From: dh268@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (John H. Horvath) To: dh268@cleveland.freenet.edu Subject: UTU News OnLine Edition, April 1995 Date: Fri, 31 Mar
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UTU NEWS
ONLINE EDITION
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APRIL 1995
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-----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
A Service of the United Transportation Union
Public Relations Department
G. Thomas DuBose
International President
---
Charles L. Little
International General Secretary & Treasurer
Editorial Offices:
UTU News
14600 Detroit Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250
The following may be re-posted in electronic form, in part or in whole, to any network or computer system worldwide, or distributed via disk, provided proper credit is included and no alteration of text occurs other than for formatting purposes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS --The UTU News On-Line Edition takes advantage of the search-and-find features in your editor or word processor. For example, to read about the UTU's fight against black-box-controlled engines ("UTU battles remote-controlled locomotives"), have your editor or word processor search for the text ##H.
IN THIS EDITION --UTU calls for wage, rule mediation..............##A --Crew consist removed from negotiations.......##B --Accidents claim members' lives..................##C --FRA in limbo over time ruling................##D --Ballots being counted on FEC....................##E --Labor urges removal of RRB's Bower...........##F --Draft legislation cuts rail labor protection....##G
ON THE MOVE --UTU battles remote-controlled locomotives....##H --Ohio PUC report condemns remote engines.........##I --C&NW committees merge........................##J --UTU wins vote; bus drivers polled...............##K --Worker lauds UTU representation..............##L --Louise Riley heads UTU Ladies Auxiliary.........##M
BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT --"A bit of this, a bit of that" ..............##N
Editorial by Gertraud K. Weber
Vice President and Director, Bus Dept.
--Albuquerque Transit contract okayed.............##O --El Metro workers approve pact.................##P
FEATURES --Diesel fumes reported cancerous.................##Q --Durand, Mich., marks Railroad Days............##R --Indiana Leg. Bd. completes training.............##S --The Travelers, MetLife merge..................##T --Pa. museum to open Railroaders' Hall............##U --Pint brings pink slip.........................##V
BRIEFLY --L.A. Red Line subway tunneling begins...........##W --College offers railroading degrees............##X --Class I rail employment rises...................##Y --LIRR buys more double-deckers.................##Z --Illinois Central to purchase 20 new SD70s......##AA --Fuel program saves UP $44 million.............##BB
NOTICES --Travelers notes enrollment, benefit changes....##CC --Open enrollment for furloughed, retired.......##DD --Amtrak slates public forums....................##EE --UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting info...............##FF --FRA decisions posted online....................##GG --UTUIA offers Disability Income Plan...........##HH
IN THIS EDITION
--UTU calls for wage, rule mediation..............##A
The UTU and the railroads have asked the National Mediation Board to mediate and assist in ongoing national negotiations over wages, rules and other matters.
"This will help accelerate the bargaining process and avoid prolonged and frustrating talks that, in the past, have dragged on for months or years," UTU Assistant President L.W. Swert, head of the UTU's Negotiating Committee, said.
Both Swert and NCCC officials agreed that outside help will be beneficial in moving the dispute along.
Mediators Sam J. Cognata and Joe E. Anderson have been named by the NMB to oversee the dispute.
The Transportation Communications Union and several units of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees representing workers on CSX also have filed requests for mediation.
--Crew consist removed from negotiations.......##B
The National Carriers' Conference Committee has agreed to remove the crew consist issue from national negotiations.
A letter to UTU Assistant President L.W. Swert, head of the UTU's Negotiating Committee, from Robert F. Allen, chairman of the National Railway Labor Conference, read as follows:
"This will confirm the National Carriers' Conference Committee's resolution regarding crew consist issues that was communicated to you in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 8, 1995.
"We are prepared to set aside, for the purposes of all further handling during negotiations, any proposals relating to crew consist.
"We also will honor any letter and/or agreement reached by a carrier party to these negotiations which was made subsequent to P.E.B. 219 and which limits the right of such carrier to raise crew consist issues before various tribunals, including Presidential Emergency Boards.
"The NCCC represents over thirty (30) railroads in these proceedings. Clearly, some of these railroads have no written understanding that bars their pursuing this issue to a P.E.B."
The crew consist issue had been one of the 10 items the carriers said demanded priority handling.
"Removal of the crew consist issue from the negotiating table was essential to any real progression of the Section 6 notices," International President G. Thomas DuBose said.
--Accidents claim members' lives..................##C
Switching accidents have claimed the lives of two UTU members.
Harry Valentine, Jr., a Conrail worker and member of Local 0601 at Crestline, Ohio, was working as the conductor of a three-man crew switching cars at a chemical plant near Mt. Gilead, Ohio, when he was killed. He was 48 years old.
Ronnie Cowart, a Norfolk Southern employee and member of Local 0793 at Columbia, S.C., was killed in an accident at a rail yard near Aiken, S.C. He was 46. He is survived by a wife and three children.
The UTU also has learned of the heart-attack death of Steve Pence, who was secretary of CSX/B&O general committee GO049. Pence was 42 years old, and he leaves a wife and two children.
--FRA in limbo over time ruling................##D
The Federal Railroad Administration has reversed its policy on how to treat the time a train crew spends waiting for deadhead transportation and traveling to the final off-duty point.
Until recently, the FRA considered such time as on- duty time. The agency was following a 1992 decision by the 9th Circuit Court that said such time was to be considered time on duty.
Now the agency says such time won't be counted as time on or off duty. The reversal follows a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision affirming such an interpretation.
"We still believe that time spent waiting on and protecting equipment should be considered time on duty," International President G. Thomas DuBose said. "We intend to ask the Supreme Court to rule on the conflicting lower court rulings."
--Ballots being counted on FEC....................##E
The final chapter is being written in one of the longest-running battles in rail labor history.
After more than a year of bargaining, and more than 25 years of animosity, ballots are out for ratification on the Florida East Coast Railway, the only Class I carrier in the nation without substantial UTU representation.
The FEC battle began back in 1962, when the carrier hired strikebreakers to provoke violence and break the union. Organized workers kept up the strike until 1970, but the FEC somehow managed to operate with non-union employees.
Those employees finally had enough of management by intimidation and unsafe working conditions, and in July 1993 enough workers signed cards to call for a representation election, which the union won handily.
After lengthy negotiations, UTU negotiators have been able to reach a tentative pact with the carrier, and ballots on that agreement were to be counted March 28, after this issue of UTU News had gone to press. More than 180 conductors, engineers, trainmen, yardmen and yardmasters were eligible to vote.
The agreement calls for improvements in wages and working conditions, meal periods, grievance handling, holidays, vacations, health and welfare, and other items.
International President G. Thomas DuBose praised the hard work done by the UTU negotiating team, consisting of CSX General Chairperson Mitchell W. Currie, Vice General Chairperson John Hancock, Vice President Al Smith, and local chairpersons J.J. Maccarelli, Joe Kight and Bill Easterling.
--Labor urges removal of RRB's Bower...........##F
UTU International President G. Thomas DuBose and others are urging President Clinton to remove Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Chairman Glen Bower from his position.
In a letter to Clinton reminding the President of his administration's commitment to all railroad workers, DuBose joined with a dozen other labor chiefs in blasting Bower for recommending abolition of the rail retirement system.
Along with RRB Management Member Jerome Keever, Bower recently issued a report in connection with the National Performance Review (NPR) recommending that all RRB functions be transferred to federal and state agencies or private entities.
In their letter to Clinton, DuBose and others noted that Bower's recent position "completely contradicts the administration's position reached last year in the final NPR Status Report respecting Railroad Retirement."
"We can only advise, as 1996 approaches, that his antics are doing incalculable harm to your administration. We urge in the strongest possible terms that you take steps to stop Chairman Bower from sabotaging your administration and attempting to restore his party to control of the White House," the letter said.
--Draft legislation cuts rail labor protection....##G
The UTU is hard at work trying to derail a legislatve proposal that would sharply curtail government-mandated severance pay for Amtrak workers who lose their jobs because of route cuts or other consolidations.
The proposal is included in draft legislation to restructure Amtrak. The bill reportedly also would gradually scale back Amtrak's $1 billion subsidy to $500 million over about five years, with privatization of the passenger carrier the ultimate aim.
The bill is proposing to cut from six years to six months the amount of severance compensation an Amtrak worker is eligible to receive when intercity passenger service is cut back or eliminated. It also would make other changes that would allow Amtrak to contract out more of its work to nonunion workers.
If Congress scales back such protections for Amtrak workers, employees of freight carriers also could be adversely affected. Legislation enacted in 1976 states that the standard for severance payments on all railroads shall be no less than Amtrak's. If Amtrak's job protections are slashed, the carriers will demand that their protective conditions be lowered and many freight-carrier employees could be left virtually unprotected if line sales, abandonments or consolidations take place.
The draft bill also provides that Amtrak could require an employee whose position is eliminated as a result of cutbacks to transfer to any vacant position for which he or she is qualified. If that requires a change in residence, the employee could choose to transfer or voluntarily furlough himself and receive benefits for no more than six months.
"The issues dealing with labor are disappointing. Besides the obvious problems with labor protection and contracting out, the flow-back rights between Amtrak and Conrail concern us," National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer said. He said the freight railroad wants to cut off the option of many current Amtrak workers to "flow back" to work for their former employer, Conrail, in a freight capacity. "This amounts to taking of someone's rights for no just cause."
ON THE MOVE
--UTU battles remote-controlled locomotives....##H
In recent hearings in Washington, D.C., UTU representatives again made it clear that the union strongly opposes the introduction of technology that would allow locomotives to be operated by remote control.
"It's unsafe as hell," Donald Dunlevy, Pennsylvania state legislative director, bluntly stated at a Federal Railroad Administration hearing.
That opinion was seconded by Dennis Schuler, general chairperson on the River Terminal Railway, who told of how he was injured by a remotely controlled engine.
The FRA held hearings in advance of possible regulations which would allow limited use of remote locomotives nationwide. UTU was the only labor organization that showed up to oppose the technology.
Dunlevy challenged the concept on a number of fronts. The basic message, however, was that the use of a remote-control box substantially increased the likelihood of an accident. "The key factor is not the sophistication of the equipment but rather the ability of the operator to effectively and safely operate it while diverting part of his attention to other duties," Dunlevy said.
"The distractions caused by rain, snow, wind, etc., while walking on muddy, icy or otherwise slippery and uneven surfaces are intrusions on the concentration demanded by the safe operation of trains and locomotives.... Night operations add to the difficulties and further require the use and handling of a lantern in addition to a radio, switch lists and the remote control unit.
"Further add the diversion of the operator's attention to considering what the proper switching operations should be and then encumber the operator with bulky gloves and other clothing necessary to afford some protection from the winter weather or rain. Just the wearing of heavy gloves or mittens in foul weather greatly increases the opportunity that the wrong button or switch on the transmitter will be accidentally touched and engaged."
Dunlevy said the use of remote engines probably violates a number of federal and state statutes, and common sense. "The casual approach to which FRA has given this most important and far-reaching matter is disturbing at least and represents an overall abdication of its responsibilities in the matter of railroad safety," Dunlevy said.
--Ohio PUC report condemns remote engines.........##I
In response to complaints by the UTU's Ohio Legislative Board and many UTU members in the state, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission has issued a report condemning remotely controlled locomotives as unreliable, unpredictable and dangerous to workers and the public.
"It is the opinion of the inspectors that a person operating a locomotiv from other than the engineer's position in the cab has limited overall vision at road crossings and the general switching area he may be servicing. An operator's range of vision from the locomotive platforms or the ground does not equal that of the engineer's position in the cab," the report said.
"In addition, the access to locomotive controls is not the same and remote-controlled locomotives over public crossings create a more hazardous condition to the traveling public and the railroad employees as well," the report concluded.
--C&NW committees merge........................##J
Two Chicago & North Western Railroad general committees have merged.
The action was in response to the call by International President G. Thomas DuBose for the voluntary unification of general committees. Unified general committees better serve the membership and keep dues down, agreed David R. Haack, general chairperson of the merged committee.
"It was the proper time to do it," said David Paray, vice general chairperson of the merged general committee, whose 30-member engine service general committee, based in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, merged with the 1,300-member general committee of Haack, which is based in Wauwatosa, Wis.
"I commend Brothers Haack and Paray for their efforts and sense of foresight," President DuBose said. "The streamlining of the UTU has been and continues to be one of my primary goals, and these types of voluntary general committee unifications contribute to those goals."
--UTU wins vote; bus drivers polled...............##K
The UTU has been selected as bargaining representative for more than 30 workers at Kasgro Rail Corp. in New Castle, Pa. Kasgro builds and repairs specialty rail cars.
International President G. Thomas DuBose praised the work done by Local 1374 (CSX/B&O) Local Chairperson Sam Marino and Kasgro employee Bill Baker in winning the representation election.
More than 100 school bus drivers employed by Durham Transportation Co. in San Francisco, Cal., voted late last month on UTU representation. Results of the vote were not available at UTU News presstime. DuBose commended Alternate Vice President, Bus-West Seymour Kramer for his work in organizing the election.
--Worker lauds UTU representation..............##L
The following letter was received by UTU International President G. Thomas DuBose. It was written by engineer and conductor Bill Wood, who is leading efforts to win a UTU contract with the Central of Indiana.
"I am writing in regards to the organizing of the Central Railroad of Indiana. I am quick to complain when a person or organization does a bad job, so I believe it is only fair to comment on a job well done.
"I am a former Conrail conductor out of Local 0440, Sharonville, Ohio. When Conrail sold 100 miles of railroad to the CofI, I was forced to take a job with this same shortline in order to keep working. The total lack of a safe workplace, poor wages, benefits, and labor policies literally forced me to contact the UTU for help. That help was quick in coming from Organizing Coordinator Jake Halleron.
"We are a small shortline with less than 60 employees, but Mr. Halleron treated us as if we had 5,000 employees. He is always available to talk with us, nights, weekends, or holidays. Mr. Halleron is very honest in his dealings with us or the company. He has done a very good job for us.
"Our vote came in April of last year. Despite all the empty promises and dirty tricks of our company management, the conductors and engineers voted UTU as our representative. The other departments that voted Tno' were rewarded for their misguided faith in the company when the railroad terminated ten non-union employees with no regard to seniority or job performance. The company has stated they will use temporary TManpower' people if they need help this summer in these non-union departments.
"After the vote Vice President Cliff Bryant was appointed to negotiate our contract. Shortly thereafter the carrier brought false charges of speeding against me over a derailment in which I was the engineer. Cliff Bryant flew to Kokomo, Ind., in the middle of the night on a few hours notice to represent my conductor and myself. Mr. Bryant made fools of the carrier officials and a joke of their kangaroo court. All charges were dismissed.
"In my 20 years of railroading with Penn Central, Houston Belt and Terminal, Missouri Pacific and Conrail, I've heard many complaints about the union. I can tell everyone for a fact that the United Transportation Union is the only way to go. Without a union you have nothing. Believe me, I've seen both sides.
"The smartest career choice I ever made was passing out TA' cards for the UTU and voting 'Union Yes!'
"Thanks to you, Mr. DuBose, and everyone in the United Transportation Union."
--Louise Riley heads UTU Ladies Auxiliary.........##M
There is a division of the UTU that has been around since 1889, has 369 lodges, more than 13,000 members and a heart of gold. It is the Ladies' Auxiliary.
"Our purpose is to unite the families of the UTU and promote their welfare-socially and intellectually," said Ladies' Auxiliary International President M. Louise Riley.
Riley recently was elected to the post of international president, having served as secretary and treasurer since 1975. Elected to the secretary/treasurer position was Edythe M. Walter.
Riley joined Willing Workers Lodge 16 in April 1963. She was elected delegate to the 1970 and 1975 UTULA conventions, and secretary/treasurer in 1975. Walter joined Minerva Lodge 793 in 1961 and served as delegate to four conventions. She was elected to the board of trustees in 1980 and became chairperson in 1982, winning re-election twice.
The Ladies' Auxiliary lodges organize bake sales and other fund-raising events to support the UTU's Transportation Political Education League (TPEL) and cancer research at the Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where the Ladies' Auxiliary is headquartered. They also do charitable work in their home communities and sponsor social events.
The group has published a cookbook to raise funds. President Riley reports that there are only about 300 copies remaining, and they may be purchased by sending only $5 to the address below.
The Ladies' Auxiliary also has available gold membership pins and gold charms for members who want to show pride in their affiliation. They are $4 each.
Riley also reports that she hopes to begin publishing a newsletter regularly for auxiliary members, and that the Ladies' Auxiliary will be proudly represented at each of the upcoming UTU regional meetings.
Anyone interested in purchasing a cookbook, charm or membership pin, or who needs more information about the wonderful work done by the UTU Ladies' Auxiliary, or a membership application, should contact Riley at 5151 Reed Rd., Ste. 213B, Columbus, OH 43220-2553, or call (614) 459-4443.
BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
--"A bit of this, a bit of that" ..............##N
Editorial by Gertraud K. Weber
Vice President and Director, Bus Dept.
Dear Bus Members:
Happy Easter! Easter vacation for the children spells the beginning of many charters and extra work for our bus operators and a busy schedule for the maintenance crews.
I am patiently waiting for some anecdotes from bus, trolley and rapid transit operators, as well as the maintenance crews. Come on now, as I remember it, life was not at all dull as an operator, be it school bus, line, charter, trolley or rapid transit rail line. It makes no difference. The ridership is a diverse one and this diversity can create some interesting situations. We will protect your privacy, in case anyone is concerned about that. LET ME HEAR FROM YOU!!!
The AFL-CIO's George Meany study course for bus general chairpersons is all set and everyone who will be attending has been notified and advised of the necessary details.
As mentioned in last month's column I spent some days in Laredo, Texas, trying to negotiate a contract. With the cuts in public funding the process was very painful.
While in Laredo, I learned to my astonishment that Mexico has imposed a $50 per-person per-day duty-free limit on imports. (The U.S. limit is $400,000.) This $50 limit has had a devastating effect on the border businesses. Does anyone still think NAFTA was such a great idea? Mexico indicated it would consider dropping this $50 limit before the bailout was completed, but announced after the bailout it needs the money and cannot drop the limit at this point. Truck traffic to Mexico has dropped to a trickle compared to the traffic before the devaluation of the peso, but the traffic into the United States is in full swing.
How about a quick look at the minimum wage debacle. In 1968 the minimum wage was $1.60 per hour and bought the same amount of goods that $6.81 buys today. But the minimum wage today isn't $6.81. It is only $4.25.
President Clinton wants to raise the minimum wage to $5.15. That would restore the minimum wage to the buying power it had in 1982.
Anyone working at minimum wage 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, will earn a grand total of $8,840 with no health insurance or pension or any other benefits. Who can pay for housing, transportation and health insurance from a weekly paycheck of $178 minus deductions like Social Security, state and local taxes, etc.?
In comparison, let's see what the U.S. Congress "survives" on: $129,000 salary, generous pension benefits, a $128,000 life insurance plan (50% paid by taxpayers), the best health insurance plan for themselves and their families, a free medical clinic, 20 cents per mile for driving to work, free prescriptions, free travel, free gasoline, free chauffeured limousines, free taxi service, free use of military aircraft, free use of military officers' clubs, free mailing privileges, free massage parlor and health spa, free golf memberships, free tennis memberships, free hunting privileges and many more items like cut-rate haircuts and tuxedo rentals, subsidized child care, and on and on and on.
The great injustice is, of course, the exemption Congress grants itself from hundreds of federal laws the rest of us have to abide by. Here are a few examples: Social Security Act, National Labor Relations Act, minimum wage laws, Equal Pay Act, Civil Rights Act of 1994, Freedom of Information Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Age Discrimination Act, occupational safety and health laws, equal employment laws, the Civil Rights Restoration Act, the Sexual Harassment statutes, and many, many more. We, the taxpayers, are just too generous for our own good, don't you think?
Did you know that Texas employers can drop workers' compensation insurance if they decide to do so?
For now, stay well, try to be happy, in spite of all the bad news all around, enjoy each day and, above all, STAY IN TOUCH!!
Fraternally,
Gertraud K. Weber Vice President and Director, Bus Department
--Albuquerque Transit contract okayed.............##O
The members of UTU Local 1745, employed by Albuquerque, N.M., Transit Lines, have ratified a new 15-month contract calling for increases in wages and adjustments to the formula used in calculating pensions.
The contract calls for a 3.5% wage increase for all drivers and a 4% step increase for new hires who have not yet reached the top rate, along with provisions for group life insurance and hospitalization.
It also provides for an 8% increase for Sun Van chauffeurs, who just joined the bargaining unit in September 1994.
Local 1745 Chairperson Robert Gutierrez says the provision most gratifying is the adjusted pension formula. As a result, an employee with 25 years of service will now receive a pension equal to 75% of his or her base pay, as opposed to the previous 62.5%. Furthermore, an employee with more than 26 years and eight months of service will receive 80% of base pay.
Gutierrez expressed his gratitude to the other members of the negotiating team and also acknowledged the work of UTU Bus Vice President Gertraud Weber and Alternate Bus Vice President Bernie McNelis.
--El Metro workers approve pact.................##P
Members of Local 1670, employed by Transit Management of Laredo (El Metro), have approved a new contract, which gives the operators and maintenance people a 4% increase in wages the first year and 3.5% the second year.
The pact also includes improvements in health insurance, life insurance, sick-day accumulation, vacations for long-term employees, a minimum guarantee for protection work and a signing bonus, as well as improved contract language in several articles.
"The negotiating committee did a good job of preparing extensive contract proposals and I want to congratulate Chairperson William Koehn and Vice Chairpersons Joe Ortiz (operators) and Juan Morales (maintenance) for a job well done, especially at this difficult time, with all the cuts in funding for transit services," Vice President and Director of the Bus Department Gertraud K. Weber said.
FEATURES
--Diesel fumes reported cancerous.................##Q
The draft of a government report being circulated within the transportation industry reportedly describes diesel exhaust emissions as a probable carcinogen.
The Environmental Protection Agency report says there will be about 122 deaths in the U.S. this year caused by exposure to diesel exhaust.
A recent California Air Resources Board study was more damning, finding diesel exhaust "100 times more risky than the EPA did."
Rail and trucking interests are expected to seek to discredit the findings before the final report is used as a basis to restrict diesel-fuel usage or promote engine modifications or alternative fuels.
--Durand, Mich., marks Railroad Days............##R
The weekend of May 19-21 is probably already marked on the calendars of railroaders familiar with Durand, Mich.
That weekend, the city will celebrate its 20th annual observance of Railroad Days 1995, an event that gets bigger and better each year.
But that's not the only significant event to be noted in Durand that weekend. According to UTU Michigan State Legislative Director David Brickey (L-1438, Lincoln Park, Mich.), this year's event also marks the 90th anniversary of the original construction of the Durand Depot and the 10th anniversary of the creation of Durand Union Station, Inc., a non-profit organization that manages the restoration effort surrounding the depot.
To celebrate these events, the Michigan Trust for Railway Preservation will fire up and throttle into town Pere Marquette Railway steam locomotive No. 1225.
The celebration actually begins on Thursday, May 18, with the opening of a carnival that will help raise seed money for Railroad Days 1996.
Friday, displays constructed by at least four model railroad organizations will be operating, with the public invited to enjoy the displays at no cost through Sunday.
Saturday's highlight is the annual Iron Horse Parade, an hour-long cavalcade featuring about 100 units, many paying tribute to rail transportation.
Sunday's agenda will include a model railroad flea market, with proceeds earmarked for restoration and operation of the depot.
Two local Civil War re-enactment groups also intend to swing into action over the weekend.
For more information, write to Philip D. Marvin, 1007 Bradley Ave., Flint, MI 48503, or call him at (810) 235- 1445.
--Indiana Leg. Bd. completes training.............##S
Seventeen members of the Indiana Legislative Board, led by State Legislative Director James E. Redden , recently completed a week of training at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies near Washington, D.C.
The group studied UTU legislative issues, developed communication and leadership skills, toured the Capitol and met with various legislative leaders.
"To my knowledge, this was the first legislative board to send their legislative representatives for training," Redden said. All 17 members donated one week of vacation time to attend the center without pay, which "speaks highly of the dedication these members have as legislative representatives," Redden added.
"The insight and skills that I obtained were worth the sacrifices that were made by all...," one local chairperson said.
"Brother Redden and all the legislative representatives are to be commended for their participation," International President G. Thomas DuBose said. "I have always stressed that an educated leadership is the cornerstone of this union and our best hope for a better tomorrow, and I urge all union officers and members to follow the example set by these individuals and broaden your educational horizons."
The traditional print version of this month's edition of the UTU News includes a photograph of the legislative board on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
--The Travelers, MetLife merge..................##T
The Travelers has announced that their group health division has merged with the group health division of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife). The result is a new company, The MetraHealth Companies, Inc.
During the next few months the name "The Travelers" will be replaced with the new name, "MetraHealth." During this transition period, explanations of benefits, benefit checks and all other correspondence formerly issued by The Travelers will begin to show the MetraHealth name.
This change to MetraHealth should have little effect on railroad employees, according to The Travelers. The following are highlights of what can be expected:
--Benefits under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan will not change.
--Travelers identification cards will continue to be accepted by medical providers.
--All Travelers toll-free telephone numbers will remain the same.
--Mailing addresses for claims and other correspondence will remain the same.
--All services administered by The Travelers will continue to be administered by MetraHealth.
In addition, while all life insurance business formerly written by The Travelers has been sold to MetLife, MetraHealth will continue to administer the life insurance claims under the National Plan for the immediate future. More details will be provided to employees at a later date.
The Travelers indicates that even though they are forming a new company, the same Travelers people will continue to service railroad employees under the new MetraHealth name.
If you want more information about MetraHealth or how this change may affect you, call the same Travelers toll-free telephone number that you would call for assistance with your medical claims.
--Pa. museum to open Railroaders' Hall............##U
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pa., has planned an ambitious "Celebrate Our Heritage" weekend of events, May 19-21, to celebrate the grand opening of its newest addition, the Railroaders' Hall.
Intended as a lasting tribute to the people of railroading, the Railroaders' Hall will be opened to the public following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, May 19.
The hall features exhibits about railroad people and their accomplishments, but perhaps its centerpiece will be the brass plaques that preserve for posterity the names, occupations, service records and affiliations of rail workers.
Envisioned as a unique way to pay lasting tribute to individual rail workers, the plaques are available for inscription and display at the museum for a tax- deductible contribution of $100 or more, payable over a three-year period, according to museum officials.
The Friday ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed Saturday by "Cultural and Community Day," focusing on the traditions, customs, food and music associated with railroading. Also, a Railroad History Symposium will be held at the nearby Historic Strasburg Inn.
On Sunday, a memorial program is planned to honor the thousands of railroaders whose contributions should never be forgotten.
Over the course of the weekend, various rail historical societies will convene, model rail operations will be displayed, the Railroaders' Living History costumed interpreters will bring various eras back to life, and children's events will take place in the Young Railroaders' Discovery Center. The museum's gift shop will also stock special items commemorating the Railroaders' Hall grand opening.
For information regarding the museum or these special events, write to: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 15, Strasburg, PA 17579, or call (717) 687-8628. Those interested in dedicating a brass plaque to a family member or friend should write to: The Friends of the Railroad Museum, Box 125, Strasburg, PA 17579.
NOTE: The preceding article appears in the April 1995 edition of the UTU Retiree News, a publication sent exclusively to UTU Retiree Program members. For information about the Retiree Program, write to: UTU Retiree Program, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250.
--Pint brings pink slip.........................##V
A British railway worker was fired three days before he was due to retire after 44 years of service because he had a pint of beer on the way home from work.
He was returning from a union meeting when he stopped for dinner. Regulations forbid drinking at work, and technically he was on official paid duty as a union representative at the time.
BRIEFLY
--L.A. Red Line subway tunneling begins...........##W
Tunneling has begun on the 17.4-mile underground path for the Metro Red Line subway segment planned to link North Hollywood with downtown Los Angeles by 2000. Construction is expected to progress at the rate of 50 to 200 feet per day.
--College offers railroading degrees............##X
Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kans., is offering degrees in railroading. Areas of study include conducting, dispatching, mechanics or maintenance-of-way welding. The program is said to be the first of its kind in North America.
--Class I rail employment rises...................##Y
Class I carriers have 185,470 persons on their payrolls, according to reports. More than 63,200 of them are in train and engine service. That's up 4% from a year ago. There are more than 38,900 executives, officials and assistants.
--LIRR buys more double-deckers.................##Z
The Long Island Rail Road is spending about $179 million to buy another 114 double-decked passenger coaches. The new cars will seat up to 150 passengers. The cars will enable the LIRR to carry some 20% more passengers without having to add cars to trains.
--Illinois Central to purchase 20 new SD70s......##AA
Illinois Central has agreed to purchase 20 new SD70 locomotives from General Motors. The 4,000-hp units feature a new self-steering radial truck designed to allow better handling on curves. They will be the first new IC engines since the mid-1970s.
--Fuel program saves UP $44 million.............##BB
Technological, mechanical and "managerial" steps have enabled Union Pacific to save $44 million since the carrier began a fuel-management program in late 1990, the carrier says. It now claims 1.39 gallons per 1,000 ton-miles, down from 1.57 gpttm. The carrier also reports it will spend $850 million on capital improvements in 1995, up $81 million from 1994. The carrier aims to install 1.2 million ties this year.
NOTICES
--Travelers notes enrollment, benefit changes....##CC
As in the past, there will be an Open Enrollment period under Group Policy GA-23111. During this period eligible employees and dependents can enroll for coverage without providing proof of good health. There are, however, two very important changes in open enrollment beginning this year.
First, the open enrollment period in prior years was held in May, June, July and August. Beginning in 1995 open enrollment will be held in May and June only.
Second, beginning this year, new enrollments in Plan B will no longer be accepted. The only plan available for those not eligible for Medicare or GA-46000 will be Plan C.
Travelers also has announced an increase to $300,000 in the maximum amount of benefits payable under Plan D during an individual's lifetime. The maximum before this increase was $100,000. Plan D is available for those eligible for Medicare.
--Open enrollment for furloughed, retired.......##DD
The Cooperating Railway Labor Organizations and The Travelers have arranged an open enrollment period under Group Policy GA-23111 during May and June 1995. During this period, eligible employees and their dependents may enroll for coverage without furnishing medical evidence of insurability.
NOTE: IN PREVIOUS YEARS OPEN ENROLLMENT WAS HELD IN MAY, JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST. BEGINNING IN 1995, OPEN ENROLLMENT WILL BE ALLOWED ONLY DURING MAY AND JUNE.
Complete details concerning the eligibility and benefit provisions of GA-23111 can be found in the booklet titled "Group Health Insurance Plans for Furloughed and Retired Railroad Employees and their Dependents." This booklet is available at your Organization headquarters or a regional office of The Travelers.
GA-23111 is generally available to furloughed and retired employees and their dependents who, while in active employment, were last covered under GA-23000. In addition, employees covered under GA-23000, GA-23111 or GA-107300 may enroll under Plan D to provide benefits for their parents or parents-in-law who are eligible under Medicare.
There are three plans available. One is for individuals not eligible for benefits under the Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan (GA-46000) or Medicare. One is for individuals who are eligible for Medicare. One is for individuals covered under GA-46000. New enrollments in Plan A and Plan B are no longer being accepted. While both Plan A and Plan B will remain available to those already covered, they are encouraged to upgrade to Plan C during the open enrollment period.
PLAN C
For Persons Not Eligible For
GA-46000 or Medicare Benefits
HOSPITAL BENEFITS
Room & Board-
Daily Benefit up to.............$ 55
Room & Board-
Max. per confinement..........$3,850
Hospital Extras and Emergency Out-Patient,
including Ambulatory Surgical Center
Expense, up to................$1,000
SURGICAL BENEFITS
Per Schedule up to................$550
DOCTOR'S VISITS IN-HOSPITAL
Per day of hospital confinement.....$5
Maximum per confinement...........$350
LABORATORY AND X-RAY BENEFITS
50% of Reasonable Charge
Maximum per Calendar Year.........$250
RADIATION THERAPY BENEFITS
Per Schedule-Maximum per Calendar Year or for
any one injury or sickness........$300
CHEMOTHERAPY BENEFITS
Maximum per Calendar Year.........$300
TREATMENT CENTER BENEFITS
Room & Board Daily Benefit up to...$55
For Lifetime Maximum of 30 Days
HOME HEALTH CARE BENEFITS
For Each Visit, up to..............$30
For Maximum of 30 Visits per Calendar Year
POLIO BENEFITS.....................$5,000
SUPPLEMENTAL MAJOR MEDICAL BENEFITS
Lifetime Maximum..............$150,000
Cash Deductible...................$100
Plan Pays...........................80%
Covered expenses considered under the Supplemental
Major Medical Expense Benefits are limited to those expenses in the categories covered by the basic benefit provisions of Plan C as mentioned above excluding charges from a Treatment Center and a Home Health Agency.
PLAN D
For Persons Eligible Under Medicare
HOSPITAL BENEFITS (Reimburses Medicare Part A Deductible)
$716 for the first 60 Days;
$179 for Each Day from the 61st through the
90th Day, and $358 for Each Day that Medicare Part A Lifetime Reserve Days are used.
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS (Reimburses Medicare Part B Deductible)
Up to $100 each Calendar Year for charges that are used to satisfy the Medicare Part B Deductible.
TREATMENT CENTER BENEFITS
Daily Benefit-up to $55 per day for a Lifetime Maximum of 30 days.
MAJOR MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS
Lifetime Maximum-$300,000 (up from $100,000 effective June 1, 1995)
Cash deductible-$50
Plan pays-80% (50% for out-patient mental
and nervous disorders)
Charges from a Treatment Center are not covered
under Major Medical Expense Benefits.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM
Prescription drugs are available by mail for a $5 co- pay, or purchased locally at a participating pharmacy for a $6 co-payment for brand name drugs or $2 co- payment for a generic drug.
PLAN E
For Persons Covered Under GA-46000
MAJOR MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS
Plan E will pay 80% (65% for mental or nervous disorders while not confined as an in-patient in the hospital) of Covered Expenses not paid under GA-46000 after satisfaction of a $100 calendar year deductible. For example, if an eligible person had $5,100 in covered expenses, benefits would be computed as follows:
Covered Expenses...............$5,100
GA-46000 pays.................4,000
GA-46000 Amount not paid......1,100
Less Plan E
Calendar Year Deductible......100
-------
$1,000
x 80%
-------
Plan E pays....................$800
As shown by this example, the combined benefits of
GA-46000 and Plan E will pay 96% of covered expenses after the $100 calendar year deductible has been satisfied.
The Plan E Major Medical maximum is $200,000 as to each covered person.
TREATMENT CENTER BENEFITS
Up to $55 per day for up to 30 days in a person's lifetime. Charges in excess of $55 per day, or for more than 30 days of confinement, are not covered under Major Medical Expense Benefits.
In order to enroll, simply fill out and sign the enrollment form available from UTU International Headquarters (14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 441207- 4250); or call The Travelers at 1-800-842-5252 and request an enrollment form.
Mail the completed enrollment form with your check or money order for one month's coverage to: The Travelers Insurance Company, Railroad Administration, One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183-6006. Persons eligible for Medicare should also send a signed copy of the Medicare Authorization form (also available from the UTU or The Travelers) to The Travelers with the enrollment form. The insurance coverage will become effective on the first day of the month following The Travelers' receipt of the completed enrollment form and the check for the required monthly payment.
--Amtrak slates public forums....................##EE
Amtrak is holding a series of public orums to seek ideas and suggestions that will help the passenger carrier and policy makers determine the future direction of the corporation.
UTU officers and members are urged to attend one of the forums so that UTU opinions and outlooks will be expressed. Should you wish to testify or provide a written statement, you should contact the office of the host in your state, as shown below:
PLACE DATE HOSTS Meridian, Miss. Apr. 11 Mayor J.R. Smith Philadelphia, Pa. Apr. 12 Gov. Ridge, Mayor Rendell Sacramento, Cal. Apr. 18 Caltrans Portland, Ore. Apr. 19 Cascadia Alliance Cleveland, Ohio Apr. 25 Gov. G. Voinovich, ODOT Dallas, Tex. Apr. 27 Texas DOT
Individuals unable to attend can submit written comments for inclusion into the formal findings. They should be sent by April 28 to: Amtrak's Future, 60 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., Washington, DC 20002.
--UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting info...............##FF
Below is the schedule and other important information regarding the 1995 UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings.
The meetings have been arranged to offer three days of important information, education and social activities for all UTU members and their families. All active and retired members are urged to attend one of the regional meetings to meet local, state and International officers and to learn more about present and upcoming union operations and programs. Watch future editions of the UTUNews for more details.
June 12-14, 1995 Radisson Hotel South and Plaza Tower 7800 Normandale Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55439 (612) 835-7800 or (800) 333-3333
Guest Room Rates:
South Tower.......$76 plus 12.5% tax
Plaza Tower.......$82 plus 12.5% tax
Children under 18 stay free when occupying the
same guest room as parents or guardians. Maximum room
occupancy is four persons.
Rates are single or double occupancy. Reservation cut-off date: May 10, 1995 Parking: Complimentary self parking in hotel lot Guest room deposit: Required; applied to first
nights' stay Check-in: 3:00 p.m.; Check-out: Noon*
*Check-out time Wednesday, June 14, 1995 is 1:00 p.m.
Regional Golf Classic: Sunday, June 11, 1995;
Tee time is 10:00 a.m.
June 20-22, 1995 Sheraton New Orleans Hotel 500 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 525-2500 or (800) 253-6156
Guest Room Rates:
Main House........$76 plus 11% tax and a $3 room
occupancy tax
Executive Level...$105 plus 11% tax and a $3 rom
occupancy tax
Children under 18 stay free when occupying the
same guest room as parents or guardians. Maximum room
occupancy is four persons.
Rates are single or double occupancy. Reservation cut-off date: May 18, 1995 Parking: Valet parking in hotel garage only. $6 per day
plus 12% tax; in-and-out privileges Guest room deposit: Required; applied to first
nights' stay Check-in: 3:00 p.m.; Check-out: Noon
Regional Golf Classic: Monday, June 19, 1995;
Tee time is 9:00 a.m.
August 7-9, 1995 The Concord Resort Hotel Kiamesha Lake, NY 12751 (800) 431-3850
Guest Room Rates:
Standard........$83.64
Superior........$87.96
Executive......$100.92
Towers.........$106.32
Additional persons:
Infants to age 16: Complimentary
Age 17 to adult: $57.71
Rates are per person, per night, inclusive of tax
and gratuities, and include three full meals daily
starting with dinner on the day of arrival through
lunch on the day of departure.
Reservation cut-off date: July 22, 1995 Parking: Complimentary valet parking Guest room deposit: One night room and board per person required; applied to date given as arrival only Check-in: 4:00 p.m.; Check-out: 1:00 p.m.
Regional Golf Classic: Sunday, August 6, 1995;
Tee times will be in the morning
August 28-30, 1995 Sheraton Spokane Hotel 322 North Spokane Falls Court Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 455-9600 or (800) 848-9600
Guest Room Rates:
Standard Guest Room....$65 plus 10% tax
Executive Suite........$85 plus 10% tax
Two-room Suite........$110 plus 10% tax
Children under 18 stay free when occupying the
same guest room as parents or guardians. Maximum
occupancy is four persons.
Rates are single or double occupancy Reservation cut-off date: July 31, 1995 Parking: Valet parking; $5 per day plus tax.
Self parking is complimentary Guest room deposit: Required;
applied to first nights' stay Check-in: 3:00 p.m.; Check-out: 1:00 p.m.
Regional Golf Classic: Sunday, August 27, 1995;
Tee time is 9:00 a.m.
--FRA decisions posted online....................##GG
At the suggestion of the UTU, the Federal Railroad Administration will be including locomotive engineer review board decisions in CompuServe's TrainNet Forum.
CompuServe subscribers can access the TrainNet Forum by issuing the command "GO TRAINNET." TrainNet also includes a section specifically for unionized employees, as well as a library which each month includes the UTU News.
Work is continuing on the UTU's own in-house computer bulletin board system. Hardware and software options are being considered, and work continues to enter into the database all pertinent decisions rendered by the National Railroad Adjustment Board, special boards of adjustment and public law boards, as well as all UTU Schedule and Statistical Research Department circulars.
--UTUIA offers Disability Income Plan...........##HH
TODAY YOU ARE SAFE...
Now you have the ability to earn money, money that
buys food and clothing, pays the mortgage or rent, and much more. In fact, your earning power has produced everything you have. So the most valuable asset you have is your ability to earn money because income creates all your other assets.
BUT WHAT ABOUT TOMORROW?
Your ability to earn an income may stop or be
interrupted because of an accident or sickness. During this time, you may find it difficult to maintain your standard of living, and impossible to plan for the future. Unfortunately, the chance of a disabling accident or sickness putting you out of work is a distinct possibility. It is more real than you think.
THINK ABOUT IT...
A long-term disability may strike you!
AGE CHANCE OF DISABILITY* BEFORE AGE 65
30..............24% - 1 OUT OF 4 35..............23% - 3 OUT OF 13 40..............22% - 2 OUT OF 9 45..............21% - 1 OUT OF 5 50..............18% - 2 OUT OF 11 55..............11% - 1 OUT OF 9 60...............9% - 1 OUT OF 11
*Disability lasting at least three months;
Source: Society of Actuaries Report,
Transaction, 1981.
UTUIA offers you financial security through
Disability Income Replacement Protection!
Contact your UTUIA District Insuranc Representative, or write to: UTUIA, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250.
UTU NEWS
ONLINE EDITION
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APRIL 1995
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-----------PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY-----------
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-- John H. Horvath dh268@cleveland.freenet.edu (216) 228-9400 Voice (216) 871-5912 Voice
-- John H. Horvath dh268@cleveland.freenet.edu (216) 228-9400 Voice (216) 871-5912 Voice