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UTU, CN reach tentative pact
for Michigan Zone workers
TROY, Mich. -- The UTU and the Canadian National Railway (CN) have reached a tentative contract covering about 450 UTU-represented workers on the former Grand Trunk Western Railway. At UTU News press time, the proposal was out for a ratification vote, with ballots to be counted Dec. 5. -- Full story.
Member killed in train crash
LINCOLN, Neb. -- The worst fears of family members became reality after they identified the body of a railroad crewman following an accident in late October near Flagstaff, Ariz. The remains of 38-year old Mark Hurtz, a member of UTU Local 305, Lincoln, Neb., were found in the wreckage of two Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight trains. -- Full story.
Rail retirement measure on hold
WASHINGTON -- The battle to enact the provisions of the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000 may be nearly over, but the war is just beginning. As this issue of UTU News went to press, Congress was at a standstill due to the lack of leadership and the uncertainty over the presidential race. -- Full story.
Veto urged of fuel-tax repeal
CLEVELAND -- The UTU has joined with the leaders of 16 other labor organizations to urge President Clinton to repeal a bill which provides tax relief to railroads and barge companies. -- Full story.
Federal court voids Article 78
The Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently issued a ruling declaring the UTU Constitution's Article 78 void, and requiring the text of the ruling to be printed in the UTU News. -- Full story.
New Mexico meeting canceled
Due to unreasonable opposition to the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000 by Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), as well as the resulting strong potential for picketing on site, the UTU had no alternative except to cancel the UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting scheduled for August 20-22, 2001, in Albuquerque, N.M. -- Full story and information about remaining meetings.
UTUIA seeks Volunteer of the Year
The United Transportation Union Insurance Association (UTUIA) is looking for a special person to honor as its 2001 Volunteer of the Year. The individual selected will receive a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a plaque of appreciation from UTUIA. Additionally, he or she will be honored at the 2001 UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting nearest his or her home (with all expenses paid by UTUIA). -- Full story.
Open enrollment in December
During the month of December 2000, United Healthcare will hold an open enrollment under GA-23111. During this open enrollment, any individual eligible for coverage under one of the GA-23111 plans can enroll and will be accepted for coverage without any medical underwriting or requirement of good health. -- Full story.
Amtrak offers discount
NEW YORK CITY -- VeteransAdvantage, Inc., the first online private-sector benefits company for military veterans and their families, has announced an exclusive partnership with Amtrak. Beginning January 2001, veterans of any war, rank or branch of service, and who are also members of VeteransAdvantage, will be entitled to a 10% discount when traveling on Amtrak (although certain restrictions may apply). To access these benefits, a veteran simply registers with VeteransAdvantage at http://www.veteransadvantage.com. VeteransAdvantage members may receive their discount when making reservations on the Amtrak web site (http://www.amtrak.com) or by presenting their VeteransAdvantage membership card at any Amtrak ticket counter.
Monthly winner
This month's lucky winner of his choice of any item of apparel bearing the UTU logo is Ernest S. Gross of Local 1172, Mullens, W. Va., which represents workers on Norfolk Southern. These items are awarded every month by random drawing as a show of appreciation to the many members who have been supportive of the UTU throughout the years.
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Rail contract
still pending
CLEVELAND -- UTU general chairpersons have submitted their questions regarding the proper interpretation of the proposed national wage and rule settlement to the UTU National Negotiating Committee, and the committee members have answered those questions, according to their understanding of the pending agreement, as this edition of UTU News reached deadline. -- Full story.
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Time books,
calendars coming
CLEVELAND -- The 2001 edition of the UTU's time books for rail, bus and transit members will soon be available. The books are great for keeping track of time worked, runs completed, money earned and taxes withheld. Time books will be sent via UPS to all local secretaries and treasurers so they can distribute them to individual members at upcoming local meetings and at crew change points. Contact your local secretary or treasurer if you don't get a copy. The 2001 edition of the UTU calendar, featuring full-color photographs of UTU members on the job, is being mailed to all UTU Retiree Program members.
High-speed
rail approved
TAMPA -- Florida voters have approved a constitutional amendment which directs the state to build a network of high-speed trains linking this car-clogged state's five largest urban areas. Wealthy land owner C.C. "Doc" Dockery put up $3 million to get the 624,000 signatures needed to put the measure on the ballot. Tampa Bay-area officials are said to support the first segment, which would run from Tampa to Orlando. Estimated costs for the network range between $8 billion and $22 billion.
Transport
workers meet
CLEVELAND -- The International Transport Workers Federation, with which the UTU is affiliated, is having a meeting in Washington, D.C., this month dealing with multinational bus companies. These companies include Stagecoach, Laidlaw, FirstGroup and National Express. The UTU will be represented by Vice President Bernie McNelis, as well as other officers and chairpersons. "This meeting is important because you get to learn what effect these multinational companies are having throughout the world," McNelis said.
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