Volume 43 September 2011 Number 9

www.utuia.org www.utu.org The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union Delegates elect officers, amend constitution HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Delegates elected Mike Futhey to his second four-year term as president of the United Transportation Union Aug. 8, and amended the union’s constitution, during the UTU’s 11th quadrennial convention here. Futhey, a member of Local 950, West Mem - phis, Ark., was re-elected by a vote of 453-34 against challenger Scott Cole , delegate from Local 278, Jackson, Mich. “This vote was a complete repudiation of the four-year effort of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association to take over the UTU,” said Steve Simpson , delegate from Local 489, San Antonio, Texas, following the vote.

Most UTU officers re-elected by acclamation

Also re-elected Aug. 8 – by acclamation – were Assistant President Arty Martin (Local 78, Pocatello, Idaho); General Secretary & Treasurer Kim Thompson (Local 226, Moberly, Mo.) and National Legislative Director James Stem (Local UTU International President Mike Futhey, center, with Assistant President Arty Martin, left, and General Secretary & Treas - 1129, Raleigh, N.C.). urer Kim Thompson. Election results for UTU International officers include: • Bonnie Morr (Local 23, San Jose, Calif.) Gonzalez (Local 1563, El Monte, Calif.), who • Robert Kerley (Local 303, Springfield, defeated Calvin Studivant (Local 759, Newark, received 74 votes. Mo.), Dave Wier (Local 469, Madison, Ill.), N.J.) by a vote of 274-213. • Larry Barrilleaux (Local 1836, New John Previsich (Local 31, San Jose, Calif.) and Additionally, Alternate National Legislative Orleans), R.W. “Red” Dare (Local 1525, Car - Delbert Strunk (Local 225, Bellevue, Ohio) Director John Risch (Local 1344, Mandan, bondale, Ill.), John England (Local 1674, Los were all re-elected by acclamation as UTU Inter - N.D.) was re-elected, defeating Jay Seegmiller Angeles), Troy Johnson (Local 594, Mineola, national vice presidents. (Local 166, Salt Lake City), 378-105. Texas), Doyle Turner (Local 1962, Toledo, In other International vice president elections: Also: Ohio) and Daniel Young (Local 1081, Glendale, • Paul Tibbit (Local 331, Temple, Texas) • Calvin Studivant was elected alternate vice Ariz.) were elected alternate vice presidents, defeated John Babler (Local 597, Des Plaines, president-east, Bus Department, by acclamation. receiving a majority of votes (and more than 50 percent of ballots) among nine candidates for six Ill.) by a vote of 371-117. • Brian Donald was elected alternate vice alternate vice president positions. • John Lesniewski (Local 1534, Chicago) president-west, Bus Department, with 337 votes, defeated J.R. “Jim” Cumby (Local 1962, Toledo, defeating Adhi Reddy (Local 1785, Santa Moni - Also: Ohio) by a vote of 420-68. ca, Calif.), who received 75 votes, and Robert • Dale Barnett Jr. (Local 762, Montgomery, Ala.) was elected “Engine Service Member” on the Board of Appeals, defeating Daniel O’Con - nell (Local 800, Jersey City, N.J.) by a vote of Members ratify national rail contract 369-116. A new national rail contract, delivering a 17 Retroactive to Jan. 1, 2010, the ratified con - • Donald Seyer (Local 947, Chaffee, Mo.) was percent wage increase over 60 months (18.24 tract covers some 38,000 UTU members Continued on page 10 percent when compounded), a 78-month cap on employed by BNSF, CSX, Kansas City Southern, health care insurance contributions, plus Norfolk Southern, Soo Line, Union Pacific and improvements in health care bene - numerous smaller carriers – all repre - fits, has been ratified by solid margins sented in national handling by the by UTU members in each of the six rail industry’s National Carriers’ New contract crafts eligible to vote. Ì 17% wage hike Conference Committee. The new contract also provides Lump-sum payments of the boosts wages certification pay, a faster process for Ì Certification pay retroactive portion of the wage new hires to reach full pay rates, pro - increases will be paid by the carriers July 1, 2010 2 percent vides for no work-rules givebacks and  – 2.0 percent covering the period July 1, 2011 2.5 percent has no prior cost-of-living adjust - Ì No givebacks July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, ment offsets. and an additional 2.5 percent from July 1, 2012 3 percent Health care plan design changes July 1, 2011. (See table at right for each July 1, 2013 3 percent deliver expanded and improved health care ben - of the wage hikes under the ratified contract.) efits, such as personalized medicine and access to “The 17 percent wage increase over the life of July 1, 2014 3.5 percent centers of excellence. Personalized medicine this agreement is significantly higher than the assures access to the most up-to-date health care rate of price inflation – providing a greater boost Jan. 1, 2015 3 percent products available, while centers of excellence in purchasing power than any other national provide access for members and their families to contract in the past 40 years,” said UTU Inter - Compounded total: the most advanced treatment centers in Ameri - 18.24 percent ca when serious illness strikes. Continued on page 10 Page 2 September 2011 UTU News AArroouunndd tthhee UUTTUU Local 5, Kansas City, Mo. men General Chairperson Gus DeMott and UTU Local officers are organizing a “Christmas in Octo - convention attendees. The firm of designated ber” to be held Oct. 8 to assist the family of Thomas legal counsel Charles Baumberger provided the Bleyenberg , who was killed Aug. 15 in a switching pig and refreshments. accident in BNSF’s Argentine Yard in Kansas City, Kan. Bleyenberg left behind a wife and two chil - Local 1374, New Castle, Pa. dren. Local Legislative Rep. Curt Jones said the A Night at the Races fundraiser July 30 to assist family’s home needs a little painting and winterizing the family of deceased member John “Lumpy” and this event will give Tom’s friends and union Crews raised $12,000 for Amy Crews and her brothers and sisters “a chance to do something that daughter, according to UTUIA Field Supervisor the family will remember for a lifetime.” Anyone Art Rayner . Nearly 250 people attended the who would like to help or donate to the cause event. Rayner recognized the efforts of Local 1374 should contact Jones at [email protected] or officers and members, UTU Auxiliary Lodge 711, Missouri State Legislative Director Ken Menges During a hospital visit, Local Chairperson Rich Mohr the UTU Auxiliary Grand Lodge, International at [email protected] or (573) 634-3303. presents Zach Jorgensen with a certificate awarding him employee Marilyn Spangler of UTUIA Local Unit “honorary membership” in Local 286 at North Platte. One, the firm of designated legal counsel Matt Locals 78, 265, Pocatello, Idaho Darby and investigator Sam Marino , and Pennsyl - More than 620 members, retirees and family Boy’s passion for trains gains vania State Legislative Director Don Dunlevy . attended the annual picnic of these Union Pacific ‘honorary’ union membership locals Aug. 3, feasting on pulled pork BBQ, chicken When GO 953 Vice General Chairperson breasts, salads and desserts, State Legislative Direc - and former Local Chairperson (286) Rich tor George Millward reports. Children enjoyed Mohr heard about an ailing boy’s wish to get up inflatable water slides, cotton candy, fish pond games close and personal with trains, he went ahead and a variety of prizes, with six being awarded new full throttle to ensure that boy’s wish came true. bikes. “The officers of both locals worked hard to put Zach Jorgensen suffers from muscular dys- this together and to make it such a success,” said trophy. His two favorite things on earth, Local 265 President Kelly Fly . “ Who would believe besides his family, are trains and Harley we could serve 1,000 ears of corn and have so Davidson motorcycles. “Zach has had rides on many smiles on everyone’s faces.” Thanks go out Harley Davidsons, but he had never been on a to General Chairperson Brent Leonard and the train,” Mohr said. law firms of designated legal counsel Donald Britt, Mohr approached his fellow local mem- Meeting with Amy Crews at the Night at the Races are, from Ron Barczak, Jim Vucinovich and James Farina. bers about making Zach an honorary member left, Designated Legal Counsel Matt Darby, Local Chairper - of the local. The membership voted to do just son Frank Genareo, International Vice President Delbert Local 60, Newark, N.J. that, as well as to extend an invitation for an Strunk, General Secretary & Treasurer Kim Thompson and Retired New Jersey Transit conductor Carmine Pennsylvania State Legislative State Director Don Dunlevy. DeFalco , 78, with 45 years of service in the rail - all-expenses-paid tour of the North Platte road industry, died July 19, State Legislative Bailey Yard and a tour of the Golden Spike Local 1440, Staten Island, N.Y. Director Dan O’Connell reports. Prior to his Visitors’ Center to Zach and his family. The local will be holding its third annual holiday, employment with NJT, DeFalco served as presi - “I contacted the UTU International in retirement and service awards recognition dinner at dent of Local 1428 (Conrail) at Jersey City, N.J. Cleveland and they sent us a certificate making 7 p.m., Dec. 17, at The Staaten, Local Secretary & Zach an honorary member of Local 286 at North Treasurer Vincent LaBella reports. Tickets are $65 Local 240, Los Angeles Platte, Neb., signed by President Futhey and each and include an appetizer, dinner (nine choic - Local Chairperson Harry Garvin Jr. reports that Assistant President Arty Martin,” Mohr said. es), dessert and open bar. Each 2011 retiree will the 9th annual rail reunion and retirement dinner Following surgery earlier this year to place receive a Local 1440 wristwatch and recognition for employees of UP, SP, Pacific Electric, support rods in Zach’s spine, Mohr visited plaque. “Our members have sacrificed many years Metrolink, Amtrak and AT&SF (Locals 240, 32, Zach at Childrens’ Hospital in Omaha and serving the Staten Island community and we look 1422, 1770, 1813 and 1846) will be held Nov. 5, presented him with a UTU cap, the certifi- forward to recognizing their achievements,” LaBel - from 3-9 p.m., at El Rancho Verde Golf Club, 335 cate and an E9 replica HO locomotive that la said. For tickets, contact LaBella at (718) 662- E. Country Club Dr., in Rialto. The cost is $35 per the UP Council Bluffs Service Unit was 3179 or by email at [email protected]. person or $65 per couple, with a reservation dead - going to give away as a safety award. line of Nov. 1. The cost will be $40 per person at In other news, Angelica Francois, the daughter of “You can tell by the pictures that even member Jean-Marie Francois , was awarded a $500 the door. For more information, call Garvin at could only though he was in terrible pain and college scholarship from Union Plus. Angelica, (909) 261-8878 or (909) 481-7261. Send checks sit up for a couple of hours at a time, he was who grew up in a two-union household, is thankful or money orders to Garvin at P.O. Box 8396, Alta thrilled with his gifts and the invitation to Loma, CA 91701-0395, and include names, come to North Platte,” Mohr said. for the stability and support their union member - ship afforded her. “The labor movement has address, telephone number, railroad and years of “Our local hosted a get-together picnic in brought countless benefits to my family,” she said. service. In other news, Garvin noted that retired North Platte on June 10 so the members of conductor W.W. “Bill” Wherry II , who retired Locals 7, 200 and 286 could meet Zach. Our Dec. 16 after 44 years of service, died Aug. 4. Local 1532, Kansas City, Kan. members that owned Harleys showed up to This BNSF Railway local has established a web - Local 524, Palestine, Texas show off their bikes to Zach. He was not able site at http://1532.utu.org, Local Secretary & Treas - Local Secretary & Treasurer James “Mike” Tay - to go for a ride, but he was thrilled to see all urer Robert Lugo reports. Although the site is cur - the bikes,” Mohr said. lor has informed UTU News that this Union Pacif - rently in the developmental stage, it now provides ic local has established a website at www.utulo - On June 11, Zach and his family took a contact information for all of the local’s officers. cal0524.com. The website contains meeting times tour of the Bailey Yard followed by a tour of and dates, local officer contacts, copies of agree - the Golden Spike Visitors’ Center. ments, claim forms and other valuable information. “Zach has unbelievable courage in his fight Local elections require against this terrible disease and his parents, October nominations Local 528, Chicago Shelly and Joel, are two of the most incredi- Secretary & Treasurer Richard Gladkowski ble people I’ve ever met,” Mohr said. Information about the upcoming local informed UTU News that the following members After meeting Zach, the UTU members elections has been posted at www.utu.org of the local have died in the past several months: were all amazed at his courage and his never- and can be viewed and downloaded by going retiree Bobby D. Walker died in December ending smile. “Meeting Zach and seeing his to the “S&T Tools” page, scrolling to the 2010; retiree and former Local Chairperson courage has made me a better man, and I hope bottom of the “Forms and Documents” col - Michael J. Kinney Sr. died in April, and Santia - the members that met Zach feel the same way,” umn and clicking on “More forms….” Offi - go “Sonny” Ramos died in June. Mohr said. “We have been friends ever since.” cers and members should review Special Cir - cular No. 29, along with the “how-to” elec - Local 934, Alliance, Neb. tion guide for 2011. Elected this autumn, Mathew Johnson, the son of member Lance Local 1138, Miami and taking office Jan. 1, 2012, are local offi - Lowe , was awarded a $500 college scholarship Members of this local hosted a pig roast Aug. 13 cers including president, vice president, sec - from Union Plus. Mathew’s intended major is at the home of Local Chairperson Yvonne Haye s, retary, treasurer (or secretary-treasurer), and forensic science, with a minor in psychology, and raising $700 for the UTU’s Collective Bargaining a board of three trustees, as well as a legisla - he hopes to work as a detective, crime scene Defense Fund. Attendees included both UTU tive rep. and alternate legislative rep. Vacan - investigator or criminal psychologist. Mat long and BLET members, signalmen, maintenance-of- cies in other elective posts should also be ago arrived at the truth about unions and what way employees and local labor activists, including filled at this time. Where such vacancies are they have meant to his family and his country. a group of restaurant workers fighting an employ - addressed, the successful candidate will take Representation, he said, means “fair wages, er for alleged unpaid wages and overtime. Hon - office immediately upon installation, as per equality in the workplace and decision-making ored guests included National Legislative Direc - Article 58 of the UTU Constitution. based on the worker’s voice.” tor James Stem, Brotherhood of Railroad Signal - www.utu.org / www.utuia.org September 2011 UTU News Page 3 OSHA putting teeth in rail whistle-blower law For too long, many railroads have tied mana - employees who suffered harassment and intimi - Although BNSF officials followed her to the gerial bonuses to lower reportable injury rates dation by the offending carrier. emergency room, according to OSHA, the rail - among employees, creating a culture of fear In the latest OSHA action, Union Pacific was road later accused her of failing to report the through harassment and intimidation – a culture ordered in August to pay more than $600,000 in injury in a timely manner and suspended her for that discourages the reporting by workers of on- back wages, punitive damages, compensatory 30 days without pay. BNSF also assessed her duty injuries and allows railroads to claim an damages and legal fees to three employees for points, alleging she needed additional knowledge, industry safety award accompanied by glowing improper termination and suspension – all in training or behavior focus, said OSHA, which press releases as to its low employee-injury rate. retaliation for reporting workplace injuries, called that action “disciplining an employee who After collecting file draw - OSHA reported. reports a work-related personal injury.” ers full of verified com - Said OSHA: “Union In other recent OSHA actions: plaints from members of Pacific Railroad has created • Norfolk Southern was ordered to pay a for - carrier harassment and a climate of fear instead of a mer employee more than $122,000 in compensa - intimidation following an climate of safety. The com - tory and punitive damages, plus attorney fees, for on-duty injury, the UTU’s pany must take immediate improper termination after the employee report - National Legislative Office steps to change this unac - ed an on-duty injury. OSHA also issued a startling was successful in shepherding through Congress ceptable pattern of retaliation.” statement validating what many UTU members the Federal Rail Safety Act of 2007. One UP conductor working out of Kansas City, have long suspected – that Norfolk Southern’s Its purpose is to protect rail workers from retal - Mo., was terminated after making repeated com - culture of employee harassment and intimidation iation and threats of retaliation when they report plaints to the railroad’s hotline about fall and trip permitted the railroad to “maintain the appear - injuries, report that a carrier violated safety laws hazards, missing roadway signs, other safety issues ance of an exemplary safety record and continue or regulations, or if the employee refuses to work and reporting that a supervisor had violated safe - its 22-consecutive-year record as recipient of the under certain unsafe conditions or refuses to ty procedures during a field test, said OSHA. The E.H.Harriman Gold Medal Rail Safety Award.” authorize the use of any safety related equipment. conductor was also cited for having a tattoo the According to OSHA, the injury occurred in a An employer also is pro - railroad deemed as creat - NS yard in Jamestown, N.C., while the worker hibited from disciplining an ing a hostile work envi - was removing spikes. Fearing loss of employment, employee for requesting OSHA has taken actions ronment – a tattoo the worker did not report the injury until a re- medical or first-aid treat - OSHA said commemo - injury occurred. The employee was subsequently ment, or for following a against rails for harassment rated his prior military terminated. physician’s orders, a physi - service. • Metro North Commuter Railroad was cian’s treatment plan, or medical advice. A second conductor, working out of Kansas ordered to promote a worker and pay him more Retaliation, including threats of retaliation, is City, was suspended without pay after making than $130,000 in compensatory and punitive defined as firing or laying off, blacklisting, demot - several complaints about “rough spots on the damages, plus legal fees, for improperly discrimi - ing, denying overtime or promotion, disciplining, track,” said OSHA. nating against him by classifying the injury as not denying benefits, failing to rehire, intimidation, And a UP engineer, working out of Tucson, work-related and denying him a promotion. reassignment affecting promotion prospects, or Ariz., was improperly terminated after reporting a reducing pay or hours. workplace injury, said OSHA in imposing the What was missing was tough enforcement of awards and fines. Agency orders rails to train the law – but no more. Separately in August, OSHA ordered BNSF to mgt. of whistle-blower rights For the sixth time in recent months, the pay a conductor $300,000 to cover back wages, Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and attorney’s fees and damages for improperly sus - • A Wisconsin Central conductor was awarded Health Administration (OSHA) has taken pending her after she reported an injury. Accord - more than $125,000 in compensatory and puni - strong action against a railroad for violating the ing to OSHA, the conductor twisted a knee in a tive damages, plus legal fees, following unlawful law – and fully protecting the whistle-blowing BNSF yard in Seattle. harassment and intimidation as the result of reporting an injury. • Union Pacific was ordered to rehire a machinist it had fired following the reporting of a Southland Transit votes UTU work-related injury. PERRIS, Calif. – In the 24th organizing victo - alternate vice president, west, of the UTU’s Bus • BNSF was ordered to rehire a conductor after ry in 43 months, the UTU has added representa - Department. being found guilty of improper retaliation after the conductor filed an injury report. tion of additional employees of Southland Tran - Southland Transit is a community transit oper - sit here. ation serving the disabled and elderly in In all cases, OSHA ordered the railroads to Following the lead of bus drivers and the Southern California counties of provide training on whistle-blower rights to its mechanics of Southland Transit, who Riverside and San Bernardino, providing managers, supervisors and employees, and to noti - voted “UTU, yes” in June, the company’s transportation on demand and over fixed fy employees of their rights to be able to file com - plains without fear of retaliation under the Feder - call center employees have now chosen routes. al Rail Safety Act. the UTU as their bargaining representa - Southland currently provides, fixed A rail employee may file a whistle-blower com - tive. route service, ADA complementary serv - plaint directly with OSHA, or may contact a The new UTU members include dis - ice, rail connection services, general pub - patchers, schedule editors and vaulters, UTU designated legal counsel, general chairper - lic dial-a-ride services, elderly/disabled son or state legislative director for assistance. who count and transfer farebox revenue. dial-a-ride services and am/pm route services for All are now members of the newest UTU developmentally disabled adults. It also provides A listing of UTU designated legal counsel is available at http://www.utu.org, or may be local, Local 1700. route deviation services and medical courtesy obtained from local or general committee officers The organizing drive was led by Bonnie Morr, transportation. or state legislative directors.

Delegates agree: ‘Nuts to SMART’ Send UTU your photos The UTU International is seeking good HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The almost 500 del - ation of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and railroad, bus and airline photos for its egates to the United Transportation Union’s Transportation (SMART) Workers Union annual calendar and other uses. 11th Quadrennial Convention here voted never come to fruition. High-resolution digital photographs should unanimously Aug. 12 in favor of a resolution “We have faith that the attempted SMWIA be emailed to “[email protected].” in opposition to a merger between the United takeover of the UTU, which would not be in Printed photographs should be mailed Transportation Union and the Sheet Metal the best interests of either union, will never Workers’ International Association (SMWIA). to UTU News, 24950 Country Club Blvd., occur, and that such a combination would Suite 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070-5333. The text of the resolution reads: indeed be destructive of the UTU and harm - Please include the UTU “As the nomination and elections that ful to the labor movement itself. occurred earlier this week clearly demon - member’s name and UTU strated, and the numerous discussions “We want to recommit the confidence we local number, the name(s) between the delegates at this 11th have placed in our newly elected officers and of the person or persons in Quadrennial UTU Convention have con - trust that we will remain an independent the photo (left to right) and firmed, the overwhelming sense of this body autonomous labor organization: the United any other information. is that a merger with the SMWIA and the cre - Transportation Union.” All photographs submitted become prop - erty of the UTU. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Page 4 September 2011 UTU News “The best of wages will not compensate for excessively long working hours which undermine health.” – Former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis (1916 –1939) UTU local meetings a source of info, inspiration s a young railroad employee, tunity, and for the desire to learn I wondered why we had the from a reliable source. Awages and benefits that we Officers’ Column My message to you is to attend had, why we had rules for assign - Officers’ Column your local meetings. ments and for the work we per - By General Secretary & Treasurer Be active and take part in discus - formed. Kim Thompson I wondered what could be done to sions. Ask questions of your local make things right when things did - (216) 228-9400; [email protected] officers. If so moved, run for local n’t seem right. Only then did I office. The more you become attend my first local meeting. involved, the more of an asset you are to your union. I discovered local officers con - ments have been changed by later I have learned much about this ducted the meeting in an orderly agreements, and interpretation can industry in the years since my early Most importantly, ask a member fashion and officers gave reports be made only by the parties to agree - local meetings, but the foundation to attend your local meeting, espe - related to their positions. ment – the UTU and the carriers. for my understanding began there. I cially the young members. I discovered that due to our col - am eternally grateful for that oppor - We can all make a difference. lectively bargained agreement, a Had my local not held regular grievance process existed through meetings, I would not have had an which we could submit claims for opportunity to learn the basics of violation of our rights. But what are how my union works.

Attend your UTU local meeting. [email protected] Ask questions. Get involved. Run for office. Mike Futhey, International President [email protected] Arty Martin, Assistant President those rights? What is the contract? Had my local officers not con - [email protected] Further interest revealed that our ducted meetings in an orderly and Kim Thompson, General Secretary and Treasurer “contract” is actually a compendium professional manner, I would not [email protected] of many agreements made over a have learned about my contract and James Stem, National Legislative Director period of time. how it is applied. [email protected] The Railway Labor Act provides I don’t recall ever being invited to Contact the UTU: that all agreements remain in effect attend my first local meeting. Maybe Phone (216) 228-9400; fax (216) 228-5755 until changed. They do not expire. I was invited, but too self-centered For the latest news, visit www.utu.org; also, sign up This means that interpretation is or all-knowing to care. Maybe I was on the UTU website to receive news alerts via email. required as to what earlier agree - too busy to take the time. Fighting to fend off the budget axe ongress is back from its Fortunately, Ohio has a referral August recess and eyes are process, and that legislation is on Cfocused on the “Super Com - OOffffiicceerrss’’ CCoolluummnn hold and will be voted on in mittee” of House and Senate mem - November. bers charged with finding $1.5 tril - By National Legislative Director The UTU Collective Bargaining lion in budget cuts over the next 10 James Stem Defense Fund will be working long years. (202) 543-7714; [email protected] and hard in Ohio to defeat this Should that committee fail to measure. agree – and that is likely – there is Ohio State Legislative Director an automatic triggering mechanism Glenn Newsom has been coordinat - to cut $1.5 trillion split evenly Ohio. The UTU Collective Bar - our members were registered to vote ing with Dean Mitchell urging UTU between defense and discretionary gaining Defense Fund and the UTU and were informed about the candi - members and their families to regis - spending. PAC are at work protecting basic dates’ positions. ter to vote. We will be working to see that rights of collective bargaining. While we were heavily outspent They will be doing informational Amtrak, transit, high-speed rail, by far-right anti-labor national mailings about the significance of groups, it was the votes actually cast the vote. that mattered. While we can’t raise the money Our funding priorities: Amtrak, transit, high-speed rail, In the end, we showed that labor anti-labor extremists can for these essential air service, NLRB, NMB essential air service, the National In August, there were recall elec - Collective Bargaining Defense Fund, Labor Relations Board and the tions of nine Wisconsin state sena - National Mediation Board are ade - tors – three Democrats and six UTU PAC defending basic rights quately funded. Republicans – with all three Democ - Our fear is all these vital entities rats easily re-elected and two of the will not sit back and accept this efforts, we can and will work to will take some financial hit, but we anti-labor Republicans defeated. assault on collective bargaining encourage UTU members and their will do our best to preserve funding The Wisconsin state senate, rights. families and friends to register to by visiting, speaking with and edu - while still under control by Republi - We are very proud of the 98 per - vote, ensure they are informed on cating lawmakers. can supporters of Gov. Scott Walker, cent of our active and retired mem - the issues, and that they cast their We also will continue pursuing has had the Republican majority bers who were registered to vote in ballots. hours-of-service technical correc - reduced to a single seat. Wisconsin. In the end, it’s not the amount of tions and improvements to the Fam - One of those Republicans is a Now, it’s on to Ohio, where we money that is spent. It’s the votes ily and Medical Leave Act for oper - moderate whom we hope will help intend to have 98 percent of our cast. ating rail employees. bring reason to that chamber. active and retired members and If you or a family member is not We thought 2011 was an “off The UTU Collective Bargaining their families registered to vote. registered to vote in Ohio, please do year” concerning elections. How Defense Fund played a meaningful so today. wrong that was. part in the Wisconsin elections. Recall that the Ohio legislature The assault on state workers’ Wisconsin State Legislative Direc - passed Senate Bill 5 that repealed You can find a link to register at rights brought legislative recalls in tor Tim Deneen worked with our collective bargaining rights for pub - www.utu.org, or simply call the Wisconsin, and a big legislative political consultant, Dean Mitchell, lic employees, and Gov. John Kasich National Legislative Office at (202) referral is on tap in November in and our Washington office to ensure signed it into law. 543-7714 for assistance. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org September 2011 UTU News Page 5 State Watch News from UTU State Legislative Boards North Dakota Illinois United States Tessa Burkle has been named acting state Gov. Pat Quinn has signed UTU-sponsored Many delegates at the UTU International’s legislative director in the wake of the retirement legislation requiring all contract-carrier vehicles recent convention stepped up to the plate and of former State Legislative Director Marc that carry railroad crews to be equipped with first- increased their donations to UTU PAC, the Halvorson . aid kits. union’s political action fund. Burkle is the first female state legislative direc - The legislation mandates that the kits must Of the 490 delegates in attendance, some 135 tor in the history of the rail - contain the same basic medical supplies that signed up or increased their UTU PAC pledges by road brotherhoods. already are mandatory on locomotives, trains and $43,287 a year. Many delegates increased their con - railroad-owned motor vehicles. tributions from $100 a year to a dollar a day. Burkle, who also serves as The legislation is effective upon the gover - At the convention, the UTU PAC received local chairperson and legisla - nor’s signature, but Illinois Legislative Director one-time contributions – through the sale of raf - tive representative of Local Robert W. Guy said it does allow time for the fle tickets for a set of golf clubs donated by Alter - 1137, Fargo, is a graduate of van operators to acquire and install the necessary nate National Legislative Director John Risch the University of North equipment. and sales of T-shirts and hats – totaling $4,101. Dakota. “They knew this was coming, but legally they This was in addition to the more than $21,000 Burkle She hired out in 2005 as a were not actually obligated to start installing the in new or increased UTU PAC pledges received conductor with the BNSF in kits in their vehicles until the governor’s signa - during the San Antonio and New York regional Grand Forks, N.D. ture was on the legislation,” Guy said. “We meetings, bringing this year’s effort to nearly She transferred to Dilworth, Minn., where she expect it will be a matter of several weeks before $65,000 in new/increased annual pledges and is currently working as the Twin Cities Division all affected vehicles are equipped.” more than $5,000 in one-time contributions. UTU safety coordinator. “Tessa Burkle possesses great communication Donate to skills and is an extremely qualified individual. I Bus Department have the utmost confidence in Sister Burkle ful - filling her responsibilities as state legislative By Calvin Studivant, alternate vice president - bus director,” Halvorson said. UTU PAC! [email protected] UTU prevails in grievances Many UTU bus member victims Congratulations to all who were elected at the 11th Quadrennial Convention. Each has pledged to do their of Ponzi-style investment scheme best in providing our members with sound leadership and the best representation available. LOS ANGELES – For 15 years, Thomas L. Mitchell worked a Ponzi scheme targeting and draining the retirement funds of retired LACMTA bus workers, Members of Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C., recognize many of whom were UTU members. the quality of UTU representation. In recent weeks, three members were returned to work following suc - The con artist will now spend his next nine years in federal prison – having cessful processing of their grievances. pleaded guilty to mail fraud, according to The Los Angeles Times . And while Mitchell has been ordered to return to his victims millions of dollars in ill-got - Additionally, the UTU has prevailed in 14 grievances that put $1,000 ten gains, it is likely the scores of retirees, whose comfortable retirement was in back pay into the wallets of each of those members. ruined by the cheat, will never recover their money. We also have begun contract negotiations with the carrier. As part of Federal prosecutors said Mitchell promised high investment returns in that process, we are restoring respect our members lost while represented exchange for access to the victims’ retirement funds. Only a small fraction of by another organization prior to the UTU representation election victory the money was placed in legitimate investments, with most of the funds earlier this year. As part of those contract negotiations, we are in the financing a lavish lifestyle for Mitchell, according to prosecutors process of delivering improved working conditions on the Charlotte prop - erty by modifying tentative contracts agreed to by the other organization. The federal judge who imposed the nine-year prison sentence described Mitchell’s scheme as a “remarkable level of deception” driven entirely by Local 1715 also has completed its local elections. Kevin Moss was elect - “greed.” A federal prosecutor said Mitchell “was able to lead a luxurious ed general chairperson, Hasson Trent was elected vice general chairper - lifestyle by stealing the life savings of hard-working men and women who only son, and Bruce Wright was elected local president. We are very proud of sought a dignified retire - these new officers and the members. ment. For his criminal Also in negotiations are One dishonest individual conduct, Mitchell richly members of Local 172 in Dar - We continue efforts to stop deserves his nearly decade- by, Pa., where Vice President can devastate your retirement long prison sentence.” Vic Baffoni is assisting at the harassment of drivers As UTU General Secre - bargaining table. tary & Treasurer Kim Thompson pointed out in a leadership column in 2010, In late August, a federal appeals court vacated the Federal Motor Car - while “the vast majority of investment advisers, investment firms and financial rier Safety Administration’s final rule requiring electronic onboard planners are trustworthy professionals, an encounter with only one dishonest recorders. The court said the rule does not sufficiently protect drivers individual could devastate your retirement.” from being harassed by employers to remain at the wheel when they are Thompson recommended retirees heed 10 steps suggested by best-selling author fatigued. The final rule was scheduled to go into effect in June 2012. A Charles Murray, a resident scholar with the American Enterprise Institute: lower court, which had set aside a challenge, was told to revisit the case. 1) Every deal is a potential scam: Recognize that fraud is an act of deceit The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals said the FMCSA “needs to consider by one party intended to induce another to part with something of value. what types of harassment already exist, how frequently and to what extent harassment happens, and how an electronic device capable of con - 2) Map out your goals before shopping or investing: There’s a difference temporaneous transmission of information to a motor carrier will guard between “buying” and “being sold.” against (or fail to guard against) harassment.” 3) Avoid mixing business with pleasure: According to the National Insti - As a member of the FMCSA advisory committee, I previously voiced tute of Justice, the attempt to defraud is more successful if a person knows or concern over this rule and it is comforting that our concerns were recog - knows of the offender. nized by the appeals court. I expect the lower court will instruct the FMC - 4) Don’t get greedy: Remain calm and dispassionate. SA to revise the rule to include better driver protection. 5) Be suspicious of “inside information,” “hot tips” and “one-time offers”: Why you instead of Tom, Dick and Harry? 6) Educate yourself: Beware of getting all your information from the seller. Bus companies ordered to post organizing message 7) Double check all facts: A cheat doesn’t want himself or his deal scruti - The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that employers, nized. including union and non-union bus companies, covered by the National Labor 8) Don’t wilt when the heat is turned up: It takes a secure person to say Relations Act must post notices on bulletin boards informing employees they “no” to pressure and manipulation. have a right under federal law to organize and be represented by a labor union. 9) A promise is only as good as the person behind it. If employers communicate with employees regarding personnel issues via 10) Scams copy the same methods used in legitimate business dealings: the Internet or an internal company Intranet, they must also post the notice Spotting the difference can be difficult. Five tell-tale signs: on those sites, ruled the NLRB. • Something is promised that borders between reasonable and too good The New York Times reported that this is the first time, since passage of the to be true; National Labor Relations Act in 1935, that employers have been ordered to • Victims typically know or know of the swindler; post notices about employee rights to organize. • A sense of urgency exists; The ruling does not affect railroads or airlines as they are covered by the • A cheat doesn’t want himself or the deal scrutinized; Railway Labor Act, which is administered by a separate federal agency, the • High-pressure sales tactics are used. National Mediation Board. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Left to right are Jaime Delgadillo (L-1563, El Monte, Calif.); David Ojeda (L-1563); Robert Gonzales (L-1563) and Edward Montesino (L-23, Santa Cruz, Calif.).

One of the many votes taken by the delegates. Local delegates hold up cards showing their local number to indicating their vote; the cards are also used to gain admission to the polling stations.

Nile Dragoo, delegate from Local 1503, Marysville, Kan., seconds the nomination for one of the candidates.

Delegate James Larkin of Local 426, Spokane, Wash., addresses the delegation.

Left to right are delegates Carl Crawford (L-821, Del Rio, Texas), Joseph Chelette (L- 1337, New Orleans) and Troy Johnson (L-594, Mineola, Texas). The delegate who had served at the most rail-labor conventions, William Beebe of Local 1361, New Haven, Conn., who attend - A bagpiper from the Broward Attending from Local 40, Denver, which repre - ed his first convention in 1964 and After a plea by National Legislative Director County (Fla.) Honor Guard sents workers at Great Lakes Aviation, were Jerad every convention since, was select - opened the convention. James Stem, delegates and others descended Tomicich, left, and Delegate Antonio Lopez. ed by his fellow delegates to swear on the UTU PAC table to increase their con - in the newly elected UTU officers. tributions.

Local 923 (Dalhart, Texas) Dele - gate Randy Johnson votes at one of the 10 voting stations set up on the convention floor.

Vincent Tessitore Jr., delegate from long Island Rail Road Local 645, Babylon, N.Y., Delegates Glenn Hazelwood (L- donates $1,000 to the UTU’s Delegate Richard Albitre of Local 84, Los Angeles, studies the Report of the 1963, Louisville, Ky.), left, and Paul Collective Bargaining Defense Delegates (left to right) Pate King Jr. (L-1172, Mullens, W. Left to right are Dale Barnett Jr. (L-762, Montgomery, Ala.); Michi - Constitution Committee before the start Stein (L-1741, San Francisco) show Fund. Va.); Mitchell Brunckhorst (L-1447, Newark, N.J.); Vincent gan State Legislative Director Jerry Gibson; Gerald d’Ortenzio of proceedings. off T-shirts received by all delegates. Convention speaker William Lucy, LaBella (L-1440, Staten Island, N.Y.) and William Stone (L- (L1760, Detroit) and Adhi Reddy (L-1785, Santa Monica, Calif.). former general secretary and treas - Left to right are Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transporta - 1378, Wilmington, Del.) line up to vote. tion Authority General Chairperson James Williams; former urer of the American Federation of UTU International President Tom DuBose and Assistant Cal - State, County and Municipal ifornia State Legislative Director Mike Anderson. Employees (left), and Director of UTU Designated Legal Counsel Mark Allen.

Having fun at the Sunday evening The newly elected UTU Executive Board (front, left to right): Robert reception are Evan Snyder (son of Resendez Jr. (L-1422, Los Angeles); Steve Mavity (L-298, Garrett, Delegate Tim Breault, L-495, Salina, Leana Lewis, wife of UTU Organizer Ind.); George Millward (L-78, Pocatello, Idaho); (standing, left to right) Delegates (left to right) Edward Cox (L-740, Joliet, Ill.); David From left are Vice Presidents Delbert Strunk and Paul Tibbit; Alternate Vice President- Kan.) and Ehryn, Monica and Mar - Delegate Danny Kemp (L-1252, Fresno, Calif.) studies Mike Lewis, with a sand sculpture she Phil Craig (alternate; L-64, Huron, S.D.); Mike Anderson (L-1570, Muro (L-1628, Pittsburgh); Cory Mayberry (L-1383, Gary, East Doyle Turner; Alternate Vice President-South Larry Barrilleaux, and Alternate vin Henton, son of Delegate Chad the convention schedule while his wife, Diana, and chil - created. Leana created a different sand Roseville, Calif.) and Steve Dawson (L-811, San Bernardino, Calif.). Ind.) stand with Vice President David Wier. Vice President-West Daniel Young. Henton (L-506, Herington, Kan.). dren, Nicole and Matthew, observe. sculpture every day of the convention. Page 8 September 2011 UTU News UTU ni um Al UUTTUU AAlluummnnii AAssssoocciiaattiioonn News, information for members of the UTU Alumni Association UTU retirees, father and son, visit D.C. war memorials Honoring World War II veterans who served Stops in Washington included the World War this country is admirable. Helping a group of II Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Navy Memori - World War II veterans who served this country al, Marine Corps Memorial, Vietnam Memorial visit their war memorial in Washington, D.C., is Wall, Korean Memorial and other sites. above and beyond the call of duty. Arrival and departure at Reagan International Such was the honor of 62-year-old retired Airport included a swing band, jitter-bug dancers, Canadian National/Union Pacific conductor singers, flag wavers and hand shakers, representa - Terry Palmer (Local 650, Minneapolis) and oth - tives from veterans’ organizations, active duty and er “guardians” who recently escorted 112 World former military personnel from all branches, War II veterans to our nation’s capital. school children doing interviews for class projects and more. Adding to the pride was the fact that Palmer was able to escort his father, retired Chicago, St. “It was a day that we will cherish for the rest of Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha/Chicago & North our lives,” Palmer said. Western (now part of Union Pacific) conductor George Palmer , 85, who served aboard USS Flusser in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1945. Bay area railroaders to host The journey began with a 4 a.m. wake-up call fourth annual reunion lunch and a 7 a.m. departure from Rochester, Minn., Retired conductor John Herrmann of aboard an Honor Flight. Local 694, Dunsmuir, Calif., invites all (Honor Flight is a non-profit organization creat - active and retired railroaders in the San ed solely to honor America’s veterans for all their Francisco Bay area to the fourth annual sacrifices. Honor Flight transports veterans and lunch and reunion from 1-5 p.m. on Oct. others to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at 29 at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto, 1919 their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior Fourth St. in Berkeley, Calif. The cost of veterans – World War II survivors, along with lunch is $31 in advance, or $36 at the door. those other veterans who may be terminally ill. Entrée choices are chicken, pork, salmon More than 63,000 veterans have been escorted, Terry Palmer, left, with his father, George, at the Vietnam or pasta and include a salad, rolls and bev - free of charge, to visit the nation’s capital.) Memorial Wall in Washington. erage. To make a reservation, call Her - rmann at (530) 926-5180. “I believe we had a record attendance of Retirees volunteer 85 last year and surely want to have more than for youth programs 100 this year,” Her - Four BNSF retirees recently volun - rmann said. teered to raise funds for the Boys Railroaders, family and Girls Clubs of St. Charles and friends from SP, UP, County, Mo. The four (left to right) – WP, AT&SF and UTU members Bill Thomas , Gary Amtrak, as well as other Kosednar and Larry Austin , and engineer Lou Pessoni – cut up and lines, from all crafts, are served a roasted whole hog for the invited to attend. Those attendees at the club’s annual paying in advance Sporting Clay Shoot. Three are mem - should send their check bers of Local 1388 (St. Louis) and all or money order to Her - worked at the Lindenwood Yard in St. rmann at P.O. Box 1504, Louis. The event raised nearly Mt. Shasta, CA 96067, and indicate the $10,000 to help provide programs for entrée choice. the youths attending the clubs.

T HE F INAL C ALL

Following are the names of recently deceased members who maintained annual membership in the UTU Alumni Association, 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 Spychalski, Melvin S. Swanton, Ohio 620 Runowski, Thomas Lakeview, Ark. 1241 Scheiter, Bruce N. Camdenton, Mo. 14 Broering, Frank G. Laurel, Ind. 631 Barnhart, Robert C. Hagerstown, Md. 1315 Huff Sr., Harry G. Union, Ky. 14 Peace, Bill J. Burlington, Ky. 645 Langan, Robert G. Avon, Conn. 1327 Conley, James H. Logan, W. Va. 14 Rose, Charles E. Springboro, Ohio 645 Lawrence, Joseph G. Edmonds, Wash. 1366 Carlisle, Winn F. Salt Lake City, Utah 48 Whited, Thomas E. Spring, Texas 645 Stacey, Arthur C. Bonifay, Fla. 1375 Jones, Norman P. Chicago, Ill. 202 Seymour, Winfred W. Denver, Colo. 650 Ryan, Thomas Q. Saint Paul, Minn. 1378 Sparrow Jr., George W. Delmar, Del. 228 Meadows, B.E. Oskaloosa, Iowa 655 Wisdom, Marshall C. Wedgefield, S.C. 1381 Summar, Algue L. Gary, Ind. 228 Williams, Alva R. Douds, Iowa 679 Beaupre, Roger E. New Britain, Conn. 1383 Lapkovitch, Steven A. Rensselaer, Ind. 258 Taube, Frank E. Des Moines, Iowa 730 Albinger, Michael A. Bozeman, Mont. 1386 Wilson, Henry E. Newark, Ohio 284 Dudash, Frank Twinsburg, Ohio 733 Crofutt Jr., Newell M. Texarkana, Texas 1390 Pusateri, Sebastian D. Bethpage, N.Y. 298 Simcox, Charles F. Garrett, Ind. 744 Snodgrass, Byron M. Michigantown, Ind. 1477 Trost, Laurence M. Plymouth, Mich. 322 Pflanzer, Anton A. King, Wis. 759 Trzcinski, Ronald Goshen, N.Y. 1524 Gibbs, William C. Highlands, Texas 324 Bushaw, Greg A. Monroe, Wash. 762 Thompson, Robert E. Prattville, Ala. 1545 Griffing Sr., Clyde V. McGehee, Ark. 330 Richie, Frederick K. Poplar Bluff, Mo. 781 Scott, Royce E. Shreveport, La. 1565 Ashton, Walter R. Santa Paula, Calif. 378 McCready, Howard P. Berea, Ohio 823 Melear, William L. Odessa, Texas 1597 Wagner, John H. Schaumburg, Ill. 453 Mintun, John L. Decatur, Ill. 991 Taylor, Carl R. Tiltonsville, Ohio 1628 White, John W. Pittsburgh, Pa. 471 Cosler, Kenneth D. Albany, Ore. 1000 Carlson, Paul W. Minneapolis, Minn. 1780 Wall, Ray D. Excelsior Springs, Mo. 471 Hassler, Leo J. Roseburg, Ore. 1011 Pait, George V. Charlotte, N.C. 1790 Carver, Kenneth Ambrose, Ga. 511 Wilson Jr., Joseph H. Naples, Fla. 1031 Morgan Jr., Robert K. Garnett, S.C. 1948 Loftus, John J. Pittsburgh, Pa. 565 Biggs, Bobby D. Royalton, Ill. 1035 Tuttle, Jerry G. Irvine, Ky. 1962 Dixon, Arden L. Grand Blanc, Mich. 565 Whitchurch, David L. Troy, Ill. 1042 Brown, Oather E. Oklahoma City, Okla. 1975 Gumminger, John M. Kansas City, Mo. 590 Bright, Lorin R. La Crosse, Wis. 1053 Johnson, Charles L. Selma, Ala. 1978 Hayes, Patrick T. Bergenfield, N.J. 594 Furrh, Paul E. Mineola, Texas 1202 Haenel, Harry K. Clyde, Ohio

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org September 2011 UTU News Page 9

Protection for your loved ones Peace of mind for you Young families have very little discretionary cash. In fact, most young families rely on the income of both spouses to make ends meet. You’ve thought about how your family would carry on if something happened to you. But you put the thought out of your mind because, after all, you’re young. Nothing’s going to happen to you. Right? What if something were to happen to you? Would there be enough money to provide for even the barest of necessities, especially since it takes both incomes to make ends meet? If you could protect the financial well-being of your loved ones for just a few dollars a month, wouldn’t you do whatever it takes to set aside those few dol - lars to ensure the financial well-being of your family? Of course you would! The answer is life insurance. Life insurance – especially term insurance – is very inexpensive at young ages and, while you’re young and insurable, you stand the best chance of getting the best rate possible. We can provide the peace of mind you’re looking for. Contact us toll-free at (800) 558-8842 , or email “[email protected].”

Information, please

I would like more information on UTUIA’s Ultimate Term Insurance.

Please print

Full name of member Sex Date of birth

Address City State ZIP

Telephone number with area code UTU local number

Complete and mail to: UTUIA Sales Dept., 24950 Country Club Blvd., Ste. 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070-5333 09/11

Passenger, commuter train workers face new HOS rules Passenger and commuter train conductors and • Provide a permanent separation from freight chairperson may select. Also, there is encourage - engineers face new FRA-mandated hours-of- hours of service regulations because of the pre - ment to adopt a napping strategy, even for assign - service rules effective Oct. 15. dictable work schedules of intercity passenger and ments that are only off duty at an interim release Among the differences from freight hours-of- commuter rail assignments. “Now we have two location for 90 minutes. service rules is that passenger and commuter train systems of HOS coverage – freight and passen - • Require improved facilities at interim release hours-of-service regulations are more stringent ger,” Stem said. locations of four hours or more. for assignments between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.; there • Require at least two days of rest every 14 days • Require much stronger reporting is no cumulative-hours limit for passenger and for all assignments, with requirements of all commuter train crews, and passenger and com - some flexibility allowed for aspects of hours-of-serv - muter train operators must submit certain assignments not working Defined reporting times ice operations. employee work schedules for scientific study to after midnight (i.e., 6-1, contribute to safety “These final rules recog - determine schedule-specific risks of fatigue. 12-2, 1-12-1, 14-2.) nize and maintain the sig - • Require, for the first time, use of a scientific nificant contribution to safety that a defined validated biomathematical fatigue model tool to reporting time makes for safety-critical opera - analyze all assignments for risk of fatigue. tions,” Stem said. • Require consultation and agreement “Our operating employees are professionals. between the carrier and general chairperson on When they know the time they must report for adjusting identified assignments for fatigue miti - service, they show up rested, and fatigue is not a gation. factor. • Continue to require eight hours off duty “Also, a napping policy for our assignments between assignments for passenger operations that turn in fewer than four hours is a significant because of the predictable work schedules. improvement for safety. Sleep scientists confirm • Create a tool box of acceptable fatigue miti - that a 30-minute nap is a great fatigue mitigation gation strategies that the carrier and the general tool,” Stem said.

The FRA said that while it “agrees that [a 10- hour call requirement] would provide predictabil - Union Plus offers assistance to Irene victims ity as to when an employee will be called to work, Union members living in areas impacted by the union member must meet a number of condi - adopting a 10-hour call requirement is not possi - Hurricane Irene and who participate in Union Plus tions as described at www.unionplus.org/disaster. ble at this time, as it was not a part of the pro - programs may be eligible for financial assistance. To apply for a disaster relief grant, union mem - posed rule.… The regulation requires labor Union Plus disaster relief grants of $500 are bers who participate in any of the following pro - available to help participants in the Union Plus involvement in the determination of fatigue mit - grams can call: igation tools to be applied, so there may be oppor - credit card, insurance or mortgage programs tunities to voluntarily make use of this schedule who are facing financial hardships. The money • Union Plus credit card: (877) 761-5028 practice.” does not have to be repaid. • Union Plus mortgage: (800) 472-2005 • Union Plus insurance: (800) 472-2005 UTU National Legislative Director James To qualify for a Union Plus disaster relief grant, Stem provided this summary of the final rules: www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Page 10 September 2011 UTU News Delegates amend UTU Constitution

Delegates at the convention amended the from geographic designations, and adjusting con - • a one-word change in Article 39 requiring all UTU Constitution by adopting eight proposals. vention election procedures. locals to adopt bylaws; One will remove the dues obligation of officers in Article 3 was also amended, effective immedi - • an Article 47 change adding local vice pres - E-49 status, and another will require all UTU ately, to reflect the UTU’s headquarters location. idents to the list of those exempt from transfer locals to adopt a set of bylaws. Taking effect Nov. 1, 2011: requirements, and Changes to the Constitution, except those • an amendment of Article 7 allowing mem - • a change to Article 82 dispelling ambiguity that specify otherwise, become effective Nov. 1, bers in E-49 status to retain elective office while as to when a general chairperson may serve as a 2011. A PDF of the UTU Constitution as amend - exempt from dues; local chairperson. ed will be posted on the UTU’s website at A local bylaws template is available from the www.utu.org. • a change in Article 12 calling for annual review of locals enjoying reduced International dues; UTU International upon request. The Microsoft Effective immediately were amendments to Word document also can be downloaded by Article 2 and Article 36 altering the method of • an Article 19 change assigning the general going to the “S&T Tools” page of the UTU web - filling non-Bus Department vice presidential secretary & treasurer “joint jurisdiction and site at www.utu.org, scrolling to the bottom of the vacancies between conventions, decoupling the authority with the International president over “Forms and Documents” column, and clicking on six non-Bus Department alternate vice presidents the financial affairs” of the UTU; “More forms….” A more complete rundown of changes made to the UTU Constitution can be found on the UTU members ratify new national contract “Documents” page of the UTU website, Continued from page 1 www.utu.org. national President Mike Futhey, who led the In addition to UTU lead negotiator President UTU negotiating team. Futhey, UTU officers on the negotiating team “The $200 monthly cap on health care insur - included Assistant President Arty Martin; Officers elected ance contributions, through July 1, 2016, is less National Legislative Director James Stem; UTU Continued from page 1 than half what federal workers currently are pay - International Vice Presidents Robert Kerley and ing, and is more than $140 less than the average Delbert Strunk; and General Chairpersons John elected, by acclamation, “Road Service (Train currently paid by private-sector workers,” Futhey Lesniewski (CSX, GO 049), Pate King (NS, GO Service) Member” on the Board of Appeals. said. 680) and Doyle Turner (CSX, GO 347). • Dale Welch (Local 1092, Teague, Texas) was “With health care costs continuing to rise, this elected, by acclamation, “Yard Service (Train cap will be even more extraordinary in each suc - Service) Member” on the Board of Appeals. cessive year of this contract,” he said. • Dirk Sampson (Local 117, Vancouver, Overall, the contract was ratified by a 60 per - Ratification vote Wash.) was elected, by acclamation, “Commuter cent to 40 percent margin. The craft-autonomy Authority Member” on the Board of Appeals. provisions of the UTU Constitution require that by craft • Alvy Hughes (Local 1596, Charlotte, N.C.) each craft ratify the agreement – and each of the was elected “Bus Department Member” on the six crafts did so by solid margins. (See the table at Following is how each UTU craft voted in Board of Appeals, defeating Adhi Reddy , 379- right for voting results by each craft) . ratifying the national agreement with 106. Telephone voting – following town hall meet - most major railroads. The votes were Also: ings across the country to discuss the contract — certified by BallotPoint. • Steve Dawson (Local 811, San Bernardino, took place over a 21-day period beginning Aug. Calif.), Mike Anderson (Local 1570, Roseville, 12, with each voting-eligible member mailed a Craft For Against Calif.), Steven Mavity (Local 298, Garrett, package of materials explaining the agreement. Conductors 59% 41% Ind.), George Millward (Local 78, Pocatello, The UTU News and UTU website also provid - Idaho) and Robert Resendez (Local 1422, Los ed extensive explanatory materials, with the web - Yardmen 67% 33% Angeles) were elected, by acclamation, to the site offering an opportunity for members to Brakemen 63% 37% Executive Board. request answers to specific questions. Engineers 53% 47% Phil Craig (Local 64, Huron, S.D.) defeated Votes were tabulated by BallotPoint Election Firemen/Hostlers 59% 41% Harry Garvin (Local 240, Los Angeles), 346- Services, an employee-owned and union-repre - Yardmasters 68% 32% 140, in the election for alternate to the Executive sented firm. Members voted in the craft in Board. which they worked the day prior to the mailing Total: 60% 40% Terms of elected officers and alternates begin of ballots. Jan. 1, 2012. Per an arbitrator’s ruling in the pending litiga - tion and arbitration of whether the merger agree - ment between the UTU and the Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) is Transportation Safety Team adds four members an enforceable agreement, parallel elections were held for officers of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) Workers Union. Each of those elected Aug. 8-10 to a UTU position was also elected to the same-named posi - tion in SMART. As to the parallel SMART election, Arbitrator Michael Gottesman required that “if SMWIA so requests,” the UTU convention had to hold sep - arate elections for officers of UTU and of SMART. SMWIA General President Joe Nigro so requested such votes be held. Consequently, nominations and elections for the corresponding SMART officer positions were held simultaneous with UTU officer nomina - tions and elections. Arbitrator Gottesman said the required vote on SMART-officer positions should in no way suggest he has reached a decision.

The UTU’s Transportation Safety Team, which assists the National Transportation Safety Board in ascertaining factual UTU officer biographies, data in rail-related accidents, recently added four members, according to Safety Team Coordinator Nile Dragoo (center). photos in next issue Joining Dragoo at a training seminar at the NTSB’s Ashburn, Va., facility in July were, from left, Illinois State Legisla - tive Director Bob Guy, Indiana State Legislative Director Kenny Edwards, South Dakota State Legislative Director Photographs and biographies of UTU William Shillingstad and District of Columbia Legislative Director Willie Bates. “This seminar taught our new team mem - officers elected at the union’s 11th bers how an investigation is held and the process through which factual information is obtained. It will be very beneficial to Quadrennial Convention will be printed in these new members when they actually participate in an accident investigation in the field,” Dragoo said. the October issue of UTU News .

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org September 2011 UTU News Page 11 UTU to Congress: ‘High-speed rail will create jobs’ WASHINGTON – New jobs building and “Amtrak and its workforce should be the back- accommodate the same number of travelers operating high-speed rail “are American jobs that bone for high-speed rail in America,” Risch said. Amtrak will carry on the Northeast Corridor can’t be shipped overseas and would be a God - “Amtrak, by law, is America’s national intercity upon completion of the Next Generation Plan,” send in this economic downturn,” UTU Alter - rail passenger network and the nation’s only Risch said. nate National Legislative provider of high-speed rail with its Acela Express “Amtrak,” said Risch, “has extensive experi - Director John Risch told a con - service in the Northeast Corridor.” ence operating passenger trains in America, has gressionally sponsored forum Risch told the forum the UTU supports long-standing relationships with the freight rail - here Aug. 3. Amtrak’s Next Generation Plan for development roads and has a proven track-record partnering “Railroad operating jobs are of high-speed rail in the Northeast Corridor, with state and local governments to provide pas - not just good paying jobs; they which would include speeds as fast as 220-mph senger rail service.” are great careers,” Risch told and significantly reduced travel times. “Most importantly, Amtrak employs the experi - his audience, which included a “Amtrak’s plan would support 44,000 jobs enced conductors, engineers, on-board service bi-partisan group of lawmakers annually over the 25-year construction period workers, machinists, signalmen, train dispatchers, Risch and their staff interested in and some 120,000 permanent jobs,” Risch said. and others who know how to run a railroad,” Risch advancing high-speed passen - “If we were instead to build more highways, we said. “These are the best trained passenger-rail ger railroading, as well as officials of the Ameri - would have to build eight new lanes of Interstate workers in the nation, and Amtrak is the best can High Speed Rail Alliance. between Washington, D.C., and Boston to choice to implement any high-speed rail program.” Members’ actions recognized by NJ Transit police

Earlier this year, four Local 60 (Newark, Employees Edwin Ortiz and Nazih Abdul- N.J.) members employed by New Jersey Tran - Shakur were on a concourse at the Hoboken sit (NJT) were honored by the NJT Police Terminal when they observed a man acting Department for their various acts of “dili - suspiciously. Having just completed the “See gence and personal initiative” in keeping the Something – Say Something” training, they traveling public safe, General Chairperson quickly contacted NJT police, who found the Patrick Reilly reports. suspect was wanted for multiple crimes by the NJT Police Chief Christopher Trucillo pre - Weehawken police. sented Ian Worrell , Greg Ziolkowski and “These members went over and above Edwin Ortiz with either a plaque or recogni - Worrell Ortiz Ziolkowski their duties to ensure that the traveling pub - tion award acknowledging their noble acts of lic and their co-workers were safe,” Reilly ensuring the safety of NJT commuters. officer, train crew and ensuring the safety of our said. Also recognized was UTU member Nazih commuters,” according to the award. “Local UTU officers are working closely with Abdul-Shakur , who was unable to attend the Ziolkowski confronted a passenger in posses - NJT police to ensure the highest quality of safety presentation ceremony. sion of a filled gasoline container on a train. “He for the public and our members,” Reilly said. Worrell came to the aid of an NJT police offi - then personally escorted the passenger off the He cited the cooperative efforts of Chief Tru - cer who was in a violent struggle with a passen - train at the next stop without incident, thereby cillo, who recently came to NJT from the Port ger, “enabling the officer to take this person into preventing any injury to the train crew and ensur - Authority of New York & New Jersey Police custody, thereby preventing further injury to the ing the safety of our commuters,” Trucillo said. Department, and Deputy Chief Joe Kelly. UTU policy concerning fees objectors 1. Any person covered by a UTU union shop or an agency shop agreement in the United States who elects to be a non-member has the legal right to object to political and ideological expenditures not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or other activ - Percentage of chargeable fees ities germane to collective bargaining. Each non-member who objects shall pay the reduced fees. determined by neutral review for calendar year 2010 To the extent permitted by law, a non-member cannot partici - pate in union elections as a voter or as a candidate; attend union UTU International 1 77.9 percent meetings; serve as delegate to the convention, or participate in the selection of such delegates; or participate in the process by General committees of adjustment 2 which collective bargaining agreements are ratified. GO 049 CSX/B&O 98.9 percent 2. The objecting non-members shall provide notice of objection by All others 99.5 percent notifying the International general secretary & treasurer of the objec - tion by first-class mail postmarked during the month of September State legislative boards 3 each year or within thirty (30) days after he/she first begins paying fees LO 005 California 79.2 percent and receives notice of these procedures. The objection shall contain LO 035 New York 87.2 percent the objector’s current home address. Once a non-member objects, All others 0.0 percent the objection shall stand until revoked. Objections may only be made by individual employees. No petition objections will be honored. 1 Calculated by analysis of UTU News . 3. The following categories of expenditures are chargeable: 2 a. All expenses concerning the negotiation of agreements, prac - Calculated by applying the lowest of previous reviews of the applicable general committee or, if never reviewed, by apply - tices and working conditions; ing the historical average of all general committees . b. All expenses concerning the administration of agreements, 3 Calculated by applying the lowest of previous reviews of the applicable legislative board providing the board has had eight or practices and working conditions, including grievance handling, more reviews. all activities related to arbitration, and discussion with employees in the craft or class (or bargaining unit) or employer representa - tives regarding working conditions, benefits and contract rights; c. Convention expenses and other union internal governance and 7. After the close of the appeals period, the International general 14. If the arbitrator shall determine that more than one day of hear - management expenses; secretary & treasurer shall provide a list of appellants to the American ings is necessary, hearings shall be scheduled to continue from day to d. Social activities and union business meeting expenses; Arbitration Association (AAA). All appeals shall be consolidated. The day until completed. The parties to the appeal shall have the right to e. Publication expenses to the extent coverage is related to AAA shall appoint an arbitrator from a special panel maintained by the file a brief within fifteen (15) days after the transcript of the hearing is chargeable activities; AAA for the purpose of these arbitrations. The AAA shall inform the available, but in no case more than thirty (30) days after the hearing f. Litigation expenses related to contract administration, collective International general secretary & treasurer and the appellant(s) of the closes. The arbitrator shall issue a decision within forty-five (45) days bargaining rights, and internal governance; arbitrator selected. after the submission of post-hearing briefs or within such other rea - g. Expenses for legislative and administrative agency activities to 8. The arbitration shall commence by October 1 or as soon there - sonable period as is consistent with the rules established by the AAA. effectuate collective bargaining agreements; after as the AAA can schedule the arbitration. The arbitrator shall have control over all procedural matters affecting the arbitration in order to 15. The arbitrator shall give full consideration to the legal h. All expenses for the education and training of officers and staff requirements limiting the amounts that objectors may be charged, intended to prepare the participants to better perform chargeable fulfill the need for an informed and expeditious arbitration. activities; 9. Each party to the arbitration shall bear their own costs. The and shall set forth in the decision the legal and arithmetic basis for i. All strike fund expenditures and other costs of economic action, appellants shall have the option of paying a pro-rata portion of the arbi - such decision. e.g., demonstrations, general strike activity, informational picket - trator’s fees and expenses. The balance of such fees and expenses 16. If an objector receiving an advance reduction wishes to contin - ing, etc., that benefit members of the bargaining unit or craft rep - shall be paid by UTU. ue objection, he/she shall continue to pay the reduced fees that he/she resented by UTU; 10. A court reporter shall make a transcript of all proceedings is currently paying until the neutral referee issues the report. As soon 4. The International shall retain a certified public accountant to per - before the arbitrator. This transcript shall be the official record of the as possible after the issuance of the neutral referee’s report, he/she form an independent audit of the records of the International and sub - proceedings and may be purchased by the appellants. If appellants do shall pay the amount of the reduced fees calculated by the neutral ref - ordinate units maintained by the International general secretary & not purchase a copy of the transcript, a copy shall be available for eree. Persons objecting for the first time shall be sent a copy of the treasurer. The International shall also retain a neutral referee for the inspection at the International during normal business hours. report prepared by the neutral referee for the previous year and shall purpose of determining the percentage of expenditures that fall within 11. Appellants may, at their expense, be represented by counsel or pay the reduced fees as soon as possible. the categories specified in Section 3. The amount of the expenditures other representative of choice. Appellants need not appear at the hear - 17. Each month thereafter for all objectors, an amount shall be put that fall within Section 3 shall be the basis for calculating the reduced ing and shall be permitted to file written statements with the arbitrator in an interest-bearing escrow account equal to 25 percent of the fees that must be paid by the objector. The neutral referee shall also instead of appearing. Such statement shall be filed no later than fifteen reduced monthly fees, or such other greater amount as the neutral ref - give an opinion concerning the adequacy of the escrow amounts (15) days after the transcript becomes available, but in no case more eree may recommend. All objectors from the previous year shall be maintained pursuant to Section 17, and later will verify the existence than thirty (30) days after the hearing closes. 12. Fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the first hearing, appel - paid the amount of non-chargeable money that is in the escrow and the amounts of money in any escrow accounts. account as determined by the neutral referee’s report as soon as prac - 5. The neutral referee shall complete the report no later than July lants shall be provided with a list of all exhibits intended to be intro - 31. This report shall include an analysis of the major categories of duced at the hearing and a list of all witnesses intended to be called, ticable after its issuance. The appropriate unit of UTU shall not, how - union expenses that are chargeable and non-chargeable. except for exhibits and witnesses that may be introduced for rebuttal. ever, take its portion of the monies in the escrow account until fifteen 6. Each person entitled to receive the referee’s report may chal - On written request from an appellant, copies of exhibits (or in the case (15) days after the conclusion of the period within which an objector lenge the validity of the calculations made by the neutral referee by fil - of voluminous exhibits, summaries thereof) shall be provided to them. may appeal the report of the neutral referee, or upon the issuance of ing an appeal with the International general secretary & treasurer. Additionally, copies of exhibits shall be available for inspection and the decision of the arbitrator, whichever is later. Such appeal must be made by sending a letter to the International copying at the hearing. 18. When the decision of the arbitrator is announced the monies general secretary & treasurer postmarked no later than thirty (30) 13. The International shall have the burden of establishing that the remaining in the escrow account shall be distributed in accordance days after issuance of the independent referee’s report. reduced fees set forth in the neutral referee’s report are lawful. with the decision. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Periodicals Postage Volume 43 September 2011 PAID at Cleveland, Ohio, Number 9 and Additional www.utu.org / www.utuia.org Mailing Offices SEPTEMBER 2011 ISSN 0098-5937 Published monthly (except for www.utuia.org www.utu.org combined months of Dec- ember/January and July/August) by the UNITED TRANSPORTA - TION UNION, 24950 COUNTRY The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union CLUB BLVD., SUITE 340, NORTH OLMSTED, OH 44070- 5333 • Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and addi - tional mailing offices • Mike UTU mourns deaths of 5 members in rail accidents Futhey, International President; Kim Thompson, General Secre - tary & Treasurer • This publi - cation available on microfilm from National Archive Publishing, P.O. Box 998, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UTU News, 24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070- Please recycle Tapia Beeler DeCeck Bleyenberg Mack Five UTU members have been killed in on-the-job Thomas F. Bleyenberg , a BNSF yardman and member accidents since late July, bringing to eight the number of of Local 5 (Kansas City, Mo.), since 1994, was killed members killed in 2011. This total already equals the Aug. 15 when he became trapped between two rail cars number killed in each of the two previous calendar years. at the carrier’s Argentine Yard in Kansas City, Kan., PPhhoottoo ooff tthhee mmoonntthh Andres Tapia , 34, a Belt Railway of Chicago switch - while working a two-person remote control assignment. The UTU International is man and member of Local 1597 (Chicago), with three Blaine Mack , 56, a BNSF conductor and member of always looking for good pho - years’ service, was crushed between two railcars July 25 Local 1059 (Minot, N.D.), with 36 years’ service, was tos, and awards UTU gear to monthly photo winners. while working a two-person remote control assignment. killed Aug. 19 when the crew van in which he was riding The UTU seeks photographs Deborah Ann Beeler , 39, a BNSF conductor and was involved in a two-vehicle collision near Frazer, Mont. or digital images of work-relat - ed scenes, such as railroad, bus member of Local 1289 (Tulsa, Okla.) since 2005, was For more information on these accidents, go to or mass transit operations, new killed in a Tulsa yard accident Aug. 4 when a vehicle in www.utu.org and insert the last name in the search equipment photos, scenic shots, activities of your local, or which she was riding crossed a track and was struck by a engine. photos of your brothers and sis - flatcar descending a hump. ters keeping America rolling. The UTU has three dedicated teams that study safety Printed photographs should Russell DeCeck , 48, a Long Island Rail Road car issues, assist in accident investigations and make recom - be mailed to UTU News, inspector and member of Local 722 (Babylon, N.Y.), with mendations: the Switching Operations Fatalities Analy - 24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 340, North Olmsted, OH 28 years’ service, was killed Aug. 14, when he came in sis (SOFA) working group, the UTU Transportation 44070-5333. contact with the third rail in a yard at West Islip, N.Y. Safety Team, and the UTU Rail Safety Task Force. High-resolution digital pho - tographs should be in the JPEG format and e-mailed to “[email protected]”. With each photograph, Inside this issue of the UTU News : 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. Remember to review your employer’s policies regarding use of cameras on the property or during work hours. This photo was taken by Local 1000 (Minneapolis) retiree Steve Dirksen . “I took Young train lover made Local meetings a source Photo highlights of the Retired railroaders enjoy this picture of new White Pass and Yukon Railroad engine #99 in Skagway, Alaska, honorary member of of information and in - UTU quadrennial con - visit to national monu - while on the Alumni Association-sponsored Alaskan cruise, which was fabulous.” UTU. See page 2. spiration. See page 4. vention . See pages 6/7. ments. See page 8.