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Local 4, Charny, P.Q.
On July 5, the Canadian National Railway ran its 1,000th train between St. Romuald (Quebec) and Riviere-des-Prairies (Montreal), according to Treasurer Louis-François Garceau, who noted the local has had four conductors working the run since it was created in November 1996. "It's an employee realization, and CN-Ultramar have enjoyed a good partnership since," Garceau said.
Local 64, Huron, S.D.
Train and engine service employees on the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (DM&E) are celebrating 10 years of UTU representation with three picnics this month sponsored by Designated Legal Counsel Huneg, Stone, Koenig, LeNeave & Kvas. On September 10, a picnic will be held in Rapid City, S.D. The following day, picnics will be staged in Huron, S.D., and Waseca, Minn., according to General Chairperson Phil Craig. For information, contact South Dakota State Legislative Director Rick Davids at (605) 662-7933, or Craig at (507) 388-5568, who noted that DM&E officials told 50 workers a decade ago that organizing would mean a loss of jobs and lower wages. Three contracts have been ratified since that time, bringing the current 125 workers closer to a Class I contract.
Local 349, Kansas City, Mo.
Attending the recent UTU Convention in Miami Beach, Fla., in his capacity as a delegate, Local Chairperson and Legislative Representative Al Nowlin and his wife Phyllis also enjoyed an opportunity to conduct an in-depth interview with retired former UTU President Al Chesser, who's the subject of a book the Nowlins are writing.
Local 898, Boston, Mass.
Members are mourning the death of Amtrak conductor James G. Griffin, who recently succumbed to liver cancer. Griffin was one of about nine Amtrak employees who was to benefit from funds raised in the second annual Billy Flaherty North Side vs. South Side Railroaders Hockey Game, according to E.B. Radovich of Local 1462, Boston, Mass.
Local 982, Rochester, N.Y.
After the Regional Meeting in Washington, D.C., officers inaugurated a TPEL membership drive at their monthly meeting that garnered more than $1,000 in additional contributions, according to Legislative Representative Dave Murphy. Representing employees on the Rochester & Southern as well as those in train and engine service on CSX's Northern District at Rochester and Syracuse, the local is the largest TPEL contributor in the state, a fact recognized by State Legislative Director Sam Nasca in a letter of commendation to Local President George Grimshaw.
Local 1421, Franklin Park, Ill.
Proud of the people he represents, newly elected International Vice President P.D. Drennan noted after the installation of officers at the UTU Convention that every member of his local is at least a TPEL Gold Club member ($100 or more per year), and that a plaque was awarded at one of the Regional Meetings recognizing the unit as the top-contributing local. In fact, the local has been among the top-ten contributors since at least 1995.
Local 1565, W. Hollywood, Cal.
Bus operator Mark Holland, an employee of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was recently declared the best driver to maneuver through the obstacle course at the 1999 Bus Roadeo, sponsored by the American Public Transit Association and held July 24 at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, Cal. The win was a repeat performance for Holland, who aced the same competition four years ago. Besides winning a stainless steel watch, Holland will progress to the championships in Orlando, Fla., to be held October 8.
Local 1582, Albany, N.Y.
New contracts have been ratified by maintenance members at Adirondack Transit Lines in Albany, N.Y., and by the ticket and baggage members at the Port Authority in New York City. The three-year pacts provide health-care savings, increases in wages, pensions and tool allowances, and safety bonuses. Chairpersons Edward Rosa and James Kerner, along with Vice Chairperson Russ Gaillard, working with a mediator and assisted by International Vice President Bernie McNelis, at times faced five company attorneys during negotiations for the four local units, but made no concessions.
Local 1709, Pontiac, Mich.
The unit of Women/Wives Against the Railroad (WARR) associated with the local, known as FAM-RAIL, is making informational packets available to those interested in organizing their own WARR chapter. For information, contact Marlene Haines at (248) 693-2281 or Kay Planck at (248) 627-3253, or send e-mail to < planktrain@ameritech.net>. Meanwhile, the group reported a healthy turnout at its recent picnic, including a number of retirees.
Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C.
Transit Management of Charlotte, Inc., soon may be inaugurating new service, and Chairperson Leroy Ellerbe and his committee, with assistance from International Vice President Bernie McNelis, Alternate National Legislative Director Jim Stem and the UTU Legal Department, are working to ensure new transit work is performed by members of the local.
Local 1778, N. VANCOUVER, B.C.
The website shared with Local 1923, Prince George, B.C., has been updated to include the latest issue of the local's newsletter, The Meeting Point, according to Local 1778 Secretary and Treasurer David Moorhouse, as well as new information on fatigue, a new logo, a new engine cab committee report, some local history, information on Brother Clyde Mulhall's retirement party, and more. Access the page at <http:// www.ultranet.ca/utu/>.
Local 1908, Buffalo, N.Y.
Contract negotiations for Laidlaw school bus drivers were continuing at UTU News presstime, according to Local Chairperson Carol Scarsella. Meanwhile, mechanics there are also voting on a new three-year pact that calls for a 10% wage increase, and a new contract for maintenance workers will likely be considered by members this month.
GO-875 (LACMTA)
General Chairperson James Williams and his committee, representing workers on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), are facing issues related to the formation and addition of new transit zones. Despite the clear-cut language in their agreement, Williams and the committee continue to fend off the agency's attempts to avoid its contractual obligations.
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