BLE attorney admits
at NMB that UTU
will defend engineers
WASHINGTON -- The historical craft of locomotive engineer is not threatened with going out of existence if it is represented by the United Transportation Union (UTU), the top attorney for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) admitted at the conclusion of National Mediation Board (NMB) hearings on July 10. -- Full story.

Amtrak funding
brighter, but
must improve
WASHINGTON -- Amtrak's financial outlook is looking brighter, but a new government report says the national passenger railway still may not meet a deadline to wean itself from federal subsidies. -- Full story.

UTU asks STB
to support new
laws on vans
WASHINGTON -- The UTU is asking the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to support creating regulations to protect railroad crews being transported by van and taxi services in the aftermath of the latest deadly accident in Illinois on July 1 that killed two persons and injured two more. -- Full story.

Washington
Quotebook
-- "I believe very deeply in the UTU. I'm proud that a recent report called the American rail woerker the most productive worker in the entire world." -- U.S. Vice President Al Gore

-- "You can be assured that when we win the House back, we will have the UTU in our head every day." -- House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.)

-- "Byron Boyd has earned a reputation for integrity and telling it like it is. Jim (Brunkenhoefer) is an absolute fantastic crusader for working men and women in America. He is an asset and I'm honored to work with him." -- House Democratic Whip David E. Bonior (D-Mich.)
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SEE SPECIAL REGIONAL MEETINGS SCRAPBOOK IN THIS ISSUE