Life insurance changes
With the implementation of the new NRC/UTU health and welfare plan on January 1, 2000, important changes in the delivery of life insurance benefits for active and retired UTU members covered under the plan also become effective.

Active and retired employees of BNSF, Conrail, CSXT, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific now are covered by Minnesota Mutual for life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefits provided under the plan.

In order to verify and/or update designated beneficiary information, call Minnesota Mutual toll-free at (800) 328-9442. Additional information about this important benefit can be obtained by calling the UTU International at (216) 228-9400, ext. 304.

Two election victories
The UTU Bus Department scored two more representation election victories last month as a fifth unit of van drivers employed by Renzenberger, Inc., selected the UTU as its collective bargaining representative, as did school bus drivers and aides working for Delco Transportation Co. in Darby, Pa.

The latest unit of Renzenberger employees to join the UTU are from Shreveport and Lafayette, La., and Longview, Tex. Organizers Brenda Moore, William Koehn, David Lyall and Tom Bisignani were instrumental in the campaign, said Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis.

In the effort to organize the Delco Transportation employees, McNelis credited the hard work of Director of Strategic Planning John Nadalin, Alternate Vice President Bus-East and General Chairperson Carolyn Scarsella, Pennsylvania Legislative Director Don Dunlevy, Ed Scott, and Bisignani for the 2-to-1 victory margin in UTU's favor.

Discount fares to meetings
UTU members planning to attend one of the union's Regional Meetings this year should know that discount air fares to the Regional Meeting cities have been arranged by the International.

The 2000 Regional Meetings will be held:

June 12-14 in Reno, Nevada
July 10-12 in Birmingham, Ala.
August 28-30 in Minneapolis

Members wishing to inquire about discount air fares to Reno, Nev., or Birmingham, Ala., should call Southwest Airlines toll-free at 1-800-433-5368. Identify yourself as with the UTU and refer to I.D. Code G0530 for Reno or I.D. Code G0540 for Birmingham, Ala.

Those inquiring about discount air fares to Minneapolis should call Northwest/Continental Airlines toll-free at 1-800-328-1111 and refer to Code: World File NMPFR.

NOTE: For the lowest fare, a Saturday night stay is required.

Monthly winner
This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of apparel bearing the UTU logo is Victor F. Polich of Milan, N.M.

Brother Polich is a retired member of Local 113 in Winslow, Ariz., which represents workers employed by the BNSF.

These items are awarded every month by random drawing as a show of appreciation to the many members who have supported the UTU throughout the years. Congratulations to Brother Polich!