A MESSAGE FROM THE FIELD SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Dear Local Chairperson,

This manual is intended to be an extension of the highly educational and training programs offered to our rail local chairpersons as part of the annual UTU Regional Meetings.

As a local chairperson, you are an integral part of the foundation of our great union. Protection of agreements and membership rights, organizing and enrollment of new members begins with you.

Because you interact with our members on a daily basis, you have the job of communicating our vision to the membership, as well as receiving theirs. To the rank and file membership the local officers are the UTU. You serve as their representative on local properties and as their representative in our organization. You serve as a negotiator, an organizer, an educator and a leader. The actions, or inactions, on your part directly reflect on this Union and it is instrumental that you have the tools to be successful. The UTU has developed this CD containing the “Manual for Rail Local Chairpersons” so that we may assist in that success. The UTU publication entitled “You Are Hereby Notified” can also be found on this CD and may assist you.

The manual contains a brief history of railroad unions, a synopsis of the UTU’s structure and the local chairperson’s role in it, our recommendations on the proper procedures for pursuing time claims and other grievances, and an overview of federal legislation governing the railroad industry up to and including the Railway Labor Act. Most importantly, this CD offers a link to the UTU website (www.utu.org) which maintains the most current information and links on a variety of topics.

It is our desire that this manual and the website link will assist you with your everyday duties and prove to be a valuable reference tool.

Fraternally,

UTU Field Service Department