Highlights of President Little's
"State of the Union" address
RENO, Nevada -- The United Transportation Union is financially strong and its membership is growing, International President Charles L. Little said at the Regional Meeting held here June 12-14. Little's "State of the UTU" speech was delivered on June 12 from the Reno Hilton to 1,400 UTU members and friends from 287 UTU locals located in 29 states and every Canadian province. In addition, thousands more tuned into the live real-time webcast of Little's speech on the Internet. -- Full story.

Metra workers ratify contract
CHICAGO -- More than 300 UTU-represented conductors working on Chicago's Metra commuter railroad have ratified a new seven-year agreement that is being hailed as one of the best commuter rail agreements in the nation. The agreement, which was approved by an overwhelming 86% of the Metra conductors who voted, went into effect on July 1, 2000. -- Full story.

MTA members authorize strike
LOS ANGELES ­ Bus and train operators for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) voted overwhelmingly June 19 to authorize a strike, hoping to ratchet up pressure on the agency to agree on a new contract. -- Full story