WC conductors ratify contract
STEVENS POINT, Wisc. -- UTU members employed as conductors on the Wisconsin Central Railroad (WC) last month ratified their first contract with the carrier. The contract, which runs through the end of 2000, settles wage and work-rule issues, includes retroactivity back through 1998, and affects more than 350 conductors employed by the WC in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. -- Full story.

UTU fights BNSF policy
CLEVELAND -- The UTU is fighting a new policy implemented by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) covering the availability of workers. If allowed to stand, the policy implemented in stages in August would severely restrict the ability of members to schedule days off, penalize them for taking unscheduled days off even for personal or family illnesses, and violate the work/rest principles and guidelines adopted by the carriers and operating unions earlier this year. -- Full story.

Van drivers' ballots due
Representation election ballots were mailed on September 29 to approximately 100 part-time bus drivers employed by Evergreen Trails in Seattle as part of the employees' efforts to procure the UTU as their official bargaining representative. -- Full story.

Health and welfare plan information
During the first two weeks of October, UTU members eligible for the new National Railway Carriers (NRC)/UTU Health and Welfare Plan will be receiving enrollment packages. The enrollment packages are being mailed to eligible UTU members only, and must be returned by October 29, 1999. Eligible UTU members are those active employees who work under UTU contracts on BNSF, Conrail, CSX, KCS, NS and UP. -- Full story.

River Terminal pact approved
CLEVELAND -- UTU-represented employees on the River Terminal Railroad, which services LTV facilities in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, have ratified a new agreement with the carrier. -- Full story.

Debs Foundation seeks members
Eugene Victor Debs (1855-1926) was a multifaceted person who excelled as a labor leader, political activist and general promoter of social justice. Few have given so completely of themselves to the cause of human rights. Those wishing to keep Debs' dreams alive are urged to become members of the Debs Foundation, said John H. Burner, assistant Illinois state legislative director. -- Full story.

Support urged for strikers
At the 1999 UTU convention this past summer, Local 202 Delegate and Colorado Legislative Director Jack Shaver intoduced a resolution to recognize and assist 40 UTU members and more than 1,000 members of the United Steelworkers of America who were permanently replaced by CF&I/Oregon Steel nearly two years ago. -- Full story.