidlaw Transit Inc., 
in Riverside, Cal., to choose either the UTU or another 
organization as their collective bargaining 
representative.

   Prior to the election, the UTU had obtained a 
sufficient number of authorization cards to be placed on 
the ballot.

   General Chairperson James Harford, who represents 
Laidlaw Transit employees in San Francisco, and General 
Chairperson Karen Belcher, who works for the North 
County Transit District in Escondido, have been working 
closely with the Laidlaw employees who favor UTU.

   The UTU also has filed a petition for election with 
the National Labor Relations Board on behalf of the van 
drivers for Alex's Transportation, seeking to represent 
employees at all locations that are not already working 
under a union contract.

   About 290 Alex's Transportation drivers are eligible 
to vote at various locations in Washington, Oregon, 
California, Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma. No election 
date has yet been set.

   In other news, the UTU has filed an unfair labor 
practice complaint against Milepost Inc., which has 
succeeded Renzenberger, Inc., as the transportation 
provider for Burlington Northern Santa Fe's rail crews 
in California.

   Renzenberger employees had selected the UTU as their 
bargaining representative in an election last year and 
many of those drivers are now employed by Milepost, 
which refuses to recognize the UTU.

   The UTU contends that Milepost now employs more than 
50% of the former Renzenberger drivers and should be 
affirmed as their representative. A decision by the NLRB 
is pending.



--TPEL donors make UTU No. 1 .......................##G

   For the second year in a row, Local 1421 in Franklin 
Park, Ill., was the top TPEL local in the U.S. in 
average donations per member.

   TPEL raised $1.55 million in 1999, making it more 
than four times bigger than the next-largest rail union 
PAC, the BLE.

   "TPEL is the No. 1 rail union PAC in the U.S. and is 
more than one-and-half times as large as the next five 
rail union PACs combined," said Byron A. Boyd, Jr., 
assistant president.

   Rounding out the Top 5 were Locals 1293 in Altoona, 
Wisc., Local 1129 in Raleigh, N.C., Local 17 in 
Marshalltown, Iowa, and Local 1933 in Washington, D.C. 
New to the Top 10 were Locals 1468 in Walla Walla, 
Wash., and 1933 in Washington, D.C.



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

LOCAL 421, CONNEAUT, OHIO
   Much of Conrail may be history, but the annual 
Stoneboro Pensioners Party for Conrail retirees is going 
strong as it marks its 35th year, according to retired 
member HARVEY G. FIRSTER. The event includes dinner, is 
expected to draw 150 active and retired workers, and 
will be held Saturday, May 13, at the Hempfield Fire 
Company Station One, 20 E. Sixth St., Greenville, Pa. 
For information, contact Firster at (814) 425-2803, 
retired member BILL MURRAY at (724) 376-3954, or TERRY 
SMITH at (724) 376-3807.

LOCAL 445, NIOTA, ILL.
   Designated Legal Counsel HOEY, FARINA & DOWNES will 
help members of the local, along with members of BLE 
Division 391, raise money through the Lesher-McIntyre 
Golf Outing to aid area rail families devastated by 
illness. To be held June 6 at Deer Run Golf Course in 
Hamilton, Ill., the event began three years ago to help 
the families of Local 445 member TIM McINTYRE and BLE 
member Tim Lesher, who suffer from Lou Gehrig's disease. 
Benefactors can sponsor a hole for $50, said Local 
Chairperson MICHAEL K. RITCHIE, who noted the two-person 
scramble costs $75 per player, while $15 buys admission 
to an all-you-can-eat dinner afterwards at Keokuk Yacht 
Club. For information, contact Ritchie at (319) 463-
7449, BLE's Jeff Kurtz at (319) 372-9067, or BLE's Chuck 
Tanner at (319) 372-7535.

LOCAL 469, MADISON, ILL.
   Retired switchman and field supervisor EARL KODER, 
88, was honored at the local's regular meeting last 
month and presented with a UTU 60-year membership pin by 
Local President TOM KENNEDY, said Secretary and 
Treasurer JOHN I. PAYER. Koder began his career with the 
Terminal Railroad in 1937 and joined Brotherhood of 
Railroad Trainmen (BRT) Lodge 943. He became BRT deputy 
president in 1953, organized the Midwest Regional 
Committees in 1960, and served as field supervisor until 
his retirement in 1977.

LOCAL 982, ROCHESTER, N.Y.
   Officers and committee members congratulate and thank 
the membership for persevering in pursuit of claims 
against the Conrail/ CSX system. According to DAVE 
MURPHY,  the carrier was substituting yard crews for 
road switchers to service various industries, failing to 
utilize the road lists. The recent decision of SBA 1121 
in Award 5 provides for payments to involved train and 
engine service employees. Thanks are also offered to 
General Chairperson C.D. WINEBRENNER for his expertise 
in handling the cases.

LOCAL 1042, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
   Members have overwhelmingly ratified a four-year 
agreement with Jefferson Bus Line, retroactive to March 
1, 1999, that raises the top mileage rate and charter 
base rate, increases meal allowances, creates guaranteed 
vacation slots, improves language in grievance and 
arbitration provisions, and boosts the protection rate. 
International Vice President and Bus Department Director 
BERNIE McNELIS, who assisted the negotiators, commended 
Local Chairperson FRED RAYMAN and his committee, which 
includes CHARLIE POLLARD and BOB GEORGE, for their hard 
work and dedication on behalf of their members.

LOCAL 1144, MELVILLE, SASK.
   A monument to Canadian National workers who died on 
the job, funded by local members in cooperation with BLE 
Division 764, was to be unveiled April 28 in Melville, 
said Treasurer KEITH H. DEGERSTEDT, whose father is 
among those honored by the six-foot granite cairn. The 
monument, which includes a marble plaque engraved with 
the names, birth dates, and death dates of 19 workers 
who lost their lives, is located in front of the CN 
station on a plot of land donated by the city.

LOCAL 1161, ENGLEHART, ONT.
   Motor coach operators working for the Ontario 
Northland Transportation Commission have opened 
negotiations with their employer, seeking improvements 
to wages and benefits, according to Local Chairperson 
PHILIP KONING, who noted the previous contract expired 
August 31, 1999.

LOCAL 1403, KANSAS CITY, MO.
   HURSCHEL W. TROWBRIDGE, 72, the local's secretary and 
treasurer since 1965 and the UTU Insurance Association's 
(UTUIA) 1999 Volunteer of the Year, passed away March 25 
after a brief illness. Brother Trowbridge had been 
honored at the 1999 UTU Regional Meeting in St. Louis, 
Mo., for his life-long dedication to the UTU, its 
members, and their families.  He is survived by his 
wife, Maxine.

LOCAL 1501, BATON ROUGE, LA.
   The local will host a pair of meetings this month, 
with a special one for those working out of New Orleans 
slated for Saturday, May 20, at 3 p.m. at the Holiday 
Inn New Orleans/Metaire at I-10 and Causeway Boulevard, 
said Secretary and Treasurer M.E. CORZINE. Attending 
will be representatives of Designated Legal Counsel 
BURGE & WETTERMARK, as well as General Chairpersons 
WARNER BIEDENHARN (CN/IC) and M.E. MATHENY (KCS). The 
following day, the local's regular monthly meeting will 
be held at 3 p.m. at the Days Inn at 10254 Airline 
Highway, Baton Rouge, La.

LOCAL 1502, WILDWOOD, FLA.
   CSX recently served notice on the local to operate 
trains from Wildwood through Jacksonville to Waycross, 
where the carrier maintains a big hump yard, said Local 
Chairperson GARY WILLIAMS, who notes all are working 
long hours due to a manpower shortage. The local, which 
runs interdivisional service from Jacksonville to Tampa, 
also represents workers on a former Atlantic Coast Line 
route who once belonged to a now-closed committee in 
Sanford, Fla. Regular meetings are held the first and 
third Mondays of the month at American Legion Post 18 on 
E. Hwy. 44.

LOCAL 1558, BERGENFIELD, N.J.
   Members are mourning the loss of two well-regarded 
members, including former retired General Chairperson 
SAMUEL H. HOLLANDS (see "Three retired former Gen. 
Chairpersons die" by searching for the text ##U) and 
WILLIAM "BILL" MARSHALL of Oradell, N.J., who died after 
a heart attack on April 3, according to General 
Chairperson RICH DEISER. Marshall, survived by brothers 
Joseph and George, was a bus operator for Rockland 
Coaches (Red and Tan) from 1976 until his death.



MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
--Fellow member brings training and better luck ....##I

   "I was just lucky," declared Phil Liberto of Local 
61, Philadelphia, Pa.

   Luck comes in many forms, and sometimes in 
unsuspected ways. Liberto was fortunate to belong to a 
UTU local that includes a compassionate and well-trained 
member whose schedule coincided with his own.

   At 5 a.m. on September 10, 1999, Liberto, an 
assistant conductor employed by the Southeastern 
Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), was 
headed to work when his car spun out of control on an 
icy road.

   "The driver-side door slammed into a phone pole," 
Liberto said. "I broke my pelvis in four spots, broke 
two ribs, punctured a lung, and suffered a concussion."

   Fortunately, mere moments after fate dealt him such 
nasty luck, a fellow member of Local 61, conductor 
Gilbert R. Gorman, Jr., was traveling the same stretch 
of road and came upon the wreck.

   A volunteer fireman trained to handle emergency 
procedures, Gorman used his SEPTA radio to call for 
help, cut the seatbelt that was choking off air to 
Liberto's healthy lung, and kept the accident victim 
conscious until paramedics arrived.

   Gorman also used his radio to alert Liberto's 
supervisors and parents to the situation, and met them 
at the hospital where Liberto had been taken.

   Liberto, who had come close to death, instead spent 
five days in the hospital, worked at physical therapy 
for about two months, and found himself back on the job 
on December 1, thanks to Gorman's quick actions.

   "A lot of people tell me if they would have found me 
that morning, they wouldn't have known what to do, and I 
would probably have died," said Liberto.

   "I know in my heart he saved my life," Liberto 
continued. "If it hadn't been for him, it would have 
been over."



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

COLORADO
   Brother O. WAYNE KEENEY of Local 49, Pueblo, Col., 
recently was presented with a plaque by Legislative 
Director JACK SHAVER for his many years of dedicated 
service to the Colorado Legislative Board.

   Keeney, who recently retired from the Colorado Fuel & 
Iron Railway at Pueblo, Col., had served as chairperson 
of the state board and had been a member of the board 
since 1978.

   A photograph in the print edition of this issue of 
the UTU NEWS depicts Keeney proudly displaying his 
plaque.


IDAHO
   Legislative Director DALE WHEELER became the first 
Democrat to announce his intention to run for Idaho's 
11th District Senate seat, currently held by Republican 
Atwell Parry, who is retiring.

   The 51-year-old engineer is a reserve sheriff's 
deputy for Canyon County, had served as secretary-
treasurer of the Idaho AFL-CIO, and was instrumental in 
getting U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to introduce 
Senate Bill 1590 last October, which would have 
forbidden the practice of "cramdown" in the country 
following railroad mergers.

   "My ideas and ideals are in line with the residents 
of my district," Wheeler said. "Big companies don't pay 
their fair share of taxes...The homeowners keep getting 
the brunt of all the taxes."


INDIANA
   With the signature of Gov. Frank O'Bannon, Indiana 
became the first state in the Midwest to pass the 
Midwest Interstate Passenger Compact, a program to 
promote and coordinate regional improvements to 
passenger rail service, including the possible 
development of intercity high speed service.

   The commission created by this legislation will work 
with public and private sectors at the federal, state 
and local levels to ensure coordination among entities 
having an interest in passenger rail service. Other 
Midwestern states are eligible to join the compact.

   "This is the same governor that helped protect our 
union jobs in Indiana during the Conrail acquisition. 
When the big utilities and shortline railroads were 
screaming for more adequate access, Gov. O'Bannon stood 
with his friends in the UTU," said State Legislative 
Director JAMES E. CARRICO.

   "At the request of the UTU, Gov. O'Bannon helped 
protect our jobs and helped safeguard the IHB, EJE and 
the South Shore Railroad. Please do not forget this 
honorable man in his bid for re-election as governor in 
2000."

   Carrico also praised state Senator Sue Landske (R), 
who sponsored the legislation. "Sen. Landske has been 
instrumental in helping the UTU and others with our 
endeavors to restore passenger service and enact into 
law the High Speed Rail Development Fund."


MISSISSIPPI
   ROBERT W. SNOW was elected the UTU's state 
legislative director here by local legislative 
representatives attending the Mississippi Legislative 
Board's reorganization meeting last month.

   Snow, an engineer employed by the Kansas City 
Southern Railway, serves as local chairperson and 
legislative representative of his local, Local 1088 at 
Jackson, Miss. He has been working in the railroad 
industry since 1973.

   Also elected at the reorganization meeting were 
Assistant Legislative Director JIMMY F. AVERY (853) and 
Secretary RAYMOND ROSS (1344).


NORTH DAKOTA
   State Director JOHN RISCH III reports that the UTU's 
North Dakota locals will be holding year 2000 special 
meetings this month on the following dates. All active 
and retired members are welcome. Each meeting will 
include a lunch or dinner. Local 525: May 16 at 3 p.m. 
at the Ramada Inn Grand Forks; Locals 980 and 1137: May 
17 at 2 p.m. at the Red River Inn Moorhead; Local 1344: 
May 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion Club of 
Mandan; Local 1059: May 19 at 1 p.m. at the 
International Inn in Minot.



BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Carrying the most important cargo" ..............##K
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

   It is a very stressful part of a school bus driver's 
life. It is the part of their job that, should an 
accident occur, many times is fatal, and it's never 
forgotten. It is the time when children are crossing the 
street in front of the school bus.

   School bus companies have installed, as required, a 
stop arm on the side of the bus, which extends out when 
the bus is discharging or picking up children. At the 
same time, the lights on the school bus are flashing. 
This is the time when most school bus drivers become 
concerned about whether motorists will stop to honor the 
rights of the children to cross the street safely.

   For you non-school-bus drivers: Think about it. You 
are responsible for young children crossing the street, 
and you see oncoming motorists. The kids are starting to 
cross the street, and you watch from your seat and hope 
that they will see and respect the school bus lights and 
stop arm. There is nothing you can do but hope the 
motorists will stop. You may blow your horn, but that 
may only scare the children crossing the street. 
However, most times you sigh with relief because most 
motorists do stop. The children for whom the driver is 
responsible have made it safely to school and home that 
day.

   Even with the stop arms and flashing lights, children 
are killed every year when motorists, for one reason or 
another, fail to stop. Imagine, sitting in your driver's 
seat and watching a child getting hit by a motorist. You 
are helpless and you will never forget it.

   In my opinion, it is an awesome responsibility. My 
hat, and all of our hats, should be off to school bus 
drivers who are dedicated to the safe delivery of school 
children.



YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Interim agreement for yardmasters" ...........##L
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

   An interim yardmaster agreement has been reached with 
the St. Lawrence and Hudson Railroad (former Delaware 
and Hudson Railway).

   On March 27, 2000, the initial conference was held 
with the StL&H on the committee's Section 6 notice. The 
committee was notified by StL&H labor relations that 
there would be a lengthy delay in continuing 
negotiations on the yardmaster contract due to dates 
scheduled for negotiations with the StL&H operating 
crafts. General Chairperson Joseph M. Mercurio was 
unwilling to accept the delays in securing wage 
increases for the yardmasters and pursued an interim 
agreement, with resumption of negotiations at a later 
date. On March 28, 2000, a 20-month agreement was 
reached. The agreement provides a 2% general wage 
increase retroactive to January 1, 2000, and a $.65 per 
hour wage increase effective January 1, 2001, with no 
rules changes. A signing bonus of $1,500 will be paid 
within sixty days and two $650 lump-sum payments will be 
made prior to resuming negotiations on December 1, 2001.

   Brother Mercurio reported a unanimous ratification 
vote to accept the interim agreement.

   General Chairpersons William B. Headrick, Jr., and 
R.J. Cooper were to have met in Atlanta, Ga., on May 3 
and 4, with the Norfolk Southern on a system agreement 
for the yardmaster craft.

   General Chairperson Doyle K. Turner also has begun 
contract negotiations with the New Orleans Public Belt. 
Negotiating sessions on a yardmaster contract are 
scheduled to begin May 15 and 16.



EDITORIALS

--Stand up for better rail retirement ..............##M

   It is now your turn to take action. It's now up to 
the three million people represented by a coalition of 
11 unions to convince Congress to enact the most 
positive changes to the Railroad Retirement system in a 
generation. It is up to you to stand up for the widows 
and widowers of railroaders who will be made financially 
whole by the passage of the "Railroad Retirement and 
Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000."

   UTU is proud to stand arm-in-arm with 10 other unions 
urging Congress to pass this landmark legislation. We 
are proud to join with the visionary leaders of these 
other fine unions, who have chosen to stick to their 
guns and make an historic decision that will provide 
railroad workers and retirees increased retirement 
benefits and peace of mind.

   Therefore, we are proud to honor the members of our 
coalition: Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 
Transport Workers Union, International Association of 
Machinists, Transportation Communications Union, 
American Train Dispatchers/BLE, International 
Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths, Sheet Metal 
Workers International Association, National Conference 
of Firemen & Oilers/Service Employees International 
Union, and the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees 
union.

   Unfortunately, two unions -- BMWE and BLE -- have 
bizarrely chosen to stand outside of the House of Rail 
Labor on this vitally important issue. In fact, they are 
doing everything they can to spread false and malicious 
information to try to stop this legislation in its 
tracks for some perverse political reasons. So we ask: 
What will they tell the widows if they succeed in 
killing this legislation?

   The "Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement 
Act of 2000" represents a serious progressive 
improvement that will benefit all segments of the 
railroad industry and its unionized workers immediately. 
We urge all of you to stand up and be counted. Tell your 
senators and congressperson today that you stand with 
three million others who want improved Railroad 
Retirement benefits. Don't delay. Take your retirement 
future in your hands!



--"We're cautiously optimistic" .................##N
   by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
   UTU Assistant President

   What's going on with national contract talks? Let me 
update you.

   As chief contract negotiator, Charlie Little has 
given me one primary objective: Get the best possible 
economic contract for UTU members, and get rid of the 
two-tiered wage structure that has afflicted all 
operating employees since 1985.

   We have recently concluded a substantive meeting with 
the carriers represented by the National Carriers' 
Conference Committee and made progress in promoting the 
UTU agenda. It is fair to report to you that we remain 
cautiously optimistic at this time. One thing is 
certain: We do not want congressional intervention on 
this contract as happened seven times between 1982 and 
1991.

   No other issue that this union is involved with right 
now -- including our dispute with the BLE -- is more 
important to us than negotiating this contract. We are 
focused on our issues and our ultimate goal.

   UTU has one very simple and straight-ahead 
negotiating policy: we want to come out of the chute 
first. We are well prepared and we have told the 
carriers what we want to achieve. They know we plan to 
go all out to get it. It is also fair to say that the 
2000 Presidential and Congressional elections -- and who 
will control the White House and Congress next year -- 
puts pressure on all the parties for a quicker 
settlement.

   The carriers know that this time we are damn serious 
about ending the two-tiered pay system once and for all. 
We plan to bring new hires -- and post '85 hires -- up 
to parity with their pre-'85 peers.

   We believe in being first in negotiating, because 
history has proven that when UTU doesn't lead, rail 
employees get bad contracts. Unlike some unions that are 
proud to trumpet inferior contracts as major 
breakthroughs, UTU is not looking to make trade-offs to 
get other inequities improved. Our goal is to be first 
in negotiations with a solid contract.

   UTU's philosophy does not include taking away one 
piece of the pie from one group and giving it to the 
other. It's not a matter of taking from pre-'85 
employees and giving to post-'85ers. We just believe in 
making the pie bigger for us all. Our research shows 
that we have earned it by being the most productive rail 
workers in the world, and that we have substantially 
contributed to the economic health of the railroads.

   When entry rates were enacted, no one ever considered 
that the rate of promotion to conductor and engineer 
would have collapsed into such a small time frame. 
Today, no conductor, engine foreman, engineer, or 
yardmaster should be subjected to entry rates. There is 
simply no room for paying these people less for doing 
the same work in the same position as their peers do. 
After 15 years, it's time to end the two-tiered "caste 
system" on the railroad.

   As significant developments occur, we will keep you 
posted on the UTU website, in the UTU News, through your 
locals, and in special mailings. We will do everything 
possible to keep you informed.



--"Railroad Retirement reform deserves support" ....##O
   by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   National Legislative Director

   Rail management has approached UTU several times with 
schemes involving Railroad Retirement. In the past, they 
have complained about the unfairness of the Tier II tax 
structure because it requires them to pay most of the 
Tier II tax. Almost all of the proposals would have kept 
the benefit system approximately the same. Any savings 
derived would have benefited them on a three-to-one 
ratio. UTU always gave the same answer to such proposals 
and we cannot repeat it here in our family friendly UTU 
News.

   Management's proposals were such that we would get 
the same amount of money, we would take all of the 
risks, and they would reap any additional benefits. 
Eventually rail management recognized that no matter how 
many times they threw the bait on the table rail labor 
always saw the hook. About two years ago management 
began to move. President Little and Assistant President 
Boyd, along with the leaders of 10 other rail-labor 
unions, began to negotiate a Railroad Retirement reform 
package that would benefit current and future retirees, 
workers and spouses. At the conclusion of the 
negotiation process, instead of a three-to-one benefit 
for the carriers, the package reflects a 50/50 split. In 
other words, we went from getting 25% of the pie to 
gaining 50%.

   Initially the railroads wanted us to take all the 
risk, but President Little and Assistant President Boyd 
were able to obtain many assurances at the bargaining 
table. First, any investment board would be made up of 
an equal number of labor and management members. That 
board would come under the requirements of federal laws 
currently in place dealing with their responsibilities 
as they pertain to investments. These are the same 
criminal and civil penalties that apply to every person 
participating in similar activities. The money involved 
under this law alone would make it as safe as the 
retirement funds invested in the name of every other 
union member in the United States. Second, the 
legislation also requires that the railroads would be 
responsible if the trust fund falls below a certain 
level. If this happens, a tax would automatically be 
placed solely on the carriers in order to replenish the 
fund. In order to add a final assurance to the integrity 
of the fund, it is still bound by the full faith and 
credit of the United States government. They would be 
required to pay the obligations of the fund if, for some 
reason, the other safety nets in place were 
insufficient.

   While the rest of the world under Social Security is 
looking at a steady increase in the retirement age, the 
UTU and coalition negotiators were able to move the 
retirement age in the other direction. As an added 
benefit, they have thrown in medical care, too. I know 
that this was extremely difficult to achieve. Obviously, 
neither side in the negotiations got all that they 
wanted. Both labor and management felt that they were 
entitled to more. But realistically, in order to pass 
this package into law, it will take the support of labor 
and management, Democrats and Republicans.

   If we are to make the improvements that the widows 
and widowers so desperately need, we must act now. If we 
are to make the improvements that will lower the 
retirement age and provide medical care for early 
retirees, we must act now. Please visit, write, call, 
fax, and e-mail your congressman and your two senators, 
and ask your friends to do the same. The message: 
"Please support the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' 
Improvement Act of 2000."



--Feedback: Chesser backs AFL-CIO decision ......##P

The following letter was received by International 
President Charles L. Little from Past International 
President Al H. Chesser regarding the UTU's recent 
decision to disaffiliate from the AFL-CIO.
--------------------------------
   Dear Brother Little:

   I want to assure you that I agree with you 100% 
regarding your decision to disaffiliate from the AFL-
CIO. You, the officers, and Board of Directors, have my 
full support if it is helpful in any manner.

   The UTU, since its beginning, has been one of the 
most outstanding and successful labor organizations in 
the entire North American labor movement. The character 
and integrity of our union remains unblemished.

   We have, through the years, been one of the greatest 
assets of the AFL-CIO. Two of our International 
presidents have served long tenures on the Executive 
Council of the AFL-CIO. We are not a "Johnny-come-
lately" to membership in the AFL-CIO.

   We have set an example for the AFL-CIO as one of the 
strongest labor unions in North America.

   We have been one of the leaders among the AFL-CIO 
affiliates in securing better wages, excellent health 
and welfare benefits, working conditions, and 
educational opportunities for our members.

   We have been one of the leaders in the field of 
legislation to protect workers' lives, secure improved 
pensions, and to protect workers' welfare in general.

   We have asked for no trophies or accolades for our 
success as an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Neither had we 
anticipated being sacrificed on the altar of labor by 
the officers of the AFL-CIO for an organization 
described by many as a small, scabby organization, the 
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE).

   We can no longer be made to suffer the intended 
indignities and unjust treatment by the officers of the 
AFL-CIO.

   They have chosen to interrupt our legal and rightful 
procedures under rail labor law. In doing so, they chose 
to protect a scab organization, the BLE, whose folly has 
been to order its members to cross legal picket lines in 
time of a legal strike.

   They have chosen to protect an organization that 
finds joy in "selling jobs" of our brothers and sisters 
in order to gain a few pieces of silver for their 
members.

   Never in all my years in the labor movement, as an 
officer of my union, and as a member of the AFL-CIO 
Executive Council for many years, has the house of labor 
protected an organization which violates the very 
fundamentals of the American labor movement, and in 
doing so attempts to admonish one of its best 
affiliates.

   Our character and dignity is something we cannot and 
must not sacrifice. So, in order to protect our 
membership from such harsh and unjust action of the AFL-
CIO officers, we must take the high road and 
disaffiliate with the AFL-CIO.

   You and I, and all of our officers and members, must 
never give up the fight to protect the working men and 
women of North America, and in particular those in the 
railroad industry. It is shameful that the officers of 
the AFL-CIO have forced us to make that fight separate 
and apart from the AFL-CIO.

   Yes, brother president, you said it correctly in the 
last paragraph of your letter to AFL-CIO President 
Sweeney, which, I quote, "In conclusion, UTU wishes the 
federation well in its efforts to instill new life in 
the labor movement. UTU has the same goal, to 
rationalize and revitalize the representation of 
operating employees on the nation's railroads" end 
quote.

   I extend my very best wishes to you, and your 
splendid and most successful administration of the UTU.

Fraternally yours,

Al H. Chesser
UTU Past International President



--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 AGREE WITH THE DECISION 
TO WITHDRAW FROM THE AFL-CIO?

   "I'm an LACMTA bus operator with almost 24 years on 
the job. At first, I had some concerns about the 
withdrawal, but it's OK with me. Paying into something 
that we're not getting a return from doesn't make sense. 
I was concerned about strength and unity, but I feel we 
can grow and be strong enough that we can be the major 
player in transportation. Transportation being a major 
force in the economy, we need an organization that 
understands this industry and is willing to stand up for 
us. All brothers and sisters should be treated fairly, 
no matter where they are in this land."
   -- WILLIE FULWILEY, L-1563, EL MONTE, CAL.

   "I've been a rail worker since 1977 and went into 
engine service on BNSF the following year. I suspected 
our withdrawal from the federation would be coming, and 
I agree with the decision. I remember when we left the 
AFL-CIO over the coal slurry thing. I have a problem 
with the AFL-CIO taking our money and giving it to the 
BLE so they can fight against us. I trust that what our 
organization is doing will lead to the unification of 
the UTU and BLE. That's what I'd like to see happen. We 
elect these people to do what's right for us, and at 
some point, you have to trust that's what they're 
doing."
   -- CURT JONES, L-5, KANSAS CITY, MO.

   "I'm a BNSF engineer with about 27 years of 
railroading, and I have no problem with the UTU 
withdrawing. I'm not a big AFL-CIO lover, and never 
thought we should belong to it. There's so many other 
unions there whose interests are opposite of ours, 
including some of the coal people and the airlines. I 
don't think it's a big loss. I think we should have done 
it earlier. I'd still like to see the operating unions 
join together, as do a lot of my BLE counterparts. We 
should be working together to be sure we have two people 
in the cab. We need to protect the craft of conductor."
   -- MIKE RITCHIE, L-445, NIOTA, ILL.

   "I'm an engineer working for the Kansas City 
Southern, with about 27 years of railroading experience, 
and I agree with the decision 110%. I think the AFL-CIO 
does good things for other unions, but I really don't 
think they've done anything much for the UTU. I think 
the UTU has great leadership and will stand on its own. 
The UTU is fighting for the workers out there, and we 
need that because the BLE is trying to put the UTU out 
of business, especially with the black box. I know BLE 
engineers, and they'll sell a trainman's job out for $5 
a day. I'm glad Charlie Little pulled out."
   -- ROBERT W. SNOW, L-1088, JACKSON, MISS.



POWER OF ONE
--The Power of TPEL .............................##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 OF TPEL
TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE

   UTU's TPEL is the Number One railroad union PAC in 
the United States and is more influential than all other 
railroad union PACs. In the 21st Century, TPEL is 
leading the way to a stronger political voice for rail 
and transportation workers.

   -- TPEL, with $1.55 million raised in 1999, is more 
than one-and-a-half times bigger than the next five 
largest railroad union PACs combined (BLE, BMWE, TCU, 
BRS, ATDD = $965,982).

   -- TPEL is more than four times larger than the next-
largest railroad union PAC. In fact, TPEL, at $1.55 
million, dwarfs the BLE's $384,723.

   -- TPEL average contributions per member are larger 
than those of all other railroad unions.

   -- TPEL ranks second to the 1.4-million Teamsters 
among all transportation PACs.

   -- TPEL helped elect 95% of all candidates it 
endorsed in the last U.S. elections.

   -- TPEL ranks among the top 10 PACs - we are No. 10 - 
with funds on hand, and we are ranked in the top 20 - 
No. 19 - in receipts among the more than 3,600 
registered U.S. PACs, including big business PACs.

   In the 21st Century, we need the Power of One -- and 
the Power of TPEL -- to make our voices heard even 
louder in Washington, D.C., and in your state capitol.



SENIOR NEWS

--RRB notes earnings-rule amendments ...............##S

   Recently enacted Social Security Act amendments that 
ease the earnings restrictions affecting Social Security 
beneficiaries working after full retirement age also 
apply to annuitants covered by the Railroad Retirement 
Act, according to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 
(RRB).

   About 2,500 Railroad Retirement beneficiaries are 
affected by the amendments, which are effective 
retroactive to January 1, 2000, the RRB said. 
Retroactive payments of benefits previously withheld for 
excess earnings, as well as the removal of any earnings 
deductions applied to those affected, should be 
completed by early July.

   Elimination of the Depression-era "earnings test" 
also affects about 415,000 Social Security annuitants 
who lost benefits this year, the Social Security 
Administration (SSA) said. They should receive a refund 
in May.

   The amendments eliminate deductions of $1 in benefits 
for every $3 in earnings over $17,000 previously applied 
until age 70 to those of full Social Security retirement 
age. Full retirement age ranges from age 65 for those 
born before 1938 to age 67 for those born in 1960 or 
later. These deductions, however, remain in effect for 
the months before the month of full retirement age 
during the calendar year of attainment, the RRB said.

   In the years before the year of full retirement age, 
the earnings deduction of $1 in benefits for every $2 
over the exempt amount, $10,080 in 2000, also remains in 
effect.

   Under the two-tiered Railroad Retirement System, Tier 
I benefits and vested dual benefits paid to employees, 
spouses and survivors, as well as the Tier II benefits 
paid to survivors, are subject to earnings deductions 
just like Social Security benefits.

   The legislation did not eliminate the Railroad 
Retirement work restrictions which are not included in 
the Social Security Act. A Railroad Retirement annuity 
is still not payable for any month in which an annuitant 
works for a railroad or railroad labor organization, 
regardless of age.

   Nor does the legislation affect the Tier II Railroad 
Retirement earnings deductions that apply to employees 
and spouses who work for their last pre-retirement 
nonrailroad employers. These additional deductions of $1 
for every $2 in earnings up to a maximum reduction of 
50% continue to apply to Tier II benefits, and 
supplemental employee annuities, regardless of age or 
the amount of earnings. The special restrictions that 
apply to disability annuitants also remain unchanged.



--Portsmouth star recalls rail record ...........##T

   The three surviving members of a five-man Norfolk & 
Western (N&W) rail crew knew their deed was enshrined in 
the Guinness Book of World Records, but there's nothing 
like getting recognition from the hometown crowd.

   A distinguishing characteristic of Portsmouth, Ohio, 
situated along the Ohio River, is a floodwall bearing 
stars signed by those whose celebrity or accomplishments 
bring glory to the area.

   On Labor Day 1999, retired UTU members R. G. "Joe" 
Sutherland and Paul H. DuPuy, Jr., both of Local 496, 
Portsmouth, Ohio, and Donald Clark added their 
signatures to the wall.

   The event that put them in the history books occurred 
November 15, 1967, when the longest and heaviest freight 
train in the northern hemisphere rolled into Portsmouth 
from Iaeger, W. Va., a distance of about 157 miles.

   "When we got called for duty, we had no idea of what 
was in store," said Sutherland. "But the first thing we 
noticed was all kinds of officials."

   The four-mile long, 47,000-ton train consisted of 500 
coal cars, with three 3,600-h.p. diesels at the head 
end, and another three placed 300 cars back from the 
front as "slave units," Sutherland said.

   "We heard different tales about the run," said 
Sutherland, head brakeman of a crew that included now-
deceased workers J.W. Markum as engineer and B.L. 
Thornton as conductor. "But I think the N&W was just 
experimenting with slave units."

   Sutherland hired on with N&W as a brakeman in 1961 
and retired in 1998 as a conductor. "I don't think there 
was ever anything again nearly as long in my 37 years on 
the rails," Sutherland noted with pride.



--Three retired former Gen. Chairpersons die .......##U

   Three retired former general chairpersons -- Elmer L. 
Dirks, Arlon M. Blount and Samuel H. Hollands -- have 
passed away.

   Brother Dirks, 91, a retired former Milwaukee Road 
general chairperson, passed away February 28 in 
Lakeland, Fla. A member of Local 1382, Milwaukee, Wis., 
Dirks began his rail career in 1935 as a switchman on 
the Milwaukee Road, and joined Brotherhood of Railroad 
Trainmen Lodge 982 in Milwaukee. He served as general 
chairperson from 1955 until his retirement in 1974.

   Brother Blount, 85, a retired former Southern 
Pacific-Eastern Lines general chairperson, died in an 
automobile accident on April 14. A member of Local 569, 
Ennis, Tex., he began his career in 1943 on the former 
Texas & New Orleans Railroad and was a member of the 
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen's Magnolia 
Lodge 226. He served as general chairperson for 
enginemen from 1968 through 1977.

   Brother Hollands, 83, a retired former general 
chairperson for Local 1558 members working at Rockland 
Coaches in Bergenfield, N.J., passed away April 8 in 
Highland Falls, N.J. Hollands began his career as a bus 
operator with Rockland Coaches in 1942, and represented 
workers there as general chairperson from 1964 until 
1978. He retired in 1980.



--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    Blanchard, Charles M.      Fairview, PA
0001    Koch, Howard J.           W. Seneca, NY
0002    Weir, James P.                Dover, AR
0005    Hackett Carl E.           Ft. Scott, KS
0072    Chaney, W.G.           Battle Creek, MI
0094    Devers, William L.     Shawnee Msn., KS
0104    Dore, Albert J.    Sault Ste. Marie, ON
0226    Ball, Kenneth A.          Centralia, MO
0239    Hilzinger, Henry L.         Kenwood, CA
0243    Davis, Jr., Chester S.     Portland, TX
0258    Jones, Charles M.          Sun City, AZ
0262    Fanning, Edward F.       Cumberland, RI
0292    Freytag, James R.        Whitesboro, NY
0333    Schneck, Arnold             Seymour, IN
0338    Reph, Raymond E.           Ringgold, GA
0367    Eckert, Max E.                Omaha, NE
0386    Baker, Robert E.          Sun Lakes, AZ
0391    Ladouceur, J.F.E.          Chapleau, ON
0440    Gatliff, Jesse               Cleves, OH
0469    Brown, Rollie T.          Belleville IL
0469    Burger, Fred C.          Scott City, MO
0469    West, Paul B.             St. Louis, MO
0473    Strand, T.R.              La Grande, OR
0498    Carr, Gregory C.             Easton, PA
0500    Bedford, Clarence A.         Pueblo, CO
0511    Taylor, Sammy                 Macon, GA
0524    Weeks, Ralph W.           Brownwood, TX
0569    Blount, Arlon M.            Houston, TX
0577    Matys, Edward             Yorkville, IL
0610    Ratcliffe, Henry M.       Baltimore, MD
0645    Zakierski, Anthony J.        Sparta, NJ
0656    Chumley, Woodrow W.       Bald Knob, AR
0674    Harrell, Raymond W.     Spartanburg, SC
0730    Carter, Lloyd E.              Simms, MT
0759    Botel, Robert H.             Tucson, AZ
0793    Sharpe, St. Clare A.       Columbia, SC
0847    Harris, Joseph E.        Birmingham, AL
0857    Lang, R.W.           Fredericksburg, TX
0894    Shepherd, Ronald J.           Tulsa, OK
0903    White, Connie A.          MacClenny, FL
0927    Kyllonen, Allen R.      Center Line, MI
0942    Stokes, Arthur L.          Florence, SC
0965    Burts, William P.           Red Oak, TX
1000    Hayne, Russell L.           Oakdale, MN
1042    Washam, Virgil T.           Jackson, CA
1075    Wood, Edward C.           Flat Rock, MI
1129    Montgomery, H.W.      Fuquay Varina, NC
1177    Mathis, Cyril A.          St. Cloud, MN
1345    Stewart, Edward C.           Etowah, TN
1365    Graziano, Andy               Girard, OH
1377    Pegg, Richard D.         Cincinnati, OH
1381    Debolt, Charles A.        Escondido, CA
1390    Cibar, John                 Labelle, FL
1393    Dunworth, Robert L.         Buffalo, NY
1413    Dunne, James E.            Waldwick, NJ
1445    Schelhorn, Fred J.     Roselle Park, NJ
1473    McDermott, F.        Stafford Spgs., CT
1502    Hardy, James E.              Starke, FL
1522    Foster, Luther V.        Washington, DC
1549    Smith, Jerry                Jackson, OH
1558    Hollands, Samuel H.  Highland Falls, NY
1563    Chevlin, Sydney       Mohave Valley, AZ
1620    McKibben, Loy G.             Goshen, IN
1785    Lebert, Raymond J.        Big River, CA
1895    Buffano, Bernard M.         Chicago, IL
1910    Hatcher, Roy S.               Macon, GA
1973    Hadt, Stephen              Griffith, IN
1973    Hartman, Edward F.          Chicago, IL



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

NOTE: This month's print edition of the UTU NEWS 
includes a special eight-page insert that honors all 
active and retired UTU members, and others, who have 
contributed or pledged $300 or more to TPEL in the last 
year. Due to its length, that listing has been omitted 
from this file, but is included in an Adobe Acrobat 
Portable Document Format (PDF) version of this edition, 
available for viewing or downloading from the UTU's 
website at <http://www.utu.org>. In addition, it will be 
available on the UTU's website as part of the web-
optimized, HTML-formatted version of this edition of the 
UTU NEWS.

A short article about TPEL, a message from UTU National 
Legislative Director James M. Brunkenhoefer, a notice 
regarding a limited-edition TPEL lapel pin, and a 
feature about the UTU locals that led in donations in 
1999 were also included in the print edition of this 
issue. Those articles are included here.



--TPEL tops all rail union PACs .................##X

   This is what your vote as a union member means to 
your country: Had union families in Michigan, Ohio, and 
Wisconsin not voted in the 1996 presidential election, 
Bob Dole would be in the White House today, according to 
exit-poll data.

   Many of those union families were UTU families. Many 
of you made a difference, and we know you will make a 
big difference this year as we move deeper into the 2000 
Presidential and congressional elections.

   As the most politically influential rail and 
transportation union in Washington, D.C., the 30,000 UTU 
members who contribute to our political action 
committee, the Transportation Political Education 
League, or TPEL, have the loudest voice at the White 
House and on Capitol Hill. And there's a very good 
reason for that.

   You have turned TPEL into the dominant PAC in our 
industry. TPEL is more than one-and-a-half times bigger 
than the PACs of the next five rail unions combined: 
BLE, BMWE, TCU, BRS and ATDD. In fact, when stacked up 
against the BLE, the UTU's TPEL is more than four times 
larger.

   In politics, money talks. And because nearly 30,000 
of you believe in funding the political process through 
your union's TPEL, the UTU has been at the head of the 
table in Washington, D.C., and in many state capitals 
around the nation.

   This annual special section honors all active and 
retired UTU members, and others, who have contributed or 
pledged $300 or more to TPEL in the last year.

   We urge all of our members who do not contribute to 
TPEL to sign up immediately and help us raise the funds 
we need so that the UTU's voice - and the voice of union 
families  - can be heard loud and clear at the polls in 
November 2000.

   You can begin contributions at any time, and they can 
be deducted automatically from your paycheck. 
Contributions can also be made on a one-time basis.

   One half of every TPEL contribution is used within 
the donor's home state, and the other half is used for 
candidates running for federal office. So, the more 
money TPEL receives from, say, California, the more 
money TPEL can use inside California for our political 
purposes.

   TPEL features different annual contribution clubs:

PLATINUM:         $1,200 a year or more
DOUBLE DIAMOND:   $600 to $1,199
DIAMOND PLUS:     $599 to $400
DOLLAR-A-DAY:     $365 to $399
DIAMOND:          $300 to $364
GOLD:             $100 to $299

   All contributions of at least $100 per year receive a 
baseball-style hat, lapel pin and TPEL membership card.



--National Legislative Director's message ..........##Y

   There are many ways the United Transportation Union 
capitalizes on its political muscle.

   One way is to have as much impact as possible on 
elected officials. One of the ways to accomplish this is 
through the ballot box. Obviously, your union hopes that 
you and all members of your family will register to 
vote, and then on Election Day cast your ballot, either 
at the voting booth or by absentee ballot.

   History has shown that when the voter turnout is 
large, more candidates who are friends of working 
families get elected. UTU goes through a lengthy process 
before endorsing candidates. We suggest that you vote 
for those endorsed candidates. We think the UTU-endorsed 
candidates will work for the overall best interests of 
the UTU membership. We don't, however, tell you how to 
vote. That final choice is up to each individual.

   UTU has another tool as well. We have a political 
action committee (PAC) that makes donations to 
candidates who support working-family issues. UTU's PAC 
is called the Transportation Political Education League, 
or TPEL. TPEL is one of the top political action 
committees in the country. TPEL contributes to both 
Democrats and Republicans. Although we cannot tell a 
candidate how to vote, it is our hope that after they 
receive our TPEL contribution, they will vote with you 
in mind and support your issues.

   President Little takes into careful consideration 
many factors before he invests TPEL dollars into any 
political campaign or endorses any candidates in UTU's 
name. We support candidates who are concerned about the 
issues facing all of our members. We take into 
consideration the needs of school bus drivers in New 
York, airline pilots in Montana, Amtrak and commuter 
workers on the East Coast, carmen and track workers in 
New York, and freight railroad employees all over the 
United States. Every member of this organization has our 
ear in the endorsement process.

   UTU has almost 30,000 members who participate in 
TPEL. It is through their individual and joint efforts 
that this union has an impact on the legislative process 
at all levels.

   The process by which we elect lawmakers in the United 
States has many problems. There is no doubt that the 
U.S. election process needs reforming, but I don't 
expect reform will be coming anytime soon. As long as 
the process remains the same, it is imperative that UTU 
has as much impact as we can possibly muster. That 
impact is directly tied to the amount of involvement of 
our membership.

   In this special section, there is a list of UTU 
members and others who have chosen to participate in 
higher levels of TPEL. I would like to express my 
personal appreciation to all of these people. I hope 
that if you are not a member of TPEL that you will 
become one, and if you are already a member that you 
will consider raising your contribution level. It is 
only through TPEL that our individual voices are 
collected and that collective voice is heard. If you see 
someone on the list that you work with, please take the 
time to thank them for helping us help you.

   If you have any questions about how TPEL works, ask 
your local legislative representative, your state 
director or call me at (202) 543-7714.



--Limited-edition lapel pin marks donations .....##Z

   A limited-edition, commemorative lapel emblem has 
been created to honor TPEL donors in the new millennium.

   The special lapel pin will be sent to all TPEL donors 
who, as of September 1, 2000, are enrolled to contribute 
$25 a year or more, or to those who make a one-time 
contribution of $25 or more.

   Contact your local legislative representative to 
begin your TPEL contribution before the September 1 
deadline.



--Members trust TPEL ..............................##AA

   It's no secret why the members of the locals listed 
in the 1999 top-ten list believe in TPEL: They trust 
their money is being invested in their futures, their 
jobs and their families. The top three legislative 
representatives explain:

   For the 60 members of Local 1421 in Franklin Park, 
Ill., who work as conductors and switchmen on the 
Indiana Harbor Belt line in the Chicago area, supporting 
TPEL is the right thing to do. The local placed sixth on 
the top-ten list for 1995, fourth in 1996, seventh for 
1997, first in 1998 and first again in 1999.

   Legislative Representative Joe Pastore explains the 
success directly. "We stress to the guys that if you 
want to be heard it costs money. The companies that are 
against us spend a lot of money lobbying, and we have to 
do that too if we want to play with the big boys.

   "The more money we contribute, the better we are 
heard. Lobbyists throw a lot of money at politicians, 
and I don't mean bribes, and you have to be able to do 
the same thing to succeed. You're lucky if your time in 
the spotlight with the legislator is a ride up in an 
elevator, but you have to be there. It's an investment 
of time and effort, and that costs money.

   "The guys know that everybody who works for them is 
doing the best they can. They have faith in their 
representatives. That is reflected in their willingness 
to contribute to TPEL. They know the money is going to 
be spent wisely.

   "(Illinois State Legislative Director) Joe Szabo 
works hard for us, and it's a pleasure to work for him. 
He's a bargain at twice the price. Lawmakers respect 
him, and the members respect that.

   "The bottom line is, the more money we contribute, 
the better we are heard," Pastore said.

   The 50 members of Local 1293, conductors and 
locomotive engineers working for the Union Pacific in 
the Superior, Wis., area, placed second on the UTU's 
top-ten list of locals in per-capita giving.

   Legislative Representative Kenneth Staves said the 
passage of the Wisconsin two-person crew bill showed 
members in his local the value of TPEL donations.

   "We were happy when we got the bill pushed through," 
Staves explained. "The members realized what TPEL was 
really doing for them, that TPEL was looking out for 
their best interests."

   Staves also credited Local Chairperson Mark Mueller 
and former Legislative Representative Dave Peterson for 
their efforts.

   The 85 members of Local 1129, working as conductors, 
engineers, switchmen and trainmen for Norfolk Southern 
and CSX in the Raleigh, N.C., area, also are staunch 
supporters of TPEL.

   The local placed third on this year's top-ten list. 
In 1995, 1996 and 1997 the local was first on the top-
ten list; it was second last year.

   "We work on them a lot," said Legislative 
Representative Glenn Lamm. "We have incentives to get 
them to increase their donations. We try to keep them 
informed about what the legislative representatives are 
doing, and how much influence and power we can have by 
getting the right people elected to Congress and the 
state legislature. We keep them informed.

   "Also, (Assistant National Legislative Director) Jim 
Stem was a real good salesman. Local Chairperson and 
State Legislative Director Richard Westbrook, Jr., and 
Local President Mike Talbot, Jr., also work hard for 
TPEL.

   "TPEL is a valuable tool for us," Lamm said. "We have 
senators and congressmen come and speak to us and see 
the guys. They know the legislative representatives 
because of TPEL money. It works good."



NOTICES

--Monthly winner ...............................##BB

   This month's lucky winner of her choice of any item 
bearing the UTU logo is Diana J. Lane of Pen Argyl, Pa.

   Sister Lane is an active member of Local 60 in 
Newark, N.J., which represents workers employed by New 
Jersey Transit.

   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 Sister Lane!



--UTUIA increases dividend ........................##CC

   CLEVELAND -- UTUIA announced that it is increasing 
its dividend payment to 6.25% from 6%. The dividend 
increase will affect thousands of UTUIA policyholders 
who have invested in their fraternal insurance company.

   "We are pleased that the UTUIA can increase its 
dividend payment and help put extra money into our 
members' pockets," said Paul C. Thompson, UTU general 
secretary and treasurer. "UTUIA is financially strong 
and is one of the largest fraternal insurance companies 
in the country."



--Tri-State Boosters to meet in Birmingham .....##DD

   Virginia Legislative Director Richard Jeskey has 
announced that the Tri-State Boosters Association of 
Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina will hold 
its 72nd annual meeting at the UTU's Regional Meeting in 
Birmingham, Ala.

   The boosters will open their meeting on Monday, July 
10, at 10:30 a.m. and hold their business meeting at 
1:30 p.m. On that day, all events and meals will be 
covered by the $50 registration fee.

   Those wishing to attend other UTU events are welcome 
to do so at the cost of $50 per day. Payment of the 
advanced registration fee of $125 will cover all three 
days, including Sunday's welcome reception. (See page 
11)

   The Tri-State Boosters Association promotes 
fellowship among members and raises funds to provide 
four-year college scholarships ($500 per year) to the 
children or grandchildren of UTU members in those 
states. This year, all scholarship applications must be 
received by Tri-State Boosters Scholarship Committee 
Secretary Marjorie Jeskey no later than June 10 at 3969 
Horsepen Mtn. Dr., Vinton, VA 24179.

   Requests for scholarship applications should be 
directed to Tri-State Scholarship Committee Chairperson 
John C. Hancock, 9550 Regency Square Blvd., Ste. 900, 
Jacksonville, FL 32225.



--BlueCross/BlueShield benefits explained .........##EE

   If your healthcare benefits are administered by 
Regence Life and Health Insurance Company of Portland, 
Ore., an independent licensee of the BlueCross 
BlueShield (BCBS) Association, the following information 
is very important to you in order to obtain maximum 
benefits under both the Comprehensive Health Care 
Benefit (CHCB) and Managed Medical Care Program (MMCP) 
programs:

   For MMCP participants, to obtain maximum "in-network" 
benefits you should select only preferred providers from 
the BCBS provider directories.

   Preferred providers are those which have the "PPO" 
designation following their name.

   This will assure that you receive the "in-network" 
benefit for office visits and avoid any application of 
the "out-of-network" benefit level.

   If you are covered under CHCB, your out-of-pocket 
expenses can be reduced by utilizing any physician from 
the provider directory.

   Those physicians have a contractual arrangement with 
BCBS so that the 85% benefit of the CHCB program is 
based upon the amount charged by that physician.

   By utilizing a physician from the BCBS directory 
there is no dispute with regard to the "reasonable and 
customary charges" which may result in additional out-
of-pocket expenses to you through physician balance 
billing.

   This is what BCBS refers to as "hold harmless."

   The Regence customer service team will answer any 
questions you may have with regard to benefits, status 
of claims or identification cards. Call toll-free 1-888-
977-2583 or fax 1-503-276-1801. Also, all members are 
reminded to call the UTU International with any 
questions they may have regarding any of the plan 
options or benefit providers under the NRC/UTU Plan or 
the National Health and Welfare Plan (formerly GA-
23000).



--United HealthCare notes GA-23111 changes .....##FF

   At recent meetings with the railway labor 
organizations constituting the policyholder under GA-
23111, a detailed study of the premiums and benefit 
payments under the various plans was made. It was agreed 
that the following payment rate changes would be made 
for coverage effective June 1, 2000:

   Plan A: The monthly payment rate for Plan A will 
remain at $6 for employee coverage and $7 for dependent 
coverage effective June 1, 2000.

   Plan B: The monthly payment rate for Plan B will 
remain at $16 for coverage effective June 1, 2000.

   Plan C: Due to the rise in the cost of medical 
treatment caused by inflation plus the additional 
utilization of medical care services, changes in the 
monthly payment rates for coverage effective June 1, 
2000, will be as follows:

   -- Plan C for employees or dependents increases from 
$265 to $285;

   -- Plan C for each student child decreases from $55 
to $50;

   -- Plan C for each incapacitated child increases from 
$110 to $130.

   Plan D: Revisions to Plan D were made effective June 
1, 1999, and provide benefits equal to or greater than 
any standard Medigap plan. The amounts paid under Plan D 
for prescription drugs continue to increase at a rate of 
21% from the previous year with similar levels expected 
in the next few years. Due to the continuing increase in 
the cost of medical services (particularly the cost for 
prescription drugs) covered under Plan D, the monthly 
payment rate for coverage will increase from $165 to 
$190 for coverage effective June 1, 2000.

   Individuals participating in Plan D cannot change 
their coverage until the next open enrollment period.

   Plan F: A new Plan F was created effective June 1, 
1999. Plan F has benefits identical to Plan D except 
that it does not cover prescription drugs. The medical 
benefits, other than prescription drugs, are equal to or 
greater than any standard Medigap plan. The monthly 
payment rate for Plan F will increase from $98 to $102 
for coverage effective June 1, 2000.

   Individuals participating in Plan F cannot change 
their coverage until the next open enrollment period.

   Plan E: The monthly payment rate for Plan E will 
remain at $103 for coverage effective June 1, 2000.

   Complete details of GA-23111 eligibility and benefit 
provisions are contained in the GA-23111 benefits 
booklet which can be obtained by calling United 
HealthCare at 1-800-809-0453.



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

   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.
------------------------
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: Extended to May 21, 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

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

UTU/UTUIA GOLF OUTINGS
   Arrangements have been made for golf outings in each 
of the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting cities. They are held 
the Sunday before the start of each meeting at 
challenging local golf courses. A registration form has 
been included in the print edition of the April 2000 UTU 
NEWS, and a text-only version follows below. Please make 
note of the registration deadline for each golf outing. 
The registration fee, $80 per golfer for each outing, 
includes the greens fee and golf carts, lunch and round-
trip transportation to the course from the host hotel.

   NOTE: All courses require soft spikes, collared 
shirts and proper attire. The format at all golf outings 
will be scramble/best ball. All foursomes will be 
established by draw from a handicap pool; no pre-
arranged foursomes will be considered. Foursomes will be 
made up of one golfer from each of four classes: A, B, C 
and D. Please complete the form and send it with your 
registration fee (payable to "UTU") by the applicable 
deadline to UTU Regional Meeting Golf Outing, 14600 
Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107.

RENO, NEV., GOLF OUTING
Date: Sunday, June 11, 2000; registration deadline June 
1
Place: The Golf Club at Genoa Lakes, Genoa, Nev.
Tee-off: 8 a.m. shotgun start

BIRMINGHAM, ALA., GOLF OUTING
Date: Sunday, July 9, 2000; registration deadline June 
30
Place: Oxmoor Valley, Birmingham, Ala.
Tee-off: 8 a.m. shotgun start

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., GOLF OUTING
Date: Sunday, Aug. 27, 2000; registration deadline Aug. 
17
Place: Majestic Oaks Golf Club, Ham Lake, Minn.
Tee-off: 7:30 a.m. shotgun start

   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.

------------------------
   Printed below is the tentative daily schedule for the 
UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings. This schedule, and the list 
of presenters, is subject to change. NOTE: The Reno, 
Nevada, Regional Meeting has been designated as the 
joint U.S./Canadian Regional Meeting.

-----------
MONDAY
-----------
8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
General Session, with International President Charles L. 
Little

10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Break

10:15 a.m-noon
Bus Workshop: Interviewing
Secretary/Treasurer: Open Session
Basic Collective Bargaining
Alcohol and Drug Testing
Historical Perspective: Future
Understanding Fatigue

Noon-1:15 p.m.
Lunch with Guest Speaker

1:15 p.m.-3 p.m.
Bus Workshop: Grievances I
Secretary/Treasurer: Open Session 
DLC Workshop: Off-track transportation.
Renewing the Union Tradition
Election 2000
Railway Labor Act
Auxiliary tour departs

3 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Break

3:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
Bus Workshop: Grievances II
Yardmaster Workshop
General committee meetings
Auxiliary returns 4:30 p.m.

7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Buffet Dinner with entertainment, casual dress


-----------
TUESDAY
-----------
8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Bus Workshop I: Open Chairpersons' Meeting
Secretary/Treasurer: One on One
Local Chairperson I: Preparing for Investigation
The UTU and You
Alcohol and Drug Testing
Switching Operation Fatality Analysis Workshop
Auxiliary Open Session I

10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Break

10:15 a.m-noon
Bus Workshop II: Open Chairpersons' Meeting
S&T: One on One
Local Chairperson II: Conducting an Investigation
Race to the Bottom
Equal Opportunity in Workplace
Engineer Certification
Auxiliary Open Session II

Noon-1:15 p.m.
Lunch with Guest Speaker; Evaluation Awards

1:15 p.m.-3 p.m.
S&T: One on One
General Chairperson I: Preparing for Arbitration
Your Money and How it Works
Legislative Workshop I
Women in Transportation
Auxiliary III - Longaberger demonstration

3 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Break

3:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
S&T: One on One
General Chairperson II: Conducting an Arbitration
Health Hazard Prevention
Legislative Workshop II
Balancing Work & Family Life

6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Tropical theme reception, with entertainment, heavy hors 
d'oeuvres, dress accordingly


-----------
WEDNESDAY
-----------
8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Bus Workshop: Arbitration I
Railroad Shippers' Association
Financial Planning
Grievance Mediation Arbitration of Rail Labor
Switching Operation Fatality Analysis Workshop
Equal Opportunity in the Workplace
Duty to Accommodate -- Canada

10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Break

10:15 a.m-noon
Bus Workshop: Arbitration II
CP Pension Workshop
Designated Legal Counsel General Session

Noon-1:15 p.m.
Lunch with Guest Speaker; Evaluation Awards

1:15 p.m.-3 p.m.
How Arbitration Works
Local Officers Training
Understanding Transportation Stock Analysis
Race to the Bottom
Engineer Certification

3 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Break

3:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
State Legislative Board meetings

6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
President's Reception/Banquet, semi-formal dress

-----------
RECEPTION SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY NIGHT
   At the 2000 Regional Meetings, all attendees are 
invited to a welcoming reception the Sunday evening 
before the Regional Meeting formally begins. The 
reception will run from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., and 
refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. 
Casual dress is suggested.

LUNCHEONS, RECEPTIONS AND BANQUETS INCLUDED
   At each Regional Meeting, all lunches are included.

   On Monday evening, a buffet dinner will be held. 
Cocktails, soft drinks and entertainment will be 
provided. Ample seating will be available for all. 
Casual attire is suggested.

   On Tuesday evening, a tropical theme reception will 
be held at each Regional Meeting. Cocktails, soft drinks 
and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Entertainment 
will be supplied by The World-Famous Pink Flamingos. 
Recommended dress is tropical casual, so bring your 
Hawaiian shirt.

   On Wednesday the President's Reception and Banquet 
will conclude the festivities of this year's Regional 
Meetings. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will include 
cocktails, a sit-down dinner, and closing comments by 
President Charles L. Little. Suggested dress is semi-
formal.

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
   At all Regional Meetings, general chairpersons will 
be gathering with their local officers and members to 
discuss issues specific to their properties.

STATE LEGISLATIVE BOARD MEETINGS
   At all Regional Meetings, state legislative directors 
will be gathering with their local legislative 
representatives and members to discuss issues specific 
to their states.

AUXILIARY MEETINGS
Members and prospective members of the UTU Auxiliary are 
cordially invited to attend a meeting of the group on 
the Tuesday of each meeting from 9 a.m. until noon. A 
continental breakfast will be served.

AUXILIARY TOURS
At the Reno Regional Meeting, Auxiliary members, family 
members and friends will be offered a tour of Virginia 
City; in Birmingham, a Southern Living Magazine tour 
will feature many local attractions, and in Minneapolis, 
Auxiliary members will be able to visit the Mall of 
America, the largest shopping center in the world.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES ROOM
The Membership Services Department will have 
representatives from Regence BlueCross/BlueShield, 
Magellan Behavioral Health, Aetna/U.S. HealthCare, 
Merck-Medco Managed Care, Inc., MetLife, Railroad 
Retirement Board, United HealthCare and ValueOptions to 
meet one-on-one with the membership and/or their 
spouses. The Membership Services Room will only be open 
the first two days of the Regional Meetings between 7:30 
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. UTU members, as well as their spouses 
and families, are encouraged to stop in.

UTU INSURANCE ASSOCIATION ROOM
At the 2000 Regional Meetings, representatives of the 
United Transportation Union Insurance Association will 
be available from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days to 
answer questions regarding any UTUIA insurance or 
investment products. 
UTU members planning to attend one of the 2000 Regional 
Meetings should know that discount air fares to the 
Regional Meeting cities have been arranged by the 
International.



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

------------------------------------------------
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 ...................##II

   UTU members planning to attend one of the 2000 
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 Ultimate Par policy .............##JJ

   How many times have you thought, "I really should 
look into some life insurance for the kids," and the 
next thing you know, a year or more has gone by and you 
haven't found the time to do so?

   It's never too early to start thinking about life 
insurance for children and grandchildren. Permanent life 
insurance provides living benefits and is a wonderful 
way to provide a legacy for your youngsters. What better 
way to show them you care?

   Permanent life insurance is very inexpensive at young 
ages, and premium-paying choices are endless. Premiums 
can be paid in one lump-sum payment, over a five- or 
ten-year period, over one's lifetime, or anything in 
between.

   For more information about UTUIA's Ultimate Par 
policy, or other policies, please contact your UTUIA 
representative, or write to: UTUIA, 14600 Detroit Ave., 
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250.
====================================================
====================================================
====================================================
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.
====================================================
====================================================
                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
====================================================
        -------------------------------------
                        MAY 2000
        -------------------------------------
====================================================
      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
====================================================

                         -30-