LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND TRAINMEN MARCH 2008
PUBLISHED BY THENEWS BLET, A DIVISION OF THE RAIL CONFERENCE, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS BLET helps grant a special wish
CSX helps BLET give 13-year-old with cancer one of ‘the best days of his life’
Josh Mills had a day to remember transcontinental railroad was com- on February 23, thanks to the Brother- pleted, and he can also identify various hood of Locomotive Engineers and diesel locomotives based on knowledge Trainmen and CSX. gained from the Microsoft Train Simu- Josh, 13, was made an “Honorary lator game (which he plays on a regu- Locomotive Engineer” by the BLET and lar basis). Josh also spends a lot of time was given a behind the scenes tour of in his basement with his dad working the CSX rail yard in Flint, Mich. He also on his HO scale model train. enjoyed an authentic railroad lunch In early November, Josh com- served in a vintage cook car and even plained of a severe headache that got to meet a CSX railroad police of- wouldn’t go away. He was forced to ficer along with his dog, Max. come home from school early one day Josh and his father Tony were ex- because the headache was so severe tended these unique courtesies by CSX that it caused vomiting and double vi- and the BLET in hopes of giving the sion. family some special memories that will Doctors at the University of Michi- last a lifetime. gan Hospital noticed that his left eye At just 13 years old, Josh has spent wasn’t moving in conjunction with his the last six months battling a cancer- right eye, and upon further examina- ous brain tumor. tion, they found a brain tumor about the size of a tennis ball. Josh the “Trainiac” Josh was with his father Tony and Joshua Mills loves trains. mother Alanna when doctors gave them “I call him a trainiac because he’s the news. Tony said he and Alanna such a maniac about trains,” said his were beside themselves when they Josh Mills, 13, enjoys the view from the engineer’s seat of a locomotive in the CSX rail yard father, Tony. heard the news, but were heartened by in Flint, Mich., on February 23. Josh suffers from a rare from of cancer and has endured a Josh has studied railroad history Josh’s brave reaction. brain surgery to remove the tumor as well as ongoing chemo treatments. Thanks in part to as well as modern day railroading. He the generosity of CSX, the BLET was able to put together a trip to the CSX yard in Josh’s knows specific facts, such as when the See Josh Mills, Page 2 home town of Flint, Mich., to help give Josh and his family a day to remember. Tentative contract at Amtrak Hours of Service survey coming The BLET and Amtrak other collective bargaining have reached tentative agree- goals that must be addressed Goal is to reduce fatigue, improve scheduling; Membership input needed ment covering 1,300 passenger and won in the next bargain- engineers who operate trains ing round,” said Amtrak Gen- Train and engine ser- work/rest schedules and sleep According to Grady over Amtrak’s 21,000-mile, 46- eral Chairman Mark Kenny. vice employees will get a patterns of operating crews Cothen, the Federal Rail- state system. “However, this tentative agree- chance this spring to help and to evaluate the relation- road Administration’s The new contract is based ment stands as a monumental their union and the Federal ship between these schedules Deputy Associate Adminis- exclusively on the recommen- step toward equalizing the Railroad Administration and fatigue,” says BLET Na- trator for Safety, “A great dations of Presidential Emer- eight years of inequity and better understand their tional President Don Hahs. deal has been learned about gency Board 242 and is typi- frustration BLET Members, work schedule-related fa- “Once we have data that allows the effects fatigue has on cally identical to agreements and all Amtrak employees tigue issues. The Brother- us to identify fatigue-related human performance. How- reached by nine other unions have been forced to confront on hood of Locomotive Engi- problems specific to operating ever, when it comes to the earlier this year. It provides for a daily basis.” neers and Trainmen and crafts, we will be able to work railroad industry, more re- wage improvements amount- A copy of the tentative the United Transportation toward reducing the risk of fa- search is needed since only ing to a 34.7 percent increase agreement and associated Union are cooperating with tigue-related accidents and in- minimal data exists regard- over the hourly rate in effect documents are on the Amtrak the FRA in this project. cidents and improving the at the end of the last agree- General Committee website: “We need to develop a quality of life for our mem- ment, 100% retroactive pay, http://bletamt.org. Ballots on better understanding of the bers.” See Hours of Service, Page 7 and no work rule changes. the tentative agreement are “There are still numerous due by March 28. •
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen • International Brotherhood of Teamsters Page 2 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · March 2008 BLET NEWS BLET helps 13-year-old cancer patient
ter a tumor in his brain was discovered. Josh Mills The tumor was removed, but unfortu- Continued from Page 1 nately, it is cancerous. Do you know of a locomotive school that I could contact “He just said, ‘Hmm, my first tu- that would give my nephew an honor- mor,’” Tony said. ary degree as a locomotive engineer? I The tumor, called glioblastoma am sure that this would bring some joy multifome, was not a solid mass that to my young nephew.” could easily be removed. Tony said it The request touched the hearts of was the most aggressive type of brain many BLET officers and staff, includ- tumor and compared it to paint being ing BLET National President Don Hahs. poured over the brain — a spreading President Hahs instructed his staff to mass that would be difficult to remove. not just accommodate the request, but Doctors rushed to perform emer- to give the young man and his family a gency surgery and warned that it could special day that they would cherish for- cause paralysis, blindness and even ever. brain damage. But when Josh emerged The Mills family lives in Swartz from nearly seven hours of surgery, he Creek, Mich., just a few miles from the was hungry and ready to sit up. CSX yard in Flint. The idea emerged to “I know I’ve witnessed a true see if CSX would be willing to host Josh miracle,” Tony said. “There’s no other and his dad for a visit. way to explain it.” It was decided that if the Mills were The surgery was followed by sev- to visit the rail yard, then safety would eral weeks of chemotherapy treat- be of the utmost importance. As a re- Josh and his father Tony show off their gifts; A lantern from the UTU, a certificate from the ments, and Josh bears a large scar from sult, calls were made to Larry James, BLET making Josh an Honorary Locomotive Engineer, and several books from the BLET the surgery. a member of BLET Division 284 who re- National Division. sides in Parkersburg, W.Va. and is the Reaching out to the BLET BLET System SENSE Coordinator at It was against this backdrop that CSX. Vice President and Chief Operating Next on the agenda was lunch. Josh’s uncle, Charles Nichols, e-mailed Brother James took the request to Officer at CSX, granted approval for the Brother Morse said members of the the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- the highest levels at CSX. Once it was visit. BLET and United Transportation neers and Trainmen. assured that the BLET would adhere Union have a good working relation- “My nephew, who is 13, is a lover of to the strictest of safety standards, and A Day To Remember ship in the Flint area. When Morse dis- trains and railroading,” Nichols wrote. after stressing that the visit would be a Accommodations were made to cussed the special visit for Josh during “About one week ago, he was rushed to special occasion only for these circum- host Josh and his father on February a safety meeting, UTU members volun- the University of Michigan Hospital af- stances, Tony L. Ingram, Executive 23. teered to help. When Josh and his father Tony ar- “These are all family men with chil- rived at the CSX yard office in Flint, dren of their own,” Brother Morse said. they were both presented with striped “When it comes to something like help- CSX locomotive engineer caps by Bud ing Josh, everyone really comes to- Morse, SENSE Safety Coordinator on gether.” CSX’s Chicago Division and a member Ken Lewis, the UTU safety chair- of BLET Division 937 man for the area, in Toledo, Ohio. As volunteered to Josh put on the cap, “Thank you for giving fire up the the large scar left by railroad’s old the surgery to re- Josh one of the best cook car. The car, move the tumor was used during visible, going from days of his life.” World War II to his right ear to the — Tony Mills feed soldiers tra- middle of his head. versing the coun- Brother Morse try on troop also presented Josh with a specially en- trains, has been in the Flint yard for graved CSX pocket watch. many years. Lewis said the car was John Bentley of the BLET National originally built for the Pere Marquette Division Public Relations Department Railroad and has been used recently for presented Josh with a certificate nam- safety committee meetings. ing him an “Honorary Locomotive En- On behalf of the UTU, Lewis pre- gineer.” The certificate was mounted on sented Josh with a railroad lantern, a plaque and was signed by President binoculars, hats, and several other Hahs, First Vice President Ed Rodzwicz train-themed gifts. and National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Due to cold temperatures, UTU vol- Walpert. The National Division also unteers began manning the cook car on gave Josh a BLE History Book along February 22, so that it would be warm with a North American railroad atlas enough for Josh’s visit on February 23. and a field guide to diesel locomotives. The volunteers started a fire in the cook Dan Elesone, a CSX K9 officer and car’s wood burning stove and tended 33-year railroad veteran, introduced to it all day and all night. The stove is Josh to his dog Max inside the yard of- the cook car’s only heat source, and it fice. A German Shepherd born and is also where UTU volunteers prepared trained in Czechoslovakia, Max weighs a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs for about 80 pounds and only understands Josh and his dad. commands in German or Czech. Max “Not very many people can say performed several “sit” and “stay” com- they’ve eaten lunch in an authentic rail- mands for Josh while Elesone ex- road cook car,” Brother Morse said. plained the duties of railroad police and The final part of the tour was Josh’s K9 officers. Later, Elesone took Josh for favorite of the day — a tour inside of a ride in his police car and helped Josh an actual locomotive. Josh and his dad Josh pets CSX police dog Max under the control of CSX Officer Dan Elesone. Elesone is a 33- write out a ticket to his dad for “mak- year railroad police veteran who began his railroad career for Penn Central. ing him do his homework.” See Josh Mills, Page 3 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · March 2008 Page 3 BLET NEWS Railroad Retirement annuitants must file a 2007 tax return to receive stimulus payments
(Editor’s Note: The U.S. Railroad Retirement January 2008. (Do not include amounts reported on security, railroad retirement or veterans’ benefits who Board issued the following on March 7.) Form RRB-1099-R.) have already filed but did not report their qualifying Starting in May, the U.S. Treasury will begin send- • Social security benefits reported in Box 5 of benefits on either Line 14a of Form 1040A (or Line ing economic stimulus payments, often referred to the 2007 Form SSA-1099, which would have been re- 20a of Form 1040) that they may need to file an as rebates, to more than 130 million individuals. ceived in January 2008. amended return in some situations to receive a larger Most taxpayers do not need to take any extra • Veterans’ benefits received in 2007, including stimulus payment. Taxpayers who already have filed steps to receive these payments. However, some rail- veterans’ disability compensation, disability pen- but did not report these benefits can file an amended road retirement annuitants, social security benefi- sions, or survivors’ benefits received from the Depart- return by using Form 1040X. ciaries, and recipients of certain veterans’ benefits, ment of Veterans Affairs. Extensive and detailed information on the stimu- who might not otherwise need to file a 2007 tax re- • Wages reported on Form W-2. lus payments is available on the IRS Web site and turn, must do so to receive the stimulus payment. The • Net earnings from self-employment that are in- annuitants are strongly encouraged to visit the site. return must show at least $3,000 in qualifying income. cludable in income. Individuals who need to file a return this year to Qualifying income includes social security ben- A Form 1040A illustration on the IRS Web site receive a stimulus payment may be able to take ad- efits, the Social Security Equivalent Benefit (SSEB) (www.irs.gov) shows the limited number of lines that vantage of thousands of free tax preparation sites portion of a railroad retirement tier I benefit, certain need to be filled out by recipients of social security, nationwide for low-income and elderly taxpayers. veterans’ benefits and earned income, such as wages railroad retirement and veterans’ benefits who are The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) pro- and net earnings from self-employment that are in- not required to file an income tax return but are do- gram provides help to low and moderate income tax- cludable in income. For people filing joint tax returns, ing so to receive a stimulus payment. The key line payers. Call 1-800-906-9887 to locate the nearest VITA only a total of $3,000 of qualifying income from both for reporting 2007 benefits is Line 14a of Form 1040A. site. spouses is required. The IRS has advised that while this line only men- The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Pro- To figure their qualifying income, annuitants who tions social security, railroad retirement annuitants gram provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. would not otherwise file a 2007 tax return should add should use this line even if their only benefits were As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP together the following amounts: railroad retirement or veterans’ benefits. In addition, offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than • The SSEB portion of tier I benefits or special taxpayers in these groups should write the words 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. To guaranty amounts reported in Box 5 of the 2007 Form “Stimulus Payment” at the top of the Form 1040A. find an AARP Tax-Aide site call 1-888-227-7669 or RRB-1099, which annuitants would have received in The IRS is also reminding taxpayers with social visit the AARP Web site at www.aarp.org. •
The BLET is urging all members to and biggest step a BLET member Register to vote in fall elections! register and vote in the upcoming elec- can take toward reaching that goal. tion in November of 2008. With a labor-friendly Congress cur- Registering to vote is now easier Clicking the link provided will al- rently serving in Washington, D.C., it is https:// than ever for BLET members thanks low members to input their relevant of the utmost importance to elect a la- to a new online service provided by personal information and mail their electionimpact.votenet.com/ bor-friendly candidate for the White the International Brotherhood of voter registration information to their teamsters/voterreg/index.cfm House. Registering to vote is the first Teamsters. local board of elections.
Josh Mills Continued from Page 2 were given safety glasses, ear plugs and gloves before entering the rail yard. Josh was familiar with many of the controls because of his knowledge of the Microsoft Train Simulator game. He was allowed to sit in the engineer’s seat where he was shown the throttle, speedometer, and other aspects of the engineer’s control panel. Josh enjoyed blowing the locomotive’s horn. Others who helped make Josh’s special day such a success were: CSX Trainmaster Mike Lakel; Dave Norman, Local Chairman of Division 304 in Saginaw, Mich.; UTU Member Carl Bunzo; and UTU member Dick Berdt, who volunteered as the chef in the cook car. Above: UTU volunteer Dick Berdt mans the cook car’s wood burning stove. After The Visit Right: Josh behind the throttle. Following Josh’s special day on February 23, he was scheduled to be- yard, and their hearts, to help grant gin another round of five chemotherapy Josh a special day. treatments from February 25 through He was also extremely grateful to February 29. Another five days of treat- the BLET for the courtesies extended ments are scheduled for March. The to his son. new chemo will be twice as powerful “Josh had a day he will never for- as the treatments he received follow- get,” Tony said. “You guys are first ing his November surgery. class. Things like this go a long way Josh’s dad Tony expressed profuse toward keeping faith in human kind- thanks to Tony Ingram and CSX for ness. Thank you for giving Josh one of their willingness to open their train the best days of his life.” • Page 4 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · March 2008 BLET NEWS Newman reelected by acclamation in Mass. George Newman was reelected by acclamation as Chairman of the BLET Massachusetts State Leg- islative Board at quadrennial meetings on February 21. Brother Newman is a member of BLET Division 57 in Boston and he joined the BLE on August 1, 1984. Dan Lauzon, Division 57 (Boston), was elected by acclamation to continue as 1st Vice Chairman; A.J. Murphy, Division 57 (Boston) was elected by accla- mation as 2nd Vice Chairman; Joey DeBartolomao, Division 112 (Greenfield, Mass.), was elected by ac- clamation as Secretary-Treasurer; Steve King, Divi- sion 312 (Boston), was elected by acclamation as Al- ternate Secretary-Treasurer; and Tom Hebert, Divi- sion 439 (Allston, Mass.), was elected by acclama- tion as Alternate Second Vice Chairman. Brother Walter J. Nutter, long time Secretary- Treasurer of the Board, declined to be nominated again as he is planning to retire before the current four-year term expires. Brother Nutter, a member of BLET Division 57 (Boston), has served the Board as an Alternate S-T and S-T since its inception in 1991. From left: John Tolman, BLET Vice President & National Legislative Representative; George Newman, Massachusetts SLB The delegates enjoyed informative presentations Chairman; Harry Hoglander, Labor Member, National Mediation Board; Dan Lauzon, Massachusetts SLB 1st Vice Chairman; from a number of distinguished speakers. and Tom Pontolillo, BLET Director of Regulatory Affairs. U.S. Congressman John Tierney (D-MA, Sixth District) spoke about the challenges labor faces on and shoving moves. He told the delegates that there Board (NMB), addressed delegates for nearly an hour. Capitol Hill and the importance of the upcoming elec- are some issues with the new regulations that are He explained why the legislative process is so impor- tions. He said it is important to elect a labor-friendly under appeal, both by labor and the carriers, so the tant, particularly the accessibility it provides. He also candidate because the President makes so many de- regulation is not in final form yet. He said parts of talked about the under-funding at NMB and the re- cisions that impact labor. As an example, he said the the regulation are to become effective July 2008. sulting case backlog. He discussed the Amtrak nego- next President will be able to appoint labor-friendly Les Fiorenzo, FRA Deputy Regional Administra- tiations and how they dragged on for eight years, judges to the U.S. Supreme Court. tor, Region 1, also spoke briefly regarding the new largely due to Amtrak’s funding problems. John Tolman, BLET Vice President and National regulation. He emphasized that while railroad em- Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Bobby Haynes Legislative Representative, stressed the importance ployees may be fined individually by FRA for viola- addressed the delegates. Although the BLET is no of the BLET PAC fund and the upcoming Presiden- tions, such fines will only occur if the employee made longer affiliated with the AFL-CIO at the national tial elections in his address to the delegates. a “willful” violation. level, the Mass. State Legislative Board has an agree- Tom Pontolillo, the BLET’s Director of Regula- Robert Naumes, BLET Designated Legal Coun- ment with the AFL-CIO State Federation to cooper- tory Affairs, also addressed the delegates and gave a sel (DLC), spoke about the advantages to railroad ate whenever possible. Brother Newman is a Vice detailed overview of new Federal Railroad Adminis- workers using the DLC. President with that State Fed and specializing on tration (FRA) regulations regarding switches, derails Harry Hoglander, Chairman, National Mediation transportation issues. • Todd reelected by acclamation in La.
Brother Arlin S. Todd was reelected by acclama- Tolman; BLET Auxiliary National President Becky tion to the office of Chairman of the Louisiana State Schneider; Arkansas State Legislative Board Chair- Legislative Board at quadrennial meetings in Shreve- man Terry Todd; and Texas State Legislative Board port, La., on February 27. Chairman Terry Briggs. Guest speakers included: Brother Todd is a member of BLET Division 914 Roosevelt Smally, President of the Shreveport/Bossier (Baton Rouge, LA) and joined the Brotherhood in May City AFL-CIO; and Tari Bradford, liaison for U.S. of1974. This is his second term as Chairman of the Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. Louisiana State Legislative Board. Representatives of BLET Designated Legal Coun- Also elected were: 1st Vice Chairman Joe sel attended the meeting, including: Robert M. Front row: Steve Hariu, La. SLB 2nd Vice Chairman; Joe Rinchuso, Division 219 (Shreveport, La.); 2nd Vice Tramuto of Jones and Granger; Tim Windsor and Rinchuso, La. SLB 1st Vice Chairman; Arlin Todd, La. State Chairman Steve Hariu, Division 636 (Lafayette, La.), Fred Weaver of Rathmann and O’Brien; B.J. May and Legislative Board Chairman; Jimmy Fuller, La. SLB Sec.- Secretary-Treasurer Jimmy Fuller, Division 765 (Mon- Clifton Starks for Hubbell, Peak, O’Neal, Napier and Treas.; and Steve Prator, La. SLB Alternate S-T. roe, La.); Alternate Secretary/-Treasurer Steve Leach. Middle row: Willie George; Terry Briggs, Texas SLB Prator, Jr., Division 599 (Shreveport, La.); and Chap- The Louisiana State Legislative Board encom- Chairman; and Marty Nichols, La. SLB Audit Committee lain David Stockinger, Division 426 (Baton Rouge, passes 13 BLET Divisions from six different railroads Chairman. La.). (CN, Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, Kansas City South- Back row: Wil McGilvray; John Tolman, BLET Vice President In attendance were: BLET National Vice Presi- ern, Amtrak and Mid-South) and represents approxi- and National Legislative Representative; Dave Stockinger, dent and National Legislative Representative John mately 950 active and retired members. • La. SLB Chaplain; and Terry Todd, Arkansas SLB Chairman. Div. 385 organizes fundraiser for 4-year-old son of BLET member Members of BLET Division 385 in and he is facing at least 10 more sur- According to Brother J.T. Falk, a Toledo, Ohio, are organizing a geries before he reaches maturity. member of Division 385 and co-orga- fundraiser to help a member with his “Without medical attention, Ty nizer of the event, Division 385 has cre- son’s mounting medical expenses. would face life threatening health is- ated a website for people to learn more J.E. Swoap of Division 385 and his sues,” said Tim DuBois of Division 385, about Ty and Treacher Collins Syn- wife Karlyn have four children, includ- who is helping to organize the drome, http://www.TySwoap.com. ing a 4 year-old-son named Ty. Ty suf- fundraiser. “Ty is a happy, compassion- Tickets for the fundraiser must be fers from Treacher Collins Syndrome, ate and determined child. He has over- purchased by April 4, and are available a condition that causes facial deformi- come many challenges in his four years through the TySwoap.com website. ties, breathing problems, hearing prob- of life.” Members who would like to help but lems, and a host of other related issues. To help the Swoap family, Division cannot attend the fundraiser can make In his four years, Ty has undergone 13 385 is organizing a fundraiser, “Ty’s donations through any Key Bank surgeries, including operations to open Magical Night of Hope.” The event will Branch to the Ty Swoap Benefit ac- breathing passages and jawbone recon- be held on April 12 at the D.C. Ranch in count. A flyer for the event is available struction — all related to the Treacher Perrysburg, Ohio, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for download at: Collins Syndrome. Many of Ty’s medi- Tickets to the fundraiser are $20 per http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/ cal needs aren’t covered by insurance, adult, $5 per child under age 12. TySwoapFlier.pdf • Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · March 2008 Page 5 BLET NEWS Register early for 70th annual EUMA in Huron, Ohio A welcome letter from 2008 EUMA Arrangements Chairman Rodney Cutlip
EUMA 2008 is fast approaching and Park, water parks, wineries, the Lake getting closer every day. The conven- Erie Islands, Maritime Museums and tion, July 6 through July 11, 2008, is go- quaint lakefront towns. Cedar Point is ing to be one of the premier events of known world wide as the Roller Coaster the year for BLET officers, members Capital of the World. Come and discover and their families. a world of personal service and hospi- This year’s EUMA is being held tality at the No. 1 convention center along the shores of Lake Erie in Huron, within a few hours drive or flight to the Ohio, at the Sawmill heart of the Mid- Creek Resort. The west. resort has 240 Thus far we have rooms and so far we trips planned for have booked 135 of Cedar Point, a To- those rooms — so they are going fast! ledo Mud Hens minor league baseball This resort features an 18 hole Tom game, a golf outing and a charter fish- Fazio championship golf course; char- ing trip for the outdoorsmen. We are ter fishing originating from its marina; currently in the process of planning Aerial view of Cedar Point. Image courtesy Cedar Point Amusement Park/Resort. restaurants; shops; indoor/outdoor other activities including a hayride for pools; exercise room; and tennis courts. kids and other kid activities based on We think the agenda of meetings and most diverse in recent years. It will Nearby is Cedar Point Amusement participation. and workshops will be one of the best feature for the first time, in the Local Chairman’s workshop, arbitration from the inception at the local chairman’s level up to and including arbitration at the General Committee level. For the EUMA 2008 Registration Form first time ever, we are having a Post Traumatic Stress workshop and a Sig- 70th annual EUMA • July 6-11, 2008 nal Tapes workshop. Other workshops include nuclear transport by rail, Fed- The Lodge at Sawmill Creek Resort • Huron, Ohio eral Railroad Administration, Division Hosted by BLET Division 385 in conjunction with Division 4 Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer and Legislative. HOTEL RESERVATIONS We hope to see you and your fami- Chairman Rodney Cutlip and Co-Chairman Timothy DuBois report that reservations for The Lodge at Sawmill Creek lies at this year’s EUMA 2008 and thank can be made by calling (800) SAWMILL or by visiting www.EUMA2008.com, which will have a link to The Lodge’s website. you for letting me serve you as this year’s Chairman. Please visit REGISTRATION INFORMATION euma2008.com to make your reserva- tions and register for the convention. Name: Also this year those that want to pay online can with our pay pal account. Address: See you at the Roller Coaster Capi- tal of the World! City: State: Zip Code: Sincerely, Rodney Cutlip Division: BLET Title: E-mail: EUMA 2008 Arrangements Chairman Home Phone: Cell Phone: www.EUMA2008.com I plan to attend the following workshops: Signal Diagnostics Secretary-Treasurer Local Chairman & Arbitration Post Traumatic Stress Nuclear Legislative Rep President Signal Tapes Department of Labor Federal Railroad Administration
Register before May 1 and you will be entered into a drawing to win a Sawmill Creek 5 night stay!!! We will also be giving someone a 4-some and 18 holes of golf, including a golf cart!!!
Registration* Attendees Price Total (Includes breakfast Mon.-Fri.; Sunday welcome reception; Monday poolside BBQ; and Lunch Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) Registration by May 1, 2008: ...... $75.00/person @ $120.00 = $ Registration after May 1, 2008: ...... $85.00/person @ $100.00 = $ Registration for children ages 4-11 by May 1, 2008:...... $75.00/person @ $ 67.00 = $ Registration for children after ages 4-11 May 1, 2008: ...... $85.00/person @ $ 77.00 = $ Golf (18 holes, cart & lunch):...... $15.00/person @ $ 80.00 = $ Thursday banquet:...... $20.00/person @ $ 30.00 = $
Total Amount Enclosed:...... $ * — Registration for the 2008 EUMA is limited to the first 250 who register!
Please mail this form, along with check or money order payable to “EUMA 2008” to: EUMA guests who visit Cedar Point will be EUMA 2008, P.O. Box 13178, Toledo, OH 43613 able to enjoy a ride on the famous Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad. This 2-4-0 coal For additional information: Contact EUMA Arrangements Chairman Rodney Cutlip, (419) 215-9683 or fired steam locomotive, nicknamed Myron Co-Chairman Timothy DuBois, (419) 250-1848, or visit www.EUMA2008.com. H., was originally built in 1922 by the Vulcan Anyone needing transportation to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport... please let us know!!! Iron Works in Wilkes Barre, Pa. Myron H. is lead locomotive today for all operations at There is a CEDAR POINT trip on Wednesday... more details to come. Cedar Point. Image courtesy Cedar Point Also, a FISHING CHARTER and much more activities for you and your family are currently in the planning stages!!! Amusement Park/Resort. Page 6 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · March 2008 BLET NEWS A message from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa
The last time voters had a chance George Bush and the Republican Party Senator Obama and a pro-worker, pro- to send the country in a new direction for the past eight years. cloture Senate, we will win EFCA for it didn’t work out so well. With the We have had the opportunity to talk America’s workers. economy in shambles, a continuing jobs candidly with Sen. Obama on several Senator Obama also understands exodus and a president who remains occasions about the many needs of that America needs fair trade policies shamelessly ignorant to the woes of working Americans. To that end, Sena- that will create a level playing field with working families, George Bush led us tor Obama agrees with a core group of our trading partners. He understands down the wrong fork in the path. legislative goals that are essential to that the corporate race to the bottom The 2008 presidential election is our our union and to the well-being of our has had a devastating impact on our opportunity to choose a new direction, country’s workforce. economy and our communities. Sena- a new path. The Employee Free Choice Act is tor Obama also understands that the Barack Obama is the one candidate true labor law reform that will protect trade policies of the Bush administra- who is best suited to lead our country the rights of workers and strengthen tion have done nothing to raise the in such a direction. their ability to join a union and negoti- standards of workers globally. We will After polling our membership and sur- ate a first contract. Enacting this leg- work together to achieve a better bal- veying our regional and local leaders, islation is a top priority of Senator ance—to keep good jobs in America the 1.4 million member Teamsters Obama—he even co-sponsored the leg- and to raise wages, establish benefits Union is proud to endorse Senator islation in the Senate. Seventy percent and improve working conditions for Obama in his bid to become president of Americans would join a union if given workers abroad. of the United States. a fair chance to do so—a level playing He understands what real people ture and will make appointments that This endorsement begins a part- field. The Employee Free Choice Act are going through. He will fight for an make sense — people who will protect nership to change America. Together, does just that. It gives workers the op- improved health care system, retire- workers. In his administration, Sena- we will reinvent the political process portunity to join together and form a ment security and good jobs. He will tor Obama will ensure our toys and food and fight to give a voice to working union without employer intimidation, join us in our commitment to rebuild are safe, that the Environmental Pro- families who have been ignored by threats or retaliation. Together with our nation’s transportation infrastruc- tection Agency actually protects the environment, enforce worker safety laws and wage and hour laws. The Teamsters Union has been very fortunate during this election season as SMA 2008 Registration Form every candidate has been a friend of working families. Unlike recent elec- 81st annual Southeastern Meeting Association tions, much of the debate has centered Montgomery, Ala. • June 15-20, 2008 on the challenges working-class Ameri- cans face and the solutions to those challenges. HOTEL RESERVATIONS It is a debate worth having and it is Visit www.HiltonFamily.com/grouppage to make your reservations, or you can call 1-800 EMBASSY or (334) 269-5055. a battle that requires the resources of Be sure to use group code “SMA” to get the discounted room rate of $119 per night. Cut off date is June 1, 2008. our entire nation. Let’s join together and change the REGISTRATION INFORMATION direction of our great nation. Let’s Regular registration (prior to April 30, 2008) is $80.00 per person. There is an additional $20 charge for SMA dues, choose the alternate path. Let’s elect which all BLET members must pay in addition to the $80 registration fee. Reservations made after April 30, 2008, will be charged an Barack Obama! additional $20.00 per person. Due to the nature of the events planned, an early head count is required.
Name:
Address: James P. Hoffa General President City: State: Zip:
Division: BLET Officer/Title: E-mail Address: Home Phone: Cell Phone: UnitedHealthcare Spouse’s Name: BLET Auxiliary Title & Auxiliary No.: announces changes If you are interested in any of the following activities, please indicate the number attending so we know how many plan to participate (additional fee may apply): GA-23111 1. Golf on your own, $55 green fee & cart (June 15) 6. Old Alabama tour, historic downtown tour, lunch (June 18) Continued from Page 7 2. Victory Land dog race track (June 16) 7. Montgomery Biscuits baseball game and dinner (June 18) 3. Kids Night (June 16) 8. Ladies shopping trip and lunch (June 19) cost associated with the new plans. 4. Ladies High Tea Luncheon (June 17) 9. Banquet (June 19) 5. Golf Tournament (June 18) 10. DLC Legal Fair (June 17) Obtaining Additional Information on Plans A, B, and C Please indicate which of the following workshops you would like to attend (all are on June 17): If you are interested in enrolling 1. Local Chairman 2. Sec.-Treas. 3. Legislative Rep 4. Legal Affairs under any of the new benefit plans, please contact UnitedHealthcare at There will be baby sitters available by request. Check here if you will need a 800-842-5252. One of United baby sitter, and then list for which events. The rate for the sitter is $6 per hour. Healthcare’s customer care profession- als will provide you with the following: • Additional information and an enroll- REGISTRATION FEES ment form • Regular Registration fee (prior April 30, 2008): $80.00 (All attendees 13 or older must pay the activity fee) • Certificate of Coverage (this docu- • SMA Dues: $20.00 (All BLET members must pay SMA dues) • Golf Tournament: $60.00 per person ment describes each benefit plan in • A additional fee of $20.00 per person will be charged for late registrations!!!! detail) • Answers to any other questions you Please mail this form, along with check or money order payable to “2008 SMA” to: may have. 2008 SMA, c/o Jason Popwell, SMA Chairman A color chart specifying details of 2856 Hwy. 143, Deatsville, AL 36022 the services provided by these new For more details: Contact Brother Popwell at: (205) 755-8741 (home); (334) 391-5347 or email:
IN THE LINE OF DUTY Frederick C. Phelps Frederick C. Phelps, a member of the Broth- mittee of Adjustment. His arbitration case was just Gutierrez of Alamogordo, N.M.; two grandchil- erhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, heard a few weeks ago, according to Paul Aird, Leg- dren and several nieces and nephews. was killed in the line of duty on March 5 as he islative Representative of BLET Division 173 (Fond He was also an attendant of Whiting United was crushed between two railroad cars while du Lac, Wisc.). Methodist Church. He enjoyed model trains and making a delivery. Brother Phelps entered into the United States taking care of his fish and aquarium. Brother Phelps, 55, died about 9:20 p.m. on Navy in 1972 and was honorably discharged in 1976. The Federal Railroad Administration is in- March 5 at Lakeside Foods Co. according to the He worked on his family farm for many years until vestigating the incident, according to spokesman Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department. Emer- he entered into the Peace Corps where he taught ag- Warren Flatau, who said the office investigates gency medical personnel pronounced him dead riculture in Honduras from 1984 until 1989. He mar- all deaths of on-duty employees. The investiga- three minutes after a 911 call was placed, accord- ried Sara E. Puerto Flores on March 1, 1996 in Hon- tion began on March 6 and is expected to last ing to the Fond du Lac Reporter newspaper. duras. several months, he said. Phelps, an employee of the Wisconsin & He is survived by his wife Sara; two sons Jeffrey Milwaukee-based Wisconsin & Southern op- Southern Railroad, belonged to BLET Division J. Phelps and F. Quincy Phelps of Whiting, Ind.; three erates 700 miles of track throughout south-cen- 184 in Schiller Park, Wisc. Prior to working at daughters Millicent C. Phelps and Jennifer M. Phelps tral Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. the Wisconsin & Southern, Brother Phelps was a both of Whiting, Ind. and Cresent V. Harris of Jack- Donations may be made in Frederick’s conductor for the CN/Wisconsin Central. He was sonville, Fla.; his mother Alice H. Phelps and her com- memory to the Whiting United Methodist Church dismissed by the CN, but maintained his BLET panion Donald Backus of Gouverneur, N.Y.; two sis- at 1920 Clark St., Whiting, Ind. 46394. membership and he continued to receive repre- ters Melinda K. Virnig and her companion Thomas (Some information in this obituary from the sentation from the BLET’s CN/WC General Com- Ritchie of Harrisville, N.Y. and Teresa Y. and Maurice Fond du Lac Reporter.) •
UnitedHealthcare announces open enrollment, new plans under GA 23-111
In mid-March, UnitedHealthcare select effective June 1, 2008. After this • Outpatient rehabilitation services • Plan B - $325 announced that for the upcoming open 2008 enrollment period, the next open • Durable medical equipment • Plan C - $400 enrollment for 2008, three new benefit enrollment will be May 2010. (Note that plans are available under GA-23111. this 2008 expanded enrollment period While all of the benefits offered by Current Enrollees in GA-23111 Plans B These new benefit plans, called also applies to other Plans under GA- each plan are the same, they differ in or C Need to Take Action Plans A, B and C, provide new options 23111 such as Plan E and Plan F.) the following areas: Current Plans B and C will be re- with different costs and plan designs • Annual Deductible placed by these new options. If you are allowing individuals to select the plan Plan Design of Plans A, B, and C • Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum currently enrolled in Plans B or C, you best suited for their needs. Some of the services provided by • Percentage of Eligible Expenses Cov- need to select a new plan or the follow- These changes should be of par- these new plans are outlined below. ered ing will occur, effective June 1, 2008: ticular interest to former railroad em- Please review the accompanying chart • Monthly Cost • Current Plan B enrollees will au- ployees and their eligible dependents for more details (due to space limita- tomatically default to the new Plan A who are not yet eligible for Medicare. tions, the chart is reproduced on the You pay a separate monthly cost for • Current Plan C enrollees will au- BLET website — see link below). yourself and for your dependents. The tomatically default to the new Plan C Special Enrollment Period — April • Physician office visits and certain monthly cost for your dependents is Note: Any current enrollees in Plan and May 2008 medical services inclusive of all of your eligible depen- B or C who do not wish to continue their Due to the addition of these three • Discount savings program - Rx & dents (spouse, children under age 19, participation in one of the new plans new plans, a special two month open other health and wellness purchases students age 19 to 25, and incapaci- can contact the Customer Care Center enrollment period is being offered for • Inpatient hospital services tated children age 19 and over). at 800-842-5252 to cancel their enroll- this year only. The open enrollment • Inpatient & outpatient mental health The monthly cost for each of the ment, or simply not pay the required period will begin April 1st and run and substance abuse services new plans effective June 1, 2008 is: through May 31st with the coverage you • Surgical procedures • Plan A - $250 See GA 23-111, Page 6
pants will receive a small diary slept. It also asks participants Hours of Service in the mail where they will to rate how easy it was to fall Continued from Page 1 record their work and sleep asleep, how easy it was to get Locomotive Engineers & Conductors times and note how well they up, and how well they slept. It ing work/rest habits of railroad slept and how alert they feel also asks participants to in- Mutual Protective Association employees. each day. They will also be clude any naps they take. 535 Griswold • Suite 1210 • Detroit, MI 48226-3689 “At the FRA, we believe ef- asked to fill out a companion It also asks participants to (800) 514-0010 • (313) 962-1512 fective safety programs must background survey. Those who record how they are feeling FAX: (877) 633-1910 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • be based on facts,” Cothen complete and submit their dia- during the work day. How do WEB: www.lecmpa.org added. “By cataloging the ries and questionnaires to Fos- you feel when you report for work/rest histories of train and ter-Miller will receive a $75 gift work? Do you feel sleepy when engine service employees certificate as thanks for par- you finish your work? How across the nation, the BLET ticipating in the survey. long did you work? Was there and the UTU are helping to Mailing of the surveys to any limbo time or period of in- provide that critical data. No the members selected to par- terim release in addition to doubt this study will allow us ticipate will begin shortly after regular work? a greater understanding of the the change from standard time The overall purpose of the impact fatigue has among op- to daylight savings time on study is to develop a better erating crews and help point March 9th. Results from the understanding of work/rest the way for future fatigue re- completed study will be re- schedules and sleep patterns duction strategies.” ported to the BLET, the UTU, of train and engine service The independent study, and the FRA only as a whole, employees and to look at the sponsored by FRA and con- not individually. Foster-Miller relationship between these ducted by Foster-Miller, Inc. of will delete the names of all par- schedules and how alert or Waltham, MA, will ask about ticipants once the data has sleepy people are feeling. Job Protection Headquarters for Transportation Employees 800 union members country- been compiled and partici- Results of the survey will Since 1910 wide, who will be randomly pants have received their gift be published next year in the selected from both unions’ da- certificates. Locomotive Engineers and tabases, to fill out work/sleep The diary asks partici- Trainmen News. • diaries for two weeks. Partici- pants to record when they Page 8 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News · March 2008 BLET NEWS In Memoriam MARCH 2008 BLET Director of Research CALENDAR & EVENTS
APRIL 18... U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Informational Conferences, Minn. & Mich. Dennis C. Simmerman 1949-2008 The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will hold two free seminars on April 11; one in Eagan, Minn., and one in Romulus, Mich. Registration for both begins at 8 a.m. Program begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Dennis C. Simmerman, BLET’s Di- and ends at 12:30 p.m. The Eagan conference is at the Best Western Dakota Ridge, 3450 Washington rector of Research and Assistant to the Dr., I-35 E & Yankee Doodle Road. The Romulus conference is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 8000 Merriman President, passed away on March 7 af- Road. Per Railroad Retirement Board request, elected BLET officials only, please! ter a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; APRIL 24... U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Informational Conference, New York sons Andrew and Brett (Carissa); a At the Coral House, 70 Milburn Ave. Begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 12:30 p.m. grandson, Blake Charles; and many JUNE 15-19... 81st Annual Southeastern Meeting Association, Montgomery, Ala. more family members and friends. Chairman Jason Popwell of BLET Division 495 will host the 81st annual SMA at the Embassy Suites in “As Director of Research, Brother Montgomery, Ala. See Page 6 this issue for registration form and convention details. Simmerman played a major role in each and every round of national contract JULY 6-10... 70th Annual Eastern Union Meeting Association, Huron, Ohio negotiations since 1983,” said BLET Arrangements Chairman Rodney Cutlip is planning the 2008 EUMA at Sawmill Creek Resort, which is a National President Don Hahs. “He was 45-minute drive east of BLET National Division headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Be sure to visit an honest, humble and modest man, www.EUMA2008.com for information. Also, see Page 5 this issue for registration form. and his impact on the Brotherhood can- not be overstated. AUGUST 17-20... 68th International Western Convention, San Luis Obispo, Calif. “His knowledge of the Brotherhood Chairman Mike Galvani hosts the 2008 IWC at the Embassy Suites Hotel-San Luis Obispo. Details to and its complex collective bargaining come soon! agreements was unmatched. His work over the last 25 years has had a posi- SEPTEMBER 14-18... 73rd Southwestern Convention Meeting, St. Louis, Mo. tive impact on each and every member from August 1970 to February 1972, Chairman David Grimes and the members of Division 42 host the 2008 SWCM at the St. Louis Hilton at of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En- during which time he was a personal the Ballpark (One South Broadway, St. Louis, Mo.). More details to come! gineers and Trainmen, whether they aide to Major General Kenneth Bayer knew Dennis or not,” President Hahs at Colorado Springs, Colo. said. “Those who knew him cannot find He graduated from the University Advisory Board January Activity words to express our profound sense of Wisconsin at Superior in 1977 with of loss and sadness. He was a devoted a Bachelor of Science degree with ma- In accordance with the BLET Bylaws, summaries of BLET Advisory Board members’ activities are published monthly: husband, father and family man. He jors in pre-law and history. was a proud locomotive engineer and Brother Simmerman was born De- National President Don M. Hahs—National Division office: General supervision of BLET activities; General office duties; Na- a proud Brotherhood employee. tional Symposium on Peer Prevention Program-CSX, Jacksonville, Fla. cember 16, 1949 in Milwaukee, Wisc. He First Vice-President & Alternate President Edward W. Rodzwicz— Assisted President in general operation of National Division “My heart goes out to his widow Office; Various correspondence & phone calls; U.S.-Mexico cross border committee; Vacation & holidays. was a volunteer at a suburban Cleve- National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert—General supervision of BLET financial, record depts.; ND office; BLET Bobbie, and on behalf of the entire or- Education & Training Dept.; Internal Organizing, Mobilizing & Strategic Planning Dept.; Safety Task Force; Meetings with vendors land hospital where his wife Bobbie is and financial institutions; Standard Building operations oversight; Rail Conference policy mtg., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; LM-2 Filers ganization, I extend deepest sympa- Secretary-Treasurer workshop, University of Wisconsin, Champaign, Ill. the Director of Community Outreach. Vice-President Paul T. Sorrow—Assigned to CSX, NS and GTW general committees of adjustment; Assist CSX-Northern Lines at thies to the entire Simmerman family,” He had served as president of his mtg. w/ Division 937 and CSXT-Chicago Division officers; Assist Eastern Lines with various issues, including mtg. w/ Labor Rela- President Hahs said. tions; Assisted Western Lines with various issues, including but not limited to dispute resolution; Assisted Grand Trunk GCA with church council and enjoyed sailing, golf, issues as called upon by General Chairman; Work on PLB cases, correspondence, telephone calls; Vacation & holidays. Brother Simmerman, 58, began his Vice-President Richard K. Radek— ND Office; BLET Decertification Helpline services; Director of Arbitration Dept; National tennis, skiing and coaching. Railroad Adjustment Board (NRAB); Illinois Central; Wisconsin Central; Indiana Harbor Belt; METRA; Belt Rwy. of Chicago; Chi- railroad career in 1972 when he began cago Central & Pacific; Iowa, Chicago & Eastern; Tentative C.B.A. and agreed to Q&A’s, CN/WC, Schiller Park, Ill.; Various NRAB During his battle with cancer, arbitration, Chicago; Chicago Federation of Labor, re: State funding of transit, Metra, Chicago; DLC issues, grievances, mtgs. re: working as a fireman in Superior, Wisc., Brother Simmerman expressed many Progressing to arbitration, IHB, Chicago/Hammond, Ind.; Routine office duties, Cleveland; SBA 1157 arbitration, Union RR; Tentative agreement, CN/WC, Green Bay, Wisc.; Assistance, re: Under-employment and seniority issues, CN/WC, Green Bay; employed by the Soo Line Railroad. He times how fortunate he felt to have the NRAB pre-hearing case screenings, Chicago; Teleconference, NMB-Hoglander, re: Experimental expedited arbitration project; quickly earned promotion to locomotive Tour of classroom facilities for Local/General Chairmen training, Madison, Wisc. health care benefits that enabled him Vice-President Dale McPherson — CP Rail; Port. Term. RR; Longview Portland & Northern; Longview Switching Co.; Indiana RR; engineer in 1974. W&LE RR; Utah Railroad; UP Eastern Dist.; UP former CNW; DM&IR RR; Portland & Western RR; Great Western RR; Appalachian & to receive the treatments he needed. It Ohio RR; Public Law Boards 5604, 5681, 5721, 6040, 6281, 6449, 6558, 6589; SBA 585; UP work/rest projects; RSAC positive His interest in working for the wel- train control cmte.; National wage/rules; General office duties, correspondence, phone; Mtgs. w/ UP management and UP was his wish that an Indigent Care General Chairmen, Los Angeles and Tucson, Ariz.; Mtgs. w/ UP General Chairmen, re: Scope rule; Mtgs. w/ UP General Chair- fare of fellow railroad workers began Fund be set up through Southwest Gen- men, Edelstein Section 4 notice. in 1975 when he joined the Brotherhood Vice-President Merle W. Geiger Jr.— Assigned to: BLET Trainmen’s Department; Kansas City Southern; Gateway Western; eral Hospital, where he received care. Midsouth Rail; Southrail; Texas-Mexican Rwy.; Springfield Terminal, Delaware & Hudson; Indiana & Ohio RR; Louisville & Indiana as a member of Division 808 in Supe- RR; St. Lawrence & Atlantic RR; Indiana Southern RR; Montreal, Maine and Atlantic RR; Contract mtgs. w/ GC Twombly and MMA, The fund has the potential to give end- Bangor, Maine; Contract mtgs. w/ GC Pabst and I&O, Cincinnati, Ohio; Mtgs. w/ GC Parker and KCS, Kansas City, Mo.; Mtgs. w/ rior, Wisc. He immediately became an GC Parker and Division 527, Kansas City and Pittsburg, Kan.; Holiday; Research, correspondence and general office duties. of-life care to those who do not have the Vice-President Stephen D. Speagle—Assigned to Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Montana Rail Link, Pacific Harbor Line, Mis- active member and was soon elected to souri & Northern Arkansas (M&NA), National Wage/Rule Committee; Wabash Hospital mtg.; Division 75 Christmas dinner, ability to pay for it. Donations in the Kansas City; Wabash luncheon, mtg., Decatur; ETMS train ride, Fort Worth, Texas; Travel; Vacation & holidays. local chairman. In 1977, he was elected name of Dennis Simmerman can be Vice-President E.L. “Lee” Pruitt — Assisted general chairmen & members of: UP-Western Lines; UP-Western Region; UP-Central General Chairman of the Soo Line Gen- Region; UP-Southern Region; UP-Tacoma Belt; Assisting GC Rightnowar, NY Dock negotiations, UPCR; Assisting GC Gore, ebb & made to the Southwest Hospice Indi- flow negotiations, UPSR; Assisting GC Hannah, marking rest dispute, UPWL; Assisting GC Hannah & LC Loudermilk, Division 126 eral Committee of Adjustment, where meeting, UPWL; Office work, paper work, filing and calls; Vacation & holidays. gent Care Fund, 18659 Drake Rd., Vice-President & National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman — Assigned to BLET Washington, D.C. office; BLET he served until he was appointed in Security Officer; General office duties, telephone, correspondence; Coordinate content of NLO website; Continued coordination Strongsville 44136. w/ IBT Government Affairs Dept.; Coordinated PAC contributions; Teamsters’ state lobbyist conference call; Mtg. w/ NS Divisions, 1981 to the BLET’s National Office, as Cards and other expressions of Toledo, Ohio; Interviews for Office Administrator position; Mtgs. w/ various members of congress, including Rahm Emanuel (D- IL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Jean Schmidt (R-OH), Candice Miller (R-MI), Wayne Gilchrest(R-MD), Howard Coble (R-NC), Robin assistant to the Director of Research. sympathy may be sent to the Hayes (R-NC), Charles Dent (R-PA), Tim Johnson (R-IL) and Jim Gerlach (R-PA); Mtg. w/ Senate Commerce Committee staff to He served the Brotherhood as Di- discuss S. 1889; Various fundraisers. Simmerman family at: 20220 Colleen Vice-President Marcus J. Ruef — Assigned to Amtrak Long Island Railroad; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; rector of Research since Jan. 1, 1983, New Jersey Transit; Port Authority Trans Hudson; Norfolk Southern (Northern Lines/W&LE); Norfolk Southern (Eastern Lines); Court, Strongsville, OH 44149. • Norfolk Southern (Southern Lines); Union Railroad (URR); Allegheny Ludlum Steel Co.; and Birmingham Southern; Draft discipline and was appointed to that post by then- letter for Div. 79, NS-E; Prep for PLB 1157, URR; Assist GC Martin, re: Seniority, NYS&W; Prep. and hearing for SBA 1063, NS-N, Norfolk, Va.; Draft submissions for SBA 1063, NS-N; Prepare dissent to PLB 7068, NS-S; Prep. SBA 1157, URR; Research, BLE President John F. Sytsma. While paperwork, correspondence, phone calls; Research deadheading issue, minor discipline cases, resolve referee travel problem continuing to serve as Director of Re- with NMB. search, Brother Simmerman won elec- tion to the office of Alternate General LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND TRAINMEN NEWS Secretary-Treasurer in in 1991 and in PERIODICALS 1996. In 1986, he was elected to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen POSTAGE position of Fourth Alternate Vice Presi- A Division of the Rail Conference, International Brotherhood of Teamsters PAID AT dent, eventually moving up the ranks CLEVELAND, OH to First Alternate Vice President. BLET Publications Committee: Don M. Hahs, National President In his work as Director of Research, Edward W. Rodzwicz, First Vice-President & Alternate President William C. Walpert, National Secretary-Treasurer Brother Simmerman was a member of John P. Tolman, Vice-President & National Legislative Rep. John V. Bentley Jr., Editor all BLET National Wage/Rule Commit- www.ble-t.org • (216) 241-2630 tees since 1983 and played a vital role COPYRIGHT 2008, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED in formulating contract issues and ne- VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 3 • March 2008 gotiating strategies. He also served on LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & TRAINMEN NEWS (ISSN 0898-8625) is published monthly by the the Labor Research Advisory Commit- Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, tee for the U.S. Department of Labor. 1370 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. Prior to his railroad career, Brother POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Simmerman served in the U.S. Army Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen News — BLET Records Department, 1370 Ontario Street, Mezzanine Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. 0308