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                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
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                       JUNE 2000
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      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
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    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.
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                      WELCOME TO 
           THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR

   "The UTU is proud to be the first international union 
to use the Internet to deliver major live events to its 
members and the world."

   -- UTU ASSISTANT PRESIDENT BYRON A. BOYD, JR.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
--The UTU NEWS On-Line Edition takes advantage of the 
search-and-find features in your word processing 
software or on-line editor. For example, to learn how an 
audit resulted in a tangible gain for certain rail 
workers ("Conrail probe pays off big"), have your word 
processing software or on-line editor search for the 
text ##C.

IN THIS EDITION
--History-making webcast scheduled .................##A
--Amtrak boosts peer counseling .................##B
--Conrail probe pays off big .......................##C
--Driver comments sought by FMCSA ...............##D
--Drivers, aides choose UTU ........................##E
--Dividend clarification ........................##F

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

MEMBERSHIP IN ACTION
--Be part of "Join Hands Day," June 17, 2000 ....##H

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

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Contracts up for negotiation" ................##J
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Yardmasters reach new agreement" ................##K
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS
--Keep up the fight for Railroad Retirement .....##L
--And the gold goes to...  .........................##M
--"The Power of the Internet ....................##N
   Editorial by Charles L. Little
   UTU International President
--"The Power in the Transport Labor Movement" ......##O
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director
--Feedback: "BLE, BMWE misinformation hit" ......##P
--Voices: Members share their opinions .............##Q

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

SENIOR NEWS
--RRB selects new Medicare carrier .................##S
--Retiree plunges into lifeguard job ............##T
--Railroad Dutch Get-Together going strong .........##U
--Oakland Old Rails recruits new members ........##V
--The Final Call ...................................##W

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

NOTICES
--Monthly winner ...................................##Y
--New VISA card available for members ...........##Z
--UTUIA scholarship winners chosen .................#AA
--UTU 2000 Regional Meeting information ........##BB
--Regional Meeting pre-registration forms .........##CC
--Airlines offer discount fares ................##DD
--UTUIA offers Disability Income Replacement ......##EE

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

IN THIS EDITION

--History-making webcast scheduled .................##A

   CLEVELAND -- On June 12, the UTU will become the 
first major North American International labor union to 
webcast its annual "State of the Union" speech on the 
Internet.

   President Charles L. Little's opening "State of the 
UTU" speech at the Reno, Nev., Regional Meeting will be 
available on the Internet for all UTU members, and other 
interested persons, to watch. In addition, the UTU's new 
video, "The Power of One," will also be webcast.

   "The UTU is proud to be the first international union 
to use the Internet to deliver major live events to its 
members and the world," said Assistant President Byron 
A. Boyd, Jr., who spearheaded the webcasting project. 
"Now, our 135,000 members, as well as the thousands of 
others interested in the UTU and its activities, will 
have the opportunity to see for themselves what we are 
all about."

   The webcast will begin at 8:30 a.m. PDT (11:30 a.m. 
EDT) on Monday, June 12. (See sidebar at the end of this 
story for details on how to view the webcast.)

   In addition to using the Internet to webcast major 
live events, the UTU also has announced that it will 
offer its training and informational videos online 
through "video on demand" for educational purposes.

   The UTU has signed an agreement with Akamai 
Technologies, the foremost provider of high performance 
live-and-interactive events on the Internet, which will 
allow the union to hold cost-effective, real-time 
webcasts. In addition, UTU will use Akamai's streaming 
media services to provide on-line education by making 
videos available over the Internet.

   "We have made a commitment to use the Internet to 
better inform and educate our members," said Boyd. "This 
is the first step in an information revolution that will 
change how unions communicate with their members and the 
world. Naturally, the training and education of UTU 
members over the Internet is a major accomplishment."

   UTU also will use Akamai's "Netpodium" service that 
permits live and interactive Web events to be seen on 
the Internet without a large investment in time and 
capital.

   "Akamai is the top company in the world in providing 
these services to companies and organizations and the 
UTU is pleased to partner with them," said Boyd.

   Little's speech will be available after the webcast 
in archival form for later viewing.

HOW TO VIEW THE WEBCAST
   The live webcast leading up to President Little's 
"State of the UTU" speech will begin at 8:30 a.m. PDT 
(11:30 a.m. EDT) on Monday, June 12. In order to see it, 
you must do the following:

   -- Make sure that your computer has either Microsoft 
Media Player or RealPlayer installed. If you don't 
already have this software, you should add it at least 
one day before the webcast. Links will be provided on 
the UTU website, <http://www.utu.org>, so you may 
download this software for free.

   -- Go to the UTU website, <http://www.utu.org>, and 
follow the directions to watch the webcast.



--Amtrak boosts peer counseling .................##B

   CLEVELAND -- Amtrak management and the Operation 
RedBlock Executive Committee last month agreed to fund 
and support Phase II Peer Counseling as a means of 
implementing the first program in the transportation 
industry that will result in full-time positions for 
union members to serve as peer counselors.

   Operation RedBlock is a labor-developed and company-
adopted drug prevention and intervention program. It 
emphasizes awareness, education and prevention via union 
member peer committees, and aims to change attitudes, to 
reduce the tolerance of nonusers to job-related drug and 
alcohol use, and to encourage users to seek assistance.

   UTU International President Charles L. Little offered 
congratulations to those who forged the agreement. 
"Amtrak has had peer counseling on a part-time, 
voluntary basis for two years," Little noted, "and it 
works. The RedBlock Phase II Peer Counseling effort has 
the full support of the UTU."

   Little also drew attention to the goals of the 
program. "It is important to remember that it is not the 
intent of the Operation RedBlock program for its 
volunteers to become full-time counselors," Little 
explained.

   "Rather, they are full-time employees who, in the 
true spirit of trade unionism, are involved in helping 
co-workers maintain a healthy lifestyle," Little said.

   Representing the Transportation Communication Union 
at the meeting, American Railway & Airway Supervisors' 
Association President Art D'Alessandro noted his 
organization also fully supported the effort as a 
realistic approach to a complex problem.

   "All research evidence," D'Alessandro pointed out, 
"indicates that comprehensive programs, which support an 
initial treatment foundation, and thorough relapse 
prevention planning, produce the most positive 
outcomes."

   Amtrak Employee Assistance Program and RedBlock 
Director Robert Bonds said, "Full-time peer counseling 
will allow our professional staff to adequately handle 
upcoming problems that need attention while effectively 
treating existing cases that require immediate and 
intense follow-up."

   Ed Adams, chairperson at Local 1732, San Jose, Cal., 
and an Operation RedBlock coordinator, reminded the 
committee that together, Amtrak, the Federal Railroad 
Administration and the UTU have sponsored training for 
47 peer counselors over the past three years.

   According to UTU International Vice President Tony 
Iannone, the agreement has been a goal since 1988, and 
it couldn't come at a better time. "Managed care has 
decreased the amount of treatment resources, in some 
cases has eliminated in-patient treatment, and in most 
cases has reduced the lengths of stay for treatment," 
Iannone said.

   Iannone also noted the UTU is now represented by 
eight peer counselors on the Amtrak system, including 
Gary C. "Moe" Carlquist and Natalie Smith (Local 1361, 
New Haven, Conn.); Lee Channing (Local 168, Chicago, 
Ill.); Charles Cockrell (Local 1470, Edmonston, Md.); 
Gary Finnegan (Local 898, Boston, Mass.); Marie 
Hattenberg (Local 117, Vancouver, Wash.); Ed Isaac 
(Local 1732, San Jose, Cal.), and Idris Rahim (Local 
1933, Washington, D.C.).



--Conrail probe pays off big .......................##C

   CLEVELAND -- An audit of a major Conrail productivity 
trust fund by the UTU means that hundreds of former 
Conrail trainmen will split an additional $3 million 
later this year.

   An investigation instigated by GO-687 General 
Chairperson Delbert Strunk into the total payments to a 
Conrail Productivity Savings and Sharing Trust Fund, now 
administered by Norfolk Southern Railroad, revealed a 
shortfall of approximately $3 million due to be paid to 
UTU-represented trainmen.

   In December, Strunk's committee noticed productivity 
payments to the fund lower than they believed should 
have been made. Strunk appointed Associate Chairperson 
F.R. Pickell and Local 601 Chairperson D.E. Myers to 
audit the fund.

   "The bottom line," said Pickell, "is that there 
should be a large increase based on the productivity 
shares, and from this day forward the inclusion of 722 
more trainmen contributing to the trust fund at no cost 
to them will also increase payments significantly."

   An audit conducted in April with NS's Manager of 
Payroll Accounting M.W. Greene in Norfolk, Va., showed 
that the contributions of 722 trainmen were not paid 
into the fund, which caused it to be $2.97-million 
short. Pickell and Myers reviewed more than 1,000 
trainmen's work records and hundreds of pages of train 
operating records. With interest, they discovered, 
hundreds of UTU trainmen who formerly had worked at 
Conrail had an extra $3,022,177.05 coming to them.

   It is expected, according to Pickell, that Norfolk 
Southern will make the $3-million shortfall payment in 
either May's or June's monthly contribution and it will 
be dispersed with this year's annual productivity 
disbursement in December.

   "Sometimes you have to fight the carrier over a 
dollar," said Pickell. "But this time, Norfolk Southern 
and Mr. Greene were very helpful and worked with us to 
make sure we received what we were due in productivity 
fund payments. When labor and management cooperate on 
issues like this, in a fair and open manner, we all win. 
In this case, former Conrail UTU members 'won' $3 
million with interest."

   Recipients of the trust fund include protected former 
Conrail trainmen who hired on prior to the effective 
date of the crew consist agreement (amended). Under the 
trust fund agreement, trainmen can receive up to 40% of 
their annual salary.



--Driver comments sought by FMCSA ...............##D

   CLEVELAND -- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration (FMCSA) and the UTU are seeking comments 
from commercial vehicle drivers on fatigue.

   The FMCSA is proposing to revise its hours-of-service 
rules to require motor carriers to provide drivers with 
better opportunities to obtain sleep with the aim of 
reducing the risk of drivers operating commercial 
vehicles while drowsy, tired or fatigued.

   Drivers should submit comments to FATIGUE REPORTS, 
UTU BUS DEPT., 14600 DETROIT AVE., CLEVELAND, OH 44107-
4250, no later than July 15, 2000. Please include your 
name, address and UTU local number.

   "This issue will be discussed during the Bus 
Department's open chairpersons' workshop at the 
UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings, in mailings and in future 
issues of the UTU News," Bus Department Vice President 
Bernie McNelis noted.



--Drivers, aides choose UTU ........................##E

   CLEVELAND -- A recent vote by 190 school bus drivers 
and aides employed by Laidlaw Transit was decided in the 
UTU's favor by a more than 2-to-1 margin.

   Employees have already met with Chairpersons Karen 
Belcher and Jim Harford to discuss contract proposals.

   In other organizing news, the National Labor 
Relations Board has scheduled representation elections 
for drivers employed by Alex's Transportation, who 
transport rail crews in six states. The Bus Department 
also has filed an election petition for school bus 
drivers, trainers and aides employed by Laidlaw Transit 
in Hesperia, Cal. A tentative date of June 23 has been 
set for an election.



--Dividend clarification ........................##F

   CLEVELAND -- The May issue of the UTU NEWS featured 
an item about a UTUIA dividend increase. The dividend 
increase, from 6.0% to 6.25%, relates only to the 
interest-crediting rate for flexible-premium annuities, 
Traditional IRA annuities and Roth IRA annuities.



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

LOCAL 84, LOS ANGELES, CAL.
   Members are mourning the recent death of Amtrak and 
Metrolink Commuter Service conductor CARL BRYANT, who 
lost his battle with leukemia on May 2, according to 
Secretary and Treasurer RICHARD J. ALBITRE.

LOCAL 141, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.
   This newly chartered local is comprised of JRTS van 
drivers, who recently secured their first contract and 
elected officers and a local committee of adjustment 
(LCA). The LCA includes Chairperson JIM FORGIONE and 
Vice Chairpersons JACK McCALLISTER, HARRY NEVIN, ART 
JONES, TOM MITCHELL, DON DAVIS and JUDY DANIELS.

LOCAL 168, CHICAGO, ILL.
   Local member and Designated Legal Counsel BOB 
HARRINGTON recently hosted a special meeting in 
Indianapolis, Ind., where investigator STEVE ROBBINS 
addressed concerns of those working out of the newly 
established Amtrak crew base there, according to 
Treasurer LEE CHANNING. Meanwhile, the regular meeting 
for June has been rescheduled for June 21 to allow 
members to attend the UTU Regional Meeting in Reno, Nev. 
Flying for the first time in his life to attend the 
meeting will be Local President TIM HARRIGAN.

LOCAL 240, LOS ANGELES, CAL.
   Missed by members of the local is CARL T. ROGOZA, who 
died a victim of a heart attack suffered while on duty 
March 18, said Secretary and Treasurer FRED. G. COMEAU. 
Brother Rogoza, a dedicated father with a profound love 
for his church and his model railroad club, was just 
three months away from retirement.

LOCAL 471, EUGENE, ORE.
   The Fourth Annual J.C. Anderson Memorial Golf and BBQ 
Tour has been scheduled for August 7 at the Diamond 
Woods Golf Course in Monroe, Ore., according to 
Legislative Representative GREG BOAM. The event, 
sponsored by Designated Legal Counsel YAEGER, JUNGBAUER, 
BARCZAK, ROE and VUCINOVICH, brings together all crafts, 
retirees, wives and children to remember fellow rails 
whose lives were taken while on duty. For information, 
contact Boam at (541) 461-5407, fax him at (541) 461-
5428, or send e-mail to <wrldclas@televar.com>.

LOCAL 492, SACRAMENTO, CAL.
   The Furlough Agreement applicable in the Roseville 
Hub and the Extra Board Work-Rest Supplemental Agreement 
are available on the local's website in PDF format 
thanks to the hard work of MIKE McGUIGAN, said Secretary 
and Treasurer DARYL STINCHFIELD. Also available there 
are reports from the safety complaint database. View the 
website at <http://www.calweb.com/~w6thw/utu492.html>.

LOCAL 771, NEEDLES, CAL.
   Members recently voted unanimously to contribute a 
total of $600 from the local's voluntary California and 
Arizona Recreational Funds to help the Colorado River 
Area Girls Softball League refurbish their playing 
field.

LOCAL 1088, JACKSON, MISS.
   Local Chairperson and Vice General Chairperson ROBERT 
W. SNOW is urging new members wishing to learn more 
about the UTU to attend meetings held the fourth Monday 
of each month at 4 p.m. at the LeQuinta motel on Terry 
Road in Jackson, Miss.

LOCAL 1137, FARGO, N.D.
   BNSF brakeman WILLIAM LOOSMORE, JR., is proud to note 
that his son, JOSH, a marathon runner scheduled to 
graduate high school last month, recently ran 50 miles 
to raise $2,000 for the Hospice of the Red River Valley, 
which needs $10,000 for operating expenses. Josh's 
grandfather is WILLIAM LOOSMORE, SR., a BNSF retiree and 
member of Local 855 in Spokane, Wash. Those who wish to 
help the cause should make checks or money orders 
payable to "Hospice of the Red River Valley," and send 
them to P.O. Box 10613, Fargo, ND 58103.

LOCAL 1558, BERGENFIELD, N.J.
   Local Chairperson RICH DEISER is challenging a new 
medical form Rockland Coaches drivers and mechanics are 
required to fill out when undergoing biannual physicals 
required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). 
International Vice President BERNIE McNELIS, director of 
the UTU Bus Department, along with Deiser and UTU 
Designated Legal Counsel LARRY MANN, are working on the 
issue and feel it may represent a violation of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as requirements 
stipulated by the Equal Employment Opportunity 
Commission and DOT.

LOCAL 1594, UPPER DARBY, PA.
   Contract negotiations led by Alternate Bus Vice 
President-East CAROLYN SCARSELLA have begun for school 
bus drivers and aides working for Del-CO School Bus 
Company in Darby, Pa. Assisting are RON KORAN, ERNIE 
DAVIS and JOHN CROSSAN.

LOCAL 1637, WISHRAM, WASH.
   The local's website, which serves employees of 
Burlington Northern Santa Fe, has received the 
CompuServe TrainNet Forum's Web Gem Award for 
excellence, becoming the second UTU local to win this 
distinction. Visit the website at 
<http://jaysworks.com/1637/>.

LOCAL 1895, CHICAGO, ILL.
   Members working for Norfolk Southern send their 
sympathy and condolences to VERNON GILLIAN, whose wife 
RUBY recently passed away, according to Secretary and 
Treasurer TOM RADOVICH. Meanwhile, the local is planning 
to stage a picnic on August 26 and welcomes any ideas 
that will make it a memorable and successful event. The 
local also recently welcomed more than 20 new members to 
its ranks.

GO-020, BNSF
   Local Chairpersons FRED WADE of Local 811, San 
Bernardino, Cal., and NORBERT NAWORSKI of Local 1581, 
Bakersfield, Cal., who will soon retire, will be honored 
by the committee at a special event to be held Sunday 
night, June 11, at the Reno Hilton following the 
official Regional Meeting reception, according to 
General Chairperson C.D. "BUD" DAVIS.

YARDMASTERS
   The Yardmaster General Chairperson Council recently 
met in Nashville, Tenn., where Chairperson J.R. CUMBY 
(GO-342), Vice Chairperson J. ESCHMANN (GO-340), and 
Secretary and Treasurer D.K. TURNER (GO-347) were re-
elected by acclamation to lead the group for the next 
four years. Sponsoring the meeting was Designated Legal 
Counsel YAEGER, JUNGBAUER, BARCZAK, ROE and VUCINOVICH.



MEMBERSHIP IN ACTION
--Be part of "Join Hands Day," June 17, 2000 ....##H

   The UTU/UTUIA is proud to join together with the 88 
other not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies 
comprising the National Fraternal Congress of America to 
sponsor a new volunteer day of service established in 
partnership with The Points of Light Foundation.

   Join Hands Day, set for Saturday, June 17, gives 
members a chance to mobilize to make life better for 
those less fortunate, and to prove again that UTU/UTUIA 
members are the greatest volunteers in the world.

   Participation can take any number of forms, from 
cleaning streets or helping seniors, to repairing 
playground equipment, painting over graffiti, or 
removing trash from streams. The important thing is to 
do something - and tell us about it! Photos and stories 
about your projects will appear in a future edition of 
the UTU News to let others know how we  participated to 
make Join Hands Day a success.

   Send photos and stories to: SANDRA J. KRANICK, 
FRATERNAL COORDINATOR, UTU/UTUIA, 14600 DETROIT AVE., 
CLEVELAND, OH 44107. Be sure to identify those who 
appear in photos, and include a description of the 
activity and how you were able to make a difference. 
Indicate where you performed your volunteer service, how 
many were involved, and the approximate period of time 
devoted to your service.

   No project is too small, and the possibilities are as 
unlimited as your imagination. Ideas to consider: 
Homelessness or poverty (prepare and distribute 
sandwiches, or organize a food drive); environmental 
concerns (clean a park, or volunteer at a recycling 
center); health issues (deliver meals to the homebound, 
or visit hospital patients); schools and education (hold 
a book drive for school libraries, or paint a mural on 
school walls), and humane animal treatment (walk dogs at 
an animal shelter).

   UTU/UTUIA would like to thank its many volunteers who 
give so unselfishly of themselves all year long for 
participating in Join Hands Day. For more information, 
contact Sandra J. Kranick at (216) 228-9400, Ext. 203.



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

CALIFORNIA
   The UTU General Committee of the Los Angeles County 
Metropolitan Transportation  Authority had the highest 
percentage of TPEL contributors last year among all 
general committees throughout the state, reported 
Legislative Director JAMES P. JONES.

   The LACMTA General Committee is made up of UTU Locals 
1563, 1564, 1565, 1607 and 1608.

   According to Jones, a recent "membership sign-up 
campaign" by General Chairperson JAMES A. WILLIAMS was 
responsible for a significant increase in the state's 
TPEL annual income. He added that the committee has 
decided to include a presentation on TPEL participation 
in its employee/driver union orientation program for new 
hires.

   "This innovative procedure is a first for any UTU 
general committee in California and shows the commitment 
of our officers and members to our TPEL program. Special 
thanks to Chairperson Williams and his committee of 
adjustment for their tireless efforts at improving our 
TPEL program," Jones said.


COLORADO
   Legislative Director JACK SHAVER and Assistant 
Legislative Director RICK JOHNSON recently met with 
BUFFIE McFADYEN to endorsed her candidacy for the 45th 
District of the Colorado House of Representatives.

   McFadyen, wife of UTU member PAUL E. RAY of Local 202 
at Denver, Col., has served on numerous Democratic 
campaigns in southern Colorado and was described by a 
party official as "one of our rising stars." She serves 
as president of the Young Democrats of Southern 
Colorado.

   A photograph in this month's print edition of the UTU 
NEWS depicts the meeting of Shaver, Johnson and 
McFadyen.


INDIANA
   Governor FRANK O'BANNON has signed into law H.B. 
1316, which will require drivers who transport rail 
crews from location to location to obtain a passenger 
chauffeur's license, meet certain physical and mental 
requirements, and limit the hours of service that 
drivers can operate on a daily and weekly basis.

   The legislation also established a summer study 
committee which will address the need for safety 
inspections of the vehicles used to transport railroad 
employees.

   Legislative Director JAMES E. CARRICO, who dubbed the 
legislation the "UTU Safety Bill," credited Assistant 
Director THOMAS HENSLER (490), P.R. EVERHART (1518), 
Chairperson STEVE FILBERT (1620) and BRUCE BABBITT (298) 
for the success in getting this law through both houses 
of the assembly.

   "I would also like to personally thank State 
Representative LINDA LAWSON, UTU Assistant General 
Counsel DAN ELLIOTT, and the International for their 
assistance," Carrico said.

   A photograph in the print edition of this month's UTU 
NEWS shows Brother Carrico looking on as Gov. O'Bannon 
signs the "UTU Safety Bill" into law. The law takes 
effect on July 1, 2000.


IOWA
   Legislative Director PAT HENDRICKS recently presented 
a UTU baseball cap to Iowa Governor TOM VILSACK, who had 
addressed the members of the Iowa state legislative 
board at the opening of the board's 2000 quadrennial 
meeting.

   The cap was added to the Vilsack's personal 
collection of caps on display at the governor's mansion 
in Des Moines.

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


OHIO
   At the Eighth Quadrennial meeting of the Ohio State 
Legislative Board, the following Executive Committee 
members were elected by acclamation: WILLIAM J. THOMPSON 
(693), legislative director and chairperson; JOSEPH A. 
BODA (693), assistant director; LUTHER NEWSOM (1549), 
1st vice chairperson; BILLY PARKER (404), 2nd vice 
chairperson; and DAVID OTTEN (1962), secretary.

   Also elected to the Executive Committee by 
acclamation were: GARY ELKINS (792), STUART GARDNER 
(225), JOEY D. JONES (496) and LARRY D. VALENTINE (586).


WYOMING
   At the state's Democratic Party convention last 
month, Legislative Director GEORGE BAGBY was elected 
national committeeman and will serve as a "super 
delegate" to the party's national convention in Los 
Angeles later this year.

   "Under the wise leadership of PRESIDENT LITTLE, our 
union was the first large labor organization to endorse 
Al Gore for president. I urge all UTU members at every 
level to become involved. The next president will 
possibly appoint three Supreme Court judges, so our 
mission is clear: We must have TPEL drives in every 
local and we must register new voters. Your vote will 
count in this election...and the job you protect may be 
your own," Bagby said.

   Bagby and the Wyoming Legislative Board defied the 
odds earlier this year and convinced both houses of the 
state legislature to pass a UTU-sponsored two-man train 
crew bill. However, Gov. Jim Geringer vetoed the 
legislation at the last moment.

   After praising the efforts of TERRY UNGRICHT (951) 
and VERN WHITFIELD (866) in that legislative battle, 
Bagby said the state's Democratic Party platform now 
includes support of two-man crew legislation.



BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Contracts up for negotiation" ................##J
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

   The Bus Department has several contract negotiations 
that are either underway or soon will be.

   UTU's largest general committee of adjustment, which 
represents the operators in Los Angeles, has begun 
negotiations and will be facing some very tough issues. 
I visited with General Chairperson James Williams and 
his committee as they were preparing for those 
negotiations and I can say that Chairperson Williams and 
his committee are well prepared to handle those 
negotiations and to meet any challenge the LACMTA may 
bring. The current contract expires on June 30, 2000.

   The officers of Local 759 at O.N.E. Bus Company in 
Newark, N.J., are in the process of putting together 
their proposals and expect to meet with company 
representatives in the very near future to present them. 
Chairperson Joe Frierson and his committee surveyed 
their members for the upcoming negotiations to ascertain 
what changes they would like to see. The current 
contract expires on July 31, 2000.

   Local 1670 at Valley Transit Company in Harlingen, 
Tex., is also preparing its proposals for contract 
negotiations. Local Chairperson Tony Urbina, Jr., and 
his committee will be assisted by Alternate Vice 
President Percy Palmer. That contract expires June 30, 
2000.

   As in every negotiation, the committees need the 
support of their members. We may have differences, but 
during contract negotiations, and the time preceeding 
those negotiations, members must be united and in 
support of their committee. Unity plays an important 
role in negotiations. Unity shows the company that the 
committee has the support of its members at the 
bargaining table, and that means strength for your 
committee.



YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Yardmasters reach new agreement" ................##K
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

   The BNSF yardmaster committee, led by General 
Chairperson William J. Cobean, has achieved an agreement 
that expands jurisdiction of the BN yardmaster contract 
to cover the entire system.

   The agreement expansion includes newly established 
seniority districts to cover the territory that 
comprised the former ATSF property. Dedication and hard 
work bring positive results for the membership.

   A tentative agreement also has been reached with the 
Norfolk Southern on a single-system agreement for 
yardmasters. General Chairperson William B. Headrick, 
Jr., and General Chairperson Robert J. Cooper have 
negotiated a single agreement that will cover the 
yardmaster craft on the entire NS system.

   The tentative agreement contains a training agreement 
which provides for a $15-a-day training allowance for 
yardmasters who train new yardmasters. Also, paid meal 
provisions are expanded systemwide. If meal periods are 
not allowed, pay in lieu is required. Calling procedures 
and exercise of seniority also have been clearly 
defined. The discipline rule has been revised to firm up 
procedures and to expedite the appeals process to 
achieve final resolution in a shorter time period. 
Yardmaster positions have been grouped into three wage-
rate categories, from the existing 16 wage-rate 
categories, with varying amounts of basic daily rate 
increases. The three basic daily rate groupings are 
$188, $183 and $178. For some positions, the new rates 
represent as much as a $14 basic daily rate increase. 
Numerous other rules also have been clarified.

   A membership ratification ballot has been 
distributed, which will be tallied at the International. 
We are confident the proposed agreement will receive the 
members' support.



EDITORIALS

--Keep up the fight for Railroad Retirement .....##L

   Last month we told you about the campaign by 11 labor 
unions and several rail-retiree organizations, who 
represent more than three million Americans, to convince 
Congress to make the most significant improvements to 
the Railroad Retirement system in a generation.

   This month we are urging you to continue the fight. 
Call and write your Congresspersons and Senators and 
tell them to vote for the "Railroad Retirement and 
Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000." Available to you on 
the UTU website are addresses and phone numbers for your 
Washington representatives, and also sample letters that 
you can print out, sign, and send to them.

   What remains puzzling is how any union can try to 
wreck legislation that will make railroad widows and 
widowers financially whole, lower the retirement age 
with healthcare, lower vesting to five years, and offer 
other significant improvements. But two unions -- the 
BLE and BMWE -- are, for their own bizarre reasons, 
intent on hurting millions of current and future rail 
retirees. The letter in the "FEEDBACK" section gives you 
some idea of the misinformation campaign being waged 
against you by these unions. We also suggest you read, 
if you haven't already, a May 9 letter from TCU 
International President Robert A. Scardelletti regarding 
the misinformation put forward by the BMWE and BLE 
against Railroad Retirement legislation. It is available 
on our website, <http://www.utu.org>.

   The old saying goes, "Don't let a rotten apple spoil 
the barrel." Well, unless all of you tell your 
Congresspersons and Senators to support this legislation 
and ignore the two rotten apples, your improved 
retirement is in jeopardy. And while you're at it, tell 
the rotten apples what you think.



--And the gold goes to...  .........................##M

   Congratulations to all involved in winning a gold 
medal for the UTU's latest video, "Labor Unions and 
Railroads: Then and Now." This great video has been 
honored with a First Place Gold Camera Award at the U.S. 
International Film and Video Festival. Earlier this 
year, the video won a Telly Award after being selected 
for the honor from a field of more than 11,000 entries. 
This year, there were more than 1,600 entries from 30 
countries eligible for a Gold Camera Award.



--"The Power of the Internet ....................##N
   Editorial by Charles L. Little
   UTU International President

   UTU is always looking for new ways to communicate 
with its members. One of the primary jobs of a labor 
union is to deliver important information in as many 
timely ways as possible in order to better inform you.

   Over the last four years, we have improved the UTU 
News, established the UTU website - <http://www.utu.org> 
-- as the No. 1 site on the Internet for rail-
transportation news, produced award-winning 
informational videos, and have started publishing a 
series of  "white papers" on issues of importance in our 
industry, beginning with Dan Johnson's excellent "A Race 
to the Bottom."

   On June 12, the UTU is taking the next step in 
providing you with the latest information. As you read 
on page one of this newspaper, the UTU will become the 
first major North American international union to use 
the Internet to "webcast" live my annual "State of the 
UTU" speech from the Reno Regional Meeting.

   I do hope you will join us either in person in Reno 
-- or on the Internet -- as we highlight the "Power of 
One" theme at the first of our three annual Regional 
Meetings. In fact, we will also be webcasting our new 
"Power of One" video that same day.

   We believe that talking directly to you on the 
Internet on matters of importance is vital to the future 
well being of our union. While we expect more than 1,000 
people to attend our Reno meeting from June 12-14, we 
wanted to make sure that thousands of others have access 
to the same information. Today, people expect to be able 
to know what is going on immediately, and the UTU will 
be using the Internet more actively in the future to 
keep you up-to-date.

   We are told that the UTU website is the most 
influential and most-visited website in the rail-
transportation industry. Every day, thousands of UTU 
members, members of other unions, media, Washington 
decision makers, carrier officials, and others click on 
<http://www.utu.org> to get the latest industry news and 
to find out what our position is on important issues.

   Last summer we also promised to expand our education 
and training initiative to bring information to you 
where you live. In order to accomplish that goal, the 
UTU also will be using the Internet to make available 
many of our award-winning videos. That means you will be 
able to visit the UTU homepage and have access whenever 
you want, using our new "video-on-demand" capability. We 
believe the UTU also is the first union to provide this 
type of service to its members. And, unlike some other 
unions, we will not restrict access to our website. We 
invite all union members -- no matter what union they 
belong to -- to watch our videos on-line.

   As the Internet becomes a bigger part of our daily 
lives, it will assume greater importance in our 
communications with you. As we have said repeatedly, the 
UTU is the premier transportation union of the 21st 
Century. By offering you live webcasts, video on demand, 
and other on-line services, we are doing what no other 
union in our industry is doing. There is a lot to be 
said for "The Power of One."



--"The Power in the Transport Labor Movement" ......##O
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

   There is only one great world power today: The United 
States.

   We all know that there are some countries that do not 
like the role that the U.S. plays as world leader, but 
their hostility cannot change the facts.

   Today, in the transportation labor-union movement, 
the United Transportation Union, under the leadership of 
President Charles L. Little and Assistant President 
Byron A. Boyd, Jr., plays a similar role. We are the 
leaders. We always lead at the bargaining table and in 
every other forum.

   UTU is the only organization whose membership enjoys 
the benefits of a fraternal insurance association. UTUIA 
is the oldest department of our union and it has grown 
to become the envy of all other transportation labor 
unions. UTUIA provides additional evidence that shows 
the UTU sets the pace for others to follow. UTUIA 
benefits not only those who have policies, but all 
members of this great union.

   The UTU legislative departments in both the U.S. and 
Canada are the class leaders in their field. They work 
cooperatively because what happens in one country has a 
definite impact on the other. UTU's two legislative 
departments work well together and have more victories 
than any other labor union with a similar operation.

   No matter where you go in Washington, D.C., whether 
it is to the Surface Transportation Board, the National 
Mediation Board, the National Transportation Safety 
Board (NTSB) or the halls of Congress, everyone wants to 
know what the UTU position is on any given issue. They 
ask us first. Most of the time, they don't even ask what 
the other rail-transportation unions think.

   At the Federal Railroad Administration, the UTU is 
involved in every facet of that agency, whether it is 
the development of the nation's rail policy or working 
to improve the safety of America's railroads. No other 
union has more people involved, and no other union has 
gained more respect from this agency.

   The UTU is deeply involved in many areas that affect 
you. General Secretary and Treasurer Paul Thompson plays 
an active and vital role in our efforts to secure a 
better railroad retirement program.

   Only one other union has an operation comparable to 
our NTSB investigative team, operated under the guidance 
of UTU Vice President David Hakey. UTU Vice President 
Rick Marceau works to seek improvements in fatigue 
management through collective bargaining. Vice President 
Bernie McNelis leads our Bus Department and his efforts 
have resulted in better contracts for bus members while 
gaining thousands of new members through proactive 
organizing efforts. Our new commuter vice president, 
Tony Iannone, is blazing new trails in passenger rail 
operations, safety and collective bargaining.

   Under the leadership and direction of Charlie Little 
and Byron Boyd, we have accomplished a great deal. But 
there are more victories to be won.

   Just as this nation leads the other nations of the 
world, your UTU continues to set the standard by which 
other transportation labor organizations are judged.



--Feedback: "BLE, BMWE misinformation hit" ......##P

Following is an Apr. 24, 2000, letter from 11 railroad 
labor union officers to Brotherhood of Locomotive 
Engineers President Edward Dubroski, who, with 
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way officers, has 
attempted to spread misinformation about proposals to 
improve the Railroad Retirement System. This letter 
attempts to set the record straight.
-------------------------------

Dear Mr. Dubroski:

   This is in response to your April 17, 2000, letter 
addressed to various rail union leaders. You express 
"grave concern" about certain features of the proposed 
(Railroad Retirment) legislation.

   You state that Section 105 "contains no cap on the 
amount of Tier II funds that may be privately invested" 
and you suggest that investment in equities should be 
limited to 50%. Apparently you are unfamiliar with the 
"prudent man" language incorporated in the very section 
you object to. If you were familiar with that concept, 
you would know that the "prudent man" standard does not 
contemplate 100% investment in equities.

   We are surprised at your suggestion that somehow not 
capping investments in equities at 50% could lead to, in 
your words, "disastrous consequences for all railroad 
workers." Why is it then that BLE supported BMWE's 
motion to increase the equity investment percentage in 
GA-23111 from 50% to 60%? Surely you didn't do this 
believing that it would have "disastrous consequences" 
for the health insurance fund.

   For months, you have circulated misleading propaganda 
that only BLE and BMWE supported commissioning "an 
independent study" and that was one reason why you 
allegedly would not support the agreement. At the same 
time you were aware that all of rail labor commissioned 
an "independent study" by KPMG Associates on investment 
strategy for Railroad Retirement. BLE itself 
participated in that study; why is it then that you 
choose to ignore your own study, which states:

   "The current assumption in the model uses an asset 
mix of 50% U.S. equities and 50% Fixed Income, which is 
a fairly conservative mix relative to other plans of 
similar size and nature. For instance, the average 
equity exposure of public funds with over $5 billion in 
assets is approximately 61%. The impact on increasing 
the equity allocation of the portfolio can be 
significant...for instance, moving the portfolio from an 
initial asset mix of 50/50 (equities/fixed income) to 
60/40 increases the rate of return of the portfolio from 
8.0% to 8.4%."

   During discussion with the carriers, we relied on 
what KPMG called "a conservative asset mix and return 
assumption" -- i.e., 50% in equities, producing an 8% 
return. That never meant we would not try to achieve 
higher returns based on a prudent investment strategy. 
After all, you continually criticize the agreement for 
not reducing the retirement age enough. The way to get 
further age reduction is by achieving higher rates of 
return. We share the goal of reducing the retirement age 
further, consistent with keeping the fund solvent.

   The ability to keep the fund solvent is precisely 
what the proposed bill reflects. We guarantee the fund's 
solvency by getting the carriers to agree to absorb all 
future tax increases to keep the fund above "four times 
funding." This is unprecedented, yet you never mention 
this fact in your public attacks on the agreement.

   We then incorporated a "prudent man" standard in 
order to maximize investment returns to make future 
benefit improvements possible. In doing this we looked 
at other state and federal pension plans. For example, 
CalPERS is 67% invested in equities; the New York State 
Common Retirement Fund is 60% so invested; and the 
Florida Retirement System is 64% so invested. On the 
federal level, the Federal Reserve System Retirement 
Plan is 66% invested in equities, and the TVA Retirement 
System is 62% so invested. 

   Thus, by trying to limit investment to 50%, the only 
result you can possibly have, if successful, is to lower 
rates of return for the Railroad Retirement fund and 
thereby prevent our members from getting future benefit 
improvements.

   In your letter, you also profess shock that the 
proposed bill assumes investments from the Railroad 
Supplemental Account and the SSEB Account. Yet it was 
projected to invest those funds from the earliest 
discussions with the carriers. Again, the KPMG study 
reflects this:

   "In both the actuarial reports and in the model, the 
ultimate balance necessary to fund plan benefits is a 
combination of the plan balance plus the SSEB balance. 
The SSEB balance is treated as an asset that can be used 
at any time. Since this asset is growing without any 
cash flow drain, the balance grows substantially over 
the years and dominates the ultimate balance used for 
benefits..."

   "... [I]f the SSEB Account Balance was not added into 
the final balance, the fund would be reporting negative 
balances."

   In other words, for you to now suggest that the SSEB 
account balance not be invested is tantamount to saying 
that no improvements will ever be possible. The only 
other time we have heard this objection is from certain 
Congressmen who oppose the bill because they want to 
privatize Railroad Retirement.

   Our agreement and proposed legislation adheres to the 
original premise: there will be no investment in 
equities of Tier I funds.

   We are extremely disappointed that you have chosen to 
spread misinformation and resort to scare tactics as 
part of your campaign to derail this Bill. If you 
succeed, you will have no one but yourself and the BMWE 
to thank for keeping the retirement age at 62, and for 
depriving surviving spouses of the improvements they so 
desperately need. You are attacking the prudent 
investment of funds in equities. You are only echoing 
those in Congress who are saying "no benefit 
improvements without privatization." We are fighting 
that battle, and your efforts are having the opposite 
effect.

Sincerely,

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

W. Dan Pickett, President
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen

Joseph A. Stinger
Administrative Assistant to the President
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

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



--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 UTU RECOMMENDATIONS AFFECT 
YOUR VOTE?

   "I usually follow the union's recommendations to the 
letter, because I think the union is looking out for our 
best interests. I'm sure our legislative directors know 
all the candidates' views, and they've recommended the 
ones that will ensure the quality of life we deserve. 
Our local legislative representative keeps us well 
informed, too. I've worked for LACMTA as a bus operator 
for 25 years, I'm vice chairperson of my local and I'm a 
registered Democrat. But if a candidate is pro-union, 
the party affiliation doesn't matter to me. Everyone 
should vote because our vote represents our voice."
   -- TIM DEL CAMBRE, L-1565, W. HOLLYWOOD, CAL.


   "The UTU officers know the candidates' voting 
records, and sometimes know them personally. I wholly 
trust their recommendations. I've worked for CSX for 10 
years, eight of them as an engineer. I'm a registered 
Democrat, but I think it's irresponsible to vote a 
straight ticket. You're lapsing in your responsibility 
to do so. Your job is what protects you, so if a 
Republican will support your job, you should vote for 
him. I use local newspapers and TV to form an opinion, 
but I don't always have time to evaluate all the 
candidates. That's why I rely on the judgment of State 
Legislative Director Jim Carrico."
   -- KENNY EDWARDS L-744, FRANKFORT, IND.


   "In my case, the recommendations always influence my 
vote because I've been part of the legislative board for 
20 years! I've got 30 years of seniority as a conductor 
on the Grand Trunk Railroad, and I'm a field supervisor. 
I would always pay attention to what the UTU recommends 
because other issues don't really matter if you can't 
support your family. And the UTU supports candidates 
that support labor. I vote based on economic issues and 
how candidates stand on union issues. I think UTU 
members voting together can make a statement that brings 
us respect."
   -- DAVID E. HIATT L-734, BATTLE CREEK, MICH.


   "I've worked as a conductor and brakeman for BNSF for 
21 years, and serve as vice president, vice chairperson, 
and training coordinator for our local. As far as I can 
remember, I've always voted UTU, not just because the 
union backs the candidates, but because Wyoming is the 
biggest Republican state I've ever seen, and I vote 
Democrat just to counter it. I'm a registered Democrat 
and always have been, but I don't vote the party line 
just to vote a straight ticket. I look at newspapers and 
TV, and we talk about politics on the job, but my co-
workers don't influence my votes. I vote my own way."
   -- KEVIN J. KNUTSON L-465, GILLETTE, WYO.



POWER OF ONE
--The Power of UTUIA ............................##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 UTUIA
TO PUT FINANCIAL SECURITY IN YOUR LIFE

   Only one union in the rail-transportation industry -- 
the United Transportation Union -- puts the power of one 
of America's largest fraternal insurance associations to 
work to protect the financial security of you and your 
family.

   Here is the success of UTUIA:

-- UTUIA has more than $695 million of insurance in 
force, covering the lives of thousands of union 
families.

-- UTUIA has more than $220 million in assets, and is 
the only fraternal insurance company in the rail-
transportation industry.

-- UTUIA has more than $34 million in surplus, providing 
the assurance of paying benefits when you need them 
most.

-- UTUIA paid more than $18 million in benefits to 
certificate holders in 1999.

-- UTUIA has more than 56,000 accident and health 
certificates in force.*

-- UTUIA has more than 35,000 life certificates in 
force.*

-- UTUIA provides more than $60,000 annually in college 
scholarships to the children and grandchildren of UTU 
members, and has done so for 28 years.

   Join the power of UTUIA and help it make a difference 
in the future security of all union families.

(Note: * denotes certificates in force at 31 December 
1999.)



SENIOR NEWS

--RRB selects new Medicare carrier .................##S

   Palmetto Government Benefits Administrators LLC, a 
subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South 
Carolina, has been selected by the U.S. Railroad 
Retirement Board (RRB) to process the Medicare Part B 
medical insurance claims for physicians' services to 
about 650,000 railroad retirement annuitants.

   The RRB said it followed a competitive Federal 
procurement process to select the new Medicare carrier.

   Palmetto will assume the existing Augusta, Ga., 
Medicare claims operations facility used by the RRB's 
previous carrier, Uniprise, a UnitedHealth Group 
company.

   Uniprise in February had informed the RRB and the 
Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), which 
oversees the Medicare program, of its intention to 
withdraw from the Medicare program as a claims 
processing contractor. Uniprise will work with the RRB's 
new carrier in the transition of operations at the 
Augusta facility, which is about 70 miles from 
Palmetto's headquarters.

   Railroad Retirement beneficiaries are covered by 
Medicare on the same basis as Social Security 
beneficiaries. The RRB, which enrolls annuitants for 
Part B medical coverage and collects premiums, also has 
authority to select a Part B carrier.

   Carriers for Medicare Part A hospital insurance 
claims are selected by HCFA.



--Retiree plunges into lifeguard job ............##T

   At a physical exam just before retiring in 1982, 
Jasper Rivera's doctor advised him to stay in the swim 
of things to preserve his exceptional state of health.

   Brother Rivera took his doctor's advice figuratively 
for about a year by traveling, doing some whitewater 
rafting, and staying active with his church and the 
Gideons. Then, in 1983, he followed the advice literally 
by taking the plunge and becoming a lifeguard.

   "I never was certified for CPR while on the 
railroad," said the 79-year-old Rivera, who began his 
career in 1942 as a switchman for the Delaware, 
Lackawanna & Western (DL&W) and retired as a Conrail 
road conductor. "I got my skills after retirement."

   A winding path led Rivera, a member of Local 1 in 
Buffalo, N.Y., to his current career as a lifeguard with 
the local YMCA in Buffalo.

   "I started on the railroad just before the outbreak 
of World War II," said Rivera, whose first union 
affiliation was with Lodge #4 of the Switchman's Union 
of North America (SUNA), where he ultimately served as 
local chairperson and general secretary. "I was a 
switchman, went into the Army, came out and went to 
college to study animal husbandry. I returned to the 
railroad when I realized I could make more money there 
than the professors were making at the college."

   In 1951, Rivera met and married his wife, Alice, and 
the two raised four boys and two girls. "One of my sons, 
Kenneth, is a CSX yardmaster and a member of UTU Local 
1951, working in Frontier Yard in Buffalo," Rivera said 
with pride.

   "I've always been athletically inclined, and when I 
learned a group here was teaching lifeguard skills, I 
took the course out of curiosity," Rivera explained. "I 
became head lifeguard for the Holiday Inn in Grand 
Island, N.Y. for almost two years. Soon after that, I 
worked for the Buffalo Athletic Club for about 13 
years."

   Rivera keeps things safe through prevention. "I had 
to fish some young people out of the deep end once, but 
so far I haven't had any serious problems on the job. I 
don't let people put themselves in a predicament where 
something bad can happen."



--Railroad Dutch Get-Together going strong .........##U

   Eight years ago, the late Jessie C. Gresham asked his 
wife to honor his memory by making sure the retiree club 
he'd put so much time into would continue to meet and 
grow when he was gone.

   Keeping her promise, UTU Retiree Program member Mrs. 
Hazel Gresham continues to work diligently to keep the 
Railroad Dutch Get-Together going strong, and today the 
group continues to meet on the third Tuesday of each 
month (except in December, when the group meets on the 
second Tuesday).

   According to Mrs. Gresham, the club was formed by 
four couples in 1974. Ten years later, her late husband, 
a former president and chairperson of Local 1245 in 
Atlanta, Ga., became involved in the group's 
organizational efforts.

   A member of the Cherokee Rose UTU Auxiliary Lodge 
#606, Mrs. Gresham is quick to point out the invaluable 
contributions to he club made by others, including 
Retiree Program member T.J. Campbell of Local 511, 
Atlanta, Ga., and member Betty Harper.

   Recently, 105 members gathered together for a candle-
lit memorial service, led by Frank Couch of Local 1245 
and Paul Holt, to pay tribute to those club members who 
passed away in the last decade.

   Members include retirees from the Seaboard Line, 
Norfolk Southern, CSX, and other railroads who enjoy the 
luncheons and other events sponsored by the group.

   For information about the Railroad Dutch Get-
Together, contact Mrs. Gresham at (770) 867-2215, or 
Betty Harper at (770) 947-9769. For information about 
Cherokee Rose UTU Auxiliary Lodge #606, write the Grand 
Lodge of the Auxiliary at Ste. 213-B, 5151 Reed Rd., 
Columbus, OH 43220-2553, call (614) 459-4443, or send e-
mail to <AUXILIARYED@aol.com>.



--Oakland Old Rails recruits new members ........##V

   Retired railroaders from the Oakland, Cal., area are 
invited to join the Oakland Old Rails, a club that holds 
meetings, presents interesting speakers, hosts dinner 
events, and sends members an entertaining and 
informative newsletter, The Oakland Old Rails News, 
edited by Retiree Program member Dick Murdock of Local 
100, Oakland, Cal.

   For information, contact Murdock at (415) 454-1771, 
or write to him at P.O. Box 1346, Ross, CA 94957-1346.



--The Final Call ...................................##W

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

LOCAL      NAME                            CITY
0006    Guckert, Henry J.     Bellefontaine, OH
0028    Olsen, Harold G.            Laramie, WY
0113    Wemhoener, Janet            Winslow, AZ
0194    Ewing, Robert E.         Valparaiso, IN
0226    Robertson, John W.            Rolla, MO
0265    Gummersall, Floyd A.       Chubbuck, IA
0329    Grant, Jo Junior      Rockwell City, IA
0349    Towner, Ferdy T.        Kansas City, MO
0440    Sloan, Samuel S.         Cincinnati, OH
0432    Goad, Charles W.          Champaign, IL
0498    Pierson, John A.                Rye, NH
0607    Mann, Jr., Dewey G.       Jonesboro, AR
0610    Huffman, John H.        Westminster, MD
0645    Constant, Andrew J.       Mattituck, NY
0646    Jordan, Norman E.             Omaha, NE
0762    Young, James R.          Montgomery, AL
0792    Oberholtzer, James E.          Kent, OH
0800    Saffioti, Joseph F.     Spring Hill, FL
0832    Egnash, Raymond J.         Superior, WI
0835    Hoffman, Robert G.      Bakersfield, CA
0857    Lang, R.W.           Fredericksburg, TX
0894    Adams, Clarence N.     Broken Arrow, OK
0911    Keene, Wayne R.                Mesa, AZ
1021    Watkins, Lester A.           Durham, NC
1035    Barfield, Charles F.       Lakeland, FL
1088    Dalton, Sam E.              Grenada, MS
1327    Vance, James E.         Peach Creek, WV
1345    Stewart, Edward C.           Etowah, TN
1366    Fox, Byron O.            Plain City, UT
1393    Bell, Robert D.            Oil City, PA
1469    Sikes, William D.             Alamo, CA
1524    Hill, Howell H.              Dayton, TX
1563    McIlvain, Allen R.    R. Santo Mar., CA
1570    Sanford, Daniel W.        Roseville, CA
1594    Geiger, Stephen C.            Darby, PA
1687    Estep, Loyd D.                Belen, NM
1694    Foley, Joseph H.             Corona, CA
1732    Teerlink, Heber N.          Salinas, KS
1794    Trapp, Elwood B.             Albany, OR
1895    Kessler, William L.         Lansing, IL
1904    Ramsey, Louis E.          Jefferson, TX
1973    Mandziuk, Stephen           Mankato, MN
1974    Mitchell, Jerome D.       Ft. Worth, TX



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

   Listed below are individuals who began contributing 
to TPEL or increased their donations to $100 or more per 
year during April 2000. NOTE: ALEXANDER T. PAVLOPOULOS, 
Local 84,  Los Angeles, Cal., was inadvertently omitted 
from the TPEL Diamond Club listing featured in our May 
2000 UTU NEWS. We regret the error.  * = Retired Member

PLATINUM CLUB
($1,200 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Zito, Marc A.           20    Beaumont, TX
Altier, Joseph P.       29    Babylon, NY
Hajek, Francis P.       48    Norfolk, VA
Moody Jr., Willard J.   48    Norfolk, VA
Harrington Jr., Robert 168    Chicago, IL
Cox Jr., James L.      305    Lincoln, NE
Boling, Roy G.         376    Louisville, KY
Harrington, Patrick J. 577    Northlake, IL
Albertini, Guy M.      610    Baltimore, MD
Acker, Laurence C.     620    Chicago, IL
Rabb III, Lloyd L.     807    Tucson, AZ
Kiker, David B.        951    Sheridan, WY
Boudreaux, Joseph N.   965    Dallas, TX
Barczak, Ronald J.    1000    Minneapolis, MN
Gilwee, James F.      1201    Stockton, CA
Warshauer, Michael    1245    Atlanta, GA
Callis, F. Lance      1405    St. Louis, MO
Peirce Jr., Robert N. 1418    Conway, PA
Feldman, Larry R.     1422    Los Angeles, CA
Sophie Jr., KJ.       1433    Elmwood Park, IL
Hakey, David L.       1458    DeQuincy, LA
Thompson, Robert B.   1534    Chicago, IL
Sands, John C.        1538    Chicago, IL
Nelson, Frederick L.  1544    Maywood, CA
Britt, Donald C.      1570    Roseville, CA
Tello, Michael F.     1882    Minneapolis, MN
Barish, Marvin I.             Philadelphia, PA

DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB
($600 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
*Johnson, Carrol E.    283    Portland, OR
Bloedow, Rod           586    Willard, OH

DIAMOND PLUS CLUB
($400 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Lamm, Glenn A.        1129    Raleigh, NC

DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB
($365 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Bills, Gregory L.       78    Pocatello, ID
Nelson, Richard A.     199    Creston, IA
Johnson, Richard A.    202    Denver, CO
Kasten, Steven M.      312    Madison, WI
Kreifels, John         367    Omaha, NE
Logan, Terry E.        753    Memphis, TN
Archuleta, Diana A.   1857    Green River, WY

DIAMOND CLUB
($300 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Khane, Pitaya          113    Winslow, AZ
Donahue, Mark C.       195    Galesburg, IL
*Layton, Harlan C.     305    Lincoln, NE
Demich, Walter T.      586    Willard, OH
Hagedorn, Bret L.      646    Council Bluffs, IA
Crum, David T.         750    Knoxville, TN
Knight, Craig B.      1092    Teague, TX
*Iannone Jr., Michael 1374    New Castle, PA

GOLD CLUB
($100 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
*Sloan, George F.        5    Kansas City, MO
Bartlett Jr., Luther M. 20    Beaumont, TX
Chavez, Abenicio E.     49    Pueblo, CO
Eggen, Stanley R.      113    Winslow, AZ
Fugatt, Walter B.      113    Winslow, AZ
Dunigan, Brenda        168    Chicago, IL
Hardesty, Carl J.      204    Pueblo, CO
*Choate Jr., John D.   243    Ft. Worth, TX
Schnowske, Kenneth R.  258    Savanna, IL
Bruce, Jason D.        259    St. Joseph, MO
Kirk, Edward M.        259    St. Joseph, MO
Manning, Thomas D.     259    St. Joseph, MO
Driscoll, Thomas J.    262    Boston, MA
Bowen, Billy R.        303    Springfield, MO
Lyons, David L.        303    Springfield, MO
Landon, Leslie H.      312    Madison, WI
Smith, Timothy R.      363    Roanoke, VA
Baughman III, Thomas   367    Omaha, NE
Kinsella, Dennis J.    367    Omaha, NE
Vieyra, Andrew R.      367    Omaha, NE
Davis, Walter C.       376    Louisville, KY
Ruth, Darrick W.       490    Princeton, IN
*Sobina, John F.       421    Conneaut, OH
*Grover, Owen L.       471    Eugene, OR
*Nord, Frank H.        486    Glendive, MT
Gibbard, James F.      556    Tacoma, WA
Hauser, Kevin P.       577    Northlake, IL
Wrobel, Warren         577    Northlake, IL
Flashberger, Kenneth   581    Green Bay, WI
Hauck, William A.      581    Green Bay, WI
Heuer, Paul J.         581    Green Bay, WI
Johnson, Neil A.       581    Green Bay, WI
Luedke, Daniel F.      581    Green Bay, WI
Tomcheck, Robert F.    581    Green Bay, WI
Thompson, Jeff         582    Stevens Pt., WI
Shininger, Matthew J.  586    Willard, OH
Fields, John W.        594    Mineola, TX
Teague, Bobby L.       594    Mineola, TX
Dubois, Geoffrey G.    607    Thayer, MO
Howell, Tracey L.      607    Thayer, MO
Rolen, Hurschel C.     607    Thayer, MO
Fischer, Steven M.     646    Council Bluffs, IA
Childers, Joe A.       656    N. Little Rock, AR
*Lear, Bruce R.        683    Detroit, MI
Hoffman, Ralph L.      730    Great Falls, MT
Cobb, Tony D.          750    Knoxville, TN
Moss, James D.         753    Memphis, TN
Vinson, Ronald L.      753    Memphis, TN
Andrea, Marc S.        792    Cleveland, OH
Angel, Farris D.       792    Cleveland, OH
Ayers, April L.        792    Cleveland, OH
Bullinger, Richard L.  792    Cleveland, OH
Cairns, Dennis J.      792    Cleveland, OH
Condupa, Mike          792    Cleveland, OH
Edwards Jr., Clarence  792    Cleveland, OH
Elkins, Jerry D.       792    Cleveland, OH
Kirchner, Ray          792    Cleveland, OH
Nemet, James R.        792    Cleveland, OH
Richmond, Ivan B.      792    Cleveland, OH
Robinson, Angrus       792    Cleveland, OH
Schmidt, Carl A.       792    Cleveland, OH
Seaman, Richard C.     792    Cleveland, OH
Stringfield, Alton L.  792    Cleveland, OH
*Howard, Louie J.      847    Birmingham, AL
Robinson, Alphonso     942    Florence, SC
Flanery, Danny L.      965    Dallas, TX
Gunter, Ricky L.       965    Dallas, TX
Jones, Heinrich C.     965    Dallas, TX
*Pyle, Lester G.       974    Nashville, TN
Newell, Mitchell J.    977    Pasco, WA
Page Jr., Bernard B.  1006    Brownsville, PA
*Hitchcock Jr., Alvin 1007    Syracuse, NY
*Rask, Raymond A.     1067    Virginia, MN
Bodine III, Joseph P. 1092    Teague, TX
Brown, Douglas S.     1092    Teague, TX
Morris, Andrew L.     1092    Teague, TX
Debnam Jr., Claude E. 1129    Raleigh, NC
Vickery Jr., Harry D. 1129    Raleigh, NC
Crocker, Curt W.      1261    Atlanta, GA
*Harmon, John M.      1328    Louisville, KY
*Kerr, Harold R.      1374    New Castle, PA
Smith, Robert L.      1397    Columbus, OH
Walker, Thomas G.     1397    Columbus, OH
*Spahr, Albert        1445    Elizabeth, NJ
Hall, Michael         1462    Boston, MA
*Duff, Grady W.       1501    Baton Rouge, LA
Kyle, Gregory A.      1524    Houston, TX
*Boston, Arthur W.    1532    Indianapolis, IN
Navarro, Christopher  1565    W. Hollywood, CA
Hernandez, Josˇ       1607    Los Angeles, CA
Loehn, Brian W.       1607    Los Angeles, CA
Rivas, Juan C.        1607    Los Angeles, CA
Carter, Samuel        1608    Chatsworth, CA
Grill, Thomas E.      1628    Pittsburgh, PA
Baker, Herbert R.     1736    Flint, MI
*Mechanco, Charles    1760    Detroit, MI
*Wotaszak, Lawrence   1765    Grand Rapids, MI
*McLeroy, Robert W.   1780    Kansas City, MO
Collier, Kimberley M. 1857    Green River, WY
*Frenz, William G.    1882    Minneapolis, MN
Cook, Joseph P.       1918    El Paso, TX
Middagh, John         1918    El Paso, TX
Mitchell, Timothy B.  1918    El Paso, TX
Cormier, Eugene T.    1947    Lake Charles, LA
Duhon, John L.        1947    Lake Charles, LA
Gates, Steven C.      1947    Lake Charles, LA
Lebleu Jr., Fred C.   1947    Lake Charles, LA
Horton, Robert S.     1974    Ft. Worth, TX



NOTICES

--Monthly winner ...................................##Y

   This month's lucky winner of her choice of any item 
of apparel bearing the UTU logo is GLORIA BURT of Local 
1741, San Francisco, Cal., which represents Laidlaw 
employees working in the San Mateo School District.

These items are awarded every month by random drawing as 
a show of appreciation to the many members who have been 
supported by the UTU throughout the years.



--New VISA card available for members ...........##Z

   UTU and National City Bank have created exciting new 
credit cards for UTU members.

   Active and retired UTU members in the U.S. and 
Canada, as well as family members and friends, can 
choose from four new credit cards, each of which offer 
great savings and additional benefits.

   -- The Prime Rate UTU VISA Platinum and Classic VISA 
offer the lowest rates available. Both cards have an 
introductory 3.9% APR for six months on purchases and 
balance transfers. The rate then goes to the Prime Rate, 
currently 9% APR. The cards also have an interest-free 
grace period if the balance is paid in full each month. 
There is an annual fee of $35 for the VISA Platinum and 
$25 for the Classic VISA.

   -- Other options include the UTU No Annual Fee VISA 
Platinum and Classic VISA, which offer the convenience 
and acceptance of VISA with no annual fee. Both cards 
have an introductory 3.9% APR for six months on 
purchases and balance transfers; then the interest rate 
is Prime +4.9%, currently 13.9% APR. The cards also have 
an interest-free grace period if the balance is paid in 
full every month.

   -- The VISA Platinum cards also have additional 
benefits: $250,000 travel accident insurance, automatic 
rental car insurance and emergency travel assistance 
services.

   National City Bank will soon be sending all UTU 
members in the U.S. and Canada information describing 
the new credit cards with the opportunity to apply by 
mail or telephone.



--UTUIA scholarship winners chosen .................#AA

This year, more than 1,500 students applied for a UTUIA 
scholarship. Below are the names of the recipients of 50 
UTUIA scholarships for the 2000/2001 school year. The 
selection was made in a recent random drawing. Each 
student will receive $500 a year for four years to help 
pay education costs.
---------------------
DISTRICT 1
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New 
York, Rhode Island, Vermont

Jessica F. Tamraz, daughter of Nora F. Fortune of Local 
722, Babylon, N.Y.; Amanda E. Hartford, granddaughter of 
Francis J. Hartford of Local 352, West Springfield, 
Mass.; Joshua Knight, grandson of Charles W. Knight of 
Local 1473, Boston, Mass.; Christopher Hurst, son of 
Russell M. Hurst of Local 1978, New York, N.Y.; Katiria 
J. Maldonado, daughter of Wilfredo Maldonado of Local 
645, Babylon, N.Y.

---------------------
DISTRICT 2
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania

David A. Nogacek, Jr., son of David A. Nogacek of Local 
1374, New Castle, Pa.; Katherine M. Purper, 
granddaughter of John R. McMillan of Local 610, 
Baltimore, Md.; Brandon P. Bilohlavek, grandson of John 
B. Bilohlavek of Local 1628, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Kacy M. 
Dovich, granddaughter of Earl B. Dillensnyder of Local 
830, Harrisburg, Pa.; Thomas R. Suhey, son of Robert P. 
Suhey of Local 1558, Bergenfield, N.J.

---------------------
DISTRICT 3
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West 
Virginia

Traci L. Westerlund, daughter of Ernest R. Westerlund, 
Jr., of Local 847, Birmingham, Ala.; Donald J. Tapley, 
son of Donald N. Tapley of Local 1972, Birmingham, Ala.; 
Michael G. Hobbs, son of James A. Hobbs, Jr., of Local 
1031, Savannah, Ga.; Monica R. Suber, daughter of Claude 
R. Suber of Local 1814, Spartanburg, S.C.; Candice L. 
Crosby, granddaughter of Charles W. Baines of Local 
1031, Savannah, Ga.; Marjorie E. Strickland, daughter of 
James M. Strickland of Local 1053, Selma, Ala.; Alicia 
M. Harrison, granddaughter of Jack W. Seward of Local 
339, Jackson, Tenn.; Travis C. Perry, son of Kendrick B. 
Perry of Local 1314, Etowah, Tenn.

---------------------
DISTRICT 4
Indiana, Michigan, Ohio

Brandy N. Chester, granddaughter of Charles E. Bagley of 
Local 298, Garrett, Ind.; Michael A. Roth, son of 
William H. Roth of Local 586, Willard, Ohio; Danny 
Kozlowski, grandson of Raymond J. Kozlowski of Local 
378, Cleveland, Ohio; James C. Norman, son of James A. 
Norman of Local 27, Cleveland, Ohio; Levi J. Graham, son 
of Louis V. Graham of Local 376, Louisville, Ky.; Bonnie 
J. Marr, daughter of Robert J. Marr of Local 1948, 
Youngstown, Ohio.

---------------------
DISTRICT 5
Illinois, Wisconsin

Kimberly R. Walker, daughter of Jackie W. Walker of 
Local 1534, Chicago, Ill.; Ryan P. Blume, grandson of 
Robert E. Blume of Local 196, Beardstown, Ill.; Nathan 
A. Haskins, son of Hubert G. Haskins of Local 1293, 
Altoona, Wisc.; Gavin C. Pearson, son of Gavin Pearson 
of Local 1525, Carbondale, Ill.

---------------------
DISTRICT 6
Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

Michael C. Tuman, son of Pat Tuman of Local 1697, 
Lubbock, Tex.; Heather V. Bell, granddaughter of Edward 
W. Browning of Local 1313, Amarillo, Tex.; David L. 
Lambert, grandson of Gilbert L. Lambert of Local 1042, 
Oklahoma City, Okla.; Leslie M. Hart, granddaughter of 
George T. Hart of Local 221, North Little Rock, Ark.; 
Justin M. Barr, grandson of Robert H. Wilson of Local 
462, Pine Bluff, Ark.

---------------------
DISTRICT 7
Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North 
Dakota, South Dakota

Regan L. Carrizales, granddaughter of William A. Cowden 
of Local 533, Osawatomie, Kans.; Nicols J. Hendrickson, 
son of William D. Hendrickson of Local 962, Alliance, 
Neb.; Liza A. Davis, granddaughter of Melvin F. Davis of 
Local 199, Creston, Iowa; Todd W. Wessel, grandson of 
Gordon W. Bond of Local 947, Chaffee, Mo.; Stephan L. 
Larson, grandson of Clifford G. Buoen of Local 525, 
Grand Forks, N.D.; Emily J. Hall, daughter of Joseph B. 
Hall of Local 872, Omaha, Neb.

---------------------
DISTRICT 8
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah

Brooke N. Adams, daughter of Jeffey B. Adams of Local 
84, Los Angeles, Cal.; Anne E. Balluff, daughter of 
Steve F. Balluff of Local 202, Denver, Col.; Justin K. 
Bridgman, son of Kent H. Bridgman of Local 1168, Clovis, 
N.M.; Rhonda F. Bailey, daughter of Ronald E. Bailey of 
Local 1241, Richmond, Cal.; Edward W. Andrews, Jr., son 
of Edward W. Andrews, Sr., of Local 1581, Bakersfield, 
Cal.; Peter A. Cabrera, son of Peter Cabrera, Jr., of 
Local 1544, Maywood, Cal.; Casey G. Gird, daughter of 
J.G. Gird of Local 500, Grand Junction, Col.; Dana A. 
Bonner, daughter of Duane Bonner of Local 1564, Los 
Angeles, Cal.

---------------------
DISTRICT 9
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

Heather Gregory, daughter of Thomas J. Gregory of Local 
324, Seattle, Wash.; David A. Howes, grandson of Boyd H. 
Howes of Local 265, Pocatello, Idaho; Jennifer C. Reid, 
daughter of Thomas G. Reid of Local 1574, Portland, Ore.



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

   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: May 21, 2000
ROOMS STILL AVAILABLE AT PREVAILING RATES
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: Extended to June 16, 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 available on 
site
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.

------------------------
   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 .........##CC

------------------------------------------------
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 ______________________________

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UTU REGIONAL MEETING GOLF REGISTRATION FORM
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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 ___________________

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--Airlines offer discount fares ................##DD

   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 Disability Income Replacement ......##EE

   UTUIA recognizes your need to replace disability with 
the ability to meet never-ending obligations when an 
accident or illness strikes. Our unfailing commitment to 
provide the best Disability Income Replacement insurance 
has made UTUIA the association to rely upon for 
affordable disability income insurance.

   For more information, call toll-free 1-800-558-8842 
for the name and telephone number of your UTUIA 
representative.
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The preceding may be reprinted or re-posted in 
electronic form, in part or in whole, to any network or 
computer system worldwide, or distributed via disk, 
provided proper credit is included and no alteration of 
text occurs other than for formatting purposes.
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                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
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                       JUNE 2000
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      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
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                         -30-