====================================================
                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
====================================================
        -------------------------------------
                     SEPTEMBER 2001
        -------------------------------------
====================================================
      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
====================================================

    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
                   (216) 228-9400
                  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. 
monospaced (nonproportional) font such as Monaco or 
Courier.

------------------------------------------------------
                      WELCOME TO
           THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR
   "On health and welfare, we showed the carriers how 
our plan saved $10 million, yet now the carriers are 
referring to the BMWE contract as a pattern. I can 
assure you, it is not OUR pattern!"

-- 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 see what 
U.S. National Legislative Director James M. 
Brunkenhoefer thinks about pending fatigue legislation 
("No simple solutions to fatigue problem"), have your 
word processing software or on-line editor search for 
the text ##O.

IN THIS EDITION
--Senate to consider retirement legislation ........##A
--Legislation targets fatigue ....................##B
--National contract negotiations continuing ........##C
--Boyd meets with FRA, NTSB, Amtrak officials ....##D
--LiftLine workers okay pact .......................##E
--MTA driver records lax .........................##F
--Election delayed at Antelope Valley ..............##G

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

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
--Former NFL player scored in arbitration ..........##I

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

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Celebrate unity by voting for unity" ............##K
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Department

YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Vote to approve UTU-BLE unity" ................##L
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS
--Progress through unity ...........................##M
--"A time for healing" ...........................##N
   Editorial by Paul C. Thompson
   UTU Assistant President
--"No simple solutions to fatigue problem" .........##O
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director
--Voices: Members share their opinions ...........##P

UTU HISTORY
--1975 Flashback: Chesser on unity, mergers ........##Q
--History: ICC brought federal regulation ........##R

FEATURES
--Keeping a piece of the past for the future .......##S
--Camp teaches appreciation for railroading ......##T

FELA UPDATE
--Post traumatic stress disorder disables ..........##U

SENIOR NEWS
--Facts behind rising medical insurance costs ....##V
--Canada offers Rx for savings .....................##W
--19th Lehigh Valley Railroad reunion set ........##X
--The Final Call ...................................##Y

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

NOTICES
--Monthly winner announced ........................##AA
--UTU policy concerning fees objectors ...........##BB
--Panama Canal cruise set for March 6-16, 2002 ....##CC
--UTUIA offers Disability Income Replacement .....##DD

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

IN THIS EDITION

--Senate to consider retirement legislation ........##A

   WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The UTU is pressing for quick 
action in the Senate on legislation to improve Railroad 
Retirement now that the House of Representatives has 
approved the measure.

   Supporters of S. 697, the Senate version of the 
House-passed Railroad Retirement & Survivors' 
Improvement Act, are urging senators to act quickly in 
passing the bill in September. The Senate also may take 
up the House-passed H.R. 1140, and the UTU favors 
approval of that bill as well.

   UTU members, active and retired, and their families 
and friends are requested to call and write their two 
senators, as well as all members of the Senate Finance 
Committee (see list following this story), to urge their 
approval of S. 697, or H.R. 1140, without amendment, and 
as soon as possible.

   "With passage of H.R. 1140 in the House, by a vote of 
384 to 33, this legislation is one-third of the way 
through the approval process," UTU International 
President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., said. "We have passed the 
House and we await action in the Senate. We will strive 
for final approval at the White House by getting 
President Bush's signature.

   "It is expected that those opposed to this 
legislation will attempt to add 'killer' amendments in 
committee and we will do all that we can to oppose these 
efforts," Boyd said. "This is a repeat of history. This 
is exactly what the opponents of Railroad Retirement 
improvements tried last year when they managed to 
prevent passage. We must not permit this to happen 
again."

   "We must continue to support both H.R. 1140 and S. 
697," UTU National Legislative Director James 
Brunkenhoefer said. "The Senate could take up either 
document. While continuing to contact all members of the 
U.S. Senate, we should particularly focus on the members 
of the Senate Finance Committee. We should make as many 
contacts with both their Washington and district offices 
as possible. These contacts should be repeated over and 
over and over.

   "Your involvement is essential," Brunkenhoefer said. 
"Labor unity and labor involvement won passage of 
Railroad Retirement reform in the House, and now our 
objective is to win the Senate.

   "The only way that we can win is by continuing to 
call, write, e-mail, fax and visit the members of the 
U.S. Senate.

   "As you do this, you will hear in many offices, 'The 
senator already supports that bill and is a co-sponsor.' 
That is not enough to ensure the bill is passed.

   "Each senator must weigh in with the Senate 
leadership to schedule the bill for a Senate floor vote 
in September," Brunkenhoefer said. 

   "Please continue to call every office and keep 
emphasizing the message: 'We want the Senate to schedule 
and pass Railroad Retirement reform when the members 
return after Labor Day.

   "Ask that your senators contact the party leadership 
to get the legislation moving.

   "Keep contacting, keep calling. Keep e-mailing every 
day. Ask all your friends to do the same.

   "Do this everyday until this measure becomes law. 
This is what works.

   "This is what moved Railroad Retirement reform 
forward in the House and it is what will move Railroad 
Retirement reform forward to passage in the Senate and 
signing at the White House.

   "Labor unity and persistence work," Brunkenhoefer 
said.

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Call, fax and e-mail the senators listed below, as well 
as both senators from your state, to urge quick passage 
of the Railroad Retirement & Survivors' Improvement Act 
of 2001. Check your local telephone directory for the 
address and phone number of your senators' local office.

Max Baucus (D-Montana)
511 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2651; fax (202) 228-3687
e-mail: max@baucus.senate.gov

Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico)
703 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5521; fax (202) 224-2852
e-mail: senator_bingaman@bingaman.senate.gov

John B. Breaux (D-Louisiana)
503 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4623; fax (202) 228-2577
e-mail: senator@breaux.senate.gov

Kent Conrad (D-North Dakota)
530 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2043; fax (202) 224-7776
e-mail: homepage@conrad.senate.gov

Thomas A. Daschle (D-South Dakota)
509 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2321; fax (202) 224-7895
e-mail: tom_daschle@daschle.senate.gov

Bob Graham (D-Florida)
524 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3041; fax (202) 224-2237
e-mail: bob_graham@graham.senate.gov

Phil Gramm (R-Texas)
370 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2934; fax (202) 228-2856
e-mail: phil_gramm@gramm.senate.gov

Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa)
135 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3744; fax (202) 224-6020
e-mail: chuck_grassley@grassley.senate.gov

Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)
104 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5251; fax (202) 224-6331
e-mail: senator_hatch@hatch.senate.gov

James M. Jeffords (I-Vermont)
728 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5141; fax (202) 228-0776
e-mail: vermont@jeffords.senate.gov
John F. Kerry (D-Massachusetts) 
304 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2742; fax (202) 224-8525
e-mail: john_kerry@kerry.senate.gov

Jon L. Kyl (R-Arizona)
730 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4521; fax (202) 224-2207
e-mail: info@kyl.senate.gov

Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D-Arkansas)
355 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4843; fax (202) 228-1371
e-mail: blanche_lincoln@lincoln.senate.gov

Trent Lott (R-Mississippi)
487 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6253; fax (202) 224-2262
e-mail: senatorlott@lott.senate.gov

Frank H. Murkowski (R-Alaska)
322 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6665; fax (202) 224-5301
e-mail: email@murkowski.senate.gov

Don Nickles (R-Oklahoma)
133 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5754; fax (202) 224-6008
e-mail: senator@nickles.senate.gov

John Rockefeller (D-West Virginia)
531 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6472; fax (202) 224-7665
e-mail: senator@rockefeller.senate.gov

Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)
154 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5344; fax (202) 224-1946
e-mail: olympia@snowe.senate.gov

Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming)
109 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6441; fax (202) 224-1724
e-mail: craig@thomas.senate.gov

Fred D. Thompson (R-Tennessee)
825 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4944; fax (202) 228-3679
e-mail: senator_thompson@thompson.senate.gov

Robert G. Torricelli (D-New Jersey)
113 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3224; fax (202) 224-8567
http://torricelli.senate.gov



--Legislation targets fatigue ....................##B

   WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Legislation to limit the 
railroads' ability to implement employee availability 
policies has been introduced into the House of 
Representatives by Ohio Republican Steven LaTourette, an 
influential member of the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee.

   Rep. LaTourette has supported every major legislative 
objective of the UTU. The bill was introduced at the 
request of the UTU Legislative Department to hasten the 
railroads' willingness to negotiate equitable 
availability policies.

   H.R. 2596 would require that railroads give operating 
employees a minimum of 72 consecutive, uninterrupted 
hours off duty following each consecutive seven-day work 
period or work availability period.

   The LaTourette bill aims to stop, once and for all, 
harsh attendance policies as have been introduced by 
railroads such as Burlington Northern Santa Fe. "BNSF 
brakemen, conductors and locomotive engineers cannot 
turn off their beepers, leave town for a family event or 
even be assured more than a few hours with their 
families most days of the month," said UTU General 
Chairperson Jim Huston of the BNSF policy that was since 
rescinded.

   BNSF had required that operating employees be 
available for work 75% of all hours each month. The BNSF 
policy was withdrawn after a neutral arbitrator said it 
"egregiously violates" a promise BNSF made to solve 
train-staffing problems through negotiation. At the 
time, BNSF had more than 1,000 operating employees on 
layoff status. That policy incited the UTU to oppose the 
proposed BNSF/Canadian National merger, which was called 
off after UTU's objection.

   UTU's Legislative Department is working through 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don 
Young (R-Alaska) and Railroad Subcommittee Chairman Jack 
Quinn (R-N.Y.) to gain a hearing on the LaTourette bill. 
A similar bill introduced by LaTourette in June 2000 was 
opposed by the key Republican leaders, but Young and 
Quinn, new to their leadership posts this year, are 
long-time friends of the UTU.

   Separately, UTU President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., met in 
mid-August with new Federal Railroad Administrator Allan 
Rutter and National Transportation Safety Board Acting 
Chairman Carol Carmody to discuss rail-safety issues, 
including employee fatigue.

   Among the top-ten objectives of the NTSB is a new 
federal hours-of-service rule requiring predictable and 
effective rest periods for train crews. Boyd told Rutter 
and Carmody that he hoped the UTU and the carriers could 
negotiate an acceptable employee-availability policy 
rather than have the government impose new rules that 
could be unacceptable to both sides.

   The LaTourette bill is expected to provide additional 
leverage on railroads to return to the negotiating table 
with the UTU on the subject of employee fatigue and 
availability policies.



--National contract negotiations continuing ........##C

   CLEVELAND, Ohio -- National contract negotiations 
between the UTU and carriers represented by the National 
Carriers' Conference Committee, which bargains for 95% 
of Class I railroads, are continuing.

   A tentative agreement was negotiated with the 
carriers in September 2000. One year later, because of 
delaying tactics employed by the carriers, it still has 
not gone out for ratification.

   "The problem is that the railroads are stalling over 
the timing of elimination of entry rates of pay for 
current employees," International President Byron A. 
Boyd, Jr., said. "The carriers said they made a mistake 
in the language agreed to by both sides. They now say 
they never intended that the elimination of entry rates 
would apply to brakemen.

   "If that is what they think, they did make a mistake, 
a big one," Boyd said.

   "I am confident that a new national agreement 
beneficial to every train and engine service and 
yardmaster member will soon be concluded. That agreement 
will not be one of concession. I promise you that!

   "Our new contract will end the pay disparity between 
pre- and post-'85 employees," Boyd said. "It will 
provide a 27% wage increase to post-'85 employees and a 
12.9% increase to pre-'85 employees. There will be no 
work-rules concessions. It also will deliver a new 
compensation system, featuring trip rates that will 
preserve local conditions and include, as part of a new 
flat rate, all arbitraries and penalty payments.

   "The trip rates will not include overtime rates," 
Boyd emphasized. "Overtime will continue to apply in the 
same manner it always has been applied. All post-'85 
employees will be paid for overtime on the same basis as 
overtime is paid pre-'85 employees."

   The most important aspect of the trip rates is that 
it buries for good the carriers' perennial demand to 
increase the basic day mileage, Boyd said.

   "The same Presidential Emergency Board that 
recommended entry rates of 70% of current pay also 
recommended a 160-mile basic day. Had the carriers 
succeeded in increasing the basic day from 130 miles to 
160 miles, it would have meant a 23% give back.

   "Trip rates end the basic day mileage issue once and 
for all," Boyd said.

   "For yardmasters, our bargaining committee won the 
same increases in compensation as other crafts, 
compensation for transfer time, enhanced sick pay and 
the same vacation compensation that is paid operating 
employees.

   "On health and welfare, we showed the carriers how 
our plan saved $10 million, yet now the carriers are 
referring to the BMWE contract as a pattern.

   "I can assure you, it is not OUR pattern!" Boyd 
stressed.

   "We will continue to be innovative in how we look at 
health care. We will continue to look at health care 
needs through the eyes of our members and our medical 
consultant, who advises us on improvements in health 
care from a doctor's point of view, not an insurance 
company's point of view," Boyd said.



--Boyd meets with FRA, NTSB, Amtrak officials ....##D

   WASHINGTON, D.C. -- UTU International President Byron 
A. Boyd, Jr., met last month with senior federal 
officials in Washington, D.C., to discuss railroad 
safety and the future of Amtrak.

   Boyd met with new Federal Railroad Administrator 
Allan Rutter, National Transportation Safety Board 
Acting Chairman Carol Carmody, Surface Transportation 
Board Commissioner Wayne Burkes and Amtrak President 
George Warrington.

   "I may be a friend of the president and from a right-
to-work state (Texas)," said Rutter, who was confirmed 
in July as the new FRA chief, "but I'm not anti-union." 
Boyd was the first rail-union president to meet with 
Rutter, who was a transportation adviser to President 
Bush when Bush was Texas governor.

   Rutter and his agency are faced with a host of 
safety-related policy matters, including the carriers' 
desire to implement remote-control locomotive operations 
and development, in conjunction with the STB, of a 
safety integration plan for railroads that are seeking 
to merge.

   "The FRA will be focused on making railroads safe for 
the people who work on them and the communities" through 
which railroads operate, said Rutter. "The issue of 
remote control has so much emotional and political 
baggage that for me to say anything now would make 
people freak out."

   Rutter said one of his early objectives is to 
determine whether collective bargaining between carriers 
and the UTU might be a more effective way of dealing 
with remote control and employee fatigue than a 
unilateral rulemaking by the FRA or congressional 
legislation.

   Boyd and Carmody discussed the NTSB's objective that 
railroads install collision-avoidance systems and that 
more be done to address workplace fatigue. She said 
NTSB, by law, may only make recommendations and that the 
FRA or Congress must act on those recommendations. 
Carmody expressed interest in having the NTSB organize a 
safety summit next year at which carrier, UTU and other 
union officials would meet with safety experts to 
discuss safety matters.

   Burkes said he was impressed with UTU's presentation 
to the STB earlier this year on the matter of cram down, 
the process by which merging railroads violate 
collective bargaining agreements to reassign jobs and 
employees and combine seniority lists to save costs.

   Burkes recently voted with the STB's two Democrats to 
recognize the cram-down agreement UTU made with the 
U.S.-based Class I railroads, which requires that 
railroads negotiate workforce changes with their unions 
and submit any impasse to binding arbitration, as the 
UTU recommended.

   Burkes also said he is anxious to work with the FRA 
on a rulemaking requiring railroads to demonstrate, as a 
condition of merger approval, that their operations 
would be safe following a merger. While merger 
applicants must now provide the STB with a safety 
assurance plan, there are no specific requirements of 
what must be contained in the plan.

   Boyd and Amtrak President Warrington discussed the 
national passenger railroad's financial problems and 
legislation currently before Congress to give Amtrak 
authority to raise $12 billion from the sale of bonds, 
with the money earmarked for high-speed rail projects. 
Boyd promised UTU support for Amtrak, which is fighting 
attempts by some conservatives in Congress to shut it 
down. "Not on my watch," said Boyd.



--LiftLine workers okay pact .......................##E

   SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Newly organized members of 
LiftLine, which provides paratransit and specialized 
transit services, have overwhelmingly ratified a new 
pact with the company.

   The workers will soon join Local 23 at Santa Cruz.

   "The two-year agreement brings all workers of 
LiftLine to a living wage of at least $11 an hour," 
General Chairperson Wally Brondstatter said. "We believe 
this to be the best contract for any paratransit 
operation in the country. This agreement provides a 
foundation for the rights of the workers, and sets a 
standard for other service agencies in this community."



--MTA driver records lax .........................##F

   LOS ANGELES -- A state audit has found that record-
keeping by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority is so lax that the MTA cannot 
ensure that it meets state and federal regulations 
designed to limit bus drivers' time behind the wheel and 
protect the public against fatigued operators.

   "MTA lacks an adequate system to prevent all 
violations of federal and state driving and on-duty time 
restrictions," state Auditor Elaine M. Howle said.

   She noted the MTA does not have a way to effectively 
identify all bus drivers who exceed driving or on-duty 
hour restrictions. As a result, the MTA is unable to 
prevent such violations, she said.



--Election delayed at Antelope Valley ..............##G

   LANCASTER, Calif. -- A representation election for 
Laidlaw bus drivers employed by Antelope Valley that was 
announced in last month's issue of the UTU News was 
canceled just days prior to the election after Antelope 
Valley replaced Laidlaw with a new contractor. The new 
contractor is MV Transportation. "At this time, a new 
election petition has been filed with the National labor 
Relations Board and we are working on an election 
agreement with the new contractor to prevent any further 
delays," said UTU Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis.



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

LOCAL 4, CHARNY, P.Q.
   Members recently increased local dues by a dollar per 
member, said Secretary and Treasurer Louis Fran¨ois 
Garceau, who can be contacted by phone at (418) 832-
1502, or by sending e-mail to yahwe@total.net.

LOCAL 104, SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT.
   Members working for Sault Ste. Marie Transportation 
Commission recently celebrated achieving more than 
246,069 hours (615 days) on the job without injury or 
illness, said General Chairperson Blair Reid, who 
attributed the accomplishment to high morale.

LOCAL 238, OGDEN, UTAH
   Retired conductor Lloyd Clark is working on a book 
and seeks those who can offer recollections about the 
Southern Pacific Railroad, the building of the Lucin 
Cutoff, the rise and fall of passenger service, and 
construction of the trestle across the Great Salt Lake. 
Contact him at 2590 E. Hubbard Rd., Meridian, ID 83642-
7220.

LOCAL 240, LOS ANGELES, CAL.
   Members forward their condolences to family and 
friends of 39-year rail veteran Al T. McKinnon, 59, who 
died following a heart attack on July 19, said Secretary 
and Treasurer Fred G. Comeau.

LOCAL 471, EUGENE, ORE.
   A perfect day greeted the 120 who participated in the 
Fifth Annual J.C. Anderson Memorial Golf & BBQ Tour at 
Diamond Woods Golf Course last month, said Legislative 
Representative and Assistant State Legislative Director 
Greg Boam. The memorial's first hole-in-one was aced by 
Union Pacific switchman Ray Peachy. Next year's event, 
to be held again with the assistance of Designated Legal 
Counsel Yaeger, Jungbauer, Barczak & Vucinovich, P.L.C., 
is tentatively slated for August 5, 2002.

LOCAL 586, WILLARD, OHIO
   CSX conductor Tennie Parsons recently offered her 
belated thanks to J.P. Musser of Local 1374 in New 
Castle, Pa., who helped her out of a bind when a brake 
line on her train broke during a snow storm last March.

LOCAL 594, MINEOLA, TEX.
   Members are mourning the loss of Retiree Program 
member Lloyd Pulliam, who died July 13 at age 80, said 
Secretary and Treasurer Monty Yocum. Pulliam was drafted 
into the Army in 1943 served as a cook in Japan for 
POWs, including Tokyo Rose, the infamous Japanese radio 
announcer.

LOCAL 771, NEEDLES, CAL.
   Members offer their best wishes to recent retiree 
J.R. Thomas, who worked 53 years and one month as an 
engineer with a perfect safety record, said UTU-E Local 
Chairperson S.R. Thomas, who just happens to be J.R.'s 
son.

LOCALS 807 & 1800, TUCSON, ARIZ.
   The annual special meeting hosted in conjunction with 
UTU Auxiliary Lodge 800 will be held Saturday, October 
20, at the Holiday Inn Palo Verde, said Legislative 
Representative Tom Moore. A barbecue Friday evening and 
a dinner Saturday night will be preceded by cocktail 
hours. Those planning to attend should contact Moore at 
(520) 622-6902 or (520) 744-0381. Make reservations by 
calling the hotel at (520) 746-1161.

LOCAL 811, SAN BERNARDINO, CAL.
   The 25th annual retirement dinner will be held 
November 3 at The National Orange Show at 689 S. E 
Street in San Bernardino, said Local President Larry 
Halverson, with cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. 
Tickets cost $30 per person, and checks should be made 
payable to "UTU Local 811" and sent to Halverson at 
20672 Sholic Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92308. For more 
information, contact him  at (760) 247-8757. Halverson 
also thanked the UTU Auxiliary for donating cash and 
door prizes for the event.

LOCAL 933, JEFFERSON CITY, MO.
   Members will participate in the annual Labor Day 
parade in Jefferson City on September 8. The local will 
also host a fish fry and barbecue on September 28 and 29 
to which all are invited, said Local Chairperson Ken 
Menges, who noted golf outings are planned for both 
days. To participate, contact Menges at (573) 635-6415 
or  krmenges@prodigy.net.

LOCAL 1252, FRESNO, CAL.
   The local, in association with BLE Division 563, will 
host the 27th annual joint picnic at the Wonder Valley 
Dude Ranch on September 16, said retired member Donald 
Heffernan. All are invited to enjoy the food, fun, games 
and camaraderie at the site, where rooms and camping 
sites are available. For details, contact any officer of 
the local.

LOCAL 1293, ALTOONA, WIS.
   All are invited to the local's annual picnic on 
Sunday, September 9, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Lake 
Altoona County Park, said Secretary and Treasurer Bob 
Drabek. Free food and refreshments will be served, games 
and raffles have been arranged, and Membership I, the 
UTU's mobile education and training facility, will be on 
site.

LOCAL 1462, BOSTON, MASS.
   Members are mourning the loss of retired conductor 
John J. "Jack" Burns, known as a WPRI Channel 12 crime 
reporter, and remembered as radio disc jockey "Jack the 
Flame" at stations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, 
said Secretary and Treasurer David Bowe.

LOCAL 1697, LUBBOCK, TEX.
   Two arbitrations are pending involving Texas, New 
Mexico & Oklahoma Coaches, said Vice Chairperson Marvin 
White, who noted the company made run changes that 
penalized senior drivers, and is reneging on a contract 
item involving show-up pay.

LOCAL 1715, CHARLOTTE, N.C.
   The local was represented by General Chairperson 
Leroy Ellerbe and Local President James Shannon at a 
meeting held by the Charlotte Area Taxi Cab Association 
in July for drivers interested in union representation.

LOCAL 1933, WASHINGTON, D.C.
   Members welcomed Alternate U.S. National Legislative 
Director James A. Stem to a recent meeting where the 
proposed UTU-BLE merger was discussed, according to 
Delegate and District Legislative Director Steve 
Fritter.

LOCAL 1962, TOLEDO, OHIO
   In an effort to reach all members of the local, a 
meeting will be held on September 26 in Huntington, W. 
Va., and on September 27th in Columbus, Ohio, with the 
regular meeting at 6 p.m. on the 27th in Toledo, Ohio, 
said Local President J.R. Cumby. Times and locations 
will be available soon from local chairpersons.



MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
--Former NFL player scored in arbitration ..........##I

   As some see it, Larry Cowan, a member of Local 1088, 
Jackson, Miss., once had the best job in the world.

   Playing football for Jackson State University between 
1978 and 1982, the former running back made All 
Conference and the Black College All-American Team, 
played in the Blue & Gray All-Star Game and the Black 
College All-Star Game, took MVP honors, and graduated 
with a B.A. in Industrial Art Education.

   Drafted in 1982 by the Miami Dolphins, Brother Cowan 
played for the New England Patriots from 1983 through 
the 1987 season, then went to the St. Louis Cardinals 
for a year, until a foot injury forced him to re-think 
his future.

   As Cowan sees it, the best job in the world is the 
one he holds today as a UTU-represented brakeman on the 
Kansas City Southern (KCS) with regular hours in the 
yard.

   In 1999, Cowan nearly lost his job when the KCS tried 
to force him into engine service and he failed his test 
twice.

   "But after hearing General Chairperson Jerry Batton 
(GO-436) speak on my behalf at an investigation where he 
and Vice Local Chairperson Doug Wigley represented me," 
Cowan said, "it gave me hope and faith."

   It took a lot of faith for the father of five, who 
went 22 months without a paycheck. "I always put money 
away for hard times," Cowan said, "so I made it. Thanks 
to the help of the Lord and the union, it all came 
together."

   As a result of arbitration, Cowan got his job back 
last April, as well as pay for every day he was off. His 
ordeal also led to a training agreement that calls for 
the railroad to first look for a volunteer from the 
ranks.

   "I'll never forget the way Jerry Batton spoke up for 
me," said Cowan. "I owe him for life. There's nothing I 
wouldn't do for the UTU."



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

COLORADO
   Retired UTU member Jim Davis of Local 945 at La Junta 
truly beat the odds at this year's 13th Annual Joseph M. 
Buffalo Memorial Classic when he turned his $5 entrance 
fee on the 8th hole's hole-in-one contest into $1,000 
and an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas.

   In Las Vegas, Davis will be given the opportunity to 
duplicate his feat and earn a cool $1 million.

   The annual golf memorial classic is hosted by the 
Colorado State Legislative Board and this year's contest 
was held at the Marina Butte Golf Course in Loveland, 
Col., reported Director Rick Johnson. The event was 
sponsored by the Designated Legal Counsel firm of Rossi, 
Cox, Kiker and Inderwish and included participants from 
Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska.

   "Good luck, Jim. We'll all be rootin' for you!" added 
Johnson.


DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
   District of Columbia Assistant Legislative Director 
Pat Ryan, of UTU Local 1522 at Washington, D.C., retired 
last month, reported Director Steve Fritter.

   Ryan began his railroading career with the Railway 
Express Agency in 1963 and later worked as a brakeman, 
conductor and yardmaster for the Washington Terminal 
Company (Amtrak). His union service included the 
positions of legislative representative, vice general 
chairperson, alternate delegate, delegate and general 
chairperson.

   "The legislative board thanks Pat for his years of 
devoted and valuable service to the members of UTU. We 
wish the best to Pat and his wife for a long and healthy 
retirement," Fritter said.


MARYLAND
   At this year's UTU Regional Meeting in Greensboro, 
N.C., the name of Natalie Passarell was drawn as the 
winner of the James E. Major, Jr., Memorial Scholarship.

   Natalie, who is the daughter of UTU Local 600 member 
Robert Passarell, becomes the third active recipient of 
the scholarship, which is sponsored by the Maryland 
Legislative Board.

   The four-year continuing scholarship provides a $500 
annual 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, said Legislative Director 
Larry Kasecamp.

   To fund the scholarship, the Maryland Legislative 
Board sponsors an annual golf tournament. This year's 
tournament will be held at the Woodlands Golf Course 
located in Woodlawn, Md., just 20 minutes from 
Baltimore, on Friday, October 5.

   The outing is open to anyone desiring to participate 
as either a sponsor or player. For more information, 
members in Maryland should contact their local officers. 
Others should call the Maryland Legislative Board at 
(301) 689-1934.


MASSACHUSETTS
   Legislative Director George Casey is encouraging all 
UTU members and their families to support State Sen. 
Steven Lynch in his bid for the 9th District 
congressional seat held by former Rep. Joe Moakley, who 
passed away on May 28.

   "Steven Lynch is a true friend of the UTU," said 
Casey. "As a state senator, Mr. Lynch consistently 
supported and co-sponsored legislation favored by the 
UTU, most notably our position opposing the 
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's attempt to 
break-up the Boston-area commuter rail operation into 
separate operations. Senator Lynch also aided our 
efforts to delay the sale of the former Conrail line 
known as the 'Boston Cluster.'"

   The primary election in Massachusetts will be held on 
September 11.

   In other news, Casey reported the passing of former 
Massachusetts and Rhode Island Legislative Director 
Daniel J. "Danno" Mahoney, who died August 1 at the age 
of 88.

   Mahoney served as state legislative director from 
1970 through 1977. He was formerly a general chairperson 
on the Boston & Maine Railroad and had served as a 
delegate for Local 1331 up to his retirement in 1978.

   Mahoney is survived by his son, James, who is 
employed as an Amtrak engineer.


OKLAHOMA
   State Legislative Director Kenneth Minard would like 
to remind all members in the state about the importance 
of voting against State Question 695, which is being 
placed on the ballot in a special election to be held on 
September 25.

   "I can't stress enough the importance of defeating 
this legislation in the upcoming special election," 
Minard said. "This measure is not only a threat to labor 
contracts throughout our state-contracts that were 
approved by your neighbors and friends and their 
employers-but to the overall economy of Oklahoma 
itself."

   Minard cited U.S. Department of Labor statistics that 
show the top-ten states in average per capita income are 
free bargaining states while six of the ten lowest 
states are "right-to-work states."

   "Please ask all of your family and friends who are 
registered voters to vote down this legislation. It is 
bad for organized labor and bad for Oklahoma," Minard 
said.


WISCONSIN
   State Senator Brian Burke has introduced Senate Bill 
218, which will make Wisconsin an official member of the 
Midwestern Interstate Passenger Rail Commission, 
reported Legislative Director Tom Dwyer.

   The commission was designed to promote, coordinate 
and support the development and implementation of 
improvements for inter-city passenger rail service in 
the Midwest.  It also encourages interaction among state 
officials and the private sector on rail issues and 
supports current rail efforts conducted through state 
departments of transportation.

   Four other states-Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana and 
North Dakota-are currently members of the commission.



BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Celebrate unity by voting for unity" ............##K
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Department

   We can celebrate this Labor Day by voting for unity, 
strength and solidarity.

   The counting of the ballots for the merger between 
UTU and BLE will take place by the American Arbitration 
Association (AAA) on September 15, 2001. This month we 
celebrate Labor Day and wouldn't it be great if the 
proposed merger were successful.

   If you have not voted, I urge you to vote for this 
merger. The AAA must receive the ballots by noon on 
September 14, 2001. A successful vote would make for 
more solidarity, unity, strength and financial 
stability.

   In addition, we will once again seek membership in 
the AFL-CIO, and for most of us, this will be a real 
benefit. We need to work with, and be affiliated with, 
other labor organizations and to make use of the 
advantages that provides us all.

   I urge those who might oppose this merger to realize 
that whatever issues have stood between the unions over 
the years must be put aside for the benefit of the 
entire memberships of both unions for now and, in 
particular, for the future. We must be able to work our 
differences out as responsible representatives and 
members if we are to be successful. We all know that the 
companies/carriers love it when we are divided and are 
fighting internally. They love to pit one labor 
organization against the other.

   Let's make this Labor Day special by voting for this 
merger and for all the solidarity it will bring.

   I have said it before, and I will say it again: In 
unity there is strength.



YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Vote to approve UTU-BLE unity" ................##L
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

   Get out the vote on the UTU-BLE merger proposal!

   Ballots are due in Cleveland prior to 12:01 p.m. on 
September 14, 2001.

   Talk with your brothers and sisters in both the UTU 
and the BLE to encourage them to vote "yes" for the 
creation of a new and more powerful transportation labor 
organization.

   Meanwhile, an agreement was reached recently between 
the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) and its 
yardmasters, who are represented by General Chairperson 
Doyle K. Turner.

   The new contract provides a number of wage and work-
rule benefits.

   The three-year pact contains an 8% general wage 
increase; vacation pay computed on the 1/52d basis; 
turnover pay of 20 minutes at the overtime rate; one 
hour per day training pay for instructing a new 
yardmaster; automatic deposit, and no additional 
employee health care contributions through the end of 
2003.

   The NOPB yardmasters are grateful for the cooperation 
between Vice President Pete Patsouras, who was assigned 
to the trainmens' committee in their negotiations, and 
yardmaster General Chairperson Turner, which resulted in 
yardmasters with trainmen's seniority being able to 
participate in the benefits of the crew consist buyout.

   The lump-sum buyout was paid to the trainmen, 
engineers and yardmasters.

   Remember, there really is strength in unity.



EDITORIALS

--Progress through unity ...........................##M

   The members of the United Transportation Union and 
the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers are writing 
history-and setting a course toward the future. Ballots 
in hand, today's unionists are being asked to choose 
between the past and the future.

   Each organization can point to a proud history in 
which hard-fought principles well worth preserving were 
secured-often through individual sacrifices-for the 
greater good.

   And while no member of either organization should 
ever be asked to forget or disown his or her heritage, 
today's members-like those who preceded them-must 
recognize that their histories record but a series of 
breaks from the past.

   The histories of both organizations were written by 
brave men and women who had no way of knowing what the 
future would bring. But they knew their best chance was 
in being the architects of their own destiny.

   As times changed, and the challenges grew, strategies 
changed, and the determination exhibited by the members 
of each organization grew to meet the challenges brought 
by their particular moment in history.

   Organizational charts took new shapes, and 
constitutions were amended, but unity of purpose-the 
common element that brought both organizations into the 
present-remains the key to carrying us through to a 
better tomorrow.

   Before the month is done, we hope we will become, in 
the words of UTU International President Byron A. Boyd, 
Jr., "a union of almost 200,000 dedicated and proud 
members possessing unprecedented moral and financial 
resources to stand tall, strong, undivided and unbending 
in defense of workplace dignity."

   When the ballots are counted, we may be recording a 
break from the past, but we will never break from our 
faith in unity.



--"A time for healing" ...........................##N
   Editorial by Paul C. Thompson
   UTU Assistant President

   For too many years, the UTU and the BLE have been 
faced with animosities toward each other. Over the 
years, this continued strife has acted like a cancer, 
inflicting poisonous thoughts on the rank and file of 
both organizations.

   There is enough blame for this animosity to be shared 
equally by both organizations. Like any cancer, left 
untreated it will destroy everything within its grasp.

   We all recognize that, with any treatment, the 
healing process is slow, but only a fool would refuse to 
begin such treatment. The unification of these two 
unions is the beginning of the treatment. It is not 
about today nor tomorrow, but the future. The legacy 
that the members of both organizations can leave to 
future generations is the cure from the strife and the 
divisions we each have faced during our working life in 
this industry. No greater legacy can anyone leave than a 
means to unite all brothers and sisters toward one 
common goal of looking out for each other and our 
respective crafts.

   As in football, teams go through a rebuilding 
process. This means searching for the right talent to 
make the team successful. With the unification of these 
two unions, the talent is already there. All that is 
needed is to utilize this talent as a team working 
together toward accomplishments for every rank and file 
member of both organization.

   So, whatever the outcome of this merger vote, you can 
take to the bank that the UTU will continue to work for 
you at organizing and improving conditions for its 
members in the rail, bus, commuter, Amtrak and airline 
industries. We have been a leader in representing 
employees in this field and will continue to move 
forward in that direction. A peaceful and voluntary 
merger will only strengthen our crafts.

   Faced with a much more serious situation at the 
conclusion of the Civil War, the great General Robert E. 
Lee had this to say: "Madam, don't bring up your sons to 
detest the United States. Recollect that we form but one 
country now. Abandon all these local animosities and 
make your sons Americans."

   Be as courageous as General Robert E. Lee and the 
leadership of these two unions that have provided the 
opportunity for each of you to leave a great legacy for 
the labor movement.

   That is why it is so essential to vote and vote in 
favor of a UTU-BLE merger.



--"No simple solutions to fatigue problem" .........##O
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

   No problem affects more of our members in the 
railroad, bus and airline industries than fatigue. 

   Congress has before it legislation that deals with 
railroad-employee fatigue - H.R. 2596. But, if this bill 
starts to move, it will be changed along the way and not 
necessarily the way we like. It likely will keep train 
and engine service employees from marking off when they 
want and prevent them from working the extra hours they 
need to supplement income. This is because the 
legislation will be influenced by scientific reports 
that Congress is also studying.

   So, what good is this legislation, which was 
introduced with the rail employee in mind? Our hope is 
that it becomes the motivation to move railroads to the 
bargaining table to negotiate an equitable solution to 
the fatigue problem before government shoves down our 
throats something none of us want. 

   Here is the problem we face at the bargaining table: 
UTU members work in a 24/7/365 industry. Years ago, the 
railroads kept the extra boards supplied with enough 
people that, with only a few exceptions, a UTU member 
could expect to take off whenever he or she wanted. 
Those days are gone.

   What caused this change is cost, which drives every 
railroad decision. The railroads are required to pay the 
full benefits-primarily health and welfare-for each 
employee, no matter how much that employee works. If 
they work once a month or 50 times a month, the carrier 
pays full benefits. In order to cut their costs, 
railroads now push employees to work an unrealistic 
number of trips and hours so they can have fewer 
employees.

   When we could lay off when we wanted, the railroads' 
cost for health and welfare equaled about two hours pay 
per month and they didn't see the cost as excessive. 
Now, that cost is around $700 per month and growing, and 
it has the full attention of stockholders, stock 
analysts and management. If being unreasonable and 
taking safety risks pays greater dividends, then that is 
the way business will be done. Today's bottom-line-
focused railroads don't see us as human resources, but 
rather as a supply item that hurts the pocketbook if we 
are not pushed to or beyond our physical limits. 

   Fortunately, many government decision makers 
recognize that the corporate bean counters have gone too 
far in cutting costs by forcing people to work when they 
are unsafe. That helps us in having legislation 
introduced to curb management from treating human beings 
as if they were merely disposable machines. But 
government involvement also has a down side.

   Government has encouraged scientific studies by 
experts in human fatigue that conclude individuals are 
not the best judge of when to mark off. So if any one of 
these reports were adopted into law, the result would be 
that you would have more time off and make a lot less 
money.  That is not the economic result we want and it 
is not the availability policy railroads want.

   So, there is incentive for both sides to sit down and 
make a meaningful agreement that keeps government out of 
the decision making. Our game plan is to use this 
legislation to hasten a win/win solution to fatigue with 
the carriers. We all need to support that objective.



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

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 THE UTU-BLE MERGER?

   "I'm a bus operator with the Los Angeles MTA, and I'm 
also vice president of my local. I support the merger 
because it will immediately get us back into the AFL-
CIO. The vast majority of us are very interested in the 
AFL-CIO's protection against raiding. We have a great 
benefit and retirement package, and we could lose a lot 
if we were raided. And due to the atmosphere projected 
in the media during the recent strike, a raid could well 
be in the works. The results of the merger would 
definitely enhance our standing in the labor community, 
as well as our negotiating power."
   -- LEWIS MCKELLAR, L-1565, W. HOLLYWOOD, CAL.

   "You bet I support the UTU-BLE merger. I've been in 
the rail industry for 27 years. I'm a switchman working 
for the Union Pacific, and there's quite a few BLE 
members on my property here in Cedar Rapids. I think 
this should have been done a long time ago because of 
the strength we gain from having everyone who's running 
the trains represented together. We work together, we 
should be represented together. When you're on the road, 
you live together, you eat together, and BLE members are 
often your only friends in a strange town. It took no 
time to decide to vote 'yes.'"
   -- STEVE MILLER, L-228, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

   "The merger between these two great unions has been 
long overdue. I fully support the merger in order to 
combat the injustices of the workplace on a united 
front. Working together with our brothers and sisters in 
the BLE, just as we do in the cab of a locomotive, is 
what we were really meant to do as one great union. 
Unfortunately, there are those people who just cannot 
see the big picture. We need to become united as one 
voice. We have a big push on in our local to educate 
everybody, in the UTU as well as the engineers we work 
with, in order to get this merger to go through."
   -- SCOTT MONTANI, L-343, HAMILTON, ONT.

   "Yes, I do. I'm a general chairperson on the Kansas 
City Southern (KCS), and I believe this is the right 
thing to do. From what I've seen, it's one of those 
things where it's time that we joined these two unions 
and try to fight for what's right for transportation 
employees. And that includes enginemen and trainmen. We 
need to turn our efforts against the carriers, and not 
against each other. We can't waste our resources. We 
need to combine forces to get what we want from the 
carrier. Everybody seems very positive about this, and  
I think the young guys on the KCS are ready for it."
   -- CURTIS ROUGHTON, L-878, WYLIE, TEX.



UTU HISTORY

--1975 Flashback: Chesser on unity, mergers ........##Q

   UTU Past President Al H. Chesser, to be honored 
November 3, 2001, as this year's recipient of the 
prestigious Eugene V. Debs Award, presented the award to 
the Debs Foundation's honoree in 1975, and, as guest 
speaker, delivered an address appropriate to today's 
events.

   Presenting the award 26 years ago to Ruben Levin, 
editor of the Labor newspaper for more than 22 years, 
Chesser called on the labor movement to emulate Debs, 
"one of labor's greatest leaders and social thinkers," 
by adopting "unity of purpose" as its goal.

   "We can no longer stand alone," said Chesser as he 
called for unification of rail labor. "It's not a case 
of takeover...it's a case of survival."

   Looking forward to the day when unification would be 
complete, Chesser said, "When all of railroad labor 
knows and decides that this is the way to operate, we'll 
be strong and will not have to fear anyone but 
ourselves."

   Chesser outlined Debs' accomplishments and pointed to 
parallels that continue to exist. "He (Debs) knew that 
small unions would have difficulty in surviving," 
Chesser said. "He believed in unity and strength. He saw 
the difficulty of organizing in the face of huge 
corporations with the law all on their side."

   "...in the days of Eugene V. Debs, the No. 1 problem 
was organizing- even to be recognized as a labor union," 
Chesser said. "We don't have that problem today. Our 
problem is with ourselves, and we might as well 
recognize it."

   Always mindful of the past as prologue, Chesser said 
of Debs, "He lit the torch of unification of organized 
labor in America and he left it simmering for 75 years. 
I'm happy to say that in 1969, it again burst into a 
full flame with the unification of four major railway 
unions into the United Transportation Union."



--History: ICC brought federal regulation ........##R

   In 1887, Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act, 
making the railroads the first industry subject to 
federal regulation. The law, which established a five-
member enforcement board known as the Interstate 
Commerce Commission (ICC), came about in response to 
public demand that the railroads' conduct should be 
constrained.

   The first attempt to regulate the railroads came in 
1871 at the state level, but the states were powerless 
to regulate interstate commerce.

   The Interstate Commerce Act set guidelines for 
railroad business. It sought to prevent monopoly by 
promoting competition, and outlawed discriminatory rate-
setting.

   The Hepburn Act of 1906 empowered the ICC to change a 
rate to one it considered "just and reasonable," and the 
Mann-Elkins Act of 1910 placed the burden of proof on 
the railroads.

   The government continued to strip the railroads of 
their power. The Adamson Act of 1916 enacted an eight-
hour workday for rail workers, and government control 
culminated when President Woodrow Wilson seized the 
railroads in 1918 to aid the war effort.

   The Esch-Cummins Transportation Act of 1920 returned 
the railroads to private hands but brought a sharp 
reversal of past policies. The government, once anti-
monopoly, now dictated mergers, pairing strong lines 
with weak ones.

   The Transportation Act of 1940 amended the Interstate 
Commerce Act  to extend its reach to the other 
industries, but private cars, trucks, and 90% of inland 
water carriers were exempt from government control.

   In 1958, the government reversed its policies, and in 
the 1970s and 1980s, railroads were enjoying freedom 
they hadn't known since the 1870s. In 1980, the Staggers 
Act further deregulated the railroads.

   By 1995, the Interstate Commerce Commission had lost 
most of its mandate. With deregulation complete, the ICC 
could no longer set rates, and the commission was 
dissolved in the ICC Sunset Act. The Surface 
Transportation Board now performs the few regulatory 
tasks that had remained.

40 YEARS AGO
   "President W.P. Kennedy of the Brotherhood of 
Railroad Trainmen and President L.J. Wagner of the Order 
of Railway Conductors and Brakemen announced Aug. 30 
that memberships of the organizations approved the 
proposed amalgamation agreement of the two rail unions 
in the recent referendum ballot."
-- Trainman News, Vol. 15, No. 36, September 4, 1961.

30 YEARS AGO
   "Four months along in its operations, Amtrak 
apparently has most of the organizing work behind it and 
is ready to take its first meaningful steps in an effort 
to improve railroad passenger service. The semi-public 
corporation has announced plans to buy 1,200 available 
passenger cars and...has leased 12 new Metroliner cars 
built by the Budd Co. to put into its high-speed 
Washington/New York schedule 'after certain mechanical 
modifications are made.'"
-- UTU Transportation News, Vol. 3, No. 35, September 
18, 1971

20 YEARS AGO
   "Although it had to take drastic cost-cutting 
measures to do it, Amtrak has kept more than 90% of its 
budget-squeezed passenger system in operation. The 
nearly 10% reduction in service, which will become 
effective Oct. 1, is less than the 15% cut envisioned in 
recently approved budget legislation and not nearly as 
bad as the cuts proposed by the Reagan Administration. 
The administration proposal would have wiped out all 
routes outside the Northeast Corridor."
-- UTU News, Vol. 13, No. 33, September 5, 1981.



FEATURES

--Keeping a piece of the past for the future .......##S

   Lynn Nystrom of Local 28, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and 
his wife, Mary, enjoy what many consider "dream jobs," 
playing key roles in Union Pacific's steam locomotive 
program by ensuring railroading's past can be 
experienced by future generations.

   With one foot in the past and the other in the 
future, Brother Nystrom is technically a locomotive 
engineer. But that doesn't begin to describe the job he 
does.

   "We're the last of a breed," said the 60-year-old 
Nystrom, referring to himself and his co-workers. 
"Somebody recently called us zookeepers for dinosaurs."

   The dinosaurs Nystrom keeps are the five steam 
locomotives the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) maintains at 
the company's Cheyenne Roundhouse.

   And while Nystrom is an engineer in "real" life, he 
most frequently works as fireman on the historical 
equipment-but wears as many hats as it takes to keep the 
"dinosaurs" alive.

   While the other Class I railroads have donated their 
older equipment to museums or sold it for scrap, the UP 
now stands alone as the only one that saved any of its 
historic equipment and the only one to continue to own, 
maintain and operate it.

   "The UP has made a major, long-lasting commitment to 
maintain its heritage," said Nystrom's wife Mary, who 
works as general manager of the Union Pacific Historical 
Society (UPHS) and whose role is every bit as integral 
to the steam operations as her husband's.

   "We feel fortunate that we can be a part of this," 
Mary Nystrom said. "It's a lot of work, but everybody on 
the crew really enjoys it. That's why we do it."

   Traveling on all the excursions, Mary Nystrom handles 
the souvenirs and merchandise UP makes available to 
passengers and the public, talks to local dignitaries, 
works the radio to coordinate stops, and pitches in with 
whatever is necessary.

   Nearly every year since 1981, UP has staged steam 
excursions involving the historic equipment in Cheyenne, 
and it is up to the Nystroms and about a dozen others to 
make sure the excursions come off without a hitch.

   Most of the excursions are arranged for private 
groups, such as the UPHS and the National Railway 
Historical Society, or corporate groups, such as the one 
that will be riding behind The Challenger (#3985) in 
October. Mary Nystrom said those interested in 
participating in one of the excursions can join one of 
the historical societies or keep an eye on the Union 
Pacific's website (http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/excurs/), 
or the UPHS site (http://www.uphs.org) for news about 
groups arranging excursions.

ALL AGREEMENTS ARE RESPECTED
   "We crew the excursions according to any agreements 
that may apply," said Brother Nystrom. "I'm sure we 
could probably get over the road on our own, but we feel 
a lot better if we bring along a crew that's familiar 
with the territory."

   According to Mary Nystrom, evidence of the carrier's 
commitment to its heritage is Northern-class steam 
locomotive #844, a 14-wheeled, high-speed passenger 
engine that was delivered to the railroad in 1944 and 
never taken off the roster.

   The Nystroms met when both were working for another 
railroad. "I started working for the Rock Island in 1963 
when I was 18," Mary Nystrom revealed. "I worked in the 
Traffic Department, and Lynn was working as a special 
agent. We moved to Cheyenne in 1977, and he went to work 
with UP, while I began working for the Wyoming State 
Museum."

   Brother Nystrom, working as a brakeman and switchman, 
joined UTU Local 446 (Cheyenne, Wyo.) when he first 
started working for UP. About three years ago, he went 
through engineer training.

   It was in the year after he moved to Cheyenne, 
however, that Brother Nystrom got involved in the steam 
program. He and a conductor took notice of a static 
display of The Challenger and casually said to each 
other, "Let's get that thing running!"

   Feasibility studies revealed the 537-ton engine had 
been overhauled before going on display. Along with his 
friend and co-worker Bob Krieger, a 53-year-old member 
of Division 115 (Cheyenne, Wyo.) of the Brotherhood of 
Locomotive Engineers (BLE), Nystrom approached some old-
timers for guidance, and he and Krieger found an 
assortment of talented, union-represented machinists and 
boilermakers to help breathe life into the behemoth.

   With permission from the railroad, and all 
inspections and paperwork completed, Nystrom and Krieger 
took The Challenger to the 1981 Railfair, which marked 
the grand opening of the California State Railroad 
Museum.

   In 1990, a management shift brought Manager of Train 
Operating Practices Steve Lee into the picture to 
oversee steam operations. Though a member of management, 
Lee is a qualified engineer, and now serves as The 
Challenger's engineer for about half the excursions, 
trading off with Krieger, while Nystrom happily fires 
for both.

   Another regular part of the excursion crew is Reed 
Jackson of Local 446, who serves as conductor. "We don't 
have him here right now," said Nystrom. "He's marked up 
now, but when we go on trips, we need a guy like him who 
knows about these operations. You know, some of the new 
guys here have never worked a passenger train, so Reed 
takes care of things for us."

THE FORCE BEHIND THE PROGRAM
   Mary Nystrom considers Steve Lee "the real driving 
force in the program," and, according to her husband, it 
was Lee who was responsible for assigning him to the 
program on a full-time basis.

   "At first, we'd lay off our regular assignments when 
one of the steam excursions was running," Brother 
Nystrom said. "But then, in 1991, after Steve Lee began 
running the program, he asked us to consider doing it 
full time. That was a big year for us. We never did mark 
up. Instead, we traveled 114 days on excursions."

   Of the five Cheyenne steam engines, it's The 
Challenger and the Northern (#844) that haul most of the 
excursions. Both Nystrom and Krieger readily admit it 
takes real teamwork to get them over the road.

   "Every time Bob or Steve change something, I've got 
two or three things to do on my side of the engine," 
Nystrom said. "The key is to always watch the water 
pressure."

   Though they work side by side, as most UTU and BLE 
members do, the two hadn't talked much about the UTU-BLE 
merger proposal, but as proof that each has one foot in 
the future, both voted in favor of it.

   "There's always talk about this war between the 
unions," Nystrom said, "but that doesn't do anybody any 
good. If the unions are fighting each other, it doesn't 
help the guys out in the field, especially with these 
whiz-kid managers today."

   Krieger was a UTU member while working on the Rock 
Island. "I've been in the rail industry for 29 years," 
Krieger said, "working in train service as a UTU member 
from 1972 to 1976. I joined the BLE because they held 
the contract here, and I wanted voting rights."

UNIONS SHOULD BE TOGETHER
   Krieger said that, for him, it once made sense for 
there to be two separate unions. "But now, a merger has 
to take place," said Krieger. "I voted 'yes' because I 
see where it's time to get everyone together. In fact, 
we've got machinists here who wish they could join a 
merged UTU-BLE. They took a big hit in the last go-
round, and I hear them saying, 'If we could just get 
everybody into one union....'"

   The younger of the two, Krieger loves what he does, 
but knows it can't last forever.

   "I've been on the crew now for 13 years," Krieger 
said. "In 1990, The Challenger was switched from coal to 
oil fired, and it's been great to experience both. But 
soon, we'll have to break in some new guys. I can't 
speak for Lynn, but there's other things I'd like to 
pursue when I get to retirement age."

   Nystrom concedes that he's got a "dream job. Wherever 
we go, young kids say, 'What do I have to do to get your 
job?' But Bob and I restored these things, and well, we 
were willing to go the extra mile and put in our own 
time. In the meantime, things have changed drastically 
on the railroad, and not necessarily for the better. If 
I have to go to 'work' for a living, I won't ever retire 
from this. I want to stay with the steam program as long 
as possible."



--Camp teaches appreciation for railroading ......##T

   Teenagers who dream of becoming astronauts have Space 
Camp. And of course, there are a variety of band camps, 
computer camps and numerous others across the country to 
nurture your child's favorite pursuit. But, what if your 
teen's passion is railroading? Well then, RailCamp is 
the answer.

   Established in 1998 to spark teen interest in 
railroading and rail history, RailCamp is a product of 
the National Railway Historical Society, in conjunction 
with the National Park Service and the University of 
Scranton in Scranton, Pa.

   Along with its stated goals of providing young rail 
enthusiasts with an understanding of railroad history, 
modern railroading and career opportunities, RailCamp 
offers young men and women a hands-on experience that 
they are not soon likely to forget. At the same time, 
said Larry Eastwood, senior vice president of the NRHS 
and RailCamp director, "we try to impress upon these 
people that there is more to railroading than 
locomotives and boxcars-that it is people who make these 
things go."

   For the past four years, the NRHS has held week-long 
RailCamp sessions each summer at the National Park 
Service's Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. 
Students are housed at the nearby University of 
Scranton, which also provides many of their meals and 
opportunities for recreation and socializing-if they can 
find the time.

BE PREPARED TO GET DIRTY
   As stated in RailCamp literature, "overalls are 
recommended as this is a working environment and you 
will get dirty."

   Besides learning the ins and outs of running a 
tourist railroad, the campers' all-encompassing 
curriculum includes presentations by Operation 
Lifesaver, dispatching and yard operations, locomotive 
familiarization, tower operation and the duties of train 
and engine service.

   A day or two is also spent teaching the campers about 
the days of steam railroading and the restoration of 
steam locomotives. Campers receive instruction in plasma 
cutting, hot riveting, arc welding and woodworking and 
actually assist in restoring old locomotives and 
railcars.

THE NEXT GENERATION
   "If there isn't another generation to take over when 
we're no longer able to do the work, the future of our 
railroads looks pretty dim," said Eastwood. "We want to 
guarantee someone will be around to take over."

   The camp also includes a field trip or two, and past 
campers have traveled to nearby sites such as the 
Lackawanna Coal Mine, the Scranton Trolley Museum and 
the Canadian Pacific yards (former Delaware & Hudson) at 
East Binghamton, N.Y.

   RailCamp isn't all work though. Campers usually have 
the opportunity take in a ball game at nearby Lackawanna 
County Stadium, rooting for the home team 
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, a minor league 
baseball team. 

   Steamtown, the only place in the National Park System 
where the story of steam railroading is told, is located 
on nearly 40 acres of the former Scranton Yards of the 
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. It was created 
by Congress in 1986 and includes the remains of the 
historic roundhouse, switchyard and 29 steam 
locomotives. Nearly 80 passenger and freight cars are 
being restored and preserved there to tell the story of 
early railroading in America.

   All of the instructors at Steamtown are employees of 
the National Park Service, many of whom are park 
rangers. Counselors are volunteers who are members of 
the NRHS. And no RailCamp would be complete without 
guest speakers who are actually employed in the 
industry.

   In fact, this past summer, students watched and 
listened to Amtrak Conductor Richard M. Bernhardt of UTU 
Local 1370, as he acted out and explained his daily 
duties in complete uniform.

   "They loved it," said Eastwood.

   The cost of RailCamp, which includes all meals, field 
trips and six nights lodging, is $550. Students are, 
however, responsible for their own transportation to and 
from Scranton.

   The NRHS underwrites a portion of the actual costs of 
the program to keep tuition low. In fact, many students 
in years past have been able to attend RailCamp as a 
result of scholarships awarded by local chapters of the 
NRHS.

WHO CAN GO TO RAILCAMP
   RailCamp is open to teens who are entering the ninth 
grade up to those who have completed the twelfth grade. 
Class size grew from 19 the first year to 47 in the 
second year, but is now limited to 24 students. First- 
time campers must enroll in the Basic RailCamp, and 
experienced campers may return for Advanced RailCamp.

   While the camps have typically been held in late July 
and early August, Eastwood said future camp dates are 
dependent on housing availability at the nearby 
university. To keep an eye out for next year's camp 
dates, or for more information about RailCamp, visit the 
camp's website at www.railcamp.com, or write to 
RailCamp, National Railway Historical Society, P.O. Box 
58547, Philadelphia, PA 19102-8547. To learn more about 
the NRHS, log on to www.nrhs.com, or visit your local 
chapter.

   Those interested in providing seed money for RailCamp 
scholarships should write to Larry Eastwood at the NRHS 
address above.



FELA UPDATE
--Post traumatic stress disorder disables ..........##U

   Recently, I had a call from a UTU member who told me 
a disturbing story.

   He was working at night in a railroad yard and was 
concentrating on a switching move. While his attention 
was directed to the track he was switching, he failed to 
notice that he was foul of the adjacent track.

   He had no idea that another crew was working at the 
other end of the yard and had shoved some cars in his 
direction. He saw something out of the corner of his eye 
and realized he was about to be hit by a moving car on 
the next track. Luckily, he moved quickly enough that 
the corner of the moving car only bruised him.

   What he wanted to discuss was the fact that, even 
though he did not receive a serious injury, he was 
afraid to go back to his job, one he had worked for many 
years without incident.

   He was having nightmares. Sometimes, he felt dizzy. 
He could not always concentrate on what he was doing. He 
even thought that he had occasional blurry vision. These 
symptoms did not occur immediately after he was hit, but 
many days later. He wondered if they were related to 
what happened to him in the yard. He was also concerned 
that he might appear to be making a big thing out of 
what he thought was a minor incident. He was 
uncomfortable talking to his supervisor about it, and he 
didn't see any reason to call a doctor.

   This is a classic example of why you should always 
contact Designated Legal Counsel any time you have had 
something like this happen to you at work. What this man 
described to me strongly suggested he had Post Traumatic 
Stress Disorder, a well-recognized series of symptoms, 
which can be triggered by minor trauma. While it is 
uncommon, it certainly is real. It can be very disabling 
and should be reported to a physician for proper 
treatment.

   While this man did call me, and I was able to refer 
him for help, some UTU members still hesitate to contact 
Designated Legal Counsel-either because they don't want 
to embarrass themselves, or they're uncomfortable 
talking to lawyers.

   That is what we are here for. It is why the UTU has a 
system of Designated Legal Counsel. Call us with your 
questions. The advice is free, without obligation, and 
it can be of real benefit to you and to your family.

-- Monte Bricker, Coordinator
Designated Legal Counsel
888-241-7076
montebrick@aol.com



SENIOR NEWS

--Facts behind rising medical insurance costs ....##V

   Over the past several years, a major concern 
expressed by retired UTU members and their spouses is 
the rising cost of individually purchased health 
insurance. This is especially true in April and May, 
when United Healthcare announces new payment rates for 
GA-23111.

   The UTU is also aware of the increasing cost of the 
plans available to disabled and retired members covered 
under GA-23111 Plans C and D, and it is doing everything 
possible in conjunction with the other rail labor 
organizations to keep these plans affordable. Given the 
medical inflation trend of 13% annually, and the 
prescription drug inflation trend of 20-23% annually, 
this is becoming more difficult.

   Plan C is available to individuals who are not 
eligible for GA-46000 or Medicare and have lost coverage 
under the National Health & Welfare Plan (GA-23000) or 
the NRC/ UTU Health & Welfare Plan for any reason, 
including disability.

   Generally, disabled employees have pre-existing 
conditions making it either impossible or impractical to 
obtain insurance coverage other than Plan C. And, even 
with the limited benefits of the plan, utilization is 
very high, causing the premium costs to rise.

   Plan D is faced with a different dilemma: rising 
prescription drug costs which show no signs of slowing 
down in the future.

   Over the past several years, UTU and the other labor 
organizations have been faced with very difficult 
decisions about this plan. Modifications were made to 
the prescription drug benefit in an effort to slow the 
effect of the inflation trend, and Plan F was recently 
added, which provides exactly the same Medicare 
supplemental medical benefits but does not have a 
prescription drug benefit.

   The organizations also limited the open enrollment 
period for the plans to try to stabilize the number of 
enrollees and maintain a more "healthy" group.

   Despite these efforts, premium and payment rates are 
increasing at an alarming pace. This is due not only to 
inflation, but also to the fact that, as payment rates 
increase, people drop out of the plans because they 
either can no longer afford the premium or they do not 
need prescriptions and do not want to pay for coverage 
they do not need.

   This means a greater percentage of people covered by 
the plan are using benefits, which further increases the 
costs, since the premium is determined by the amount of 
money paid out in claims. Then, as the need for 
prescriptions arises, these once-healthy people get back 
into the plan, increasing the premium because of their 
utilization of benefits.

   UTU recognizes the need for affordable medical 
insurance for disabled and retired transportation 
employees and their dependents, and it is making every 
possible effort to assure that the maximum benefit is 
maintained at the lowest possible payment rate.

   While this does not make it any easier to pay, it 
should provide a better understanding of the factors 
surrounding the cost increases and UTU's efforts to keep 
them to a minimum.



--Canada offers Rx for savings .....................##W

   Retired conductor Gene Rohrer, former chairperson and 
legislative representative of Local 206, Peru, Ind., is 
calling on seniors to exercise their clout.

   He and his wife Carol recently joined about 80 other 
Hoosiers on a two-bus caravan to Windsor, Ont., where 
the group saved more than $72,000 by purchasing their 
medicines in Canada.

   Brother Rohrer viewed the affair as a call to action. 
"It's unfortunate that U.S. citizens have to resort to 
such tactics," Rohrer said. "We all need to write our 
senators and congressmen and request they remedy the 
situation. The best solution would be for prescription 
drugs to be included in Medicare."

   While Rohrer gets his medicines through the Veterans 
Administration, he and his wife spend between $600 and 
$800 a month for his wife's prescriptions. "By going 
north, we're saving about $300 a month," he said.

   The trip was organized by the Indiana Prescription 
Drug Coalition, which includes members of United Senior 
Action, the United Auto Workers (UAW), the Indiana 
office of the AFL-CIO, the American Association of 
Retired Persons, and the Alliance for Retired Americans.

   The group took advantage of the Canadian healthcare 
system, in which each province negotiates competitive 
prices with drug manufacturers, with a cap set on what 
each will pay. Pharmacies can charge no more than 10% 
above cost, and a favorable exchange rate for U.S. 
dollar sweetens the savings.

   "They gave us a three-month supply of her 
medications," Rohrer said, "and we can order again by 
mail for a year."

   Rohrer said those wanting information about future 
trips north can call Paul Severance, executive director 
of United Senior Action and co-chairperson of the 
Indiana Prescription Drug Coalition, at (317) 634-0872.



--19th Lehigh Valley Railroad reunion set ........##X

   Plans have been finalized for the 19th annual Lehigh 
Valley Railroad reunion and dinner, according to UTU 
Retiree Program member Eugene K. Schuler of Local 498, 
Allentown, Pa.

   Open to all crafts, the event costs $15 per person 
and will be held Saturday, September 15, 2001, at the 
Plainfield Township Fire Hall, R.D. #1, Pen Argyl, Pa., 
on Rt. 115 in Northampton County. Doors open at 11 a.m., 
with dinner served promptly at 1 p.m.

   For information, contact George W. Dougherty at 1357 
Jefferson St., Hellertown, PA 18055-1316, or call him at 
(610) 838-0675; or contact Schuler at 1359 N. Van Buren 
St., Allentown, PA 18109, or call him at (619) 432-0631.



--The Final Call ...................................##Y

   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
0200       Deen, Grady F.       Beech Bluff, TN
0226       Fizer, Clarence L.  Independence, MO
0256       Ouellette, Leo B.         Nassau, NY
0281       Kamperwschroer, I.R.   Milwaukee, WI
0318       Barnes, Harold S.        Hornell, NY
0339       Coughlin, Joseph A.      Memphis, TN
0378       Stevens, Charles F.     Lakeland, FL
0404       Maloney, William R.   S. Webster, OH
0418       Urbanos, J.F.               Mesa, AZ
0471       Muhr, Raymond J.       Beaverton, OR
0495       Mickelson, Ralph F.        Ellis, KS
0565       Redfeairn, Robert E.   Centralia, IL
0577       Milone, George        Schaumburg, IL
0587       Harris, George W.      Waterford, NY
0587       Manning, T. J.       Springfield, MA
0594       Pulliam, Lloyd        Fort Worth, TX
0602       Hoover, Dan L.      Williamsport, PA
0662       Williams, J.W.         Gladstone, VA
0663       Pratt, M.M.             Winthrop, ME
0693       Metcalf, Roy J.        Tallmadge, OH
0769       Andrews, Macon B.   Madison Hts., VA
0792       Heaney, John E.     Fairview Pk., OH
0832       Okray, Chester A.    Idaho Falls, ID
0847       Ryan, C.R.              Ashville, AL
1021       Dix, Charlie H.         Danville, VA
1144       McIntyre, Stanley E.    Melville, SK
1183       Cabic, John W.            Kimble, MI
1328       Chism, Robert A.        Highland, CA
1361       Eicholtz, Walter H. Forked River, NJ
1366       Taylor, Kent A.        Bountiful, UT
1370       Podolski, John W.           Wall, NJ
1373       Lock, Philip P.            Aston, PA
1376       Kolodzik, Edwin W.    S. Daytona, FL
1393       Koch, Fred A.              Ocala, FL
1405       Vunetich, Charles C.      Butler, IL
1409       Shaffer, Charles E.  Kansas City, KS
1458       Gonzales, Gus         New Iberia, LA
1470       Rennie, Thomas W.    Glen Burnie, MD
1502       Carter, Robert C.       Old Fort, NC
1591       Stone, George R.       Baltimore, MD
1594       Shillingford, R. W. Clifton Hts., PA
1597       Anthony, Sr., Lloyd W.   Chicago, IL
1672       Spottswood, Jr., R.F. New London, CT
1962       Kosmala, John P.       Roscommon, MI



TPEL HONOR ROLL

--Contributors' growing support recognized .......##Z

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 month.

* Denotes Retired Member

PLATINUM CLUB
($1,200 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Roughton, Jr., Curtis  878    Greenville, TX
Tello, Michael F.     1882    Minneapolis, MN
Wilner, Frank N.      6666    Alexandria, VA

DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB
($600 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
*Johnson, Carrol E.    283    Portland, OR
Bailey, Ronald         942    Florence, SC

DIAMOND PLUS CLUB
($400 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
McNary, David H.        17    Marshalltown, IA
Langston, Les           84    Los Angeles, CA
Wagner, Raymond       1381    Hammond, IN

DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB
($365 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Langford, James H.     200    North Platte, NE
Derue, Christopher     281    Milwaukee, WI
Boles, Harvey D.       750    Knoxville, TN
Davis, Larry P.        878    Greenville, TX
Myers, Andrew L.      1468    Walla Walla, WA
Willson, Richard P.   1593    Brownwood, TX
Brown, Rodney E.      1971    Atlanta, GA

DIAMOND CLUB
($300 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Green, Steven F.         5    Kansas City, MO
Fitzgerald, James E.   211    Binghamton, NY
Thompson, Jeff         582    Stevens Pt., WI
Martinez, Francisco   1892    Houston, TX

GOLD CLUB
($100 or more per year)
NAME                  LOCAL   CITY/STATE
Thacker, Larry D.       48    Norfolk, VA
Draper, Marti A.        84    Los Angeles, CA
Siry, John V.           84    Los Angeles, CA
*Welsh, L.D.           113    Winslow, AZ
Lee, Robert F.         198    Peoria, IL
*Lotz, Robert C.       322    Milwaukee, WI
Lary, Timothy A.       349    Kansas City, MO
Hart, Richard J.       375    Edgemont, SD
*Wethington, Bernal L. 376    Louisville, KY
*Hatten, James F.      544    Havre, MT
*Schneider, Dennis     626    McCook, NE
*Sechena, John W.      730    Great Falls, MT
Ali, Madjun            781    Shreveport, LA
Curl, Justin Wyatt     781    Shreveport, LA
Shea, Joseph Keith     781    Shreveport, LA
*Kolashinski, Kay S.   891    Whitefish, MT
*Koestler, Marlin      891    Whitefish, MT
*Caluori, George M.    891    Whitefish, MT
Craig, Donnie D.       934    Alliance, NE
Bowen, W. Phillip      942    Florence, SC
Gause, Bruce Darrell   942    Florence, SC
Sease Jr., George A.   942    Florence, SC
Barber Jr., George H.  970    Abbeville, SC
Creswell, Joseph B.    970    Abbeville, SC
Glace Jr., William R.  970    Abbeville, SC
Hill, James C.         970    Abbeville, SC
McClain, Johnny        970    Abbeville, SC
Price, John W.         970    Abbeville, SC
Sorrow, Sanford V.     970    Abbeville, SC
Harman, Kenneth       1038    Salt Lake City, UT
Ishmael, Clifford L.  1293    Altoona, WI
King, Ronald L.       1313    Amarillo, TX
May, Ricky D.         1377    Russell, KY
*Lewman, Ralph L.     1381    Hammond, IN
Grandgenett, Brian    1403    Kansas City, MO
Hinecker, Bruce A.    1403    Kansas City, MO
King Jr., David A.    1403    Kansas City, MO
Markham, Jodie N.     1593    Brownwood, TX
Craney, Timothy J.    1800    Tucson, AZ
Faulkner, Donald D.   1800    Tucson, AZ
Sowers, Bradley S.    1892    Houston, TX
Montgomery, Joan     LA583    Sterling, CO
Walter, Edythe       LA793    Minerva, OH



NOTICES

--Monthly winner announced ........................##AA

   This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item 
of apparel bearing the UTU logo is Michael T. Kilburg of 
Local 1477, Dearborn, Mich., which represents workers on 
Conrail.

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



--UTU policy concerning fees objectors ...........##BB

UTU Policy concerning fees objectors

PERCENTAGE OF CHARGEABLE FEES
DETERMINED BY NEUTRAL REVIEW
FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2000

INTERNATIONAL = 77.2

GENERAL COMMITTEES OF ADJUSTMENT, including locals under 
jurisdiction. (Unreviewed GOs will have 2000 average of 
chargeable percentages of GOs.)

GO 001 Burlington Northern Santa Fe = 100.0
GO 009 Burlington Northern Santa Fe* = 99.9
GO 049 CSX-B&O = 100.0
GO 081 New England Lines* = 99.2
GO 261 Soo Lines* = 98.6
GO 433 Illinois Central Gulf* = 99.8
GO 651 Conrail* = 99.9
GO 680 Norfolk Southern = 100.0
GO 769 Conrail = 100.0
GO 953 Union Pacific-Eastern = 99.7

* Mean of committee's previous reviews.


STATE LEGISLATIVE BOARDS (Unreviewed SLBs will have a 0% 
chargeable percentage applied to new objectors.)

LO 005  California = 81.7
LO 030  Nebraska = 90.0
LO 035  New York = 91.1
LO 038  Ohio = 93.6

   1. Any person covered by a UTU union shop or an 
agency shop agreement in the United States who elects to 
be a non-member has the legal right to object to 
political and ideological expenditures not related to 
collective bargaining, contract administration, or other 
activities germane to collective bargaining. Each non-
member who objects shall pay the reduced fees.

   To the extent permitted by law, a non-member cannot 
participate in Union elections as a voter or as a 
candidate; attend Union meetings; serve as delegate to 
the Convention, or participate in the selection of such 
delegates; or participate in the process by which 
collective bargaining agreements are ratified.

   2. The objecting non-members shall provide notice of 
objection by notifying the International General 
Secretary-Treasurer of the objection by first-class mail 
postmarked during the month of September each year or 
within thirty (30) days after he/she first begins paying 
fees and receives notice of these procedures. The 
objection shall contain the objector's current home 
address. Once a non-member objects, the objection shall 
stand until revoked. Objections may only be made by 
individual employees. No petition objections will be 
honored.

   3. The following categories of expenditures are 
chargeable:

   a. All expenses concerning the negotiation of 
agreements, practices and working conditions;

   b. All expenses concerning the administration of 
agreements, practices and working conditions, including 
grievance handling, all activities related to 
arbitration, and discussion with employees in the craft 
or class (or bargaining unit) or employer 
representatives regarding working conditions, benefits 
and contract rights;

   c. Convention expenses and other union internal 
governance and management expenses;

   d. Social activities and union business meeting 
expenses;

   e. Publication expenses to the extent coverage is 
related to chargeable activities;

   f. Litigation expenses related to contract 
administration, collective bargaining rights, and 
internal governance;

   g. Expenses for legislative and administrative agency 
activities to effectuate collective bargaining 
agreements;

   h. All expenses for the education and training of 
officers and staff intended to prepare the participants 
to better perform chargeable activities;

   i. All strike fund expenditures and other costs of 
economic action, e.g., demonstrations, general strike 
activity, informational picketing, etc., that benefit 
members of the bargaining unit or craft represented by 
UTU;

   4. The International shall retain a certified public 
accountant to perform an independent audit of the 
records of the International and subordinate units 
maintained by the International General Secretary-
Treasurer. The International shall also retain a neutral 
referee for the purpose of determining the percentage of 
expenditures that fall within the categories specified 
in Section 3. The amount of the expenditures that fall 
within Section 3 shall be the basis for calculating the 
reduced fees that must be paid by the objector. The 
neutral referee shall also give an opinion concerning 
the adequacy of the escrow amounts maintained pursuant 
to Section 17, and later will verify the existence and 
the amounts of money in any escrow accounts.

   5. The neutral referee shall complete the report no 
later than July 31. This report shall include an 
analysis of the major categories of union expenses that 
are chargeable and non-chargeable.

   6. Each person entitled to receive the referee's 
report may challenge the validity of the calculations 
made by the neutral referee by filing an appeal with the 
International General Secretary-Treasurer. Such appeal 
must be made by sending a letter to the International 
General Secretary-Treasurer postmarked no later than 
thirty (30) days after issuance of the independent 
referee's report.

   7. After the close of the appeals period, the 
International General Secretary-Treasurer shall provide 
a list of appellants to the American Arbitration 
Association (AAA). All appeals shall be consolidated. 
The AAA shall appoint an arbitrator from a special panel 
maintained by the AAA for the purpose of these 
arbitrations. The AAA shall inform the International 
General Secretary-Treasurer and the appellant(s) of the 
arbitrator selected.

   8. The arbitration shall commence by October 1 or as 
soon thereafter as the AAA can schedule the arbitration. 
The arbitrator shall have control over all procedural 
matters affecting the arbitration in order to fulfill 
the need for an informed and expeditious arbitration.

   9. Each party to the arbitration shall bear their own 
costs. The appellants shall have the option of paying a 
pro-rata portion of the arbitrator's fees and expenses. 
The balance of such fees and expenses shall be paid by 
UTU.

   10. A court reporter shall make a transcript of all 
proceedings before the arbitrator. This transcript shall 
be the official record of the proceedings and may be 
purchased by the appellants. If appellants do not 
purchase a copy of the transcript, a copy shall be 
available for inspection at the International during 
normal business hours.

   11. Appellants may, at their expense, be represented 
by counsel or other representative of choice. Appellants 
need not appear at the hearing and shall be permitted to 
file written statements with the arbitrator instead of 
appearing. Such statement shall be filed no later than 
fifteen (15) days after the transcript becomes 
available, but in no case more than thirty (30) days 
after the hearing closes.

   12. Fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the 
first hearing, appellants shall be provided with a list 
of all exhibits intended to be introduced at the hearing 
and a list of all witnesses intended to be called, 
except for exhibits and witnesses that may be introduced 
for rebuttal. On written request from an appellant, 
copies of exhibits (or in the case of voluminous 
exhibits, summaries thereof) shall be provided to them. 
Additionally, copies of exhibits shall be available for 
inspection and copying at the hearing.

   13. The International shall have the burden of 
establishing that the reduced fees set forth in the 
neutral referee's report are lawful.

   14. If the arbitrator shall determine that more than 
one day of hearings is necessary, hearings shall be 
scheduled to continue from day to day until completed. 
The parties to the appeal shall have the right to file a 
brief within fifteen (15) days after the transcript of 
the hearing is available, but in no case more than 
thirty (30) days after the hearing closes. The 
arbitrator shall issue a decision within forty-five (45) 
days after the submission of post-hearing briefs or 
within such other reasonable period as is consistent 
with the rules established by the AAA.

   15. The arbitrator shall give full consideration to 
the legal requirements limiting the amounts that 
objectors may be charged, and shall set forth in the 
decision the legal and arithmetic basis for such 
decision.

   16. If an objector receiving an advance reduction 
wishes to continue objection, he/she shall continue to 
pay the reduced fees that he/she is currently paying 
until the neutral referee issues the report. As soon as 
possible after the issuance of the neutral referee's 
report, he/she shall pay the amount of the reduced fees 
calculated by the neutral referee. Persons objecting for 
the first time shall be sent a copy of the report 
prepared by the neutral referee for the previous year 
and shall pay the reduced fees as soon as possible.

   17. Each month thereafter for all objectors, an 
amount shall be put in an interest-bearing escrow 
account equal to 25% of the reduced monthly fees, or 
such other greater amount as the neutral referee may 
recommend. All objectors from the previous year shall be 
paid the amount of non-chargeable money that is in the 
escrow account as determined by the neutral referee's 
report as soon as practicable after its issuance. The 
appropriate unit of UTU shall not, however, take its 
portion of the monies in the escrow account until 
fifteen days after the conclusion of the period within 
which an objector may appeal the report of the neutral 
referee, or upon the issuance of the decision of the 
arbitrator, whichever is later.

   18. When the decision of the arbitrator is announced 
the monies remaining in the escrow account shall be 
distributed in accordance with the decision.



--Panama Canal cruise set for March 6-16, 2002 ....##CC

   Experience the Panama Canal with a twist!

   Active and retired UTU members and their guests are 
invited to enjoy a unique fraternal travel opportunity 
in the spring of 2002 when the UTU Travelers Club 
sponsors its Roundtrip Panama Canal Cruise aboard the 
Princess Cruise Line's Sun Princess.

   Set for March 6 through March 16, 2002, the Roundtrip 
Panama Canal Cruise provides a twist on the traditional 
10-day cruise of the canal, offering the convenience of 
sailing from, and returning to, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

   With cabin prices starting at just $1,522 per person 
(based on double occupancy), this Love Boat adventure 
gives those who were closed out of our sold-out Fall 
Foliage Cruise aboard the Crown Princess another 
opportunity to experience Grand Class cruising, where 
big-ship choice combines with small-ship intimacy to 
create an experience unlike any other.

   Pampered guests aboard this cruise will embark from 
Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 6, and set sail for 
arrival on March 8 in Cozumel, Mexico. From there, 
travelers will head to the charming, British-influenced 
island of Grand Cayman. After a day at sea on March 10, 
participants will dock at Lim—n, Costa Rica, which 
offers white, sandy beaches and misty mountains draped 
in lush rainforest.

   On March 12, the real adventure begins when the ship 
enters the Panama Canal at the Gatun Locks and heads for 
Gatun Lake, an immense 168-square-mile artificial 
reservoir surrounded by lush, impenetrable jungle.

   Returning through the same locks, the ship cruises to 
Cartagena, Columbia, where travelers will get a glimpse 
on March 13 of colonial Spain as they stroll into the 
16th century walled city boasting local boutiques that 
offer the world's finest emeralds.

   Two days at sea on the way back to Ft. Lauderdale 
give travelers ample opportunity to discover why 
Princess cruises outclass the rest.

   To receive a brochure and reservation form, 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.)



--UTUIA offers Disability Income Replacement .....##DD

   UTUIA recognizes your need to replace disability with 
the ability to meet never-ending obligations when an 
accident or illness strikes.

   Our unfailing commitment to provide the best 
Disability Income Replacement insurance has made UTUIA 
the association to rely upon for affordable disability 
income insurance.

   For more information, call toll-free 1-800-558-8842 
for assistance from your UTUIA representative.

====================================================
====================================================
====================================================
====================================================
                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
====================================================
        -------------------------------------
                     SEPTEMBER 2001
        -------------------------------------
====================================================
      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
====================================================

                         -30-