Column by Byron A. Boyd, Jr.
History in the making
As we look at what is within our grasp in this first year of the 21st century, our union stands in the middle of what will be regarded as two historical accomplishments. -- Full text.

Column by James M. Brunkenhoefer
Eighty days to improve rail retirement

It usually takes eight years from when an idea first appears in Congress and legislation is introduced until it becomes law. We, however, cannot wait eight years. If we are to be successful, we must get H.R. 4844 passed into law in just 80 days. -- Full text.

Thanks to lots of people
Thanks to the hard work of many dedicated union and political leaders, a new and better Railroad Retirement pension will make the lives better for more than one million people participating in the system.

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to pass H.R. 4844 -- the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000 -- which would increase benefits for 50,000 railroad retiree widows, reduce taxes on railroad employees, lower the retirement age from 62 to age 60 with 30 years service, and cut the vesting time in half to five years. A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate shortly.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the union and political leaders by name who stood shoulder to shoulder with the UTU to do what is right for the one million people in the Railroad Retirement system, including more than 50,000 railroad retiree widows. The unions represent more than three million people.

This is a great day for us all. Thank you.

U.S. House -- Bud Schuster (R-Pa.), Bill Archer (R-Tex), Thomas Petri (R-Ill.), Clay Shaw (R-Fla.), James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), Nick Rahal (D-W. Va.), Bob Matsui (D-Calif.).

Labor -- ATDD: Leon McCann, Chuck Mundy; TCU: Robert Scardelletti, Joel Parker, Howard Randolph, Tony Padilla; BRS: Dan Pickett, Dennis Boston, James Padilla, Leonard Parker; Sheet Metal: Don Buchanan, Dewey Garland, Vince Tanzini; IBEW: Rick Digele, Liz Schuler; SEIU: Skip Roberts; IAM: Tom Trotter, Mark Filipovich; Firemen & Oilers: George Francisco; TWU: Charles Moneypenny; NARVRE: Whitey Westphal.

Moratorium stands
The U.S. Court of Appeals made a wise decision to support the Surface Transportation Board's (STB) 15-month moratorium on railroad mergers.

The UTU filed a legal brief supporting the STB and opposing the Canadian National Railway's merger with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Now we will have time to try to get the rail industry's house in order before what will probably be the next round of major mergers after the moratorium ends.

Working with the STB, the railroad industry and its unions must arrive at new guidelines which protect union workers from cramdown and other merger-related operating changes, including fatigue and other safety issues.

What's your opinion?
We'd like to hear your thoughts on these topics, and others. Include your name, address, phone number, and (if applicable), your UTU Local number and an e-mail address with items submitted to:

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