Volume 4 2 February 2010 N u m b e r 2

www.utuia.org www.utu.org The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union NTSB wants cameras, voice recorders in locomotives The National Transportation Safety Board has The engineer’s prolific text messaging, cell phones and other recommended that railroads install inward-fac- messaging was “egregious,” NTSB personal electronic devices have ing cameras and voice recorders in every loco- chairwoman Deborah A.P. Hers- proven inadequate. motive cab in the nation, warning that cell man said, citing records of his The NTSB does not have phone texting by engineers and conductors is a phone use. “This was an accident authority to require installation growing and lethal danger. waiting to happen.” of inward-facing cameras and The NTSB made its recommendation in the The NTSB said the Union voice recorders, but is asking the wake of its investigation into the deadly collision Pacific conductor on the freight FRA to require such installation. of a commuter train and a freight train in train the Metrolink commuter Rail labor has long contended Chatsworth, Calif., in 2008 – a crash that killed train slammed into also was that such cameras and voice 25 and injured 135, which the NTSB blamed on improperly texting. recorders are an invasion of pri- a Metrolink engineer who passed a stop signal Only constant monitoring vacy and that the fail-safe nature while text messaging. would have stopped the of PTC will prevent collisions Metrolink engineer, who died in such as that at Chatsworth. the collision, from texting, Hers- The FRA, in October 2008, News and Notes man said. Cameras would mean banned the use of cell phones, “management cannot texting devices, GPS Member killed in fire turn a blind eye to bad devices, electronic calcula- actors who are not doing Rail labor contends cameras are an tors, Game Boys, laptop CLARKE COUNTY, Ala. – Member Aaron their job.” computers and any other Milhouse, 46, died Jan. 14 from injuries suf- invasion of privacy and the fail-safe personal electronic devices fered as a result of a Norfolk Southern train The Chatsworth crash fire Jan. 12. He was a prompted Congress, in nature of PTC will prevent collisions by train and engine service crews, including hostlers member of Local 1053, 2008, to pass legislation such as that at Chatsworth, Calif. Selma, Ala. requiring railroads to and remote control opera- Milhouse, along with install positive train con- tors. Penalties for violating Local 1053 member Mick- trol (PTC) within six years, which the NTSB the ban include being taken out of service and ey Stepp, both NS train- said could have prevented the accident. But fined up to $25,000 by the FR A . crew members, were rather than await installation of PTC, the NTSB FRA regulations and railroad operating proce- burned when their train now wants inward-facing cameras (cameras dures already provide for extensive recording of encountered a burning tres- aimed at crew members inside the cab). The locomotive and signal data, and radio conversa- Milhouse tle, then ground to a stop NTSB said other forms of enforcing bans on text tions are routinely recorded. directly over the fire. According to reports, the southbound freight train led by three locomotives braked when the crewmen saw the trestle on fire. The diesel fuel ignited as the men jumped Final PTC rule requires two screens in cab into the water below. A final rule on how positive train control locomotive can receive the same PTC informa- The men contacted their trainmaster, then technology (PTC) is to be implemented by the tion displayed in the same manner and execute waited about an hour for help to reach them nation’s railroads was issued in January by the any functions necessary to that crew member’s in the remote stretch of track. The fire spread duties. to all three locomotives, which remained on FRA. the bridge. The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 “The locomotive engineer shall not be Milhouse was the first UTU member killed mandated that freight, intercity passenger and required to perform functions related to the PTC on duty in 2010. Eight UTU members lost commuter rail routes have operable PTC in place system while the train is moving that have the their lives in on-duty accidents in 2009. no later than Dec. 31, 2015. potential to distract the locomotive engineer Railroads must submit their final PTC plans to from performance of other safety-critical duties.” UTU gives to aid Haitians the FRA by April 16. The FRA said this final DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said PTC would rule will allow railroads to meet the April 16 help avert derailments caused by excess speed and In the wake of the horrifying earthquake compliance date. accidents caused by human error or misaligned devastation in Haiti, our hearts especially go switches, as well as help out to the hundreds of UTU members of Hait- PTC, which has been prevent harm to mainte- ian descent, most of whom have family mem- on the National Trans- The technology is not capable of nance-of-way workers. bers in Haiti. portation Safety Board’s UTU International President Mike Futhey “most wanted” list since replacing two sets of eyes and ears in A BNSF pilot program, authorized a $1,000 contribution to the 1990 – and which has the cab. being monitored by the American Red Cross in the name of UTU strong support from the FRA and called Electronic members of Haitian descent. UTU – utilizes on-board and external track sig- Train Management Sys- “This is a small humanitarian gesture, and I naling and remote dispatch center computer and tem (ETMS), is being tested on some 300 miles hope others within our union donate what satellite technology to assist train crews avoid of track in Texas and Oklahoma. It relies on GPS they are able to relief efforts in Haiti,” Futhey train collisions. in concert with a geographical information sys- said. tem to determine train location. The train and Several UTU bus locals in the New PTC components include digital radio com- engine service crew receives data about the train York/Northern New Jersey metropolitan area, munications, computers, geographical informa- and track status on cab displays that indicate and elsewhere in the U.S., have a large num- tion systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning authority limit, speed, switch position and track ber of members of Haitian descent. System (GPS). integrity (broken rails and signal aspect). Should The technology is not capable of replacing two the crew fail to respond to a warning, ETMS is sets of eyes and ears in the locomotive cab. designed to stop the train. FRA urges safety-rule Two computer screens must be installed in The Wall Street Journal reported in October each locomotive cab, said the FRA. that carriers estimate PTC might have to be compliance. See page 3. The rule provides: “The PTC systems onboard installed on as much as 80 percent of mainline apparatus shall be so arranged that each member track, “far more than the industry [earlier] antic- of the crew assigned to perform duties in the ipated.” Page 2 February 2010 UTU News

Local 194, Elkhart, Ind. each of Loveless’ two children, Emma, 2, and Robert L. Holbrook displays the etched plaque After nearly 2 decades, Ty l e r, 4. They also provided the family with presented to him member gives gift of life $635 in gift cards. upon his retire- ment by Local In 1990, UTU member Matt Ta y l o r and his Local 1183, Port Huron, Mich. Legislative Rep. Fred Beidler contacted U T U C h a i r p e r s o n girlfriend, Catherine, were visiting a local N e w s to express his family’s appreciation to James E. Ball, shopping mall when everyone who provided assistance and monetary c o m m e m o r a t i n g they happened upon a contributions after the family lost their home to his many years of Red Cross mobile fire just before Christmas. “Thank you for every- service as chair- b l o od-donation center. thing. Those words just cannot convey the depth person to this “Want to give?” he of our gratitude. Our sincerest ‘thanks’ for all of Norfolk Southern asked. your good wishes and all of the generous gifts. Ball, Holbrook local. They both made a We thank you for your kindness and prayers. We b l o o d donation, and will not soon forget. We are eternally grateful. Local 324, Seattle, Wash. also agreed to pro- We cannot say ‘thank you’ enough,” he wrote. The Web site address of this BNSF Railway vide blood samples local has changed, Local President Paul McGill to the National Mar- reports. Members seeking local information Local 1293, Altoona, Wis. row Donor Program, Conductor Jon Duffy, 54, died while on duty at should now visit www.utu324.com. Matt Taylor an organization that the Union Pacific’s South St. Paul yard, Min- Local 756, San Antonio, Texas assists patients with leukemia and other life- nesota State Legislative Director Phil Qualy The members of this Union Pacific local in the threatening diseases to find blood marrow reported. He is survived by his wife, Kim, his par- Laredo area organized a toy drive for the Casa de donors and raise funds to help make bone ents, two brothers and a sister. The incident Misericordia, a domestic violence shelter provid- marrow transplants possible. remains under investigation. ing comprehensive services to abused women and In August 2009, nearly 20 years later, Tay- their children, member Bobby Flores reported. lor was contacted by the marrow registry and Local 1440, Staten Island, N.Y. “Through the cooperation of Local Chairperson informed he appeared to be a match for a 36- Members of this Staten Island Railway local gen- Mario Valadez and our members, we were able to year-old woman suffering from leukemia. erously participated in a food drive to benefit the donate more than 200 toys to this local shelter,” “Still interested?,” they asked. His reply: Staten Island Project Hospitality program, Secre- Flores said. “We are very proud of contributing to “Absolutely.” tary & Treasurer Vincent LaBella reported. The our community in this time of need, and we Taylor lost both of his parents to cancer. f o od drive was organized by Kerry Halvorsen a n d thank the officers of our union for giving us the His father, Harvey, died from colorectal can- her co-workers in the building and bridges depart- means to be able to give to others.” cer in 2002, and his mother, Patricia, suc- ment. In other news, William Crocco and Halvors- cumbed to lung cancer in 2007. en were recently elected to the positions of local vice president and local safety officer, respectively. “After I was contacted, I drove from Columbia, S.C., to Charleston, where I sub- mitted a new blood sample for retesting, then underwent a complete physical and a full bat- tery of tests,” he said. The registry confirmed his status as a match for the woman and Taylor agreed to the donation. Marrow cells can be harvested by tapping into a donor’s bone, or through a process Local 756 member Bobby Flores presents Casa de Miseri- known as apheresis. cordia Executive Director Sister Rose Mary Welsh with some During apheresis, blood is removed of the more than 200 toys the local provided to the shelter. through a vein in the arm, neck or chest, run through a machine that removes blood mar- Project Hospitality Program Director Teisha Diallo, sec- row stem cells, then returned to the donor’s ond from left, graciously accepts the non-perishable food Local 792, Cleveland, Ohio items collected by Local 1440 from (left to right) Local body. To stimulate the production of stem Furloughed conductor Gordon Wa n y e k w r o t e President Jaime Brownell, Local Chairperson Thomas UTU News to express his appreciation for the efforts cells, the donor may be given a medication to Wilson, Vice Local Chairperson Jerry Ruggiero, Local of fellow members in assisting furloughed employees increase the number of stem cells released Safety Officer Kerry Halvorsen and member Steve Ulitto. during the holiday season. “As a furloughed Norfolk into the bloodstream. Southern freight conductor, I would like to share Taylor was given the medication and he Local 1544, Maywood, Calif. with all the generosity that was displayed here this suffered a severe reaction. His body produced Secretary & Treasurer Gary Proctor i n f o r m e d Christmas season. Our local chairpersons asked for an abundance of marrow stem cells. “I was UTU News that the members of this BNSF Rail- donations to assist the 35 furloughed Cleveland Te r- the sickest I have ever been in my life, but my way local are mourning the loss of disabled mem- minal employees. The response was overwhelming, reaction was very rare,” he said. “There was ber John E. Reams, 52, who died Jan. 5. despite the economy. This spirit of individual sac- no way I could back out.” rifice and the desire to help others has made me Once the process was started, he Local 1670, Laredo, Texas even prouder to be part of this team. I would like explained, the marrow recipient also began This El Metro bus local presented a $500 to express my gratitude to all and look forward to receiving treatment to destroy her natural check to Navidad en el Barrio to help keep a returning to work with the outstanding members stem-cell production. She would likely die local Christmas tradition alive, KGNS-TV in of Cleveland Terminal,” Wanyek wrote. without the transplant proceeding. Laredo reported. The non-profit organization is The marrow foundation’s records are kept dedicated to improving the lives of the less for- Local 887, Harvey, N.D. tunate in its communities and it sponsored a confidential and the last Taylor heard, she A fund has been established to assist the chil- two-day Christmas party for underprivileged was responding positively to the transplant dren of CP conductor Kevin Goldade, who died children at the Laredo Entertainment Center. and doing well. in November, State Legislative Director M a r c “This (donation) was voted on by the members H a l v o r s o n reported. Goldade’s wife, Bobbie, “After one year, we may be able to of the maintenance department,” Local Chair- passed away in 2006. “Following the unexpect- exchange names and even meet,” Taylor said. person Bill Koehn said. “They also gave a check ed passing of both parents, the family is now left Taylor, a Norfolk Southern conductor who to the Webb County Food Bank for $1,200 ear- to care for Goldade’s three sons and daughter, serves as chairperson for Local 793 in Colum- lier in the year. ” Jacob (18), Karly (14), Hunter (12) and Kolby bia, S.C., married Catherine and they have (11),” Halvorson said. The UTU brothers and two sons, Layton and Cameron. Local 1741, San Francisco, Calif. sisters at Harvey have established an account to “I would do it again if they asked,” he said. Members of this bus local joined AFL-CIO Pres- help offset the children’s living expenses. Local ident Richard Trumka and nearly 1,000 San Fran- 887 has donated $500 to the fund. Send contri- For more information on becoming a mar- row donor, visit www.marrow.org. cisco hotel workers and others at a rally outside butions to the Kevin Goldade’s Children Fund, the Hilton Hotel on Jan. 5 in support of the 9,000 First International Bank & Trust, 910 Lincoln unionized hotel workers who have been working Ave., P.O. Box 245, Harvey, ND 58341. Local 1081, Glendale, Ariz. without a contract since Aug. 19. Some 140 peo- Local 898, Boston, Mass. Conductor Kurt Loveless unexpectedly lost ple in all, including Trumka, were arrested and Arthur Gonsalves Jr., 22, an assistant conduc- his wife, Amie, just before Christmas, State Leg- cited for trespassing. “The struggle of hotel work- tor with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail islative Director Greg Hynes reported. Local ers here in San Francisco and across our country is Co., was killed in an automobile accident on Jan. President Jay Wo o d w a r d and Vice President so important. If we don’t protect the wages and 6, Local Treasurer Frank Teague reported. He Tom Clem took up a collection among local benefits and health care of workers, no job is safe, would have turned 23 on Jan. 8, Teague said. members and were able to deliver 10 presents for no worker is safe, no family is safe,” Trumka said. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org February 2010 UTU News Page 3 FRA urges compliance with all rail-safety rules Shocked that 16 railroad employees were represents human lives: a father not there to walk killed in on-duty accidents during 2009 – eight of his daughter down the aisle, a mother not there them UTU members – Federal Railroad Admin- for her son’s first day of school, an employee near- istrator Joe Szabo has issued a strong plea that all ing retirement who did not live to enjoy the fruits employees “think about rules of his labor. compliance and consider its “I’m asking each of you to use your time and impact on ensuring a safe talents to help eliminate railroad employee fatal- return home after each tour of ities. In this world of instant communication and duty.” technology and information overload, we need to Said Szabo, a former con- maintain complete situational awareness. ductor and UTU’s Illinois state “Keep your mind clear of distractions – keep legislative director prior to cell phones and other devices turned off – and being chosen by President focus on the task at hand. Szabo Obama as FRA administrator: “The railroad environment is totally unforgiv- “Having spent 19 years on ing and the slightest lapse could be tragic. the ground myself, I – like you – understand the “We must break down the barriers that keep us realities of railroading. from achieving rules compliance, like taking a “My stomach still turns in knots each time I shortcut or yielding to pressure from a supervisor hear of an on-duty fatality. to unsafely expedite a move. “Let us each do everything we can to take care “We must take the time to ensure each rule is of ourselves and our coworkers. complied with, and mentor fellow coworkers. “Zero fatalities is the only acceptable number, Remind them that it is all about going home safe- and it’s a number we can all live with.” ly, and if you are pressured by a supervisor to expedite a move by turning your back on the Of the 16 rail workers killed in on-duty acci- rules, report it. “Zero fatalities is the dents in 2009 – and one UTU member killed on “The FRA will work diligently to ensure that the job Jan. 14, 2010 – Szabo said: the focus on rules compliance is consistent with- only acceptable number.” “This tragic toll is more than just a number; it in each carrier’s organization.”

Judy Gertler, for 26 years a railroad safety expert with the consulting firm Foster Miller, El-Sibaie named to safety post which holds FRA contracts for data collection and analysis, said of Szabo’s plea, “This is the first A civil engineer with an extensive rail- Transportation Test Center in Pueblo, time I have seen an FRA administrator send out road engineering background is the Federal Colo., where he worked on vehicle/track anything like this regarding rules compliance.” Railroad Administration’s new deputy asso- interaction modeling and testing, in-train ciate administrator for safety, regulatory stability and wheel-load dynamics. He and legislative affairs. returned to the Chicago Test Center in Dr. Magdy El-Sibaie succeeds Grady 1993 to lead the AAR’s track assessment Cothen in the post, following an extensive and test program. AFL-CIO creating nationwide search to fill the position. El-Sibaie El-Sibaie joined the FRA in 1995 as a Cothen announced his retirement in late senior program manager in the Office of online college 2009, but is remaining at the FRA through Research and Development, chairing a govern- The AFL-CIO is joining with the National March to assist El-Sibaie in the transition. ment/industry working group that formulated the Labor College in Silver Spring, Md., and the Most recently, El-Sibaie was acting associate first set of safety standards for U.S. high-speed Princeton Review to create an online college administrator for hazardous materials safety at rail service. for the federation’s 11.5 million members DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety He also worked with rail suppliers and Administration. and their families, reports The New York Amtrak to establish standards for Amtrak’s Times. Until October 2009, he was the FRA’s director high-speed Acela trains operating on the The new college, tentatively named the of research and development, following a suc- Northeast Corridor. College for Wo r k i n g cessful tenure as the agency’s chief of track research, where he managed the FRA’s track As deputy associate administrator for safety, Families, will be the first regulatory and legislative affairs, El-Sibaie will and only accredited inspection technology development program that created improved systems for measuring lead FRA initiatives that develop and implement d e g r e e - g r a n t i n g industry safety regulatory strategy. These efforts online institution track geometry at high speeds. include leading the Rail Safety Advisory Com- devoted exclusively to El-Sibaie earned a doctorate in engineering mittee (RSAC) in studying emerging safety educating union mem- mechanics from the University of Delaware in issues, including the incorporation of new tech- bers. It plans to begin 1986, and was recruited by the Association of offering courses this fall, American Railroads as a researcher at the indus- nology into the rail environment, as well as risk- including ones on criminal try’s Chicago Technical Center, where he is cred- reduction strategies and close-call reporting. justice, education, business and allied ited with pioneering new methods of computer “Dr. El-Sibaie’s numerous and demonstrated health sciences. modeling to measure the dynamic behavior of accomplishments make him an excellent choice “We’re working on a survey to send out to track under varying loads, speeds and conditions. for this position,” said UTU National Legislative the AFL-CIO’s members to find out what For that work, the American Society of Mechan- Director James Stem. “We look forward to work- they’d be interested in,” said Wi l l i a m ical Engineers honored him in 1980 with its Rail ing with him in our never-ending effort to Scheuerman, president of the National Transportation Award. improve workplace safety and bring our members Labor College, a 41-year-old college for In 1989, he was reassigned by the AAR to its home from the job in one piece.” union members. He said the online college would charge $100 to $150 a credit, competitive with com- munity colleges and far cheaper than most Feds set drug, alcohol test rates four-year colleges and for-profit schools. FRA-mandated minimum drug and alcohol below one percent for the last two years of data,” Scheuerman said the labor college select- random-test rates will remain at their lowest lev- the FRA said it would impose the minimum ed the Princeton Review and its Penn Foster els in 2010, said the agency Jan. 13 after report- annual random drug-testing rate of 25 percent in subsidiary as partners because of their ing that positive tests for substance abuse among 2010. expertise in distance learning. railroad workers is barely a blip on the random- And “because the industry-wide random alco- Scheuerman said workers whose labor testing radar screen. hol testing violation rate has remained below unions were not in the AFL-CIO, like mem- The FRA said it would require railroads in one-half of one percent for the last two years,” bers of the Teamsters and service employ- 2010 to administer random drug tests to one in the FRA said it would retain the minimum 10 ees’ unions, could also take courses in the four rail workers in safety-sensitive positions, and percent random test rate for alcohol use in 2010. new college. He said they would probably random tests for alcohol use to one in 10 rail Were positive tests for drug use to exceed 1.0 have to pay a premium above what AFL-CIO workers in safety-sensitive positions. percent, or positive tests for alcohol to exceed 0.5 members pay. This is the same minimum testing level as was percent, the FRA could impose a considerably Scheuerman said the online college would required in 2009. higher random testing requirement – as high as first offer bachelor’s degrees and would ulti- Announcing that “because the industry-wide one in two workers for drug and alcohol random mately also offer associate’s and master’s random drug testing positive rate has remained testing. degrees. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Page 4 February 2010 UTU News Union rep rules out of sync with times he National Mediation took up to five AT&T operators to Board, which administers the complete long-distance calls, which TRailway Labor Act, proposes cost up to $33 in current dollars. changing the rules by which rail and By requiring a majority of eligible airline employees choose labor employees vote in favor of represen- union representation. The UTU tation, the procedure better assured supports the change. an informed vote. The NMB rules for representa- By Mike Futhey, International President Finally, during the 1930s, com- tion elections now require a major- (216) 228-9400; [email protected] ity of employees eligible to vote munist agitators advocated worker actually cast a ballot favoring a militancy. The NMB election pro- union before that union is certified answer is that circumstances were those voting) more conclusively cedures of that era sought to prevent as the bargaining agent. Those not markedly different when the rule communicated to management an a handful of agitators from rigging voting are assumed to have cast a was first imposed in the 1930s. employee desire for an independent elections. “no” ballot. Back then, the NMB was con- labor union. Circumstances have, indeed, By contrast, the National Labor cerned with company unions, African-American employees changed. And that is why the NMB Relations Board, which administers racial discrimination, conflict often were denied representation in now proposes to bring its 75-year- company unions, and were discrimi- old representation election voting nated against in hiring, assignments procedures in sync with the univer- It’s time for the National Mediation Board and discipline. sal rule of democratic elections. to update rep-election procedures Many railroads back then tried to Meanwhile, Congress currently deny ballots to African-American has before it the Employee Free employees. By certifying representa- labor law affecting the bus industry, among competing unions, lower Choice Act, which affects our bus tion elections based on the majority certifies representation elections reading comprehension among members covered under the Nation- of those eligible to vote, the NMB based on results of those actually union members, primitive means of al Labor Relations Act. advanced racial democracy. voting – the universal standard in communication, and even commu- Employers and their friends in democratic elections. nist agitators. In that earlier era, dozens of labor unions were in competition for rep- Congress have so far blocked pas- The UTU submitted comments Two-thirds of the NMB workload resentation, as it was not until 1954 sage of that law. supporting the change. A decision in the 1930s involved purging out- that the AFL-CIO constitution pro- The Employee Free Choice Act may be issued this month. lawed company unions, which were hibited “raiding” by its member would do three things to level the You might wonder why the NMB controlled by management. Requir- has been out of sync with universal ing a majority of those eligible to democratic voting procedures. The vote (as opposed to a majority of The Employee Free Choice Act will level playing field

unions. Thus, the NMB sought to playing field for employees and “get it right” in determining which employers. [email protected] union the majority of employees It would strengthen penalties favored. Mike Futhey, International President against companies that illegally [email protected] During the 1930s, only 30 percent coerce employees from expressing Arty Martin, Assistant President of workers held high school diplo- support for union representation; it [email protected] mas (versus more than 70 percent would require a neutral third party Kim Thompson, General Secretary and Treasurer today), and voting was by mail bal- impose a contract when a company [email protected] lot with detailed written instruc- refuses to negotiate in good faith; James Stem, National Legislative Director tions. Communication also was [email protected] primitive. and it would require an employer to recognize a union immediately if a Contact the UTU: This was no small concern, as majority of employees sign union- Phone (216) 228-9400; fax (216) 228-5755 under the Railway Labor Act, repre- sentation is system-wide. It may be authorization cards. For the latest news, visit www.utu.org regularly; also, sign up hard to believe in this era of cell The UTU supports passage of the on the UTU Web site to receive news alerts via e-mail. phones, but during the 1930s, it Employee Free Choice Act. Amtrak CEO optimistic about future As I travel the Amtrak system, I approach safety by shifting our focus find there is real excitement, enthu- to working in a way that reduces risk siasm, and a sense of purpose among A message to UTU members and increases collaboration. Our Amtrak employees throughout the from focus should be on reducing risks company, including among the ded- and protecting each other, not sta- icated and professional men and Amtrak President and CEO tistics. women of the UTU. Joe Boardman As front-line employees with sig- There is reason to be optimistic nificant direct interaction with our about the future. The days of won- passengers, UTU members play a dering if Amtrak is going to survive another year are behind us. This Amtrak is a major part of the future meet our new challenges and oppor- critical role in helping Amtrak to year, and the years ahead, will be of intercity and high-speed passen- tunities. We can, and are, doing that stand out from our competition and focused on growing the business, not ger rail in America. today. The investments we’re mak- I will look to you for your support as mere survival. In late January, Amtrak became a ing and the steps we’re taking to we move forward. Just look at the facts. Congress significant beneficiary of President improve are designed to secure our I am very excited about the com- has given Amtrak a strong long- ing years. They will be filled with term national mission. The White House has a real vision for intercity “A strong partnership with rail labor achievements that demonstrate a and high-speed passenger rail. is critical to Amtrak’s future.” safer, greener, and healthier railroad Amtrak is experiencing record rid- and is an improved financial and ership. Federal economic stimulus customer focused company that funding is helping to rebuild our Obama’s historic federal investment leadership position in the industry. lives up to its role in meeting Amer- railroad and create new jobs. We are in passenger rail with approximately A strong partnership with rail labor ica’s national passenger rail needs. adding new state partners, expand- $4.5 billion of the $8 billion grant also is critical to the future. ing services on state corridor routes, awards directed to state-led projects We’re also making significant I thank each and every UTU and are about to enter into a new that support improvements to cur- strides in creating a safer workplace member for the good work you do for commuter rail contract. rent or future Amtrak routes. for all Amtrak employees. Safe-2- Amtrak. Please continue to work And make no mistake about it – Amtrak must change and rise to Safer will change the way we safely.

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org February 2010 UTU News Page 5

State Watch N ews from UTU State Leg i s l a t i ve Board s New York Georgia State Director Sam Nasca reports that the recent earthquake in Haiti has affected many drivers who are members of Local 153, Spring Valley, which represents workers at Chestnut Ridge Transportation. “Local 153 has more than 300 members who are of Haitian descent and have family, friends and property in Haiti,” Nasca said. “It has been a very trying time for those members, as they try to determine the fate of their family members, friends and others. “We have urged assistance for the Haitian recovery, through the authorized agencies and entities approved to handle such assistance. UTU members also have gathered and sent items The Georgia State Legislative Board was recently asked to sponsor the first Georgia Working Fam- needed in the recovery effort.” ily Caucus luncheon meeting of 2010 at the state capital in Atlanta. Approximately 70 attendees, (See a related story on UTU International’s including many state senators and representatives, were in attendance to hear and discuss pending and donations to the Haitian relief effort, page 1.) upcoming legislation in both houses of the General Assembly, State Legislative Director Howell Keown reports. Illinois Sen. Nan Orrock (D - 36th Dist.) introduced and thanked Director Keown and the attending mem- State Legislative Director Bob Guy recently bers of the Georgia State Legislative Board for hosting and sponsoring the luncheon. attended a rail summit hosted by Gov. Pat Quinn Pictured above, left to right, are: Jay Gibson (L-674, Augusta); Georgia AFL-CIO President Richard that examined the economic impact of rail trans- Ray; Bernard Gray (L-1033, Atlanta); Asst. State Director Jim Finley (L-1261, Atlanta); Marvin portation in the state. Evans (L-941, Columbus); Keown (L-511, Atlanta); Gary Whitt (L-1971, Atlanta); Mike Parker (L- 535, Macon) and Patrick Folsom (L-1263, Valdosta). The guest speaker was former state legislative director and current FRA Administrator Joe Szabo. Missouri “Two of the biggest safety issues are distraction and fatigue, ones that we have all experienced,” Items discussed included local rail develop- At the urging of the UTU, State Sen. Timothy Green said. “A tired driver is a dangerous driver Green (D - Spanish Lake) has introduced legis- ment, manufacturing, connecting to a global as performance starts to decline when sleep is lation to regulate the transportation of railroad economy and innovation. reduced by even a few hours.” employees by contract carriers to establish much- “This was a really good forum, and good Last year, similar legislation passed in the needed safety standards. opportunity for the UTU to connect and com- Arkansas General Assembly with unanimous municate with industry leaders,” Guy said. Senate Bill 762 would increase the safety of votes and was signed into law by the governor. “This kind of meeting shows how railroads have railroad workers by adopting new regulations on “The safety of our railroad workers and other become a priority for both the Quinn and Oba- hours of operation to combat driver fatigue, drivers on Missouri’s highways is the number one ma administrations.” require driver alcohol and drug testing after acci- objective of this legislation,” State Legislative Also in attendance were Sen. Dick Durbin (D- dents, review and maintain workers’ driving Director Ken Menges said. “Sen. Green, a dedi- Ill.); Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.), Illinois records, create important maintenance and cated member of Missouri’s organized labor Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig and U.S. repair standards for vehicles, and set reasonable movement, realizes the importance of safety on Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary liability insurance standards on contract carriers our roadways and is committed to fighting for our for Economic Development John Fernandez. that transport railroad employees. hardworking UTU members.” Government bans texting EPA works to curb by bus, truck drivers school bus emissions The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a ban on texting by Millions of school children across the nation ride on buses every day commercial bus and truck drivers as part of what DOT calls an effort to com- bat traffic deaths stemming from distracted motorists, Bloomberg News that burn diesel fuel, exposing them to dangerous pollutants and serious reports. health hazards. The Federal Railroad Administration – in October 2008 – banned the use Part of Jim Blubaugh’s job as head of the Environmental Protection of all electronic devices in the cabs of locomotives, and violators are subject Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Diesel Campaign is to clear the air by to fines as high as $25,000, plus other discipline. reducing emissions from thousands of diesel-fueled school buses, and in the process protect children from these noxious exhaust fumes, The Wash - Bus and truck drivers caught violating the DOT ban may be subject to civ- ington Post reports. il or criminal penalties of as much as $2,750, DOT said. The restriction applies only to drivers of buses carrying more than eight passengers. As part of EPA’s Clean School Bus USA pro- gram, Blubaugh and his team have provided mil- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has made the issue a priority after lions of dollars in grants to states and school dis- more than 5,800 people died in 2008 in accidents where at least one form of tricts since 2003 for the installation of new driver distraction was cited in the crash report. DOT’s move comes almost four months after President Barack Obama banned the nation’s almost three exhaust systems and filters on their bus fleets to million federal employees from texting while driving on the job. reduce nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and air toxics. “Our regulations will help prevent unsafe activity within the cab,” Anne Ferro, head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, said. “We Last year, the program got a big boost with a want to make it crystal clear to operators and their employers that texting $300-million appropriation under the Ameri- while driving is the type of unsafe activity that these regulations are intended can Recovery and Reinvestment Act to install clean-diesel technologies to prohibit.” across the nation, which represents a six-fold increase over 2008 funding. Research shows that drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 “The Recovery Act funds will allow the program to assist many more seconds for every six seconds spent sending and receiving text messages. fleets and communities with lowering diesel emissions from the 11 million engines in the existing fleet,” said Blubaugh. The problem of pollution is bigger than just school buses. More than 11 UTU seeks info on members, families in military million diesel engines are in operation today that do not meet the EPA’s clean diesel standards. The United Transportation Union is seeking to honor its members, or their children or spouses, who are serving in any branch of the U.S. mil- Blubaugh’s program focuses on a wide variety of pollution reduction ini- itary. The UTU News plans to publish these names, and any photos tiatives in the transportation, agricultural and construction equipment received, in a future edition. sectors. To date, Blubaugh’s team has upgraded or replaced hundreds of Along with the photo, please mail or e-mail the name and rank of the thousands of non-school-bus engines, including locomotives, vessels, individual, the branch and unit of the military in which they serve, where trucks and construction equipment. they are stationed, along with the UTU member’s name and local number. UTU News also welcomes photographs of these military personnel, in “Diesel emissions are one of the most challenging and important public uniform, for publication. Photos can be returned if requested. health issues facing the country,” said Blubaugh. “It’s difficult because Names and photographs should be e-mailed to [email protected] or diesel engines are the work horse of the country. You’ll find them in school sent to UTU News, United Transportation Union, 14600 Detroit Ave., buses, in construction equipment, and locomotives.” Cleveland, OH 44107-4250.

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

Page 6 February 2010 UTU News February 2010 UTU News Page 7 UTUIA: YOUR union-owned insurance company Insurance for unionized transportation employees, managed by labor-represented employees FOR labor-represented workers

Aaron Combs Steve White Chris Fly Insurance is the foundation of your financial plan Phone: (815) 693-5773 Phone: (864) 379-4062 Phone: (252) 813-7319 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] By Tony Martella And unlike so many private insurance companies, the union-friendly UTUIA doesn’t engage in anti-union activities, such as lobbying for corpo- I tell the young guys to buy a The UTUIA’s cancer policy UTUIA Director of Insurance & Marketing Disability income replace- rate-favored public policies. ment insurance has always little whole life insurance provides daily income while been the most important when they are young confined to a hospital, and The foundation of a sound financial plan is to assure suf- To learn more about UTUIA products, contact a UTUIA field supervisor. coverage I want my own because the rates are cheap- a two-for-one benefit while at ficient income to protect our loved ones in the event of an The list of field supervisors and their contact information is shown on the er and guaranteed not to increase. It’s a good home recovering. This income can greatly members to have. Having been a local untimely death, catastrophic illness or long-term disability. opposite page. chairperson, I saw too often what an injury deal. Our cancer policy is the same: your low ease your financial burdens. The United Transportation Union Insurance Associa- can do to a family’s finances. rates are locked in at the age you purchase Our accidental death and dismemberment plan tion (UTUIA), owned by its policy holders, offers top qual- Also, accidental death insurance is a must and will not increase over time. pays daily benefits for lodging and meals ity insurance products for every stage of life and family cir- for all railroaders. We always think we for family while confined in an intensive-care Disabilities will come home from work in one piece, unit as a result of accident. This is a plan with cumstance, geared specifically for transportation industry Today you are healthy and have the ability to earn an income. Tomor- Martella but accidents can and do happen. considerable payouts for a nominal premium. members and their families. row, that may change. Income replacement insurance is one of the most UTUIA is all about dedicated trade unionists assisting critical forms of insurance you can own and yet it is one of the most Art Rayner dedicated trade unionists in a not-for-profit company. overlooked. With more than $23 million in surplus, UTUIA is financially sound and Your most valuable asset is your ability to earn a living. How will your Gary Snyder Phone: (724) 699-1233 offers a broad portfolio of competitive products. family manage if you are disabled for a prolonged period of time? Phone: (541) 281-2871 [email protected] Don’t take that gamble. Let the UTUIA help; our disability income [email protected] Transportation workers can plan can make all the difference. UTU members need to put their hard-earned money Accidents Our policy is guaranteed renewable, which means we can never refuse understand that the UTUIA to work for them by invest- The UTUIA’s accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy to renew your coverage as long as you pay the premiums. is their insurance compa- ing in an annuity or IRA offers guaranteed approval for all active transportation employees! This is one of the best investments you’ll make to insure your family’s ny, sponsored by their through the UTUIA. If they invest a little bit Premiums for this plan start at just $6.50 a month. financial future. labor union, run by labor-union execu- each paycheck, the compounded rewards they will reap down the line can be tremendous. For just $19.50 per month, our best plan provides all of these benefits: tives and managed by union-represented • $180,000 for death caused by common carrier workers. Name me one other insurance Those who purchase UTUIA whole-life insur- company that can make that claim. UTUIA ance do not want to burden their loved ones • $90,000 for death caused by automobile Cancer knows the transportation business and gears with funeral and other final expenses; they • $60,000 for accidental death The costs associated with cancer treatment can be devastating, not its products to the needs of transport workers. want to leave them with something of • $30,000 for dismemberment only to the person who is diagnosed with this terrible disease, but to his value, something upon which they can rely. • $60,000 for double dismemberment or her family members as well. To help, UTUIA offers an affordable cancer policy. The benefits include: • $600 per day for intensive-care confinements • First diagnosis benefit: $2,000 David Landstrom Greg Hale • $60 per day for family lodging • Hospital confinement benefit: $300 per day Phone: (307) 630-2927 Phone: (574) 286-5902 • $30 per day for family meals • Home recovery and convalescent benefit: $100 per day [email protected] [email protected] • Up to $1,800 for air ambulance transportation • Extended stay benefit: $600 per day • Up to $300 for surface ambulance transportation Disability income replace- I recommend the UTUIA’s • Bone marrow transplant benefit: $15,000 ment insurance is the foun- • Optional family rider covers your spouse and children for as little as cancer policy. This policy Less than $1 a day covers you and your family! Also, there is no “life- dation of all good financial not only pays daily benefits $3 per month. Remember, as a transportation employee, your approval planning. This policy pays for hospital stays, but pays is guaranteed. time maximum” on the total benefits you can collect from this plan! benefits directly to the insured, tax free, with benefits while you recover at home. For no payback provisions. around $10 a month, this policy is essential. UTUIA’s term life insurance offers the UTU Oftentimes I hear, “I am single. Why do I member and his or her family the protec- Retirement Life insurance need life insurance?” Here’s the answer: The traditional IRA and Roth IRA are specialized savings plans tions they need while raising a family, paying Money if you die; money (cash value) if you Whole life insurance that help you accumulate funds for retirement. off a mortgage and saving for retirement. Joe Solito live! Permanent life insurance offers guaranteed premiums, a guaranteed Phone: (504) 914-0008 Depending on your income level, and if you choose a traditional IRA, death benefit, guaranteed cash values and may pay dividends. It provides you may be able to deduct some or all of your contribution on your federal whole-life coverage up to age 121. [email protected] Malcolm Morrison tax return. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible. Charlie Skidmore Loan provisions allow you to borrow up to 90 percent of the cash val- The railroad industry is a Phone: (910) 995-6720 The Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity (FPDA) is an insurance ue in your policy. Other benefits include supplements (called “riders”) to Phone: (303) 564-5616 dangerous line of work. That product. It has the same benefit as an IRA of having your investment cover your spouse and dependents, an accidental death benefit provision is why I recommend that all [email protected] [email protected] earnings accumulate tax free until withdrawn. There are no limits on your and a waiver of premium if you become disabled. UTU members take advan- I recommend the purchase contributions to an FPDA and any amount can be contributed at any Disability income replace- tage of the accidental death and dismem- of term life insurance to all time, subject to a $25 minimum. Term Life Insurance ment insurance can help berment coverage offered by the UTUIA. It young UTU members. It ease the financial burdens is an inexpensive way to provide valuable These products are currently paying 4 percent interest! Term life insurance offers substantial insurance coverage for low pre- offers guaranteed, affordable mium costs. It also provides coverage for a specific period of time, up to that occur if you are sick or benefits. premiums and provisions that guarantee the The UTUIA offers several payout options to best serve your needs. age 95. Conversion privileges guarantee your approval to a whole life injured and unable to work. Cancer is a dreaded disease. That is why I insured can upgrade to a whole-life policy. Upon death, the annuity value will be paid directly to your beneficiary, avoiding the expenses, delays and frustrations of probate. insurance policy, without medical review. Everyone should invest in the UTUIA’s ask all UTU members and their families to UTUIA individual retirement accounts (IRAs) accidental death and dismemberment pol- consider the purchase of a UTUIA cancer provide the best way for a member to start icy. Accidents happen, and you need to be policy. It can be a financial lifesaver. saving for the future. If you establish an IRA prepared for them. Do not add insult to injury with the UTUIA, you have taken an important Visit us on the Internet at Information, please by being caught short. step towards financial independence. www.utuia.org and click on Serge Decoste the “Contact Us” button. I would like more information on UTUIA’s products. Phone: (909) 292-7361 Don Dysart Dan McElley Please print [email protected] Phone: (770) 335-4549 Phone: (970) 260-1631 [email protected] Or, call us, toll-free, at (800) [email protected] Our members should know that life insurance benefits 558-8842 and we will have a Full name Sex Date of birth are paid out tax free, which UTUIA’s whole life (perma- UTUIA annuities and IRAs nent life) insurance pro- are the cornerstones of a is an important consideration field supervisor contact you in financial planning. I often hear people say vides both the protection Address City State ZIP savings plan. Investments of a death benefit with directly. can be deducted from pay- they can do better investing on their own, to which I respond: Life insurance isn’t an cash value (dividends), money you can checks. The best way to save money is to Telephone number with area code UTU local number investment, it’s a sure thing. access either by cashing in the policy or bor- pay yourself first each payday. rowing against it. Or, complete, clip and mail the The UTUIA offers three different retire- UTUIA’s term life insurance offers valuable coupon at right; someone from Complete and mail to: UTUIA Sales Dept., 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250 03/10 protection at a reasonable cost. You only ment plans (the Roth, traditional and flexible pay for the protection you want and need. premium), and each are currently earning a 4 the UTUIA will contact you. percent interest rate. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Page 8 February 2010 UTU News

News, information for members of the UTU Alumni Association UTU offers Alaskan cruise, tour The UTU is offering the members of the UTU Rush National Historical Park and the historic trip over the Hurricane Gulch Bridge, alongside Alumni Association the vacation of a lifetime – White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. lush mountains and raging rivers to Anchorage. an 11-day excursion to Alaska – at a group-tour On day six the ship will cruise Glacier You will depart price that is hard to beat. Bay National Park, Anchorage the follow- This tour includes a sev- Alaska’s number-one ing morning, or stick en-day cruise up the Inside glacier experience. You around and explore if Passage, a flight to Fairbanks will cruise from the you desire. and a two-day tour aboard Reid and Lamplugh gla- The UTU, through the McKinley Explorer, a ciers to the mighty its association with luxury train with domed pas- Johns Hopkins – sur- Landfall Travel/Ameri- senger cars. rounded by rugged can Express, is able to Vacationers will depart peaks and unforgettable offer this once-in-a- Vancouver, B.C., Aug. 15 scenery. lifetime trip beginning aboard Holland America’s five-star After a relaxing morning at at only $1,352 per cruise ship M.S. Statendam. This ves- sea on day seven, you will enter person. Certain other fees and taxes apply. sel boasts fewer passengers, larger Prince William Sound and see the This tour is open to all UTU Alumni Asso- staterooms and more space than any only place in Alaska that surrounds ciation members, family and friends; other other plying the Alaska waters. you on three sides with flowing rivers UTU members are welcome to join them as Aboard ship you can enjoy a mas- of ice, the College Fjord. space permits. sage in the Greenhouse Spa, a cook- On day eight you will disembark at For more information contact Landfall Travel ing lesson in the Culinary Arts Seward and board a motorcoach for a toll free at (800) 835-9233; log onto the UTU Center or hundreds of other activities. scenic journey through the Chugach National Alumni Association page at www.landfalltravel, On day three you will discover Ketchikan, Forest to Anchorage, where you will board a or email [email protected]. possibly enjoying a flightseeing trip to breathtak- flight to Fairbanks. ing Misty Fjords National Monument. You will board the luxurious McKinley On day four you will explore Juneau. You can Explorer train on day nine where you will take in R a i l r oaders to picnic wander the lush Tongass National Forest, the sights and sounds of the Alaska Railroad. You explore Mendenhall Glacier or go whale will arrive at Denali National Park lodge that in St. Petersburg, Fla. evening. w a t c h i n g . Retired member Joe Alenduff is You will be in Skagway on the fifth day of your The morning of day 10 is for exploring and side again organizing an annual picnic for rail- adventure. This is home to the Klondike Gold trips. Then you will reboard the Explorer for a roaders in the St. Petersburg, Fla., area. The event, scheduled for Saturday, March 20, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alumni member George Harris: Still going strong at Shelter 15 in Ft. DeSoto Park in St. Meet George M. Harris, a UTU A l u m n i any prescription drugs, works in his vegetable P e t e r s b u r g . Association member and lifetime member of and flower gardens and was, until recently, a reg- Coffee and iced tea will be furnished. Local 1518, Indianapolis. Brother Harris, ular Lake Michigan fisherman. He used to Participants are urged to bring two cov- 94, started railroading April 24, 1937, and spend time near Luddington, Mich., fishing ered dishes to share, their own place set- retired Dec. 7, 1981. every summer. He still gets out and shov- tings and cups. els snow in the winter months for exercise. He worked as a conductor for the New All railroaders, their friends and rela- York Central, Penn Central and Conrail. “George met Cecil Mottu in Frutigen, tives are welcome and encouraged to He also served many years as local chair- Switzerland, in 1946 during World War II pass the word, Alenduff said. person and vice general chairperson. and they have been married for more than Take U.S. 19 South, or Exit 17 on I-275 “George is probably the oldest New York 63 years. They had two children: Alex, a at St. Petersburg and follow the signs. Central conductor still living in this area, if Harris former BNSF engineer in California, and a not the whole Big Four System,” said friend daughter, Georgiane, of Indianapolis. He For more information, contact Alenduff and fellow Local 1518 retiree Jim Arnett. has five grandchildren, one of whom was at (727) 522-6808 or send an e-mail to “George is still in good health, doesn’t take an engineer for the BNSF,” Arnett said. him at [email protected].

T H E F I N A L C A L L

Following are the names of recently deceased members who maintained annual membership in the UTU Alumni Association (formerly known as the UTU for Life Program), according to reports received at UTU International Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU Alumni Association members.

Local Name City/State Local Name City/State Local Name City/State 2 Mauk, James G. Elyria, Ohio 322 Dahlin, Mark J. Kaukauna, Wis. 903 Rolfe, William E. Jacksonville, Fla. 2 McCoy, Robert V. Auburndale, Fla. 407 Brantley Jr., Thomas C. Charleston, S.C. 904 Jenkins, Austin L. Evansville, Ind. 6 Doan, Hubert W. Danville, Ill. 440 Marcum, Earl C. Winfield, Tenn. 1074 Baker, Harry F. Smithton, Pa. 94 Felkins, Marion E. Independence, Kan. 492 McClure, Harold E. Carson City, Nev. 1075 Losasso, Delmer L. Lucasville, Ohio 117 Baker, Fred K. Portland, Ore. 500 Rettig, Walter A. Grand Junction, Colo. 1301 Chadwick, Doyle R. Powell, Tenn. 194 McClintock, Jack R. Sicklerville, N.J. 587 Noonan, John S. Clifton Park, N.Y. 1366 Moore, Ralph B. Ivins, Utah 194 Ward, Clarence L. Brazil, Ind. 596 Benson, Joseph M. Butler, Pa. 1379 Underwood, Franklin T. Carnegie, Pa. 239 Klobas, Albert Albany, Calif. 627 Weiner, Marlin A. Blue Springs, Neb. 1382 Erdmann, DuWayne L. Wausau, Wis. 243 Anthony, Robert G. Fort Worth, Texas 630 Ray Sr., Ernest B. Pikeville, Ky. 1433 Moran, John L. Schaumburg, Ill. 278 Wieczorek, Walter J. Jackson, Mich. 631 Dallas, Lawrence H. Knoxville, Md. 1462 Nelson, Cecil E. Titusville, Fla. 284 Dunn Jr., William F. Brook Park, Ohio 645 Jones, John M. Brodheadsville, Pa. 1501 Tucker Jr., John W. Metairie, La. 293 Steele, Charles W. Houston, Texas 706 Akers Jr., Raymond D. Vinton, Va. 1505 Simmet, Kenneth L. Elk, Wash. 298 Beall, Harold G. Logansport, Ind. 770 Daniels, Melvin D. Heavener, Okla. 1548 Ross, Paul L. Westfield, Ind. 298 Jensen, Herman W. Garrett, Ind. 783 Hill, Henry L. Royal Palm Beach, Fla. 1567 McKnight, Preston O. Evarts, Ky. 313 Altschwager, Donald Ludington, Mich. 838 Montgomery, Frank R. Aston, Pa. 1831 Softy, Joseph H. Boca Raton, Fla. 313 Gould, Keith A. Ada, Mich. 857 Brown, Edward E. Victoria, Texas 1886 Corley, Charley M. Houston, Texas

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org February 2010 UTU News Page 9 UTU member returns $2,830 found on train NEW YORK – Meet the most trusted train conductor in New York: Long Island Rail Road conductor and UTU member Larry Pinkham Jr., a member of Local 645, Babylon, N.Y. One of the LIRR train conductor’s duties is to walk through his or her train after all customers leave at the final stop, checking for items pas- sengers may have left behind, said LIRR Gener- al Chairperson Anthony Simon. Pinkham did just that on Jan. 12, when the 2:52 p.m. train from Penn Station completed its run at Huntington, N.Y., at 3:59 p.m. Pinkham was checking the train when he came across what he described as “a wallet that was large and bulky,” right near the window seat of one of the cars. The wallet turned out to contain $2,830 in cash and, luckily, identification of its owner. Pinkham, a 10-year LIRR veteran, turned in the wallet and contents to LIRR managers at the railroad’s lost and found office in Penn Station. UTU member and Long Island Rail Road conductor Larry Pinkham, left, speaks to the media after returning a wallet he found containing $2,830 to David Sperling, second from left. Joining them at the presentation were UTU LIRR General Chairper- The cash was tagged and deposited for safe- son Anthony Simon, far right, and LIRR Vice President of Public Affairs Joe Calderone. keeping and its owner, attorney David Sperling, was contacted. fund and cut the rightful owner a check after “I am extremely proud of the honesty that Mr. The billfold was eventually reunited with they can prove it is theirs. Pinkham displayed by returning that type of Huntington resident Sperling, who said he was Pinkham, who was humble about his heroic cash,” Simon said. “His actions are a true exam- “absolutely frantic” when he reached and real- deed, was not allowed to collect reward money as ized he didn’t have his wallet. an LIRR employee. “We’re here for the cus- ple to the integrity that is displayed by UTU LIRR procedure is to store found money in a tomers,” he said. members throughout our property.” COBRA subsidy extended for laid-off workers COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Under the extension, a worker now qualifies Some people eligible for the subsidy might Reconciliation Act, has long enabled many peo- for COBRA premium assistance if he or she was have dropped coverage when their COBRA sub- ple who lose their job to keep their health insur- laid off involuntarily (meaning not fired for sidy ended in November or December because ance, generally for 18 months, at 102 percent of cause) between Sept. 1, 2008, and Feb. 28, 2010, the full cost proved prohibitive. Employers must the full cost, meaning the portions paid by both and is eligible for COBRA assistance. give those who did that the opportunity to pay the employer and employee. Workers are generally eligible for COBRA if back premiums and remain covered. Payment But such coverage is expensive, and many peo- they received their health insurance through must be made within 60 days of the date when ple can’t afford it. With so many Americans their employer. (For full details on eligibility, log the subsidy initially expired. unemployed at once, a subsidy was deemed nec- on to www.dol.gov/cobra or call the Department essary to prevent the percentage of uninsured of Labor at 866-444-3272. Americans from growing dramatically. Though COBRA coverage generally lasts up Register online now The subsidy was launched in March 2009 and to 18 months, the current extension provides the paid 65 percent of the health insurance premium premium subsidy for up to 15 months more. An for regional meetings cost for nine months for workers laid off between analysis by benefits consulting firm Hewitt Asso- Online registration is now available for the Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009 – saving fami- ciates, based in Lincolnshire, Ill., found that two UTU/UTUIA regional meetings sched- lies an average of $722 per month on average average monthly enrollment rates in COBRA uled for later this year. health insurance premiums of $1,111. healthcare plans among subsidy-eligible workers The meetings are scheduled for July 26-28 With a recently enacted extension, families have increased by 20 percentage points since the at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, get 15 months of subsidy instead of just nine. COBRA subsidy began. Phoenix, Ariz., and Aug. 23-25 at the Grove And the extension will apply retroactively even COBRA – and the premium subsidy – ends if Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. to those whose subsidy ended between Nov. 30 the individual becomes eligible for other The online registration forms can be and Dec. 21 (the time between the end of the employer-sponsored healthcare coverage accessed from the “Meetings” button on the initial legislation and the start of the new meas- (through a new job or a spouse’s new job, for UTU Web site, www.utu.org. Payments can ure), according to the Department of Labor. example) or Medicare. be made via credit card over the secure link. The registration fee for these meetings, $150 per person in advance or $200 on site, Discipline Income Protection Program: It Pays! is the same as that charged the last three years. Children 11 years of age and younger What is the Discipline Income Protection Program? This program pays you a are complimentary. specific amount over a length of time if you are suspended, dismissed or removed Registration fees cover all meeting materi- from service by the carrier for alleged violation of rules or operating procedures, pro- als, the welcoming reception, three lunches vided that such violations are not on the list of exceptions not covered. and one dinner. Registered spouses and What benefits are paid? You choose the level of children also receive a discount on tours. benefits paid, from $6 to $200 per day, all at Each person attending the regional meet- ing, including family members and guests, low monthly assessments. The term of ben- MUST be registered in order to attend any efits, from 250 to 365 days, depends on social event or meal. how long you have been enrolled in the Registering before the regional meetings p r o g r a m . speeds sign-in procedures, helps organizers Who sponsors the program? The United plan more accurately, and saves on meeting Transportation Union International sponsors the costs. Discipline Income Protection Program. Those registering online can also make their hotel reservations through the same Who is eligible for coverage? UTU members in the U.S. and Canada may enroll “Meetings” page. Attendees are urged to as members on a voluntary basis. reserve their rooms as soon as possible How do I get more information? Contact your field supervisor or local insurance because rooms held for the UTU are limited representative, or write to: Discipline Income Protection Program, UTU, 14600 at both facilities. Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250, or e-mail “[email protected]” or check out the Watch for complete regional meeting Discipline Income Protection Program page on www.utu.org. details in next month’s issue of the UTU News.

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Page 10 February 2010 UTU News UTU asks Senate to fast track FAA legislation The UTU has joined other transportation the letter were the Association of Flight Atten- International Union, the Transport Workers labor organizations in urging the Senate to make dants, the Air Line Pilots Association, the Union, and the Professional Aviation Safety Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reau- National Air Traffic Controllers Association; Specialists. thorization a priority and bring the measure to the International Federation of Professional and The letter was addressed to Senate Majority the Senate floor for a vote quickly. Technical Engineers, the American Federation Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Senate Commerce The House already has passed an FAA reau- of State, County and Municipal Employees; the Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D- thorization bill, but the Senate must act before a Machinists Union, the Laborers’ International W.Va.), and Senate Finance Committee Chair- final measure can become law. Union, the Office and Professional Employees man Max Baucus (D-Mont.). Since October 2007, the FAA has been oper- ating on a series of short-term funding exten- sions, leaving crucial safety, modernization, Retired BNSF exec tapped for Amtrak board America needs job-creating initia- President Obama nominated on Jan. 19 Georgetown University, a law degree from retired BNSF executive Jeffrey R. Moreland to Catholic University, and a master’s degree in tives like the investment provisions be a member of Amtrak’s nine-member board of business administration from the University of embodied in this bill. directors, which currently has four vacancies. Chicago. Moreland now joins two other Obama nomi- Coscia, chairman of the Port Authority of infrastructure programs and worker rights issues nees to the Amtrak board – Anthony R. Coscia New York and New Jersey since 2003, has the awaiting congressional action. and Bert DiClemente – awaiting a Senate con- support of New Jersey Democratic Sen. Frank “A strong FAA reauthorization bill brings the firmation hearing on their nominations. Lautenberg, one of Amtrak’s strongest congres- sional supporters. promise of major reforms: increased investment Coscia and DiClemente were nominated by in our airports and infrastructure; modernization Obama Nov. 10 and, like Moreland, must be Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) has praised of the air traffic control system; implementation confirmed by the entire Senate. Coscia’s leadership in upgrading the PATH sub- of vital safety reforms; a fairer system of collec- way system and advancing plans to construct a tive bargaining at the FAA; protection of work- Moreland, an attorney, was BNSF’s executive new rail tunnel linking New Jersey with mid- ers’ rights; and reaffirmation of federal policy on vice president for public affairs prior to his 2007 town Manhattan. Coscia earned a law degree the foreign ownership and control of U.S. air retirement. He also served as a BNSF lobbyist from Rutgers. carriers,” said the labor organizations’ letter to and its general counsel. DiClemente is a commercial real estate execu- Senate leaders. Prior to joining BNSF predecessor Atchison, tive who, for two decades until 1997, was an aide “America needs jobs-creating initiatives like Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1978, Moreland to now-Vice President Joe Biden when Biden the investment provisions embodied in this bill,” was an attorney with the Securities and was a U.S. senator from Delaware. DiClemente the organizations said. Exchange Commission. earned an undergraduate degree from the Uni- Besides the UTU, labor organizations signing He earned an undergraduate degree from versity of Delaware.

THE UTU INTERNATIONAL STAFF: HERE TO SERVE YOU

RITA KELLY MELISSA HUFF KAREN LASBY Rita Kelly is assistant director of the UTUIA Melissa Huff is a new systems developer in the Karen Lasby is an annuity administrator with Policyholders Service Department. She started Information Technology Department. She start- the UTUIA. She started in 1980 in the Claims in 1998 in the Updating Department and moved ed with the UTU in 2007. What is a “new sys- Department, then was promoted to actuarial to her current position in tems developer”? “I develop assistant before moving to her 2003. “I assist members with web-based computer applica- present position in 1996. “I whatever questions they may tions,” she said, “such as the assist members who invest in have about insurance policies iLink system, which is our individual retirement accounts they hold with the UTUIA,” online membership database, (IRAs) and annuities through she explained. “I handle among other things. I also the UTUIA. I process their requests for loans against poli- work on the online registra- investments, assist them with cies, look up cash values, tion Web site for the regional withdrawals and answer ques- process cash surrender requests meetings. I also help local offi- tions about benefits and pay- and much more. I enjoy talking to and helping cers navigate their way around iLink. All this is outs. I really enjoy working with our members our members; they are great. Every day is differ- the wave of the future and I am happy to help the and helping them with retirement plans that ent on this job, and that makes it interesting.” UTU stay on the cutting edge.” they can count on in the future.”

Meet your UTU Designated Legal Counsel There is no more dangerous work environment than on the railroads, safety hazards, and every aspect of the FELA. They are the UTU Designat- where injuries too often are severe. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act ed Legal Counsel, chosen for their special knowledge and experience. Their (FELA) makes railroads accountable for unsafe working conditions. Rail- job is to represent you. This continuing column introduces you to all of the roads retain skilled attorneys to protect their interests. You also have access UTU Designated Legal Counsel. For a complete listing, go to the UTU home to skilled and experienced attorneys who understand the railroad industry, its page at www.utu.org and click on the blue tile, “Designated Legal Counsel.”

STEVE YOUNG SARA YOUNGDAHL Tavormina & Young LLP Youngdahl & Citti PC 1300 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1750 12621 Featherwood Dr., Ste. 240 Houston, TX 77056 Houston, TX 77034 (713) 333-3070 (281) 996-0750 (888) 565-7245 toll free (866) 996-0750 toll free [email protected] [email protected]

UTU designated legal counsel (DLC) are available to provide free and con- Why hire designated legal counsel? They can protect you from railroad fidential advice and counsel to UTU members regarding their rights when efforts to force you to go to company doctors, who may say you can go back injured at work. When an injury occurs, no matter how slight, the injured to work without fully evaluating and treating your injuries; they are familiar person should get advice from DLC as soon as possible. Remember, a lawyer with the tactics of railroad claims agents; they will help to stop the harass- cannot change the facts and facts are made at every turn, once an injury ment you may face; they can properly evaluate the merits of your FELA case, occurs. and are familiar with railroad rules and federal regulations.

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org February 2010 UTU News Page 11 Passenger-rail funding aims to create jobs With international transportation equipment after decades of neglect and expert Anthony Perl calling it “the most disinvestment,” Perl said. important transportation initiative that “We should partner with Asia and the U.S. has seen in my 47-year lifetime,” Europe to share their know-how, rather the Obama administration on Jan. 28 than reinventing the wheel at greater awarded $8 billion in jobs-creation stimu- expense and with more mistakes if we opt lus money for 13 passenger-rail corridors in to go it alone.” Perl is author of a book 31 states. published in 2002, “New Departures: The biggest winners were California, Rethinking Rail Passenger Policy in the Twen - Florida and Illinois. The Associated Press ty-First Century.” says the massive national rail-building Obama said in a prepared statement, program “could rival the Interstate high- “This historic $8-billion investment is ways begun in the Eisenhower era.” expected to create or save tens of thou- Perl, a transportation fellow with the sands of jobs over time in areas like track- Post Carbon Institute in Santa Rosa, laying, manufacturing, planning and Calif., and a member of the Via Canada engineering, and rail maintenance and Rail board of directors, said, “The program o p e r a t i o n s . opens the door to a post-carbon mobility “More than 30 rail manufacturers, both future in ways that tinkering with vehicle domestic and foreign, have agreed to fuel efficiency, auto emissions and intelli- establish or expand their base of opera- gent vehicle and highway designs can nev- tions in the United States if they are hired er accomplish. to build America’s next generation high-speed “All these trains will be powered by electricity, The stimulus funding is not just for high-speed rail lines – a commitment the administration an open-ended energy carrier that can blend rail, although a proposed California rail corridor secured to help ensure new jobs are created here renewable energy sources with decreasing carbon is intended to support passenger-train speeds at home,” Obama said. content,” Perl said. exceeding 200 mph, and one in Florida would Funding targets population centers support speeds exceeding 150 mph. Program lays foundation for future Said Vice President Joe Biden of the projects Many of the designated projects will improve chosen: “In the 1950s, building the Interstate This funding, said President Obama, “creates reliability of conventional passenger trains oper- highways, we picked the portions that would jobs immediately and it lays the foundation for a ating no faster than 79 mph, such as an Ohio cor- have the heaviest traffic, and built them out. vibrant economy in the future.” ridor connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton Obama said this $8 billion is a down payment. and Cincinnati. “The DOT picked Tampa-Orlando because it In fact, Congress already has approved, but not is the most ready. We picked California because awarded, an additional $2.5 billion for trans- U.S. trails other nations they are planned and ready to go. portation projects. Transportation Secretary Ray The U.S. trails China, France and Japan in “By getting railroads like Richmond-Washing- LaHood said some of that $2.5 billion could also high-speed rail projects. China, for example, has ton to 100 mph, we can increase the speed be directed toward passenger-rail projects. announced plans for a $300-billion, 16,000-mile enough to make a difference in congestion,” Additionally, Obama’s fiscal-year 2011 federal high-speed rail network to be completed by Biden said. budget request is expected to seek even more 2020. “I-95 cost $22 million per lane-mile. You can money for these projects, reports the Associated “We face a steep learning curve in building build the railroad for less than $2 million per Press. modern electric railroad infrastructure and route mile,” Biden said. Obama administration will be funding these high-speed rail projects: • California: $2.3 billion to begin work on an 800-mile- • Northeast Corridor: $112 million for engineering on long, high-speed rail line tying Sacramento and the a new tunnel in Baltimore and various track work in San Francisco Bay area to Los Angeles and San New Jersey and Rhode Island. Diego. • North Carolina: $520 million for projects that will • Florida: $1.25 billion to build a 324-mile rail line con- increase top speeds to 100 mph on trains between necting Tampa with Orlando, and eventually extend- Raleigh and Charlotte, and double the number of ing south to Miami. round trips on a route that links Washington, D.C., • Illinois/Missouri: $1.1 billion to improve a rail line Richmond, Raleigh and Charlotte. between Chicago and St. Louis so that trains travel up to 110 mph. • Ohio: $400 million for a new Cleveland-Columbus- Dayton-Cincinnati corridor. • Massachusetts: $40 million for a second main-line track linking Springfield with New Haven, Conn. • Wisconsin: $810 million to upgrade and refurbish train stations • Michigan: $244 million to improve speeds on a 300-mile corridor and install safety equipment on the Madison-to-Milwaukee leg of a linking Detroit with Chicago. line that stretches from Minneapolis to Chicago. • Missouri: $31 million for bridge and crossover expansion linking • Washington/Oregon: $590 million to upgrade and expand a rail St. Louis and Kansas City. corridor linking Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

UTU joins in Amtrak snow-removal waiver fight The UTU and four other rail labor organiza- labor organizations, there would be “no means tools, all while unsupervised and unprotected by tions, whose members work in safety-sensitive whatsoever for a roadway work group to establish a qualified roadway worker in charge. positions, have asked the FRA to deny an on-track safety through the dispatcher or control “This work, by its very nature, is most often Amtrak request to waive permanently the exist- o p e r a t o r, establish on-track safety through train performed in extreme weather conditions that ing mandatory and safety-critical functions gov- coordination or train approach warning, or other- can affect a worker’s alertness and judgment. erning passenger-platform snow wise withhold trains from the These workers will necessarily be dressed in removal outside the Northeast work area. heavy winter clothing, which can adversely Corridor. “Amtrak seeks to perma- affect the workers’ vision, hearing, agility, and The result would be the nently remove the mandatory and ability to react to unanticipated danger. Such scrapping of on-track safety pro- safety-critical functions of the roadway extreme working conditions underscore the need tection for Amtrak employees as well worker in charge from station platform snow- for full compliance with federal on-track safety as contractor employees. Amtrak with- removal operations and proposes to substitute regulations to protect roadway workers.” drew an earlier waiver request – also opposed by minimal ‘procedures’ for roadway worker groups Additionally, the labor organizations said, “by the UTU and the others labor organizations – engaged in snow removal at high- and low-level removing the roadway worker in charge, the that would have required a conductor to coordi- passenger platforms nationwide,” said the labor waiver will severely impede the ability of road- nate platform snow removal to the detriment of o r g a n i z a t i o n s . way workers to make a good faith challenge. the conductor’s other safety-critical functions. “Under Amtrak’s waiver request,” said the First-level good faith challenges are, in virtually Amtrak now is asking that its employees and labor organizations, “Amtrak employees and all cases, presented to the designated roadway contractor employees be permitted to remove contractor employees will perform this danger- worker in charge, who is uniquely qualified and snow from station platforms with no real on-track ous work on passenger platforms in high-speed equipped to immediately rectify safety-related safety in effect. If granted by the FRA, said the territory, utilizing both power tools and hand matters on-site and in real time.”

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Periodicals Postage Volume 42 February 2010 PAID at Cleveland, Ohio, Number 2 and Additional www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Mailing Offices FEBRUARY 2010 ISSN 0098-5937 Published monthly (except for www.utuia.org www.utu.org combined months of Dec- ember/January and July/August) The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union by the UNITED TRANSPORTA- TION UNION, 14600 DETROIT AVE., CLEVELAND, OH 44107- 4250 • Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and addition- al mailing offices • Mike Futhey, International President; Kim Thompson, General Secretary & “Why don’t we just shut ‘em down?” the National Mediation Board, and recommendations Treasurer • This publication avail- By Dan Johnson able on microfilm from National for settlement by a White House-appointed presidential Archive Publishing, P.O. Box 998, We frequently hear from frustrated members, “Why emergency board (PEB). Ann Arbor, MI 48106. don’t we simply go on strike, shut the railroad down and Railroads are deemed so essential to national defense POSTMASTER: Send address be done with it?” and a healthy economy that even in the few instances changes to UTU News, 14600 I, too, have shared these feelings witnessing excessive where all intermediate steps fail, and a strike or lockout Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH discipline, outrageous demands of arrogant managers, 44107-4250. is permitted, Congress usually inserts itself and passes a and carrier negotiators focusing on their year-end bonus. Please recycle back-to-work law imposing settlement demands general- But the fact is, it’s against the law to ly mirroring PEB recommendations. simply “shut ‘em down.” Before labor or management may engage in strikes or lockouts, each It's against the law to simply must satisfy numerous steps spelled out "shut 'em down" This month’s winning photo: by the Railway Labor Act (RLA). In The UTU Public Relations most disputes – defined as differences We, in rail labor, have learned from bitter experience Department awards UTU gear to the union member who sub- over application or interpretation of that our membership is better served by a voluntary set- mits the best photograph dur- Johnson contracts – the RLA requires final and tlement – even if we don’t get all we want – than having ing the previous months. binding arbitration. a third party, with no real-world knowledge of our indus- The winning photo will be published in the UTU News. In the few disputes that can lead to a strike or lockout try, cram a settlement down our throats. Exceptional photographs will be included on the UTU Web – involving collective bargaining over contract amend- Finally, if we ignore the law and “shut ‘em down” any- site. ments affecting wages, benefits and working conditions – way, we face fines and civil judgments that could bank- The UTU would like to see the Supreme Court held that the RLA purposely creates rupt the union and result in jail terms for those involved. photographs or digital photo- graphs of work-related scenes, “interminable” delay designed to encourage both sides to such as railroad, bus or mass reach a mutually-acceptable solution and keep the trains transit operations, new equip- (Dan Johnson hired on as a Southern Pacific trainman in ment photos, scenic shots, running. 1966. He served as UTU International general secretary & activities of your local, or pho- Among the lengthy steps is open-ended mediation by tos of your brothers and sisters treasurer from 2001 until his retirement in 2007.) keeping America rolling. Printed photographs should be mailed to UTU News, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107. Inside this issue of the UTU News: High-resolution digital pho- tographs should be in the JPEG format and e-mailed to “[email protected]”. With each photograph, please include your name and UTU local number, the names of the persons in the photo (left to right), where the photo was taken, and all other pertinent information. All photographs submitted become property of the UTU. NS conductor Matt CEO Joe Boardman UTU offers Alaskan UTU member Larry Remember to review your employer’s policies regarding This photo of a CSX consist was taken by Matt Oravik, a trainman/engineer of Local 1379, Taylor gave the gift of optimistic about Amtrak’s cruise, tour to retirees. Pinkham honored for use of cameras on the property Homestead, Pa. “This photo was taken Nov. 29, 2009, in Homestead. It is train V89328 out of or during work hours. Newel, Pa.,” Oravik said. life. See page 2. future. See page 4. See page 8. honesty. See page 9.