====================================================
                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
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        -------------------------------------
                     SEPTEMBER 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

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                      WELCOME TO
           THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR

   "We believe that we are close to what will be seen by 
many as an historic contract that accomplishes our major 
goals at the beginning of the 21st Century."

   -- VICE PRESIDENT DAN JOHNSON
      September 2000 UTU NEWS
(see "How U.S. rail contracts are negotiated")
------------------------------------------------------

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 about 
the Railway Labor Act, and why labor and management want 
to secure a pact before the upcoming elections ("How 
U.S. rail contracts are negotiated"), have your word 
processing software or on-line editor search for the 
text ##P.

IN THIS EDITION
--House action expected on retirement bill .........##A
--UTU, CN okay discipline policy ................##B
--Negotiations continue on LACMTA ..................##C
--Two charged in Metra murder ...................##D
--Toronto garbage trains win approval ............. ##E

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

MEMBERSHIP IN ACTION
--Former NFL player tackles transit ................##G

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

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"We should police ourselves first" ...............##I
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Metra members ratify pact" ...................##J
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS
--Don't play politics with retirement bill .........##K
--"Al Gore for president" .......................##L
   Editorial by Charles L. Little
   UTU International President
--"From UP's Omaha office to the Oval Office" ......##M
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director
--Feedback: "Looking out for retirees" ..........##N
--Voices: Members share their opinions .............##O

FEATURE
--"How U.S. rail contracts are negotiated" ......##P
   by Dan Johnson
   UTU International Vice President

SENIOR NEWS
--International effort promotes goodwill ...........##Q
--Retired Gen. Chair. J.C. Clark dies ...........##R
--746th ROB to reunite, ponders mystery ............##S
--Lehigh Valley Railroad reunion planned ........##T
--The Final Call ...................................##U

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

FELA UPDATE
--Quiz tests knowledge on claims ...................##W

NOTICES
--Monthly winner announced ......................##X
--Travelers Club makes Alaska affordable ...........##Y
--Tips on getting maximum from H&W benefits .....##Z
--Directory of benefits ...........................##AA
--2001 Regional Meeting dates, locations .......##BB
--UTU woman's ring reflects pride .................##CC
--UTU VISA cards help save money ...............##DD
--UTUIA offers Disability Income Replacement ......##EE

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

IN THIS EDITION

--House action expected on retirement bill .........##A

   WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sometime in September, if all 
goes as promised, the U.S. House of Representatives is 
expected to pass H.R. 4844, the Railroad Retirement and 
Survivors Act of 2000.

   A last-minute amendment that would repeal a diesel 
fuel tax was attached to the bill, causing it to be 
delayed in late July. Cong. Kenny Hulshof (R-Mo.) 
proposed the surprise amendment to repeal 4.3 cents of a 
4.4-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel fuel used by trains 
and barges, and it was accepted by Ways and Means 
Chairman Bill Archer (R-Texas) after the original bill 
had overwhelmingly passed the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee.

   The result was that Congress adjourned for its August 
recess without passing the legislation as expected.

   When Hulshof placed his amendment, UTU and the labor 
coalition of 11 organizations representing three million 
workers immediately went to work to correct the 
situation.

   The result was that Speaker of the House Dennis J. 
Hastert (R-Ill.) said that he is "committed to the 
expeditious consideration and passage" of H.R. 4844 in 
September, likely meaning that the tax repeal -- seen by 
many as a multi-million dollar windfall for the railroad 
and barge industry -- would be eliminated.

   Although the repeal of the diesel fuel tax has broad 
support in Congress, sponsors of H.R. 4844 have said 
that including it in the Railroad Retirement bill could 
kill the legislation if it goes to the Senate.

   As expected, labor strongly opposes the amendment. 
The railroads are also saying they oppose the fuel tax 
repeal amendment - as part of the Railroad Retirement 
bill.

   "The House leadership knows the objections we all 
have to this amendment," said UTU International 
President Charles L. Little. "Speaker Hastert has said 
he wants the bill passed, and that means the diesel fuel 
tax repeal must come off. It jeopardizes the bill, and 
it has nothing to do with bettering the Railroad 
Retirement system."

   Without the diesel-tax amendment, the bill was 
approved by the Transportation Committee, chaired by 
Cong. Bud Shuster (R-Pa.), on July 19 by a vote of 62-1. 
The legislation does not require funding from the 
general budget, and the diesel fuel tax cut was not part 
of the original agreement.

   In addition, House members are leery of forwarding to 
the Senate a bill that has added tax provisions. 
Oftentimes, the Senate will then take liberty with the 
bill and start adding other tax provisions making it 
more susceptible to a presidential veto.

   "This bill as originally written has the support of 
more than 300 co-sponsors in the House," Little said. 
"It also has broad support in the Senate, and we are 
confident that when it passes the House in its original 
form it will also pass in the Senate and be signed into 
law by President Clinton."

   In anticipation of the House vote, UTU members are 
strongly urged to contact both of their U.S. senators to 
ask that they support the Senate version of this 
legislation, which has yet to be introduced or given a 
number. The complete list of senators' names and e-mail 
addresses can be found in the August UTU News or on the 
UTU website at <http://www.utu.org>.



--UTU, CN okay discipline policy ................##B

   TROY, Mich. -- The UTU and the Canadian National 
Railway have agreed on a new elective Individual 
Corrective Action (ICA) policy that stresses prevention 
and training in place of more traditional punitive 
discipline for the 400 UTU-represented workers in the 
company's Michigan zone.

   "ICA focuses on peer review, prevention, education 
and self-improvement, rather than punitive action," said 
Steve Thompson, UTU general chairperson (GO-377), an 
architect of the new policy. "The new program is also 
voluntary. It allows any affected employee to select the 
new policy or the traditional discipline process. And 
the new policy recognizes that employees themselves have 
a major role in changing counter-productive behavior."

   The ICA policy became effective Sept. 1, and applies 
to train and yard service employees represented by UTU 
on three former railroads: the Grand Trunk Western; the 
Detroit, Toledo and Ironton, and the Detroit & Toledo 
Shore Line. All are now part of Canadian National.

   Thompson noted that the Brotherhood of Locomotive 
Engineers (BLE) has been invited to participate in the 
progressive disciplinary policy in the Michigan zone, 
but has declined. 

   Applicable to all minor and many serious infractions, 
the ICA policy was formulated with the input of the UTU 
and other labor organizations, said Thompson, who was 
instrumental in its inception and development.

   Under the new policy, an affected employee may elect, 
at his or her discretion, the new process as an 
alternative to the traditional discipline process. 
Thompson noted, however, that in cases involving certain 
egregious offenses, the traditional discipline process 
would continue to be utilized.

   Employees who elect to participate in the ICA 
process, or for serious offenses, the "General Manager's 
Lab," will be compensated a basic day, or their lost 
earnings, in return for their participation. In the case 
of more serious offenses, or in the case of multiple 
similar violations within a two-year period, employees 
will participate in a "General Manager's Lab," 
personally meeting with the general manager to discuss 
the infraction and suggest his or her own ICA.

   In a CN press release, Ed Harris, vice president of 
CN's Midwest Division, said, "We strive to make our work 
environment as safe as possible. We value employees who 
display their commitment to safe operations by complying 
with all rules and working as part of a team. By 
emphasizing mentoring, coaching, and personal 
improvement rather than negative discipline, ICA will 
provide the railroad, UTU and UTU members a framework to 
improve communication, cooperation and morale, all of 
which will help make CN an even safer place to work."

   "The new ICA is a major milestone in the continuing 
improvement of labor-management relations on CN's 
properties in Michigan and Indiana," Thompson said. "The 
ICA process is a recognition that rail labor and rail 
management are both committed to making rail operations 
as safe as possible."

   In the case of minor infractions, employees who elect 
to participate in the ICA process will have such options 
as classroom, self-directed, or hands-on training. 
Employees might also participate in or give safety 
briefings on the applicable rules. In every case, a 
railroad officer and the union's local officer must 
agree upon the ICA.

   In the event the railroad and union officials cannot 
agree upon an ICA, the employee will have the option of 
reverting to the traditional discipline process or 
referring the case to an Employee Review Committee 
established under the new policy. The Employee Review 
Committee, consisting of three employees assigned by the 
general chairperson, will have sole discretion to 
determine the ICA in such situations.

   Major infractions, especially those subject to 
dismissal, will continue to be handled through the 
traditional discipline process.

   CN has discussed the ICA policy with other labor 
organizations, according to Harris.

   "While UTU has taken the lead on our Michigan zone," 
Harris said, "we hope other organizations will quickly 
agree to extend the benefits of the process to their 
employees."



--Negotiations continue on LACMTA ..................##C

   LOS ANGELES -- Members of the UTU negotiating 
committee are continuing to meet with representatives of 
the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority in 
an attempt to hammer out a new contract for the more 
than 5,000 workers on the property.

   "We are pleased to report that our negotiations with 
the MTA have been very productive during the last 
several weeks," UTU General Chairperson James Williams 
said. "While we have not gotten into any of the major, 
substantive issues, we have resolved a great deal of the 
non-controversial items which will enable us to focus on 
those critical issues as the end of the cooling-off 
period nears."

   The transit agency and union are under a 60-day 
cooling-off period while negotiations continue. The 
cooling-off period was to have expired at midnight, 
Sept. 3, after this issue of UTU News went to press.

   Williams said negotiations with the MTA "are 
continuing almost on a daily basis."

   General Chairperson Williams praised the hard work 
and diligence of the negotiating committee.

   "The negotiating committee is doing an excellent job 
in making sure the members continue to receive the 
benefits and protections to which they are entitled. 
They will continue in that effort." the UTU officer told 
UTU NEWS.

   General Chairperson Williams also praised the UTU 
members working on the MTA for their continuing support 
of the union's efforts to win them wage and rules 
improvements.

   "We are pleased that the members have been most 
supportive of the negotiating committee during this 
period," Williams said.



--Two charged in Metra murder ...................##D

   CHICAGO -- Almost a year after Metra conductor 
Wilbert Hooten was shot to death aboard his suburban 
commuter train, Chicago police announced the arrest of 
two men and charged them with murder.

   Brother Hooten, a member of Local 1290 in Chicago, 
Ill., was shot aboard a train at about 6:45 p.m. on 
Saturday, July 17, 1999.

   Chicago Police officials said Brandon V. Wyatt, 17, 
and Jason E. Dace, 20, had been charged with first-
degree murder. They said Wyatt also was charged with 
armed robbery.

   Hooten, 64, a well-liked veteran of the electric 
commuter railroad serving Chicago's South Side and south 
suburbs, was shot to death as his two-car train was 
loading passengers at the 121st and Halsted stop on the 
carrier's single-track Blue Island branch.

   The tragedy came only a few months before Hooten's 
scheduled retirement. He was buried in a traditional 
union ceremony dating back to the earliest days of one 
of the UTU's predecessor unions, the Brotherhood of 
Railroad Trainmen.



--Toronto garbage trains win approval ............. ##E

   TORONTO -- Last month the Metro Toronto council voted 
in favor of a proposal by the Rail Haul North Coalition 
to haul Toronto's garbage by rail to the Adams mine site 
in Kirkland Lake.

   The UTU has been a partner in this coalition with CN 
Rail and Ontario Northland for more than 10 years in an 
attempt to secure this lucrative business.

   Canadian Legislative Director Tim Secord said the 
tenacity of the legislative department is paying off and 
thanks go to Glenn King, legislative representative of 
Local 1161, Englehart, Ont., and Ontario Legislative 
Chairperson Dennis Schweitzer for their tireless work on 
this project.

   Secord also praised former UTU Canada President Bart 
Marcolini for his support of this project and guidance 
in working with local politicians.

   "The Ontario Northland has not operated at capacity 
since the Adams mine was shut down. Toronto's proposal 
to ship its garbage to the Adams mine has the support of 
the railworkers who would work on those trains," Secord 
said.



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

LOCAL 313, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
   Local Chairperson Jeremy Ferguson and Vice Local 
Chairperson Bill Wisneski were among union officials who 
heard Vice President Al Gore speak while the 
presidential candidate was in town to receive the Sierra 
Club's endorsement. The two spoke with Gore, said 
Ferguson, "and pledged the continued campaign support of 
the 'Fighting 313.'"

LOCAL 465, GILLETTE, WYO.
   Following the recent decrease in job insurance 
premiums, the local's officers have decided to increase 
their contributions to the Transportation Political 
Education League (TPEL), the UTU's political action 
committee, said Local Vice President and Vice 
Chairperson Kevin J. Knutson. "We would like to 
challenge all other members to do the same," Knutson 
said. Meanwhile, the local hosted its annual picnic with 
the sponsorship of Designated Legal Counsel Rossi, Cox, 
Kiker & Inderwish, said Local President Billy 
Montgomery, and members forward their best wishes to 
Bernie Ridenour, who was the guest of honor at a recent 
retirement party.

LOCAL 469, MADISON, ILL.
   The annual golf tournament and barbecue, held this 
year at Arlington Golf Course, was a great success, with 
thanks due to Designated Legal Counsel Lance Callis and 
the Midwest Railroaders, who sponsored the event, 
according to Secretary and Treasurer John I. Payer. 
Participants included members of L-1405 and L-1388 (both 
St. Louis, Mo.), L-1534 (Chicago, Ill.), L-333 (North 
Vernon, Ind.), and L-1517 (Cincinnati, Ohio), the lucky 
local that took home nearly all the prizes. Local 
Chairperson Bill Truelove (L-333) scored a hole-in-one, 
but a few pins too early to take home the Ford Mustang 
offered as a prize at the 17th hole. Meanwhile, members 
of L-469 recently donated $125 to the Granite City 
Police DARE Fund to prevent drug abuse among the youth 
in the community.

LOCAL 471, EUGENE, ORE.
   The Fourth Annual J.C. Anderson Memorial Golf & 
Barbecue Tour, held August 7 at the Diamond Woods Golf 
Course in Monroe, Ore., drew 123 golfers from miles 
around, including lots of retirees and teams that 
included wives, sons and daughters of members, according 
to Legislative Representative Greg Boam. Special thanks 
go out to Designated Legal Counsel Yaeger, Jungbauer, 
Barczak & Roe for their sponsorship.

LOCAL 486, GLENDIVE, MONT.
   Members work out of two locations separated by 
several hundred miles, so two picnics, one in Glendive 
and one in Forsyth, were held thanks to the sponsorship 
of Designed Legal Counsel firms Huneg, Stone, LeNeave, 
Kvas & Thornton; Rossi, Cox, Kiker & Inderwish, and 
Yaeger, Jungbauer, Barczak & Roe. UTU Assistant 
President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., spoke at both picnics. 
Others attending included State Legislative Director 
Fran Marceau, General Chairperson Robert D. Kerley, 
Associate General Chairperson John Filter, and Field 
Supervisor and UTUIA Unit #9 President Ron Tokach. 
Missing the event was Local Chairperson Lloyd Nelson, 
activated by the Army National Guard to help fight the 
fires ravaging the state. Treasurer Walter Peterson 
noted money was raised for the family of Brother Mike 
Just, a 53-year-old member who recently passed away.

LOCAL 492, SACRAMENTO, CAL.
   Treasurers on the UP who would like to submit payroll 
deduction requests to the carrier using an approved 
computer generated form may receive a template in 
Microsoft Excel by sending a request to Secretary and 
Treasurer Daryl Stinchfield. More information and 
requests for the form can be sent via e-mail to 
<Daryl.Stinchfield@att.net>.

LOCAL 577, NORTHLAKE, ILL.
   All railroaders are invited to the local's annual 
family picnic, to be held Monday, September 4, from 11 
a.m. to 6 p.m., at Busse Woods Grove #32 in the Ned 
Brown Forest Preserve near Elk Grove, Ill., located off 
I-290 (IL 53) at Biesterfield Road, according to 
Secretary Kenneth J. Larson. For information, contact 
Treasurer Dennis L. McDonough at (708) 481-6465, or send 
e-mail to Brother Larson at <rrnut@pipeline.com>.

LOCAL 768, DECATUR, ILL.
   Operating and non-operating employees of the Illinois 
& Midland Railroad overwhelmingly approved a new 
contract retroactive to November 1, 1999, and expiring 
November 1, 2003, that will deliver general wage 
increases totaling 23%, according to International Vice 
President Pete Patsouras. The deal includes a signing 
bonus, up to four personal leave days, two additional 
paid holidays, a crew-consist rule calling for no less 
than two on a crew, elimination of a provision that 
permitted remote controls, and time-and-one-half for 
regularly assigned employees working a sixth or seventh 
day. Credit for the pact is shared by General 
Chairperson B.L. Jern, Vice Chairperson (Diesel Shop) 
M.J. Doyle, Vice Chairperson (T&E) C.F. McQuern and Vice 
Chairperson (M/W) M.D. Krobe.

LOCAL 933, JEFFERSON CITY, MO.
   Members will participate in the Jefferson City Labor 
Day parade, said Local President Denny Menges, handing 
out candy, Operation LifeSaver books, and various UTU 
promotional items. For information, reach Menges at 308 
Hutton Lane, Jefferson City, MO 65101, call (573) 634-
7962, or send him e-mail at 
<dennismenges@sprintmail.com>. The local also is hosting 
a fish fry September 29, and a B-B-Q on September 30, 
2000. For details, contact Local Chairperson Kenny 
Menges at (573) 635-6415, or send e-mail to 
<krmenges@prodigy.net>.

LOCAL 1529, WALBRIDGE, OHIO
   All members, active and retired, are invited to the 
local's annual Old Timer's Party, to begin at 6 p.m. on 
October 30 at the Knights of Pythias Hall in Walbridge, 
said Secretary and Treasurer Michael J. Obrock. For 
information, call (419) 836-8697.

LOCAL 1544, MAYWOOD, CAL.
   Members are mourning the death of 36-year-old William 
Rolling, a well-liked and admired member, said Local 
Chairperson George Downer. Rolling, a railroader for 
just four years, was fatally injured on August 11 during 
a Pacific Harbor Lines switching accident in the BNSF 
yard at Watson, Cal.

LOCAL 1567, CORBIN, KY.
   Three-year-old Benjamin H. Bentley II, the nephew of 
member Claude Bentley, Jr., has been diagnosed with 
spinal and brain cancer, and following months of harsh 
chemotherapy, now requires further treatment not covered 
by insurance. Donations can be sent to The Benjamin H. 
Bentley II Medical Fund, c/o L&N Federal Credit Union, 
P.O. Box 1264, Corbin, KY 40702-1264.

LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, B.C.
   Rain failed to dampen the spirits of the 70 members 
and their families who attended the local's ninth annual 
family picnic, said Secretary and Treasurer David 
Moorhouse. Good food, great company, and games and toys 
for the kids were featured at an event marked by an 
adaptation of the TV show "Survivor" staged for the 
youngsters. Available on the local's website is a 
"Recipe for a Successful Picnic," comprised of insights 
gained from their nine years of hard-earned experience. 
Find it at <http://www.utubc.com>.



MEMBERSHIP IN ACTION
--Former NFL player tackles transit ................##G

   Former Houston Oilers wide receiver/running back ED 
TANNER, who grew up in South Central Los Angeles and now 
operates buses for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority (MTA), stood in the limelight 
again in late July.

   Instead of tearing up the gridiron, Tanner appeared 
on an episode of the History Channel's "Modern Marvels" 
series entitled Buses.

   Looking at the past, present and future of buses of 
all shapes, sizes and purposes, the show spotlighted the 
latest "smart" technologies and detailed the challenges 
of operating a large public transit system.

   Tanner's appearance marked the first time in nearly 
two decades that the member of Local 1564 in Los 
Angeles, Cal., had received so much attention.

   "I definitely miss the excitement of the football 
field," Tanner said, "but I was fortunate to have found 
a job that is as challenging as dodging a 325-pound 
defender, is rewarding, and is fun. Serving the public 
is very important and something I look forward to doing 
everyday. I love the job."

   A resident of Pasadena, Cal., Brother Tanner attended 
Los Angeles City College and Kentucky State College. He 
is engaged to be married later this year to Myrtle 
Sistrunk, another member of the local.

   The Los Angeles Department of Transportation's 
Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control Center, an 
underground "bunker" where the traffic signals of some 
of the busiest intersections in Los Angeles are 
monitored, was among the subjects covered in the show 
that also examined "talking buses," the benefits of 
compressed natural gas vehicles, the MTA's new Metro 
Rapid buses, and the different stages of building a bus.

   "The show is a behind-the-scenes look at technology 
improving the transit system in Los Angeles," said 
writer/producer Luke Ellis. "Ed Tanner provided an in-
the-trenches perspective from someone who is actually 
working with these new systems. He was very congenial, 
just a very nice gentleman."



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

ARIZONA
   Retired Assistant Legislative Director Bill Elzey (L-
113) received the District Chairman of the Year Award at 
a ceremony hosted by the Arizona Democratic Party for 
his more than 30 years of outstanding work on behalf of 
Democratic Party candidates and all working persons in 
Navajo County.

   "Bill was completely surprised when his name was 
announced because Assistant Director Dave Shearer and I 
invited him down from Winslow to participate in the 
awards dinner without advising him he had been nominated 
and had won the award," Legislative Director Scott Olson 
said.

   Elzey was presented the award by Barbara Lubin, the 
Democratic candidate for Arizona Corporation 
Commissioner and a life-long friend of the UTU.

   Also receiving an award was retired UTU member Bill 
Pyritz (L-1800), who was recognized as Campaign 
Volunteer of the Year in the state. Unfortunately, 
Pyritz was unable to attend the ceremony due to his 
wife's illness.

   A photograph in the print edition of this month's UTU 
NEWS depicts Barbara Lubin greeting Bill Elzey after he 
was presented with the District Chairman of the Year 
Award.


CALIFORNIA
   On August 9, the California State Assembly's Labor 
and Employment Committee passed S.B. 200, a bill which 
would require freight trains operated in the state to be 
manned by at least two persons, one of whom must be a 
"railroad trainman."

   All Democrats on the committee voted "aye" and all 
Republicans voted "no," said Legislative Director J.P. 
Jones.

   The bill had passed the Senate by a vote of 23-15 on 
May 24.

   The next stop for the legislation is the Assembly 
floor and Jones and Assistant Director Mike Anderson are 
asking all UTU members there to contact their 
representatives in the Assembly and encourage them to 
support the legislation.

   The bill was introduced by 18th District Sen. Jack 
O'Connell.


MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND
   The UTU's Massachusetts Legislative Board, in 
conjunction with UTU Locals 262, 898, 1462 and 1473, is 
holding a special informational meeting for all UTU 
members on September 30, 2000, reported Director George 
T. Casey.

   The meeting will run from noon until 4 p.m. at the 
IBEW Hall at 256 Freeport Street in Dorchester, Mass., 
just off the I-93 SE Expressway.

   The UTU Insurance Association, UTU designated legal 
counsel and various health insurance providers will be 
represented, and a TPEL drive and voter registration 
drive will be conducted.

   National Legislative Director James M. Brunkenhoefer 
and Alternate National Legislative Director James A. 
Stem, Jr., also will be in attendance.


MICHIGAN
   The UTU's Michigan State Legislative Board has 
established an Internet website to keep members there 
updated on issues that affect their employment and 
livelihood.

   Michigan Legislative Director David Brickey said that 
the site can be reached at  
<http://members.aol.com/utumisld/mlb.htm> which also 
contains links to send e-mail to Brickey, Assistant 
Director Donnie H. Carter and Secretary Gregory A. 
Mathey.

   Brickey is urging all UTU members in the state to 
contact U.S. Senators Carl Levin (202-224-6221) and 
Spencer Abraham (202-224-4822) and request their support 
of H.R. 4844, the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Act 
of 2000, when it hits the Senate floor.

   Brickey also noted that all but three U.S. 
representatives from the state of Michigan have signed 
on as co-sponsors of H.R. 4844. He is asking UTU members 
in those districts to contact their representatives and 
seek their support when the legislation reaches the 
House floor. They are 2nd District Rep. Peter Hoekstra 
(202-225-4401), 7th District Rep. Nick Smith (202-225-
6276) and 12th District Rep. Sander Levin (202-225-
4961).


OHIO
   On August 8, members of the Ohio State Legislative 
Board played host to MaryEllen O'Shaughnessy, the 
Democratic candidate for Ohio's 12th Congressional 
District, at the board office in Columbus, Ohio. UTU 
Auxiliary International President Edythe Walter also was 
in attendance.

   Legislative Director Bill Thompson said that 
O'Shaughnessy, who is seeking to fill the seat of 
departing conservative Republican John Kasich, supports 
a strong patients' bill of rights and the expansion of 
Medicare to cover prescription drugs.

   "UTU members living in Ohio's 12th Congressional 
District need to support Ms. O'Shaughnessy. She will be 
a good friend of labor if elected," he added.

   O'Shaughnessy, a single parent who earned a college 
degree while working as a funeral director in her 
family's  111-year-old business and caring for elderly 
parents, currently serves as a member of the Columbus 
City Council.

   "I am optimistic about our future, and I know with 
hard work, a lot of listening, good ideas and the right 
experience, we can build a better future for families," 
O'Shaughnessy said.

   Thompson also updated a report to last month's UTU 
News, stating that Ohio Gov. Robert Taft signed into law 
Senate Bill 207, which increases the penalty for the 
obstruction of a road or highway by a railroad train 
from a minor misdemeanor to a misdemeanor of the first 
degree.

   A photograph in the print edition of this month's UTU 
NEWS depicts UTU Auxiliary International President 
Edythe Walter, Second Vice Chairperson Billy R. Parker, 
Assistant Legislative Director Joseph A. Boda, Jr., Ohio 
12th Congressional District candidate MaryEllen 
O'Shaughnessy, Legislative Director William J. Thompson, 
Secretary David W. Otten, and Vice Chairperson Luther G. 
Newsom.


OREGON
   Members of the Oregon State Legislative Board met 
from August 15-17 in Salem to select candidates for 
endorsement at the state and national levels in the 
upcoming November general election.

   In attendance were Legislative Director Delmer Hanson 
(L-473), Assistant Legislative Director Greg Boam (L-
471), Secretary Marvin Williams (L-1573) and Office 
Manager Jamie Victor.


WYOMING
   A photograph in the print edition of this month's UTU 
NEWS depicts Alternate National Legislative Director 
James A. Stem, Jr. with former Wyoming State Legislative 
Director T.R. Shelby and current Wyoming Legislative 
Director George Bagby in attendance at the Democratic 
Party National Convention in Los Angeles, Cal., which 
was held August 14-17, 2000. Bagby was elected Wyoming's 
national committeeman to the Democratic convention 
earlier this year and also served as delegate-at-large 
to the convention.



BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"We should police ourselves first" ...............##I
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

   I was recently searching the Internet and decided to 
see what progress foreign countries were making in the 
fight against illegal child labor abuse. As I was about 
to look into that, I decided I better look first into my 
own back yard and see how the U.S. is doing on this 
issue.

   As you guessed, we are not pure in this country. This 
time, in a report from the Associated Press followed up 
by a study they authorized and based on reports from the 
U.S. government, abuse is still widespread in our own 
country. The number of underage children working 
illegally is not as bad as the number of children being 
used in some foreign countries, but one illegal action 
is one too many, and our country should not have any 
children working illegally. Companies that were found to 
be using illegal child labor are located in states from 
New Mexico to New York.

   The report found in one instance a family of four - 
husband, wife and two children - working in the fields. 
They made a total of $140 the week they were being 
interviewed. Not only is there the issue of child labor, 
but what we see is that most of the children are 
minorities and mostly Hispanics and Chinese. These 
families need the work and, unfortunately, they feel 
they have to use every member of their family to make a 
minimal living. The Associated Press found some children 
as young as three years of age working in the fields. 
One company claimed that the child was just watching. 
Look into your house and imagine your three-year-old 
picking in the "fields." Some of the children work and 
attend school. Imagine your child, 8 to 12 years old, 
attending school and working in a job.

   You can bet the owners of these companies employing 
illegal child labor do not have their children picking 
in the "fields."

   In unity there is strength.



YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Metra members ratify pact" ...................##J
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

   The Metra yardmasters contract has been reached and 
ratified. It became effective August 1, 2000. Newly 
elected General Chairperson Richard Miller has shown 
himself to be a worthy advocate for the craft. Brother 
Miller succeeded T.P. Turner as chairperson of GO-256, 
which represents Soo Line, Indiana Harbor Belt and Metra 
yardmasters.

   The new contract contains general wage increases of 
18%, 3% annually for the term of the six-year contract. 
Retroactive increases became effective January 1, 1999, 
with increases each July 1 thereafter through July 1, 
2004. Cost-of-living allowances will be paid each 
January 1, beginning January 1, 1999, and each year 
through January 1, 2005. The bereavement leave benefit 
was expanded to cover additional family members.

   The sick leave benefits were increased with the 
creation of a "sick leave reserve account" in which 90 
days may be accumulated. There also are buy-back 
provisions for unused days. A good attendance record 
will result in one additional bonus sick day each six 
months.

   Semiannual employer contributions will be made to 
each yardmaster's 401(k) account. Contributions totaling 
$1,000 will be made in 2000. Each June 30 a contribution 
of $250 will be made, with a second contribution of $500 
made on each December 31.

   In other news, General Chairperson Mike Thompson has 
reached and received ratification for a new training 
agreement on the Terminal Railroad Association of St. 
Louis (TRRA). The agreement provides for the payment of 
30 minutes at the overtime rate of pay for each shift a 
trainee yardmaster is assigned.



EDITORIALS

--Don't play politics with retirement bill .........##K

   Everything was set in mid-July for the U.S. House to 
pass the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Act of 2000, 
known as H.R. 4844.

   Then what we can only describe as strange 
Congressional politics put the brakes on.

   After H.R. 4844 overwhelmingly passed the House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a 62-1 
vote, a Republican Congressman from Missouri, Kenny 
Hulshof, offered an amendment that would have repealed a 
tax on diesel fuel levied on trains and river barges.

   House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Archer (R-Texas) 
accepted the amendment, which resulted in the bill being 
stalled until after Labor Day.

   Now, politics is nothing new when it comes to 
Congressional legislation. Neither is finger pointing.

   But we believe that this Railroad Retirement bill is 
too important to our members -- and the members of our 
labor coalition of 11 organizations representing three 
million workers -- for us to get caught up in partisan 
politics.

   We'd like to take the Speaker of the House, Dennis J. 
Hastert, at his word. The Republican leader said he is 
"committed to the expeditious consideration and passage" 
of H.R. 4844 in September.

   For that to happen, it means the fuel tax repeal, 
which has nothing to do with Railroad Retirement 
legislation, must be removed from the bill.

   The fuel tax repeal is a favorite among many in 
Congress -- and is wanted by the railroads and barge 
industry, which would save tens of millions of dollars 
annually -- but if it remains it would likely spell the 
end for the best improvements to Railroad Retirement in 
a generation.

   The railroads are saying they don't want this tax cut 
attached to the Railroad Retirement bill, and that is 
welcome news.

   So, we will take Speaker Hastert at his word. Because 
if the House doesn't pass a "clean" H.R. 4844 in 
September and send it to the Senate for ratification, 
then three million union members and their families will 
know who to blame in the November elections.



--"Al Gore for president" .......................##L
   Editorial by Charles L. Little
   UTU International President

   The Democratic and Republican conventions are now 
history, and Labor Day marks the traditional start of 
the hard sprint to the White House. But as we all know, 
the race for the White House has been going on for 
months and the themes have been playing out all summer.

   This November, the choice for president is very 
clear. If you don't think so, then think about the way 
things are. And the way they could be. All of organized 
labor -- and every working American -- knows that the 
last eight years under Bill Clinton and Al Gore have 
been a lot better than the previous 12 years under 
Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

   The UTU was the first major labor organization to 
endorse Al Gore for president. We did so more than a 
year ago, during our Washington, D.C., Regional Meeting. 
In endorsing Gore, we said, "We're not going to beat 
around the Bush, we need Al Gore for president." During 
an impassioned rally before more than 1,400 UTU members, 
Gore talked about his long history with the UTU, and 
said he "believed" in us. We believe in him, too.

   UTU was also the first major union to endorse Bill 
Clinton for election in 1992 and re-election in 1996. He 
has been a friend of the UTU and a friend of 
transportation labor, as has Gore. We are confident that 
Gore has compassion for the working men and women of 
America and will give us a fair shake. We know that he 
has strong leadership skills and he will use them for 
the benefit of labor.

   Twice during the Reagan/Bush years, the UTU and rail 
labor got smacked across the face with Presidential 
Emergency Boards (PEB). In fact, it was a Reagan-
appointed PEB that led to the much-maligned 1985 
contract that created the two-tiered wage system and 
entry rates.

   As we are now in the final stages of negotiating our 
first national contract of the 21st Century -- one that 
we believe will end that system -- we cannot afford to 
take the risk of a George W. Bush White House imposing a 
PEB on us and then letting a Republican-controlled 
Congress drive the nails in the coffin.

   The UTU is committed to doing whatever it takes to 
elect Al Gore our next U.S. president.

   We are also committed to electing a Democratic 
majority in the U.S. House, where Dick Gephardt would be 
speaker, and in the Senate, too.

   While the UTU has good relations with many fine 
Congressional Republicans who stand with us on our core 
issues, we believe that it is in our union's and 
members' best interests to have a labor-friendly 
Congress, which means a Democratic Congress.

   These are vital days as we count down to the first 
Tuesday in November. If we want to protect our jobs and 
our families, then we must all work hard and get out the 
vote for our candidates.

   It is also the time to talk to your state political 
directors and connect with TPEL and our nation-wide 
effort. Together, we can make a difference.



--"From UP's Omaha office to the Oval Office" ......##M
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

   The last week of July found Missouri Republican 
Congressman Kenny Hulshof tagging an unnecessary 
amendment onto H.R. 4844, our Railroad Retirement bill. 
Because of the addition of this surprise amendment, 
Congress adjourned for its August recess without passing 
this legislation as expected.

   However, we expect H.R. 4844 to get over this speed 
bump on its trip through the House and Senate and to the 
lawn of the White House for a signing ceremony.

   When Hulshof added his amendment, UTU and its 
coalition members representing three million workers 
immediately went to work to correct the situation. We 
were told that most of the people that could straighten 
out this situation would be at the Republican 
convention.

   I was not totally uncomfortable at the Republican 
convention because the UTU has a long history of being 
bipartisan. Many times in the last few years, as many as 
50 Republicans have stood with UTU at critical times. 
They have done this even against the interest of the 
railroads.

   The week at the Republican convention went pretty 
much as I expected. Most of my time was devoted to 
clearing up the problems of H.R. 4844.

   One of my lasting impressions from the convention, 
however, was the significant presence of the Union 
Pacific. UP brought more than 30 private rail cars to 
Philadelphia. They had more than half a mile of track 
laid on panels across a parking lot to bring their 
private cars as close to the Convention Center as 
possible.

   On some nights, Union Pacific had more floor passes 
than some of the delegations. They had more passes than 
37 of the states had delegates.

   The most significant event of the Republican 
convention was the choice by George W. Bush of Dick 
Cheney for vice president. Among many other things, 
Cheney is a former congressman from Wyoming who, during 
his time in Congress, advocated the lifting of sanctions 
against Iran so that American corporations could search 
for oil.

   This is the same Dick Cheney who voted against a 
resolution that called for the release from prison of 
Nelson Mandela, who later became a Nobel Peace Prize 
winner. Mr. Cheney wanted to keep Mr. Mandela away from 
the bargaining table because he might have been a 
communist.

   Until the time of Bush's selection, Mr. Cheney was 
the CEO of Haliburton, an oil company, and was on the 
board of directors of the Union Pacific. Now, with the 
Cold War over, don't be surprised if the hot line in a 
Bush/Cheney oval office is connected to Omaha instead of 
Moscow.

   I have learned that in politics people usually vote 
with and support their friends. I can assure you that UP 
made Herculean efforts to make as many friends as 
possible at the Republican convention. UP's presence was 
at least five times bigger than all of the other 
railroads combined.

   Will Omaha pick all the future Presidential Emergency 
Boards, the federal railroad administrator, and future 
Supreme Court justices who will decide if FELA is still 
necessary? That choice will be yours in November. Vote 
your job, your safety, your health care, and your 
retirement.



--Feedback: "Looking out for retirees" ..........##N

The following letter was received recently at UTU 
International headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio:

Dear Sirs:

   This is to notify you that my father, William T. 
Werton, retiree of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, passed 
to eternal life on August 3, 2000, at the age of 96.

   My father really enjoyed the UTU NEWS, and looked 
forward to its delivery. After he read it, he would pass 
it on to my husband, who retired from CSX as director, 
signals and communications operations. After they both 
read it, they would discuss many of its topics, always 
with positive comments.

   My father was a member of Local 1760, Detroit, Mich. 
During his career as conductor and assistant 
trainmaster, he resolved many disputes for his union 
brothers, and always in a protective way for their 
safety and continuous employment.

   Our entire family wishes to offer our sincere thanks 
for all the positive things the UTU did for their 
retirees, and especially for the continuous mailings of 
the UTU NEWS. After the retirement of railroad workers, 
the UTU was the only railroad-associated entity that 
kept in touch with its members, and always looked out 
for their welfare.

   Thanks again for all you have done.

Sincerely yours,

Nardine Werton Koester



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

   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: WHAT STEPS WOULD BEST ADDRESS 
FATIGUE?

   "I've been a bus operator with the Santa Monica 
Municipal Bus Lines for about seven years, and our 
biggest problem is scheduling. At the end of your run, 
you need recovery time. A fatigue factor sets in when 
you don't have time to recover, to use the rest room, to 
stretch your legs, to let your metabolism slow down. 
Keeping that pressure on your system causes problems. 
The more time you have to recover from an activity, the 
better off you are. Management has trouble getting 
people to take certain runs, and should do something 
about the recovery time on those runs."
   -- FRANK JONES, L-1785, SANTA MONICA, CAL.

   "I've been a Union Pacific (UP) yardmaster for 20 
years. We suffer a great deal of fatigue, but it's not 
the same as experienced by switchmen and road crews. We 
work eight hours on and eight off, but we don't have 
hours-of-service limits. If I don't have relief, I have 
to stay 16 hours. Traditionally, you don't have a meal 
period. Managers will get food for you because they 
don't want you to get up from the desk. I'm 45, I've had 
a heart procedure, and I blame the job. I don't know how 
we can fight this, but I attribute the problem on the UP 
to a lack of management."
   -- MICHAEL B. FURLONG, L-1975, KANSAS CITY, MO.

   "I'm a conductor with 31 years on the Union Pacific 
(UP), where fatigue is all a matter of budget. If they 
spent money developing their line-ups, they could tell 
us when we should expect to go to work. Crew Management 
Systems (CMS) won't add extra positions to the extra 
boards, they don't want to pay the guarantee, and they 
don't want to pay any overtime. And there's fewer of us 
on a crew doing all the work now. If they could manage 
this issue the way they manage other aspects of their 
budget, the problem would be solved. It's a matter of 
budgeting."
   -- LEON F. BUSCH, L-1043, SPARKS, NEV.

   "I'm on disability now, but I'm a local chairperson 
and a Norfolk Southern conductor with 26 years of 
experience. My disability isn't related to fatigue, but 
fatigue is a problem, and it will probably always be 
there as long as the railroads do business as they have 
for the last 100 years. The carriers need to work with 
us and give our people more advance notice of 
scheduling. One thing that contributes to fatigue is 
that, for some reason, it seems like it's taking three 
times as long to move cars from point A to point B. I 
don't think we can address the situation under the 
present system."
   -- JACKIE L. BAUGH, L-1245, ATLANTA, GA.



FEATURE
--"How U.S. rail contracts are negotiated" ......##P
   by Dan Johnson
   UTU International Vice President

The author of the following, Dan Johnson, is a UTU 
International vice president and member of Local 807 in 
Tucson, Ariz. He was a member of the UTU's National 
Negotiating Team in 1995 and currently serves on the 
National Wage and Rules Panel and the 2000 National 
Negotiating Team. He is the author of a "white paper" 
entitled "We Must Stop the Race to the Bottom" and the 
co-author of the "white paper" on the "1985 UTU National 
Contract."
-----------------------------------------------------

   Unlike other unions in the U.S., railroad unions must 
negotiate contracts under a process mandated by Congress 
that severely restricts the "right to strike" and too 
often lets the government decide what goes into an 
agreement.

   Sometime this fall, if all goes as planned, a long-
term national wage/rule agreement will be put to a 
ratification vote. At that time, you will have to decide 
whether to vote "yes" or "no" and what the ramifications 
of a "no" vote will mean to you and your fellow UTU 
brothers and sisters.

   In order to help you make a more informed decision 
when the time comes, it is important to understand what 
makes rail labor -- and our negotiating process -- 
different from just about every other unionized industry 
in the United States. Unlike nearly every other 
industry, rail labor negotiates agreements under a 
process mandated by the U.S. Congress.

   In fact, the Railway Labor Act (RLA) sets forth 
procedures where the President of the United States and 
Congress (with the Commerce Clause power) can heavily 
impact our contract if we don't reach an agreement with 
the carriers. This comes into play when labor and 
management fail to reach a voluntary agreement during 
contract negotiations, which has been too often the case 
in the last 40 years -- and which has hurt rail labor 
deeply.

   Operating under the RLA also means that we do not 
have the right to strike when we are at a contract 
impasse, unlike unions representing workers in other 
businesses. Only the airline industry, which also falls 
under the RLA, shares that circumstance with us. This 
fact alone means that rail labor must be more vigilant 
in the negotiating process. If an agreement is not 
reached, then a third party is called upon to formulate 
the agreement for the rail union and the carriers.

   It is imperative as we look to ratify our first 
contract of the 21st Century that we keep the government 
out of our business. History shows that rail labor loses 
when a third party imposes a contract upon us.

   This time, however, it is vitally important to not 
cut off our nose to spite our face. We cannot keep our 
head buried in the sand and must fully understand the 
ramifications of our actions if we choose to vote down 
the upcoming contract proposal and place our fate in the 
hands of Congress, the federal courts, and the 
President.

   So the real question becomes: Is it in our collective 
best interests to ratify a contract or to roll the dice 
and try to negotiate something "better" using the 
mandated steps contained within the federal law as found 
in the Railway Labor Act?

   To answer this fundamental question, it is important 
for each of us to become more knowledgeable about the 
RLA and its consequences. And, if history teaches us any 
hard lesson, it is that rail labor does poorly when it 
cannot control its own destiny and places itself in the 
hands of the Congress and President.

RLA CONTROLS NEGOTIATIONS
   The Railway Labor Act was enacted by Congress more 
than 70 years ago and it controls our negotiating 
process. Contrary to what many rail union employees 
believe, we do not have normal and traditional 
flexibility to "force the issue" during negotiations. 
That's because the RLA severely and significantly 
restricts our legal right to strike.

   Congress created the RLA to preserve the status quo 
during the negotiating process and to ensure that 
interstate commerce is not interrupted. During the 
course of the RLA-mandated procedures, neither the union 
nor the railroads may resort to a strike, lockout, or 
change the contract until certain steps have been 
completed.

   The RLA process begins with serving a notice under 
Section 6 in which one party to the agreement informs 
the other that it is proposing to change the existing 
contractual relationship. For example, the UTU served 
its Section 6 notice in November 1999 for this contract. 
Then the parties must confer on the matters raised and, 
if an agreement is not reached, either or both parties 
may seek the services of the National Mediation Board 
(NMB).

WHAT IF MEDIATION FAILS?
   If mediation by the NMB fails to produce an agreement 
it offers to submit the dispute to binding arbitration, 
which can only take place if both parties consent. 
However, if arbitration is refused, and the NMB 
determines that the dispute threatens to substantially 
interrupt interstate commerce that could deprive a 
section of the United States of essential rail 
transportation service, the President is notified.

   The President may then create an "emergency board" -- 
or PEB -- to investigate the situation and report its 
recommendations within 30 days. The most infamous was 
Ronald Reagan's PEB 208, which adopted much of the Van 
Wart Study Commission and established the infamous entry 
rate and dual-basis-of-pay system.

   If the NMB does not make the determination that 
triggers Presidential involvement, or if the President 
declines to create an emergency board, the parties are 
free to resort to "self-help" -- strike, lockout, change 
in work rules and/or rates of pay -- but only after a 
30-day period following the refusal to arbitrate. If a 
PEB is created, the parties may not resort to self-help 
until 30 days after the board submits its report. 
Remember this: Congress has the power under the Commerce 
Clause to write an agreement for both labor and 
management and impose it upon them.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN?
   If under the UTU Constitution the members reject the 
upcoming contract, we may turn to mediation at the NMB. 
However, mediation takes control away from both sides. 
Additionally, while in mediation, neither party may 
legally resort to self-help. That means we cannot strike 
and the carriers cannot lock us out. And since there is 
no time limit to mediation, it can last a week, a month, 
a year, or until hell freezes over.

   During the last 60 years, rail unions and the 
carriers have tried to use court action when seeking 
release from mediation. The courts, however, have never 
allowed either side to do so. Instead they have left it 
up to the NMB to determine when the parties will be 
released from mediation. In reality, this means the 
President determines when the parties will be released 
since he appoints the NMB members. Also keep in mind 
that the mediator -- in this case the NMB -- does not 
have the authority to write an agreement for the 
parties. He or she may only facilitate the process and 
has no right to impose a contract.

WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE US?
   If the upcoming contract is voted down, we will 
likely go back to the carriers and attempt to change it 
so it is acceptable to UTU members in their respective 
historical crafts. If we can't make a voluntary 
agreement, we are then stuck in mediation until 
released. This means that the parties will be asked if 
they are willing to permit an arbitration panel to hear 
their arguments and write an agreement for them.

   But if either the carriers or the UTU declines the 
offer, there is no binding arbitration. At that point a 
30-day countdown begins and at the end of it we are free 
to strike and the carriers are free to lock us out or 
promulgate, which means they are free to impose their 
wage-and-rule demands on us and force us to work under 
these changes -- unless we strike.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
   If the NMB believes an interruption in interstate 
commerce is imminent at the end of the 30-day countdown, 
it will notify the President. At this point, he has the 
option of appointing a Presidential Emergency Board. And 
usually a PEB is appointed. But like the mediator, a PEB 
does not have the authority to write an agreement. 
However, its recommendations may be used by Congress to 
impose a contract on both parties.

   The UTU has a good relationship with President 
Clinton and Vice President Gore. But with the White 
House up for grabs in November, no one can predict what 
will happen. And remember that the last Republican 
President, Ronald Reagan, appointed two PEBs that led to 
entry rates and the dual basis of pay -- something we 
are committed to ending in this contract.

   The PEB can offer its recommendation and, when it 
does so, another 30-day countdown begins. If we don't 
arrive at a voluntary agreement, we are again free to 
strike and the railroads once again can lock us out or 
promulgate. But, if at any time during this period, 
either by lockout or strike, there is an interruption of 
interstate commerce, Congress can intervene under the 
Commerce Clause.

   This is what happened in 1991 during national 
negotiations. PEB 219 made its recommendations, and 
later we struck. Congress then intervened and ordered us 
back to work and by virtue of Public Law 102-29 imposed 
the finding of PEB 219 as the agreement.

LET CONGRESS DECIDE?
   When Congress intervenes, it generally rubber-stamps 
the findings of the PEB. Today, both the House and 
Senate are controlled by the Republicans, who 
traditionally have been anti-labor and pro-management. 
The question becomes: Which party will control Congress 
after the November election? And, if the Republicans 
retain control, do we want to roll the dice and let a 
Republican Congress dictate our contract terms?

   Historically there has been little economic sympathy 
for railroad workers in government, especially a 
Republican-controlled White House and Congress. While we 
believe we are worth every cent we are paid, others see 
railroad workers as among the highest-paid (some say 
overpaid) union workers in the country. Add that to the 
fact that the railroads themselves continue to be the 
second most capital-intensive industry in North America, 
and it adds up to a real problem for rail labor.

   The dynamics of the November election give each side 
-- the UTU and the carriers -- an incentive to settle 
the national contract before the vote. The railroads are 
concerned that if Al Gore wins the presidency and the 
Democrats regain control of the House or Senate, or 
both, that we would receive favorable treatment under a 
pro-labor government. We are concerned that if George W. 
Bush wins and the Republicans retain control of the 
House and Senate, or just one of them, that we could end 
up losing under an anti-labor regime.

   Remember that the railroads are major contributors to 
the Bush campaign, that BNSF President Robert Krebs is a 
leading candidate to become secretary of transportation, 
and that the Union Pacific had 30 private rail cars in 
Philadelphia at the Republican Convention.

   These are very simple and dynamic reasons why both 
the UTU and the railroads expect to arrive at an 
agreement before the November elections.

   We believe that we are close to what will be seen by 
many as an historic contract that accomplishes our major 
goals at the beginning of the 21st Century.

   As you know, the UTU is committed to eliminating 
entry rates and the dual basis of pay. In addition, we 
are working to negate anything that can displace current 
favorable rules affecting our members. As you can also 
expect, our goal is to make sure that you still receive 
quality health and welfare benefits and also get a fair 
and honorable wage increase.

WE ARE CONFIDENT
   We are confident the contract we will present to you 
achieves these objectives. As in all contract talks, 
there are always some loose ends to tie up as well as 
the finalization of contract language. It is also fair 
and realistic to say that we will not accomplish 
everything everyone wants, but we will accomplish our 
major goals as well as other objectives.

   What this means is that after 15 years we will 
finally eliminate the gross inequity of two dramatically 
different rates and methods of pay for pre- and post-'85 
employees. In its place we will create a new, simplified 
basis of pay that is long overdue.

   Between 1982 and 1991, we have had to suffer the 
consequences of Congressional intervention several 
times. And all of you understand what happened 15 years 
ago because of PEB 195 and the Van Wart Study 
Commission, which resulted in entry rates and the dual 
basis of pay. Now, we can end it once and for all.

DO YOU WANT TO RISK IT?
   So, the big question to ask yourself is: Do you want 
to risk Congressional intervention again?

   Or, when the time comes, will you vote to end entry 
rates and the dual basis of pay for all current 
employees? Will you vote for a respectable pay raise? 
Will you vote to be fairly compensated under your work 
rules as you largely know them?

   The National Negotiating Team does not want to put 
our fate in the hands of a Presidential Emergency Board 
or Congress or a study commission or binding 
arbitration. We hope that you think likewise.

   The final decision rests with each of you, and with 
each of your crafts. For any contract to be ratified, 
the UTU Constitution requires that each craft vote in 
favor. If one craft votes "no" then the contract is 
rejected and the RLA process is likely to take control 
out of our hands.

   As we work to finalize the first historic contract of 
the 21st Century, it is imperative that we maintain 
control and shape our own destiny. 

   Your future -- and the future of rail labor -- will 
be squarely in your hands. When the time comes, let us 
make an educated and informed decision rather than one 
based on anger and emotion, or the world as we would 
like it to be.



SENIOR NEWS

--International effort promotes goodwill ...........##Q

   As UTU Assistant National Legislative Director, 
Willis G. Croonquist's efforts made a difference on a 
national level. As a retiree, he asserts an 
international influence through the Friendship Force.

   Begun in 1977, the Friendship Force is a private, 
nonprofit citizen exchange organization fostering world 
friendship, goodwill, and peace through international 
home-stay experiences. Each year, some 6,000 "goodwill 
ambassadors" share the lives of a host family in another 
country for one to two weeks.

   This year marked the fourth time that Croonquist, a 
member of Local 1177, Willmar, Minn.,  hosted a 
delegation from Russia. While the visit was coordinated 
by the Friendship Force, his guest came under the 
auspices of a Library of Congress initiative called the 
"Russian Leadership Program."

   "My guest this summer was Olga Kachina, a 37-year-old 
businesswoman who serves as an aide to a member of 
Russia's Parliament," Croonquist said. "UTU General 
Chairperson John Filter's 22-year-old daughter, Maureen, 
who is very fluent in Russian, did a great job for us as 
a translator."

   An investigator for Designated Legal Counsel Hunegs, 
Stone, LeNeave, Kvas & Thornton, Croonquist cites fellow 
Minnesotan Hubert Humphrey as the man who inspired him 
politically. "I was a young brakeman when I first heard 
Humphrey speak," he said, "and he lit a fire under me."

   Croonquist began his career as a fireman on the Great 
Northern in 1955, and joined the Brotherhood of 
Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen. Just short of the 
requisite 10 years of seniority to become an engineer, a 
movement to eliminate firemen resulted in Croonquist 
becoming a brakeman and a member of the Order of Railway 
Conductors and Brakemen.

   Elected local legislative representative in 1968, he 
found his way onto the state legislative board, and in 
1984 became state legislative director, a post he held 
for nine years. In 1991, he was elected UTU assistant 
national legislative director, but resigned in 1993 when 
the railroad offered a buy-out and the law firm sought 
his expertise.

    "I have no regrets," said Croonquist. "Brokenrail 
(Brunkenhoefer) was upset because we made a good team, 
and I miss the friends I made in Washington, D.C. But 
I'm working for a good, Democratic law firm, and I 
really enjoy it."



--Retired Gen. Chair. J.C. Clark dies ...........##R

   Retired former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio (GM&O) General 
Chairperson James C. Clark, 82, passed away Wednesday, 
July 26, 2000, in the wake of a heart attack suffered at 
his granddaughter's wedding.

   The GM&O general committee chaired by Brother Clark 
was one of the first Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & 
Enginemen  (BLF&E) units to merge with its predecessor 
counterpart following the general merger that created 
the UTU.

   A member of Local 234 in Bloomington, Ill., Brother 
Clark began his rail career as a fireman on the Alton 
Railroad, and joined BLF&E Lodge 40 on Sept. 23, 1941. 
Shortly afterward, the Chicago & Alton was merged into 
the Gulf, Mobile & Northern to form the Gulf, Mobile & 
Ohio, at which time Brother Clark was promoted to 
engineer. The GM&O was merged into the Illinois Central 
to form the Illinois Central Gulf in 1972.

   Active in union affairs, Brother Clark was local 
legislative representative and, ultimately, was elected 
chairperson of the BLF&E's Illinois Legislative Board, 
where he served for many years. At unification, he 
served as chairperson of UTU Illinois Legislative Board 
until his retirement on February 10, 1986.



--746th ROB to reunite, ponders mystery ............##S

   Members of the 746th Railway Operating Battalion 
(ROB) are spreading the word about their 53rd reunion, 
to be held September 13-16, 2000, at the Nevele Resort 
Hotel in Ellenville, N.Y., and trying to solve a 
mystery.

   According to retired member David J. Spellman, Jr., 
of Local 385, Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., the ROB's banner, 
or "colors," ended up missing some years ago. Any 
information regarding the missing battalion colors will 
be appreciated.

   For information about the reunion, or to report clues 
as to the whereabouts of the missing colors, contact 
Brother Spellman at 105 Coachlight Square, Montrose, NY 
10548, or call him at (914) 737-6452.



--Lehigh Valley Railroad reunion planned ........##T

   Plans have been finalized for the 18th Annual Lehigh 
Valley Railroad (LVRR) Reunion and Dinner, according to 
UTU Retiree Program member EUGENE K. SCHULER of Local 
498, Allentown, Pa.

   Open to all crafts, the event will be held Saturday, 
September 16, 2000, at the Plainfield Township Fire 
Hall, R.D. #1, Pen Argyl, Pa., on Rt. 115 in Northampton 
County. Doors open at 11 a.m., with dinner served 
promptly at 1 p.m.

   For information, contact George W. Dougherty at 1357 
Jefferson St., Hellertown, PA 18055-1316, or call (610) 
838-0675.



--The Final Call ...................................##U

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
0002    Gruhler, Melvin C.           Toledo, OH
0150    Harris, Albert              Dunedin, FL
0195    Young, Victor L.            Mendota, IL
0238    Nistler, Joseph H.            Tempe, AZ
0281    Kiltz, Orville A.         Milwaukee, WI
0286    Kissel, Lloyd J.          N. Platte, NE
0440    Stites, Norman E.          Florence, KY
0453    Miller, Howard F.            Canton, MO
0454    Yeatman, John D.           Fallston, MD
0498    Cooper, Jr., Peter      Coopersburg, PA
0730    Jurcich, Frank J.          Anaconda, MT
0759    Haese, Frank R.        Sierra Vista, AZ
0792    Morris, John L.         Painesville, OH
0792    Wagner, Clarence F.       Cleveland, OH
0830    Fleagle, Frank R.        Harrisburg, PA
0950    Harris, Johnny              Memphis, TN
0971    Vernon, Jr., Herman W.        Crewe, VA
0982    O'Connor, Jr., J.F.      Binghamton, NY
0982    Uffindell, Leland G.      Rochester, NY
1043    Ahlberg, R.L.             Las Vegas, NV
1074    Noel, Eugene R.           Jeannette, PA
1074    Walsh, Edward J.         Pittsburgh, PA
1345    Coleman, Glenn D.            Etowah, TN
1345    Payne, Kenzel B.          Knoxville, TN
1376    Hunt, Lawrence E.        Bainbridge, OH
1390    Bray, James J.            Langhorne, PA
1393    Rank, Jack C.               Margate, FL
1399    Hubbard, Guilford J.   Indianapolis, IN
1422    Litsinger, David W.        Alhambra, CA
1423    Lafollette, Sr., R.W.     Knoxville, IL
1491    Petitti, August           Matamoras, PA
1518    Faccone, James P.      Indianapolis, IN
1545    Nelson, Emil E.              Monroe, LA
1557    Harper, Sr., J.H.      Olive Branch, MS
1765    Knight, Alan J.            Cadillac, MI
1962    McClure, Harold R.            Paris, IL



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

Listed below are Individuals who began contributing to 
TPEL or increased their donations to $100 or more per 
year during July and August 2000.

* = Retired Member

PLATINUM CLUB
($1,200 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Millard, George J.      78    Pocatello, ID
Dwyer II, Thomas P.    311    LaCrosse, WI
Lyon, Robert J.       1059    Minot, ND
Franciose, Michael J. 1421    Franklin Park, IL
Pastore, Joseph C.    1421    Franklin Park, IL

DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB
($600 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Mattox, Michael J.      78    Pocatello, ID
Correll Jr., Jack L.   265    Pocatello, ID
Querin, Douglas Scott  265    Pocatello, ID
Boam, Greg W.          471    Eugene, OR
Busch, Leon F.        1043    Sparks, NV
Hansen, Ray S.        1043    Sparks, NV
Arterburn, David M.   1313    Amarillo, TX
Retterath, Thomas R.  1348    Centralia, WA

DIAMOND PLUS CLUB
($400 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Banks, Darnell B.      240    Los Angeles, CA
Lee, Ralph J.          240    Los Angeles, CA
Ackerman, Larry C.     329    Boone, IA
Teter, Clarence W.     329    Boone, IA
Elliott, William D.    338    Chattanooga, TN
Lewis, James M.        490    Princeton, IN
Saunders, Kamron T.    508    Smithville, TX
Orosco, Robert L.      627    Wymore, NE
Weiner, Marlin A.      627    Wymore, NE
Karstetter, Richard E. 656    N. Little Rock, AR
Carlson, Bruce A.      832    Superior, WI
Dunn, John P.         1238    Vancouver, WA
Staves, Kenneth M.    1293    Altoona, WI
Romo, Josˇ            1313    Amarillo, TX
Huye, David           1337    New Orleans, LA

DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB
($365 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Backoff, William D.     17    Marshalltown, IA
McNary, David H.        17    Marshalltown, IA
Woodruff, Mark W.       17    Marshalltown, IA
Marquez, Mark E.       151    Winslow, AZ
Garrett, James M.      199    Creston, IA
Buffaloe, James A.     265    Pocatello, ID
Montanye, Terry J.     426    Spokane, WA
Cross, Erik P.         832    Superior, WI
Lloyd, Richard V.      934    Alliance, NE
Engebrecht, Patrick M. 945    La Junta, CO
Rosales, Julius J.     945    La Junta, CO
Reckard, Rodney L.     951    Sheridan, WY
Scott, John A.         951    Sheridan, WY
Patzke, James L.       977    Pasco, WA
Galvin, Gary R.       1074    Freeport, PA
Spain, Sheldon D.     1106    Rocky Mount, NC
Halvorson, Marc A.    1137    Fargo, ND
Montgomery, M.D.      1238    Vancouver, WA
Debolt, Michael J.    1299    Chicago, IL
Haynes, William C.    1299    Chicago, IL
Wellsby, Earl         1393    E. Buffalo, NY
Farmer, William H.    1468    Walla Walla, WA
Ruck, Lance E.        1571    El Paso, TX
Orred Jr., Burton H.  1614    St. Paul, MN
Roth, Gregory A.      1614    St. Paul, MN
Banke, David J.       1976    St. Paul, MN
Cobean, William J.    1977    Seattle, WA

DIAMOND CLUB
($300 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Morr, Bonnie L.         23    Santa Cruz, CA
Kirkham, Rickie R.      78    Pocatello, ID
Blagg, Bennie R.       202    Denver, CO
Neurauter, Ernest L.   202    Denver, CO
Weathers, Albert H.    202    Denver, CO
Fitzgerald, James E.   211    Binghamton, NY
Coleman, Steven P.     286    N. Platte, NE
Fitzpatrick, James D.  312    Madison, WI
Schoettel, John J.     322    Milwaukee, WI
Hauck, William A.      581    Green Bay, WI
Brunt, John T.         590    Portage, WI
Hughes II, Paul E.     627    Wymore, NE
Porterfield, Donald L. 627    Wymore, NE
Pullen, Randall A.     762    Montgomery, AL
Bommersbach, Steven    980    Enderlin, ND
Close Jr., Jerry J.    980    Enderlin, ND
Horner, Charles F.     982    Rochester, NY
Kramer, David E.      1137    Fargo, ND
Cates, Clifford T.    1313    Amarillo, TX
Clements, Gary D.     1313    Amarillo, TX
Davis, Jim L.         1313    Amarillo, TX
Green, Robert A.      1313    Amarillo, TX
Hutton, Brad L.       1313    Amarillo, TX
Jones, John M.        1313    Amarillo, TX
Kendrick, James M.    1313    Amarillo, TX
Luman, Ricky L.       1313    Amarillo, TX
Pina, Thomas L.       1313    Amarillo, TX
Sabala, Mike          1313    Amarillo, TX
Sanchez, Pablo        1313    Amarillo, TX
Tijerina, Valentin    1313    Amarillo, TX
Solich, Stephen E.    1534    Chicago, IL
Lack, Thomas F.       1593    Brownwood, TX
Forsman, Timothy R.   1614    St. Paul, MN
Shacklette, Norbert J.1823    St. Louis, MO
Fatheree, Glenn P.    1957    Silsbee, TX
Thompson, Michael     1974    Ft. Worth, TX

GOLD CLUB
($100 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Reeder, James E.        17    Marshalltown, IA
Garcia, Michael V.      48    Norfolk, VA
Thacker, Larry D.       48    Norfolk, VA
Hankins, Del R.        115    San Francisco, CA
Beard, Steven R.       171    Aurora, IL
Flores, E. R.          171    Aurora, IL
Mang, Christopher J.   171    Aurora, IL
Sortor, Michael D.     171    Aurora, IL
Glasgo, James P.       199    Creston, IA
Pottinger, Wayne A.    199    Creston, IA
Stonehocker, David     199    Creston, IA
Wood, Sidney W.        199    Creston, IA
Dryden, Quintin E.     219    Hannibal, MO
Alvord, Trent M.       238    Ogden, UT
Staley, Thomas L.      258    Savanna, IL
Dixon, Marvin L.       265    Pocatello, ID
Hansen, Rulen K.       265    Pocatello, ID
Oswald, Michael J.     265    Pocatello, ID
Siler, Mark D.         265    Pocatello, ID
Vandalsen, Stephen J.  298    Garrett, IN
Haag, Jewell D.        305    Lincoln, NE
Farrell, James D.      306    Eagle Grove, IA
Gendron, Thomas J.     322    Milwaukee, WI
Saboda, James G.       322    Milwaukee, WI
Kersten, Chad E.       329    Boone, IA
Brumagin, Tyler J.     421    Conneaut, OH
Cooper, Alfred         421    Conneaut, OH
Ciolek, Thomas J.      445    Niota, IL
Murdock, Kenneth R.    445    Niota, IL
Thompson, Hollis L.    445    Niota, IL
Wilkins, James J.      445    Niota, IL
Stoddard, Gary L.      446    Cheyenne, WY
Wren, Scott A.         469    Madison, IL
DeLaGarza, Joe         489    San Antonio, TX
Money, Ronald P.       489    San Antonio, TX
Ailstock, Jason        490    Princeton, IN
Bowman, William S.     490    Princeton, IN
Broshears Sr., Rodney  490    Princeton, IN
Davidson, John M.      490    Princeton, IN
Helsley, Gary E.       490    Princeton, IN
Hoerner Jr., Robert L. 490    Princeton, IN
Morton, Randall R.     490    Princeton, IN
Mowrer, Kristopher W.  490    Princeton, IN
Grosso, John P.        528    Chicago, IL
Ashmore, Darrel R.     533    Osawatomie, KS
Parmenter, Thomas E.   533    Osawatomie, KS
*Benson, John          569    Ennis, TX
Hanson, Robert C.      577    Northlake, IL
Lindberg, John B.      577    Northlake, IL
Milone Jr., Joseph A.  577    Northlake, IL
Shanklin, David A.     582    Stevens Point, WI
Long, Gary W.          656    N. Little Rock, AR
Porter, Charles N.     656    N. Little Rock, AR
Bandy, Ted E.          770    Heavener, OK
Deatherage, Klent E.   770    Heavener, OK
Ford Jr., Charles E.   770    Heavener, OK
Holzhammer, Kenneth    770    Heavener, OK
Mosby, Gregory A.      770    Heavener, OK
Peterson, Gary S.      770    Heavener, OK
Robertson, Tommy G.    770    Heavener, OK
Smith, John K.         770    Heavener, OK
Vinson, Ira W.         770    Heavener, OK
Wells, Wayne A.        770    Heavener, OK
Fudally, Andrew J.     832    Superior, WI
Hackensmith, Roger L.  832    Superior, WI
Cruz Jr., Gilbert J.   866    Rawlins, WY
Howard, Daniel R.      866    Rawlins, WY
Leyva, Juan C.         866    Rawlins, WY
Stotts, Steven M.      866    Rawlins, WY
*Toebben, Robert L.    933    Jefferson City, MO
Buckles, Maria A.      934    Alliance, NE
Thurman, Jeffrey L.   1016    Enid, OK
Long, Michael L.      1043    Sparks, NV
Prosser, John M.      1043    Sparks, NV
White, David S.       1043    Sparks, NV
Diehl, Patrick A.     1059    Minot, ND
Krueger, James W.     1059    Minot, ND
*Kerley, Edgar K.     1081    Glendale, AZ
Anderson, Roger       1137    Fargo, ND
Gabbert, William C.   1137    Fargo, ND
Grant, Richard H.     1137    Fargo, ND
Harrison, Thomas C.   1137    Fargo, ND
Korczak, Matthew H.   1137    Fargo, ND
Mozinski, Gerald J.   1137    Fargo, ND
Peterson, Dallas A.   1137    Fargo, ND
Rohde, Raymond A.     1137    Fargo, ND
Thompson, Timothy     1137    Fargo, ND
Vrchota, Patrick F.   1137    Fargo, ND
Wolters, Richard W.   1137    Fargo, ND
Olson, Richard A.     1175    Duluth, MN
Dedrick, Douglas A.   1186    Gary, IN
Thieme, Danny L.      1202    Ft. Wayne, IN
Martin Jr., Jack A.   1205    Kingsville, TX
Clark, Earl W.        1313    Amarillo, TX
Collins, Johnathon    1313    Amarillo, TX
Gray, David J.        1313    Amarillo, TX
King, Aaron           1313    Amarillo, TX
King, Brandon L.      1313    Amarillo, TX
King, Edward M.       1313    Amarillo, TX
Morris Jr., George E. 1313    Amarillo, TX
Smith Jr., Kenneth P. 1313    Amarillo, TX
Tiffany, Dixon A.     1366    Salt Lake City, UT
Bouchard Jr., Robert  1376    Columbus, OH
Conrad, Michael D.    1376    Columbus, OH
Stone, Darrell R.     1377    Covington, KY
Hudson, George A.     1378    Wilmington, DE
Larkin, J. K.         1397    Columbus, OH
Kent, Michael W.      1420    Memphis, TN
Florczak, Howard J.   1421    Franklin Park, IL
Killory, Christopher  1462    Boston, MA
Radovich, Edward B.   1462    Boston, MA
McCarthy, Charles J.  1534    Chicago, IL
Higdon, Todd J.       1548    Indianapolis, IN
*Seward Jr., Fred W.  1571    El Paso, TX
Fuller, John Edgar    1574    Portland, OR
Kasheimer, Kenneth    1614    St. Paul, MN
Stevens, Max J.       1629    Phoenix, AZ
Koehn, William J.     1670    Laredo, TX
White, Marvin E.      1697    Lubbock, TX
*Ray, Francis E.      1761    Saginaw, MI
Panecaldo, Michael J. 1775    Elko, NV
Hartford, James E.    1857    Green River, WY
Rafferty, Jerry W.    1857    Green River, WY
Maynard, Paul R.      1869    Williamson, WV
Devine, Kevin M.      1918    El Paso, TX
McLaughlin, Baron L.  1929    E. St. Louis, IL
Hoolehan, Kelly D.    1977    Seattle, WA
Niiranen, Ray P.      1977    Seattle, WA
Glenn, Mary           6666    Cleveland, OH
English, Donna       AL264    San Antonio, TX



FELA UPDATE
--Quiz tests knowledge on claims ...................##W


   How much do you know about making a FELA claim? Test 
your knowledge by taking the following quiz:

   1. If an injured railroader's personal injury claim 
is resolved, either by settlement or trial, that claim 
may be re-opened at a later time in the event of further 
medical complications.

   2. An injured railroader who hires legal counsel may 
have the lawsuit filed in any state the injured person 
wants it to be filed.

   3. In handling railroad injury claims all lawyers 
charge as attorney fees 25% of the amount recovered for 
the injured person.

---------------------------------------
ALL of the above statements are FALSE.
---------------------------------------

   1. Once an injury case has been settled between the 
railroad and the injured employee, or once the jury's 
verdict is final, that's all there is. Unless there has 
been fraud or unless both the railroad and the employee 
are mistaken about a very important fact, there is no 
second chance. One bite of the apple is all you get.

   2. There was a time when courts were much more 
liberal about where lawsuits could be filed. Today, an 
injured person's choice is much more restricted 
regarding where the case will be heard. Generally, the 
trial will be where the injured person lives, in the 
locale where the injury occurred or possibly where the 
injured person received a lot of medical care.

   3. Not all lawyers charge 25% for handling an injury 
case. Standard fees can be 33% or even 40%. That is one 
reason to call your UTU Designated Legal Counsel. He has 
agreed not to charge you more than 25% for representing 
you if you get hurt on the job.

Monte Bricker, coordinator
Designated Legal Counsel Program
1-888-241-7076



NOTICES

--Monthly winner announced ......................##X

   This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item 
of apparel bearing the UTU logo is retiree VIRGIL REEVES 
of Local 1389, Russell, Ky., which represents workers 
from the CSX Transportation Co.

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



--Travelers Club makes Alaska affordable ...........##Y

   The UTU Travelers Club has arranged an Alaskan cruise 
experience next year that's as deluxe or as economical 
as you want it to be!

   Whether you choose the seven-night, northbound Voyage 
of the Glaciers, priced from just $879 to $1,799, or the 
14-day Alaska Wilderness CruiseTour, priced from $2,279 
to $3,179 (all prices per person, based on double 
occupancy), you'll be leaving Vancouver on May 21, 2001, 
in luxury on the fraternal journey of a lifetime.

   Share the experience of cruising the Inside Passage, 
arriving at such historic and exotic ports-of-call as 
Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, and then cruising to 
Glacier Bay and College Fjord. Choose the deluxe 
package, and you'll go to the Kenai Princess Wilderness 
Lodge, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, ride the 
Ultra Dome rail cars to Denali National Park, and stay 
at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.

   For complete information, a color brochure, and help 
in deciding just how deluxe or economical you want it to 
be (or to learn about the two Swiss rail tours set for 
March 2001), contact Lynn Westphal Tours toll free at 
(888) 280-7657, or send e-mail to <lwestphal2@aol.com>.



--Tips on getting maximum from H&W benefits .....##Z

   Benefits under the NRC/UTU health plan are 
administered by Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Regence Life and 
Health Insurance Company, and UnitedHealthcare. You can 
get the maximum benefits offered under the plan by 
following these tips:

   -- If you are covered under the Managed Medical Care 
Program (MMCP), you must use "in-network" providers to 
get the best benefits. You can find "in-network" 
providers by looking in the provider directory of the 
health care company administering the benefits for you. 
In the Aetna U.S. Healthcare or UnitedHealthcare 
provider directories, any doctor or provider listed in 
the directory is an "in-network" provider. You must 
coordinate any care you receive from these providers 
through your PCP. In the Regence Life and Health 
provider directory, "in-network" providers are called 
Preferred Providers and are identified by a PPO or PPP 
designation following their name.

   -- If you are covered under the Comprehensive Health 
Care Benefit (CHCB), you can reduce your out-of-pocket 
expenses by using a network provider. These providers 
have agreed with the health care companies to provide 
care at a discounted charge. While you will still pay 
the deductible and 15% of the charge, the amount of the 
charge will be less. Under the Regence Life and Health 
CHCB, you will receive the highest benefit if you use a 
Participating or Preferred Provider.

   In addition, network providers have agreed to bill 
the health care company directly. Under CHCB, they will 
not bill you until the health care company has made 
payment to them.

   Plus, since they are network providers, there is 
never a question regarding what is the reasonable and 
customary charge.

   Preferred Provider and Participating Provider 
directories for members covered under the MMCP or CHCB 
plans also are available by calling the toll-free 
numbers listed at right.

   Be sure to show your doctor your NRC/UTU plan 
identification card. It identifies the benefit plan you 
have and helps the doctor's office handle the bill 
correctly.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS
   If you have any questions regarding your UTU/NRC 
health benefits or network providers, you can get 
answers by calling your health care insurance provider, 
toll free, at the following numbers:

Aetna U.S. Healthcare:     888-332-8742
Regence Life and Health:   888-977-2583
UnitedHealthcare MMCP:     888-445-4379
UnitedHealthcare CHCB:     800-691-0013

   These numbers are also on the front of your NRC/UTU 
plan identification card.

   You can also find providers on-line by visiting these 
web sites:

Aetna U.S. Healthcare:
http://www.aetnaushc.com
Regence Life and Health:
http://www.bluecares.com
UnitedHealthcare:
http://www.uhc.com

   This information is also applicable to members 
covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and 
Welfare Plan which is administered by UnitedHealthcare 
and Aetna U.S. Healthcare. The toll-free numbers are as 
follows:

Aetna U.S. Healthcare:     800-842-4044
UnitedHealthcare MMCP:     800-842-9905
United Healthcare CHCB:    800-842-5252



--Directory of benefits ...........................##AA

Regence Life and Health (BlueCross/Blue Shield)
-- Active UTU members and others covered under the 
NRC/UTU Health and Welfare Plan (690100) should send 
claims to: Regence Life and Health Insurance Co., P.O. 
Box 1071, MS4U, Portland, OR 97207. Individuals who need 
information about both Comprehensive Health Care 
benefits and Managed Medical Care Program benefits 
should call 1-888-977-2583.

United HealthCare
-- Active UTU members and others covered under the 
Comprehensive Health Care Benefit of the NRC/UTU Health 
and Welfare Plan (690100) should send claims to United 
HealthCare, P.O. Box 30985, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-
0985. For information, call 1-800-691-0013.

-- Those individuals enrolled for coverage under the 
Managed Medical Care Program of the NRC/UTU Health and 
Welfare Plan (690100) should send claims to United 
HealthCare, P.O. Box 30985, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-
0985. For information, call 1-888-445-4379.

-- Active UTU members and others covered under the 
Railroad Employees' National Health and Welfare Plan 
(GA-23000), and retired members and others covered under 
United HealthCare Group Policies GA-46000 or GA-23111 
(except Plan D of GA-23111, the Medicare Supplement) 
should send claims to: United HealthCare, P.O. Box 
30985, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0985. For information, 
call 1-800-842-5252.

-- UTU members and others enrolled in the Managed 
Medical Care Program under the Railroad Employees' 
National Health and Welfare Plan who need information 
about the program and its benefits should call: 1 -800-
842-9905.

-- To report suspicious billing and possible fraud under 
United HealthCare's Silent Witness Program, call: 1-800-
338-2327.

-- For the Medical Management Program (mandatory prior 
approval for certain tests and procedures) as required 
under the Plan: 1-800-842-4555.

-- For retired UTU members and others covered under Plan 
D of GA-23111, the Medicare Supplement: United 
HealthCare, P.O. Box 30304, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-
0306. Call 1-800-809-0453.

AEtna/U.S. HealthCare
-- Those individuals enrolled in the AEtna/U.S. 
HealthCare Managed Medical Care Program under the 
NRC/UTU Health and Welfare Plan should send claims to 
AEtna/U.S. HealthCare Health Plans, P.O. Box 7064, 
Dover, DE 19903. For information, call 1-888-332-8742.

-- Those individuals enrolled in AEtna/U.S. HealthCare 
Managed Medical Care Program under the Railroad 
Employees' National Health and Welfare Plan who need 
information about the program and its benefits: 
AEtna/U.S. HealthCare Health Plans, P.O. Box 7064, 
Dover, DE 19903. Call 1-800-842-4044.

-- For claims for dental benefits under AEtna/U.S. 
HealthCare Group Policy GP-12000: AEtna/U.S. HealthCare 
Life Insurance Co., P.O. Box 120, Grand Rapids, Ml 
49501-0120. Call toll free 1-877-277-3368, or call 1-
616-942-6400.

Merck Medco Prescription Drug Program
-- Members covered under the NRC/UTU Health and Welfare 
Plan, the Railroad Employees' National Health and 
Welfare Plan (GA-23000) or United HealthCare Group 
Policies GA-46000 and Plan D of GA-23111 are eligible 
for a prescription drug care plan and a mail-order 
maintenance-medication benefit. For information about 
the drug program under the NRC/UTU Health and Welfare 
Plan, GA-23000 and GA-46000, call 1-800-842-0070; those 
covered under Plan D call 1-800-842-0304.

Magellan Behavioral Health
-- UTU members and others covered for medical benefits 
under the NRC/UTU Health and Welfare Plan administered 
by Regence Life and Health (BlueCross/BlueShield) 
needing to take advantage of the mental health and 
substance abuse benefits should call 1-888-724-5006.

ValueOptions
-- UTU members and others covered for medical benefits 
under the NRC/UTU Health and Welfare Plan administered 
by United HealthCare or AEtna/U.S. HealthCare, or the 
Railroad Employees' National Health and Welfare Plan, 
needing to take advantage of mental health and substance 
abuse benefits administered by Value Options should call 
1-800-934-7245 (RAIL).

Minnesota Mutual
-- Active and retired members of those railroads 
participating in the NRC/UTU Health and Welfare Plan who 
need information about life and accidental death and 
dismemberment insurance benefits administered by 
Minnesota Mutual should write or call: P.O. Box 64114, 
St. Paul, MN 55164-0114. Call toll free 1-800-328-9442.

MetLife
-- Active and retired employees who need information 
about life and accidental death and dismemberment 
insurance benefits administered by MetLife as provided 
for in the Railroad Employees' National Health and 
Welfare Plan should write or call: MetLife, P.O. Box 
6122, Utica, NY 13504. Call 1-800-310-7770.

Vision Service Plan
-- Members inquiring about the benefits of the National 
Vision Plan should call toll free 1-888-877-4782.

Miscellaneous
-- For former Switchmens' Union of North America (SUNA) 
members holding permanent life insurance under 
AEtna/U.S. HealthCare Group Policy 47350, write or call: 
AEtna/U.S. HealthCare Life and Casualty, 620 Erie Blvd. 
West, P.O. Box 4951, Syracuse, NY 13221-4951. Call 1-
315-424-4614.
-- For yardmaster insurance coverage under Supplemental 
Sickness (G-9000) call Trustmark at 1-800-504 9052; for 
Supplemental Life (1898024) call MetLife at 1-800-310-
7770; and for Retirement Health Coverage (A-7092-7093) 
call Trustmark at 1-800-351-2526.



--2001 Regional Meeting dates, locations .......##BB

Below are the dates and locations for the 2001 UTU/UTUIA 
Regional Meetings:

June 25-27, 2001
Sheraton Greensboro Hotel
Four Seasons/Koury Convention Center
Greensboro, N.C.

July 23-25, 2001
Crown Plaza Sheraton
Winnipeg, Manitoba,

Aug. 20-22, 2001
Hyatt Regency
Albuquerque, New Mexico



--UTU woman's ring reflects pride .................##CC

   Thousands of women now belong to the UTU, and, like 
men, they take pride in their union membership.

   To help show that pride, the UTU is introducing a 
woman's ring to its line of high-quality items bearing 
the UTU logo.

   This beautiful new UTU woman's ring proudly displays 
the UTU logo and highlights the slogan "Progress Through 
Unity."

   The ring features the wearer's smooth-top or facet-
cut simulated birthstone circled with the words "United 
Transportation Union."

   A hand-crafted heirloom fit to last a lifetime, the 
UTU woman's ring is available in either 10-karat or 14-
karat gold plating and can be engraved with the wearer's 
name, local number or other inscription.

   These woman's rings are available for just $330 for 
10K gold or $355 for 14K gold; add $12 for engraving of 
last names (up to 10 characters) on side, $6 for year or 
local number on opposite side, or $7 for inside 
engraving of name, date, initials or other message.

   Shipping is $5 per ring, or $15 to Canada. Payments 
can be made by check or money order (payable to Chittock 
Associates; U.S. funds, please.) Visa and MasterCard 
also are welcomed. Please include your card number, 
expiration date and signature with order.

   Since the rings are hand-crafted, please allow six to 
eight weeks for delivery.

   For information about birthstone choices, or to have 
an order form faxed to you, call (440) 247-5414.

   For mail orders, send your name, address and daytime 
telephone number along with the ring size, birth month 
or stone color, and personalization instructions to 
Chittock Associates, 67 E. Washington St., Chagrin 
Falls, OH 44022. Orders also can be faxed to (440) 247-
4860.

   The UTU woman's ring makes a great gift for any 
birthday, anniversary, retirement or other memorable 
occasion.

   Show your UTU pride and order one today!



--UTU VISA cards help save money ...............##DD

   The new UTU VISA cards, issued by National City Bank, 
are now available to members, family and friends.

   National City sent a mailing to UTU members in late 
July offering the new UTU VISA cards. Have you responded 
yet?

   Don't forget, the VISA cards issued by National City 
replace the old UTU credit card. So, apply for the new 
UTU VISA and transfer your balance to 3.9% APR*.

UTU PRIME RATE VISA
PLATINUM AND CLASSIC VISA
-- Introductory 3.9% APR for the first six billing 
cycles;
-- Thereafter, the Prime Rate, currently 9.5%;
-- At least a 25-day grace period on purchases;
-- $35 annual fee for VISA Platinum; $25 annual fee for 
Classic VISA.

UTU NO-ANNUAL-FEE VISA PLATINUM AND CLASSIC VISA
-- Introductory 3.9% APR for the first six billing 
cycles;
-- Thereafter, the Prime Rate plus 4.9%, currently 
14.4%;
-- At least a 25-day grace period on purchases.

ADDITIONAL VISA PLATINUM BENEFITS
-- $250,000 travel accident insurance;
-- Automatic rental car insurance;
-- Global emergency travel assistance services

   All UTU cards will soon have a special Internet e-
commerce rebate program that lets members earn rebates 
from 5% to 25% on purchases made through the PrimeCard 
e-commerce website. Rebates will be automatically 
received on the VISA statement for purchases from more 
than 500 merchants like Land's End, Barnes & Noble, The 
Gap, Hardware.com, CarParts.com and The Sharper Image.

   Start saving money now by transferring balances from 
higher-rate credit cards to 3.9% APR. You could save 
hundreds of dollars the first year alone.

   To apply by phone, call 1-800-992-8124, 24 hours a 
day, 7 days a week. Hurry, this offer expires Sept. 30, 
2000.

   *The information about the costs of the cards 
described is accurate as of 5/31/00. The introductory 
3.9% APR is valid for the first six billing cycles on 
purchases and balance transfers. Thereafter, the APR for 
purchases and balance transfers will be variable, 
currently 9.5% for Prime Rate VISA and 14.4% for No 
Annual Fee VISA. The variable cash advance APR is 
currently 9.5% for Prime Rate VISA and 14.4% for No 
Annual Fee VISA. If you miss two consecutive payments, 
the default APR is the higher of 22.9% or a variable 
rate of Prime + 14.65%, currently 24.15%. Cash Advance 
Fee: 3% of advance amount, $5 minimum. Cash Equivalent 
Item Fee: 3% of advance amount, $10 minimum. Minimum 
Finance Charge: $.50 in any month finance charge is 
imposed. There is at least a 25-day grace period on 
purchases if the balance is paid in full monthly.



--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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                     SEPTEMBER 2000
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      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
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                         -30-