The national rail contract became open for amendment Jan. 1. The sides exchanged desired amendments Nov. 1.

The NCCC is representing BNSF, CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern, Soo Line, Union Pacific and numerous smaller railroads in negotiations with the UTU over changes to rates of pay, benefits and work rules.

Some 40,000 UTU members are affected by these national contract talks, which frequently set patterns for negotiated agreements on other carriers.

Other railroads, including Amtrak and U.S. operations of Canadian National, negotiate individually with the UTU.

The existing national agreement remains in force until tentatively negotiated amendments are presented to UTU members and ratified by them under the craft autonomy provisions of the UTU Constitution.

The UTU negotiating team is being led by International President Mike Futhey. Its members include Assistant President Arty Martin; International Vice Presidents Robert Kerley and Delbert Strunk; General Chairpersons John Lesniewski (GO 049) and Pate King (GO 680); Alternate Vice President Doyle Turner; and UTU General Counsel Clint Miller.

To stay informed, log on to www.utu.org and click on the "National Rail Contract" link. Also, sign up for e-mail alerts on the UTU home page.