 | |
Local 4, Charny, P.Q.
Members are mourning the death of conductor Paul Davis, who was killed in the collision and fire that occurred in St. Hailaire, P.Q., on December 30. Meanwhile, the local participated in a joint "Millennium Party" last month with members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, according to Secretary/Treasurer Louis-François Garceau, who noted the annual election of officers would be taking place as this edition reached deadline.
Local 318, Hornell, N.Y.
Vice Local Chairperson and Legislative Representative Robert A. Hagen has enjoyed great results in bringing new workers on the Norfolk Southern (NS) into the UTU, according to UTUIA Special Representative Dave Murphy, who cites Hagen's hands-on approach and availability to lend assistance as instrumental to his success. The local represents engine and train service workers employed on NS between Buffalo and North Jersey.
Local 324, Seattle, Wash.
Contract negotiations have begun for part-time bus drivers at Evergreen Trails, who recently joined their sisters and brothers working full-time on the property by electing the UTU as their representative. Heading the negotiating team is General Chairperson Brian Donald. Meanwhile, Steve Snyder has taken over editorial duties from Larry Rutledge and now serves as editor of the local's newsletter, The Informant. Contact Snyder at 19805 121 St. Ct. E., Sumner, WA 98390, or send e-mail to him at <kilo3921@aol.com>.
Local 343, Hamilton, Ont.
The local is grateful for the support of General Chairperson Ronald Long and Canadian Legislative Director Tim Secord, who backed them up when CN Rail recently attempted to strong-arm members into participating in the Mentor/Team Leadership Initiative, a strategic development designed to circumvent the duly elected union representatives, EFAP representatives and safety and health committees, said Local Chairperson Scott Montani. "Brothers Long and Secord made it quite clear to CN's CEO Paul Tellier that we will not tolerate this attempt at union busting," said Montani.
Local 492, Sacramento, Cal.
Members are reminded to familiarize themselves with the Federal Railroad Administration's final rule, effective January 7, amending requirements for qualification and certification of locomotive engineers. Secretary/Treasurer Daryl Stinchfield said copies of the portion of the Federal Register in which it appeared were forwarded to each California local for public posting by State Legislative Director J.P. Jones. For information, contact Stinchfield at (916) 624-7426. Copies may also be obtained from the local's website at <http://www.calweb.com/~w6thw/utu492.html>.
Local 507, Van Buren, Ark.
A dinner was arranged by members, employed by the Union Pacific, to honor retired member Charles L. Graves, who celebrated his 100th birthday January 19, according to State Legislative Director Don Beavers. Brother Graves, who began his career in 1923 as a brakeman on the Missouri Pacific, retired in 1972 as a conductor with 49 years of service. At the event, attended by Beavers, UTUIA Field Supervisor Joe Cunningham and numerous friends and family members, Graves received a variety of gifts, including a brass lantern presented by U.S. Alternate Vice President (South) Jerry L. Batton.
Local 933, Jefferson City, Mo.
Members are mourning the loss of 80-year-old retiree James Wayne Duncan, who passed away at his home on December 28. U.S. Board of Appeals Chairperson W. J. Shelton said Duncan was the last member of the local who had made a working trip on steam equipment.
Local 1393, E. Buffalo, N.Y.
Members wish to give special recognition to Secretary/Treasurer Bob Zimpfer, whose efforts have resulted in a 500% increase in TPEL contributions. Zimpfer has also contributed time to a peer training program that gives new CSX workers a safe start in the industry, and has been invaluable to UTUIA Field Supervisor Tom Anziano.
Local 1469, Oakland, Cal.
Instead of the usual holiday party, this year members employed as yardmen by Union Pacific hosted a luncheon with fellow members of Local 239 (Oakland, Cal.) that featured a visit from the UTU's mobile education and training lab, MEMBERSHIP I, according to Local Chairperson Jim Dignon. Members are reminded that regular meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 1823 Clemente Ave., Alameda, Cal.
Local 1582, Albany, N.Y.
Custodians, building maintenance personnel, and operations and parking employees of the AGI group were set to vote on a three-year agreement as this edition reached deadline. The pact calls for a $1-an-hour increase retroactive to December 1999 and another $1-an-hour over the next two years, as well as a reduced time frame for receiving vacations. It also calls for the company to contribute an additional $50 per month into employees' 401(k) plans, increase its contribution to the defined-benefit pension plan, boost safety payments, and expand the definition of those entitled to receive reimbursement for safety shoes, all without any give-backs required. Vice President and Director of the Bus Department Bernie McNelis congratulated LCA Chairperson Ron Palka and members of the committee, including Gary Hughes, Phil Britt, Joe Vecchio, Leon Ward and Judi Bessette for their negotiating efforts, and thanked New York State Legislative Director Sam Nasca for his assistance.
Local 1778, N. Vancouver, B.C.
About 300 members employed by BC Rail recently involved in a nine-day company lock-out were voting as this edition reached deadline on a tentative three-year pact retroactive to December 31, 1997. Secretary/Treasurer David Moorhouse said members had laid down picket signs to join their families on New Year's Eve and Day, less than an hour before CN Rail tried to make a pick-up from an interchange track behind the picket line. Acting quickly, they had the line back up minutes before the yard engine arrived. Fellow UTU members on CN respected the line, turned around, and went home. Members then held the line for 18 hours during the holiday before other unionists relieved them.
Local 1957, Silsbee, Tex.
During the holidays, members of this resurgent local representing Union Pacific employees on the former Southern Pacific Gulf Division voted to donate a portion of the local's surplus funds to the local Salvation Army, said Local President Mike McCauley, who noted the debut of the unit's new website at <http://www.local1957.org>. The site features recent election results, links to other locals and the UTU International, rail news and a chat room to which all are invited.
|
|
