Volume 35 April 2003 Number 4
www.utuia.org www.utu.org The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union
THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR “It wasn’t our desire to bring remote control into this industry. It is new technology, we were confronted with it, and we addressed it for the betterment of our membership.” – International President Byron A. Boyd Jr. NewsNews && NotesNotes FRA says latest data
New mental health website backs safety of remotes CLEVELAND, Ohio – UTU members and WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal Railroad tion of American Railroads (AAR), which cited their dependents covered under the NRC/UTU Administrator Allan Rutter issued a statement remote control operations as leading to “a dra- Health and Welfare Plan or The Railroad last month asserting that safety statistics offer matic reduction in switching-accident rates.” Employees’ National Health and Welfare Plan “nothing to indicate that remote control opera- Joining the FRA and AAR in considering looking for professional help or information on tions should be banned from use,” a position that remote operations as inherently safe is the Union depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, relation- appears to validate the claims of railroads where ships or other mental health topics, can visit Pacific Railroad (UP), which is starting to use the new Achieve Solutions website. The web- such operations have been implemented. remote controls at it rail yards across the nation. site contains a provider search tool, timely arti- Rutter said the Federal Railroad Administra- UP spokesman John Bromley recently told the cles, interactive quizzes, online courses, news tion (FRA) has closely monitored the safety and Associated Press (AP) that training on remote- stories and other mental health resources. Visit use of the technology since first controlled systems started on the site at “achievesolutions.net/utu/” or click issuing guidelines on the use of Statistics offer Feb. 3, 2003, at Bailey Yard in on “Healthcare” in the menu bar of the UTU remote control in February 2001. North Platte, Neb., which the website (utu.org.) The site is presented by Val- In instances “where the FRA has “nothing to indicate railroad advertises as the largest ueOptions, which administers mental health identified potential problems that remote control rail yard of its kind in the world. and substance abuse benefits under NRC/UTU associated with remote control Health and Welfare and The Railroad Employ- operations should Bromley told the AP that all of ees’ National Health and Welfare Plan. operations, railroads have been the yard’s locomotives will be extremely responsive in address- be banned from use.” switched over to remote opera- ing such issues,” Rutter said. tions by June, despite protests by N.D. locals to meet “Our commitment remains to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers BISMARCK, N.D. – UTU locals in North Dakota proceed cautiously, closely monitoring the use of (BLE), which claims its objections are based on will be holding special meetings during the first remote control technology,” Rutter said. “If we safety considerations. week of May. The meetings are held annually to identify safety problems associated with this The BLE’s concerns are unfounded, Bromley provide members with information on important technology, we will move quickly to mitigate issues related to their jobs and benefits. Various told the AP, asserting that testing showed the International officers, general chairpersons, and those safety risks, using the full range of enforce- technology to be safe. “Some people are resistant State Legislative Director John Risch will be in ment and regulatory measures at our disposal.” to change,” Bromley told the AP. “Change is attendance, as will representatives from UTUIA, The 2001/2002 time period addressed by Rut- always hard to sell to some people.” United Healthcare and the Railroad Retirement ter likely “will go down as the safest year ever for Board. All active and retired UTU members are railroad employees,” according to the Associa- Continued on page 10 invited to attend any or all of these meetings, regardless of their local. Spouses also are wel- come and encouraged to attend. Reservations are not required, Risch said. Anyone needing addi- tional information can call Risch at (701) 223- UTU helps pass MTA must stop 0061. The schedule is as follows: bus security law paying ACRE Local 1344: Mon., May 5, Royal Fork Restau- rant, Bismarck. 1 p.m. meeting with 5 p.m. din- WASHINGTON, D.C. – UTU lobbying WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress has ner; efforts on behalf of UTU bus members resulted in ordered New York’s Metropolitan Transit Local 1059: Tue., May 6, International Inn, a notable victory before the House Transporta- Authority to cease using federal transit tax dol- Minot. 1 p.m. meeting, 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. tion and Infrastructure Committee, which unan- lars to pay salary, benefits and/or expenses to retirement banquet; imously approved legislation to enhance bus elected or appointed officers of the Association of Local 525: Wed., May 7, Ramada Inn, Grand transportation security. Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE), which rep- Forks. 3 p.m. meeting followed by dinner; The Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety resents engineers and conductors on Metro- Locals 980 and 1137: Thur., May 8, O’Kelly’s Act of 2003 (H.R. 875) now moves to the House North Commuter Railroad. These employees Tastes and Toddies, Fargo. 1 p.m. meeting with floor for a vote. House passage, which is expect- previously were represented by the UTU and the soup and sandwich buffet at 5 p.m. ed, will result in the bill moving to the Senate for Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). consideration. The congressional action came following The bill authorizes $99 million for fiscal years intensive lobbying by the UTU Commuter Rail Department led by UTU Vice President Tony TO REGISTER FOR AUTOMATIC 2003 and 2004 for discretionary grants to private intercity bus service operators for security Iannone. MAIL PDATES ON SSUES E- U I improvements, said UTU National Legislative The efforts began after the New York Daily IMPORTANT TO YOU, Director James Brunkenhoefer. News reported that “four top union leaders on the VISIT THE UTU’S WEBSITE: The security improvements may include con- MTA’s Metro-North are drawing full salaries from WWW.UTU.ORG Continued on page 10 Continued on page 10 Around the UTU News from around the U.S. and Canada Local 84, Los Angeles, Calif. Local 1252, Fresno, Calif. International Vice President Tony Iannone is Members of this Burlington Northern Santa Fe scheduled to attend the Amtrak local’s April 21 local, along with members of Brotherhood of meeting at the Burbank, Calif., Ramada Inn at Locomotive Engineers Division 553, have started 10:30 a.m. to make a presentation to Jesse a collection through their credit union to assist Bryant, who survived a grade-crossing accident local member John J. Mathieu, a 33-year-old sec- that turned his cab car on its side, said Secretary- ond-generation railroader afflicted with Treasurer Richard Albitre. Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a condition that mir- rors leukemia. Brother Mathieu, a husband and Local 113, Winslow, Ariz. father of three boys, all under age three, has been Burlington Northern Santa Fe conductor unable to work since last June and is waiting for a Cherry Ray is set to run in the Boston Marathon Recently proving the value of having professional, well- marrow transplant. For information about the this month while wearing UTU colors, thanks to trained UTU-represented crew members aboard Amtrak fund, contact Legislative Representative and the local’s financial assistance. An experienced trains, conductor Joseph S. Loran (left) and assistant con- Fresno Site Safety Team member Ken Abell at marathon runner, she participated in the Marine ductor Phillip Q. Brown played key roles in saving the life 2832 Adler Ave., Clovis, CA 93612, or retired Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., in Febru- of a passenger who experienced a miscarriage. member and former Local Secretary-Treasurer ary, said Treasurer Bob Olague. Professional crew Don Heffernan at [email protected]. Local 367, Omaha, Neb. Local 1393, E. Buffalo, N.Y. Locomotive engineman David M. O’Brien saves woman’s life Members employed by the South Buffalo Rail- has been nominated by the Council Bluffs Ser- road offer their best wishes for a long run to new vice Unit as a candidate for the annual J.C. RIVERVIEW, Mont. – A 19-year-old woman who recently rode Amtrak’s Empire Builder and General Chairperson/Local Chairperson Paul Kenefick Safety Award, said Secretary-Treasurer Haley, who will receive assistance from Interna- Joe Brown. Since its inception in 1986, the experienced a medical emergency is alive and well today, thanks to a well-trained, quick-think- tional Vice President Pete Patsouras as he nego- Kenefick award has recognized a UP agreement tiates a new agreement, said member Eric Feld. employee who has demonstrated outstanding on- ing crew that included conductor Joseph S. the-job safety achievement. Loran and assistant conductor Phillip Q. Brown, Local 1558, Bergenfield, N.J. both of Local 117 in Vancouver, Wash. Negotiations with Coach USA, which began Local 463, Thunder Bay, Ont. The woman, a passenger aboard Amtrak Train in February, are progressing smoothly for all four CP Lines West General Chairperson Lou O. 7 on Feb. 18, began to miscarry while the train craft divisions on the Rockland Coaches proper- Schillaci recently presented Scott Baxter with was in a rural area between Whitefish and Libby, ty, said Secretary-Treasurer Michael Byrne, who an award honoring his 15 years of service to the Mont. notes the local now has a website where updates local as both local chairperson and vice general Crew members, veterans of Amtrak’s PRE- are posted at http://www.utu1558.com. chairperson, according to Legislative Represen- PARE classes and trained to handle emergencies, tative Doug Johnson. sprang into action, said Amtrak Assistant Super- Local 1594, Upper Darby, Pa. Local 465, Gillette, Wyo. intendent Timothy A. Branson, who was aboard Members employed by SEPTA will ride again the train. in the annual American Cancer Society Bike-A- Members of this Burlington Northern Santa Thon, said Local Chairperson and President Ron Fe local recently presented plaques to Russ Brother Loran assessed the situation and imme- diately called engineer Aaron Rowe, asking him Koran. To participate, contact Stan Bernatowicz Muller and Ed Dibble in recognition of their for details and an entry form. Koran also said life-saving roles in separate incidents. Brother to radio for assistance, Branson said. The situa- tion was complicated by the train’s location in SEPTA is sponsoring a rail rodeo involving a trol- Dibble took an employee in the early stages of a ley car that members can enter solo or with a heart attack to a local hospital, while Brother the Flathead Tunnel, but the crew remained calm until communication could be established. partner. The event, set for 8 a.m. on April 26, will Muller gave CPR to a heart attack victim in be held at the Elmwood Depot. Winners will Because the train was at least 45 minutes from a Deadwood, S.D., until emergency personnel receive $150, a jacket, a trophy, and a trip to San medical center, the engineer, working with BNSF arrived, said Local President Billy Montgomery. Jose, Calif., where they will compete in the dispatcher Gary Armitage and chief dispatcher nationals from June 4-6. Local 471, Eugene, Ore. Jack Miller, arranged to meet an ambulance just Plans are set for this Union Pacific local’s 29th outside Riverview. Local 1741, San Francisco, Calif. annual Railroad Retirees’ Banquet, to be held Meanwhile, Loran located a passenger, Dr. Deb- Members of the local employed as bus opera- Sun., May 18, at 4 p.m. at the Oregon Electric ora Bley, who began attending to the woman. tors by Laidlaw Transit (formerly Associated Station (27 E. 5th Ave.) in Eugene, according to Brother Brown and Lead Service Attendant Lois Charter Bus) and as school bus operators by the Secretary-Treasurer Mark Brown. The cost is Christerson brought first-aid supplies, gloves, San Mateo School District recently attended a $18 a person. Door prizes and an “Old Head towels and water to Dr. Bley, who grew con- kick-off rally for San Francisco mayoral candidate Award” will be bestowed, thanks to the support cerned over the passenger’s loss of blood and Tom Ammiano, said Secretary Jim Charas. of Designated Legal Counsel firms Bricker, weakening pulse. Local 1778, N. Vancouver, B.C. Zokavics, Querin, Thompson & Richey; Hunegs, An ambulance crew from Libby arrived at the Stone LeNeave, Kvas & Thornton, and Yaeger, meeting point and rushed the patient to a hospi- The spring issue of this BC Rail local’s newslet- Jungbauer, Barczak & Vucinovich. RSVP to tal in time to save her life, said Branson. ter, The Meeting Point, is now available on its web Brown by May 10 at (541) 689-8745. site at http://www.utubc.com, said Secretary- “Unfortunately, the baby couldn’t be saved,” Treasurer David Moorhouse. Included on the site said Branson. “But the entire crew all came Local 650, Minneapolis, Minn. is a link to the Council of Trade Unions’ “Stop together and did an excellent job in the face of a Members of this Union Pacific local are the Sale of BC Rail” page. among the sponsors of the play, Remembering life-threatening emergency. These people, Charlie Luth, set for July 14 at the Weyerhaeuser including Steve Bushnell and Dan Gustafson, Local 1895, Chicago, Ill. Theater, said Local Chairperson Dave Riehle, who teach the PREPARE classes locally, deserve Members of this Norfolk Southern local who invites members to participate. The play a lot of credit.” attended an arbitration advocacy skills seminar tells the story of a striking switchman who was in February provided by Alan Fisher, an associate shot to death in St. Paul on July 14, 1894, during of UTU Designated Legal Counsel firm Hoey, the historic Pullman Strike, by rail official Local 951, Sheridan, Wyo. Farina & Downes who has experience as a rail Charles Leonard, who was acquitted of murder Members of this Burlington Northern Santa Fe employee and a federal arbitrator in rail cases, by a jury. Participants will not have to memorize local are proud of member Herb Walk, who said Secretary-Treasurer Larry Grutzius. Mem- lines, said Riehle, and will be joined by profes- played a role last month in rescuing a fisherman bers Mike Dilday, Thomas Hall, Sal Mota, John sional actors volunteering their efforts. For infor- who fell through the ice at Lake DeSmet and Schimmel, Jim Brkljacich, Rich Ross and Grutz- mation, contact Howard Kling at (612) 624- would have drowned without prompt assistance, ius learned about the investigation process 4326 or send e-mail to [email protected]. said retired member T.R. Shelby. behind preparing cases for appeal.
2 www.utuia.org www.utu.org State Watch News from UTU State Legislative Boards New Hampshire Virginia State Representative William E. Mosher South Dakota State Legislative Director Richard Jeskey (Dist. 63) said New Hampshire is in danger of reports that a retirement party was held in losing federal funding for commuter rail projects honor of former Norfolk Southern General because the Executive Council has not approved Chairperson David Benson in Salem in Jan- the expenditure of the required funds for the uary. contract to finish the Lowell/Nashua commuter Benson began his railroading career on the rail extension project. Nickel Plate Railroad in 1959 and worked in var- Mosher, a retired UTU member from Local ious crafts on the property as it changed hands 1400 at South Portland, Maine, said that failure through various mergers. He held several differ- to fund completion of the Lowell-Nashua com- ent local union offices during his tenure and muter rail extension could indicate to federal served both as a vice general chairperson and officials that New Hampshire is not interested in general chairperson. rail as a transportation alternative. He also was a generous contributor to the “Because the Executive Council has not TPEL program, Jeskey said. approved the contract for the Nashua project, Local Legislative Representative R.C. Lathrop (233), center, and Local Legislative Representative William A plague presented to Benson read, in part: the state is in danger of losing commuter rail Shillingstad (64), right, present the “Brokenrail “For your unwavering dedication to serve the restoration. This not only affects the current Award” to State Legislative Director Rick Davids employees of the Norfolk Southern Railroad. We Nashua (project), but also the future potential (375). The award, which was provided by the Desig- can never repay your thoughtfulness and kind- connections to Manchester and Concord, the nated Legal Counsel firm of Hunegs, Stone, ness…Your leadership helped improve the work- high speed rail connection to Montreal, and any LeNeave, Kvas & Thorton, is presented annually to ing conditions of many and in turn improved the hopes of restoration of commuter rail from New- the South Dakota local with the highest average con- lives, hopes and dreams of railroaders and their buryport to Portsmouth,” Mosher said. tribution per member to the union’s Transportation families.” Mosher is asking all UTU members and resi- Political Education League. Local 64 at Huron held the award from its inception in 1994 through 2001, The party was organized by Local 363 dents who support mass transportation to con- when it was transferred to the members of Local 375 Chairperson Roger Slate, with assistance from tact members of the Executive Council who vot- at Edgemont. Following the presentation, Lathrop members Tim Smith and Bill Glass, and ed against the contract and ask them to recon- said that the members of UTU Local 233 at Aberdeen through a generous contribution from the des- sider their vote. have “served notice” that the award’s stay with Local ignated legal counsel firm of Moody, Strople & The members of the council who voted against 375 “will be a short one.” Kloeppel, Inc. the contract are Peter Spaulding, Ruth Griffin and Raymond Wieczorek. Write the New Hamp- shire Executive Council at 107 N. Main St., railroad and transportation issues. State House, Rm. 207, Concord, NH 03301- In other news, Hendricks reports that the 4951, or call (603) 271-3632. UTU was instrumental in the recent 21-to-0 pas- sage of Iowa House File 8 by the Iowa State Gov- ernment Committee. The bill provides for state Iowa legislators and the governor to meet with their Pat Hendricks, director of the UTU’s Iowa counterparts in other Midwest states to push for State Legislative Board, was elected vice presi- the development of the Midwest High Speed dent of the Iowa Association of Railroad Pas- Rail Initiative. sengers (IARP) by fellow members of the asso- The proposal must now be approved by both ciation. the Iowa House of Representatives and the Sen- The IARP, a non-profit organization advocat- ate. ing railroad transportation, works to inform gov- “The UTU continues to be the only rail labor Pictured, from left, are retired NS General Chairperson ernment and the media of the interests of citizens union in Iowa to partner with other organizations David Benson, Local 363 Chairperson Roger Slate, in rail transportation and acts as a “watchdog” to benefit all members of rail labor,” Hendricks UTUIA Field Supervisor Malcolm T. Morrison II and group guarding the public interest in Amtrak, said. Virginia Legislative Director Richard Jeskey. Bus Department Yardmasters By Percy Palmer By Don Carver
Legislative Dept. Negotiations set lobbying pays off with carriers We have a Legislative Department in the UTU that is Members, and family of our members, are stationed second to none in this country, and perhaps the world. around the world in the various branches of the military. An article on page 1 describes how UTU lobbying efforts on We should remember and support these brave Americans behalf of the union’s bus members resulted in a notable victo- with our thoughts and prayers. ry before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which unan- Yardmaster Department-led contract negotiation sessions are being held on imously approved legislation to enhance bus transportation security. various carriers around the country. The bill (HR 875) authorized $99 million for fiscal years 2003 and 2004 for In Philadelphia, March 5 and 6, General Chairperson Ron Kratz was in discretionary grants to provide intercity bus service operators with security negotiations with the Conrail Shared Assets Area Mechanical Supervisors. improvements, said National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer. The We are awaiting confirmation of dates in May for further negotiations. improvements may include constructing or modifying terminals, bus garages In Houston, March 19 and 20, the USCA Yardmaster Council held con- or other facilities to assure security; protecting or isolating the bus driver; tract negotiations with the Union Pacific covering yardmasters on that carri- upgrading, purchasing or installing passenger ticketing security systems; er (former SP, CNW, MP). We are encouraged with the progress made towards employee training; hiring security officers; installing cameras and video sur- a consolidated agreement. Dates will be set for continuing negotiations. veillance equipment on buses and in facilities; creating employee identifica- At Duluth, March 26, negotiations were scheduled with the Duluth, Miss- tion and background-check programs; establishing emergency communica- abe & Iron Range. tions systems, and implementing passenger screening programs at terminals and on buses. In Minneapolis, March 27 and 28, contract negotiations were scheduled with the Soo Line. On the subject of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Final Rule, 49 C.F.R. 383, UTU, along with other unions, requested modification and Contract negotiations are set with Amtrak in Philadelphia April 16 and 17. received some relief but we are still not satisfied. The act does not establish a Cooperation and teamwork are cardinal principles of good means to disqualify foreign drivers for offenses committed in a non-commer- union representation. Officers and members who share a com- cial vehicle in the country of domicile, yet American drivers will be disquali- mon direction and a sense of community can achieve goals more fied for similar offenses. Our Legal Department is in process of appealing the quickly and easily because of the strength drawn from one final rule. another. 3 A secure future for all www.utuia.org www.utu.org By Dan Johnson reform provided flexibility to invest Byron A. Boyd Jr., International President General Secretary & Treasurer our $20 billion Railroad Retirement Trust Fund (one of the largest pension Paul C. Thompson, Assistant President One of our most valuable benefits trusts in the U.S.) in investments like- Daniel E. Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer is a company pension. An adequate ly to pay better returns. No longer must Railroad Retirement Trust Fund James M. Brunkenhoefer, Nat. Legislative Dir. pension, coupled with family sav- ings, guarantees our standard of liv- dollars be invested solely in relatively ing will not decline in retirement. low-yield government securities. An adequate pension is not auto- In fact, we have selected an excep- Contact the UTU: matic. Rail employee pensions are in tional chief investment officer with two parts: Railroad Retirement Tier I more than 25 years of pension-fund via telephone at (216) 228-9400 is roughly equivalent to Social Secu- investment experience to guide our rity benefits; and Tier II is equivalent investment decisions. Those deci- via fax at (216) 228-5755 to a company pension, except sions will be scrutinized by the seven- via e-mail at [email protected] it is administered by the fed- member board (three members eral government. each from labor and manage- via the Internet at http://www.utu.org Many American workers ment, plus one independent) as receive no retirement bene- well as by Congress, the federal fits beyond Social Security – Office of Management and and even among those who Budget and the Railroad do, an adequate pension is Retirement Board. God bless our UTU hardly assured. Truck drivers The new investment flexi- covered by the Teamsters’ Johnson bility – something every suc- Central States Pension Plan cessful pension fund enjoys – heroes serving our country are in danger of losing pension ben- should permit us to achieve efits owing to massive underfund- increased returns on investment. As Listed on page 5 of this issue are the names of 52 brave men and ing of that plan. The pensions of returns improve, employer payroll women – UTU brothers and sisters – called to active duty and serving current and future airline retirees taxes, which help fund Railroad with honor in our armed forces, which guard our nation and its way of also are in jeopardy following the Retirement benefits, decline. Also, life. financial collapse of that industry. retirement benefits can be increased Certainly there are more and, as their names are learned, they shall Yet the pensions of railroad and/or employee payroll taxes, be inscribed in subsequent honor rolls. employees are more secure than ever which help fund benefits, can These American heroes have, in John F. Kennedy’s words, asked not before. When your UTU led the suc- decline. Elevated employer payroll what their country could do for them, but what they could do for their cessful fight for Railroad Retirement taxes discourage the hiring of new country. reform, there was more delivered employees and reduce money avail- Indeed, it is their love of family and of the ideals that bind this than restoring 60/30 and improved able to pay improved wages and oth- nation that direct their commitment to serve. spousal benefits. The law made pro- er benefits. Clearly, if we improve the return on investment of the The men and women of our armed forces have forged a proud histo- vision to improve the financial security of Tier II, ensuring the pen- Railroad Retirement Trust Fund, ry in the name of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. current and future retirees and their For 227 years, on every continent, brave Americans have fought not sions of current and future retirees will be paid in full. families are the biggest winners. to conquer, but to liberate. Your UTU helped gain another Here at home, where 9/11 has joined Dec. 7 as a date that will My election by railroad labor organizations as one of crucial provision in the law – a live in infamy, other brothers and sisters similarly serve our three labor members on retiree safety net. If balances in the nation with allegiance, bravery and honor. the seven-member fund fall, carriers alone will make We accept responsibility for the safety of our passengers, the National Railroad up any shortfall. Employee payroll protection of freight and equipment and the security of our Retirement Investment taxes may not be increased. homeland, neighbors and families. Trust is a solemn Indeed, railroad employees today The object of love is to serve. God bless each and every responsibility. Rail- enjoy the most secure pension plan one of our heroes in service to America. road Retirement in the history of the United States. WASHINGTON WATCH By James Brunkenhoefer UTU, the safety leader, burned no bridges Recently, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) marched on the rately, the BLE has been seeking resolutions from local governments to oppose Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) offices in Washington, D.C., to remote control even though local governments have no authority over such protest remote control operations. They say their concern is safety. Maybe so. federally regulated rail safety. Whatever it is BLE has in mind is not clear. But they certainly go about it in a strange way. What is clear, however, is that standing outside someone’s office and shouting The most significant improvements in safety in recent seldom achieves a favorable response. years have resulted not from public demonstrations, but The UTU thinks there are better ways to improve rail safety – such as through a formalized process called the Rail Safety Advi- through cooperation before turning to confrontation with government. sory Committee, or R-SAC, where labor, management We may not have always gotten all we wanted through this approach, but and regulators cooperate to hammer out mutually accept- we have always achieved more than other organizations, and we always able safety rules. This process allows each party to have got it first. their say in a non-adversarial manner. But, rather than use the R-SAC process, the BLE asked the FRA unilaterally to implement a You can be sure that if remote control operators require additional safety rule-making procedure involving remote control. regulations and training, UTU will be there and your UTU will be successful. After reviewing the BLE’s request, the FRA issued remote control safety Most important, no matter how many BLE members march or how often guidelines. But the BLE didn’t like the guidelines. So the BLE filed a lawsuit they march or how many resolutions the BLE is able to gain from local gov- in federal court. Attorneys always advise clients that when a matter is before ernments, one thing will not change: those who operate remote control will a court, the matter should not be discussed between the parties. Thus, the continue to be employed under collective bargaining agreements negotiated FRA, accepting advice of its counsel, declined to talk to the BLE about remote and administered by the UTU. The UTU has the jobs and the UTU will keep control until the court acts on the BLE lawsuit. the jobs – and the UTU will keep those jobs safe. Not liking that the FRA, which is being sued by the BLE, So if the BLE’s true concern is safety, then why don’t they join the union won’t talk to the BLE, the BLE began public demonstrations that has achieved more safety victories than any other union in the industry – 4 demanding that the FRA ignore advice of legal counsel. Sepa- and which has burned no bridges in the process? General committees hold elections of officers Article 82 of the UTU Constitution Canadian Pacific (D&H), GO-300 New Jersey Transit Rail Operations, GO-610 Community Transportation (Bergen-Passaic) requires that each UTU general commit- James M. Hawley (211) Xavier D. Williams (60) George W. Adams Jr. (759) tee of adjustment hold a quadrennial reor- Canadian Pacific (Soo Line), GO-261 Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line, GO-NPB Delco Transportation Co. ganization meeting, at which time mem- Dennis E. Baker (911) Jeffrey Foster (854) Theresa Zeller (172) bers of the general committee must elect Chicago Rail Link, GO-CRL Norfolk Southern Lines, GO-169 Evergreen Trails, Inc. a chairperson. William Fletcher (1299) Bruce S. Daniel (1910) Daniel T. Bentley (161) The general committee should con- Colorado & Wyoming, GO-306 Norfolk Southern Lines, GO-346 Jefferson Bus Lines vene between Jan. 1 and May 31. John P. Kurtz (49) William B. Headrick Jr. (1972) Keith M. Tanner (1042) Listed below are the results of general Columbia & Cowlitz Railway, GO-C&C Norfolk Southern Lines, GO-679 Laidlaw Transit, Inc. committee elections that have been Gordon R. Jones (1348) Walter R. Eubanks (496) Roger C. Wagner (1908) reported to the International as this issue Conrail Shared Assets, GO-630 Norfolk Southern Lines, GO-680 James T. Harford (1741) of the UTU News went to press. Future Philip T. Gurley (1477) Luther P. King Jr. (1172) Laredo Metro, Inc. issues of the UTU News will list newly Conrail Shared Assets, GO-769 Norfolk Southern Lines, GO-687 Victor Jasso (1670) elected chairpersons as election results Al L. Suozzo (1390) Delbert G. Strunk Jr. (225) Los Angeles County Metropolitan are reported to the International. CSXT, GO-049 Norfolk Southern Lines, GO-898 Transportation Authority, GO-875 J.T. “Terry” Reed (1517) Paul E. Emert (750) James A. Williams (1564) Alaska Railroad, GO-ARR CSXT, GO-201 Southeastern Pennsylvania MV Transit Wesley A. Rogers (1626) James R. Townsend (662) Transportation Authority, GO-STA Marilyn Harris (1584) Amtrak, GO-663 CSXT, GO-347 Ralph A. Vazquez (61) PARSEC William A. Beebe (1361) Doyle K. Turner (1962) Texas City Terminal Railway, GO-TCT Earl White (1900) Amtrak, GO-769 CSXT–Northern Dist., GO-619 Sidney K. Hunter Jr. (773) Rockland Coaches, Inc. Al L. Suozzo (1390) Richard C. McVeen (1007) Toledo Peoria & Western, GO-TPW Richard Deiser (1558) Burlington Northern Santa Fe, GO-009 CSXT–Northern Dist., GO-663 David W. Wegman (198) San Mateo School District James A. Huston (1532) William A. Beebe (1361) Union Pacific, GO-209 Peggy J. Reich (1741) Burlington Northern Santa Fe, GO-017 CSXT, GO-851 Dennis G. Martz (1538) Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District William E. Young III (113) John C. Hancock (1011) Union Pacific, GO-225 Bonnie L. Moor (23) Burlington Northern Santa Fe, GO-020 Dallas Garland & Northeastern, GO-DGN John W. Babler (597) Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines John England (1674) Frank J. Gadek (965) Union Pacific, GO-577 Adhi S. Reddy (1785) Burlington Northern Santa Fe, GO-245 Duluth Missabe & Iron Range – Larry R. Bumpurs (524) Southeastern Pennsylvania Randall S. Knutson (951) Missabe Div., GO-321 Union Pacific, GO-887 Transportation Authority Ronald Koran (1594) Burlington Northern Santa Fe, GO-341 Clyde P. Larson (1292) J. Kevin Klein (98) Charles E. McDaniel (1975) Duluth Missabe & Iron Range, GO-DIR Union Pacific, GO-927 Suburban Transit Corp. of New Brunswick, Stanley T. Kahn (1962) Troy L. Johnson (594) N.J., GO-877 Burlington Northern Santa Fe, GO-386 Oral R. McFadden (1589) John D. Fitzgerald (1637) Elgin Joliet & Eastern, GO-329 Wheeling & Lake Erie, GO-WLE Cory A. Mayberry (1383) John J. Lemmert (693) TBI Airport Management Service Burlington Northern Santa Fe, GO-393 Joseph Vecchio (167) Paul W. Tibbit (331) Elgin Joliet & Eastern, GO-330 Wheeling & Lake Erie, GO-WLE Henry E. Kijewski Jr. (740) Margaret Failor (693) Texas, New Mexico Canadian National (GTW), GO-377 & Oklahoma Coaches Steven J. Thompson (1709) Illinois Midland, GO-217 Roy G. Arnold (1697) Paul D. Tincher (768) Canadian National (IC), GO-433 Bus, other properties Transit Management of Charlotte, Inc. Warner E. Biedenharn Jr. (1501) Kansas City Southern, GO-460 Adirondack Transit Lines, Inc. Drivers: Brenda Moore (1715) Canadian National (IC), GO-436 Larry P. Davis (878) Russell S. Gaillard (1582) Jerry L. Batton (1088) Long Island Rail Road, GO-505 Alex Transportation Canadian National (WC), GO-987 Michael J. Canino (645) Carl Dumas (1697) John T. Larson Sr. (581) Louisiana & Delta Railroad, GO-LDR David Woodward (113) Canadian Pacific (D&H), GO-299 Francis J. Poirier Jr. (1501) Ken Kern (1731) Carmine A. Mastropietro (256) Metra, GO-721 Community Bridges Kevin J. King (653) Arturo Zamudio (23)
UTU members help defend democracy Shown here are the names of UTU members who have been called into “When at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each one active military service (as reported by March 24, 2003.) of us – recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities We honor these men and women, our brothers and sisters, for their sense of to the state – our success or failure, in whatever office we may hold, will be meas- national responsibility and love of country second only to love of family. The ured by the answers to four questions: Were we truly men of courage? Were we tru- heartfelt contributions they make help ensure the security and liberty of the ly men of judgment? Were we truly men of integrity? Were we truly men of dedica- nation and way of life we cherish. tion?” – President John F. Kennedy, January 1961
Humberto Jaquez, Local 18, El Paso, Tex. Wendy S. McLaughlin, Local 556, Tacoma, Wash. Anthony F. Cervino, Local 61, Philadelphia, Pa. John A. Van Ausdeln, Local 556, Tacoma, Wash. Almedia M. Parham, Local 61, Philadelphia, Pa. Jesse W. Vogel, Local 763, Pittsburg, Kan. Martin A. Strom, Local 61, Philadelphia, Pa. John N. Borg, Local 941, Columbus, Ga. Joseph P. Jopek, Local 72, Battle Creek, Mich. Philip B. Towles, Local 941, Columbus, Ga. Carl T. Williams, Local 72, Battle Creek, Mich. William J. Odom, Local 942, Florence, S.C. Shaun L. Collins, Local 161, Seattle, Wash. Charles A. Pinion, Local 942, Florence, S.C. Vincent Moreno, Local 225, Bellevue, Ohio George A. Sease Jr., Local 942, Florence, S.C. James R. Roth, Local 225, Bellevue, Ohio James M. Holt, Local 965, Dallas, Tex. Samuel W. Burns, Local 226, Moberly, Mo. Kelby L. Hegreberg, Local 980, Enderlin, N.D. Jason S. Squier, Local 228, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Ryan M. Baker, Local 998, Waycross, Ga. Danny A. Greeno, Local 243, Ft. Worth, Tex. Gregory Henderson, Local 1006, Brownsville, Pa. Thomas R. Winkelbauer, Local 243, Ft. Worth, Tex. Douglas M. Fails, Local 1033, Atlanta, Ga. George R. Williams, Local 293, Houston, Tex. Daniel L. Chastain, Local 1053, Selma, Ala. Jeffrey M. Nichols, Local 303, Springfield, Mo. Kevin H. Pullen, Local 1088, Jackson, Miss. Dennis W. Schultz, Local 306, Eagle Grove, Iowa Joseph G. Garner Jr., Local 1137, Fargo, N.D. Mark L. Adams, Local 330, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Michael S. Stine, Local 1137, Fargo, N.D. Raymond E. Harrison, Local 349, Kansas City, Mo. Dwayne B. Garrett, Local 1245, Atlanta, Ga. Adam N. Mahlandt, Local 469, Madison, Ill. Kent F. Ashby, Local 1308, Bruceton/Hollow, Tenn. Shawn M. Stokes, Local 469, Madison, Ill. Kevin R. Drury, Local 1348, Centralia, Wash. Jacob J. Sacks, Local 477, Newton, Kan. Levi S. Jones, Local 1548, Indianapolis, Ind. Jeffrey J. Bushaw, Local 525, Grand Forks, N.D. Henry P. Landry, Local 1548, Indianapolis, Ind. Andrew T. Tennessen, Local 528, Chicago, Ill. Mark A. Blanek, Local 1597, Chicago, Ill. Kenneth A. Evans, Local 556, Tacoma, Wash. Neil McCulley, Local 1597, Chicago, Ill. Kenneth L. Jackson, Local 556, Tacoma, Wash. Anthony R. Smertene, Local 1895, Chicago, Ill. Rick M. John, Local 556, Tacoma, Wash. Christopher J. Ebertz, Local 1976, St. Paul, Minn.
www.utuia.org www.utu.org 5 UTU members assure passenger safety on New Jersey Transit
Conductor Kenneth Ellis, with a master’s degree in social work, says providing customer service, safe- ty and on-time performance are his job’s most rewarding aspects. General Chairperson Xavier Williams, center, with conductors Nick Moschella, left, and Anthony Soto. “Our union Carl Schab moved from a track gang to conductor in has to be as progressive as the railroad,” said Williams. “We also must ensure every conductor is properly trained so 1986 and has become a popular personality among pas- that their every action displays leadership ability and conveys to passengers a sense of safety and security.” sengers, who take note of Schab’s off days and vacations. When not preoccupied with passenger comfort and safe- Conductors Lewis Williams Sr., right, and Ben Tramos. Williams says he ty, Schab rides rural highways on his Harley Davidson. The Conductor relies on training as a technical sergeant in the New Jersey Air National Serving members On every train, it is the conductor who is responsible for safety and securi- Guard to enhance his role providing passenger safety and security. UTU members on NJT recently elected a new slate of officers, who ran ty. The train moves, or doesn’t move, only on command of the conductor, New Jersey Transit on a platform of “improved service to members.” General Chairperson who is charged with protecting the safety of each crew member and passen- Xavier Williams (GO-610) and Local 60 President Barbara Fountain say ger. Repeatedly, the National Transportation Safety Board has cited the exis- New Jersey Transit (NJT) operates 614 trains daily on 12 rail lines linking the key to appropriate member service is, “to be visible and accessible, to tence of the conductor as essential to train, crew and passenger safety. New York City with major points in New Jersey and southern New York west return member phone calls promptly, to provide answers to all questions no During these dangerous times, when every government agency is warning of the Hudson River. Annually, some 225 million passengers ride NJT, which matter how difficult, to process grievances without delay and to draw of the possibility of a terrorist attack, it is the conductor, with complete in 1983 assumed control of commuter rail lines from Conrail. NJT’s service strength from the diversity of membership.” UTU Vice Presidents Tony Ian- knowledge of train safety and rail operations, who is indispensable in pro- area covers 5,325 square miles. Much, but not all, of NJT is electrified. none and Roy Boling frequently meet with Williams and Fountain to share tecting the lives of crew and passengers. On 9/11, UTU members operating NJT’s major passenger terminals are at Penn Station in Manhattan and expertise on negotiating strategy and grievance handling. Williams and Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains at Ground Zero were singled out for their across the Hudson at Hoboken, N.J. Commuters to and from New York City Fountain say they also are committed to improving the level of emergency quick thinking, actions credited with saving hundreds of lives in the station rely upon NJT for rush-hour transportation along the Northeast Corridor training for conductors and encouraging young members to become more below the World Trade Center. between Penn Station and Trenton, and to bedroom communities along the involved in union activities. Throughout America, every hour of every day, UTU conductors are on Jersey shore as well as into western New Jersey toward Pennsylvania and duty and on guard. UTU News randomly chose New Jersey Transit to show- north from Hoboken into New York’s Rockland and Orange counties. NJT case the passenger train conductor. also operates a line linking Philadelphia with Atlantic City. UTU’s New Jersey State Legislative Director Dan O’Connell was success- ful in ensuring that, despite a troublesome state budget shortfall, the New Jer- sey legislature chose not to cut a penny from the state transportation budget. “TPEL contributions play an essential role in our lobbying success,” O’Con- nell said.
UTU was instrumental in beginning a mentor program for new NJT hires. Norman Snell, left, with 16 years’ experience, spends many days in yards drilling new hires on being aware of surroundings and working safely. He also helps teach new con- ductors how to deal with passengers and assure their safety. “I find when I tell them about safety I remind myself,” said Snell.
Local 60 President Barbara Fountain, center, with conductors Jeannie Jackson, left, and Clarissa Fergu- Conductor Linda Maldonado, with 28 years’ service beginning on son, Local 60’s new treasurer. When Fountain, who is married to a former NJT policeman, signed on in Railroading always has been a family affair. Phil Roxas, with 26 years’ service dating to the former Pennsylva- Penn Central, comes from a railroad family. Her father was a 1978, there were only two other women conductors. Today, NJT employs more than 150 females in oper- All photos by David D. O’Brien, nia Railroad, takes special pride in his fellow conductor and son, Jason, who has just 18 months on the job. Pennsylvania Railroad conductor, her mother was an Amtrak ating positions. One of Fountain’s immediate goals is to gain a general crew room in Hoboken to help crews “Growing up and watching my dad, I thought this was an easy job,” said Jason. “It took me just two days on police officer and her husband, Anthony, is a Conrail Shared Assets “improve their bonding.” Local 60, Jersey City, N.J. the job to apologize.” conductor.
6 www.utuia.org www.utu.org www.utuia.org www.utu.org 7 UTU for Life News
Medicare finances slipping, Social Security fund improves WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Social Security much money it would take to keep Social Securi- trust fund is stronger than it was a year ago, but ty solvent indefinitely. In the past, the reports the Medicare program will reach insolvency four considered the program’s solvency for 75 years years sooner than expected last year, according to into the future. the annual report issued by the systems’ trustees. The prognosis for Medicare represented a sub- Carved and assembled by retired member Joseph E. Gum- Social Security’s health remains relatively stantial change. Not since 1996 have the trustees bert of Local 1389 in Russell, Ky., this train was created from pieces of scrap to fulfill a request and was the first unchanged. Trustees reported the system would moved up their prediction of when the program item Gumbert ever carved. have enough cash to pay the benefits it owes would go broke. until 2042, one year later than was projected a Events affecting Social Security generally Gift of tools leads year ago. affect the Tier I portion of Railroad Retirement But for the first time in almost 10 years, benefits. retiree to new skill Medicare’s financial condition has deteriorated For years, government officials have been pre- An amateur archeologist who likes fishing, significantly, with its insolvency date moved up dicting that the retirement insurance and health retired CSX conductor Joseph E. Gumbert was from 2030 last year to 2026 this year, the trustees care funds for seniors, sustained through payroll puzzled when he opened a gift in December that reported. taxes, will be pushed toward insolvency as more contained wood-carving tools – until his daugh- Trustees attributed Medicare’s declining finan- baby boomers reach retirement. ter explained what he would do with them. cial health in the past year to projected lower tax Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne Barn- “My wife Pauline and daughter Debbie bought receipts devoted to the program and rapidly hardt said, “I want to assure those already receiving me the tools,” said Brother Gumbert, a member growing medical costs. Social Security benefits, as well as those who are of Local 1389 in Russell, Ky. “I’d never carved Medicare will likely have to begin dipping into close to retirement, that your benefits are anything before, but my daughter told me I was its trust fund in 2013 to keep up with expendi- secure…but doing nothing will have serious conse- going to build her a train.” tures, the trustees reported, three years earlier quences for our children and our grandchildren.” Created from pieces of scrap Gumbert scav- than expected a year ago. Meanwhile, Social enged, the result of his first effort thrust him into Security outlays will start exceeding tax receipts the limelight. “The local newspaper took pic- beginning in 2018, according to the report. tures, and rail fans who saw it want me to bring it For the first time, the trustees calculated how to an upcoming show,” he said. It took Gumbert about three months of trial- and-error to complete the train. “I began the RETRENSO Club engine two or three times,” he said. “I tried to carve a diesel, but it didn’t look right, so I carved marks 21 years a steam engine like the ones I saw when I started A group of Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail with the railroad.” retirees planning their 21st annual dinner and Gumbert started as Chesapeake & Ohio clerk dance has extended an invitation to rail veterans in 1949, then served a hitch in the Navy. After from all crafts to attend the upcoming event. discharge, he worked at the Raceland, Ky., car The RETRENSO (REtired TRainmen and Seattle chapter meets shops. “In 1961, I transferred to switchman and ENginemen SOcial) Club’s gathering will be Some 50 retirees from Washington state attended an brakeman and joined the Brotherhood of Rail- held Sun., May 18, 2003, at the Lamplighter organizational meeting of UTU for Life in March. They road Trainmen. I retired in 1993,” he said. Restaurant in Delmont, Pa., according to retired renewed friendships, swapped stories and heard updates on their industry as well as retirement, legal and health With railroading in the family, his daughter’s yardmaster A.V. “Jock” Powers, a UTU for Life member from Local 1948, Youngstown, Ohio. care issues affecting them and their families. If you request didn’t surprise Gumbert. “My uncle was would like to be part of a UTU for Life chapter near you, an engineer, and my dad and three brothers were For information, write to Powers at P.O. Box e-mail “[email protected]” or write: UTU for Life, all railroaders,” Gumbert said. “Railroading 325, 8661 Liberty Ave., Westmoreland City, PA United Transportation Union, 14600 Detroit Ave., always did fascinate me. I really loved it.” 15692, or call him at (724) 863-1232. Cleveland, OH 44107.
T HE F INAL C ALL
Following are the names of recently deceased retirees who maintained annual membership in the UTU for Life program (formerly known as the UTU Retiree Program), according to reports received at UTU International Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU for Life members.
Local Name City/State Local Name City/State Local Name City/State 5 Bratton, Robert E. Shawnee, Kan. 623 Sensabaugh, Collins E. Lexington, Va. 1168 Martinez, Adolph O. St. Louis, Mo. 239 Lee, L.L. Oakdale, Cal. 646 Mesic, Joe Omaha, Neb. 1365 DiGiacomo, John C. Youngstown, Ohio 298 Buchholz, Walter O. Sun City, Ariz. 832 Berendsen, Gerard W. Neenah, Wis. 1374 Stulock, George E. Warren, Ohio 322 Mahuta, Francis Plymouth, Wis. 835 Jones, Harold L. Folsom, Cal. 1378 Murphy, Elwood T. Wilmington, Del. 386 Staley Jr., Thomas E. Forest Hill, Md. 835 Palmer, A.L. Whittier, Cal. 1405 Wiedner, Charles H. St. Peters, Mo. 426 Campbell Sr., John M. Spokane, Wash. 847 Noble, French Greenwood, S.C. 1409 Hirschberg, Dale A. Topeka, Kan. 445 Boyle, R.W. Bucklin, Mo. 965 Harrison, Jimmy D. Ennis, Tex. 1458 Williams, Willie L. DeQuincy, La. 453 Berry Jr., Gaither H. Mexico, Mo. 976 McCoy, Oscar K. Stonewall, La. 1518 Morris, Thomas M. Anderson, Ind. 469 Mohrman, Ferdinand G. Wright City, Mo. 982 McKenna, Francis Canandaigua, N.Y. 1573 Moran, Gerald L. Klamath Falls, Ore. 498 Bowman, Joseph T. Delano, Pa. 997 Bratton, Paul M. Lewistown, Pa. 1598 Blackwell, Joseph D. Snellville, Ga. 511 McKenzie, William G. Jasper, Ga. 998 Sweat, Joel L. Waycross, Ga. 1765 Mead, Keith Grand Rapids, Mich. 605 Grieco, Sam T. Fairmont, W. Va. 1003 Lafaber, Ralph C. Kankakee, Ill. 1780 Murphy, Hugh R. Scottsdale, Ariz. 620 Finlon, Lawrence J. Warsaw, Ind. 1007 English, Frederick R. Watertown, N.Y. 1951 Lanigan, John J. Jersey City, N.J. 620 Mull Jr., David L. Bloomington, Ill. 1129 Johnson, David O. Raleigh, N.C. 1976 Timmerman, Faye L. S. Daytona, Fla. 623 Clapsaddle, Thomas R. Covington, Va. 1129 Roberts, Don H. Raleigh, N.C.
8 www.utuia.org www.utu.org Voices: How could your employer increase business?
Dave Wier Don Seyer Dale Alexander George L. Chip Jr. L-469, Granite City, Ill. L-947 Chafee, Mo. L-330, Poplar Bluff, Mo. L-1571, El Paso, Tex. “I am a locomotive engineer “I have worked 32 years for “I am a conductor on the “I am a conductor on the for the Terminal Railroad the Burlington Northern Santa Union Pacific and have been Burlington Northern Santa Association of St. Louis. I Fe, currently as a conductor. railroading for 31 years. If the Fe. Sure, the BNSF could get have been a railroader for 29 The railroad is more interested carrier would listen to more business by going out years. I would suggest to the in the bigger-revenue projects, employees’ suggestions, they to the different companies carrier, to increase business, like coal trains and grain would have a lot more busi- along the line and asking we must give good service. It trains, and has lost contact ness. Also, they need to them to ship by rail. But, all comes down to service. with the little shippers. We maintain their tracks. I have what they really ought to do Also, our rates are too high pass oil refineries, cottonseed 70 slow orders over my 174- is take care of the business compared with trucks. The mills, fertilizer plants that mile run. The UP needs to they got. They don’t have carrier has not gone after the have spurs, but trucks serve spend more on track mainte- enough men to handle the smaller shippers. The railroad them. The carrier would not nance and less on salaries business they have. There waits until people come to give them adequate service and bonuses for executives. are businesses along the them. For years, they have and they were forced to ship The carrier also cut yard jobs lines that are served by tried to run off business by by truck. The BNSF has done at Poplar Bluff, so now we trucks that could be served raising rates and not giving all it can to alienate small pass right by grain elevators by trains, like a big beer dis- good service. Shippers would shippers. It doesn’t seem like and auto industries instead of tributor we have here in El call and have to wait several the carrier pays attention to servicing them. They say they Paso. Coors ships one box- days to be switched. This may the voice of the little shipper. want input from us, but there car a week and I know peo- make sense to some people, If they went after this busi- is too much talk and not ple around here drink a lot but not to working people.” ness, it would pay off.” enough walk.” more than that.”
TPELTPEL HHONORONOR RR OLLOLL DGNO service workers Individuals who have begun contributing to TPEL or increased their donations to $100 or more, per year, during the previous month vote to affiliate with UTU Name Local City Name Local City PLATINUM CLUB ($1,200 OR MORE PER YEAR) Hollenbeck, Steve A. 426 Spokane, Wash. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Customer service representatives employed by Altier, Joseph P. 29 Babylon, N.Y. Pischel, Scoter M. 426 Spokane, Wash. Hajek, Francis P. 48 Norfolk, Va. Seaboldt, Albert D. 426 Spokane, Wash. the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad (DGNO) have chosen the Van Bree, Frank E. 72 Battle Creek, Mich. Ward, Dan E. 426 Spokane, Wash. Foley, James T. 445 Niota, Ill. Whitman, Gerald W. 426 Spokane, Wash. United Transportation Union as their collective bargaining representative, Downes, Daniel J. 528 Chicago, Ill. Winchester, Robert D. 432 Champaign/Urbana, Ill. according to election results announced by the National Mediation Board. Albertini, Guy M. 610 Baltimore, Md. Dietsch, Terry L. 445 Niota, Ill. Brennan, Edward F. 768 Decatur, Ill. *Nord, Frank H. 486 Glendive, Mont. Moody Sr., Willard J. 854 Portsmouth, Va. Sellers, David J. 490 Princeton, Ind. The customer service representatives were preceded in choosing the UTU Gilwee, James F. 1201 Stockton, Calif. Woods, Warren L. 533 Osawatomie, Kans. Farina, James L. 1299 Chicago, Ill. *Gonzales, Vincent 544 Havre, Mont. as their bargaining representative by the train and engine service employees Papa, Joseph T. 1388 St. Louis, Mo. Blomgren, Robert B. 577 Northlake, Ill. of the Class III switching railroad, who chose UTU representation in 1994 McVay, William W. 1418 Conway, Pa. Tassone, Christopher J. 581 Green Bay, Wis. Kaplan, Jay A. 1422 Los Angeles, Calif. Conery Jr., Robert G. 656 N. Little Rock, Ark. and belong to UTU Local 965 in Dallas, Tex. The customer service represen- Sophie Jr., Kenneth J. 1433 Elmwood Park, Ill. Stephenson, Larry D. 768 Decatur, Ill. Pfiester Jr., R. Edward 1770 Los Angeles, Calif. Webster, Francis M. 792 Cleveland, Ohio tatives will set up a separate local committee of adjustment. Letbetter, Tom R. 1886 Houston, Tex. *Rutledge, Jim J. 794 Wellington, Kans. Hoey, J. Dillon 1895 Chicago, Ill. Breen, Harvey E. 807 Tucson, Ariz. UTU International President Byron A. Boyd Jr. congratulated and thanked Ehrhardt, Dirk 807 Tucson, Ariz. DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 OR MORE PER YEAR) Hatcher, Eric M. 807 Tucson, Ariz. DGNO General Chairperson Frank J. Gadek for his role in securing this rep- Asselin, Mark T. 312 Madison, Wis. McCarty, Mathew J. 807 Tucson, Ariz. Boruta II, Herman J. 313 Grand Rapids, Mich. *Oertli, Gerald E. 891 Whitefish, Mont. resentation victory for the customer service representatives. Truelove, William R. 333 North Vernon, Ind. Olson, Ronald J. 891 Whitefish, Mont. Stockland, Ing O. 582 Stevens Point, Wis. *Correia Jr., Earl P. 898 Boston, Mass. “The officers and members of the UTU, as well as the train and engine serv- Bennett, Charles M. 583 Fond du Lac, Wis. Turpen, James L. 933 Jefferson City, Mo. Catt, Chad C. 583 Fond du Lac, Wis. Locke, Gerald L. 940 Wichita Falls, Tex. ice employees on the DGNO, join me in welcoming these customer service Conrad Jr., Michael R. 583 Fond du Lac, Wis. *Fife, Howard K. 1000 Minneapolis, Minn. Denzler, Devon 583 Fond du Lac, Wis. Murphy, Pat H. 1035 Lakeland, Fla. representatives into the ranks of our organization,” Boyd said. “As train and Miller, Jeffrey W. 583 Fond du Lac, Wis. *Marcum, Ronald B. 1062 Huntington, W.Va. engine service employees on the DGNO can attest, the UTU stands ready to Sargent, Robert O. 583 Fond du Lac, Wis. *Frizzell, John C. 1081 Glendale, Ariz. Sinclair, Jacob 583 Fond du Lac, Wis. *Linville, William V. 1081 Glendale, Ariz. protect the rights of these DGNO employees and deliver the representation Hicks, Daniel V. 807 Tucson, Ariz. McKelvey, John P. 1117 Las Vegas, Nev. Brantley, Robert W. 1263 Valdosta, Ga. Siver, William C. 1117 Las Vegas, Nev. and service they expect and deserve.” DIAMOND CLUB ($300 OR MORE PER YEAR) Snyder, Ronald G. 1190 Ludlow, Ky. Jones, Lawrence D. 533 Osawatomie, Kans. *Hardin, Gilbert L. 1221 Tampa, Fla. The DGNO, located in the northeastern part of the state of Texas, has Sipla, George D. 582 Stevens Pt., Wis. *Harmon, John M. 1328 Louisville, Ky. Ball Jr., Elgin E. 807 Tucson, Ariz. Hopson, Gary J. 1361 New Haven, Conn. headquarters in Garland, a northeastern suburb of Dallas, and a regional head- Morrison II, Malcolm T. 1011 Hamlet, N.C. Clifton, Steven D. 1366 Salt Lake City, Utah Britzki, Michael D. 1379 Pittsburgh, Pa. *Lawless, James F. 1375 Philadelphia, Pa. quarters building in Richardson, Tex. The railroad runs over about 300 miles Walker, Thomas G. 1397 Columbus, Ohio *Weaver, Herman R. 1376 Columbus, Ohio of track, 25 miles of which are owned and about 200 are leased, with trackage Rakestraw, Kenneth E. 1403 Kansas City, Mo. Ellis, Paul K. 1397 Columbus, Ohio Brackett, John W. 1503 Marysville, Kans. Black, John W. 1445 Elizabeth, N.J. rights on other rail lines. *Lear, Bruce R. 1477 Dearborn, Mich. GOLD CLUB ($100 OR MORE PER YEAR) Brasseur, Douglas 1526 Michigan City, Ind. Craig, Scott R. 18 El Paso, Tex. Milcarek Jr., Frank J. 1526 Michigan City, Ind. The operation, which interchanges traffic between the Union Pacific and *Baker, Cornelius J. 72 Battle Creek, Mich. Oakes, Darwin P. 1526 Michigan City, Ind. Kansas City Southern railroads, hauls grain, syrup, steel products, paper, fer- Staupe, Timothy J. 117 Vancouver, Wash. Staley, Steven O. 1526 Michigan City, Ind. *Hill, Donald W 202 Denver, Colo. Fitze, Charles E. 1532 Kansas City, Kans. tilizer, foodstuffs, scrap iron, perishables, mail and express, forest products, *McGuire, Thomas J. 281 Milwaukee, Wis. Lopez, Joe M. 1532 Kansas City, Kans. Boyd, Jeffrey D. 318 Hornell, N.Y. Oropeza, Frank A. 1532 Kansas City, Kans. crushed stone, auto parts, plastics, and chemicals. Its parent company, Rail- Browning, Patrick M. 318 Hornell, N.Y. Onnembo, Kevin L. 1629 Phoenix, Ariz. Hagen, Robert A. 318 Hornell, N.Y. Baker, Robert A. 1770 Los Angeles, Calif. Tex, was purchased in March 2000 by shortline holding company Rail- Herrick, Jack S. 318 Hornell, N.Y. Benner, Donna L. 1977 Seattle, Wash. Knapp, John J. 318 Hornell, N.Y. America. Schwalm Jr., William R. 318 Hornell, N.Y. * = Retired Member Kresl, Kevin P. 367 Omaha, Nebr. McCray, Gary A. 404 Newark, Ohio Anderson, Peter J. 426 Spokane, Wash. Barnard, Tim E. 426 Spokane, Wash. Fugelseth, Steven K. 426 Spokane, Wash. www.utuia.org www.utu.org 9 offering presentations on how the system works. members at the close of balloting on Aug. 2, Remotes safe “When we do that, a lot of the concerns go 2002, formally gave ownership of remote control Continued from page 1 away,” Sease told the Toledo Blade. operations to UTU-represented employees. An FRA spokesman Warren Flatau told the Toledo arbitration decision effectively cemented the Meanwhile, CSXT last month said informa- Blade that, to ensure safe procedures are followed right of UTU-represented employees to operate tion “compiled through the first full year of in remote operations, agency inspectors perform locomotive remote control units. implementation indicates remote control tech- routine unannounced observations and inspec- UTU International President Byron A. Boyd nology is improving safety in CSX Transporta- tions at rail yards. Jr. said that as remote operations proliferate, the tion’s (CSXT) rail car classification yards.” “We have not found anything, to this date, UTU will continue to monitor safety to ensure The carrier also said the statistics “show that that justifies proceeding with a formal rulemak- that employees are properly trained, and to con- the severity of those train accidents is down ing,” Flatau told the Toledo Blade. “We have not trol the elements that may need to be addressed. when comparing the average cost per derail- seen any specific issues that we believe we have “It wasn’t our desire to bring remote control ment.” not addressed with the guidelines.” into this industry,” Boyd said. “It is new technol- CSXT said that when comparing yards in In Canada, there are about 180 remote control ogy, we were confronted with it, and we which both conventional operations and remote units in use, according to a February 2003 report addressed it for the betterment of our member- control technology are used, the remote control by Railway Age magazine Associate Editor ship….Our view is that we’re not going to stop operations showed significant reductions in train technology, and I’m not going to allow the mem- accidents as calculated using the FRA’s train bers of the UTU to suffer because of a shortsight- accident index. Human factor-caused accidents ed approach to these technological changes.” “Also, human factor-caused accidents were were reduced 30% when “While it’s safer than it has ever been, rail- reduced 30% when comparing remote control comparing remote control roading is still a dangerous occupation, and any with conventional operations,” said CSXT, with conventional operations, effort to protect railroad workers is worthwhile,” which last month placed an order for 75 more Traffic World Editor and Publisher Clayton Boyce remote control units. according to CSXT statistics wrote in a recent editorial. “That’s why rail Since implementation early in 2002, CSXT experts support the use of remote control devices said, more than 1,300 workers have been certified Christopher Ytuarte, who wrote that it was for the operation of locomotives in railroad yards as remote control operators. “The technology is believed there were already some 500 units being in the United States. now in place in more than 60 locations across the utilized on U.S. shortline and regional railroads. “Ten years of using this device in Canada have railroad’s 23-state network,” CSXT said. “With dozens of pilot programs currently run- proved that it is safer than the old method of an CSXT attributed the safety gains to a number ning on Class I railroads throughout the U.S. and engineer running the locomotive in response to of factors, but focused on the reduction of mis- with years of documented success in Canada,” Ytu- hand signals from a trainman on the ground,” communications. “A fail-safe design…stops a arte wrote, “remote control is viewed by some as Boyce wrote. train automatically if communication between the future of safety and efficiency in the industry.” “The AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades an operator and the locomotive is interrupted,” Department and the Brotherhood of Locomotive the carrier said. A letter of intent signed Sept. 26, 2001, by Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Conrail, CSXT, Engineers are painting a big lie about the safety of Gary Sease, a CSXT spokesman, recently told Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and remote control. Their motive is pure greed and the Toledo Blade that safety, not productivity, was Union Pacific, assigned remote control opera- political opportunism,” Boyce wrote. the leading factor in introducing remote control. tions to UTU-represented employees. “Their greed is for the dues another union is “We’ve gotten mixed results on that [produc- collecting after the BLE lost an internecine labor As a result, pilot projects monitored by the tivity],” Sease said in an article published last community battle to represent railroad workers UTU, the carriers and the FRA were begun more month. “There might be some getting-used-to, who use the remote control devices. The politi- than a year ago in which U.S. Class I railroads but we felt that would even out in the future.” cal opportunism is the use of a partisan lie tar- began testing remote controlled locomotives in Sease told the Toledo Blade the carrier has nishing the Bush Administration in an attempt yard-switching operations. responded to cities which have passed nonbind- to give the White House back to the Democrats ing resolutions against remote operations by The national rail agreement ratified by UTU in 2004,” Boyce wrote.
arrangements with Metro-North Commuter general chairperson of Northern Indiana Com- MTA must stop Railroad. Based on information developed, the muter Transportation District; Ralph A. Vazquez, Continued from page 1 House voted 338-83 and the Senate voted 76-20 general chairperson of Southeast Pennsylvania that MTA stop using tax dollars to subsidize Transportation Authority; Xavier D. Williams, the railroad while collecting second paychecks ACRE. general chairperson of New Jersey Transit, and Al from their controversial new union. The unusu- “ACRE, with the financial backing of Metro- Suozzo, general chairperson of Amtrak. al arrangement,” said the Daily News, began North, has been able to replace unions that do Also assisting were New York Legislative shortly after the leaders “of separate conductors’ not have access to the same Metro-North dol- Director Sam Nasca, Michigan Legislative Direc- and engineers’ locals launched a fight to decerti- lars,” said Crowley. “ACRE holds it can provide tor David Brickey, New Jersey Legislative Direc- fy” the UTU and BLE “and start a new inde- the same quality of member service (as UTU) tor Dan O’Connell, Indiana Legislative Director pendent union.” while having less expensive dues. Of course, Jim Carrico, Illinois Legislative Director Joe ACRE general chairpersons Michael Doyle and ACRE is able to provide the same service at low- Szabo, Pennsylvania Legislative Director Don Anthony Bottalico reportedly founded ACRE er cost because it is being subsidized by Metro- Dunlevy, District of Columbia Legislative Direc- “with MTA backing” and Metro-North “violated North,” said Crowley. tor Steve Fritter and Florida Legislative Director federal railway law by subsidizing ACRE and Working with Iannone to gain the legislation Carl Cochran. interfering with the right of employees to choose blocking the employer subsidy to ACRE were UTU represents employees on commuter rail- their own union,” said the Daily News. National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoe- roads in each of these states who could lose qual- Cong. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), following fer; Kevin King, general chairperson of Chicago ity representation from UTU were similar com- meetings with the UTU officers, asked the METRA; Ray Arenas, general chairperson of Port pany-subsidized unions created elsewhere. “No Department of Labor to investigate ACRE’s Authority Trans-Hudson; Anthony Wojasinski, one does it better than UTU,” said Iannone.
grams; establishing emergency communications for bus security plus $10 million for fiscal Bus security systems; and implementing passenger screening 2003, said Brunkenhoefer. This most recent Continued from page 1 programs at terminals and on buses. $99-million authorization is on top of those funds that were previously appropriated by The intercity bus industry transports more Congress. structing or modifying terminals, bus garages or than 750 million passengers a year and is an other facilities to assure security; protecting or important element of a secure intermodal The bill was introduced by Transportation and isolating the bus driver; upgrading, purchasing or national transportation system, said a statement Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young installing passenger ticketing security systems; from the Transportation and Infrastructure (R-Alaska); the committee’s ranking Democrat, employee training; hiring security officers; Committee. James Oberstar of Minnesota; highways subcom- installing cameras and video surveillance equip- mittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-Wisc.); and the ment on buses and in facilities; creating employ- UTU lobbying last year resulted in $15 mil- highway subcommittee’s ranking Democrat, ee identification and background check pro- lion in supplemental fiscal year 2002 spending William Lipinski of Illinois.
10 www.utuia.org www.utu.org Register now for the Regional Meetings! The upcoming UTU/UTUIA Regional Meet- ings are guaranteed to provide plenty of fraternal- Online registration available at
www.utuia.org www.utu.org 11 This month’s winning photo: This month’s winning photograph was taken by Tom Eaton, a BNSF con- With UTUIA ductor and member of Local 1241 at Stockton, Cal. Eaton’s photo is of a BNSF train, southbound to Stockton You Won’t Have to via the UP Feather River canyon sub, crossing the Keddie Wye (Spanish Creek bridge) at Keddie, Cal. Worry About The UTU Public Relations Depart- ment awards UTU gear to the union member who submits the best photo- This! graph during the previous months. The winning photo will be pub- lished in the UTU News. IENT Exceptional photographs will be FFIC included on the UTU website. INSU The UTU would like to see photo- DS graphs or digital photographs of FUN work-related scenes, such as railroad, bus or mass transit operations, new equipment photos, scenic shots, activities of your local, or photos of your brothers and sisters keeping America rolling. If you or your spouse died, where would the money Printed photographs should be With each photograph, please All photographs submitted become come from to replace the lost earnings caused by death? mailed to UTU News, 14600 Detroit include your name and UTU local property of the UTU. You may have a large mortgage, credit card debts, automo- Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. number, the names of the persons in Remember to review your High-resolution digital photo- the photo (left to right), where the pho- employer’s policies regarding use of bile loans, children to raise and other major expenses. graphs should be in the JPEG format to was taken, and all other pertinent cameras on the property or during and e-mailed to “[email protected]”. information. work hours. The answer is an insurance policy that provides the cash to pay off these debts while providing additional money for living expenses. Our Ultimate Term and Ultimate Par policies are flexible. You tell us how Periodicals Postage much coverage you need and UTUIA will custom design the product for you. PAID at Cleveland, Ohio, and additional Complete the coupon below for more information, or call us toll-free at 1-800-558-8842 www.utu.org / www.utuia.org mailing offices for assistance from your UTUIA representative. APRIL 2003 ISSN 0098-5937 Published monthly by the UNITED TRANSPORTATION UNION, 14600 DETROIT AVE., CLEVELAND, OH 44107-4250 ¥ Information, Please Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and additional I would like more information on UTUIA’s Ultimate Term and Ultimate Par policies. mailing offices ¥ Byron A. Boyd Jr., International President; (Please Print.) Daniel E. Johnson, General Secretary/Treasurer ¥ This pub- lication available on microfilm Full name Sex Date of birth from UMI, 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 ¥ POST- MASTER: Send address Address City State ZIP changes to UTU News, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH Telephone number with area code UTU local number 44107-4250.
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