Driver comments sought
CLEVELAND -- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the UTU are seeking comments from commercial vehicle drivers on fatigue.

The FMCSA is proposing to revise its hours-of-service rules to require motor carriers to provide drivers with better opportunities to obtain sleep with the aim of reducing the risk of drivers operating commercial vehicles while drowsy, tired or fatigued.

Drivers should submit comments to FATIGUE REPORTS, UTU BUS DEPT., 14600 DETROIT AVE., CLEVELAND, OH 44107-4250, no later than July 15, 2000. Please include your name, address and UTU local number.

"This issue will be discussed during the Bus Department's open chairpersons' workshop at the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings, in mailings and in future issues of the UTU News," Bus Department Vice President Bernie McNelis noted.

Drivers, aides choose UTU
CLEVELAND -- A recent vote by 190 school bus drivers and aides employed by Laidlaw Transit was decided in the UTU's favor by a more than 2-to-1 margin.

Employees have already met with Chairpersons Karen Belcher and Jim Harford to discuss contract proposals.

In other organizing news, the National Labor Relations Board has scheduled representation elections for drivers employed by Alex's Transportation, who transport rail crews in six states. The Bus Department also has filed an election petition for school bus drivers, trainers and aides employed by Laidlaw Transit in Hesperia, Cal. A tentative date of June 23 has been set for an election.

Dividend clarification
CLEVELAND -- The May issue of the UTU News featured an item about a UTUIA dividend increase. The dividend increase, from 6.0% to 6.25%, relates only to the interest-crediting rate for flexible-premium annuities, Traditional IRA annuities and Roth IRA annuities.

Monthly winner
This month's lucky winner of her choice of any item of apparel bearing the UTU logo is Gloria Burt of Local 1741, San Francisco, Cal., which represents Laidlaw employees working in the San Mateo School District.

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

New VISA card
for UTU members
UTU and National City Bank have created exciting new credit cards for UTU members.

Active and retired UTU members in the U.S. and Canada, as well as family members and friends, can choose from four new credit cards, each of which offer great savings and additional benefits.

-- The Prime Rate UTU VISA Platinum and Classic VISA offer the lowest rates available. Both cards have an introductory 3.9% APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers. The rate then goes to the Prime Rate, currently 9% APR. The cards also have an interest-free grace period if the balance is paid in full each month. There is an annual fee of $35 for the VISA Platinum and $25 for the Classic VISA.

-- Other options include the UTU No Annual Fee VISA Platinum and Classic VISA, which offer the convenience and acceptance of VISA with no annual fee. Both cards have an introductory 3.9% APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers; then the interest rate is Prime +4.9%, currently 13.9% APR. The cards also have an interest-free grace period if the balance is paid in full every month.

-- The VISA Platinum cards also have additional benefits: $250,000 travel accident insurance, automatic rental car insurance and emergency travel assistance services.

National City Bank will soon be sending all UTU members in the U.S. and Canada information describing the new credit cards with the opportunity to apply by mail or telephone.