Member saves life
Pete Bonaroti, a 25-year veteran trainman with the Union Railroad and member of Local 1628 in Pittsburgh, Pa., might not be alive today if not for the quick actions of UTU member Darrell Johnson.

Bonaroti recently had both his legs severed by moving equipment, which could have meant certain death except for the life-saving skills of Johnson, as well as BLE-represented engineer Russ Linn.

Johnson had the necessary emergency medical response training to deal with Bonaroti's severe injuries. He used his own belt and one of Bonaroti's to fashion tourniquets around Bonaroti's legs.

"Without Johnson's action, Bonaroti could have bled to death at the scene of the accident," said Union Railroad General Chairperson J.J. Tierney, Jr.

Johnson said that he "did what anyone would have done in the same situation." He admitted that emergency response training is helpful in knowing how to deal with such life-threatening situations.

"With so many lives at stake in this dangerous business, it would make sense if everyone would be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency first aid," Johnson said.

Yardmaster wins lottery
A UTU-represented yardmaster from Local 1973 (Chicago, Ill.), working for Union Pacific in Clinton, Iowa, recently discovered he could retire earlier than he had planned.

While working the third shift on Saturday, January 8, Larry Hasken discovered he won a Powerball Lottery drawing that night with a jackpot of $32 million.

According to reports, when asked when he had decided to retire, he said, "When they announced the last number!"

Because he elected to take his winnings as a lump-sum payment, the amount was reduced to $16 million. After taxes, he'll find himself ahead by about $11 million.

Special organizers attend
seminar to sharpen skills
WASHINGTON -- Seeking to help unorganized workers find fairness and dignity in the workplace, 15 members of the United Transportation Union participated in a seminar this past December at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies as part of their training to serve as special organizing representatives for their union.

Scattered across the country from California to Iowa to Florida, the 15 came together to participate in the Meany Center's "Organizing Under the Railway Labor Act" program.

The week-long seminar included instruction in topics such as communication skills, development of organizing plans, first-contract campaigns and development of workplace committees, among others.

UTU Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., was also on hand to speak to the group about the importance of assisting the unorganized, from a representatives' initial contact with employees through obtaining their first labor agreement.

"The UTU is proud that not a week passes by that we do not have at least one contact requesting our assistance in obtaining union representation. This speaks volumes about our reputation for quality representation, both inside and outside the transportation industry," Boyd said.

The new class brings to 47 the number of UTU members specifically trained to assist the union in organizing shortline railroads and commuter airlines.

In addition, the UTU has 14 members specifically trained in organizing employees covered under the National Labor Relations Act, including workers in the bus, motor coach, van and limousine and trucking sectors.

During a break between classes, UTU members who participated in the seminar posed for a photograph with UTU Assistant President Byron A. Boyd. Jr. Included were, front row: Ben Davis (1221), Larry Barrilleaux (1836), Boyd, Larry Grutzius (1895), Darrin Prowant (329), and B.K. "Keith" Trout (1245); second row: Justin Martin (1800), Robert Carson (924), Mike Lewis (490), Andres Truillo (1138), and Capt. Tom Witten (15); and third row: Joe Fletcher (30), Robert Griffin (1021), Al Nowlin (349), Onia Morgan (1403) and Earl Johnson (1895).

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

Members wishing to inquire about discount air fares to Reno, Nev., or Birmingham, Ala., should call Southwest Airlines toll-free at (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 (800) 328-1111 and refer to code: World File NMPFR.

For the lowest-possible 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 Adolph Zarate of LaPuente, Cal.

Brother Zarate is a retired member of Local 1563 in El Monte, Cal., which represents workers employed by the Los Angeles County Transit Authority.

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 Zarate!