Volume 36 October 2004 Number 10

www.utuia.org www.utu.org The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union UTUUTU supportssupports Kerry/EdwardsKerry/Edwards CastCast youryour votevote Nov.Nov. 22 NewsNews && NotesNotes Soo Line strike in 1994 Alex drivers okay pact LUBBOCK, Texas – Alex Transportation driv- helped forge labor unity ers represented by Local 1697 in Lubbock have MINNEAPOLIS – “The lesson to be 1994, defied their BLE International’s orders to overwhelmingly ratified a new contract giving them a 9 percent wage increase over the next learned from strikes against employers is the cross the UTU picket lines and remained in three years, according to UTU International lesson of unity – that to avoid being defeated, solidarity with their UTU brothers and sisters. Vice President and Bus Department Director we must present a solid bulwark with a com- Some of the engineers recalled that then- Roy Arnold. mon faith and a common goal,” said UTU BLE President Ron McLaughlin was termed The new contract, affecting drivers working in International President Paul Thompson. “King Scab” for his order that engineers cross Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma, also delivers bet- Thompson’s remarks were made at a cele- the UTU picket lines. Indeed, Transportation ter vacation benefits as well as improved con- bration here Sunday, Sept. 12, marking the Communications Union President Robert tract language, Arnold said. 10th anniversary of a successful strike against Scardelletti, himself shocked at McLaughlin’s “Special thanks go out to Local Chairperson Canadian Pacific’s Soo order, instructed TCU Carl Dumas, Secretary Patty Rhodes and Alter- Line Railroad subsidiary. members to display “sol- nate Vice President-Bus-West Robert Gonzalez That 47-day strike in UTU strike was marred idarity” with UTU for a job well done,” Arnold said. 1994, involving 1,100 when BLE ordered members. Meanwhile, Arnold said Alex Transportation UTU train service mem- “Those of you who drivers in Local 113 (Winslow, Ariz.), Local 1697 (Lubbock, Texas) and Local 1846 (West bers – marred briefly by members to cross lines were here during that Colton, Calif.) will become members of newly the Brotherhood of time, regardless of created Local 1731 in Spokane, Wash. “This is Locomotive Engineers’ which organization you a first step in helping these members become order that engineers cross UTU picket lines belong to or which craft you work in, recognize stronger under one local,” Arnold said. and join scab operating crews – resulted in a that it was your efforts and support that helped favorable Presidential Emergency Board report the UTU succeed,” Thompson said. “The UTU prevails on SEPTA and subsequent settlement along the lines of UTU appreciates the support we received. the PEB recommendations. Without it, we could not have done it alone.” PHILADELPHIA – A tentative agreement has been reached between the Southeastern Penn- “Had the UTU not been successful, there The strike against the Soo Line, which sylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and would have been a movement to destroy the serves 11 Midwest states over some 5,000 miles conductors represented by the UTU. remainder of rail labor,” Thompson told of track, began in July 1994 following some six The agreement resolves the matter of longevi- dozens of UTU members who were joined by years of fruitless negotiations with the Soo ty pay in favor of the UTU. “The agreement is brothers and sisters from other crafts. Those an important recognition by SEPTA that the pay other crafts included engineers who, back in Continued on page 10 of conductors and engineers is wed together,” said UTU International Vice President Bruce Wigent, who assisted UTU Local 61 General Chairperson Ralph Vazquez in the negotiations. The tentative agreement, which must be rati- UTU protests Members support fied by conductors and assistant conductors, as well as by SEPTA’s board of directors, came as a new NMB rules Kerry/Edwards second Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) was considering the last, final offers of the two WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Four UTU leaders, who served as dele- parties. The dispute began after SEPTA agreed Transportation Union has taken the leader- gates to the Democratic National Conven- to provide engineers, represented by the Broth- ship role among rail labor unions to protest erhood of Locomotive Engineers, with longevity tion, shared with the UTU News their rea- new rules proposed by the National Mediation pay, but declined to extend the same pattern to sons for supporting the John Kerry/John UTU-represented conductors. Board (NMB) that would establish a fee sched- ule for arbitration services, require adherence Edwards ticket Nov. 2: to a time schedule for referees in order to be Wayne Reese, UTU Local 28 legisla- UTU gets airfare discounts paid with government funds, and grant the tive representative, Cheyenne, Wyo.: The UTU has negotiated discount airfares NMB’s director of arbitration services authori- “There is a philosophical difference with Northwest Airlines and Continental Air- ty to consolidate cases. between Bush and John Kerry. Bush thinks lines for its 2005 regional meetings in Anchor- In certain circumstances, unions could be age, Alaska, and Orlando, Fla. To make reser- the economy will do better when businesses vations on either airline, call the Northwest required to pick up the cost of arbitration. profit, but Kerry thinks the economy will do Airline Meeting Reservation Department at The proposed rules could adversely affect better if people profit, if they have money to (800) 328-1111. Please refer to WorldFile Tick- efficient administration of the National Rail- spend. Kerry would try to make sure that et Designator number “NM52A” for the road Adjustment Board, public law boards and people have jobs with wages they can live Anchorage meeting and “NM52B” for the special boards of adjustment – all of which are on. The Democratic emphasis is on people; Orlando meeting. The Anchorage meeting will crucial to equitable grievance handling. the Republican emphasis is on profit. That’s be held June 13-15 while the Orlando meeting what it comes down to.” will be held July 18-20. Watch the UTU News The proposed rules, said the UTU, could and UTU website (www.utu.org) for details. Continued on page 10 Continued on page 10 Around the UTU News from around the U.S. and Canada

Local 23, Santa Cruz, Calif. Local 1252, Fresno, Calif. Members employed by the Santa Cruz Met- Members of this BNSF local are reminded ropolitan Transit District recently sponsored that regular meetings are held at 9 a.m. on a dinner to honor retirees, including 70-year- the 15th of each month at Marie Callender’s old Aurelio Preciado, Chris Bridinger and Restaurant, said retired member Don Hef- Patrick McCalmort, said General Chairper- fernan, and the local has a website with news son Bonnie Morr, who noted Brother Preci- items and other useful information and links ado was not the oldest to retire from the tran- at www.utu1252.org. Heffernan also noted sit system. That honor may have belonged to the death of retired conductor Ted E. Sher- bus operator Everette Wehe, who retired at rill, 88, a WWII Air Force veteran who flew age 83 after 29 years with the transit agency. B-29s over Japan and survived a crash while returning from a mission. Brother Sherrill Local 300, Philadelphia, Pa. worked on the Western Pacific and the Member Gary Galvin, secretary of Amtrak Legislative Representative Daniel Cicuto (left) of Local 1421, Franklin Park, Ill., accepts a plaque at the region- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy before set- General Committee of Adjustment GO-769 tling on the Santa Fe for 38 years. and mayor of Downington, Pa., spoke as the al meeting in Reno, Nev., in June 2004 from UTU special guest of Pennsylvania Gov. Edward International President Paul C. Thompson honoring the local’s members for their contributions to the UTU’s polit- Local 1389, Russell, Ky. G. Rendell at the Philadelphia news confer- ical action committee, UTU PAC. A member of this CSXT local, Bruce ence marking the reinvigorated plan to bring Workman, recently won a heavyweight-divi- faster, safer and more frequent passenger sion bout in Challenge 5 of the Kentucky train service to the Keystone Corridor Local reigns as Fighting Challenge, a mixed martial arts between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, State event drawing on such disciplines as Legislative Director Don Dunlevy said. leader of the PAC wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, submission Galvin said the initiative will result in rede- At a UTU regional meeting in 1999, the leg- grappling and other hand-to-hand combat velopment opportunities, cut 30 minutes off islative representative of Local 1421, Franklin styles. Information about the sport can be the Harrisburg-to-Philadelphia and Harris- Park, Ill., accepted a plaque honoring the local as found at www.kyfight.com. burg-to-New York City trips, and increase the top contributor, per member per month, to service from nine trains a day to 13 in each the union’s political action committee. The Local 1440, Staten Island, N.Y. direction. scene was repeated in 2000 and in 2001. Like- Members of this Long Island Rail Road wise, in 2002, the local again took first place, as local recently held their first blood drive, said Local 577, Northlake, Ill. it did in 2003. And at the regional meeting in Secretary Kevin J. Hughes. The event was a Nearly 100 people attended this Union Pa- Reno, Nev., in 2004, Legislative Representative great success, leading to plans for another in cific/Metra local’s annual Labor Day family Dan Cicuto collected yet another first-place the near future. Thanks are forwarded to all picnic, said Legislative Representative plaque for the local. those who donated their time and caring, Robert B. Blomgren. Guests included Inter- Hughes said. national Vice Presidents John Babler and “I can’t take credit for this,” Cicuto said. Pat Drennan, as well as members of Local “There were other legislative representatives Local 1594, Upper Darby, Pa. 528 (Chicago). Thanks go to Local Chair- before my term who collected plaques. Credit Members of this SEPTA bus local are person Pat McNamara, who served as chef, goes to the members of this local.” reminded the current contract expires April and Secretary Ken Larson and Treasurer Local 1421 comprises about 30 conductors 1, 2005, and local committee officers are Warren Wrobel, who sent invitations and working for the Indiana Harbor Belt. “It’s prima- accepting suggestions for the next round of helped out in a variety of ways. rily a switching terminal railroad,” Cicuto said. negotiations, said General Chairperson Ron “Our big customers are steel mills and grain oper- Koran. “We need to set aside our differences Local 1081, Glendale, Ariz. ations. We do yard transfers around Chicago, and and unite to show SEPTA we are ready to Under the contract at this BNSF local, the feed just about every other railroad.” fight to retain our benefits,” Koran said. Also, local chairperson is allowed four hours with It’s important for the legislative representative members are reminded about the fund creat- new employees to introduce them to the to stress the purpose of UTU PAC, Cicuto said. ed to assist fellow members whose homes and union. Thanks to a suggestion and arrange- “Most here understand the political process. We property were destroyed by storms and flood- ments made by Vice Local Chairperson talk about how UTU PAC gets the union’s issues ing, said Treasurer Brian Caldwell. Contri- (yard) James Girkin, the regular monthly in front of the politicians. Most here are astute butions can be sent to: UTU 1594 Flood Vic- meeting has now been coordinated into that enough to understand and contribute.” tims’ Account, PSTC Employees Federal time frame, allowing all local officers to And it should be stressed that members should Credit Union, 1402 Bywood Ave., Upper introduce themselves, explain their func- vote, Cicuto said. “This election is of dire impor- Darby, PA 19082. tions and the issues related to their crafts, tance to members working today,” he said. “We and get the younger members involved in could lose important things to this current Local 1741, San Francisco, Calif. their local, according to Local Chairperson administration. These guys aren’t pro-labor or Bus operator Mattie Bowers, who served Glenn Bay. pro-union at all.” the community in a variety of ways for 34 years and who was second on the local’s sen- Cicuto thinks part of the reason the local Local 1177, Willmar, Minn. iority roster, lost her battle with cancer this comes out on top is due to a statistical quirk relat- Past Local Chairperson (switchmen) P. J. summer, said Local President Ange Beloy. ed to size. “But also, because it’s a small company, “Pat” Connors recently encountered tempo- Meanwhile, members employed by Laidlaw we know each other well and can talk honestly rary complications in the wake of his kidney and the San Francisco Unified School Dis- with one another. Some of these relationships go transplant on Sept. 2, but was expected to be trict recently held a successful UTU PAC back more than 30 years to high school. We’re released from the hospital as this issue drive as part of a show of solidarity in their pretty tight.” reached deadline, said Legislative Represen- efforts to encourage other workers to organ- tative Bob Pearson. Brother Connors’ son, Beginning his rail career on the Indiana Har- ize. These members, as well as those working Ben, donated one of his kidneys to his father, bor Belt in 1974 at age 19, Cicuto also remem- for the San Mateo School District and First sidelining both for at least six weeks. Dona- bers what it was like to be the new guy. “When Student, Inc., are gearing up for participation tions to help the family with expenses can be we get new employees,” he said, “I meet with in the Million Worker March, set to take sent to: Connors Fund, c/o Robert J. Pearson, them on a one-to-one basis, and I try to educate place in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 17. For UTU Local 1177, P.O. Box 575, Willmar, them to the importance of this.” information, contact Shane Hoff at (510) MN 56201. 748-9196.

2 www.utuia.org www.utu.org Zero switching-fatality goal is achievable By Betty Monro less-experienced employees. The UTU plays a switching operations. Our continued cooperation Acting Administrator critical role in ensuring that both these safety les- will one day result in achieving the goal of zero Federal Railroad Administration sons are applied every day. switching fatalities. In particular, the instruction of new employ- This year could have the fewest number of ees will be a growing concern. The combina- switching fatalities on record. If the positive trend tion of new hires and the retirement of thou- The five SOFA Lifesavers: continues, it will be a remarkable accomplish- sands of rail workers over the next few years ment and one that both the United Transporta- will lead to a new generation of employees. I Secure equipment before action is tion Union and the Federal will look to the UTU to ensure its members get taken. Railroad Administration the guidance they need. (FRA) can take pride in help- Protect employees against moving ing to make a reality. The SOFA Working Group is also seeking to equipment. eliminate severe injuries – injuries that are poten- In 1998, the UTU, FRA and tially life and career threatening. While all the Discuss safety at the beginning of a other industry groups joined mechanisms through which severe injuries occur job or when a project changes. forces to create the Switching are not understood, the five SOFA Lifesavers and Communicate before action is taken. Operations Fatality Analysis awareness of special switching hazards are impor- (SOFA) Working Group to tant in reducing these injury events. Mentor less-experienced employ- Monro review and analyze switching ees to perform service safely. fatalities, determine whether The UTU has provided productive and effec- patterns could be found, identify best practices tive leadership in helping to improve the safety of and formulate safety recommendations. The effort has yielded positive results. The SOFA Zero Switching-Fatality Goal January to August September to December The number of switching fatalties during 2004 Year has reached only five, despite increased freight 2004 4 1 volumes and train miles. The previous all-time 2003 9 1 annual low was six in 2002 and there were as 2002 6 many as 15 in 1993. I am confident we can get 2001 5 3 through the end-of-year, higher-risk peak-ship- ping season safely and establish a new record low. 2000 10 3 To achieve this goal, we can learn lessons from 1999 8 1 a recently released report entitled, “Findings and 1998 6 2 Recommendations of SOFA Working Group: 1997 8 3

August 2004 Update.” It studied 124 switching 1996 4 3 fatalities from 1992 to 2003 and determined all 1995 8 3 were potentially preventable by the five SOFA Lifesavers or by awareness of special switching 1994 7 5 hazards such as close clearances, shoving as a 1993 10 5 direction of movement, and being struck by 1992 11 3 mainline trains. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Two of the SOFA Lifesavers are particularly Switching fatalities, 1992 to 2004 significant in preventing fatalities: safety briefings The blue bar indicates the number of switching fatalities for each year occurring from January to August; the red bar indicates from before switching operations begin or when the September to December. In 2002, the lowest year for switching fatalities, there were no fatalities in the September-to-December nature of work changes; and the mentoring of period. All SOFA reports are available at the FRA web site (http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/102).

UTU urges STB to discourage abandonments WASHINGTON, D.C. – The transportation Elliott said that, historically, the Surface Trans- input, Elliott testified. policy of the United States is not – and should not portation Board (and its predecessor, the Inter- Although the petitioning regional and short- be – one of encouraging railroad-line abandon- state Commerce Commission) decided all peti- line railroads told the board they need the author- ment, the United Transportation Union told the tions for rail-line abandonment on a case-by-case ity to abandon these lines to remain financially U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) Aug. 31. basis, and encouraged the purchase and lease of viable, Elliott observed that the petitioners, for economically marginal secondary main and The board holds from Congress regulatory the most part, are hardly small businesses. authority over various railroad activities, includ- branch lines by small railroads in an effort to pre- ing lines sales, line leases and line abandonments. serve rail capacity, stem the flow of freight from “Most of the so-called small carriers petitioning UTU Associate General Counsel Dan Elliott rail to highway and ease highway congestion. the board here are owned by extremely wealthy was invited by the board to testify in response to a Most distressing, Elliott said, is that the Inter- holding or parent companies,” Elliott said. “These request by 65 regional and short-line railroads that are the same holding companies that the short they be able to abandon rail lines virtually at will. lines used to evade labor-protection conditions” when they acquired the secondary main and “The UTU finds this request quite ironic con- UTU fights request branch lines from the major railroads. sidering that the justification for the beginning of most short-line and some regional carriers was to by regional, short-lines “Many of these holding companies have avoid the abandonment of lines that the major become large, highly profitable businesses” since carriers found unprofitable to operate,” Elliott to abandon track at will they were permitted to acquire lines without labor told the board. “What petitioners actually seek protection being imposed, Elliott said. here is carte blanche to abandon their lines” and In fact, Elliott said, “these petitioners are not the UTU opposes this, Elliott said. state Commerce Commission and Surface Trans- the small mom-and-pop operations that they hold More chilling, explained Elliott, is that if the portation Board habitually declined to impose themselves out to be. These carriers are all part of board allows regional and short-line railroads to labor-protection conditions on these sales and larger, well-to-do operations that can easily abandon their track virtually at will, the major leases to regional and short-line railroads in an afford” to follow existing abandonment proce- railroads – which must receive abandonment effort to help justify the economics of the acquisi- dures, which allow greater public scrutiny of the authority on a case-by-case basis – would be tion by the smaller railroads. The intent was that, effect of the abandonment application. encouraged to sell and lease even more track to by denying labor protection, the lines would the small railroads with the intent the lines would remain in operation for the greater public good. “This bold request should be rejected since it then be abandoned by the regional and small rail- In other words, these regional and short-line leaves shippers, labor and the rail transportation roads without any scrutiny. railroads “were formed on the backs of labor,” system at the mercy of these carriers, which clear- ly runs afoul of the nation’s rail transportation The incentive for the regional and small rail- Elliott said. policy,” Elliott told the Surface Transportation roads to participate with the major carriers in “Now, these same carriers, who were viewed by Board. such a shell game could be improved sharing of some as the saviors of these lines, seek the right to revenue on interline traffic and other economic abandon these same lines willy-nilly without any The board has not set a date on which it will incentives from the major railroads, Elliott said. say by the board whatsoever” and without public issue a decision.

www.utuia.org www.utu.org 3 I’m voting for Kerry www.utuia.org www.utu.org By Paul C. Thompson Edwards stand in solidarity with Paul C. Thompson, International President International president us in support of that essential pro- [email protected] tection for injured rail workers. Our third president, Thomas Rick Marceau, Assistant President The Kerry/Edwards ticket recog- Jefferson, said in his inaugural nizes railroading is among the [email protected] address in 1801, “Take not from most dangerous occupations in Dan Johnson, General Secretary and Treasurer the mouth of labor the bread it America and that FELA is an [email protected] has earned.” essential watchdog over carriers James M. Brunkenhoefer, Nat. Legislative Dir. It is advice John Kerry and who would place safety second to [email protected] John Edwards have followed their profitability. entire political lives. It is reason John Kerry and John Edwards alone to cast a ballot Nov. 2 for promise to fight for American Contact the UTU: the Kerry/Edwards ticket. workers by removing roadblocks There are so many more com- to union organizing, by via telephone at (216) 228-9400 pelling reasons to support increasing access to afford- via fax at (216) 228-5755 the Kerry/Edwards ticket. able health-care insurance via e-mail at [email protected] John Kerry repeatedly and by rewarding business- has spoken out in favor of es that provide employees a additional training for bus living wage and basic bene- and rail employees to help fits, all of which are essen- them understand and tial to bringing more respond to security threats. American families into the middle class. By contrast, A vote for our friends John Edwards was among Thompson the first lawmakers follow- the Bush Administration is a vote for our future ing 9/11 to urge stepped-up devel- has been attacking overtime pay, opment of new technology to weakening labor laws that protect It was our first UTU president, Charlie Luna, who said, “When I’m detect weapons and explosives on workers and encouraging the around Democrats, I talk Democrat. When I’m around Republicans, I talk airliners, buses and trains. export of jobs. Republican. And I always talk about the United Transportation Union.” John Kerry and John Edwards Where John Kerry and John support our national intercity rail Edwards support measures to low- That’s good advice for success in the political arena, and no union passenger network – Amtrak. The er health-care costs and make pre- enjoys better success in the political arena than the UTU. We are a bi-par- Kerry/Edwards ticket opposes the scription drugs more affordable, tisan union that supports its friends, no matter their political stripes. Our Bush Administration plan to the Bush Administration has goal is straightforward: More for our members – and our bi-partisan break up and privatize Amtrak. turned a deaf ear to these issues. It approach has produced more. The Kerry/Edwards platform also is disgraceful that the Bush Administration rewards pharma- It is true we have more friends in the Democratic Party, and that carri- opposes privatization of transit sys- tems and supports increased gov- ceutical companies that sell pre- ers have more friends in the Republican Party. But as we have seen repeat- ernment spending on bus and rail scription drugs at lower costs in edly, in order to gain legislative victories, we need votes from both sides of transit “to put Americans to work Canada and supports laws pro- the political aisle. That’s why we reward our friends – Democrat and and relieve traffic congestion.” hibiting Americans from purchas- Republican – with our support when they require it on Election Day. In the Senate, John Kerry and ing needed medicines at reduced prices from Canada. On pages 6 and 7 of this issue of UTU News, we publish Election Day John Edwards voted in favor of Railroad Retirement reform, With John Kerry in the White voting recommendations. Each of these candidates’ voting records and/or which lowered the retirement House, we can expect an end to backgrounds has been screened carefully. Each is a friend of the UTU. age and expanded Railroad appointment of federal judges, A vote for these candidates is a vote for our friends, whom we know Retirement benefits. regulators and emergency-board will be there for us when the legislative subject is job security, bet- While the Bush members who carry an anti-labor ter wages, affordable health-care insurance, workplace safety and Administration is coop- bias into office. union organizing. erating with railroads to A vote for Kerry/Edwards is a gut the Federal vote for more secure jobs, work- Please keep our political friends in mind on Election Day. Employers’ Liability ing-class families and a stronger UTU- recommended candidates are sure to produce more for Act (FELA), John middle class. Join me Nov. 2 in us and for our families if elected. Kerry and John casting a ballot for Kerry/Edwards. WASHINGTON WATCH By James M. Brunkenhoefer Our future successes depend on your vote

Election Day is approaching and casting your vote – and ensuring your Those elected in November will make up the House of Representatives union-friendly family and friends also cast their votes – is essential. and the Senate beginning in January. The next Congress can be expected Your union is not telling you how to vote. Brave people throughout the to take up many issues vital to you and your family. world have given their lives to ensure freedom of choice and secrecy in the We know very well that transit companies would like to see changes in voting booth. labor law, such as repeal or modification of Section 13(c) of the Federal Your union does encourage you to vote for UTU- Transit Act, which protects the rights and benefits of certain employees of endorsed candidates because those candidates can make a federally subsidized transit agencies when new operators are brought in. difference in your pocketbook and on the quality of your Railroads support an assault on the Federal Employers’ Liability Act life and the lives of your family members. (FELA) during the next Congress. The centerfold of this issue of UTU Employers generally favor additional limits on over- News contains a listing of UTU- time pay. Working families, meanwhile, want more endorsed candidates. How you vote accessible and affordable healthcare insurance and pro- tections against their jobs being exported. The list goes Brunkenhoefer UTU-endorsed candidates were will affect many issues recommended by your state legislative on and on. boards before being officially endorsed by the UTU. vital to your future Whether we are successful in defeating adverse leg- Their positions on issues relating to working families islative attempts and successful in gaining new laws were considered. Not all of these candidates endorsed by our union have a that protect working families depends largely on how perfect voting record. Some have very good records; some successful we are in getting our friends elected to Congress. That is why the have records only slightly better than their opponents. Many UTU endorses candidates whom we think will work on behalf of working of the candidates the UTU endorses have received political families. contributions from UTU PAC because of your generous and We urge you, most of all, to vote and to take the responsibility of voting 4 voluntary donations. seriously. State Watch News from UTU State Legislative Boards North Dakota South Dakota Missouri The North Dakota Legislative Board has endorsed Joe Satrom (D) for governor, Cong. Earl Pomeroy (D) for re-election to the U.S. House, and Sen. Byron Dorgan (D) for re-elec- tion to the U.S. Senate. John Risch, state legislative director, said, “The primary reason Joe Satrom received our endorsement is because he opposes repealing the state’s corporate income tax.” The decision to endorse Pomeroy was large- ly based on his strong support of worker-relat- ed issues, Risch said. “Recently Cong. Pomeroy led the opposition to the Bush South Dakota State Legislative Director Rick Administration’s proposal to remove overtime UTU members assisted Democratic presidential Davids and wife, Judy, recently attended the protection for millions of American workers. candidate John Kerry when he toured the state Oglala Lakota Nation Powwow and Rodeo to help Pomeroy’s seat on the powerful House Ways recently. Above, left to right, are Jerry Sullivan register voters and campaign for candidates sym- and Means Committee was another factor in (Local 1402, Dupo, Ill.), Kerry and Norbert pathetic to UTU concerns. More than 40,000 Shacklette (Local 1823, St. Louis, Mo.). Other people attended the event, which included more his endorsement.” members who assisted were Shaun Gunter (local than 500 Native American dancers, drumming Byron Dorgan received UTU endorsement chairperson, Local 1405, St. Louis, Mo.), Jason competitions and crafts. Above, the Davids (left due in large part to his 98 percent pro-labor Hayden (legislative representative, L-1405), and right) talk with Jackie Heier, a representative voting record in the Senate and his strong sup- Auxiliary Vice President Pat Shacklette and Mis- from the Tom Daschle for Senate campaign. port of the Railroad Retirement reform legisla- souri State Legislative Director Larry Foster. tion, Risch said. Idaho Arizona For almost 50 years, Lin Whitworth worked Union Pacific trains and paid dues to the UTU and its Members in Arizona are mourning the predecessors. Now retired from the railroad and the Idaho Senate, Lin Whitworth is running for Con- recent death of former State Legislative Direc- gress from the second district in Idaho – and he has support of the UTU. tor Bill Elzey, who passed away Sept. 5. Whitworth, a member of Local 1265 at Pocatello, Idaho, is running against Elzey, a member of Local 113 at Winslow, Republican incumbent Mike Simpson. Ariz., was chairperson of the Arizona State Since his teenage years, Whitworth has been a blue-collar working man. He secured Legislative Board for more than 20 years and a seasonal railroad job at age 18. Until he gained fulltime railroad employment, Whit- continued to support the work of the UTU in worth had to support himself also as a part-time plumber, carpenter, farm laborer, con- retirement. struction worker and truck driver – non-union jobs that taught Whitworth firsthand Arizona State Legislative Director Scott the value of a union and how it secures workers better pay and benefits. Olson said the family is requesting donations Whitworth also served as a local chairperson and legislative representative for a to the Winslow Little League (of which Bill UTU predecessor, the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. was a long-time coach and president) or the Whitworth Shrine Crippled Children’s Project. “He (Bill) At the close of his railroad career, Whitworth was elected as a Democrat to the thought it so important that he lost pay to Idaho Senate, where, during four terms, he became assistant minority leader, Demo- attend games and meetings for the Little cratic caucus chair and chair of the transportation committee. League so children would have something con- An avid fisherman and hunter, Whitworth has spent his entire life in Idaho. structive to do with their time,” Olson said. “I don’t like what’s going on in Washington and I think it’s time the people in Idaho had someone Donations may be directed to the state board who represents them instead of the corporations,” Whitworth said. “It’s time to send a working man office at 528 W. El Caminito Dr., Phoenix, AZ to Congress.” 85021; phone (602) 370-4961.

Bus Department Yardmasters By Roy Arnold, vice presidentÐdirector By J.R. (Jim) Cumby, vice president

The three Rs Why I’m voting of membership for Kerry/Edwards As reading, writing and arithmetic are the basics to I am voting for John Kerry and John Edwards Nov. 2 education, there are three basics to union membership. because I’m worried about the future of an America that First, read your contract. Many members have not read exports good-paying jobs with benefits. the contract between the company and the union. The If the middle class is not working, who is going to buy contract should be the most important thing for members. You should read the goods and services that require the transportation UTU members and study it because it explains your wage and benefit information and provide? grievance and arbitration procedures, the nuts and bolts of the contract. Some say if we own guns or support our troops, we should not vote the Second, show respect. Respect yourself and your fellow members. It is Democratic ticket. I am here to tell you that I am both proud of our troops vitally important to remember that respect is earned, not given. and also enjoy my guns and hunting – and I will vote Kerry/Edwards. Each of you plays an important part in your union. Take a few minutes I want to live in an America that ensures working men and women digni- to listen to a fellow member who may be having family problems, work dif- ty in the work place, allows for seniority protection, pays a decent day’s pay ficulties, or who is simply having a lousy day. Listen to him or her and offer with overtime, and provides health-care insurance now and when we retire. encouragement. Show that you care. I want our public and private schools to teach why unions were started We also gain respect by not passing on unwanted gossip, unsubstantiat- and why they still exist today. I want John Kerry and John Edwards in the ed rumors or by falsely accusing others. We need to respect ourselves and White House. encourage each other to be a better person and a stronger union member. The record of the Bush Administration is perfectly clear. The jobs being Third, run for a union position. Remember, it takes years to gain a created to replace the lost manufacturing jobs are too few and at a much decent contract and some disgruntled members can wipe it all out in a mat- lower pay scale with fewer benefits. The Bush Administration opposes ter of days or weeks. Don’t want to start from scratch? So what can you do? unions and collective bargaining and overtime pay. These policies embold- You need to run for an elected position; earn the respect of your members. en employers to take a tougher stance at the bargaining table. The union is only as strong as its members. If you believe that your local We need a president who will stand up for the working men and women leaders aren’t doing the job, then either run for that position or pick out of America, who comprise the middle class. The someone who will do the job! Kerry/Edwards ticket offers hope for a better future. Each of In the meantime, stay united. You may have differences, but the time to the candidates supported by the UTU will help John Kerry settle those differences is at election time. Don’t give the company the sat- and John Edwards fight for the middle-class values so impor- isfaction of knowing their tactics are working! tant to us and our families. 5 These candidates deserve your vote!

Congressional Recommendations Congressional Recommendations

Alabama Hawaii Louisiana Missouri Oregon Dist. 17 Chet Edwards (D)* House of Representatives Senate Senate Senate Senate Dist. 18 Sheila Jackson Lee (D)* Dist. 1 Joe Bonner (R)* Daniel Inouye (D)* John Kennedy (D) Nancy Farmer (D) Ron Wyden (D)* Dist. 19 Charlie Stenholm (D)* Dist. 20 Charlie Gonzalez (D)* Dist. 3 Bill Fuller (D) House of Representatives House of Representatives House of Representatives House of Representatives Dist. 25 Lloyd Doggett (D)* Dist. 5 Bud Cramer (D)* Dist. 1 Neil Abercrombie (D)* Dist. 2 William Jefferson (D)* Dist. 1 William L. Clay (D)* Dist. 1 David Wu (D)* Dist. 27 Solomon Ortiz (D)* Dist. 6 Spencer Bachus (R)* Dist. 2 Ed Case (D)* Dist. 3 Charlie Melancon (D) Dist. 3 Russ Carnahan (D) Dist. 2 Greg Walden (R)* Dist. 7 Artur Davis (D)* Dist. 28 Henry Cuellar (D)* Dist. 5 Zelda Blakes (D) Dist. 4 Ike Skelton (D)* Dist. 3 Earl Blumenauer (D)* Idaho Dist. 29 Gene Green (D)* Dist. 7 Donald Cravins (D) Dist. 5 Emanuel Cleaver II (D) Dist. 4 Peter DeFazio (D)* Alaska Senate Dist. 30 Eddie Bernice Johnson (D)* Dist. 6 Charlie Broomfield (D) Dist. 5 Darlene Hooley (D)* House of Representatives Michael Crapo (R)* Maine Dist. 31 Martin Frost (D)* At Large Don Young (R)* Dist. 7 Roy Blunt (R)* Pennsylvania House of Representatives House of Representatives Dist. 8 JoAnn Emerson (R)* Utah Dist. 2 Lin Whitworth (D) Dist. 1 Thomas H. Allen (D)* Senate Arizona Ken Salazar (D) Dist. 9 Linda Jacobsen (D) Erskine Bowles (D) (2nd from left) Senate Dist. 2 Michael Michaud (D)* Arlen Specter (R)* Paul Van Dam (D) Senate U.S. Senate candidate, Colorado Illinois Montana U.S. Senate candidate, North Carolina Stuart Starky (D) House of Representatives House of Representatives Senate Dist. 1 Robert A. Brady (D)* House of Representatives House of Representatives Barack Obama (D) House of Representatives Dist. 16 Jose E. Serrano (D)* Dist. 2 Jim Matheson (D)* At Large Tracy Velazquez (D) Dist. 17 Eliot Engel (D)* Dist. 2 Chaka Fattah (D)* Dist. 1 Paul Babbitt (D) Dist. 1 Diana DeGette (D)* House of Representatives Vermont Dist. 18 Mita M. Lowey (D)* Dist. 3 Phil English (R) Dist. 2 Randy Camacho (D) Dist. 2 Mark Udall (D)* Dist. 1 Bobby Rush (D)* Nebraska Dist. 5 John E. Peterson (R)* Senate Dist. 4 Ed Pastor (D)* Dist. 3 John Salazar (D) Dist. 2 Jesse Jackson Jr. (D)* Dist. 19 Sue W. Kelly (R)* Dist. 7 Curt Weldon (R)* Patrick Leahy (D)* Dist. 5 Ronald Maynard (D) House of Representatives Dist. 4 Stan Matsunaka (D) Dist. 3 Daniel Lipinski (D) Dist. 20 John E. Sweeney (R)* Dist. 9 Bill Shuster (R)* House of Representatives Dist. 7 Raul Grijalva (D)* Dist. 1 Matt Conneally (D) Dist. 6 Joanna Conti (D) Dist. 4 Luis Gutierrez (D)* Dist. 21 Michael McNulty (D)* Dist. 10 Don Sherwood (R)* At Large Bernard Sanders (I) Dist. 8 Eva Bacal (D) Dist. 7 Dave Thomas (D) Dist. 2 Nancy Thompson (D) Dist. 5 Rahm Emanuel (D)* Dist. 3 Tom Osborne (R)* Dist. 22 Maurice D. Hinchey (D)* Dist. 11 Paul E. Kanjorski (D)* Virginia Dist. 7 Danny Davis (D)* Dist. 23 John M. McHugh (R)* Dist. 12 John P. Murtha (D)* Arkansas Connecticut House of Representatives Dist. 9 Jan Schakowsky (D)* Nevada Dist. 24 Sherwood L. Boehlert (R)* Dist. 13 Allyson Schwartz (D) Senate Senate Dist. 1 Jo Ann Davis (R)* Dist. 10 Mark Kirk (R)* Senate Dist. 25 James T. Walsh (R)* Dist. 14 Mike Doyle (D)* Blanche Lincoln (D)* Christopher Dodd (D)* Dist. 11 Jerry Weller (R)* Dist. 2 David Ashe (D) Harry Reid (D)* Dist. 26 Thomas M. Reynolds (R)* Dist. 15 Joe Driscoll (D) House of Representatives House of Representatives Dist. 12 Jerry Costello (D)* Barak Obama (D) Dist. 16 Lois K. Herr (D) Dist. 3 Bobby Scott (D)* Dist. 27 Brian M. Higgins (D) Dist. 1 Marion Berry (D)* Dist. 1 John Larson (D)* Dist. 13 Judy Biggert (R)* U.S. Senate candidate, Illinois House of Representatives Dist. 17 Tim Holden (D)* Dist. 6 Bob Goodlatte (R)* Dist. 28 Louise M. Slaughter (D)* Dist. 2 Victor Snyder (D)* Dist. 2 Jim Sullivan (D) Dist. 14 J. Dennis Hastert (R)* Maryland Dist. 1 Shelley Berkley (D)* Dist. 18 Tim Murphy (R)* Dist. 7 Eric Cantor (R)* Dist. 3 Jan Judy (D) Dist. 3 Rosa DeLauro (D)* Dist. 15 Tim Johnson (R)* Dist. 3 Tom Gallagher (D) Dist. 29 John Randy Kuhl (R) Dist. 19 Todd Platts (R)* Dist. 8 James P. Moran (D)* Dist. 4 Mike Ross (D)* Dist. 17 Lane Evans (D)* Senate Dist. 9 Rick Boucher (D)* Delaware Dist. 18 Ray LaHood (R)* Barbara Mikulski (D)* New Hampshire North Carolina Rhode Island Dist. 11 Thomas M. Davis III (R)* California House of Representatives Dist. 19 John Shimkus (R)* House of Representatives Senate Senate House of Representatives Washington Doris Haddock (D) Dist. 1 Patrick J. Kennedy (D)* Senate At Large Michael Castle (R)* Indiana Dist. 2 C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger (D)* Erskine Bowles (D) Senate Barbara Boxer (D)* Dist. 3 Benjamin L. Cardin (D)* Dist. 2 James R. Langevin (D)* House of Representatives House of Representatives Patty Murray (D)* District of Columbia Senate Dist. 4 Albert R. Wynn (D)* House of Representatives Dist. 1 Justin Nadeau (D) South Carolina House of Representatives House of Representatives Evan Bayh (D)* Dist. 5 Steny H. Hoyer (D)* Dist. 1 G.K. Butterfield (D)* Dist. 1 Mike Thompson (D)* Dist. 2 Paul Hodes (D) Dist. 1 Jay Inslee (D)* At Large Eleanor Holmes Norton (D)* House of Representatives Dist. 7 Elijah Cummings (D)* Dist. 2 Bob Etheridge (D)* Senate Dist. 3 Gabe Castillo (D) Inez Tenenbaum (D) Dist. 2 Rick Larsen (D)* Dist. 4 Dave Winters (D) Dist. 1 Peter J. Visclosky (D)* Dist. 8 Chris Van Hollen (D)* New Jersey Dist. 4 David Price (D)* Florida House of Representatives Dist. 3 Brian Baird (D)* Dist. 5 Robert Matsui (D)* Dist. 2 Joe Donnelly (D) House of Representatives Dist. 5 Jim Harrell Jr. (D) Massachusetts Dist. 1 Henry Brown (R)* Dist. 4 Sandy Matheson (D) Dist. 6 Lynn Woolsey (D)* Senate Dist. 5 Katherine Carr (D) Dist. 1 Robert Andrews (D)* Dist. 8 Beth Troutman (D) Dist. 5 John Spratt (D)* Dist. 5 Don Barbieri (D) Dist. 7 George Miller (D)* Betty Castor (D) Dist. 6 Mel Fox (D) House of Representatives Dist. 2 Frank A. LoBiondo (R)* Dist. 11 Patsy Keever (D) Dist. 7 Julia Carson (D)* Dist. 6 James Clyburn (D)* Dist. 6 Norm Dicks (D)* Dist. 8 Nancy Pelosi (D)* House of Representatives Dist. 1 John W. Olver (D)* Dist. 3 James Saxton (R)* Dist. 12 Mel Watt (D)* Dist. 8 Jon P. Jennings (D) Dist. 2 Richard E. Neal (D)* Dist. 7 Jim McDermott (D)* Dist. 9 Barbara Lee (D)* Dist. 1 Jeff Miller (R)* Dist. 4 Christopher Smith (R)* Dist. 13 Brad Miller (D)* Dist. 9 Baron Hill (D)* Dist. 3 James P. McGovern (D)* Dist. 8 Dave Ross (D) Dist. 10 Ellen O. Tauscher (D)* Dist. 2 Allen Boyd (D)* Dist. 6 Frank Pallone (D)* Dist. 9 Adam Smith (D)* Dist. 11 Richard Pombo (R)* Dist. 3 Corrine Brown (D)* Dist. 4 Barney Frank (D)* North Dakota Dist. 5 Martin T. Meehan (D)* Dist. 7 Michael Ferguson (R)* West Virginia Dist. 12 Tom Lantos (D)* Dist. 4 Ander Crenshaw (R)* Dist. 8 Bill Pascrell Jr. (D)* Senate Dist. 13 Fortney “Pete” Stark (D)* Dist. 5 Robert Whittel (D) Dist. 6 John F. Tierney (D)* Senate Dist. 9 Steve Rothman (D)* Byron Dorgan (D)* Dist. 14 Anna G. Eshoo (D)* Dist. 6 Clifford Stearns (R)* Dist. 7 Edward J. Markey (D)* John Rockefeller (D)* Dist. 10 Donald Payne (D)* Dist. 15 Mike Honda (D)* Dist. 7 John Mica (R)* Dist. 8 Michael E. Capuano (D)* House of Representatives House of Representatives Dist. 16 Zoe Lofgren (D)* Dist. 8 Ric Keller (R)* Dist. 9 Stephen F. Lynch (D)* Dist. 11 James W. Buell (D) At Large Earl Pomeroy (D)* Dist. 1 Alan Mollohan (D)* Dist. 17 Sam Farr (D)* Dist. 9 Michael Billrakis (R)* Dist. 10 William D. Delahunt (D)* Dist. 12 Rush Holt (D)* Dist. 2 Shelley Moore Capito (R)* Dist. 13 Robert Menendez (D)* Ohio Dist. 19 James Lex Bufford (D) Dist. 10 Bill Young (R)* Michigan Dist. 3 Nick J. Rahall (D)* Dist. 20 Jim Costa (D) Dist. 11 Jim Davis (D)* Senate House of Representatives New Mexico Wisconsin Dist. 21 Fred B. Davis (D) Dist. 12 Adam Putnam (R)* Eric Fingerhut (D) Johnny Isakson (R) Dist. 1 Bart Stupak (D)* House of Representatives Senate Dist. 23 Lois Capps (D)* Dist. 13 Katherine Harris (R)* House of Representatives U.S. Senate candidate, Georgia Dist. 4 David Camp (R)* Dist. 1 Richard M. Romero (D) Russell D. Feingold (D)* Dist. 24 Brett Wagner (D) Dist. 14 Connie Mack (R) Dist. 1 Greg Harris (D) Dist. 27 Brad Sherman (D)* Dist. 15 Dave Weldon (R)* Betty Castor (D) Dist. 5 Dale Kildee (D)* Dist. 2 Gary K. King (D) South Dakota House of Representatives Dist. 7 Joe Schwarz (R) Dist. 2 Charles Sanders (D) Dist. 28 Howard J. Berman (D)* Dist. 16 Mark Foley (R)* U.S. Senate candidate, Florida Dist. 3 Tom Udall (D)* Senate Dist. 2 Tammy S.G. Baldwin (D)* Dist. 12 Sander Levin (D)* Dist. 3 Jane Mitakides (D) Dist. 29 Adam B. Schiff (D)* Dist. 17 Kendrick Meek (D)* Tom Daschle (D)* Dist. 3 Ronald J. Kind (D)* Iowa Dist. 13 Carolyn Kilpatrick (D)* Dist. 30 Henry A. Waxman (D)* Dist. 18 Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R)* New York Dist. 5 Paul E. Gillmor (R)* Dist. 4 Gwen Moore (D) Dist. 14 John Conyers (D)* House of Representatives Dist. 5 Thomas E. Petri (R)* Dist. 31 Xavier Becerra (D)* House of Representatives Senate Dist. 6 Ted Strickland (D)* Dist. 19 Robert Wexler (D)* Dist. 15 John Dingell (D)* At Large Stephanie Herseth (D)* Dist. 7 David Ross Obey (D)* Dist. 32 Hilda Solis (D)* Dist. 20 Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) Dist. 3 Leonard L. Boswell (D)* Charles Schumer (D)* Dist. 7 Kara Anastasio (D) Dist. 33 Diane Watson (D)* Dist. 8 Jeff Hardenbrook (D) Tennessee Wyoming Dist. 21 Lincoln Diaz Balart (R)* Kansas Minnesota House of Representatives Dist. 34 Lucille Roybal-Allard (D)* Dist. 22 Clay Shaw (R)* Dist. 9 Marcy Kaptur (D)* House of Representatives House of Representatives Senate House of Representatives Dist. 1 Timothy H. Bishop (D)* Dist. 35 Maxine Waters (D)* Dist. 23 Alcee Hastings (D)* Dist. 10 Dennis J. Kucinich (D)* Dist. 2 John J. Duncan Jr. (R)* Sam Brownback (R)* Dist. 1 Leigh Pomeroy (D) Dist. 2 Steve J. Israel (D)* At Large Ted Ladd (D) Dist. 36 Jane Harman (D)* Dist. 24 Tom Feeney (R)* Dist. 11 Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D)* Dist. 4 Lincoln Davis (D)* Dist. 37 Juanita McDonald (D)* House of Representatives Dist. 2 Teresa Daly (D) Dist. 3 Peter T. King (R)* Dist. 5 Jim Cooper (D)* Dist. 25 Mario Diaz-Balart (R)* Dist. 3 Deborah Watts (D) Dist. 13 Sherrod Brown (D)* Dist. 38 Grace Napolitano (D)* Dist. 1 Jerry Moran (R)* Dist. 4 Carolyn McCarthy (D)* Dist. 6 Bart Gordon (D)* Dist. 39 Linda Sanchez (D)* Georgia Dist. 4 Betty McCollum (D)* Dist. 5 Gary L. Ackerman (D)* Dist. 14 Steven C. LaTourette (R)* Dist. 2 Nancy Boyda (D) Dist. 5 Martin Olav Sabo (D)* Dist. 16 Ralph Regula (R)* Dist. 8 John Tanner (D)* Dist. 42 Lewis Myers (D) Senate Dist. 4 Dennis Moore (D)* Dist. 6 Gregory W. Meeks (D)* Dist. 9 Harold Ford Jr. (D)* Dist. 43 Joe Baca (D)* Dist. 6 Patty Wetterling (D) Dist. 7 Joseph Crowley (D)* Dist. 17 Timothy J. Ryan (D)* Johnny Isakson (R) Dist. 7 Collin C. Peterson (D)* Dist. 44 Louis Vandenberg (D) Kentucky Dist. 8 Jerrold L. Nadler (D)* Dist. 18 Bob Ney (R)* House of Representatives Dist. 8 James L. Oberstar (D)* Texas Dist. 47 Loretta Sanchez (D)* Senate Dist. 9 Anthony D. Weiner (D)* Dist. 51 Bob Filner (D)* Dist. 2 Sanford Bishop (D)* Oklahoma House of Representatives Daniel Mongiardo (D) Mississippi Dist. 10 Edolphus Towns (D)* Dist. 53 Susan B. Davis (D)* Dist. 3 Jim Marshall (D)* Senate Dist. 1 Max Sandlin (D)* Dist. 4 Cynthia McKinney (D)* House of Representatives House of Representatives Dist. 11 Major R. Owens (D)* Dist. 2 Nick Lampson (D)* Brad Carson (D) Colorado Dist. 5 John Lewis (D)* Dist. 3 Tony Miller (D) Dist. 2 Bennie Thompson (D)* Dist. 12 Nydia M. Velasquez (D)* Dist. 9 Al Green (D) Senate Dist. 12 John Barrow (D) Dist. 4 Nick Clooney (D) Dist. 3 Charles Pickering (R)* Dist. 14 Carolyn B. Maloney (D)* House of Representatives Dist. 15 Ruben Hinojosa (D)* Tom Daschle (D) Ken Salazar (D) Dist. 13 David Scott (D)* Dist. 6 Ben Chandler (D)* Dist. 4 Gene Taylor (D)* Dist. 15 Charles B. Rangel (D)* Dist. 2 Dan Boren (D) Dist. 16 Silvestre Reyes (D)* U.S. Senator, South Dakota

* denotes incumbent

6 www.utuia.org www.utu.org www.utuia.org www.utu.org 7 UTU for Life Medicare premiums ‘Current connection’ affects to rise 17.5 percent Health insurance premiums for senior citi- Railroad Retirement benefits zens enrolled in Medicare will rise 17.5 percent By V.M. “Butch” Speakman Jr. employee’s annuity, or the date of death if earlier, in 2005, bringing the total monthly payment to Under the Railroad Retirement Act, a “cur- can break a current connection. $78.20, Bush administration officials said. rent connection with the rail- Self-employment in an unincorporated busi- The increase, affecting 42 million disabled road industry” is one of the eli- ness will not break a current connection. How- and elderly Medicare beneficiaries, will be the gibility requirements for occu- ever, if the business is incorporated, compensat- largest in 15 years, exceeding recent premium pational disability annuities ed service will break a current connection. hikes for private health insurance. and supplemental annuities, Federal employment with the Department of Retirees who choose a managed-care plan, and is one of the criteria for Transportation, the National Transportation dubbed “Medicare Advantage,” should see low- determining whether the Rail- Safety Board, the National Mediation Board, the er co-payments and more preventive services road Retirement Board (RRB) Surface Transportation Board or the RRB will such as dental and vision care, the administra- or the Social Security Admin- V.M. Speakman not break a current connection. Also, neither tion said. Some of those plans also provide lim- istration has jurisdiction over the payment of state employment with the Alaska Railroad, so ited prescription drug benefits. monthly benefits to survivors of a long as that railroad remains an entity of the In dollars, the premium increase, railroad employee. The following State of Alaska, nor non-creditable Canadian up from $66 this year, is the largest questions and answers describe the railroad service will break a current connection. current connection requirement and ever, according to the Centers for Are there any exceptions to these procedures Medicare and Medicaid Services. some of the ways the requirement can be met. for determining a current connection? Robert M. Hayes, president of How is a current connection de- A current connection can be maintained for the Medicare Rights Center, said purposes of supplemental and survivor annuities the increase will be especially termined under the Railroad Re- tirement Act? if the employee completed 25 years of railroad painful because Social Security service, was involuntarily terminated without payments are expected to rise less An employee must generally have fault from the railroad industry, and did not than 3 percent. been credited with railroad service in at least 12 thereafter decline an offer to return to work in Last year, President Bush signed legislation months of the 30 months immediately preceding the same class or craft as his or her most recent offering drug coverage to all senior citizens. the month his or her Railroad Retirement annu- service, regardless of the location of the work When the law is implemented in 2006, ity begins. If the employee died before retire- offered. If these requirements are met, an Medicare recipients will have the option of ment, railroad service in at least 12 months in the employee’s current connection may not be bro- paying about $35 a month extra for prescrip- 30 months before death will meet the require- ken, even if the employee works in regular non- tion drug coverage. ment for the purpose of paying survivor benefits. railroad employment after the 30-month period The typical retiree who purchases Medicare If an employee does not qualify on this basis, and before retirement or death. This exception coverage and the drug benefit will pay more but has 12 months’ service in an earlier 30- to the normal current connection requirement than $115 in monthly premiums, a $110 annu- month period, he or she may still meet the cur- became effective October 1, 1981, but only for al deductible for outpatient care, and co-pay- rent connection requirement. employees still living on that date who left the ments for physician visits and medications. A current connection established at the time rail industry on or after October 1, 1975, or who The administration touted several program the Railroad Retirement annuity begins is per- were on leave of absence, on furlough, or absent changes included in the Medicare drug legisla- manent. The employee never loses it no matter due to injury on October 1, 1975. tion. As people reach age 65 and become eligi- what kind of work is performed thereafter. For full information, contact the nearest field ble for the federal health plan, they will receive Can nonrailroad work before retirement office of the RRB. Persons can find the address a comprehensive, complimentary “welcome- break a former railroad employee’s current con- and phone number of the board office serving to-Medicare” physical exam. nection? their area by calling the automated toll-free RRB For the first time, however, the law requires Full- or part-time work for a nonrailroad Help Line at 1-800-808-0772 or by checking the wealthier patients to pay more for their health employer in an interim between the end of the board’s website at www.rrb.gov. care. The “means test” will result in higher pre- last 30-month period including 12 months of V.M. “Butch” Speakman Jr. serves as labor mem- miums for seniors with incomes above $80,000. railroad service and the beginning date of an ber of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.

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 2 Dick, Curtis E. Oregon, Ohio 462 Bell, John B. Pine Bluff, Ark. 1313 Hughes, Jerald H. Amarillo, Texas 5 Sloan, George F. Lawson, Mo. 492 Bedient, Leland F. Oroville, Calif. 1376 Eichenberger, George D. Columbus, Ohio 7 Horne, Luther C. N. Platte, Neb. 524 Mitchell, Henry W. Palestine, Texas 1382 Kaufmann, Wayne L. Milwaukee, Wis. 18 Sebastian, Frank J. El Paso, Texas 586 Sawyer, William C. Seneca, S.C. 1390 Kellar, Julius H. Ringwood, N.J. 48 Lynn, James T. Virginia Beach, Va. 632 McIntyre, Paul E. Pittsburgh, Pa. 1393 Eisenhauer, William J. Depew, N.Y. 48 Walker, Larry W. Chesapeake, Va. 662 McLean, Richard D. Coloma, Mich. 1445 Devaney, Michael Elmhurst, N.Y. 61 Rivet Jr., Patrick W. Collingdale, Pa. 781 Pearce, William L. Shreveport, La. 1470 Gee, Wallace W. Burlington, N.C. 195 Lehman, Charles E. Lyndon, Ill. 783 Lewey, James E. Winston-Salem, N.C. 1548 Allen, Prier O. Indianapolis, Ind. 212 Maples Sr., Robert N. Rochester, N.Y. 830 Wolfgang, Thomas I. Gordon, Pa. 1563 Bell, Thomas L. Carson, Calif. 243 Preston, Barton A. Denison, Texas 835 Hicks, Clarence A. Warrenton, Va. 1564 Gebauer, Richard G. Norwalk, Calif. 281 Dietz, Edward W. Milwaukee, Wis. 894 Hanna, Richard A. Sapulpa, Okla. 1573 Price, William F. Klamath Falls, Ore. 298 Connolly, Dennis S. Crestwood, Ill. 931 Yarbray, Elijah W. Travelers Rest, S.C. 1628 Garufi, Charles V. Franklin, Mass. 305 Kleinberg, Terrance D. S. Sioux City, Neb. 950 Camp, James B. Paragould, Ark. 1628 Malecky, Thomas W. Mifflin, Pa. 305 McDonald, Charles H. Lincoln, Neb. 997 Springer, Lewis F. Morrisville, Pa. 1760 Holman, William E. Canton, Mich. 378 McBrayer, Lloyd Richmond Hts., Ohio 1033 Morris, George W. Mableton, Ga. 1933 Cucci, Frances Quinton, Va. 418 Zook, Glenn R. Sioux City, Iowa 1074 Jenkins, Lawrence W. Irwin, Pa. 1963 Hurt, Jerry D. Henderson, Ky. 419 Onorati, Memmo J. Maple Shade, N.J. 1117 Varin, J. Normand Nampa, Idaho NOTE: Erroneously included in this listing recently 453 Peacock, Charles L. Kenney, Ill. 1129 Cobb, William C. Greenville, N.C. was Charles W. Hite Sr. of Local 446, who resides in 454 Butta, Vincent Parkville, Md. 1238 Elliott, Charles D. Vancouver, Wash. Omaha, Neb., and Jack Lewis Frost of Local 49, who lives in San Antonio, Tex.

8 www.utuia.org www.utu.org If a tragedy strikes… UTUIA can help!

What would you do if you were unable to work because of injury or illness? Do you have sufficient savings to pay your bills for six, twelve or even eighteen months? UTUIA can help! With Disability Income Replacement insurance, you can protect your earning power and provide the necessary funds to maintain the quality of life you have come to enjoy. Information, please UTUIA’s Disability Income Replacement insurance will I would like more information on UTUIA’s Disability Income Replacement Insurance. be there when you need it Please print most. It cannot be canceled, regardless of the number of claims, as long as premiums Full name of member Sex Date of birth are paid. Address City State ZIP For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 558-8842 Telephone number with area code UTU local number for assistance from your Complete and mail to: UTUIA Sales Dept., 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250 10/04 UTUIA representative.

RTAT ANSPO ION U TR NIO ED N IT N UnitedHealthcare sends U UTUUTU PPACAC enrollment information HHONORONOR RROLLOLL United Transportation Union members last month Individuals who have begun contributing to UTU PAC or increased their donations to $100 or more, per year, during the past month received their annual re-enrollment information from Unit- Name Local City Name Local City edHealthcare that outlined the health plan and health ben- PLATINUM CLUB ($1,200 OR MORE PER YEAR) Tilley Jr., John D. 773 Galveston, Tex. Lewis Jr., Harry C. 597 Des Plaines, Ill. *Blazeski, Stanley 792 Cleveland, Ohio efit provider options available under the NRC/UTU Health Brugess, George T. 1620 Elkhart, Ind. Araas, Robert L. 951 Sheridan, Wyo. Bohnsack, Nick W. 951 Sheridan, Wyo. and Welfare Plan. DOUBLE DIAMOND CLUB ($600 OR MORE PER YEAR) Carson, Michael E. 1137 Fargo, N.D. Hood, James R. 202 Denver, Colo. Korczak, Matthew H. 1137 Fargo, N.D. Huber, Allan L. 1186 Gary, Ind. One important change to note is that effective Jan. 1, DOLLAR-A-DAY CLUB ($365 OR MORE PER YEAR) Zobrist, Tim A. 1293 Altoona, Wis. Sampson, Lorrie L. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Patrick, Hercel J. 1316 Ravenna, Ky. 2005, those employees selecting Blue Cross Blue Shield Burns, Charles K. 1334 Hattiesburg, Miss. DIAMOND CLUB ($300 OR MORE PER YEAR) Melton, Anthony J. 1334 Hattiesburg, Miss. Boswell, Jason T. 206 Peru, Ind. Russum Jr., Jerry R. 1334 Hattiesburg, Miss. as the benefit provider for employee and/or dependent Weinmeister, Earnest T. 257 Morrill, Nebr. Hopson, Gary J. 1361 New Haven, Conn. Layton, Harlan D. 305 Lincoln, Nebr. Esposito, Thomas M. 1413 Jersey City, N.J. health benefits will have those benefits administered by Fowler, Curtis W. 500 Grand Junction, Colo. Threeton Jr., George P. 1501 Baton Rouge, La. Zigal, Dennis W. 508 Smithville, Tex. Bush, Damian D. 1524 Houston, Tex. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pittsburgh, Pa., Fleming, Timothy A. 1524 Houston, Tex. GOLD CLUB ($100 OR MORE PER YEAR) Garrett, Eldwin L. 1524 Houston, Tex. rather than by Regence Life and Health Blue Cross Blue Burkey, Chester J. 2 Toledo, Ohio Gay, Rusty J. 1524 Houston, Tex. Ahrens, Roger D. 64 Huron, S.D. Nevills, Johnnie R. 1524 Houston, Tex. Baribeau, Chad A. 64 Huron, S.D. Randle, Roderick L. 1524 Houston, Tex. Shield of Oregon. Peterson, Randy L. 64 Huron, S.D. Richey, Joseph L. 1524 Houston, Tex. Shillingstad, William J. 64 Huron, S.D. Robertson Jr., Ronald W. 1524 Houston, Tex. There will be no change in any of the current benefits Beahr, Earl J. 145 Columbus, Ohio Tacquard, Bryan S. 1524 Houston, Tex. Dugan, James C. 257 Morrill, Nebr. Tuttle, Stephen L. 1524 Houston, Tex. Tschida, Shawn Alan 257 Morrill, Nebr. Wolny, Mike 1524 Houston, Tex. provided under the NRC/UTU Health and Welfare Plan, Baker, John A. 298 Garrett, Ind. *Boston, Arthur W. 1532 Kansas City, Kans. Edwards, Kenneth R. 298 Garrett, Ind. Head, Donnie D. 1567 Corbin, Ky. but effective Jan. 1, 2005, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Shumate, Adam W. 305 Lincoln, Nebr. Williams, James R. 1736 Flint, Mich. Bassinger Jr., Richard L. 340 Connellsville, Pa. Thomson, Marshall W. 1741 San Francisco, Calif. benefits will be administered by Highmark. Golobish, Michael P. 340 Connellsville, Pa. Anthony, Dane T. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Quairiere, Barry R. 340 Connellsville, Pa. Baillargeon, Robert W. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Sproat, Michael A. 340 Connellsville, Pa. Bell, Walter E. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. In addition, UTU engine-service members not currently Baldwin, Dwain S. 363 Roanoke, Va. Brandt, James R. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. *Sobina, John F. 421 Conneaut, Ohio Campbell, Robert C. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. eligible to select Blue Cross Blue Shield as a medical ben- Allen, Steven R. 427 McComb, Miss. Galland, Samuel J. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Fletcher, Imari C. 427 McComb, Miss. Gardner, Garret L. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. *Liniger, Dean E. 490 Princeton, Ind. Hicks, Anthony O. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. efit provider under the National Health and Welfare Plan Skinner, Ryan L. 500 Grand Junction, Colo. Hockhalter, Larry D. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Gholson, Thomas P. 573 Danville, Ky. Israel, Todd D. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. will now have the opportunity to do so under the engine- Bianchi Jr., James 577 Northlake, Ill. Johnson, Travis 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Taylor, Steve 620 Chicago, Ill. Knierim, John M. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. service agreement, and their selection of Blue Cross Blue Ayers Jr., David S. 706 Roanoke, Va. Lee, David R. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Cavanaugh, John 773 Galveston, Tex. Long, Jay L. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Cook, Billy P. 773 Galveston, Tex. Morken, Garrett E. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Shield will become effective Jan. 1, 2005. Copeland Jr., Donnie F. 773 Galveston, Tex. Murch, Gerald L. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Craft, Derrick 773 Galveston, Tex. Murr, Kent M. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Any questions you may have about participating doctors Horn, Patrick 773 Galveston, Tex. Schindler, Kent A. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Jones, Ian M. 773 Galveston, Tex. Teskey, Robert R. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. Labauve, Christopher L. 773 Galveston, Tex. Vilhauer, Larue A. 1840 Glasgow, Mont. and/or hospitals should be referred to Highmark by calling McDaniel, Ricky G. 773 Galveston, Tex. Hunt, David C. 1841 Klamath Falls, Ore. McGee, Marshall C. 773 Galveston, Tex. UTU Auxiliary Lodge 915 Chattanooga, Tenn. toll-free (866) 267-3320 or by visiting the website at Norton Jr., Roy L. 773 Galveston, Tex. Penn, Brian D. 773 Galveston, Tex. * = Retired member www.highmark.com. Thomas, Jermaine 773 Galveston, Tex.

www.utuia.org www.utu.org 9 the working men and women of the U.S. who Soo Line strike comprise the so-called middle class. The mid- Continued from page 1 dle class was one of the original goals of the labor movement. Organized labor was respon- sible for the abolishment of child labor, the Line. During the walkout, the Soo Line achievement of the eight-hour day, overtime brought in scabs from Canada in violation of pay, safety laws, paid vacation, paid holidays, U.S. immigration law and the North Ameri- health-care insurance, laws that recognized the can Free Trade Agreement. Those Soo Line right of workers to organize and choose their scabs and “King Scab” McLaughlin’s order that own bargaining representatives, and worker engineers cross the UTU picket lines and work pension plans,” Thompson said. with the scabs failed to sway the battle. “As union members, we share a huge respon- On Aug. 29, 1994, President Clinton sibility to continue the fight to protect those appointed Presidential Emergency Board accomplishments – and the UTU did just that (PEB) 225, which reject- in 1994 against the Soo ed the Soo Line’s claims Line,” Thompson said. of financial hardship and BNSF will seek “Every day, George recommended wage W. Bush, many conser- increases, lump-sum pay- one-person crews vative Republicans and UTU International President Paul Thompson, right, ments and cost-of-living corporate America are and International Vice President Bruce Wigent relate increases along the lines if Bush is re-elected threatening to elimi- how many BLE members and TCU President Robert of the 1991 national nate the middle class,” Scardelletti displayed solidarity with the UTU after agreement negotiated by Thompson said. “Ene- the BLE ordered its members to scab against the the UTU with most of the other major U.S. mies of labor want to eliminate overtime pay, UTU in 1994. railroads. weaken labor laws and export good-paying Following the report of PEB 225, the Soo jobs. “Ten years ago, during that 47-day successful Line settled the strike largely along the lines of “In fact, the Bush Administration is consid- strike against the Soo Line, all of rail labor those recommendations, giving the UTU a ered by railroad management as crucial to helped in keeping labor’s agenda alive,” solid victory. delivering new punishing blows to railroad Thompson said. “The fight is not over. It will Thompson recognized the efforts of UTU workers,” Thompson said. “Burlington North- never be over. Vice President Bruce Wigent – who with then- ern Santa Fe Chairman Matt Rose, one of “Our will is the will of the disinherited, the Soo Line general chairpersons Gene Von Essen George Bush’s top fundraisers, recently boast- forgotten and the oppressed,” Thompson said. and Jim Beyer, and with full support from then- ed, and I quote, ‘Achieving one-man crews to “We must remember our roots, recall our bat- UTU International President G. Thomas operate a relatively large proportion of through tles that created a middle class, and rededicate DuBose – provided the strike leadership that trains will be hard fought and will only be pos- ourselves to organizing and unifying,” Thomp- culminated with the UTU victory. He also sible if a Republican administration remains in son said. “Only through our unified strength, thanked current General Chairperson Dennis the executive branch.’ sense of purpose and unswerving resolve shall Baker for helping to organize the victory cele- “If George W. Bush is re-elected, and the we continue to fight the successful fight of the bration. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate middle class. “As trade unionists, we share with our fore- remain in Republican control, we will have a “God bless those brave and dedicated trade fathers a great history,” Thompson told the tough fight on our hands that will include an unionists who fought the fight in 1994 against celebrants. “Almost everything that makes us all-out attack on the Federal Employers’ Liabil- the Soo Line. God bless all our brave and ded- a rich nation flows from successful struggles of ity Act (FELA),” Thompson said. icated trade unionists today,” Thompson said.

control, at both the state Members support and federal levels. If we con- Continued from page 1 tinue to have a Republican- controlled Congress, we will need a Democrat in the George Bagby, retired conductor, White House who can use former Wyoming legislative director his veto power to halt some and member of UTU Local 866, Rawl- of the bad legislation. With ins, Wyo: “John Kerry is in favor of unions Foster Kerry in the White House, if and collective bargaining; Bush is not. Ker- we went on strike, Kerry ry does not cross picket lines; Bush would. would appoint a fairer presidential emergency Bush has done all he can to destroy unions. board than you would get with Bush.” Bush is not union friendly. If we had a wage problem, we would be able to talk to Presi- dent Kerry; his door would always be open Nancy Drummond, Wyoming UTU Local 951 (BNSF, Sheridan, Wyo.) Local Chairperson to us. The railroads want one-person crews Auxiliary legislative director: “My dad Bruce “Bulldog” Drummond and wife Nancy at the and Bush would probably support them on worked in the automobile industry and I Democratic National Convention. that.” was raised Democratic, so I know from experience that when we have a Democrat know that under a Republican administra- Missouri State Legislative Director in the White House, wages improve for the tion, they have greater success at public law Larry Foster: “Legislation that we need to working men and women of the country. boards. Under a Democratic administra- improve our working conditions and safety Democrats take care of people; Republicans tion, these law boards will generally favor laws will pass only if we have the Democrats in take care of corporations. The carriers the employees.”

and are just plain inequitable. Indeed, in share with unions the costs the NMB wishes NMB fees 1934, rail labor gave up the right to strike to shift to the parties. “If fees are to be Continued from page 1 over so-called minor disputes in exchange for imposed, both parties should pay them,” the government funding of arbitration. UTU said. burden unions with inequitable costs when, “The NMB’s sole functions in the mandato- “The carriers are the beneficiaries of the in fact, carriers are the primary beneficiary ry arbitration process” are the appointment of mandatory arbitration system under the Rail- of most arbitration actions as unions are not referees and the setting of compensation for way Labor Act,” the UTU said. “Mandatory permitted to strike over so-called minor dis- referees at the National Railroad Adjustment arbitration is the basis for enjoining unions putes, which include interpretation of con- Board, the UTU told the NMB. The role of from striking over minor disputes. Railroads tracts. the NMB is not to impose fees upon unions for are richer than unions and they should not The UTU told the NMB that the rules it arbitration services. benefit from a mandatory arbitration system proposes are beyond its statutory authority, The UTU said the proposed fee schedule that limits the right to strike without paying would violate specific statutory commands does not make clear that carriers would also equally.”

10 www.utuia.org www.utu.org Your biggest investment? Your brain By Dr. Norman Brown reduce or eliminate smoking, and control blood all cases, the time from the onset of symp- UTU Medical Consultant pressure and diabetes to protect our hearts, there toms to when treatment begins is extremely are programs to protect our brain’s blood vessels. important. Most of us would agree that we should do all we can to preserve and protect the working of It is always difficult to start and to stick to When I say the sooner the better, I am talking our brains, the part of us that makes us who we such programs, but your doctor will always be about three to six hours maximum after the first are and different from each other. pleased to try to help you. Medications for both symptoms. Former President Bill Clinton saved his own life by not waiting too long in the pres- Aside from head injuries, cholesterol reduction and blood pressure control are available to bolster your efforts. These med- ence of symptoms of potential heart-muscle the most common damage to damage. our brain comes from circula- ications have advanced greatly in effectiveness tion difficulties. These diffi- over the past 20 years. Let’s review some of the symptoms of early or culties can occur from too lit- The occurrence of the hemorrhagic or bleed- threatened strokes: tle blood flowing to one area ing type of stroke, which is less common, is also •Sudden onset of weakness or clumsiness or of the brain because of a clot reduced by attention to “blood vessel/heart numbness in an arm and/or leg, usually without in the blood vessel, or too healthy” programs – such as control of blood pain; much blood flowing to one pressure. •Walking or balance problems; Brown •Speech difficulty; place because of a sudden Once the possibility of a stroke is present, •Sudden vision loss; blood vessel leak, or hemorrhage. Both are com- there are some newer techniques for treating •Sudden onset of very severe headaches. monly referred to as “strokes.” strokes that give us new hope – in particular, There are steps each of us can and should be medications or lasers that help break up or If any of these happen to you or a loved one, taking to reduce the chances of our having dissolve blood clots and even devices such as please seek medical help immediately. either of these types of strokes. snares and blades that are being developed to Your health will always be way ahead if you A cholesterol deposit in a brain artery triggers attempt removal of clot material. These last think prevention because protecting your heart the most common clot-type injury. So, just as we methods are still experimental, but for some and the blood vessels throughout your body will can watch our diets (weight), engage in exercise, people the results have been encouraging. In help you to a longer, healthier life. UTU 35th Anniversary watch now available The UTU has commissioned a 35th Anniversary Limited-Edition union-made watch for the members of this great union. The watch, created by American Time, features a brilliant, die-struck, 14-karat gold-filled watch face that captures the detail of the union logo in proof- coin brilliance. Sequentially numbered from 1 to 1,000 (men’s) and 1 to 500 (ladies’), this limited-edition members’ watch will provide you with an heirloom that will be treasured forever. The timepieces are created by union-represented watchmakers at the American Time Company in Rochester, N.Y., so you know these watches guarantee you quality and reliabili- ty in the tradition of the great railroad watches of yesteryear. The watches are available with either an expansion bracelet or leather band. The cost is $125 for either the men’s or ladies’ style, plus $6.95 for shipping and handling. Also, 20 percent of the purchase price will be donated to the UTU PAC fund, so your pur- chase gives twice! Honor this historic event and reserve your limited-edition 35th Anniversary UTU watch today. Each UTU 35th Anniversary limited-edition gold To order call (800) 272-5120. You also may download an order form from the UTU web- watch features a brilliant, die-struck, 14-karat gold- site, www.utu.org. filled watch face and a number of certification on If you prefer, you can fax your order to American Time at (585) 295-8004; please include the back. your choice of men’s or ladies’ watch, band desired, credit card number and expiration date.

UTU cookbook makes a great holiday gift Looking for a tasty holiday gift? The UTU Reserve University for breast cancer research. breast cancer last year. Following surgery at the cookbook created to raise funds for breast cancer “The Labor of Love for the Cure cookbook Cleveland Clinic, she received successful fol- research, Labor of Love for the Cure, suits any finally became available for distribution late last low-up treatment at the Case Comprehensive palate. year,” said UTU International President Paul C. Cancer Center. The book is a compilation of recipes and Thompson. “I would like to take this time to Also last year, Betts Miller, the wife of UTU helpful household hints submitted by UTU thank everyone who made this project possible General Counsel Clint Miller, passed away after members and others, collected by volunteers at and thank you in advance for purchasing this a long-fought battle with the disease. Marcyle the UTU International office. Proceeds from cookbook. Together, we can help fund the Hotzel, the wife of former Local 94 Secretary- the sale of the book are donated to the Case research necessary to eradicate this dreaded dis- Treasurer and Legislative Representative David Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Universi- ease.” Hotzel, also died from breast cancer. The book is ty Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Thompson’s wife Roberta was diagnosed with dedicated to their memory and to others in the UTU family who have suffered as a result of the Labor of Love for the Cure Cookbook disease. To order a cookbook and to help raise funds Make checks payable to UTU Cookbook. Cost of the cookbook is $25, which includes shipping for breast cancer research, please complete the and handling for each book ordered. Please indicate the number of books desired and the total cost order form at left. Be sure to include your name, of your order. complete mailing address and telephone num- ber. On the order form, please indicate the $25 $ number of books you wish to purchase. The cost Quantity x Cost per book = Total amount enclosed of each book is $25, which includes shipping and handling. Write the total amount of your enclosed check in the appropriate space. Full Name Checks and money orders, along with your order form, should be mailed to: UTU Cook- Address City State ZIP book, Attn: Cheryl Sneed, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. Telephone Number with Area Code Remember that the proceeds from the sale of Complete and mail to: UTU Cookbook, Attn: Cheryl Sneed, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250 this book will be donated to breast cancer research.

www.utuia.org www.utu.org 11 This month’s winning photo: Volume 36 October 2004 Number 10

The UTU Public Relations Department awards UTU gear to the union member who submits the best photograph during the previ- ous months. www.utuia.org www.utu.org The winning photo will be pub- lished in the UTU News. Excep- tional photographs will be included The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union on the UTU website. The UTU would like to see pho- tographs or digital photographs of Locals donating $250 or more will be recognized with walkway brick work-related scenes, such as rail- road, bus or mass transit operations, new equipment photos, scenic shots, activities of your local, or photos of your brothers and sisters UTU locals urged to support keeping America rolling. Printed photographs should be mailed to UTU News, 14600 ‘Spirit of Solidarity’ plaque Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107- 4250. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Individual UTU locals ence, and to require employers to bargain in good faith High-resolution digital photo- have an opportunity to sponsor a plaque honoring labor over wages, benefits and working conditions. graphs should be in the JPEG format and e-mailed to “[email protected]”. legend Eugene V. Debs as part of a project here honor- UTU locals are encouraged to contribute to the Debs With each photograph, please ing the universal struggle of workers who found the plaque. Checks made out to the “United Transporta- include your name and UTU local courage to unite and stand up for their rights. tion Union, Spirit of Solidarity,” should be sent number, the names of the persons Locals donating at least $250 toward the tribute in the photo (left to right), where the to: United Transportation Union, Attn: Dora photo was taken, and all other per- will be recognized with a walkway brick. Wolf, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107. tinent information. The Debs plaque is an integral part of the Each local contributing $250 or more toward the All photographs submitted Spirit of Solidarity, a $1.275-million tribute to Debs plaque will be honored with its local’s name This month's winning photograph was taken by member Matt Corbett, a CSX conductor and become property of the UTU. organized labor in the form of a monument at on a main walkway brick. Remember to review your member of Local 1473 in Framingham, Mass. The photo, of a Massachusetts Bay Transporta- employer’s policies regarding use of tion Authority (MBTA) GP-9 that had been repainted with an old Boston & Maine paint scheme the entrance to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential The not-for-profit organization coordinating the cameras on the property or during and dedicated in memory of a former MBTA commuter rail employee, was taken in the early Museum. Half a million tourists annually will project is the Labor Heritage Society of West Michi- work hours. 1990s at Boston’s South Street Station. have an opportunity to tour the monument, gan, whose executive director, Michael Johnston, is which is the only labor monument in North Eugene V. Debs a former organizer for the United Farm Workers. America in front of a presidential museum. For- The Spirit of Solidarity will be in the form of a mer United Auto Workers President Owen bowl-shaped area that slopes down to the focal point, Periodicals Postage Bieber is the active union co-chair of the project. three lifelike, nine-foot-tall bronze sculptures depicting PAID at Cleveland, Ohio, Debs, who put his own safety and freedom second as early union organizing. The sculptures will stand on a and additional he championed the causes of workers and encouraged granite island surrounded by a pool of flowing water. www.utu.org / www.utuia.org mailing offices them to gain strength through forming unions, helped Engraved around the pool, on the granite rim, will be to organize one UTU-predecessor union, the Brother- quotations from champions of workers’ rights. OCTOBER 2004 hood of Railroad Trainmen, and was an international “The intent is to represent all workers who struggled officer of another UTU predecessor, the Brotherhood ISSN 0098-5937 and fought for our middle-class standard of living of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen. today,” said UTU International President Paul Thomp- Published monthly (except Historians credit Debs’ efforts as leading to laws per- son. “The purpose is to educate visitors to organized for combined months of mitting workers to organize lawfully, to choose their labor’s struggles. I encourage each of our locals to make December/January bargaining representatives without employer interfer- a contribution and join in this spirit of labor solidarity.” and July/August) by the UNITED TRANSPORTATION

UNION, 14600 DETROIT AVE.,

CLEVELAND, OH 44107-4250 ¥ Periodicals postage paid at Inside this issue of the UTU News: Cleveland, Ohio, and additional mailing offices ¥ Paul C. Thompson, International President; Daniel E. Johnson, General Secretary/Treasurer ¥ This publication available on microfilm from UMI, 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 ¥ POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UTU News, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. Member, wife attend Local 1421’s Daniel FRA Acting Adminis- UTU members in Please recycle Democratic National Cicuto accepts UTU trator Monro urges Missouri assist John 10/04 Convention. See page 1. PAC honor. See page 2. safety. See page 3. Kerry. See page 5.