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                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
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        -------------------------------------
                      JANUARY 2001
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      -----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
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    A Service of the United Transportation Union
            Public Relations Department

                Charles L. Little
             International President
                        ---
                Paul C. Thompson
    International General Secretary & Treasurer
                        

                 Editorial Offices:
                      UTU NEWS
                 14600 Detroit Ave.
              Cleveland, OH 44107-4250
                  utunews@utu.org
                 http://www.utu.org

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provided proper credit is included and no alteration of 
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                      WELCOME TO
           THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR
   ÒIt is important to note that we are not giving up on 
attaining these improvements to our Railroad Retirement 
System. This time, we hope the Brotherhood of Locomotive 
Engineers and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way 
Employes will not delay this package. It was delay that 
allowed a handful of Republican senators to use the 
rules to defeat H.R. 4844.Ó
   -- UTU National Legislative Director James 
Brunkenhoefer
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
--The UTU NEWS On-Line Edition takes advantage of the 
search-and-find features in your word processing 
software or on-line editor. For example, to read about 
the process behind the push for Railroad Retirement 
reform in the 106th Congress ("Behind-the-scenes look at 
H.R. 4844"), have your word processing software or on-
line editor search for the text ##T.

IN THIS EDITION
--Battle for retirement measure to continue ........##A
--Status of national rail contract ..............##B
--UTU downplays transit zones ......................##C
--C&W employees to get jobs back ................##D
--"Angels on Track" arises from son's death ........##E
--CN workers okay pact ..........................##F
--Bus companies drag feet ..........................##G
--New alcohol, drug testing rules set ...........##H
--Molitoris gets new post ..........................##I

AROUND THE UTU
--News from around the U.S. and Canada ..........##J

MEMBERSHIP IN ACTION
--Member's efforts build community .................##K

STATE WATCH
--News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##L

BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Working togther for the good of all" ............##M
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Meeting challenge of the new year" ...........##N
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

EDITORIALS
--A new era begins .................................##O
--Route to nowhere ..............................##P
--"Goals remain the same" ..........................##Q
   Editorial by Charles L. Little
   UTU International President
--"Rail managers hear what they want" ...........##R
   Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director
--Voices: Members share their opinions .............##S

FEATURE
--Behind-the-scenes look at H.R. 4844 ...........##T
      by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

HISTORY
--Erdman Act secured respect for union members .....##U

SENIOR NEWS
--UTU retirees participate in Cornell study .....##V
--Retired chairperson sees pattern repeat ..........##W
--LIRR retirees welcome new blood ...............##X
--The Final Call ...................................##Y

NOTICES
--Monthly winner announced ......................##Z
--Travelers Club offerings for 2001 ...............##AA
--UTUIA Scholarship applications accepted ......##BB
--UTU VISA card saves you money ...................##CC
--UTUIA Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity ......##DD

====================================================

IN THIS EDITION

--Battle for retirement measure to continue ........##A

   Hope remained for passage of the Railroad Retirement 
and SurvivorsÕ Improvement Act of 2000 (H.R. 4844) right 
up to the final session of the 106th Congress, when the 
House and Senate approved a $450-billion spending 
package that provided funding for Medicare, health 
research, and to hire teachers, but didnÕt include the 
provisions of the rail pension measure or aid to Amtrak.

   "It was a long shot," said UTU National Legislative 
Director James M. Brunkenhoefer, "but up until the last 
minute, we still had a 100-to-1 chance of getting this 
legislation included with the other items handled in the 
lame duck session. Despite the odds, we had enough 
support that we never stopped trying."

   The 106th Congress was one of the longest on record, 
concluding 10 weeks behind schedule on Friday, December 
15, 2000. It was the latest both chambers have worked at 
the end of a Congress since the 97th Congress adjourned 
on December 12, 1982, and a flicker of life remained in 
H.R. 4844 until the end.

   "It is important to note that we are not giving up on 
attaining these improvements to our Railroad Retirement 
System," Brunkenhoefer said. "This time, we hope the 
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) and the 
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) will 
not delay this package. It was delay that allowed a 
handful of Republican senators to use the rules to 
defeat H.R. 4844."

   The 107th Congress begins on January 3, 2001, and 
will feature a Senate split evenly between the two 
parties and a closely divided House. Just 17 days later, 
Republican George W. Bush will inherit ClintonÕs job and 
face the political reality that he will need Democratic 
cooperation to achieve anything.

   "The passage of the Railroad Retirement reform 
package remains the top priority of our UTU Legislative 
agenda," said UTU International President Charles L. 
Little. "We are already planning our cooperative efforts 
with labor and management representatives to have a new 
Railroad Retirement reform package introduced in 
Congress in January and aggressively pursue its passage. 
We look forward to President Bush signing this bill 
early next year."

   Brunkenhoefer praised the cooperative action of 
active and retired UTU members, whose calls and letters 
to lawmakers played a major role in the nearly 
successful effort to reform the rail pension system, and 
he emphasized the importance of the Transportation 
Political Education League (TPEL) in the effort.

   "Because of your efforts, your union now has more 
respect than any time in its history, from both its 
friends and its enemies," Brunkenhoefer noted. "I can 
assure you, our TPEL program did as much to get this 
legislation this far as anybodyÕs effort."

   Underscoring the intention to pursue the issue, 
Brunkenhoefer urged members who havenÕt contributed to 
TPEL to do so, and asked those who have been loyal 
supporters to consider increasing their level of 
participation. "Being strong is good; being powerful is 
better," Brunkenhoefer said. "Today we are strong; 
tomorrow we need to be more powerful."

   "We will have no time constraints in the next 
Congress," said Assistant National Legislative Director 
James A. Stem. "We have worked hard to lay the 
groundwork for passage. The overwhelming support of our 
members, the rail industry, and a large majority of 
members of both Houses of Congress for HR 4844 has kept 
momentum for this concept alive. We are eager to 
continue this struggle with our active participation in 
the Rail Labor/Management Coalition."

   H.R. 4844 had its genesis in late 1999, when UTU 
International President Charles L. Little and Assistant 
President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., in cooperation with a 
coalition representing retirees and rail labor 
organizations, along with freight rail carriers 
represented by the National Railway Labor Conference 
(NRLC), negotiated proposed amendments to the Railroad 
Retirement Act that would have significantly benefited 
railroad retirees.

   The measure would have expanded widow(er)sÕ benefits; 
liberalized vesting for all employees; delivered 
unreduced retirement benefits at age 60 with 30 years of 
service; repealed caps on Railroad Retirement benefits 
paid to employees and their spouses; and reduced the 
employer tax rate. The package also included a guarantee 
that the railroads would ensure the future solvency of 
the fund by absorbing any necessary future tax 
increases.

   Subject to enactment of the legislative changes, the 
parties also agreed to expand health benefits for 
retirees under the nationally negotiated early 
retirement medical plan.

   The legislation would have established a board to 
invest Railroad Retirement trust fund assets like other 
large pension plans to produce higher returns for the 
system and its beneficiaries.

   In January 2000, the UTU Legislative Department in 
Washington, D.C., was given the outline of the agreement 
negotiated by labor and management, along with 
guarantees from International President Little and 
Assistant President Boyd that any assistance needed to 
turn the agreement into legislation and get it passed in 
the 106th Congress would be available upon request.

   Early in the year, the BMWE and the BLE, both of 
which had been part of the negotiating process, "jumped 
ship," according to Brunkenhoefer, fomenting opposition 
to the package and creating damaging delays, which 
hindered its smooth passage through Congress.

   Ultimately, the BLE went from opposing the measure to 
supporting it. The BMWE dropped its opposition, but 
withheld its support and remained neutral.



--Status of national rail contract ..............##B

   CLEVELAND -- The National CarriersÕ Conference 
CommitteeÕs (NCCC) review of the question-and-answers 
portion of the pending national rail contract was 
continuing as this issue of the UTU News went to press.

   ÒWeÕre having serious problems negotiating the Qs and 
As over some items I thought were clear,Ó said Assistant 
President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., who heads the UTU National 
Negotiating Committee. ÒWe hope these are simply 
legitimate differences of opinion.Ó

   Until the UTU and the NCCC have reached an agreement 
on the questions and answers, a schedule for release of 
the final document to the membership for evaluation and 
ratification cannot be determined.

   The pending agreement had been distributed in October 
2000 to UTU general chairpersons representing members 
affected by the document.

   As per the provisions of the UTU ConstitutionÕs 
Article 91, each general chairperson had fifteen days to 
submit questions about the contract offer to the UTU 
National Negotiating Committee.

   In November, the UTU team had answered those 
questions according to their understanding of the 
tentative agreement, and the questions and answers were 
submitted to the NCCC for their review. The NCCC 
initially was expected to approve the questions-and-
answers portion of the document in late November.

   Once approved by both the UTU and the NCCC, the 
questions and answers become a part of the proposed 
agreement, completing the document pursuant to Article 
91 of the UTU Constitution.

   As soon as it is completed, the proposed agreement 
will be distributed to the membership for ratification.

   ÒSome have suggested the railroads may be 
renegotiating through the Q&A process,Ó Boyd said, Òor 
that they may be posing to gain political leverage as 
the economy cools and a new Republican administration 
comes into Washington, D.C.Ó

   Boyd pointed out that the proposal on the table 
represents a large economic package to  the railroads. 
ÒThe railroads may see this as an opportunity and 
environment in which to pursue their interests,Ó he 
said.

   Members are encouraged to check the UTUÕs website at 
<http://www.utu.org> for the latest development.



--UTU downplays transit zones ......................##C

   LOS ANGELES -- General Chairperson James A. Williams, 
who represents UTU workers on the Los Angeles County 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), believes 
the recently resurrected plans for a separate San 
Fernando Valley bus district amount to Òmuch ado about 
nothing.Ó

   Early last month, local officials intent on trying to 
spin off a new transit agency from the MTA heard a 
consultantÕs report that gave, at best, a cautious 
assessment of the initiative, generously terming it 
Òfeasible.Ó

   For the San Fernando Valley Transportation Zone 
Interim Joint Powers Authority, it was enough 
encouragement to revive an idea that faces strong 
opposition, and not just from UTU members.

   The pro-zone Joint Powers Authority, which had been 
set to dissolve at the end of December, voted to remain 
in existence and continue pursuing what was recently 
thought to be a dead-end project. In addition, the Joint 
Powers Authority also moved to request from the MTA and 
the Southern California Association of Governments up to 
$300,000 to proceed with additional feasibility studies.

   Those looking to create a breakaway transit zone 
claim the idea is to provide more efficient service with 
more local control.

UTU OPPOSES PLAN
   Those opposed to the plan, including the UTU, point 
out that the so-called efficiencies come primarily from 
an attempt to avoid existing labor contracts through the 
creation of a new transit agency.

   ÒApparently, those who are now grabbing headlines by 
reviving their doomed proposals for spin-off transit 
districts have a poor grasp of the economic realities 
that would greet their creation,Ó Williams noted. ÒNot 
only that, but they seem to have already forgotten about 
the outcome of our recent actions, and about our 
determination to fight for that outcome.Ó

LEGISLATION SUPPORTS LABOR
   In the wake of a 32-day strike that began last 
September 16, a new three-year UTU contract was 
ratified. In that contract, the MTA agreed that if any 
spin-off zones were created, positions in the new zones 
would be filled by UTU members, who would bring with 
them their existing contract terms.

   In addition, in an attempt to encourage UTU workers 
and their supporters to return to their jobs, California 
Gov. Gray Davis had signed legislation during the 
negotiations that most observers believed put a 
permanent end to spin-off plans.

   The legislation, S.B. 1101, sponsored by state Sen. 
Kevin Murray (D-Culver City), requires transit agencies 
to abide by all existing labor contracts if they decide 
to create smaller suburban transit zones.

   ÒEven at their most optimistic,Ó Williams said, Òthe 
Ôspin-off doctorsÕ must realize theyÕre looking at more 
than a long shot.

   ÒWhat they heard from their consultant should have 
been enough to make them understand they donÕt have much 
of a chance for success. As far as I can tell, this 
whole thing is much ado about nothing.Ó

   ÒWe are unequivocally opposed to the concept of 
transit zones,Ó UTU spokesperson Goldy Norton said, Òand 
the MTA has, in our labor contract, certain obligations 
which must be met before it can even consider an 
application.Ó



--C&W employees to get jobs back ................##D

   PUEBLO -- Train and engine service employees fired in 
October 1997 for refusing to cross a steelworkersÕ 
picket line at a Pueblo, Colo., steel mill are to be 
reinstated by a Public Law Board (PLB) decision issued 
on November 20, 2000.

   On October 3, 1997, the United Steelworkers struck 
CF&I/Oregon Steel, which owned and operated both the 
steel mill and the Colorado & Wyoming (C&W) railroad, 
which serviced the mill. The carrier threatened to fire 
anyone who refused to cross the picket line.

   UTU President C.L. Little responded to the carrier 
noting that it was the carrierÕs responsibility to 
provide a safe workplace, and that if members did not 
feel safe, UTU would defend their decision not to cross 
under the Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA).

   On October 10, 1997, the Steelworkers began picketing 
what had previously been denoted as a neutral gate, and 
UTU members, fearing for their safety, refused to cross 
the Steelworker line. The carrier fired the employees, 
and UTU progressed claims under the FRSA for their 
reinstatement and to be made whole. After much delay by 
the carrier, the matter was finally heard by the PLB in 
November 1999.

   After considering the great amount of evidence 
submitted, the PLB found that the employees did, indeed, 
have a Òreasonable fear for their safety.Ó The board 
also noted the conflicting testimony presented by the 
carrier and UTU.

   While the board did not find the testimony of the 
carrierÕs former vice president and chief operating 
officer to be credible, it did find that the statements 
of the CF&I attorneys, as well as the media reports of 
the strike violence, to be convincing of the danger 
faced by the employees.

   The PLB specifically noted news reports of the strike 
which described the situation as Òmayhem,Ó and that 
Òpolice warned that the violence must stop.Ó CF&I 
attorneys even admitted vandalism was on the rise, and 
that possible arson was suspected at an employeeÕs home.

   In responding to a union request for the list of new 
hires, CF&IÕs attorneys stated:

   ÒThis clear and present danger mitigates against 
provision of the requested information. What safeguards 
would you provide? What assurances that the list would 
not be misused? How could either of us look ourselves in 
the mirror if the list got into the wrong hands and 
injury or worse occurred?Ó

   At the time, the National Labor Relations Board had 
even issued a notice directing that the strikers cease 
and desist from, among other things, threatening to 
assault, or assaulting employees, following vehicles 
driven by CF&I employees in a reckless manner, banging, 
kicking, or throwing objects at vehicles attempting to 
enter or leave the CF&I plant, and picketing the homes 
of CF&I employees.

   The PLB found that, given the atmosphere surrounding 
this strike, it was clear that the employees had a 
reasonable fear for their safety.



--"Angels on Track" arises from son's death ........##E

   CANAL FULTON, Ohio -- When Vicky MooreÕs son, Ryan, 
and two other teenagers were killed by a Conrail train 
at an Ohio grade crossing in 1995, she blamed anyone 
associated with the railroad industry.

   When she learned that five other lives had been lost 
at that same crossing in the 20 years preceding her 
sonÕs accident Ð a crossing with no warning lights or 
gates Ð her pain turned to anger.

   A jury ordered Conrail to pay Moore and her husband, 
Dennis, $9 million, but that did nothing to ease the 
daily anguish that was brought on by everyday 
occurrences. Such as passing the local high school that 
Ryan attended, or seeing his favorite foods in the 
grocery store.

   The Moores decided to use the money, and their pent-
up emotions, to fight the menace which had taken their 
child. They established ÒAngels on Track,Ó a non-profit 
foundation to assist local governments in paying for 
lights and gates at railroad grade crossings.

   After paying attorneysÕ fees and medical bills for 
their son Jason, who was also in the car the day Ryan 
was killed, the Moores used the remaining $5.4 million 
to fund Angels on Track.

   The money still sits in the bank today, having grown 
to $6 million with interest and donations. But the 
Moores have found that spending it on grade crossing 
improvements is not as easy as they had hoped.

   As with many things in life, the Moores have found 
that there is a sea of government bureaucracy to wade 
through before a simple solution to a problem can be 
found. And for a community looking to have gates and 
lights installed at a grade crossing, things are no 
different.

   In their effort to have their local crossing gated, 
the Moores learned it wasnÕt up to the community. It was 
up to the Federal Railroad Administration. And the 
Federal Highway Administration. And the Public Utilities 
Commission of Ohio (PUCO). And of course, the railroad. 
And the list went on and on.

   Protected by interstate commerce laws and their Òwe-
were-here-firstÓ legal clout, railroads generally have 
the right of way. Communities canÕt even decide on their 
own safety devices.

   In her search for assistance in establishing County 
Railroad Safety Task Forces to identify and prioritize 
dangerous crossing, Mrs. Moore came to the United 
Transportation Union for help.

   ÒWhen my son was killed, I hated anyone that had 
anything to do with the railroad industry,Ó she said. 
ÒSince then, I realized not only is my family and my son 
a victim, but so are employees. I believe the employees 
are only doing their job. The rail industry cares no 
more about their safety than they do about the public.Ó

   In its efforts to identify dangerous crossings, the 
UTU and two other railroad unions spearheaded a national 
campaign in 1999 to identify unsafe crossings from 
information supplied by their members. The UTU also 
supports the efforts of Operation Lifesaver, a national 
organization that informs the public about safety around 
railroad tracks.

   Mrs. Moore said that, since her son was killed, she 
has spoken with many railroad engineers and conductors 
on a regular basis, and now knows where the blame lies 
for dangerous crossings.

   ÒMy foundation isnÕt out to point a finger of blame 
at anyone but the railroad industry. I didnÕt think the 
UTU would even talk to me. I thought theyÕd think we 
were trying to take away their jobs,Ó Mrs. Moore said. 
ÒBut when I [talked to the UTU], I felt so good. We have 
a mutual interest in grade crossing safety.Ó

   UTU state legislative directors or local legislative 
representatives interested in assisting the foundation 
in eliminating hazardous crossings are encouraged to 
contact Angels on Track.

   Since Angels on Track was started, the foundation has 
approved reimbursement grants for grade crossing 
installations or improvements at five locations in three 
Ohio counties.

   In Ohio, community task forces, with the backing of 
county commissioners and other elected officials, can 
press PUCO to order the installation of lights and 
gates. In such cases, the railroads usually put up 10% 
of the cost, with PUCO picking up about 75%, and the 
local community paying the remainder.

   Angels on Track will award reimbursement grants to 
local highway authorities for railroad grade crossing 
upgrades representing up to 30% of the public share 
under state funded programs, not to exceed $40,000.

   Currently, Angels on Track only operates in Ohio, but 
Mrs. Moore said she is now the chairperson of the 
National Railroad Safety Coalition Foundation, an effort 
to obtain funding for grade crossing improvements in 
other states.

   Mrs. Moore said a requirement for grant funding is 
the establishment of an active County Railroad Safety 
Task Force to identify and prioritize dangerous 
crossings and to ensure utilization of funding from all 
available sources.

   For more information, or to contribute to Angels on 
Track, write to: The Angels on Track Foundation, 12376 
Chestnut St. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614, or visit the 
website at www.info@angelsontrack.org.



--CN workers okay pact ..........................##F

   TROY, Mich. -- About 450 UTU-represented conductors, 
yardmen and brakemen employed on Canadian NationalÕs 
Michigan Zone (the former Grand Trunk Western Railway) 
have ratified a new three-year contract with the carrier 
that is retroactive to 1998.

   The conductors approved the package by a vote of 135 
to 44; the yardmen and brakemen also approved the deal 
by substantial margins.

   The new contract eliminates pay discrepancies for 
employees hired after 1985, provides for weekly 
guarantees, and improves insurance coverages. The pact 
also provides for participation in a quality-of-life 
labor/management committee which will examine 
availability, rest days, assigned days off and similar 
issues.



--Bus companies drag feet ..........................##G

   CLEVELAND -- UTU Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis 
reports that contract negotiations with Cimarron and 
Renzenberger are continuing, but both companies are 
dragging their feet over economic issues.

   ÒWhile there has been a lot of progress with Cimarron 
on non-economic issues, the company continues to cry 
poor mouth,Ó McNelis said. ÒWe should be getting more 
into economic issues at our next meeting.Ó

   With Renzenberger, McNelis said that Òtime is running 
out.Ó If they do not try to provide a better economic 
package, the UTU will have to consider alternatives to 
the negotiating process, McNelis said. Negotiations with 
Alex Transportation also are ongoing.



--New alcohol, drug testing rules set ...........##H

   WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of 
Transportation has revised its drug and alcohol testing 
rules, making the testing process easier to carry out 
and providing additional safeguards for some 8.5 million 
transportation employees.

   The new rules mandate that, to ensure fairness to 
employees, a medical review officer -- who is a 
physician -- will review the test results when a 
laboratory indicates that an employeeÕs specimen may 
have been adulterated or substituted.

   Any employee will also be able to obtain, at a 
different certified laboratory, a test of his or her 
split specimen -- so called because specimens are split 
into two separate containers to allow for retesting -- 
to make sure that the original laboratory did not make 
an error.



--Molitoris gets new post ..........................##I

   BOCA RATON, FLA. -- GeoFocus, a provider of 
positioning technology to the worldÕs transportation 
markets, has named Jolene Molitoris as its new chief 
executive officer and president. Molitoris was formerly 
administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. 
She joined the company on Jan. 2, 2001.



AROUND THE UTU
--News from around the U.S. and Canada ..........##J

LOCAL 60, NEWARK, N.J.
   Railmen for Children, a group of NJ Transit employees 
including members of the local, last month staged a 
Santa Express for 400 special-needs students, giving 
them an opportunity to ride the rails with Santa Claus 
(played by conductors Mike Phalon and Carmen Foti), 
enjoy a special lunch and go home with presents, said 
Local Chairperson (rail) Donald Bogen. Jim Tufano, 
president of the organization, said the $15,000 for the 
event came from a golf tournament last September, 
proceeds from vending machines, and donations  from a 
wishing well. Deserving special thanks is the groupÕs 
treasurer, Terry Aretz, whose time and effort was key to 
the eventÕs success.

LOCAL 84, LOS ANGELES, CAL.
   Members working for Amtrak recently donated $300 to 
aid fellow Amtrak employees in South Boston who lost 
their homes in a fire that left more than 120 people 
homeless. Donations can be sent to: Amtrak Employees 
Fire Victims Relief Fund, c/o Mt. Washington Bank, 430 
W. Broadway, S. Boston, MA 02127. For information, call 
(617) 293-9049.

LOCAL 168, CHICAGO, ILL.
   The annual holiday dinner, hosted by Designated Legal 
Counsel Robert Harrington, brought overdue recognition 
to Past Local Chairperson Mike McKenna, Past Local 
President Edward Dace, Jr., and Tom Guingrich, who 
continues to serve as the localÕs chaplain. According to 
Treasurer Lee T.G. Channing, special thanks for making 
the event a success go to Morris Vanderhack and Local 
President Tim Harrigan.

LOCAL 313, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
   Those involved in the preservation effort surrounding 
the SS City of Milwaukee, one of the last railcar 
ferries to work the Great Lakes, are exploring long-term 
mooring locations, according to George P. Micka IV. The 
group received nearly $90,000 worth of grants and 
donations in 2000 to create a museum commemorating the 
unique cooperative effort of the rail and maritime 
industries. A website at <http://www.carferry.com/> 
offers a look at the ship. For information, contact 
Micka at (231) 755-8755, or send him e-mail at 
<sscitymilw@aol.com>.

LOCAL 324, SEATTLE, WASH.
   Congratulations go to new Local Chairperson Ken 
Wiley, who recently won the hostler committee election, 
and thanks go to Diane Herzer, whose candidacy gave 
members a choice, according to Steve Snyder. Formerly a 
rail (BNSF) and bus (Evergreen Trails) local, the bus 
members have now been granted their own local committee 
of adjustment (Local 161), representing nearly 70 full-
time and about 110 part-time employees.

LOCAL 469, MADISON, ILL.
   Despite a snow storm, the Christmas party on December 
13 was a booming success, said Secretary and Treasurer 
John I. Payer. Fifty door prizes were distributed, 
including a 25-inch TV, hunting and camping gear, and 
numerous 20-lb. hams. In attendance were Nebraska State 
Legislative Director Ray Lineweber, Field Supervisor Sam 
Hale, as well as members of Local 1405 and Local 1388 
(both St. Louis, Mo.), Local 1229 (E. St. Louis, Ill.), 
Local 1534 (Chicago, Ill.) and Local 1517 (Cincinnati, 
Ohio). Sponsors of the event, Designated Legal Counsel 
Lance Callis and the Midwest Railroaders, will also 
sponsor the upcoming annual Super Bowl Sunday Poker 
Tournament, to be held at the Croatian Hall in Madison, 
Ill., on January 28, 2001. All UTU members are invited 
to participate, with the proceeds to support the charity 
efforts of the Four Square Church in Granite City, Ill. 
For information, contact Payer at (618) 344-4519 or 
(618) 452-0775.

LOCAL 631, BRUNSWICK, MD.
   Members recently voted to donate the proceeds  of the 
first Bob Durham Golf Classic to the Transportation 
Political Education League (TPEL). Hosted with 
Designated Legal Counsel Albertini & Darby, the 
tournament, named in honor of a late former secretary 
and treasurer, who passed away in 1998, is to be an 
annual event. Local Chairperson (road) Thomas A. George, 
who co-chaired the event with Local Vice President Henry 
Ingram, said 64 participants made the day a great 
success.

LOCAL 706, ROANOKE, VA.
   Members are mourning the loss of member John W. 
Dickerson, a retired yardman who worked for the Norfolk 
& Western for 39 years. Brother Dickerson served as 
secretary and treasurer of former Local 629 for many 
years, and is survived by his wife, a daughter and a 
son.

LOCAL 771, NEEDLES, CAL.
   To give everyone a chance to attend, members held 
their annual Christmas party at the ElkÕs Lodge in 
Needles, Cal., on both Saturday and Sunday, December 3 
and 4, with a dance on Saturday, according to Douglas R. 
Gordon. The event was sponsored by UTU Auxiliary Lodge 
771 (Needles, Cal.). Turkey and ham dinners were served, 
and Santa Claus met with the children each evening.

LOCAL 982, ROCHESTER/SYRACUSE, N.Y.
   The local is putting a website together to serve both 
of its locations, said Local Chairperson Dave M. Murphy. 
Those with e-mail will be able to receive union news and 
updates on an immediate basis, while the website itself 
will serve as an information resource available 24 hours 
a day.

LOCAL 1462, BOSTON, MASS.
   Secretary & Treasurer David M. Bowe, noting he is 
fortunate to receive a copy of the weekly bids and 
awards from Amtrak Crew Management, is offering to send 
a copy to any trainman with an e-mail address. Send e-
mail to Brother Bowe at <UTU1462@aol.com>. Meanwhile, 
President E.B. Radovich said the Fourth Annual North-
vs.-South Hockey Game again raised funds to help fellow 
employees battling leukemia and cancer.

LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, BC
   The Council of Trade Unions (including UTU Locals 
1778 and 1923) and BC Rail reached a tentative contract 
on December 15, just 15 days before the existing 
agreement was set to expire. Highlights of the tentative 
two-year pact, which was set to be presented to the 
membership just after Christmas, include a 2.5% wage 
increase each year, a raise in weekly indemnity rates 
and job security travel allowances, and contracting-out 
language similar to that employed by the Teamsters, said  
Secretary and Treasurer David Moorhouse.



MEMBERSHIP IN ACTION
--Member's efforts build community .................##K

   When some contemplate retirement, they imagine 
cutting back on activities and relaxing. But Lemuel 
Campbell, who began railroading in 1966 and will retire 
in July, knows old habits die hard.

   ÒI think IÕll start coaching track again,Ó said 
Campbell, a member of Local 1031, Savannah, Ga., whose 
efforts shape the community.

   Campbell said he never intended to be active in 
community afffairs. ÒI got involved by accident after my 
wife, Beatrice, and I had kids,Ó said the father of a 
son and a daughter and grandfather of six. ÒWhen my son 
began baseball, I started helping out with the team 
because the coach was coming late.Ó

   His CSX yard jobÕs hours allowed his involvement to 
grow until, 26 years later in 1999, he was inducted into 
the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame due to his 
contributions to youth baseball, football, basketball 
and softball organizations.

   Campbell worked with the Police Athletic League, 
helped establish the Savannah Parochial Athletic League, 
and served as Sacred Heart Catholic SchoolÕs athletic 
director and track and field coach from 1971 to 1995.

   The Army veteran, who served in Korea, also chipped 
away at his education, receiving a B.S. in Art Education 
from Savannah State College in 1974.

   Chairperson of his CSX Terminal Safety Committee, he 
was the subject of a special city proclamation in 1993, 
received the Southeast District Sports Festival 
Community Hero Award in 1996, and served a mayoral 
appointment on the Savannah Recreation Commission from 
1996 until 2000.

   Work with a number of church-related activities led 
to his recent receipt of the Savannah State University 
Alumni Association Distinguished Community Service 
Award.

   ÒI look back at it and wonder how I do all this 
stuff,Ó said Campbell, who pursues hobbies that include 
photography, gardening and art.



STATE WATCH
--News from UTU State Legislative Boards ........##L

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
   On November 27, the District of Columbia Legislative 
Board and UTU Local 1470 at Edmonston, Md., held a 
ÒThank You Rail LaborÓ cookout at Union Station in 
Washington, D.C.

   More than 600 hot dogs and soft drinks were served to 
railroaders of every craft and union said District of 
Columbia Legislative Director Steve Fritter.

   UTU Local 1470 Legislative Representative L.M. 
Tkachenko remarked that Òthis was an opportunity to 
demonstrate, in a practical way, the ÔPower of One.ÕÓ

   Added Local 1933 Secretary and Treasurer J.E. Boone, 
Sr., ÒWhen rail labor unites to focus on legislative 
issues like H.R. 4844, we are bound to be successful.Ó

   UTU Local 1470 Trustee Tom Schreiber served as Òour 
master chef,Ó Fritter said.


ILLINOIS
   A UTU initiative is bringing state legislators, civil 
servants and the rail industry together with rail unions 
to design legislation that will ensure safer ground 
transportation for the stateÕs train crews, reported 
Legislative Director Joe Szabo.

   Szabo said that, at the request of the UTU, 
preliminary discussions already have taken place with 
State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), who chairs the 
House Transportation Committee, and with Secretary of 
State Jesse White, whose office administers the state 
motor-vehicle laws, to explore language that would be 
used in a bill to regulate rail crew-van safety.

   ÒIf these meetings are successful Ð and I believe 
they will be Ð the problem of unsafe crew vans will be 
solved in the state of Illinois,Ó Szabo said. 

   ÒWeÕve got to have some clear standards to protect 
our people when they are being shuttled between their 
work assignments and their lodging at a layover point,Ó 
Szabo said. ÒThe UTU and the BLE continue to hear 
complaints from their members that they are being 
transported in railroad-supplied vans that are poorly 
maintained and staffed by drivers who appear 
inadequately trained and often inadequately rested.Ó 

   Legislation to regulate crew vans could be ready for 
introduction into the General Assembly sometime in the 
spring.

   In other news, Szabo chose not to seek re-election to 
his position as mayor of Riverdale, Ill., in order to 
focus on his work as a UTU officer.

   Szabo said his work as a union political officer 
increasingly requires him to be in Washington, D.C., and 
in Springfield when the Illinois General Assembly is in 
session.

   ÒItÕs not fair to my constituents in Riverdale to be 
away from the village so much,Ó he said. ÒThey deserve a 
mayor who will be in town.Ó


NEW JERSEY
   Newly elected Senator Jon Corzine (D-N.J.), endorsed 
by the UTU in the recent general election, was recently 
joined by Legislative Director Dan OÕConnell and 
Assistant Legislative Director Michael Bienick (419) at 
a meeting where a pair of photographs were taken to mark 
the senator's win.

   The photographs, which appear in the print edition of 
this month's UTU NEWS, pictured OÕConnell, Bienick, 
retired Assistant Director Walter Butkowsky (1390), 
retired Vice Chairperson Thomas ÒFatherÓ Devine (1390), 
and UTU Designated Legal Counsel Joseph Altier.

   At a recent meeting, Butkowsky and Devine were 
presented with certificates of appreciation for their 
years of service to the New Jersey Legislative Board.

   OÕConnell pointed out that Corzine ran the most 
expensive campaign ever for a U.S. Senate, but did so 
almost entirely with his own money.


NORTH DAKOTA
   The North Dakota Department of Labor recently ruled 
that railroad workers are entitled to overtime pay for 
time worked over and above 40 hours in one week, 
reported Legislative Director John Risch.

   The ruling was the result of an inquiry by the UTUÕs 
legislative board over the Red River Valley & Western 
RailroadÕs practice of paying overtime wages only after 
44 hours of work in one week.

   In a letter to Risch, the Department of Labor wrote 
that Òit is our opinion that state law is not pre-empted 
in this case. We will consequently accept for 
investigation any claims for unpaid overtime brought 
against Red River Valley & Western Railroad Company 
relating to its current overtime policy.Ó

   At issue was whether a North Dakota law requiring the 
payment of overtime wages for all hours worked in excess 
of 40 in any work week was pre-empted by provisions of 
the Federal Railway Labor Act and provisions of a 
collective bargaining agreement between a company and 
its employees.

   The letter went on to state that Òany such claims 
would need to be filed with the department by employees 
or former employees on an individual basis according to 
the departmentÕs guidelines for filing claims for unpaid 
wages.Ó

   Risch said the department could be reached at the 
toll-free telephone number 1-800-582-8032. The 
departmentÕs website can be found at <www.nd.us/labor>.



BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"Working togther for the good of all" ............##M
   Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
   Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.

   We are entering another year and we will be facing 
many challenges again. However, I know that our members 
and representatives on our general and local committees 
are up to the task of handling those challenges, 
wherever they may come from. We can do so if we work 
together for the common good of all of our sisters and 
brothers.

   We are in the planning stages for our Regional 
Meetings, which will be in June and July of this year. 
Some ideas for workshops that we are considering at this 
time are: contract negotiations, unfair labor practices 
and the National Labor Relations Board, cross 
examinations and other arbitration-related matters, and 
internal organizing. If any bus, airline or transit 
member has a suggestion for a workshop, please let me 
know as soon as possible.

   Once again, I am urging all of our bus, airline and 
transit locals to submit to the International news of 
your local that we can share with all of our members. 
What is happening in your local? Has a member received a 
safety award? Is a member involved in a special 
community service project? We need your general news and 
photos of interest, not only for our bus, airline and 
transit members, but for all UTU members. Send it by 
mail to the UTU News or via e-mail to utunews@utu.org.

   I am also interested in receiving your guest columns 
which we can use in this space or elsewhere in the 
paper. Is there an issue about which you have a real 
concern, or a subject matter which you would like to 
share with the membership? Please submit those to us for 
review and possible printing in the UTU News.

   In unity there is strength.



YARDMASTER REPORT
--"Meeting challenge of the new year" ...........##N
   Editorial by Don R. Carver
   Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.

   Meeting the challenges and reaching for the 
possibilities should be our goals for the new year.

   UTU officers and members working together in unity 
will produce the strength and motivation to meet the 
challenges and reach for the possibilities in enhancing 
the quality of life, wages and benefits for the 
membership.

   Our Yardmaster Department members employed on 
numerous carriers will be receiving ratification ballots 
this year.

   Yardmaster committees are in contract negotiations on 
Amtrak, Buffalo & Pittsburgh, Conrail (Shared Assets), 
CSX Transportation, Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range, 
Illinois Central, New Orleans Public and Wheeling & Lake 
Erie.

   The presidential election has taught us a lesson on 
the value of each personÕs input and expression of his 
or her desires.

   Millions and millions of Americans went to the polls 
and voted. Millions voted, but not all.

   A majority of Americans expressed their desires, but 
five Supreme Court justices chose the next president.

   Yardmaster Department members who are contemplating 
either retirement or application for disability should 
call the Yardmaster Department at least two months prior 
to notifying their employer or the Railroad Retirement 
Board.

   Important benefits may be lost if the application is 
not handled properly.



EDITORIALS
--A new era begins .................................##O

   With great fanfare, Amtrak has begun offering high-
speed rail service on the Northeast Corridor via the 
Acela Express.

   A lot of AmtrakÕs hopes are riding on the Acela, 
which was launched a year and a half late because of an 
ambitious development schedule that encountered various 
technical glitches. Amtrak looks to the service to 
provide both money and momentum heading into 2002, when 
Congress says it will stop subsidizing the company.

   Amtrak President George Warrington has made it clear 
he intends Acela to succeed, thus providing impetus for 
profitable high-speed routes nationwide.

   With airports snarled by Òwinglock,Ó and gridlocked 
highways crumbling faster than they can be repaired, 
AmtrakÕs vision of a new era of rail travel appears to 
have everything going for it Ð except the funding. With 
AcelaÕs success, it is hoped our lawmakers will finally 
realize their shortsightedness in failing to invest in 
this mode of transportation.

   Meanwhile, UTU members working on Amtrak can be 
counted on to do everything possible to ensure the 
success of the Acela Express so that it serves as a 
viable model for the modern passenger rail service the 
nation deserves.



--Route to nowhere ..............................##P

   Some who failed to learn from recent history 
apparently like failure.

   A case in point is the San Fernando Valley 
Transportation Zone Interim Joint Powers Authority, 
which still thinks itÕs a good idea to spin off a new 
transit zone from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority (MTA). Their hope is to realize 
more ÒefficientÓ service by avoiding existing labor 
contracts. Their idea is doomed.

   Despite the candid advice of its own consultant, the 
group still hasnÕt figured out that itÕs spinning its 
wheels. As a service to the group, here are some 
reminders as to why it should spend its time and energy 
elsewhere:

   California Gov. Gray Davis recently signed 
legislation requiring smaller transit zones cobbled from 
existing agencies to abide by all existing labor 
contracts; and the MTA agreed in the recently ratified 
UTU contract, forged during a 32-day strike, that if 
such zones are created, positions will be filled by UTU 
members who will bring with them their existing contract 
terms.



--"Goals remain the same" ..........................##Q
   Editorial by Charles L. Little
   UTU International President

   It now appears that George W. Bush will serve the 
next four years as president of the United States.

   If history is any guide, this change in the political 
climate will have an impact on the UTU.

   Regardless of shortcomings attributed during the past 
eight years to the Clinton Administration, the 
undeniable fact remains that America has enjoyed the 
fruits of the greatest and most prolonged economic boom 
in its history.

   As businesses prospered, so did many of those who 
worked in those flourishing industries.

   Railroads represented by the National Railway Labor 
Conference (NRLC) appeared ready to share their good 
fortune with their workers when they reached an historic 
agreement with rail labor to dramatically improve the 
Railroad Retirement System.

   Among other things, the initiative would have 
expanded surviving-spouse benefits, brought eligibility 
for unreduced retirement benefits at age 60 with 30 
years of service, established five-year vesting, and 
repealed caps on benefits for long-term employees while 
delivering a health insurance plan at age 60.

   As a testament to the prevailing political and 
economic climate, the railroads even stood ready to 
guarantee the continuing solvency of the system, 
assuring workers that they, too, would have something to 
show from the nationÕs economic prosperity.

   Tantalizingly close to reaping these gains, with one 
final hurdle to cross, a power play in Congress 
destroyed our best chance in more than a generation to 
improve our pension program, and took away our piece of 
the pie.

   The Republican influence on that initiative may have 
been a harbinger of things to come. With a split Senate, 
a Republican-controlled House of Representatives, and a 
Republican taking up residence in the White House, U.S. 
business interests, including railroads, are trimming 
their sails, making adjustments for an anticipated 
change in the economic tide.

   Maybe itÕs just a coincidence that the progress we 
were making on our national rail contract has suddenly 
bottlenecked.

   According to the UTU National Negotiating Committee, 
now pursuing the questions-and-answers phase of 
negotiations, serious problems over items that were 
previously thought to be clearly understood have 
surfaced.

   While we may simply have run into some legitimate 
differences of opinion, some have suggested the 
railroads may be renegotiating through the question-and-
answer process. 

   Worse yet, they may be posing to gain political 
leverage through a Republican administration that 
expects to preside over a changing and cooling economy.

   While our rate of negotiating progress may have 
changed, and the political and economic climate may have 
changed, all parties should note this fact: The UTUÕs 
goals and determination remain unchanged.



--"Rail managers hear what they want" ...........##R

   My home seniority district is in Houston Tex., on the 
former Southern Pacific. In 1997, this terminal melted 
down and almost took the entire North American railroad 
system with it. Trains were stacked up from Jacksonville 
to Los Angeles and Chicago to Mexico City. The reason 
for this meltdown wasnÕt only the UP/SP merger and the 
events of summer 1997. You can trace HoustonÕs problems 
back for decades.

   I remember when we had nine different terminal 
superintendents in an 11-year period. Management kept 
sending new faces to solve HoustonÕs problems. When they 
could not solve them, they brought in another new face. 
Every new face told management the same thing, that 
Houston needed more infrastructure, more track, more 
facilities and more advanced signaling. Every time 
management heard that, they brought in a new guy. The 
terminal superintendents who told management that they 
didnÕt need anything, and could actually make some cuts, 
got to stick around and probably received a raise. This 
continued until the whole system collapsed.

   IÕve seen a very similar circumstance here in 
Washington, D.C. Ever since the 1994 elections, the best 
way to get elected was to be against Washington. Every 
two years, we get a bunch of bright new faces that are 
against Washington. Just like the terminal 
superintendents in Houston, they think they will clean 
it up and report back to the management and the voters 
about the good job they are doing. They are going to 
tell you that you can have new and better government by 
taking out signals, pulling out track and getting rid of 
overtime. We have to be smarter than railroad management 
and recognize what is going on. If we donÕt, we will 
face a meltdown much more serious than the Houston 
terminal.

   One of the cute tricks that these politicians use to 
get elected is what I call Òconviction by allegation.Ó 
You donÕt just attack and discredit your opponentÕs 
ideas; you attempt to destroy them personally. Year 
after year, politicians here make wild allegations about 
the other party, their principles and their candidates. 
The news media blares the allegations on the evening 
news and on the front pages. What the accusers have 
learned is that the public never holds them responsible 
when the allegations are found to be either 
exaggerations or untrue. They are successful at 
conviction by allegation without evidence, proof or 
trial.

   The first seeds of the bitter harvest were sown 
during ReaganÕs first presidential campaign. Future 
speaker Newt Gingrich made it a science. Not only did 
the attacks last through the election, they continued 
past Election Day. Winning candidates were attacked 
before they were even sworn in. It appears that once 
again America is being lead by some politicians who 
believe that you can say anything about your opponent 
and you will not be held responsible for what you say.

   These are the types of people who have been such a 
deterrent to our goal of improving Railroad Retirement. 
They think that the money in the Railroad Retirement 
trust fund is theirs, to offset a tax cut for the very 
rich. They donÕt think that the money is being held in 
trust by the federal treasury to give more benefits to 
the widows and earlier retirement to you. You see, 
broad-based tax cuts that help the rich are much more 
popular in 30-second ads to the electorate than targeted 
tax cuts for those who really need them.

   As you can tell, I am not very optimistic that this 
Congress will look the voters in the eye and tell them 
the truth anymore than those former terminal 
superintendents did in Houston. I am very concerned that 
if we, their managers, donÕt start holding these 
politicians accountable for their actions, we may some 
day be suffering through a national meltdown that is 
much more serious than what happened in Houston in the 
summer of 1997.



--Voices: Members share their opinions .............##S

   The UTU NEWS regularly contacts members at random to 
report their thoughts on a question of interest to the 
general membership.

   This month's question: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT 
THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION?

   ÒIÕve been a railroader for 11 years and work for 
Alaska Railroad as a conductor. IÕm just glad this 
confusing situation happened in America, because 
anywhere else there would be fighting in the streets. 
For all its faults, at least the American system will 
result in a peaceful transition of power. IÕm 
disappointed with the way itÕs working out, but I canÕt 
see how people can say they were robbed just because 
their candidate isnÕt elected. I hate to say itÕs 
preordained, but in the long term, I think God actually 
chooses who will win, and He will grant the winner the 
wisdom and courage to do the right things. The winner 
will have my support and prayers.Ò
   -- Mark Bear, L-1626, Anchorage, Ak.


   ÒI work for Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific as a 
conductor, with 27 years of rail experience, and I voted 
through an absentee ballot. IÕm a Gore supporter, and 
right off the bat, I think the Bush people did 
everything they could to discredit the voting process to 
rob Gore. It looks bad. The whole thing stinks. At the 
least, I think we should have a national standard for 
ballots. I think weÕll be able to fix whatever went 
wrong in this election, so it hasnÕt soured me on the 
democratic process. But apparently, itÕs not about 
fairness, itÕs about winning. UTU members should make 
sure they vote, because this shows that every vote 
counts.Ó
   -- Ron Bodell, L-1067, Virginia, Minn.


   ÒIÕve been on the rails for 21 years. IÕm a conductor 
with Norfolk Southern, and I try to vote regularly. I 
donÕt understand how they can have so many different 
ways of casting a vote. You would think in this day and 
age theyÕd have something a little more uniform and 
standardized that wouldnÕt leave so much room for 
questions and confusion. I also donÕt understand why 
they would recount just part of the vote. Maybe they 
should have recounted all the votes in Florida. To tell 
you the truth, IÕve never understood how the Electoral 
College worked. IÕm confused about a whole lot of this. 
But, by all means, UTU members should continue to vote.Ó
   -- Stephen Buroughs, L-363, Roanoke, Va.


   ÒJune will mark 25 years that IÕve been on the 
railroad. IÕm a conductor working for Union Pacific on 
the former Chicago & North Western. I think the U.S. is 
at a crossroads, with so many groups clashing over 
whatÕs best for America. It now seems that the labor 
organizations are really the minority. I think people 
screwed up when they voted for a third-party candidate. 
With so many splinter groups casting votes, it makes an 
election agonizingly close. ThatÕs what we are seeing 
now, the result of a very divided and opinionated 
population. The bottom line may be that neither Gore nor 
Bush was a strong enough candidate to sway the post-
sitters to their side.Ó
   -- Chris Roed, L-650, Minneapolis, Minn.



FEATURE
--Behind-the-scenes look at H.R. 4844 ...........##T
      by James M. Brunkenhoefer
   UTU National Legislative Director

   After ten months of hard work by a coalition of 13 
labor unions and retiree organizations, a handful of 
conservative Republicans, primarily Senators Phil Gramm 
(R-Tex.), Don Nickles (R-Okla.) and Pete Domenici (R-
N.M.), ignored the pleas of Senator Larry Craig (R-
Idaho) and others and killed the Railroad Retirement and 
Survivors' Act for this session.

   Although 83 senators, including 37 Republicans, 
signed letters of support for the act, in the end, the 
Republican Caucus chose to disregard the needs of 
hundreds of thousands of railroad employees and widows 
and stood with their party leaders to defeat the 
legislation.

   Here is the story of H.R. 4844, as recounted by UTU 
National Legislative Director James M. Brunkenhoefer:

-------------------

   On January 13, 2000, our office in Washington, D.C., 
was contacted about an agreement between rail labor and 
management on improvements to the Railroad Retirement 
system that had been negotiated by UTUInternational 
President Charles Little, UTU Assistant President Byron 
Boyd and other union leaders. It was a bold initiative 
that would benefit surviving spouses and current rail 
employees, while putting nothing at risk.

   President Little and Assistant President Boyd 
promised the Legislative Department any support needed, 
and both personally intervened at critical points in the 
process, never wavering in their commitment.

   Since the legislation had the support of labor and 
management, we expected passage would be a day at the 
beach. It was -- except that beach was more like Iwo 
Jima.

TWO UNIONS JUMP SHIP
   Early on, two of the unions that had been part of the 
negotiating process jumped ship.

   Hoping that UTU members would reject the effort, the 
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) 
decided to hold a series of meetings across the country 
to persuade members of all crafts to reject the package. 
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) assisted 
by using their website to promote the meetings. Although 
their efforts were fruitless in gaining votes, they were 
successful in causing delays and planting seeds of doubt 
that later would be used by the Senate right-wing 
extremists like Gramm, Domenici and Nickles. Their 
efforts appeared to be focused more on casting doubt on 
the security, administration, and the constitutionality 
of the legislation than on securing gains for rail 
workers, retirees and widows.

   Over the course of the year, BLE doctrine changed 
from flat-out opposition to ÒunopposedÓ to Òsupport.Ó 
However, some of their state chairmen wrote letters of 
opposition to lawmakers, and their Vice President and 
National Legislative Director Leroy Jones spoke out 
against the bill to the AFL-CIO, planting more seeds of 
doubt.

   With the negotiation of principles completed, the 
plan was presented to the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee leadership: Chairman Bud 
Shuster (R-Pa.) and ranking member James Oberstar (D-
Minn.) and their staffs. Cong. Shuster readily agreed to 
be our lead sponsor in the House, but Cong. Oberstar 
felt it necessary to see if he could do something for 
the two unions who, at the time, did not support the 
package. The BLE expressed some interest in OberstarÕs 
efforts, but the BMWE outright rejected his offer, 
indicating it was either going to be their way or no 
way.

   Finally, Cong. Oberstar joined with Cong. Shuster in 
fully supporting the legislation. In addition, Cong. 
Rahall (D-W.V.) and Cong. Petri (R-Wisc.) joined the 
effort, becoming the ÒBig FourÓ of the Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee. The Big Four and their 
staffs then began negotiations with the Democratic and 
Republican staffs of the Ways and Means Committee, 
chaired by Bill Archer (R-Tex.).

   Numerous changes were made in the draft legislation 
to get the support of Cong. ArcherÕs staff. After 
getting an agreement with the parties in the House, we 
attempted to negotiate with the Senate Finance Committee 
and the Senate Labor Committee, which proved difficult. 
Rather than waste valuable time struggling with the 
Senate committees, it was suggested we go back and move 
the bill out of the House first.

   The principles of our agreement with the railroads 
were incorporated into H.R. 4844, which was introduced 
into the House on July 13, 2000. Shortly afterward, it 
was voted out of the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee by a 62-to-1 vote. The BMWE 
brought numerous officers to Washington to defeat the 
package, but were unable to secure more than one vote.

   The next step was a vote before the House Ways and 
Means Committee, which was scheduled and then postponed.

   The agreement was the result of long and detailed 
negotiations, and changes to the bill would likely 
change the terms of the agreement. More importantly, any 
amendments in the House would open the door for 
amendments in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Trent 
Lott had notified the coalition he was aware of the 
intent in the Senate to offer amendments he didnÕt 
support, and if they were attached to H.R. 4844, he 
would not move it and the bill would be dead.

ANOTHER ROADBLOCK
   We were soon confronted by another roadblock. It is 
our understanding that Cong. Hulshof (R-Mo.), 
representing a district with numerous barge lines, 
approached Chairman Archer and asked to amend H.R. 4844 
to include a repeal of a 4.3-cent-per-gallon tax on 
liquid fuel used by both the barge industry and the 
railroads.

   When the railroads learned about the amendment, they 
chose not to inform rail labor. Had they done so, we 
could have successfully gone to the Democrats on the 
committee and blocked HulshofÕs efforts.

   Making matters worse, Archer withheld this 
information from Shuster and his staff.

   On the day of the House Ways and Means Committee 
vote, Cong. Hulshof successfully added his amendment to 
H.R. 4844. Rail labor recognized it as a ÒkillerÓ 
amendment, and was surprised to learn the railroads knew 
it was coming. Some wanted to have a major fight with 
rail management, but we would have killed our own bill.

   Rail labor immediately attempted to contact Cong. 
HulshofÕs office, but was told he was too busy to meet 
with us.

   Applying tremendous pressure, we got the railroads to 
release a letter stating they did not support the repeal 
of the 4.3-cent tax as an amendment of H.R. 4844. Others 
in rail labor were still trying to kill the bill by 
delay.

   Were it not for delays before the Ways and Means 
Committee mark-up and vote, we would have been able to 
straighten out this problem and move to the Senate 
before the  August recess. Still, House Speaker Hastert 
committed to move on the legislation  immediately after 
the Labor Day recess, and he honored his commitment.

   Congress returned September 5. On September 7, Cong. 
Shuster went to the House floor, and to everyoneÕs 
surprise, got a unanimous consent suspension of the 
rules. H.R. 4844 passed the House by 391 to 25, without 
the Hulshof amendment. When passed by the House, H.R. 
4844 had 306 cosponsors.

   The day before the House vote, the Congressional 
Budget Office (CBO) ÒscoredÓ H.R. 4844 as a $15-billion 
cost to the government, considering the transfer of Tier 
II funds from government bonds into stocks as 
Òspending,Ó even though most of the money came from 
taxes on rail workers or railroads.

   We overcame this negative scoring in the House, but 
it would haunt us in the Senate. Shortly after the CBO 
scoring, the Clinton Administration issued a policy 
statement expressing concern about the CBO scoring.

   When our bill arrived in the Senate, Finance 
Committee Chairman Roth (R-Del.) promised expeditious 
handling by his committee, but the panel was still being 
pressured by the BMWE to hold hearings, causing 
additional delays.

   Around this time, the railroads indicated to the BLE 
they were still willing to offer health care benefits to 
them if they would support the legislation. The BMWE was 
given the same offer if they would drop their objections 
and remain neutral, neither supporting nor opposing the 
legislation.

   Time was running out for the 106th Congress, and Sen. 
RothÕs staff felt it necessary to gamble on bypassing 
the hearing process and voting the bill out of the 
Finance Committee. It would require a demonstration of 
broad-based support for the legislation. Rail labor and 
management, working together, were able to receive 83 
written commitments from senators supporting the 
legislation. By the end of the day, all amendments were 
either defeated or withdrawn.

   Despite our success at this stage, Sen. Gramm, Sen. 
Domenici and Sen. Nickles still had objections. Sen. 
Domenici wrote a letter to Sen. Lott filled with 
inaccuracies about the Railroad Retirement program and  
H.R. 4844. Domenici, along with Sen. Gramm, indicated 
that they would put a ÒholdÓ on the legislation and 
threatened to filibuster if Sen. Lott attempted to move 
it.

   Also at this time, we suddenly picked up opposition 
from the National Association of Manufacturers, the 
Concord Coalition, the Taxpayers Union and the Heritage 
Foundation, which used DomeniciÕs letter to Lott as the 
reason for their opposition. The source of some of the 
information in the Domenici letter: The BMWE/BLE seeds 
of doubt.

   The Washington Post also printed an editorial 
opposing our legislation based on this misinformation. 
Despite these attacks, not one senator from either party 
changed his or her position. Our members had done a very 
good job getting our message out and correcting the 
inaccuracies.

   Sen. Lott then indicated he wanted to be helpful and 
initiated negotiations between Sen. Gramm and the 
coalition. After numerous efforts, it become obvious 
that, to satisfy Sen. Gramm, we would have to do 
grievous harm to the principles of our agreement. Sen. 
DomeniciÕs goals were even more unreasonable. He wanted 
to fully privatize the system in such a fashion that it 
would not only bankrupt the retirement system, but the 
rail  industry as well. Obviously, we could not meet 
their demands.

   We later learned there were a handful of conservative 
Republican senators that did not want to pass this 
legislation because it would have taken funds out of the 
Fiscal Year 2001 budget that George Bush could use for 
his tax cut for the wealthy. It was disappointing and 
frustrating that a handful of Republican senators, using 
the clock to their advantage, were able to cause such 
mischief.

   It became obvious that, in spite of Sen. LottÕs 
interest, he was being held hostage by a small minority 
within his own party.

   I believe it is safe to say the railroads were 
shocked that this program, which they strongly 
supported, was being held up by the Republicans in the 
Senate.

SEN. LOTT OFFERED HIS HELP
   At this point, Sen. Lott told us he felt he could 
overcome his partyÕs resistance if the White House would 
ask for the legislation.

   Now, everyone was working on gaining White House 
support. The White House staff became totally focused on 
getting the last parts of the Clinton agenda into law. 
We were attempting to have H.R. 4844 added to an already 
lengthy package. This literally would be the last piece 
of legislation Bill Clinton would ever sign.

   Because of the budget talks, and because this was an 
election year, negotiations involving Railroad 
Retirement went on and on, with responsibility for the 
legislation being pitched back and forth between House 
Speaker Hastert, Senate Majority Leader Lott and the 
White House. At the same time, House Minority Leader 
Gephardt and Senate Minority Leader Daschle were trying 
to be helpful. Every time we went into a meeting, we 
were told it was the other guyÕs fault it wasnÕt moving. 
The White House would report they would sign it when the 
Senate passed it, and the Senate said it would pass it 
if the White House would ask for it. Everyone was saving 
their negotiating chips for the final piece of 
legislation. Finally, the White House used a chip and 
sent a letter asking for the bill, just exactly as Sen. 
Lott had requested. Lott never opposed H.R. 4844, but he 
was never able to convince the handful of senators 
opposed to it that H.R. 4844 should move forward.

   Early in this process, there was a feeling by some 
that if the proposal was delayed, the railroads would 
put more on the table because they wanted it badly 
enough. Quite frankly, the delays provided Sen. 
Domenici, Sen. Gramm and Sen. Nickles with the timing to 
use the rules to kill the package. It was the BMWE/BLE 
who were partly responsible for the delay.

   Those who argued for and caused delays want to ignore 
the fact that their actions resulted in continued 
suffering for more than 50,000 widows, a failure to 
reduce vesting requirements, a failure to reduce the 
pension age with full benefits, etc. I am sure that 
there are some who do not care, or consider it a 
victory, but I am very glad that I work for leaders that 
do care.

   There are many people throughout our entire industry 
who played significant roles in this entire process. The 
response from those involved was simply overwhelming. 
Some House and Senate offices received more 
communications about Railroad Retirement than they got 
on the impeachment issue or on Elian Gonzalez. No matter 
which office you contacted, our issue usually ranked 
among the top five from constituents. I can assure you 
this cause was supported from the top to the bottom. It 
wasnÕt just President Little and Assistant President 
Boyd and the Legislative Department. Every level of this 
organization, including general chairpersons, local 
officers, the UTUIA, rank and file members and their 
families, played a role in this effort. Edythe Walter, 
president of the UTU Auxiliary, along with the 
auxiliaryÕs National Legislative Director Dorothy 
Arrington, kept that organization informed and very 
active. The same can be said for our retiree 
organization and NARVRE. It took everything to get this 
far. I was amazed at the resources used.

MANY UNIONS PLAYED A PART
   Many other unions played significant roles. The 
leadership on a day-to-day basis came not only from the 
UTU, but also from the Transportation Communications 
Union and their leadership, as well as from the 
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. They walked every 
mile and took every step with us. We always knew that we 
could call on them when needed. The Sheet Metal Workers 
were helpful in times too numerous to list. The 
Boilermakers, who have a large membership at a 
Mississippi shipyard, were always ready to help with 
Sen. Lott. The International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers and the International Association of Machinists 
were also frequent supporters. The Service Employees 
International Union, one of the largest in the AFL-CIO, 
has a small division that represents the Firemen and 
Oilers. They had special expertise in the administration 
of multi-employer pension plans.

   The Air Traffic Controllers and the Communication 
Workers of America, who donÕt represent any members in 
the railroad industry, and the Seafarers, who have less 
than 30 railroad members, were also active supporters, 
as well as the AFL-CIO. Of course, we received a great 
deal of help from the railroads.

   I have been a Democrat all of my adult life and 
always will be. But I have to admit, this truly was a 
bipartisan effort. Without the support of members of 
both parties, it would not have happened. A majority of 
Republicans in both houses supported this package. They 
may have only done so because management asked them to, 
but they did it. It is extremely unfortunate that a 
handful of very conservative Republican senators decided 
to hold us hostage. Out of the 211 Democrats in the 
House, only two voted against us. In the Senate, all 46 
Democrats signed on. Only about 17 of the 54 Republicans 
never indicated publicly they supported us. Even at 
that, several of those 17 quietly indicated they would 
not be a problem. It is quite obvious that the 
Republican party in the Senate is so fractured that 
Trent Lott is not a leader, but little more than a 
facilitator.

TPEL MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
   Because of your efforts, your union now has more 
respect than at any time in its history, from both its 
friends and its enemies. I am sure that there are those 
who do not recognize that a contribution to TPEL is not 
a cost, but an investment. I can assure you our TPEL 
program did as much to get this legislation this far as 
anybodyÕs effort. I know many who contributed to this 
program had no idea that TPEL would end up supplying  
significant leverage toward gaining major improvements 
in Railroad Retirement. But this investment is 
definitely paying off. If you do not contribute to TPEL, 
please start contributing now. If you already 
contribute, please look at raising your level of 
participation. Being strong is good; being powerful is 
better. Today we are strong; tomorrow we need to be more 
powerful.

   It is important to recognize we are not giving up on 
attaining these improvements to our Railroad Retirement 
system. We are up to the challenge.

   This time, we hope the BLE and the BMWE will not 
delay this package. It was delay that allowed a handful 
of Republican senators to use the rules to defeat H.R. 
4844.

   Just consider this as another step in reaching our 
destination. Together we will get it done.

   And by the way, when you see President Little and 
Assistant President Boyd, pat them on the back and thank 
them, because when it is finally all over and done, 
remember it all started with them.



HISTORY
--Erdman Act secured respect for union members .....##U

   While much can be accomplished at the negotiating 
table, history has shown the UTU and its predecessor 
unions that it sometimes takes an act of Congress to 
secure progress.

   In 1898, unionized workers in the U.S. gained an 
important protection through passage of the Erdman Act, 
which made it a criminal offense for employers to 
dismiss employees or to discriminate against prospective 
employees because of their union membership.

   The Erdman Act was an outgrowth of Eugene V. DebsÕ 
1894 American Railway Union strike against the Pullman 
Company. After that strike, general managers for the 
railroads used a blackball system to keep strikers from 
returning to work.

   At first, the general managers refused to issue 
service letters proving they had railroad experience to 
those who had gone on strike. Without these letters, it 
was almost impossible for a striker to get a railroad 
job.

   After one striker successfully sued his railroad 
company employer, the general managers changed direction 
and came up with a maneuver described as the Òcrane with 
broken neck.Ó The general managers wrote the service 
letters, but on the stationery of paper manufacturer 
Crane Bros., which gave them a choice of two secret 
watermarks, detectable only when the sheet was held up 
to the light. One, showing a crane with head erect, was 
given to non-strikers. The other, used for those who 
were involved in the 1894 strike, had the birdÕs neck 
hanging down. It was a warning to potential employers 
that the applicant had been a striker.

   Under the Erdman Act, such maneuvers became criminal 
acts, and the right to union membership gradually, if 
grudgingly, gained managementÕs respect.

40 YEARS AGO
   ÒLAKEWOOD, N.J. Ð Drivers and maintenance men of 
Lodge 1007 are pressing their strike against Lincoln 
Transit Co. for higher wages, an improved pension and 
hospitalization plan. The 88 members of the lodge voted 
to strike the property after all legal avenues of 
procedures were exhausted.Ó -- Trainman News, Vol. 15, 
No. 1, January 1961.

30 YEARS AGO
   ÒSweeping transportation law changes which would 
virtually repeal the Railway Labor Act were high on the 
list of President NixonÕs legislative priorities as 
Congress poised for a return to action. Secretary of 
Labor J.D. Hodgson said the administration will seek 
passage of an emergency disputes act Ôessentially the 
sameÕ as its proposal of last February. Covered would be 
railroads, airlines, trucking, maritime and longshore 
operations.Ó -- UTU Transportation News, Vol. 3, No. 2, 
January 1971

20 YEARS AGO
   ÒCompeting railroads are getting ready to offer stiff 
opposition to the proposed consolidation of the Union 
Pacific, the Missouri Pacific and the Western Pacific 
into a 22,800-mile rail system. Competing carriers are 
seeking more than 10,000 miles of trackage rights as 
conditions of the consolidations, ICC reports show.Ó -- 
UTU News, Vol. 13, No. 2, January 1981.

10 YEARS AGO
   ÒConrail and Canadian Pacific Ltd. have settled a 
dispute over trackage rights, setting the stage for a 
major restructuring of railroad operations in the 
Northeastern United States. The agreement completes CPÕs 
$25-million purchase of the bankrupt Delaware & Hudson 
Railway, which had been threatened because of the 
dispute over the trackage rights. The agreement also 
gives CP Rail its long-sought access into the U.S. 
Northeast Corridor and better connections to its other 
U.S. property, the Soo Line.Ó -- UTU News, Vol. 23, No. 
1, January 1991.



SENIOR NEWS

--UTU retirees participate in Cornell study .....##V

   More than 170 retired UTU members have agreed to 
participate in a national study of retirement being 
conducted by researchers from Cornell UniversityÕs 
School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

   Participants are asked to complete three 50-minute 
phone interviews for the study, which is designed to 
examine how retirement affects the lives of working 
people in the service, construction and manufacturing 
sectors.

   More than 1,000 union members, including those from 
the UTU, the United Auto Workers, the Association of 
Flight Attendants, and the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers, are participating in the study.

   Researchers hope the studyÕs results will help unions 
better tailor their retirement programs and activities 
to fit the needs of members who are either nearing 
retirement or already in retirement.

   The UTU enjoys a long relationship with CornellÕs 
School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Over the past 
decade, the UTU has participated in two other studies 
conducted by the school.

   The study is being conducted in two stages, beginning 
with interviews of retirees and members nearing 
retirement. Based on those interviews, researchers then 
track retireeÕs subsequent experiences.

   Those contacted by Cornell researchers are encouraged 
to cooperate with the study and share their input to 
help improve life for all senior members.



--Retired chairperson sees pattern repeat ..........##W

   The recent retirement of General Chairperson Stephen 
F. Dowding may have quietly marked a milestone for rail 
workers in the region.

   ÒI believe I was the last of the road men hired that 
was still working in this area,Ó said Dowding. ÒI may 
represent the end of an era in this locale.Ó

   The general committee of adjustment (GO-627) that 
Brother Dowding headed represented Conrail workers until 
recently, when Conrail was acquired and divided by 
Norfolk Southern and CSXT.

   A member of Local 278, Jackson, Mich., with 43 years 
of experience on the railroad, Brother Dowding found the 
Conrail acquisition to be a familiar circumstance.

   ÒI started service on August 15, 1957, in Jackson, 
Mich., as a road brakeman for the New York Central,Ó 
Dowding noted. ÒThe line became part of the Penn 
Central, then Conrail, and now Norfolk Southern. The 
situation we just went through with the Conrail 
acquisition was almost the same as we experienced when 
the New York Central and the Pennsylvania Railroad 
merged.Ó

   Dowding, who retired effective January 1, 2001, was a 
vice local chairperson when Penn Central came into 
being. ÒI got involved in union affairs as a member of 
the Order of Railway Conductors & Brakemen in 1964, when 
I won the post of local trustee. In 1967 or Ô68, I 
became vice local chairperson, and in 1976 was elected 
local chairperson,Ó Dowding recalled. ÒI became a 
general chairperson in 1990.Ó

   Dowding is especially grateful to those who shared a 
viewpoint and acted as a sounding board, and he cites as 
one of the high points of his career a recent incident 
in which he helped a man who had been off the job for 
three years get reinstated with all but 30 daysÕ pay.

   With a 43-year career behind him, Dowding looks 
forward to spending time without being concerned about a 
timetable.

   ÒIÕve got a great-granddaughter in Texas IÕve never 
seen, so the first thing my wife Sandra and I are going 
to do is go there to visit,Ó said Dowding. ÒAfter that, 
IÕll probably do some traveling and some hunting.Ó



--LIRR retirees welcome new blood ...............##X

   The entire slate of officers of the Long Island Rail 
Road Senior Citizens Council recently agreed the best 
thing they could do for the organization would be to 
retire.

   According to Retiree Program member Theodore F. 
Brownell, Sr., president of the group since 1989 and a 
member of Local 645, Babylon, N.Y., he and his fellow 
officers decided to step aside to get the next 
generation more involved.

   New officers include president Robert L. Steuber, 
First Vice President Kenneth Laub of Local 645, Second 
Vice President Patrick J. Kilcommons of Local 1831, 
Babylon, N.Y., and Secretary and Treasurer Joseph R. 
Gallagher of Local 645.

   Those stepping down included Brownell, former First 
Vice President Harold Kodack of Local 645, former Second 
Vice President Frank Boyle, and former Secretary and 
Treasurer Marianne Koerber, wife of Local 645Õs Joe 
Koerber.

   To learn about the group, contact Brownell at 41 
Suffolk Way, Marlboro, NY 07746.



--The Final Call ...................................##Y

Following are the names of members of the UTU Retiree 
Program who have died recently, according to reports 
received at the UTU International Headquarters. These 
brothers and sisters will be sorely missed by their many 
friends and by fellow UTU Retiree Program members.

LOCAL      NAME                            CITY
0001   Boyle, Robert E.      St. Petersburg, FL
0001   Hesch, Jacob J.                 Erie, PA
0048   Duncan, W. B.          Virginia Bch., VA
0098   Penner, Victor R.            Raymond, CA
0117   Hague, George C.            Portland, OR
0145   Darst, Robert L.            Columbus, OH
0211   Proeller, W.H.            Binghamton, NY
0322   Wade, William P.              Antigo, WI
0333   Allen, Roy D.S.            N. Vernon, IN
0333   Schneck, Arnold              Seymour, IN
0340   Urban, Marshall B.          Friedens, PA
0385   Johnstone, Jr., J.K.        Stamford, CT
0439   Gentry, Will R.                Tyler, TX
0446   Beggs, Ralph W.        Spring Valley, CA
0462   Garner, Ernest           Blytheville, AR
0601   Morrow, Paul W.              Lecanto, FL
0605   Cyphers, Gilbert O.         Fairmont, WV
0622   Reynolds, Jr., F.K.       Birmingham, AL
0645   OÕDonnell, G.E.         Bloomingburg, NY
0807   Alexander, Warren L.          Tucson, AZ
0911   Johnson, Eugene T.       Minneapolis, MN
0974   Young, James A.       Hendersonville, TN
0977   Martin, James L.              Yakima, WA
1006   Henry, Jr., James A.          Deming, NM
1074   Kurlock, Thomas A.        Greensburg, PA
1081   Berg, Edwin A.             Sun Lakes, AZ
1308   Ross, Charles G.               Paris, TN
1310   Robertson, Edward H.          Corbin, KY
1312   Barnes, W.G.               Pensacola, FL
1422   Malone, William L.        Northridge, CA
1458   Wallace, T.P.               DeQuincy, LA
1505   Duff, Richard M.             Spokane, WA
1608   Migal, William L.         Chatsworth, CA
1637   Dougherty, John W.           Wishram, WA
1638   Bentley, Kenneth E.      Painesville, OH
1638   Cornell, Arthur S.            Stuart, FL
1709   Craig, Robert A.          Bellingham, WA
1765   Kauffman, T.A.          Grand Rapids, MI
1882   Allard, R.L.                  Chaska, MN
1962   Colquitt, Eddie G.        Cape Coral, FL



NOTICES

--Monthly winner announced ......................##Z

   This monthÕs lucky winner of his choice of any item 
of apparel bearing the UTUlogo is Paul E. Stewart of 
Local 339, Jackson, Tenn., which represents workers on 
the Illinois Central. 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.



--Travelers Club offerings for 2001 ...............##AA

   Members interested in opportunities for fraternal 
travel and adventure in 2001 are being reminded of the 
packages sponsored by the UTU Travelers Club.

   Those who act quickly can reserve one of the handful 
of spots still available on one of the two Swiss Rail 
Tours arranged for this year. Make your reservations on 
the tour scheduled for March 21-29, 2001, before itÕs 
too late!

   Luxury enjoyed amid rugged beauty awaits those who 
reserve a cabin on Princess Cruise LineÕs Ocean 
Princess, bound for the seven-night Voyage of the 
Glaciers on May 21, 2001. When extended another seven 
days, the Wilderness Package includes passage aboard 
Ultra Dome rail cars to Denali National Park, and more!

   The Grand Australia & New Zealand Experience, set for 
October 10-28, 2001, promises to deliver the Òwonders of 
the land down underÓ for an all-inclusive price that 
makes this trip of a lifetime surprisingly tempting.

   For complete information, call toll free (888) 280-
7657, phone (440) 748-2777 from Canada, write to Lynn 
Westphal Tours, 8715 Timber Edge Dr., N. Ridgeville, OH 
44039, or send e-mail to <lwestphal2@aol.com>.



--UTUIA Scholarship applications accepted ......##BB

--UTUIA to grant 50 scholarships ....................##Y

   Education is the key to success. The key to an 
education can be a United Transportation Union Insurance 
Association scholarship.

   With college enrollment time upon us, we strongly 
urge all eligible persons to take a few minutes to fill 
out a UTUIA scholarship application form and apply for a 
UTUIA scholarship. It will be one of the smartest things 
they ever do.

   This is the 28th year UTUIA is making available 50 
continuing $500 scholarships for its members, and the 
sons, daughters and grandchildren of its members. We are 
very proud of our scholarship program, a pride that 
comes from helping thousands of students over the years.

   We realize the amount awarded, $500 a year, doesn't 
meet the full cost of the recipient's education, but in 
this way we can help a larger number of students with 
educational costs. They may use the scholarship money 
for tuition, learning materials or other related 
expenses.

   UTUIA scholarship winners will receive the full 
amount of the award each year for up to four years of 
undergraduate study as long as they maintain a 
satisfactory academic record.

   With a UTUIA scholarship, we hope to give the 
recipient the opportunity for a full-time education 
instead of a part-time education, day school instead of 
night school, higher education instead of basic 
training.

   We are proud also in knowing that UTUIA scholarship 
recipients are enrolled in some of the finest and most 
prestigious colleges and universities in the world. We 
also can point proudly to the many achievements of past 
scholarship winners who have contributed so much to our 
great nation.

   UTUIA is proud and happy to provide these 
scholarships for they are an opportunity for 
achievement. The success of deserving students is our 
success and the benefits are boundless. The key to 
success is education, and the key to education is a 
UTUIA scholarship. Take a minute to apply for the chance 
of a lifetime.

   As the saying goes: "If you think education is 
expensive, try ignorance."

Fraternally yours,

Charles L. Little
International President

--------------------------------

               UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP RULES

                    DISTRIBUTION
   Fifty continuing $500 scholarships are awarded each 
year upon verification of enrollment for the fall term. 
The scholarships are prorated according to the number of 
UTU and UTUIA insurance members in each of nine 
districts. Names of the 50 scholarship winners for the 
academic year 2001-2002 will be drawn at UTUIA  
Headquarters in Cleveland after the March 31, 2001, 
deadline for submission of applications.

                    ELIGIBILITY
   Requirements for a scholarship applicant are that he 
or she be at least a high school senior or equivalent; 
age 25 or under; be a UTU or UTUIA-insured member, the 
child or grandchild of a UTU or UTUIA-insured member, or 
the child of a deceased UTU or UTUIA-insured member (if 
member is deceased please include date of death). UTU or 
UTUIA-insured member must be a U.S. resident.

   Applicants also must be accepted for admittance or 
already enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per 
quarter or semester at a recognized institution of 
higher learning (university, college or junior college, 
nursing or technical school offering college credit). 
Graduate schools are not included. Families of full-time 
International officers are not eligible.

                      AWARDS
   Scholarships are awarded on the basis of chance, not 
grades. A UTUIA scholar, however, is expected to 
maintain a satisfactory academic record to keep the 
scholarship for the full four years.

                  ADMINISTRATION
   The UTUIA Scholarship Committee decides whether 
individual scholarships should be continued or 
discontinued. Each successful applicant must provide 
annual proof of eligibility on or before a deadline set 
by the scholarship committee to qualify for a continuing 
award. The day-to-day management of the program is 
handled by the office of the UTUIA General Secretary and 
Treasurer.

   The UTUIA Scholarship Program is an open program. All 
eligible students, regardless of previous grades or 
future plans that don't happen to include college, are 
strongly urged to apply, to take five minutes to invest 
in the chance of a lifetime, the chance for a better 
future.

            -------------------------
            UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP DISTRICTS
            -------------------------

DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   1                                      5
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New York, Rhode Island, Vermont


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   2                                      6
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   3                                      8
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia,
West Virginia


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   4                                      6
Indiana, Michigan, Ohio


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   5                                      4
Illinois, Wisconsin


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   6                                      5
Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   7                                      6
Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   8                                      7
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico,
Utah


DISTRICT                         NO. OF SCHOLARSHIPS
   9                                      3
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming


            -------------------------
          UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
            -------------------------

   Applications must be received no later than March 31, 
2001.

   Please submit ONLY ONE APPLICATION PER STUDENT to the 
address appearing below. Incomplete, photocopied or 
duplicate applications will not be accepted.

   The application form printed in the traditional print 
version of the January 2001 edition of the UTU NEWS is 
the official scholarship application form and is the 
only one that will be accepted. If you need an 
application form, write to the address below, and 
include your UTU local or UTUIA local unit number:

           UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
UNITED TRANSPORTATION UNION INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
             14600 DETROIT AVE.
          CLEVELAND, OH 44107-4207



--UTU VISA card saves you money ...................##CC

   The new UTU VISA cards, issued by National City Bank, 
are now available to members, family and friends.

   DonÕt forget, the VISA cards issued by National City 
replace the old UTU credit card. So, apply for the new 
UTU VISA and transfer your balance to 3.9% APR*.

UTU PRIME RATE VISA
PLATINUM AND CLASSIC VISA
-- Introductory 3.9% APR for the first six billing 
cycles;
-- Thereafter, the Prime Rate, currently 9.5%;
-- At least a 25-day grace period on purchases;
-- $35 annual fee for VISA Platinum; $25 annual fee for 
Classic VISA.

UTU NO-ANNUAL-FEE VISA PLATINUM AND CLASSIC VISA
-- Introductory 3.9% APR for the first six billing 
cycles;
-- Thereafter, the Prime Rate plus 4.9%, currently 
14.4%;
-- At least a 25-day grace period on purchases.

ADDITIONAL VISA PLATINUM BENEFITS
-- $250,000 travel accident insurance;
-- Automatic rental car insurance;
-- Global emergency travel assistance services

   All UTU cards have a special Internet e-commerce 
rebate program that lets members earn rebates from 5% to 
25% on purchases made through the PrimeCard e-commerce 
website. Rebates will be automatically received on the 
VISA statement for purchases from more than 500 
merchants like Land's End, Barnes & Noble, The Gap, 
CarParts.com and The Sharper Image.

   Start saving money now by transferring balances from 
higher-rate credit cards to 3.9% APR. You could save 
hundreds of dollars the first year alone.

   To apply by phone, call 1-888-622-8434.

   *The information about the costs of the cards 
described is accurate as of 11/30/00. The introductory 
3.9% APR is valid for the first six billing cycles on 
purchases and balance transfers. Thereafter, the APR for 
purchases and balance transfers will be variable, 
currently 9.5% for Prime Rate VISA and 14.4% for No 
Annual Fee VISA. The variable cash advance APR is 
currently 9.5% for Prime Rate VISA and 14.4% for No 
Annual Fee VISA. If you miss two consecutive payments, 
the default APR is the higher of 22.9% or a variable 
rate of Prime + 14.65%, currently 24.15%. Cash Advance 
Fee: 3% of advance amount, $5 minimum. Cash Equivalent 
Item Fee: 3% of advance amount, $10 minimum. Minimum 
Finance Charge: $.50 in any month finance charge is 
imposed. There is at least a 25-day grace period on 
purchases if the balance is paid in full monthly.



--UTUIA Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity ......##DD

   Make your IRA contribution for 2001 and start earning 
6% interest immediately.

   Your contribution can be made to a Traditional IRA; 
or the Roth IRA, which permits your funds to accumulate 
tax-free once certain minimum requirements are met.

   A Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity also earns 6% 
interest and offers you tax-deferred savings on all of 
your contributions.

   Start saving for your future today with these 
outstanding tax-deferred and tax-free products by 
calling toll-free, 1-800-558-8842, for assistance from 
your UTUIA representative.
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                        UTU NEWS                    
                     ONLINE EDITION                 
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                      JANUARY 2001
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