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                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
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        -------------------------------------
                        MAY 2001
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      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
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    A Service of the United Transportation Union
            Public Relations Department

                Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
             International President
                        ---
                Daniel E. Johnson III
    International General Secretary & Treasurer
                        

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

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

NOTE: This text file is best viewed using a 12 pt. 
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Courier.

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                      WELCOME TO
           THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR
"This may be a good contract provision for BMWE members, 
and it's their right to make that decision, but the 
carriers need to understand that this approach to health 
and welfare costs is not acceptable to UTU members, and 
other organizations join us in that assessment."
    -- UTU INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT BYRON A. BOYD, JR.
------------------------------------------------------

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 read about 
the contract recently ratified by UTU-represented mass 
transit workers ("Members ratify new contract with 
SEPTA"), have your word processing software or on-line 
editor search for the text ##E.

IN THIS EDITION
--UTU, others reject health & welfare "pattern" ....##A
--Senate gets retirement bill ...................##B
--UTU, BLE to meet with BNSF on safety .............##C
--Members die in accidents ......................##D
--Members ratify new contract with SEPTA ...........##E
--Merger set between CN, Wisconsin Central ......##F
--Steelworkers thank UTU ...........................##G
--Rutter to head FRA .............................#H
--"Cramdown" deal made .............................##I

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

MEMBER PROFILE
--Overdue decoration provides recognition ..........##K

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

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Remember those who fought before" ...............##M
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Department

YARDMASTER REPORT
--"UTU welcomes URSA members" ...................##N
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS
--Fight for the living .............................#O
--"Making progress daily" .......................##P
   Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
   UTU International President
--"Shortline employees vital to this union" .......##Q
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director
--FEEDBACK: On track to comfortable,
   attractively priced trains ..................##R
   Guest editorial by 
   Michael D. Sternfeld and David R. Johnson
--Voices: Members share their opinions ............##S

REGIONAL MEETINGS
--Schedule set for Regional Meetings ...........##T
--UTU Auxiliary offers tours ......................##U
--Golf outings at Regional Meetings ............##V
--Register now for Regional Meetings ..............##W

SENIOR NEWS
--Retiree serves as licensed bear guide ........##X
--Travelers Club offers Fall Foliage Cruise .......##Y
--RRB conducts satisfaction survey .............##Z
--The Final Call .................................##AA

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

NOTICES
--Monthly winner announced .......................##CC
--UnitedHealthcare notes GA-23111 changes .....##DD
--UnitedHealthcare posts new website .............##EE
--Labor-Management Reporting, Disclosure Act ..##FF
--UTU Auxiliary moves offices ....................##GG
--AT&T offers package for UTU members .........##HH
--UTUIA offers accidental death benefit ..........##II

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

IN THIS EDITION

--UTU, others reject health & welfare "pattern" ....##A

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- UTU International President Byron A. 
Boyd, Jr., and a coalition of rail labor leaders met 
last month with National Carriers' Conference Committee 
(NCCC) representatives to express concern about the 
carriers' perception of the health and welfare 
provisions in the tentative national contract negotiated 
by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes 
(BMWE).

In particular, some rail labor leaders are taking 
exception to the fact that the railroads are considering 
the provisions a "pattern" for the industry.

"This may be a good contract provision for BMWE members, 
and it's their right to make that decision," said Boyd, 
"but the carriers need to understand that this approach 
to health and welfare costs is not acceptable to UTU 
members, and other organizations join us in that 
assessment."

In a letter to NCCC Chairman Robert Allen signed by Boyd 
and eight other rail labor leaders, the carriers were 
informed that "we absolutely reject the terms of the 
health and welfare provisions" in the tentative BMWE 
contract "as a basis for productive discussions or 
peaceful settlement of our outstanding Section 6 notices 
on health and welfare."

In their letter to Allen, the leaders noted that the 
agreement calls for contributions by employees to 
increase almost 500% from the current average of $8.49 a 
month to $41.88 a month in July 2001.

Employee contributions would continue to increase each 
year under provisions of the proposed BMWE contract, 
rising about 2000% by July 2004, when monthly 
contributions would total a projected $176.81.

"During the contract period," the letter noted, 
"employees would pay $4,000 toward health care premiums. 
That is in addition to the co-pays and deductibles they 
already pay. By 2004, the annual employee contribution 
would exceed $2,000 a year. And under the agreement, 
prescription drug co-pays would more than double."

According to reports, BMWE had faced carrier demands for 
massive rule concessions, and in reaching a tentative 
pact, the carriers withdrew all their rule demands.

"Our intention is not to criticize the BMWE's tentative 
contract," Boyd emphasized. "Only BMWE members should 
decide if fair trade-offs have been negotiated and if 
these provisions represent a value to them. But under no 
circumstances should the railroads harbor the belief 
that these contract provisions represent a pattern that 
can be applied to our negotiations."

Joining Boyd in signing the letter were Transportation 
Communications International Union President Robert A. 
Scardelletti; Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen 
president W.D. Pickett; Transportation International 
Association of Machinists General Vice President Robert 
Roach, Jr.; International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers Railroad Department Director Dan L. Davis; 
American Train Dispatchers Department President F. Leo 
McCann; Transport Workers Union of America President 
Sonny Hall; International Association of Sheet Metal 
Workers Director of Railroad Division Don C. Buchanan, 
and Service Employees International Union's National 
Conference of Firemen and Oilers President George J. 
Francisco, Jr.

"We believe the UTU has led the way in health and 
welfare issues," Boyd said. "We have a separate plan and 
trust from the other unions, and as such, we have 
already seen savings in our effort to deal with rising 
health and welfare costs. The cost-shifting mechanism in 
the BMWE proposal is simply unacceptable to the UTU."



--Senate gets retirement bill ...................##B

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Companion legislation to H.R. 1140, 
the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act, 
labeled S. 697, has been introduced in the U.S. Senate 
by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.).

If passed into law, the legislation would provide long-
needed improvements in the surviving spouse benefit, 
full retirement annuity at age 60 with 30 years of 
service, elimination of artificial caps on benefits, 
vesting after five years instead of 10, and provisions 
that require the railroads to insure future fund 
solvency with future tax increases if necessary.

It is important that UTU members and their families 
contact as many members of the Senate and House as 
possible to push for passage of this important 
legislation.

For those lawmakers who are not already sponsors of S. 
697 and H.R. 1140, please encourage them to support this 
legislation. For those who have already sponsored S. 697 
and H.R. 1140 in the House, please express your thanks. 
This is something that they very seldom hear and a show 
of appreciation will be most helpful to our cause.

The complete list of co-sponsors of this legislation can 
be found on the UTU website at <www.utu.org.>

The coalition of labor organizations promoting this 
measure has a tentative "mark-up" date of May 9 to have 
H.R. 1140 moved to the House Railroad Subcommittee. The 
coalition also has the tentative date of May 16 to 
follow the same procedure in the full House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. There are 
no dates yet for action in the Ways and Means Committee, 
although action could come as early as June.

"It appears that the Senate Finance Committee will be 
the sole committee handling this legislation," National 
Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer said. "Although 
other committees have jurisdiction, it is expected that 
they will waive their jurisdiction in order to allow the 
bill to move as expeditiously as possible."

"We still have not received word from the White House as 
to President George W. Bush's position, but we do 
understand that there are discussions going on there 
between staff members who support this legislation and 
those who oppose it," Brunkenhoefer said.

"Once again, across the board, we have gotten solid 
support from the Democrats, both in the House and in the 
Senate. The Republicans in the House appear to be 
supporting our efforts in significant numbers and we 
have received important support among the Republican 
leadership in that body. Unfortunately, we still have a 
small, dedicated minority of the Republicans in the U.S. 
House who remain opposed," the UTU officer noted.

"We have had numerous speed bumps in the past and we 
will have numerous speed bumps in the future. If 
everyone remains as decided and works as hard as we did 
last year, progress will be made.

"Once again, please contact your senators and 
representative during the coming weeks so that we may 
achieve all of our goals," Brunkenhoefer said.



--UTU, BLE to meet with BNSF on safety .............##C

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The UTU and the Brotherhood of 
Locomotive Engineers (BLE) were slated to attend a joint 
safety summit with management of the Burlington Northern 
Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) on April 30 in Kansas City, Mo., 
as this edition reached deadline.

The original call for the summit came from UTU 
International President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., on March 14. 
After BLE International President Edward Dubroski 
applauded the initiative, stating that "safe working 
conditions for operating employees, and indeed for all 
railroad workers, is an issue that must transcend 
rivalries between unions," Boyd proposed that the unions 
participate in the summit together.

"The very fact that we are working side-by-side at this 
safety summit says that the issue of safety for all 
locomotive engineers, conductors and trainmen bonds us 
all deeply together," said Dubroski. "I think BNSF knows 
how serious this is because they will be sitting across 
from both the BLE and UTU together."

"By working together we can accomplish twice as much for 
our members when it comes to safety," said Boyd. "We 
intend to begin setting things straight on the BNSF."

In a joint letter to BNSF President & CEO Matthew K. 
Rose, the leaders of both unions expressed concern over 
the unusually high number of accidents, injuries and 
fatalities suffered by train crew members on the BNSF 
property in recent months.

"We are in agreement that focusing first on safety and 
an effective safety process will create a safer 
workplace for our members and your employees," wrote 
Dubroski and Boyd. "We are also in agreement that 
centering on past individual incidents would be 
unproductive in addressing our mutual interests. Past 
incidents can only be useful in what they tell us about 
what is needed to satisfy those interests."

Invited to the safety summit were top officers of all 
three organizations, in addition to UTU and BLE general 
chairmen and state legislative officers.

"We are always willing to talk about safety and working 
conditions at BNSF, and it seems to me that this type of 
dialogue could be beneficial," Rose wrote in response.

Commenting on tensions between the two unions, which 
reached a fever pitch in the past three years, UTU 
President Boyd characterized the safety summit as "a new 
beginning between" the BLE and UTU.

"We should seize upon this opportunity, and others that 
are sure to come about in the coming months, to mutually 
advance the causes of our memberships," said BLE 
President Dubroski.

BNSF safety practices have come under national media 
scrutiny in recent weeks, following the derailment of an 
Amtrak train in Iowa on March 18, which caused one death 
and more than 90 injuries.

Fifteen cars on a BNSF freight train derailed near 
Stanton, Iowa, on Dec. 13, apparently because a welded 
piece of a switch failed, causing a train wheel to go 
off the track and derailing the cars.

A March 3 switching accident on the Burlington Northern 
in Willmar, Minn., claimed the life of a switchman, UTU 
Local 1000 member Terry Weyh.



--Members die in accidents ......................##D

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two UTU members and a BLE member were 
killed recently in separate accidents.

A UTU-represented conductor and BLE engineer, both Union 
Pacific employees, were killed while deadheading from 
Houston to the Union Pacific terminal in Alexandria, 
La., in March.

The van in which they were riding slowed down for a 
highway construction zone on Interstate 10, just east of 
Lake Charles, La., when it was rear-ended by an 18 
wheeler. The van was shoved into the rear of another 18 
wheeler, killing UTU member Mikel Deramus, 48, and BLE 
engineer Raymond J. St. Marie, 48. The van driver died 
the next day.

Deramus was a member of UTU Local 293 at Houston, Tex. 
He joined the UTU in 1973. He lived in Conroe, Tex.

St. Marie was a member of BLE Division 366 in Houston, 
Texas. He joined the BLE on Sept. 1, 1980, as an 
engineer for the old Southern Pacific. He was Chaplain 
of Division 366 from 1997-2000.

W.E. "Bill" Dyer, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
conductor and member of Local 949 at Sherman, Tex., was 
killed early on the morning of April 9, 2001, in a 
switching accident at a rock quarry.

Dyer was riding the side of a gondola car when he was 
squeezed up against another railroad car. He called on 
the radio to the engineer, who backed up the train, 
releasing Dyer. While waiting for the ambulance, Dyer 
died in the engineer's arms.

He was 36 years old and had worked on the railroad for 
four years.

He leaves a wife, Darlene, and three young daughters, 
the youngest two months old.

Local Chairperson T.W. Johnson said the accident 
happened at a plant that is an accident waiting to 
happen, with bad switch targets, unsteady footing, 
insufficient lighting and standing water.

"It's a constant battle with the carrier all the time," 
Johnson said. "If we don't get hold of this railroad and 
get them set straight, I don't know what we are going to 
do."

Local President John Vest echoed Johnson's sentiments. 
"I believe the atmosphere that the BNSF has created in 
the work place played a direct part in this accident. 
All employees are scrutinized to a point that they are 
not focused on the job at hand. We are all working 
longer hours, and the employees on call are suffering 
from fatigue on account of poor lineups.

"Let's not let this terrible tragedy go in vain," he 
added, noting that Dyer's untimely passing will be the 
subject of discussion at the UTU/BLE safety summit with 
the carrier.



--Members ratify new contract with SEPTA ...........##E

UPPER DARBY, Pa. -- The bus and trolley operators of UTU 
Local 1594 at Upper Darby, Pa., approved a new three-
year contract April 8, one week after reaching a 
tentative agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania 
Transportation Authority (SEPTA) that averted a possible 
strike. The vote was 126 in favor, 26 opposed.

"The members of Local 1594 are to be congratulated for 
negotiating and securing a contract that makes everyone 
in the community a winner," said UTU International 
President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. "General Chairperson Ron 
Koran, in particular, demonstrated great leadership 
under difficult conditions."

Members cast their votes in an abandoned storefront 
across from the 69th Street Terminal, with the UTU's 
mobile education and training facility, "Membership I," 
parked outside.

"It was overwhelmingly ratified," said Koran, who also 
serves as Local 1594's president. "I think it was a 
pretty good contract. I think it was a good deal."

Koran said that the agreement was primarily an economic 
package. Union members will receive 3% pay raises in 
each of the first two years of the deal, and a 4% raise 
in the third year. The average salary of the UTU-
represented workers is about $45,000.

In addition, Koran said SEPTA promised to hire 15 more 
drivers by June 4. Manpower shortages that forced 
drivers to work six- and sometimes seven-day work weeks 
was one grievance going into the negotiations, which 
began Feb. 8. The pact also includes a suspension on the 
hiring of part-time workers over the life of the 
contract.

The deal also raises the health-care plan co-pay 
slightly, but comes with an additional uniform 
allowance, Koran said. The pact also includes 
improvements in sickness benefits and the pension plan, 
with retirement available with 30 years of service or at 
age 62, regardless of years of service.

"International Vice President Bernie McNelis was very 
influential in sealing the deal with SEPTA," Koran 
noted. "I thank him, the UTU legal department, and all 
those at the International headquarters for their help."

The agreement approved last month was reached on April 
1, in the face of a threatened strike. The accord 
prevented the union's first strike since a 61-day 
walkout in 1986.

"I think the membership is pretty happy with it," Koran 
said. "What's important is that there were none of the 
concessions the company wanted. They were looking for 
major work-rule changes."

Koran also thanked the negotiating committee, including 
Vice General Chairperson Tom Bisignani, Stan 
Bernatowicz, Bob Ellingsworth, Ed Scott, and Local 
Secretary Kevin Baldwin, for their hard work and 
support.

UTU members operate 23 bus routes in Delaware County, as 
well as the Norristown high-speed line and the Media and 
Sharon Hill trolleys, carrying about 54,000 riders 
daily.



--Merger set between CN, Wisconsin Central ......##F

ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Wisconsin Central Transportation 
Corporation stockholders have approved a merger between 
WCTC and a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway 
Company (CN).

That's bad news for about 250 workers, whose jobs would 
be eliminated if the consolidation is approved by 
authorities.

Most of Wisconsin Central's job cuts will occur in the 
first year at the company's Rosemont, Ill., 
headquarters. Another 70 jobs at a maintenance facility 
in Stevens Point, Wis., will be eliminated. Most shop-
related functions for the rail line will move to Fond du 
Lac, Wis., where a large shop already exists. The merged 
company also plans to eliminate 25 jobs in Fond du Lac.

The merged company's operating plan says there will be a 
need for fewer rail cars and fewer locomotives than the 
Wisconsin Central currently operates. Canadian National 
has a newer fleet, so officials plan to get rid of about 
1,580 older rail cars and 87 locomotives, according to 
reports. 

The WC network will be operated as CN's sixth division. 
CN also said it has no plans to abandon WC lines and 
intends to maintain WC's major operations centers - 
customer service, dispatching, crew calling and 
mechanical shops - at their current locations.

CN has the option to terminate the merger agreement 
without penalty if the Surface Transportation Board 
(STB) does not treat the transaction as a minor one. The 
STB is expected to decide within 30 days from the date 
of the filing of the CN/WC common control application 
whether it will treat the merger as minor. An STB 
decision is expected by late fall.



--Steelworkers thank UTU ...........................##G

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- In the wake of the recent UTU NEWS 
centerspread on the plight of the nation's steel 
industry, UTU has received a letter from United 
Steelworkers of America President Leo W. Gerard thanking 
the UTU for its support.

Gerard urges members to work for the passage of House 
Bill 808, the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001.

"As you are well aware, each steelworker job supports 
about four other jobs in the community, including those 
of UTU members,"
Gerard said. "Together we will win this battle. As we 
both know, losing is not an option."



--Rutter to head FRA .............................#H

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Bush has named Allan 
Rutter to head the Federal Railroad Administration.

Rutter has been transportation policy director in the 
Texas governor's office since 1995, serving under Bush 
from 1995 until Bush assumed the presidency. Since then, 
Rutter has served under Bush's successor, Texas Gov. 
Rick Perry.

Rutter was deputy executive director of the Texas High-
Speed Rail Authority from 1990 to 1995. He served Texas 
Govs. Mark White and William Clements as a senior budget 
analyst from 1985 to 1990. Rutter must be confirmed by 
the U.S. Senate.



--"Cramdown" deal made .............................##I

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Following the lead set by the UTU 
more than a year ago, a number of rail labor 
organizations have signed a "cramdown" agreement with 
the nation's major rail carriers that will provide 
protection for workers affected by mergers.

In February 2000, the UTU was given the right to select 
which contract would apply once a merger or 
consolidation was complete; the carriers could no longer 
"cram down" inferior contracts upon UTU members.

Last year, the UTU predicted its agreement would serve 
as a guide for other unions interested in protecting 
their members. Railroads signatory to both agreements 
are the UP, NS, CSXT, BNSF and KCS.



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

LOCAL 18, EL PASO, TEX.
Members are hosting the UTU Wes-Tex Mini-Regional 
Meeting on June 15 at the El Paso Airport Hilton, 
according to Pete Sandoval, who noted the guest speaker 
will be UTU International President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. 
The free event begins at 9 a.m. and includes lunch and 
an evening dinner and dance for all members and their 
spouses in the region. On hand will be representatives 
from the Railroad Retirement Board, the Federal Railroad 
Administration, and various health and welfare 
providers. Reservations are required for the dinner and 
dance only. Make a reservation by calling (915) 532-1818 
and leaving your name and local number, and indicate the 
number in your party who will attend.

LOCAL 167, ALBANY, N.Y.
Officers representing TBI Airport Management Service 
employees were recently sworn into office at their first 
regular meeting by State Legislative Director Sam Nasca. 
Those taking the oath of office included Local 
Chairperson Ron Palka, Vice Chairperson (Parking 
Department) Phil Britt, Vice Chairperson (Building 
Maintenance) Paul Petracca, Vice Chairperson (Custodial 
Services) Leon Ward, President James Saltis, Vice 
President Ken Hoffman, Trustee Steve Sherman, Trustee 
Roberta Bogden, Insurance Representative Ed Carney, and 
Secretary and Treasurer Deborah Hildenbrandt.

LOCAL 212, ALBANY, N.Y.
Members are setting up a fund to assist Brian Hotaling, 
a CSX employee who was seriously injured in March when 
he was pinned between two rail cars. According to Vice 
General Chairperson (Yard) Rick Manell, efforts to save 
Hotaling's left leg appear to be working, but many 
surgeries and long months of rehabilitation lie ahead. 
The local is also planning various fundraising events to 
aid Hotaling and his family. For information or to make 
a donation, contact Manell by calling (518) 281-6541 or 
by writing to him at 30 Tattersall Lane, Albany, NY 
12205-4031.

LOCAL 281, MILWAUKEE, WIS.
Members working for Metra's Milwaukee North Line and the 
commuter agency's North Central Services offer their 
thanks and best wishes to Jack M. Cunningham, who 
retires this month with 36 years of service, said 
Secretary and Treasurer Lori A Pasowicz. Cunningham, a 
long-time local chairperson, had been serving recently 
as acting general chairperson and was honored last 
December at an event hosted by Designated Legal Counsel 
Hoey, Farina and Downes. "It's been an honor to work 
with such a tremendous union man," noted General 
Chairperson Kevin J. King (GO-721).

LOCAL 313, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Those involved in the preservation effort surrounding 
the SS City of Milwaukee, one of the last railcar 
ferries to work the Great Lakes, have planned to conduct 
a mariner's memorial service aboard the train ferry on 
Memorial Day (May 28), according to George P. Micka IV. 
The ceremony will include the tolling of the ship's bell 
and a wreath service, followed by an open-house tour of 
the ship's upper deck, where crew will be wearing period 
attire. For information, contact Micka at (231) 755-
8755, send e-mail to <sscitymilw@aol.com>, or view the 
website at <http://www.carferry.com/>.

LOCAL 404, NEWARK, OHIO
Members working for CSX recently decorated their crew 
room at Queensgate Yard in Cincinnati, Ohio, by hanging 
the August 1996 edition of the UTU News on the wall, 
displaying the headline Harassment, intimidation must 
stop. "We get some sort of harassment every day, yet for 
the last decade, safety continues to be a problem here," 
an anonymous source said, noting that the new addition 
to the decor has encouraged rail officials to "settle 
down."

LOCAL 771, NEEDLES, CAL.
UTU members employed by BNSF who end up working out of 
Needles, Cal., are reminded that they should take steps 
to transfer their memberships to Local 771, noted Local 
Chairperson and Legislative Representative M.N. Medley. 
To make the transfer, contact Local Secretary G.A. Davis 
using the drop box at the depot's northwest door, by 
calling (760) 326-4700 or by writing to him at 1914 Rio 
Vista, Needles, CA 92363. Be sure to let him know your 
name and Social Security number, and identify your 
current UTU local.

LOCAL 773, GALVESTON, TEX.
BNSF conductors W.P. Bekkema and Local Secretary and 
Treasurer Richard A. Turner last month were each 
presented with the Safe Worker Award of Honor by the 
Texas Safety Association, which held its 62nd annual 
luncheon and awards ceremony last month at Moody Gardens 
Hotel on Galveston Island. The combined safety 
performance of the two represents more than 50 years of 
employment without a blemish on their safety records.

LOCAL 898, BOSTON, MASS.
Members working for Amtrak offer best wishes to 
Haverhill Line conductor Joseph G. MacEachern, who will 
officially retire on May 31, according to Roberta Ward. 
MacEachern has been described as having "a manner which 
is at all times calm and professional, yet filled with 
good humor." Meanwhile, members recently held a party, a 
hockey game and a family skating event to raise 
assistance for conductor Pete White.

LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, B.C.
The spring edition of the local newsletter, Meeting 
Point, is now available on the website shared with Local 
1923 (Prince George, B.C.), featuring pension 
information, news on fatigue, a new surprise, and more, 
said Secretary and Treasurer David Moorhouse. View the 
website at <http://www.utubc.com>.



MEMBER PROFILE
--Overdue decoration provides recognition ..........##K

When Charles A. Richardson, Jr., talks about his 
experiences in Vietnam, glory is the last thing on his 
mind.

"I'm not a war hero," said Richardson, a member of Local 
338, Chattanooga, Tenn., and a conductor employed by the 
Norfolk Southern. "I did what I had to do to stay alive 
and get me and my buddies home."

By the time he made it back to the states, he had 
received a number of medals and decorations, including 
those indicating National Defense Service, Vietnam 
Service with Two Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam 
Campaign Medal with Device 1960, a 1 O/S Bar, the Combat 
Infantry Badge, and recognition as a 2nd-Class Gunner 
(M60), Marksman (Rifle M-16) and Sharpshooter.

"I was drafted in October 1966, arrived in Vietnam in 
April 1967, and was back in the states in October 1968," 
said Richardson, who turned 21 the day after he came 
home. "I was in Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 12th 
Infantry Regiment (B3-12), Fourth Infantry Division.

"Our unit got pretty beat up," said Richardson. "We were 
the hard-luck company."

Though decorations were due, Richardson didn't dwell on 
it, preferring instead to count his blessings and 
concentrate on making the transition back to civilian 
life.

"Less than 72 hours after I was drawing a bead on 
somebody to take his life, I was back in the states," 
said Richardson. He received no debriefing, no 
counseling, and like many Vietnam vets, suffered 
indignities inflicted by an insensitive and divided 
public that sometimes "called me a murdering baby 
killer."

At a recent reunion, Richardson recognized someone he 
hadn't seen in three decades. "It was John 'Doc' Sommer, 
who stitched me up after a battle in May 1967 known as 
the Nine Day War," Richardson said. "He had become 
executive director of the American Legion in Washington, 
D.C. My wife asked if he could help me get my Purple 
Heart."

With Sommer's help, "missing" records suddenly began to 
materialize. Now, oversights are being rectified, and 
Richardson was recently presented with the Purple Heart.

Because of the records Sommer helped obtain, Richardson 
has also been awarded the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 
Palm, the Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class, and the 
Presidential Unit Citation.

Richardson noted a reunion of reconnaissance and B3-12 
Fourth Division members is planned for Memorial Day in 
Branson, Mo. Those interested can contact Richardson at 
620 Wiley Ross Rd., Whitwell, TN 37397.



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

FLORIDA
Legislative Director Carl Cochran and other UTU 
representatives traveled to the state capital of 
Tallahassee in March to answer lawmakers' questions 
pertaining to a proposed high-speed rail line running 
throughout the state.

"Most of the legislators in Florida, as well as Gov. Jeb 
Bush, are not sold on high speed," said Cochran. "The 
problem is that taxpayers voted for a high-speed rail 
line in Florida."

U.S. Rep. John Mica, who sits on the Rail Subcommittee 
of the House Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee, said "Florida could expect a match of perhaps 
50% from the (Federal government) for planning expected 
to cost $20 to $50 million, and 40% to 50% of the first 
leg of the project from Orlando to Tampa."

A photograph in the print edition of this monthÕs issue 
of the UTU NEWS depicts Local 30 Chairperson Tom Pope, 
UTU Auxiliary Legislative Representative from 
Jacksonville Cherie Vancura, and Cochran with State Sen. 
Betty Holzendorf.


ILLINOIS
The Illinois Legislature, on April 19, adopted House 
Joint Resolution (HJR) 9 declaring the body's support 
for passage of the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' 
Improvement Act of 2001.

According to UTU's Illinois State Legislative Director 
Joe Szabo, the resolution had earlier been approved 
unanimously by the state's House of Representatives and 
won adoption after gaining unanimous support in the 
Illinois Senate.

Joining together to co-sponsor the resolution were 
Senate President Pate Philip (R) and Senate Minority 
Leader Emil Jones (D).

The non-binding resolution, Szabo noted, declares the 
unanimous support of 118 state representatives and 59 
state senators and urges the state's U.S. Congressional 
delegation and the President of the United States to 
support passage of the measure, identified as H.R. 1140 
in the U.S. House of Representatives and S. 697 in the 
U.S. Senate.

"Assistant Director John Burner really put a lot of time 
and effort into getting HJR 9 adopted," Szabo said. "He 
deserves nothing but praise for lining up the support 
needed for this victory."


MARYLAND
Legislative Director Larry Kasecamp would like to remind 
all UTU members in Maryland that applications for the 
James E. Major Memorial Scholarship must be received at 
the Legislative Board office no later than June 1, 2001.

The four-year continuing scholarship provides a $500 
subsidy to a UTU member or a spouse, child, step-child, 
or grandchild enrolled at an accredited university, 
college or junior college for at least 12 credit hours 
per semester.

Applications or further information can be obtained from 
any officer of a UTU local in Maryland or by writing to 
the state director's office at United Transportation 
Union, Maryland State Legislative Board, 19326 Lower 
Consol Rd., N.W., Frostburg, MD 21532.

The winner will be chosen through a drawing held at the 
UTU Regional Meeting attended by the legislative board.


TEXAS
A resolution recognizing the life-long efforts of the 
late UTU Designated Legal Counsel J. Donald Bowen on 
behalf of working people throughout the country was read 
into the official record of the 77th Texas Legislature 
on March 21, 2001, reported Texas Legislative Director 
Connie M. English, Jr.

The resolution read, in part: "Whereas, Mr. Bowen 
brilliantly and steadfastly represented working people 
throughout the United States, handling some 450 claims a 
year as a longtime designated legal counsel for the 
United Transportation Union, and; Whereas, The 
integrity, courage and loyalty Don Bowen displayed 
throughout his life, gained for him enormous respect and 
affection of his family, friends and associates, be it 
Resolved that the House of Representatives of the 77th 
Texas Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life 
of J. Donald Bowen and extend sincere sympathy to his 
family."

English said he and Assistant Director David Arterburn 
worked closely with State House Speaker Pro-Tem Tom Uher 
to secure passage of the resolution.


VIRGINIA/WEST VIRGINIA
The UTU and UTUIA will be sponsoring its 4th Annual 
Special Informational Seminar and Golf Fundraiser for 
members in Virginia and West Virginia on June 7 and 8, 
2001, at the Airport Holiday Inn in Roanoke, Va.

UTU and UTUIA International representatives, general 
chairpersons, legislative directors and designated legal 
counsel will be in attendance, as will representatives 
from the Federal Railroad Administration and the 
Railroad Retirement Board.

UTUIA Local Unit 15 will sponsor the Golf Fundraiser at 
8 a.m. on June 7 at the Countryside Golf Club to benefit 
the American Cancer Society. Reservations for the golf 
fundraiser and for meals during the seminar should be 
made by calling 1-800-305-4265 no later than June 1 to 
provide the hotel and golf course with an accurate count 
for those participating.

Room reservations must be made directly with the Holiday 
Inn by calling 540-366-8861.

The UTU acknowledges the contributions of Designated 
Legal Counsel Francis Hajek, Lawrence Mann and Willard 
Moody for providing the golf luncheon and the hotel food 
and facilities.



BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Remember those who fought before" ...............##M
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Department

I recently thought about the many people in the early 
days who were outspoken supporters of labor unions but 
who are basically unknown to most of us. I thought I 
would give a brief summary of a couple of individuals 
who have worked hard in support of labor unions.

Sidney Hillman migrated to the United States from 
Lithuania in 1907. He was a garment worker who 
ultimately became president of the Amalgamated Clothing 
Workers. He also was one of the founders of the AFL-CIO. 
He was active in politics and knew the importance of 
political action committees; he was a strong believer in 
PACS and knew the advantage of PACS in politics. Mr. 
Hillman had strong support from President Franklin 
Roosevelt in his efforts on behalf of labor. He also 
helped create the World Federation of Trade Unions.

Richard T. Ely was an American economist and one of the 
most influential teachers of his time. Mr. Ely wrote a 
book in 1905 titled "Studies in the Evolution of 
Industrial Society" in which he placed emphasis on how 
labor unions play an important role in the economy. Mr. 
Ely was a strong believer that the public should be in 
control of resources. He fought against child labor and 
believed in the development of labor unions.

It is amazing how many important individuals in the 
latter part of the 1800s and early 1900s felt labor 
unions should play an important role in our society, 
politics and business, yet to this day we have so many 
who fight not only to keep unions out of politics, but 
to put unions out of business.

Always remember: In unity there is strength.



YARDMASTER REPORT
--"UTU welcomes URSA members" ...................##N
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

The UTU, following the principles of Eugene Debs, has 
become the National Mediation Board (NMB) certified 
representative for the craft of mechanical supervisors 
in the former Conrail Shared Assets areas.

The United Railway Supervisors Association (URSA) 
represented the mechanical and maintenance of way 
supervisors on the former Conrail. Mechanical and 
maintenance-of-way supervisors who transferred to CSX 
Transportation and Norfolk Southern lost their union 
status because these classes of employees are not 
unionized at both carriers.

URSA General Chairman Atno N. Smith and the mechanical 
supervisors were determined to remain union employees. 
The UTU's strong and proactive leadership in the rail 
industry made the difference. UTU General Chairperson 
James R. Cumby and Vice General Chairperson Ronald C. 
Kratz worked closely with Brother Smith, the UTU 
leadership and the NMB to secure the approval for a 
merger with the UTU. 

The mechanical supervisors are employed in three Shared 
Assets areas: South Philadelphia, North Jersey and the 
Detroit terminal area. They are now members of GO-342 
and represented by Cumby. He will be assisted by Vice 
General Chairperson-Mechanical Supervisors Atno N. Smith 
(1949), who is also local chairperson for North Jersey 
area, Local Chairperson Dan Mallo (1962) in the Detroit 
area, and Local Chairperson Roger W. Rinfert (1949) in 
the South Jersey/Philadelphia area.

We welcome these new members into the UTU family. 
Brothers Cumby, Smith and Kratz are to be commended for 
their hard work and unwavering determination, which 
culminated in a successful merger of forces.



EDITORIALS

--Fight for the living .............................#O

The U.S. prides itself on being a leader, but in one 
area, our Canadian brothers and sisters deserve credit 
for getting there first.

Decades of struggle have brought significant 
improvements in working conditions, but the toll of 
workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains 
staggering. Some 60,000 workers die from job injuries 
and illnesses each year, and another six million are 
injured.

Last month, on April 28, trade unionists around the 
globe respected the date as an international day of 
mourning, commemorating our brothers and sisters who 
were hurt or killed on the job.

The practice of setting aside such a day began in 
Canada, where the Canadian Labour Congress first 
declared an annual day of remembrance in 1984. The date, 
significant in the U.S. as the anniversary of the 
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), was chosen in 
Canada because it marked the day its first comprehensive 
Workers' Compensation Act was adopted in 1914.

Known to U.S. unionists as "Workers' Memorial Day," the 
date wasn't marked south of the Canadian border until 
1989. Meanwhile, just two years after that, in 1991, the 
day won official recognition from Canada's Parliament as 
the "Workers' Day of Mourning."

Significantly, the watchwords for the day are, "Mourn 
for the dead, fight for the living."

The Bush Administration and certain Republicans in 
Congress, actively working to roll back critical 
workplace protections, are unlikely to follow Canada's 
lead anytime soon. But UTU members can take pride in 
knowing that every day of the year, the UTU remains 
dedicated to the "fight for the living," pressing its 
safety initiatives at all levels.



--"Making progress daily" .......................##P
   Editorial by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
   UTU International President

The news is that we appear to be making progress on our 
national rail contract, and our Railroad Retirement 
reform initiative is gaining momentum in both the House 
and the Senate.

If this sounds like something you've read or heard 
before, chalk it up to the basic nature of "progress."

Real progress doesn't result from a quick fix- and make 
no mistake, real progress is our aim in both of these 
endeavors.

We know any contract that doesn't put an end to the pre- 
and post-'85 discrepancies in the workplace is 
unacceptable.

It's worth the investment of time now to make this fix.

Similarly, as our retirement initiative makes its way 
through the legislature, we will remain focused on our 
goals.

As amendments and substitutions are proposed, we will 
take the time needed to bring the measure back on track.

The time we take now getting it right will benefit 
everyone.

In each case, time will prove to be one of the key 
ingredients of true progress.

By spending the time, we'll get what we need.

We are working on moving forward with a national rail 
contract proposal that eliminates entry rates and pre- 
and

post-'85 differences, one that is economically superior 
to the latest proposal put out by another union.

By investing the time, the UTU has led the way in health 
and welfare matters, starting with our creation of a 
choice between UnitedHealthcare and Regence Blue Cross.

The UTU has a separate plan, or trust, from the other 
unions, and as such, we have already seen savings.

Likewise, the time we've put into the retirement 
initiative should pay big dividends.

There's a tremendous effort going on in Washington, 
D.C., to get this legislation passed in this session of 
Congress.

I can't say enough about the great work and the enormous 
amount of time being put into this effort by our 
legislative team led by James Brunkenhoefer.

Your time, too, continues to play a major role in our 
progress with this initiative.

Not just for the folks who will retire, but for their 
surviving spouses, we all need to take the time to write 
the letters and make the calls needed to keep up the 
pressure for passage of this important legislation.

In each of these endeavors, there's simply no substitute 
for an investment of time.

And with an investment of just a bit more time, we will 
all reap incredible rewards.



--"Shortline employees vital to this union" .......##Q
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

We live in an ever-changing world. In order to be 
effective as a union, we must update our culture and our 
attitudes. If we do not, we will fight the wrong fights, 
or fight for benefits that no longer matter.

One of the areas we must examine is our position on 
shortline railroads. We have always had shortlines. In 
fact, shortlines are the way that every major system 
started. They built track, then were bought or merged 
with other railroads. Shortlines only became a thorn in 
our side after Heather Gradison, and her band at the old 
Interstate Commerce Commission, began to use an 
exception in the Staggers Act to allow for the sale or 
lease to owners who started nonunion operations.

The UTU always has been and always will be opposed to 
the formation of these railroads. We never believed that 
our membership benefits from having their jobs sold 
away. We will always object to the big railroads selling 
off track, and the owner/operator not providing labor 
protection.

We will oppose an operator or buyer who refuses to hire 
our experienced members but instead treats them like 
they want to throw them on the trash heap. We will 
always try to bring the benefits of trade unionism, 
safety and collective bargaining to all of the employees 
of these newly created entities. None of this has 
changed, nor do I think it ever will.

Something new and exciting has happened since 1984: the 
excellent job that UTU has done bringing trade unionism 
to the employees of shortline railroads.

Today nearly two-thirds of employees on shortline 
railroads are unionized. Although that is not equal to 
an almost 85% unionized workforce on Class I railroads, 
it is far and away the greatest penetration by the trade 
union movement in the shortest period of time in any new 
industry.

Every Class II railroad has either part or all of its 
labor force represented by a union and well over 100 
Class III railroads have UTU representation.

Almost every shortline of more than 50 operating 
employees is unionized. And, of course, this union 
always stands ready to represent anyone. It costs a lot 
of money to represent small groups of workers, not a 
pleasant fact, but a fact nonetheless. When UTU begins 
to represent small groups of workers, it is essentially 
a subsidized operation. It is costly and we lose money. 
Of course, we will always do it because that is what 
trade unionism is all about.

Today, UTU represents almost three times as many 
employees on shortline railroads as we do on Amtrak. 
That is an astounding number. Even though we may not 
like the way these railroads went into business, we 
cannot let that anger become such a prejudice against 
shortlines that we fail to represent our members on 
these properties. It wasn't our members who put these 
shortlines in business; they merely keep them in 
business.

We are proud to represent these members. And of course 
our members on the Class I railroads are happy to have 
the business our shortline members bring them. Today, 
almost 10% of UTU members are in the shortline industry. 
In addition, almost 10% of the employees on Class I 
railroads attribute their jobs to the business that the 
shortlines give the Class I railroads. No matter how we 
feel about how the shortlines were created, or how they 
are managed, we have to recognize the benefit to the 
members involved.

UTU will continue to fight those who want to give 
special breaks to shortlines here in Washington. Some 
here have wanted to exempt shortlines from Railroad 
Retirement, the Federal Employers Liability Act and 
other conditions that are beneficial to UTU members. 
However, at the same time, we will attempt to do what we 
can to ensure the security of shortline members by 
working to secure funds for a solid railroad industry 
and a safe place to work.



--FEEDBACK: On track to comfortable,
   attractively priced trains ..................##R
   Guest editorial by 
   Michael D. Sternfeld and David R. Johnson

NOTE: Lt. Col. Michael D. Sternfeld is the past Public 
Transportation Officer for the 304th Civil Affairs 
Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, Philadelphia, Pa.; an Amtrak 
conductor based at Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg, 
Pa.; and a member of UTU Local 1470 at Edmonston, Md. 
David R. Johnson is a transportation services manager 
for a major rail tour company, and a member of the 
American Association of Railroad Superintendents and 
Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee.

The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of 
Amtrak, the UTU, or the Amtrak Customer Advisory 
Committee.

This article was originally published in the April 2001 
edition of Railway Age, and is used with permission.
-----------------

A passenger rail service rejuvenation is taking place 
across the U.S. Many passenger rail corridors have long-
term plans for implementation of high-speed service with 
Acela Express-style equipment. However, one must 
question whether existing ridership is being alienated 
by poor headways, slow running times, and ill-maintained 
equipment.

Will any passengers be left to ride the proposed high-
speed services? Will the freight railroads even allow 
high-speed service to operate? We believe incremental 
improvements made to prime corridors for eventual high-
speed service will result in an increase in revenue and 
overall customer satisfaction.

In the early 1990s, Seattle-to-Portland Amtrak trains 
featured running times considerably slower than a car 
trip on parallel Interstate 5. State and local leaders 
made the decision to bring the service up to high-speed 
standards. However, administrators soon realized this 
could take up to 20 years and cost billions of dollars. 
Washington State Department of Transportation officials 
and others in the Northwest decided to take an 
incremental approach. Today, Talgo Cascades trainsets, 
with dramatically improved onboard amenities, have 
allowed Amtrak to shave 25 minutes off the schedule, 
with minimal infrastructure investment. Ridership has 
increased nearly six-fold, and customer satisfaction 
figures have risen as well.

The Cascades example proves initial rail service 
improvements need not be truly high speed to attract the 
traveling public. Cascades-like improvements could be 
made on numerous corridors across the country to improve 
the quality of existing service, paving the way for true 
high-speed service. States could charter regional 
compacts to increase train frequency and purchase new 
equipment, using TEA-21, CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation/Air 
Quality) and other state and federal funds. These 
compacts could be outgrowths of current programs like 
the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative.

Here's an example: The New York-to-Philadelphia portion 
of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor features Clocker trains 
that provide local commuter service. The Pennsylvania 
Railroad introduced Clockers in the 1950s on an hourly 
schedule. Today, Amtrak's nine daily Clockers, which use 
Amfleet I equipment not originally designed for this 
type of service, put undue strain on its NortheastDirect 
and Acela Regional Washington-to-Boston trains, which 
often operate standing-room-only.

Here's a solution: "Clocker Transportation Authority 
Service," a tri-state compact involving New Jersey, New 
York, and Pennsylvania, featuring a Clocker schedule, 
and new, lower-cost "off-the-shelf" push-pull equipment 
with amenities similar to refurbished Acela Regional 
cars. Market research and customer feedback would be 
used to determine where particular trains stop. Off-peak 
and round-trip excursion discounts as well as monthly 
passes and ten-trip tickets could be offered.

There are other possibilities. North Dakota, for 
example, is a rural state with virtually no viable 
public transportation. However, 13% of North Dakotans 
use Amtrak's Empire Builder-a remarkable figure, 
considering the Empire Builder does not serve some of 
the most populated parts of the state.

Grass-roots movements in Montana are pushing to restore 
rail service along the old North Coast Hiawatha route 
through Billings, Missoula, and other cities. Montana 
and North Dakota could work together to create a new 
passenger rail service. The new service would connect 
mid-Montana points with Minneapolis via Bismark, N.D. An 
equipment and customer service planning process similar 
to the improvements proposed for Clocker service could 
be undertaken. Thruway buses and Mail & Express haulage 
could increase ridership and profits.

Long-term high-speed rail implementation plans are well 
intentioned, but short-term improvements and non-
traditional corridors need not be ignored. All involved 
must have foresight, fortitude, and a true vision: 
Getting the traveling public out of their comfortable, 
modern, private cars and into a public world of 
comfortable, modern, attractively priced trains.



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

Periodically, the UTU NEWS will contact members at 
random to report their thoughts on a question of 
interest to the general membership. This month's 
question:

DO YOU SUPPORT CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM?

"I'm a conductor working for the Kansas City Southern, 
with 30 years on the railroad in June. Looking at the 
last presidential election, I think there should be 
restrictions on what corporations can contribute, but 
other than that, I think they should leave the finance 
laws the way they are. If there's going to be any 
limitation, it should apply to everyone. I think making 
a campaign contribution is similar to enjoying freedom 
of speech. But I don't think Congress really intends for 
reform legislation to pass. I think it's a bunch of 
rhetoric. Basically, I only contribute to candidates 
through the TPEL."
-- Robert Wright, L-781, Shreveport, La.


"I'm a CSX conductor with almost 38 years of service. I 
believe campaign finance reform is necessary, but not 
the way it would be accomplished by the McCain-Feingold 
measure. In fact, I don't think we'll see the reforms 
McCain was originally pushing. There's too much money 
out there, and the politicians want that money. You have 
to have the common man's input in an election, and it's 
your right to support a candidate. I belong to TPEL and 
don't think that the government should be able to tell 
individuals and unions how much they can give to a 
particular candidate."
-- Mike Ruffner, L-1379, Pittsburgh, Pa.


"Yes, I support campaign finance reform. I've been 
employed by Norfolk Southern for 22 years, with 13 years 
as an engineer. I think we'll see passage of reform 
legislation because the general public is fed up with 
people with money buying elections. If you outspend the 
other guy, you can win, just like if you have money, 
you'll never go to jail. The best man doesn't always 
win, and it's because of finances. Personally, I think 
there should be a limit set, that you can spend just so 
much on a campaign, and that's it. Where the money comes 
from doesn't matter. Most laws today, there's a way to 
circumvent them."
-- Sidney Showalter, L-559, Roanoke, Va.


"I've been with CSX for 37 years, and I've been a 
yardmaster since 1971. I can understand making it equal 
for everybody, rich and poor, to contribute to a 
campaign, but it looks like the reform measure now in 
Congress doesn't come anywhere near that. I don't 
understand everything about it, but I don't see where 
this reform will help. It might hurt more than anything 
else. I think it should be left the way it is. I don't 
believe the reform measure will pass. If it does, it 
will look good on paper, but it will be real watered 
down. I think it's just one of those campaign promises 
they make."
-- Marvin Baxley, L-1971, Atlanta, Ga.



REGIONAL MEETINGS

--Schedule set for Regional Meetings ...........##T

Here is a listing of workshops and other events 
scheduled for the upcoming UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting in 
Greensboro, N.C. (Most of the workshops and activities 
will be repeated in Winnipeg, although there will be 
additional workshops especially for Canadian UTU 
members):

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2001
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Registration

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Welcoming reception, with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and 
entertainment

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2001
7 a.m..-4 p.m.
Registration

8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
State of the Union Address. International President 
Byron A. Boyd, Jr., addresses the membership.

10:15 a.m. - Noon
Secretary and Treasurer Workshop. This opening session 
will include remarks by General Secretary and Treasurer 
Dan Johnson and UTUIA Director of Insurance Ralph 
Dennis, who will give a product overview of UTUIA 
insurance plans.

10:15 a.m. - 3 p.m.
UTU Auxiliary Meeting, with Edythe M. Walter, president, 
UTU Auxiliary; Joan Montgomery, secretary/treasurer; 
Louise Scott, vice president, District 3; Rose Vincent, 
vice president, District 4; Dorothy Arrington, national 
legislative director.

10:15 a.m.-3 p.m.
"Don't Ask Dumb Questions" local chairpersons' workshop. 
Witness preparation and cross examination techniques for 
rail disciplinary investigations. Panel members in 
Greensboro: Charles P. Fischbach, arbitrator; L.S. 
Young, attorney.

10:15 a.m. - 5 p.m.
"Becoming An Effective Advocate" bus workshop. 
Processing grievances and arbitration research in 
support of grievances, presented by Assistant General 
Counsel Dan Elliott; internal organizing and 
communication with members, presented by Director of 
Strategic Planning John Nadalin.

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Lunch. U.S. Senator John Edwards of North Carolina will 
be the guest speaker.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
"All Politics Are Local" legislative representative 
workshop. Discussing the importance of political 
activism in the local and state political arenas. Panel 
members will include National Legislative Director James 
M. Brunkenhoefer, Alternate National Legislative 
Director James A. Stem; in Greensboro, New Jersey State 
Legislative Director D.J. O'Connell, Illinois State 
Legislative Director Joe C. Szabo.

1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
"Secretary and Treasurer Responsibilities." 
International auditors will review the responsibilities 
and financial reporting procedures required of a 
secretary/treasurer as provided in the UTU Constitution. 
Experienced local auditors will take questions on all 
old and new regulations required for local bookkeeping.

3:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
"Combating Fatigue in the Work Place" UTU/CXST Work 
Rest/Fatigue Forum. Joint labor/management discussion of 
the impact of fatigue, quality of life issues, 
demographics of the work force and discussion of 
FRA/Congress regulation/legislation of perceived 
solutions to work rest/fatigue issues. Panel members in 
Greensboro: Susan Hamilton, assistant vice president of 
labor relations, CSXT; Gabe Farra, managing director of 
transportation, CSXT; General Chairperson John T. Reed, 
CSXT/B&O Committee; General Chairperson Larry D. Moody, 
CSXT/L&N Committee; General Chairperson John C. Hancock, 
CSXT/SCL Committee.

3:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
Legislative Board Workshops. State legislative board 
officers and members will  conduct legislative 
workshops.

6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Reception, with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and 
entertainment.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2001
7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Registration

8 a.m.-Noon
"Rules/No Rules." Special presentation by UTU General 
Counsel Clinton J. Miller, III, and UTU Human Resources 
Coordinator Ray Cunningham. This is a continuation of a 
series of local chairperson workshops with emphasis on 
effective local representation during formal railroad 
disciplinary investigations. Panel members in 
Greensboro: Francis X. Quinn, arbitrator, and L.S. 
Young, attorney.

8:30 a.m.-Noon
"What's New in WinStabs 2001?" This workshop, presented 
by UTU Director of Computer Information Technologies 
Applications Matt Dolin, will focus on WinStabs 2001, 
the local treasurers' automated bookkeeping system. 
Participants will learn how to simplify the local 
bookeeping procedures by using this customized software, 
developed specifically for UTU locals.

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
"Contract Negotiations; National Labor Relations Act; 
Effective Witness Preparation and Cross Examination 
Techniques" bus workshop. How to conduct successful 
contract negotiations. How to prepare witnesses and 
cross examine witnesses for the desired results.

10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
UTU Auxiliary Tour "Exploring Old Salem." (See details 
this page.) Pre-registration for the UTU Auxiliary Tour 
is required to ensure that space is reserved.

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Lunch, with guest speaker Michael Easley, governor of 
North Carolina.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
"WinStabs, continued."  Continuing the focus on WinStabs 
2001. Treasurers will learn how to create customized 
reports using powerful filtering tools, and be shown how 
monthly, quarterly and year-end reports can be generated 
with the click of a button.

1:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
"What's Developing in Washington and How It Affects 
You."  Discussion of The Railroad Retirement and 
Survivors' Improvement Act 2001, its history, current 
status and future; discussion of safety, legislative and 
regulatory issues, with a question-and-answer session. 
Panel members in Greensboro: National Legislative 
Director James M. Brunkenhoefer; Alternate National 
Legislative Director James A. Stem; Designated Legal 
Counsel Larry Mann.

3:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
"Railroad Retirement Presentation." Wayne Scharnak, 
chief of compensation and employers' service at the 
Railroad Retirement Board, will discuss CT-1 reporting 
requirements of local treasurers.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Cocktail Reception

7 p.m.-Midnight
Dinner/Dance, with entertainment, in Greensboro by The 
Always Exciting Kenny Mann and The Electrifying Sounds 
of Liquid Pleasure.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2001
7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Registration

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
"Secretary/Treasurer Recap and Review." A review of the 
responsibilities of a secretary/treasurer, with 
questions concerning the operation and application of 
WinStabs 2001.

8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
"How the Role of the FRA and NTSB Positively Affect Our 
Lives." George Gavalla, deputy FRA administrator, and Jo 
Strang, associate director of the National 
Transportation Safety Board's Railroad Division, discuss 
the respective roles of the FRA and NTSB, their effects 
on the rail industry and the employee.

8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
"Thinking Backwards: Local Grievance Procedures" local 
chairpersons' workshop. Alan Fisher, attorney; UTU 
General Counsel Clinton J. Miller, III, and BNSF General 
Chairperson Robert D. Kerley present effective handling 
tips for local grievances and appeals.

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
"Effective Local Leadership." Director of Strategic 
Planning John Nadalin will discuss methods to improve 
the leadership and effectiveness of the local officer.

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
"How Arbitration Works" bus workshop. Overview of the 
arbitration processes pursuant to the National Labor 
Relations Act.

10:15 a.m.-Noon
"Designated Legal Counsel Forum." The Federal Employers' 
Liability Act and how it benefits the rail employee.

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Lunch, with guest speaker North Carolina Secretary of 
State Elaine Marshall.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
"New Power Brake Regulations." Jim Wilson, Federal 
Railroad Administration representative, will present a 
review of the new power brake regulations anticipated to 
become effective in Fall 2001.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
"How Transportation Stocks Affect You." Tony Hatch, NYSE 
stock analyst, will present a unique perspective on how 
UTU members should view transportation stocks. The stock 
market will be explored, with simple analysis on how 
investors view the value of railroads and rail services.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
"Engineer Certification." John Conklin, Federal Railroad 
Administration representative, will hold a discussion of 
changes in the locomotive engineer certification 
regulations.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
"Think Before You Drink: Alcohol and Drug Regulations." 
An overview of the changes in the alcohol and drug 
regulations that became effective August 21, 2000. Panel 
members in Greensboro: Nebraska State Legislative 
Director Ray L. Lineweber; Designated Legal Counsel 
Larry Mann.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
Health and Welfare Forum. Representatives of the health 
and welfare providers will present an overview of the 
benefits of the respective plans, and will answer 
general questions.

3:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
General Committee Workshops. General chairpersons will 
conduct general committee workshops, addressing issues 
of importance to those committee members.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Cocktail Reception

7 p.m.
President's Banquet



--UTU Auxiliary offers tours ......................##U

The UTU Auxiliary will offer tours of local attractions 
at both the Greensboro and Winnipeg Regional Meetings.

All registered spouses, family members and guests are 
welcome to enjoy these tours free of charge as part of 
their Regional Meeting package, but space is limited and 
all those planning on taking the tours must pre-register 
by checking the appropriate box on the registration 
form.

In Greensboro, the UTU Auxiliary tour will take place on 
Tuesday, June 26, 2001. Participants will board buses at 
the host hotel and travel to the faithfully restored 
German Moravian congregational town of Old Salem, 
founded in 1766. Those taking the tour will be able to 
walk streets virtually unchanged in 200 years and see 
costumed interpreters re-enact how ordinary people 
lived, worked and worshiped. Lunch will be at the Old 
Salem Tavern.

In Winnipeg, on Tuesday, July 24, 2001,  participants 
will travel from the host hotel by motorcoach to enjoy a 
paddlewheel-boat tour to Lower Fort Garry National 
Historic Park, a restored 1830's trading post where 
modern voyageurs re-enact the days of the fur trade. 
Lunch will be aboard the 400-passenger paddlewheeler as 
it returns to dock.



--Golf outings at Regional Meetings ............##V

The UTU will hold golf outings the Sunday morning before 
both the Greensboro and Winnipeg Regional Meetings.

The fee, $80 per golfer, includes transportation from 
the host hotel, greens fees, a golf cart for every two 
golfers, lunch and much more. 

In Greensboro, golfers will play the beautiful and 
challenging Grandover Golf Course, 1000 Club Road, 
Greensboro, N.C. In Winnipeg, golfers will play The 
Links at Quarry Oaks, Steinbach, Manitoba.

Both courses require soft golf spikes and proper attire. 
Golf club rentals are available at both courses and 
should be reserved ahead of time by calling the 
Grandover Golf Course at (336) 294-1800, or The Links at 
Quarry Oaks at (204) 326-9864. All play will be Texas 
Scramble, or four-player scramble.

Register for the golf outings in the space provided on 
the registration form. Be sure to include your golf fee 
with your registration fee.



--Register now for Regional Meetings ..............##W

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

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

Each attendee at the meeting MUST be registered in order 
to attend any planned social functions. Pre-registration 
speeds the registration process at the meeting, helps 
organizers plan more accurately and saves on the meeting 
cost. This savings is being passed on to each attendee 
who is pre-registered.

A pre-registration form is included in the print version 
of this issue of the UTU NEWS. A printer-friendly pre-
registration form in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document 
File (PDF) format can also be downloaded from the UTU's 
website at <http://www.utu.org> by accessing the HTML-
version of this monthÕs or last monthÕs issue of the UTU 
NEWS and going to the section regarding the Regional 
Meetings. Extra copies of the print edition can also be 
obtained by writing to: UTU NEWS, 14600 Detroit Avenue, 
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250.

The pre-registration fee will be $125 per person over 
the age of 11. Children 11 years of age and under will 
be complimentary. A pre-registration form and complete 
payment for each attendee, regardless of age, must be 
received at the UTU International Headquarters, 14600 
Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107, 10 days prior to the 
scheduled start of the meetings or attendees will be 
charged an on-site registration fee of $175.

One-day registrations are offered for those who would 
like to attend the Regional Meetings but can't spare the 
time away from work or family. The cost of a one-day 
registration for any day is $60.

The Regional Meeting agenda, as well as details of the 
UTU Auxiliary Tour and golf outing, are printed at left.

All fees must be paid in U.S. currency only. Make all 
checks or money orders payable to "UTU Regional 
Meeting." For convenience, you may also pay by credit 
card.

Notice of cancellation of your Regional Meeting 
attendance or golf tournament participation must be 
received at the UTU International Headquarters 10 days 
prior to the first day of the Regional Meeting for a 
full refund without penalty. Please fax any changes or 
cancellations immediately to the UTU International 
Headquarters at (216) 228-5755.

You should make your own room reservations at one of the 
Regional Meeting hotels listed below. Please note 
certain reservation deadlines apply at each hotel.

June 25-27, 2001, Greensboro, N.C.
SHERATON GREENSBORO HOTEL AT FOUR SEASONS
3121 High Point Rd., Greensboro, NC 27407
Hotel direct reservations: (800) 242-6556
Call between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. EST
Reservation code: UTU
Room rate: $119 single/double
Reservation deadline: May 20, 2001
Parking: Free, self parking

July 23-25, 2001, Winnipeg, Manitoba
DELTA WINNIPEG HOTEL (HOST HOTEL)
350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C3J2
Hotel direct reservations: (800) 268-1133
Reservation code: UTU
Room rate: C$125 single/double
Reservation deadline: June 19, 2001
Parking: C$9 per day

SHERATON WINNIPEG HOTEL (first overflow hotel)
161 Donald St., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C1M3
Hotel direct reservations: (800) 463-6400
Reservation code: UTU
Room rate: C$109 single/double; C$124 deluxe king/2 
queens
Reservation deadline: June 19, 2001
Parking: C$8.50 per day

PLACE LOUIS RIEL ALL-SUITE HOTEL (second overflow hotel)
190 Smith St., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C1J8
Hotel direct reservations: (800) 665-0569
Reservation code: UTU
Suite rate: C$120 to C$135, single/double
Reservation deadline: June 19, 2001
Parking: C$4.50 per day



SENIOR NEWS

--Retiree serves as licensed bear guide ........##X

Ask retired member Merv H. Rinta what a bear does in the 
woods, and he'll tell you. A licensed bear guide, it's 
his job to know these things as he leads groups of 
hunters each autumn into the woods around Sudbury, 
Ontario.

"It's really just a part-time business," Rinta said. 
"I'm also a fur trapper, and I trap 'bait' fish, mostly 
minnows, that I sell to different dealers."

Living 350 miles north of Toronto, Rinta describes 
Sudbury as "an isolated area." Getting to his camp is 
best done on all-terrain four-wheelers, though Rinta 
often relies on his snowmobile or his airplane.

For Rinta, becoming a bear guide was simply a natural 
progression. "I grew up hunting with my grandfather, who 
ran a dairy farm," said Rinta. "I became a licensed fur 
trapper, and as such, I was permitted to kill one bear a 
year. Today, a license is required to hunt bear, and you 
have to hunt through a licensed bear guide. But there's 
no limit to the kills because we've got so many bears."

The business began 24 years ago when Rinta placed an ad 
in Field and Stream magazine. "I ended up taking two 
people hunting," he said. "Through word-of-mouth, it 
wasn't long before I was taking 25 people out in the 
spring and 25 in the fall. About three years ago, they 
cut out the spring bear hunt."

Rinta sets up camp, does all the cooking, sets bait, and 
guts and skins the bears for his customers.

"I was a conductor, starting on the Canadian National 
Railway as a brakeman in 1966," said Rinta, a member of 
Local 1508, Hornepayne, Ont. "After 23 years, I 
transferred over to VIA Rail, which I should have done 
earlier, because I really enjoyed passenger service. I 
met new people every day, and liked the people I worked 
with. When I had 30 years of service, they told us we 
didn't have a job anymore, and I took a buy-out."

Rinta welcomes inquiries, and can be reached by writing 
to RR #3 Site 10 Box 20, Sudbury, ON P3E 4N1 Canada. 
Phone him at (705) 522-7765 or (705) 688-5948.



The UTU Travelers Club has made arrangements for a 
spectacular 10-day cruise aboard Princess Cruise Line's 
Crown Princess at a price that's every bit as dazzling 
as the sights that await those who appreciate grand-
class cruising.

The Fall Foliage Cruise, set for October 19-29, 2001, 
will carry travelers round-trip, from Boston to Quebec 
and back, when the dazzling autumn colors are at their 
peak.

Best of all, with prices starting at just $1,335 per 
person, this Love Boat cruise is being made available to 
UTU members and their guests at nearly half-off the 
normal price. (Prices are based on two to a stateroom 
and include taxes, port fees, and cancellation 
protection. Airfare is additional.)

The newly refurbished Crown Princess includes the 
addition of a lavish new reception area, new windows in 
the plaza level, 24-hour dining at the Lido Cafe bistro 
offering casual evening meals, as well as a panoramic 
observation lounge from which to enjoy the awesome fall 
display. Many affordable staterooms even include private 
balconies, making it easy to get up close and personal 
with the eastern seaboard's most breathtaking scenery.

While sailing from one fascinating port to another, 
travelers will be treated to the pampered, premier 
cruising experience for which Princess is renowned. All 
staterooms are spacious and stylish with lots of closet 
and storage space, boasting amenities which include 
plush terrycloth robes and chocolates on the pillow 
every night.

Those who have never cruised with Princess will see for 
themselves what it means to travel aboard the best as 
they sail round-trip from historic Boston through the 
St. Lawrence Seaway and the Saguenay River.

Port calls in Quebec, Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, 
St. John, New Brunswick, Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine, 
offer innumerable opportunities for sightseeing and 
shopping.

The ship's dance floor, casino and original Broadway-
style entertainment promise evenings every bit as 
exciting as the nightlife in Quebec, and the shipboard 
activities and amenities, including the health and 
beauty center, offer no end to quality-time choices.

Those interested in receiving informative brochures and 
reservation forms are urged to write today to: UTU 
Travelers Club, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-
4250. To learn about the various upgrade options and 
airfares, call Lakewood Travel Bureau toll free at 1-
800-726-9294. (From Canada, call 216-221-9294.)



--RRB conducts satisfaction survey .............##Z

About 300 randomly chosen individuals who have recently 
retired from rail service will be receiving a phone call 
as part of the Railroad Retirement Board's (RRB) first 
significant customer satisfaction survey since 1995, the 
agency said.

The RRB said results of the survey, available by late 
summer or early autumn, will help the agency assess its 
customer service strengths as well as areas needing 
improvement.

Suggestions for change will also be evaluated, and 
feedback is expected to help the agency meet goals 
outlined in the Government Performance and Results Act, 
as well as the Government Paperwork Reduction Act.

The survey, known as the American Customer Satisfaction 
Index, was used by the government in 1999 to evaluate a 
number of agencies, including the Social Security 
Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the 
Veterans Administration. About 100 agencies will be 
surveyed this year.



--The Final Call .................................##AA

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   Hatch, Robert O.        N. Ft. Myers, FL
0078   Rositer, Jr., R. W.   Lava Hot Spgs., ID
0212   Moore, John T.     Jacksonville Bch., FL
0239   Dalporto, Charles        San Leandro, CA
0298   Gray, Robert E.                Eaton, IN
0318   Dailey, William B.           Hornell, NY
0322   VanWinkle, Ernest          Green Bay, WI
0333   Smith, Leslie              N. Vernon, IN
0340   Wilson, Jr., George F.    Smithfield, PA
0446   Landmesser, Leslie C.       Cheyenne, WY
0446   Ludden, Ralph W.           San Diego, CA
0473   Herron, Jim B.             La Grande, OR
0495   Bates, Lawrence A.           Gahanna, OH
0498   Malchon, John F.          Jim Thorpe, PA
0498   Yob, Granville R.          Bethlehem, PA
0556   Ittner, Roland R.           Tumwater, WA
0620   Britt, Ralph D.              Bristol, IL
0693   Mizer, Harry J.            Massillon, OH
0693   Ward, Enoch D.             Barberton, OH
0811   Marshall, Jr., W.R.      Rogue River, OR
0915   Jeffries, Benjamin H.      Hugheston, WV
0991   Duffield, Roy E.        E. Liverpool, OH
0991   Logut, Walter P.             Oakdale, PA
1074   Levkulich, Sr., J.   New Port Richey, FL
1375   Downey, John L.         Philadelphia, PA
1440   Merrill, Sr., R. E.    Staten Island, NY
1549   Meyers, Charles Q.        Crossville, TN
1581   Bain, Julius W.            Morro Bay, CA
1628   Hudson, Harold H.           Tionesta, PA
1813   Benner, Paul C.             Sun City, AZ

NOTE: Erroneously included in this listing last month 
was Troy E. Jeffrey of Local 1661, who is enjoying 
retirement in Marysville, Ohio.



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

Below are benefactors of the UTU's Transportation 
Political Education League (TPEL) who have begun 
contributing more than $100 per year, or have increased 
their donations to more than $100 per year, within the 
last two months.

    * Denotes Retired Member

PLATINUM CLUB
($1,200 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Zito, Marc A            20    Beaumont, TX
Moody Jr., Willard J.   48    Norfolk, VA
Harrington Jr., R.E.   168    Chicago, IL
Downes, Daniel J.      528    Chicago, IL
Harrington, Patrick J. 577    Northlake, IL
Albertini, Guy M.      610    Baltimore, MD
Youngdahl, Jay         656    N. Little Rock, AR
Barich, Marvin I.      838    Philadelphia, PA
Moody Sr., Willard J.  854    Portsmouth, VA
Kiker, David B.        951    Sheridan, WY
Burge Jr., Frank O.   1291    Birmingham, AL
Miller, David R.      1313    Amarillo, TX
Callis, F. Lance      1405    St. Louis, MO
McVay, William W.     1418    Conway, PA
Sands, John C.        1538    Chicago, IL
Nelson, Frederick L.  1544    Maywood, CA
Pfiester Jr., R. E.   1770    Los Angeles, CA
Letbetter, Tom R.     1886    Houston, TX
Kaplan, Jay A.           R    Los Angeles, CA

DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB
($600 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Bottles, Raymond C.   1638    Cleveland, OH

DIAMOND PLUS CLUB
($400 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
*Clausen, Melvin R.   1366    Salt Lake City, UT
UTU Auxiliary Lodge    445    Roseville, CA
UTU Auxiliary Lodge    915    Chattanooga, TN

DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB
($365 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Cochran, Billy M.      367    Omaha, NE
Rodriguez, Noel        419    Camden, NJ
Murphy, David M        982    Rochester, NY

DIAMOND CLUB
($300 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Beran, Gary J.           5    Kansas City, MO
Jones, Jay C.            5    Kansas City, MO
Ritter Jr., Glenn D.     5    Kansas City, MO
Smith, William R.        5    Kansas City, MO
Cook, Hurston F.       221    N. Little Rock, AR
Hunt, Guwndolyn K.     243    Ft. Worth, TX
Boardman, William E.   256    Watervliet, NY
Frerichs, Tracey L.    258    Savanna, IL
Hernandez, Raul        965    Dallas, TX
Payne, Frederick E.   1241    Richmond, CA
Long, John E.         1293    Altoona, WI
Ginther, Robert W.    1403    Kansas City, MO
*Ogletree, George R.  1403    Kansas City, MO
Harford, James T.     1741    San Francisco, CA

GOLD CLUB
($100 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Bunich, Joseph T.        5    Kansas City, MO
Edwards, W.D.            5    Kansas City, MO
*Sloan, George F.        5    Kansas City, MO
*Moore, Ralph O.         9    Slaton, TX
*Isek, John A.         194    Elkhart, IN
Hackney, H.J.          200    North Platte, NE
Johnson, Gregory T.    200    North Platte, NE
Parsons, Russell E.    200    North Platte, NE
Wathen, Jan M.         228    Cedar Rapids, IA
Bond, Robert H.        239    Oakland, CA
*Hauck, Wallace L.     258    Savanna, IL
*Pearson, Warren A.    259    St. Joseph, MO
Bolender, Kenny R.     278    Jackson, MI
Hunter, Michael R.     278    Jackson, MI
McKelvey, Mike J.      305    Lincoln, NE
Simpson, Shannon C.    305    Lincoln, NE
Kresl, Kevin P.        367    Omaha, NE
Stevens, Edward L.     375    Edgemont, SD
*Dever, Joseph P.      419    Camden, NJ
Hawley, James E.       445    Niota, IL
*Grover, Owen L.       471    Eugene, OR
*Luker, Carl S.        489    San Antonio, TX
DeMotte, Eric Joseph   490    Princeton, IN
Stuckey, Alan H.       490    Princeton, IN
Swope, James L.        490    Princeton, IN
*Williams, Charles E.  535    Macon, GA
Thompson, Jeff         582    Stevens Pt., WI
Anderson, Larry J.     607    Thayer, MO
Virgl, George          620    Chicago, IL
Carlson, James R.      650    Minneapolis, MN
Marquardt, Robert L.   650    Minneapolis, MN
Adams, Gerald L.       781    Shreveport, LA
*Hocker, William A.    792    Cleveland, OH
Moore, Joe D.          807    Tucson, AZ
Stec, Carl F.          807    Tucson, AZ
*White, Ernest L.      807    Tucson, AZ
*Potteiger, Samuel E.  816    Harrisburg, PA
*Howard, Louie J.      847    Birmingham, AL
*Reynolds, Dean C.     857    San Antonio, TX
*Paul, William J.      891    Whitefish, MT
*Wagner, Roger F.      891    Whitefish, MT
Adamson, Steven C.     911    Minneapolis, MN
*Sturgill, Harold D.   924    Richmond, VA
Hall, James R.         934    Alliance, NE
Holthus, Ruth M.       934    Alliance, NE
Trenkle, Gary E.       934    Alliance, NE
Vancil, Thomas A.      934    Alliance, NE
Wood, Arnold B.        934    Alliance, NE
Carter II, Charles D.  942    Florence, SC
Creel, Quinton O'Brien 942    Florence, SC
Crew Jr., William H.   942    Florence, SC
Hodge, Brian D.        942    Florence, SC
Muldrow, Jody D.       942    Florence, SC
Dozier, Randolph A.    976    Shreveport, LA
*Green, George A.     1000    Minneapolis, MN
*Nelson, Floyd R.     1000    Minneapolis, MN
*Scott, Daniel H.     1000    Minneapolis, MN
Jones, William H.     1003    Kankakee, IL
Michels, Randy E.     1003    Kankakee, IL
Brothers, Robert J.   1007    Syracuse, NY
*Preast, William E.   1011    Hamlet, NC
*Yeargain, Tommy      1042    Oklahoma City, OK
*Bragg, Ingram R.     1081    Glendale, AZ
*DeVaun Jr., L. L.    1129    Raleigh, NC
*Floyd, Thomas J.     1168    Clovis, NM
Peterson, David       1177    Willmar, MN
Brown, David G.       1261    Atlanta, GA
*Merritt, Earl M.     1313    Amarillo, TX
*Hoskins, Thomas D.   1366    Salt Lake City, UT
Cassidy, James M.     1375    Philadelphia, PA
*Orthmeyer, James F.  1377    Russell, KY
Held, Andrew          1388    St. Louis, MO
Alabaugh, Ronald G.   1399    Terre Haute, IN
*Bennington, Harry G. 1399    Terre Haute, IN
Stefanik, Michael     1413    Jersey City, NJ
*Lewis, William L.    1477    Dearborn, MI
*Robinson, James      1477    Dearborn, MI
*Hoffman, R.W.        1545    Monroe, LA
*Kmieciak, Robert J.  1582    Albany, NY
Cross, James I.       1597    Chicago, IL
Dawson, Michael P.    1597    Chicago, IL
Radman, John          1597    Chicago, IL
Grill, Thomas E.      1628    Pittsburgh, PA
Morgan, Terry B.      1628    Pittsburgh, PA
*Wardleigh, Nathan    1629    Phoenix, AZ
Buchanan, Mark E.     1732    San Jose, CA
*Gilbert, Walter F.   1770    Los Angeles, CA
*Pyritz, William      1800    Tucson, AZ
*Frenz, William G.    1882    Minneapolis, MN
Taylor, Robert N.     1918    El Paso, TX
Dismang, Michael J.   1957    Silsbee, TX
Hare Jr., Robert J.   1957    Silsbee, TX
Smart, James W.       1957    Silsbee, TX
*Elliott, Ida B.         R    Roanoke, VA
UTU Auxiliary Lodge    151    Grand Junction, CO
UTU Auxiliary Lodge    474    Chaffee, MO



NOTICES

--Monthly winner announced .......................##CC

This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of 
apparel bearing the UTU logo is Ryan D. Brown of Local 
383, New Albany, Ind., which represents workers on the 
Norfolk Southern Railroad. 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.



--UnitedHealthcare notes GA-23111 changes .....##DD

CLEVELAND, OHIO -- At recent meetings with the railway 
labor organizations constituting the policyholder under 
GA-23111, a detailed study of the premiums and benefit 
payments under the various plans was made. It was agreed 
that the following payment rate changes would be made 
for coverage effective June 1, 2001.

PLAN A
The monthly payment rate for Plan A will remain at $6 
for employee coverage and $7 for dependent coverage.

PLAN B
The monthly payment rate for Plan B will remain at $16.

PLAN C
Due to the rise in the cost of medical treatment caused 
by inflation, plus the additional utilization of medical 
care services, changes in the monthly payment rates for 
coverage effective June 1, 2001, will be as follows:

-- Plan C for employees or dependents increases from 
$285 to $295;

-- Plan C for each student child remains at $50;

-- Plan C for each incapacitated child increases from 
$130 to $140.

PLAN D
The amounts paid under Plan D for prescription drugs 
represent about 50% of all costs under Plan D. 
Prescription drug costs and their use continue to 
increase at a rate of about 20% each year with a similar 
trend expected for the next year. Due to the continuing 
increase in these costs, including the cost for medical 
services covered under Plan D, the monthly payment rate 
for coverage will increase from $190 to $225.

Individuals participating in Plan D cannot change their 
coverage to Plan F until the next open enrollment period 
in December 2002.

PLAN E
The monthly payment rate for Plan E will increase from 
$103 to $120. This increase is due to recent increases 
in claim activity under this plan.

PLAN F
Plan F has benefits identical to Plan D except that it 
does not cover prescription drugs. The monthly payment 
rate for Plan F will increase from $102 to $110.
Individuals participating in Plan F cannot change their 
coverage to Plan D until the next open enrollment period 
in December 2002.

Complete details of GA-23111 eligibility and benefit 
provisions are contained in the GA-23111 benefits 
booklet, which can be obtained by calling 
UnitedHealthcare toll-free at (800) 809-0453.



--UnitedHealthcare posts new website .............##EE

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Railroad Health Plan members covered 
by UnitedHealthcare now have a convenient website 
available to obtain a variety of services and 
information. Through this new website, located at 
<www.myuhc.com>, registered members will be able to:

-- view a description of the plan's health benefits;

-- check the status and history of their health claims;

-- view eligibility information;

-- request a new or replacement medical identification 
card;

-- change primary care physicians (for plans with PCPs),

-- search for network health care providers.

Members also will have access to extensive information 
on thousands of health topics, including a link to 
UnitedHealthcare's "Health Forums," which is a premier 
source of health information on the Internet.

All the functions offered at <http://www.myuhc.com> have 
been developed with real-time linkages to 
UnitedHealthcare's computers. This means members will 
get information through the website that is as current 
as possible, the same information available by 
telephone.

When registering for the first time, members will find 
it helpful to have their medical ID form with them, as 
they will need to enter specific information.

For security, when a member registers for the first 
time, a password will be mailed to the home address 
UnitedHealthcare has on file for him or her. It should 
be received within four to six business days. Once the 
member has received the password, he or she can use it 
to log on to the website to begin accessing their 
personal health insurance information.

If you are covered under a Hospital Association, you do 
not have employee coverage with UnitedHealthcare and you 
will not be able to use the features of <www.myuhc.com> 
for your coverage under the Hospital Association. 
However, if you have dependents and their coverage is 
with UnitedHealthcare, they can still benefit from all 
the available features of the website.



--Labor-Management Reporting, Disclosure Act ..##FF

The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act 
(LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and 
imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The 
Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces 
many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as 
the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union 
members through private suit in Federal court.

UNION MEMBER RIGHTS

BILL OF RIGHTS
Union members have:
-- equal rights to participate in union activities
-- freedom of speech and assembly
-- voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments
-- protection of the right to sue
-- safeguards against improper discipline

Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union 
members and nonunion employees have the right to receive 
or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements.

REPORTS
Unions are required to file an initial information 
report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, 
and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with 
OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members 
and permit members to examine supporting records for 
just cause. The reports are public information and 
copies are available from OLMS.
Officer Elections: Union members have the right to:
--  nominate candidates for office
--  run for office
--  cast a secret ballot
--  protest the conduct of an election

OFFICER REMOVAL
Local union members have the right to an adequate 
procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty 
of serious misconduct.

TRUSTEESHIPS
Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent 
body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA.

PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN DISCIPLINE
A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or 
otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA 
right.

PROHIBITION AGAINST VIOLENCE
No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to 
interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA 
rights.

UNION OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCIAL SAFEGUARDS
Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and 
property of the union solely for the benefit of the 
union and its members in accordance with the union's 
constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who 
embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a 
Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

BONDING
Union officers or employees who handle union funds or 
property must be bonded to provide protection against 
losses if their union has property and annual financial 
receipts which exceed $5,000.

LABOR ORGANIZATION REPORTS
 Union officers must:

-- file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and 
annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS.

-- retain the records necessary to verify the reports 
for at least five years.

OFFICER REPORTS
Union officers and employees must file reports 
concerning any loans and benefits received from, or 
certain financial interests in, employers whose 
employees their unions represent and businesses that 
deal with their unions.

OFFICER ELECTIONS
Unions must:

-- hold elections of officers of local unions by secret 
ballot at least every three years.

-- conduct regular elections in accordance with their 
constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one 
year.

-- mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 
days prior to the election.

-- comply with a candidate's request to distribute 
campaign material.

-- not use union funds or resources to promote any 
candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used).

-- permit candidates to have election observers.

-- allow candidates to inspect the union's membership 
list once within 30 days prior to the election.

RESTRICTIONS ON HOLDING OFFICE
A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a 
union officer, employee, or other representative of a 
union for up to 13 years.

LOANS
A union may not have outstanding loans to any one 
officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any 
time.

FINES
A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee 
convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA.

The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. The full text 
of the act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 
of the United States Code, may be found in many public 
libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, 
Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution 
Ave., N.W., Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the 
Internet at <www.dol.gov>.



--UTU Auxiliary moves offices ....................##GG

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The offices of the UTU Auxiliary, 
formerly located in Columbus, Ohio, have been moved into 
the UTU International Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

"I am excited to be able to work more closely with 
International President Byron Boyd to help strengthen 
and expand the UTU Auxiliary," Auxiliary International 
President Edythe M. Walter said.

Walter and International Secretary/Treasurer Joan P. 
Montgomery now can be reached by mail at 14600 Detroit 
Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107; by calling (216) 521- 1161, 
faxing (216) 521-2588, or e-mailing 
<auxiliaryed@aol.com>.



--AT&T offers package for UTU members .........##HH

UTU members are eligible to receive discounts on rates 
and cellular equipment not available through AT&T retail 
stores!

All plans include:
-- FREE Caller ID
-- FREE Voice Mail
-- FREE Paging
-- FREE Text Messaging
-- FREE Call Waiting
-- FREE Three-Way Calling
-- PLUS, the activation fee is waived for those signing 
up on most plans!

Receive 1,000 free night and weekend minutes on local or 
regional plans of $39.99 a month and higher for 12 
months. Receive 500 free night and weekend minutes on 
local and regional plans of $29.99 a month and higher 
for 12 months. Nights begin at an early 8 p.m.!

UTU members and families also receive a 20% equipment 
discount, 15% bonus minutes on most local and regional 
plans, and a 2% discount off monthly airtime charges!!

Call Christine Manzo at (216) 225-0926 for complete 
information on these deals!



--UTUIA offers accidental death benefit .......##HH

NO PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIRED!
NO MEDICAL QUESTIONS ASKED!!

Q: AM I ELIGIBLE?
A: Yes, if you are presently a working UTU member and 
don't have the maximum $30,000 coverage.

Q: IS A PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIRED?
A: No.

Q: DO I HAVE TO ANSWER ANY MEDICAL QUESTIONS?
A: No.

Q: ARE THERE ANY OTHER BENEFITS UNDER THIS POLICY?
A: Yes. If you lose a hand, foot or eye in an accident, 
you will receive a $15,000 benefit payment.

Q: IS THAT ALL?
A: No. The policy will pay a $60,000 benefit if death is 
caused by a private passenger automobile and a $120,000 
benefit if death is caused by common carrier while you 
are a fare-paying passenger.

Q: ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS UNDER THIS POLICY?
A: Yes, any exception is listed in the policy. For 
instance, coverage is not provided for death or loss 
caused by intoxication, suicide or commission of a 
felony.

A: For more information, call the toll-free number 1-
800-558-8842 for assistance from your UTUIA 
representative.
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                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
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                        MAY 2001
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