44

The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union

N u m b e r 3

Volume March 2012

www.utu.orgwww.utuia.org

Continued on page 10

Continued on page 10

A small price to payfor saving lives and limbs

Speed restrictions: Ignore them at risk of life and limb

As most railroaders can attest, there are timesthat procedures and operating rules set by theFRA or imposed by carriers can be difficult tounderstand. The language may seem vague, andthe ballast-level application often is left up tointerpretation, which leads to ambiguity andconfusion.

Other rules and procedures are crystal clear,but the ballast-level application depends on anindividual’s level of training and professionalism.

With conductor certification, this responsibil-ity has been highlighted and enhanced, andretaining such certification can depend on prop-er ballast-level application of operating rules.

This brings us to the proper application of oneof the most important and consistent rulesthroughout the nation, which was put into placeby the FRA to protect life, limb and propertyduring circumstances that require the utmostattention to detail and all crew members’ undi-vided attention: restricted speed.

The foundation of restricted speed for all rail

carriers is found at Code of Federal Regulations,Section 49, Part 236, Subpart G-Definitions §236.812, dealing with speed restriction. Itrequires: “A speed that will permit stopping with-in one-half the range of vision, but not exceeding20 miles per hour.”

Many will read that statement and proceed atthe limits of that definition – a speed of 20 milesper hour – completely overlooking the trueintent of the regulation.

Restricted speed is not a posted speed that westrive to maintain. It is as crystal-clear a wordthat can be used in a procedure: Restricted basedon circumstance – circumstance that only those

Positive train control (PTC) is modern tech-nology to reduce train accidents, save lives andlimbs, improve on-time performance and pro-duce revenue-enhancing business benefits forrailroads.

PTC utilizes the satellite global positioning sys-tem (GPS), wireless communications and centralcontrol centers to monitor trains and prevent col-lisions by automatically applying the brakes ontrains exceeding authorized speeds, about to run ared light, violating a work zone or runningthrough a switch left in the wrong position.

Metrolink stands tall, leading the way on PTC

Have a smartphone?Scan this box

Below is what’s called a QR (quickresponse) code, similar to barcodes foundon most all products. Scan it with a bar-code reader-equipped smartphone and itwill take you directly to the UTU website,www.utu.org. (Remember that federal oremployer regulations may prohibit the useof electronic devices while on duty.)

in the locomotive cab can truly apply to ensuresafe operation.

Is there a train ahead? Broken rail? Faulty sig-nals? The circumstances surrounding the use ofrestricted speed may vary, but the importance ofprotecting life, limb and property never changes.

For two decades, the National TransportationSafety Board has had PTC installation at the topof its public-safety objectives. The UTU workedwith labor-friendly lawmakers to include a man-date for PTC installation in the Rail SafetyImprovement Act of 2008, with a 2015 imple-mentation deadline.

However, the Association of American Rail-roads, which represents the freight railroad indus-try – and which 30 years ago was an aggressiveproponent of an earlier version of PTC, calledAdvanced Train Control Systems – is lobbyingCongress for a multi-year delay in widespreadPTC installation, while offering other options forsafety improvements instead of PTC.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Wash-ington says lawmakers supporting the lengthydelay, including House Transportation & Infra-structure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) and House Rail Transportation Subcommit-tee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), are among

A messagefrom the UTU RailSafety Task Force

the biggest recipients of freight-railroad cam-paign contributions.

Some commuter railroads and Amtrak viewmatters quite differently, especially Los Angeles

UTU International dues to increase by $2 a month on May 1. See article on page 10.

Cartoon by m

ember A

lan Nash of Local 257

Page 2 March 2012 UTU News

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month at SMWIA Local 58 Union Hall at 301Pulaski St. in Syracuse, N.Y., Local ChairpersonDave Murphy reports.

Local 1402, Dupo, Ill.Delegate William R. “Bill” Melican retired

Jan. 1 after more than 42 years of service, Alum-ni Association member and former Local Presi-dent John H. Lowe Jr. reports. Melican, alicensed pilot since high school, was electedlocal legislative representative at the age of 19and had held that office numerous times duringhis career. He had also held the offices of vicelocal chairperson and local trustee and hadserved as an operational craft trainer and Opera-tion Lifesaver presenter, Lowe said. He was amember of the Missouri National Guard, theDistrict 196 Board of Education, the PrairieDuPont Volunteer Fire Department and wasactive in the Dupo Area Jaycees and Cub Scouts.“Bill is looking forward to spending time with hisnine grandchildren and wife, Paula,” Lowe said.“Fair skies and a good tail wind, Bill.”

Local 1846, West Colton, Calif.For all members who were unaware, former

Local President Wayne Hudgins died last year,Local Chairperson TimothyJ. Baccari reports. “Wethank Wayne and his familyfor his unrelenting efforts toimprove the lives of hisbrothers and sisters, whocared so much about him.Wayne fought for more than40 years to lay the ground-work for their futures. Youwill be missed very much,

especially on the golf course,” Baccari said. Inan online guestbook, UTU International Presi-dent Mike Futhey wrote: “Wayne Hudgins willalways be remembered as a servant for his fellowman. That is the highest honor available.Wayne will be missed. We have lost a truebrother. Rest in peace.”

Texas State Legislative BoardThe following officers of the Texas State Leg-

islative Board were elected by acclamation at theboard’s 11th quadrennial assembly in Austin heldJan. 29 to Feb. 2: C.M. “Connie” English Jr.(Local 489), legislative director; Kamron Saun-ders (Local 508), assistant state legislative direc-tor; Glen Johnson (Local 937), chairperson;Bobby Bradford (Local 923), vice chairperson;Charlie Jones (Local 1886), vice chairperson,and Brian English (Local 756), secretary.

est update informs members that Vice LocalChairperson Shawn Randall will be handlingvacation scheduling in 2012. Wilburn alsoencourages all members to attend local meetingsat 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month atthe VFW Hall at 2201 Main St. in Atchison.

Local 982, Rochester, N.Y.Monthly meetings for this local will now be

held at 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each

Local 168, ChicagoLocal Chairperson Doug Silkowski reports

that UTUIA Field Supervisor Greg Hale visitedwith members of this Amtrak local Feb. 15-16 todiscuss UTUIA insurance products. “BrotherHale explained why UTUIA insurance is thebest value for the money. We were happy to havehim at our local,” Silkowski said.

Local 240, Los AngelesMembers J.M. “Mike” Howard and Glen M.

Shahian died Jan. 15 and 17, respectively, LocalChairperson Harry J. Garvin Jr. reports. Howardbegan his railroading career Dec. 6, 1976, withUnion Pacific. He previously held membershipin Locals 1422 and 1846 and worked as a roadswitcher at Mira Loma, Kaiser, Montclair andCity of Industry. Conductor Shahian died whileon the job. He hired out with Southern PacificJune 8, 1978, and was planning on retiring thisyear. He is survived by his wife, Marianna, andson, Bert. “These brothers will be deeply missedby those employees and friends that knew andworked with them in the Los Angeles area overthe years,” Garvin said.

Local 257, Morrill, Neb.Members are reminded that they can find local

news, contact information for local officers,links to numerous agreements and circulars andother information at the local’s website athttp://0257.utu.org.

Local 756, San AntonioThree UTU engineers from this local were pre-

sented with plaques made by renowned railroadartist Herschel “Scotty” Scott at the local’s regularmeeting Jan. 25 at the Omni Hotel in San Antonio,Secretary & Treasurer Mike Araujo and LocalChairperson John Dunn report. Each was also pre-sented with a UTU clock from American Products,Dunn said. The presentation was to mark the retire-ments of Raul Cervera (1984-2012), Leonard Neill(1994-2012) and Benny Buckert (1970-2012).

Local 768, Decatur, Ill.Local Legislative Rep. Carl Draper has been

elected president of the Decatur Trades and LaborCouncil, representing more than 13,000 activeand retired members, Local Chairperson Dan Cal-houn reports. In other news, Calhoun said thatmore than $650 was raised for the family of Local1895 member Christopher Ochoa at Local 768’smulti-craft and members-only Christmas parties inDecember. Ochoa, who died Oct. 17, is survivedby a wife and four children. “Both parties were fullhouses and enjoyed by many,” Calhoun said. Healso noted that members should mark their calen-dars for the third annual multi-craft cookout spon-sored by the Brennan Law Offices. The cookoutwill be held at the main pavilion at Spitler WoodsState Park in Mt. Zion, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 3. Allactive and retired railroaders from all crafts areinvited and are asked to bring a side dish to share.Main course and beverages will be provided.

Local 774, Atchison, Kan.This Union Pacific local has established a web-

site at http://0774.utu.org containing local newsand contact information for all local officers,Local President Daniel Wilburn reports. The lat-

Around the UTUAround the UTU

True-life outdoor adventuresbring literary recognition

Rodney Hennigan’s entertaining tales ofhis true-life adventures in the woods generat-ed a great fondness among family, friends andothers for his written words.

Hennigan first starting writing about hisoutdoor adventures with his seven sons, hisfriends and his own father to pass down to hisfamily for their personal enjoyment. Butnearly everyone who read his stories encour-aged him to share them with the public.

That encouragement led Hennigan topublish his first book, My Father’s Gift: ALouisiana Outdoor Legacy.

“What got me to start writing was a timeout in the woods with one of my boys. It was-n’t a great experience and he said, ‘I’m nevergoing in the woods again,’” Hennigan said.

When Hennigan sought out a publisher,“The publisher said, ‘Sir, I took your manu-script home and read it and it was as if youwere standing next to me, telling your sto-ries,’” he said.

After it was published, Hennigan’s familyand friends threw a surprise party. They start-ing selling the books for him and he beganreceiving letters and telephone calls.

The book has since generated an ava-lanche of publicity. It has been reviewed innewspapers, led to radio interviews and a tel-evision appearance for Hennigan, and was afeatured book selection at The LouisianaBook Festival of 2011. He was one of fourauthors out of more than 200 to be selectedto serve as a panelist at the festival.

The Louisiana State Library has evenplaced his book on a list of titles for the state’slibraries to consider.

He is now giving presentations to schoolchildren and civic organizations and is slatedto write for a new magazine called Bayou Bucks.

“I am so humbled by all of this,” Hennigansaid. “This book thing was totally unexpect-ed. I only had a high school education, but Ifigured I’d test my writing skills.”

Hennigan, 52, followed his father into therailroad industry. A conductor and memberof Local 659 at Leesville, La., he now has 33years with Kansas City Southern.

For more information about Hennigan andhis book, visit www.rodneyhennigan.com, orgo to the Facebook page entitled MyFather’s Gift.

From left, retired engineers Benny Buckert, LeonardNeill and Raul Cervera proudly display the railroad art-work presented to them upon their retirements by themembers of Local 756.

Hudgins

Kansas City Southern conductor Rodney Hennigan’soutdoor adventures with family and friends led him topublish a book that is taking Louisiana by storm.

North Dakota localshosting meetings in April

All active and retired members of NorthDakota locals will have the opportunity to vis-it with UTU International and general com-mittee officers and representatives from theRailroad Retirement Board, health-and-wel-fare benefit providers and designated legalcounsel at a series of informational meetingsfrom April 10-13. Members and their spousesare welcome to attend any of the four meet-ings, according to State Legislative DirectorTessa Burkle. For further information, call(701) 223-0061 or send email toutu4nd@gmail.com. The schedule is as follows:

•Tuesday, April 10, Local 1344; 2 p.m.meeting followed by free lunch at the Man-dan Eagles Club.

•Wednesday, April 11, Locals 887, 980,1137; 1 p.m. meeting followed by free lunchat the Fargo Howard Johnson Inn.

•Thursday, April 12, Local 525; 2 p.m.meeting followed by free lunch at the GrandForks Ramada Inn.

•Friday, April 13, Local 1059; 1 p.m. meet-ing followed by a 6 p.m. social and 7 p.m.retirement banquet at the Minot Vegas Motel.

March 2012 UTU News Page 3

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Workers will need to be trained

in safety laws, rules and orders

FRA amends conductor certificationWASHINGTON – Responding to petitions

for reconsideration to its Nov. 9, 2011, final ruleon conductor certification, the FRA has delayedfor six months the testing implementation datesand clarified other mandates affecting territorialqualifications and the definition of hostlers.

The FRA said that, because its final rule waspublished Nov. 9, 2011, six months later thancontemplated, carriers were not permitted suffi-cient time to formulate training programs andhave them approved by the FRA in time for test-ing to begin March 1, 2012.

Therefore:• By Sept. 1, 2012 (rather than March 1,

2012), each railroad (other than Class III)shall designate as “certified conductors” all per-sons authorized by the railroad to perform the

duties of a conductor as of Jan. 1, 2012; and issuethem certificates of certification.

• Class I and Class II (regional) railroads,Amtrak and railroads providing commuterservices, will have until Sept. 30, 2012, to sub-mit to the FRA for approval their programs fortraining, testing and evaluation. Class III(shortlines, switching and terminal)railroads will have until Jan. 31, 2013,to do so. The programs submitted byrailroads will require collaborationwith UTU general chairpersons.

• After Sept. 1, 2012, each rail-road (other than Class III) shall des-ignate as a “certified conductor”those authorized by the railroad to per-form the duties of a conductor subsequentto Jan. 1, 2012, upon successful completion oftesting, training and evaluation.

• After Dec. 1, no Class I or Class II railroad,Amtrak or railroad providing commuter serviceshall initially certify or recertify a conductorunless that conductor has been tested and evaluat-ed. For Class III railroads, that date is April 1, 2013.

• No later than March 31 of each year (begin-ning in calendar year 2014), all railroads (otherthan Class III railroads) shall conduct a formalannual review and analysis concerning theadministration of its program for responding todetected instances of poor safety conduct by “cer-tified conductors” during the prior calendar year.

• If a conductor lacks territorial qualifica-tions on main track physical characteristics,that conductor shall be assisted by a person whomeets the territorial qualification requirements.

• For a conductor who has never been quali-fied on main track physical characteristics ofthe territory over which the conductor is to

serve, the assistant shall be a “certified conduc-tor” who is not an assigned crew member.

• For a conductor who was previously quali-fied on main line physical characteristics of theterritory over which the conductor is to serve,but whose qualification has expired for one year

or less, and who regularly traversed the terri-tory prior to the expiration of the qualifi-

cation, the assistant may be any person,including an assigned crew member,who meets the territorial qualificationrequirements for main track physicalcharacteristics.

• For a conductor who previouslyqualified on main track physical char-

acteristics of the territory over which theconductor is to serve, and whose qualifica-

tion has been expired for one year or less, but whohas not regularly traversed the territory prior to theexpiration of the qualification, or a conductorwhose territorial qualification on main track hasbeen expired for more than a year, the assistant maybe any person, including the assigned crew memberother than the locomotive engineer, so long as theserving assistant would not conflict with that crewmember’s other safety sensitive duties and whomeets the territorial qualification requirements formain track physical characteristics.

• As for qualification, and since territoriesdiffer in their complexity, railroads will be giv-en discretion to determine how many times aconductor must pass over a territory to be consid-ered to have regularly traversed a territory.

• Each of these territorial qualification issueswill be included in each railroad’s plan filed withthe FRA and will contain the input from generalchairpersons.Hostler Type Assignments Not Covered:

• A person who moves a locomotive or agroup of locomotives within the confines of alocomotive repair or servicing area – or moves alocomotive or group of locomotives for distancesof less than 100 feet, and this incidental move-ment of a locomotive or locomotives is forinspection or maintenance purposes – is not sub-ject to conductor certification requirements.

The proposed new minimum training stan-dards for those in safety-sensitive positions,announced by the FRA in a Feb. 7 Notice of Pro-posed Rulemaking, will also apply to conductorcertification training programs. (See story at left.)

“With many thousands of new employee com-ing on board in the near future, the new train-ing standards will help provide adequate train-ing,” said UTU National Legislative DirectorJames Stem.

UTU schedules treasurer workshops

April 3-5 in Ontario, Calif.May 15-17 in N. Olmsted, Ohio

The UTU International is conductingtwo local treasurers’ workshops: in Aprilin Ontario, Calif., and in May at its head-quarters in North Olmsted, Ohio.

Those interested in attending shouldcall (216) 228-9400, or email ExecutiveAssistant Nancy Miller at n_miller@utu.org.

Each three-day session will include alltraining and materials at no cost to localtreasurers. However, the local is respon-sible for all other costs associated withthe treasurer’s attendance at the work-shop. Lost time or salary, travel, hoteland meal expenses connected withattendance may be reimbursed, if pre-approved at a local meeting, as an allow-able expense of the local.

Training will be conducted by UTUInternational Auditors Steve Noyes,Bobby Brantley and Mike Araujo.

WASHINGTON – New minimum trainingand qualification standards are being proposed bythe Federal Railroad Administration for railworkers in safety-sensitive positions.

In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking publishedFeb. 7 in the Federal Register, the FRA said affect-ed employees would have to be trained and qual-ified in federal rail safety laws, regulations andorders. Those affected include train and engineworkers, maintenance-of-way employees, andworkers who inspect and repair freight and pas-senger cars and locomotives.

The FRA proposes that each railroad orcontractor develop a training program desig-nating the qualifications of each employeeand then submit that program for agencyapproval.

The training would consist of proficiency-based, incremental training modules, withworkers required to demonstrate proficiencyin one area before being permitted to acceptadditional instruction.

FRA proposes newtraining standards

Employers would then be required to conductperiodic oversight of their own employees todetermine compliance, and conduct annual writ-ten reviews of their training programs to closeperformance gaps.

The proposed rule is a requirement of the RailSafety Improvement Act of 2008.

“Well-designed training programs have thepotential to further reduce risk in the railroadenvironment,” said FRA Administrator JoeSzabo. “Better training can reduce the number ofaccidents, particularly those caused by humanfactors, which account for the vast majority ofreportable accidents each year.”

WASHINGTON – Qualification require-ments for first officers who fly for U.S. passengerand cargo airlines would be substantially raisedunder a proposed Federal Aviation Administra-tion rulemaking.

The FAA, subject to public comment and pub-lication of a final rule, proposes

that first officers – also known ascopilots – hold an AirlineTransport Pilot (ATP) certifi-cate, requiring 1,500 hours ofpilot flight time. Currently,

first officers are required to haveonly a commercial pilot certificate,

which requires 250 hours of flight time.The proposed rule also would require first offi-

cers to have an aircraft-type rating, whichinvolves additional training and testing specificto the airplanes they fly.

Other highlights of the proposed rule include:• A requirement that pilots have a minimum

of 1,000 flight hours as a pilot in air carrier oper-ations that require an ATP prior to serving as acaptain for a U.S. airline.

• Enhanced training requirements for an ATPcertificate, including 50 hours of multi-engineflight experience and completion of a new FAA-approved training program.

• An allowance for pilots with fewer than1,500 hours of flight time, but who have an avia-tion degree or military pilot experience, to obtaina “restricted privileges” ATP certificate. Thesepilots could serve only as a first officer, not as acaptain. Former military pilots with 750 hours offlight time could apply for an ATP certificatewith restricted privileges. Graduates of a four-year baccalaureate aviation degree could obtainan ATP with 1,000 hours of flight time only ifthey also obtained a commercial pilot certificateand instrument rating from a pilot school affiliat-ed with the university or college.

FAA proposes raisingpilot qualifications

Nationwide uniformity in training

UTU National Legislative Director JamesStem said, “We need to start at the end of thepipeline. When you have a student, a newemployee or an existing employee who is beingtrained on new equipment or new operatingpractices, what skills do we expect that employeeto possess at the end of the training process? Andthen we’ll work back from that.”

Stem said many railroads, seeking to reducetraining costs, have delivered self-directed, com-puter-based training, “leaving workers unpre-pared for the hazards of the job. Where there’s noinstructor in the room, and all of the availableinformation for the student is on the screen, ifthe student doesn’t understand the question, heor she has no one to ask. That student is thensent to the field.”

Page 4 March 2012 UTU News

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

Mike Futhey, International Presidentpresident@utu.org

Arty Martin, Assistant Presidentasstpres@utu.org

Kim Thompson, General Secretary and Treasurergst@utu.org

James Stem, National Legislative Directorjamesastem@aol.com

Contact the UTU:Phone (216) 228-9400; fax (216) 228-5755

utunews@utu.org

Vote like your job, family depend upon itIt has been said that the comfort

of the rich depends upon anabundant supply of the poor.

Working families today feel thepain of that comment. Most arestruggling to keep their heads abovewater as the gap between the middleclass and the rich continues towiden.

In decades past, labor unionsforged America’s middle class, fight-ing for livable wages, employer-paidbenefits including health care insur-ance, seniority rights and prohibi-tions against discrimination in theworkplace.

Today, we are seeing a viciousassault on labor unions by conserva-tive lawmakers – helped into officethrough political contributions oflarge employers and other anti-union forces – whose objective is toeradicate collective bargainingrights and labor unions.

In Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indi-ana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsinand other states, anti-union legisla-

By Mike Futhey, International President(216) 228-9400; president@utu.org

InternationalInternational

President’sPresident’s

ColumnColumn

Never in the history of the U.S. has there been sucha concentration of wealth in the hands of a small elite

When it comes to elections, labor unionsare still the most potent mobilizers.

The confidentiality of workers making reportsis crucial to the success of C³RS

The success of the C³RS program provesit deserves to be expanded nationwide

Let’s begin with two givens: Therailroad environment isabsolutely unforgiving; and

the easiest accident to survive is onethat doesn’t occur.

There you have the motivationfor the voluntary ConfidentialClose Call Reporting System(C³RS), which is a collaborativeeffort among the UTU, the Brother-hood of Locomotive Engineers andTrainmen, the Federal RailroadAdministration and carriers.

C³RS has been in place for vary-ing periods over the past five years as

Close-call reporting system aids workers

pilot projects on four railroads –Amtrak (most yards, systemwide),Canadian Pacific (Portage, Wisc.),New Jersey Transit (systemwide) andUnion Pacific (North Platte, Neb.).

C³RS encourages engineers, con-ductors, trainmen and yardmastersto report – without fear of disciplineor FRA enforcement action, even ifa rules exception occurred – closecalls that may have resulted in acci-dents or injuries.

Crucial to the success of C³RS is

that all reports by employees are col-lected anonymously and confidential-ly by DOT’s Bureau of TransportationStatistics and the National Aeronau-tics and Space Administration.

Reports are made either via apostage-paid form or electronicallyat a designated website, with a fol-low-up confidential interview byone of the federal agencies. Afteridentity and location details areremoved, the information is trans-mitted to the carrier, where a C³RSpeer review team recommends cor-rective action, such as improvedtraining, changes in physical plant,changes in existing federal safetylaws or regulations, changes in carri-

For the latest news, visit www.utu.org; also, sign upon the UTU website to receive news alerts via email.

tion has been advanced and, insome cases, passed. In Congress, theHouse of Representatives hasadvanced legislation to weaken theability of unions to organize and bar-gain collectively.

As our nation grapples to recov-er from a long and deep economicrecession, many of those findingnew employment must acceptminimum wage – or only slightlymore – in jobs providing no healthcare insurance or other employer-paid benefits that are the founda-

Transportation Center and two pri-vate sector contractors reported sig-nificant improvements in safety cul-ture where C³RS is in place. Theseimprovements were found inlabor/management relations, orga-nizational and supervisor fairnessand relationships, communicationwith supervisors, work safety priori-ties and coworker safety.

er operating rules, improved trainingand/or education.

Examples of close calls includevarying levels of risk, such as leavingpieces of equipment unsecured,improper blocking, operating trainsbeyond track authority, or violatingoperating rules.

In January, the Volpe National

The FRA calls C³RS a “corner-stone” of its risk-reduction efforts,and is using lessons learned toimprove and expand the now volun-tary program nationwide.

UTU General Chairperson DirkSampson (Amtrak, GO 769) callsC³RS “a success story.” UTU Gener-al Chairperson Pat Reilly (NJT, GO610) said, “By far, this is the bestsafety program I’ve seen.”

I fully agree, having assisted inimplementing and/or reviewingeach of the four voluntary C³RSprojects. Doing business in thismanner diminishes discipline andpunishment, and moves the industryto a more employee-friendly envi-ronment.

The old way, akin to the adagethat the beatings will continue untilmorale improves, has given way tohandling safety problems in a pro-ductive and non-punitive way thatimproves safety for our members andthe bottom line for the carriers.C³RS has proven its worth anddeserves expansion nationwide.

A message to UTU membersfrom UTU

International Vice President

John Previsich

tion of building a solid middleclass.

We have heard about the top onepercent in America, whose earnersmake more than $700,000 annually.Middle-class families earn consider-ably less, and the little wealth theyhave acquired – in home equity andmodest retirement savings – has beenwhittled away during this recession.

Almost one in four home ownersnow owe more on their homes thanthey are worth, while most of theremaining home owners have seenthe value of their homes decline asmuch as 40 percent.

A study out of the University ofCalifornia (Los Angeles) concluded:“Never in the history of the UnitedStates has there been such a concen-tration of wealth in the hands of asmall elite.”

During the 1940s, as America’smiddle class grew and prospered, 40percent of American workersbelonged to labor unions. Today,that figure is below 12 percent. Anti-labor forces wish to make that per-centage even smaller.

Yet, as Washington Post columnist

Harold Meyerson recently observed:“When it comes to elections, unionsare still the most potent mobilizers.”As shown in the centerfold of this

issue, UTU members go to the pollsin larger numbers than most any oth-er grouping of voters. And that istrue for all labor union members.

The November general elections –at the state and federal levels – could

spell doom for organized labor andmillions of middle-class Americanswhose job security, wages, benefitsand working conditions depend oncollectively bargained contracts. Itneedn’t be so if families in the labormovement, and others in the middleclass, vote to end the war on labor.

We can make a difference thisNovember. We must make a differ-ence this November. Our job securi-ty, wages, benefits and working con-ditions hang in the balance.

As Benjamin Franklin observed

when signing the Declaration ofIndependence, “We must all hangtogether or assuredly we shall allhang separately.” For America’s mid-dle class, those words ring as truetoday as they did in 1776.

Members of the Georgia State Legislative Board recently met at the capital in Atlanta to assist StateLegislative Director Howell Keown in hosting a luncheon for the Georgia Working Families Caucus.More than 20 state representatives and senators, along with numerous labor lobbyists, met and wereserved lunch provided by the legislative board, Keown said. “The Georgia State Legislative Board isproud to be able to show thanks to those who serve and represent the working families of Georgia,”Keown said. “I believe this is the largest crowd that we have had at the capital during my term inoffice.”

Legislation designed to strip collective bargain-ing rights from firefighters, police officers andmost other public employees was quickly quashedlast month in the Wyoming House of Representa-

tives, State Legislative Direc-tor Stan Blake reports.

The legislation, sponsored byRep. Kendall Kroeker (R-Casper), was designed to mimicattacks on public sectoremployees as attempted in Wis-consin, Ohio and elsewhere.

“This legislation tried tocreate a problem where noneexisted,” said Blake, who also

serves as state representative for the Green Riverarea. “I have not heard of any cities having prob-lems with the collective bargaining process.”

The legislation did not receive the requiredtwo-thirds majority for introduction; the finalvote was 42 in opposition and 18 legislators insupport, Blake said.

“We killed it right at introduction,” he said.“The vote sends a clear message of the impor-

tance of collective bargaining to firefighters andother public sector employees in Wyoming,”Blake said. “This is a clear victory for organizedlabor in Wyoming.”

State legislative board members (left to right) Ed Chambers (L-941, Columbus); Jay C. Roy (L-1245, Atlanta); Jim-my Legette (L-1263, Valdosta); Mike Parker (L-535, Macon); Jeff Vanlandingham (L-511, Atlanta); Gary Whitt (L-1971, Atlanta); Jimmy Stewart (L-1910, Macon); Matt Campbell (L-1031, Savannah); Bernard Gray (L-1033,Atlanta) and Keown. (Not pictured: Steven Wiley, L-674, Augusta.)

March 2012 UTU News Page 5

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When reading about the conservatives’ attack on mass transit in the House ofRepresentatives, all I can ask is, “What are they thinking?”

With gas prices rising to record levels, even low-wage workers who own anautomobile can’t afford to drive to work; and for the millions of low-wage work-ers without an automobile, their only means of going to and from their jobs is bymass transit.

Yet mean-spirited conservatives in the House of Representatives are pushing leg-islation that would scale back federal funding for mass transit. Moreover, they wantto prevent transit systems from using a portion of the federal funds they do receive –and which previously were earmarked for new equipment – for retention of curtailed

service that would bring furloughed employees back to work.Equally mean spirited is legislation encouraging transit system privatization, which would open the

door for non-union operators eager to pay substandard wages and eliminate employee health careinsurance and other benefits.

On the back cover of this issue is an article on legislative language that would remove any require-ment for shuttle-van operators whosevehicles cross state lines from payingeven minimum wage or overtime. Wecan be sure that if this provision isenacted into law, an effort would fol-low to apply the legislation to bus and transit operators.

An article on page 10 describes how the UTU’s District of Columbia Legislative Director WillieBates, a member of an Obama administration Transit Rail Advisory Committee, is working to draftlanguage creating standardized federal safety regulations for transit system nationwide, an effortstaunchly opposed by congressional conservatives.

Never in my career have I witnessed such mean spiritedness by members of Congress. Our Nation-al Legislative Office is working diligently to educate more moderate Republicans on the potentialdanger to public safety and the economic well-being of working families from these harmful legisla-tive attempts.

Each of us has an obligation to help in this effort, by encouraging our coworkers, families and friendsto register to vote and vote in November in favor of labor-friendly candidates. We also can make a dif-ference by joining the UTU PAC, or increasing our donations to the UTU PAC.

We must make our voices heard on Capitol Hill – for the sake of our jobs, our economic securityand the millions of Americans who depend on public transportation to take them to and from work.

Attacks on mass transit absurd

Bus DepartmentBy Calvin Studivant, alternate vice president-bus

mcoperator2@yahoo.com

State Watch News from UTU State Legislative Boards

Arizona

GeorgiaWyoming

Michigan

Minnesota

We must make our voices heardon Capitol Hill by donating to the UTU PAC

Blake

State Legislative Director Greg Hynesrecently met with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at an event put together by the ArizonaAdvocacy Network. (AAN is in a battle tosave the “clean elections” law in Arizona.)“Sanders spoke of the importance of unionsas well as clean elections,” Hynes said.“With the anti-union legislation beingpushed in Arizona, we will need a consoli-dation of all groups who represent workingfamilies to come together to battle theseextremist bills.”

Studivant

Greg Hynes (left) with wife Mona (right) and Sen.Sanders.

The Michigan State Legislative Board held it’squadrennial meeting last month and all currentexecutive board officers were re-elected to thesame positions: Jerry Gibson (Local 313, GrandRapids) as state legislative director; JerryD’Ortenzio (Local 1760, Detroit) as assistantstate legislative director, and Bill Miller (Local72, Battle Creek) as secretary.

The board also held a joint meeting withlocal chairpersons in the state, along with repre-sentatives from the FRA, to discuss conductorcertification regulations, safety and other relat-ed topics.

“I have these training classes once a year withthe FRA to ensure that our UTU officers havethe most updated and accurate information need-ed for our daily interactions with our member-ship,” Gibson said.

“We, as union officers, must be a factual sourceof information and one of our most importanttasks is to tell our members what they need toknow, not what they want to hear. By knowingwho to contact and what is, or is not, a potentialviolation, we can handle ballast-level issues in amore timely fashion which is of great value to ourmembership.”

UTU locals and state legislative boards inMinnesota and North Dakota are collecting non-perishable foods to aid union brothers and sisterswho were locked out of their jobs in six states byAmerican Crystal Sugar (Bakery, Confectionary,Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Internation-al) and Cooper Tire & Rubber (United SteelWorkers).

This Journey for Justice, which also involvesother labor organizations, follows a Decemberholiday toy drive that benefitted children of thelocked-out workers.

Cooper Tire & Rubber locked out more than1,000 workers at its Findlay, Ohio, plant just afterThanksgiving, while American Crystal Sugarlocked out some 1,300 of its workers at sevenfacilities more than six months ago, refusing tonegotiate.

Said Minnesota State Legislative Director PhilQualy: “These loyal and productive workers –our union brothers and sisters – have been lockedout of their life-long jobs through no fault of theirown. As fellow middle-class Americans and tradeunionists, their plight is our plight and they needand deserve our help.”

Page 6 Page 7March 2012 UTU News March 2012 UTU News

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

2010 General Election Support for UTU Recommended Candidates Based on Party Affiliation2011 Ohio S.B. 5 Election

“We are not the only ones with a PAC. Employers and anti-union groups can,and are, donating to PACs that would like to see the UTU and other labor unionsdry up and blow away. We must rely on ourselves, and each other, to make all of ourworking lives better. Donations to the UTU PAC help elect labor-friendly lawmak-ers locally and nationally.”

Steve SandersAssistant Washington State Legislative Director

Sanders

“Fewer than 20 per-cent of UTU membersare carrying the weight ofall their brothers and sis-ters who have yet to signup for the UTU PAC.Everyone among us hasresponsibilities to theirfamilies, to their commu-

nities and their houses of worship. By con-tributing to the UTU PAC, we safeguardour rights to organize, bargain collectivelyand ensure workplace safety laws and reg-ulations. There are no free rides.”

Andres TrujilloFlorida State Legislative Director

Trujillo

“The government oversees Railroad Retirement, Social Security, arbitration,collective bargaining, representation elections and workplace safety, and providesfunding and oversight to Amtrak and mass transit. It makes a difference who iselected to make decisions affecting our jobs, benefits and working conditions.

We can elect folks who believe in transportation and good-paying jobs, or we canelect candidates who don’t. The UTU PAC contributes to labor-friendly candidateswho support working families. The choice is ours. Give to UTU PAC as if your jobdepends on it – because it does.”

John RischAlternate National Legislative Director

Risch

“Organized laborthroughout Americaneeds to use its resourcesto take back our econo-my, fight to protectworkers’ rights and helpelect labor-friendly law-makers with the intelli-gence to create innova-

tive ways to repair the mess we are in,while preserving what has already beenpromised. We help protect our collectivebargaining rights, our safety in the work-place and our families’ economic securityby contributing to the UTU PAC.”

Anthony SimonGeneral Chairperson,Long Island Rail Road

Simon

“Whoever occupiespositions in governmentdetermines regulationsaffecting collective bar-gaining, workplace safe-ty, health care, andsocial welfare. If we failto elect officials whoshare our values, those

values will be lost. After more than 45years in this industry, one fact is crystalclear: I have never been more aware ofthe need for working people to have avoice in government. The UTU PACgives us that voice. Give to the UTUPAC. Our jobs depend on it.”

Kim ThompsonGeneral Secretary & Treasurer

Thompson

“Our way of life is under attack by anti-union lawmakers and anti-union employ-ers and forces that support their re-election with political contributions. What theAmerican worker wants, and deserves, is a voice and a level playing field in Con-gress and state legislatures. By contributing to the UTU PAC, we gain that voiceand an opportunity to level that playing field.”

Kenny EdwardsIndiana State Legislative Director

Edwards

“More than ever, we,as union members, mustembrace the responsibil-ity of electing labor-friendly lawmakers tosecure our jobs, assureour economic futures,our collective bargain-ing rights, and our work-

place safety laws and regulations.”

Greg HynesArizona State Legislative Director

Hynes

“Lack of interest inour American politicalprocess – complacency –by workers is the worstenemy of job security,wages, health care bene-fits, workplace safety andsecure retirement. Allare under attack by anti-union forces.

The most effective response by workingfamilies is being involved in the politicalprocess by registering to vote, voting andparticipating in a strong PAC focused onworkers’ rights and benefits. That is whythe UTU PAC is so important to our fam-ilies and our futures.”

James StemNational Legislative Director

Stem

What are the demographics of UTU members?What’s important to UTU members in 2012?Are you voting in this year’s election?

The surveys below represent ‘snapshots’ of UTU members at the ballot box

The UTU’s political consultant, Dean Mitchell, has conducted severalsurveys of UTU members to assist the UTU leadership in ensuring con-tributions by the UTU PAC are focused on labor-friendly candidates whounderstand issues most important to working families and UTU members.Advanced statistical methods, developed by universities and political scien-

tists, allow relatively small random samples to reflect, with considerable accu-racy, the characteristics of a much larger population, such as the probable out-come of an election or most important concerns of those eligible to vote. As we know from television news coverage, these methods have

proven extremely accurate in predicting the outcome of an electionbased on early voting patterns. Over the past year, the UTU’s political consultant has utilized these ran-

dom sampling techniques, as well as data from the AFL-CIO, to create asnapshot of the entire UTU membership, and some of those results arereflected in the graphic charts on this page.Demonstrated is that UTU members (and, most probably, family

members of voting age) cast ballots in a far higher percentage than thegeneral population. And, by far, the most important issues on the mindsof UTU members when going to the polls are jobs and the economy.Especially notable, as shown in the graphics, is that despite party

affiliation, UTU members, in previous elections, have cast ballots in favorof candidates recommended by the UTU – labor-friendly candidates with favorablerecords in support of collective bargaining rights, workplace safety laws and regulations, public transit andAmtrak funding, and opposition to privatization of Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Medicare.

UTU Political Action Committee Donation Form

24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070-5333

I, (please print) , of Local ,proudly pledge to the UTU PAC the amount indicated below annually, to be pro-rated monthly and collected withmy union dues.

� $60 per year � $120 per year � $300 per year Bronze Club Silver Club Gold Club

� $365 per year � $600 per year � $1,200 per year Dollar-A-Day Club Diamond Club Platinum Club

� $2,500 per monthThe President’s Circle

� I wish to contribute $ per month, or I would like to make a one-time contribution of $ . (Please enclose a check to “UTU PAC” with this form.)� I am a retired member of Local and I still want to help my union. I am enclosing a contri-bution of $ to the UTU PAC. (Please enclose a check to “UTU PAC” with this form.)

Signature Effective date

UTU PAC reports are filed with the Federal Election Commission, 999 E St. N.W., Washington, DC 20463, and are available for inspectionfrom that agency and appropriate state agencies. Contributions or gifts to the UTU PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions forFederal income tax purposes.

Membership Election Turnout

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Members Respect UTU Supported Candidates

0

20

40

60

80

100

Membership Party Affiliation Important Issues Affecting Vote Choice

0 10 20 30 40 50

The UTU PAC is an investment in thefuture, supporting the candidacy of labor-friendly lawmakers at the state and federallevels, regardless of their political affiliation.Active and retired UTU members need

labor-friendly lawmakers in state legislaturesand Congress as our transportation jobs, collec-tive bargaining rights, health care and otherbenefits, working conditions and pensions areaffected by legislation and regulation. The bestway to help elect lawmakers who understandthe concerns of working families – and thusgain a voice in matters that affect your job andretirement – is to contribute to the UTU PAC.• The UTU PAC gives UTU members and

retirees a voice in government by supportinglabor-friendly candidates.• UTU PAC contributions may be started

or increased anytime, and are deducted auto-matically from your paycheck.• UTU PAC contributions also may be

made on a one-time basis by check.

A UTU PAC contribution is

an investment in your future

Cartoon by member Alan Nash of Local 257

Local Name City/State Local Name City/State Local Name City/State2 Marohn, Donald W. Lambertville, Mich.7 McConahay, Milton F. North Platte, Neb.

113 Moyers, William L. Winslow, Ariz.171 Loughridge, James O. Peru, Ind.200 Ryan, James F. Nebraska City, Neb.202 Bernstein, Leonard J. Colorado Springs, Col.212 Martino, George T. Middlebury, Vt.233 Sanders, James S. Post Falls, Idaho265 Fredericksen, Donald D. Clarkston, Wash.281 Knoebel, C.J. Waukesha, Wis.298 Schaefer, F.M. Effingham, Ill.305 Young, Roger L. Lincoln, Neb.312 Koszuta, Douglas Milwaukee, Wis.318 Crine, Leslie C. Port Jervis, N.Y.322 Dufrane, Robert E. Fond du Lac, Wis.338 Coln, George J. Hixson, Tenn.338 Higgins, Kenneth Chattanooga, Tenn.339 Futrell Jr., Charles F. Jackson, Tenn.376 Eans, William L. Owensboro, Ky.386 Williams, Walter Reading, Pa.440 Hathorn, Robert E. Cincinnati, Ohio473 Draper, LeVern D. Union, Ore.490 Bishop, Jackie L. Patoka, Ind.

490 McDaniels, Jerry E. Mount Carmel, Ill.493 Timmerman, Earl J. Wichita Falls, Texas496 Varney Sr., Jack R. Milford, Ohio524 Hardin, Donald R. Keithville, La.525 Reed, Robert N. Thief River Falls, Minn.528 Bloomstrand, Wendell D. Ellsworth, Wis.556 Waldroup, Earl Floyd Seattle, Wash.565 Cover, Robert L. Centralia, Ill.577 Hansen, Elmer F. Lake Alfred, Fla.607 Pohnert, Ben E. Cape Girardeau, Mo.607 Springfield, Donald R. Thayer, Mo.631 Donegan, Charles C. Cumberland, Md.645 Gravandi, Charles C. Lindenhurst, N.Y.674 Candler, Albert S. Lincolnton, Ga.756 Keller, Patrick J. Center Point, Texas807 Vanorsdol, Jack O. Tucson, Ariz.945 Yergert, Herman G. Pueblo, Col.974 Holtsford, Michael A. Kingston Springs, Tenn.998 McDonald, Fred A. Waycross, Ga.

1042 Satterwhite, Alex J. Oklahoma City, Okla.1043 Servia, Charles Mt. Shasta, Calif.1075 Duke, Jerry Monroe, Mich.1075 Frankhouse, John A. Monroe, Mich.

1075 Ross, Denzel Lima, Ohio1075 Twitty, James H. Palmetto, Fla.1168 Davis, Cecil G. Albuquerque, N.M.1168 Schwalm, Jack H. Belen, N.M.1280 Foy, William H. Guernsey, Wyo.1312 Ptomey, John S. Pensacola, Fla.1313 Cook, James E. Amarillo, Texas1327 Curry, Esmond E. Holden, W. Va.1337 Goudeau, Barbin J. Denham Springs, La.1366 Cunliffe, A.L. Syracuse, Utah1376 Trott Jr., Sylvester C. Pickerington, Ohio1386 Irvin, Everett T. Chillicothe, Ohio1418 Harding, Charles W. Freedom, Pa.1570 Heard, Kenneth R. Tracy, Calif.1570 Yost, Marvin E. Auburn, Calif.1608 Roberts, Kay E. Plano, Texas1628 Zafaras, Jack T. Homestead, Pa.1800 Crouch, Buchannon San Antonio, Texas1918 Swann, Ralph G. Fort Worth, Texas1929 Salmons Sr., Emmett G. Belleville, Ill.

T H E F I N A L C A L L

Following are the names of recently deceased members who maintained annual membership in the UTU Alumni Association, according to reports receivedat UTU International Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU Alumni Association members.

UTU Alumni AssociationUTU Alumni Association

Page 8 March 2012 UTU News

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

News, information for members of the UTU Alumni Association

UTUUTUAlu

mniAlu

mni

UTU retiree helps keep transport museum rolling

Landfall Travel, the UTU Alumni Association’s designated travel agent, has put together three toursfor members: an eight-day motorcoach tour of the Pacific Northwest, and two cruises to Alaska.

The Pacific Northwest tour leaves from Seattle June 25 and ends in San Francisco July 2. Highlightsinclude Mt. St. Helens, Portland, Columbia River Gorge, Newport, Redwood National Park and Pier39. Prices start at $1,949 per person double occupancy.

The Holland America cruises will depart from either Anchorage (July 26) or Seattle (Sept. 8) andwill include Denali National Park, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C., and more.

Airfare for both tours is extra and can be arranged by Landfall. Certain other conditions apply.For complete details call Landfall at (216) 521-7733, or view the UTU Alumni Association page at

www.landfalltravel.com.

UTU offers Pacific Northwest, Alaskan tours

Oakland “Old Rails”to meet April 15

Two retired UTUlocal officials die

The Oakland (Calif.) “Old Rails” willhold a dinner and get-together Sunday,April 15, at Dino’s Restaurant in Castro Val-ley, according to Richard Scholl of Local239, Oakland.

The festivities will begin at noon withdinner served at 1 p.m. All ex-rails, matesand better halves are invited.

“It’s time for a little socializing to let theworld know we’re still around and to renewold acquaintances,” Scholl said.

For more information contact GilbertSanchez, 5030 Trask St., Oakland, CA94601; call (510) 533-4338.

Two notable UTU retirees – Milton “Mac”McConahay and Louis Robert – have died.

McConahay, 85, of North Platte, Neb., diedFeb. 19. A Navy veteran, he began railroading asa fireman on Union Pacific in 1946 and retired in1989 after 43 years of service. He was a memberof UTU-predecessor Brotherhood of LocomotiveFiremen & Enginemen and UTU Local 7 atNorth Platte where he held the offices of dele-gate, local chairperson, secretary/treasurer andserved on the board of trustees for more than 15years. He was a delegate to the first UTU Inter-national convention after the merger of fourunions created the UTU.

Robert, a member of Local 645 in Babylon,N.Y., and a resident of North Bellmore, N.Y., diedFeb. 25. A Navy veteran, he started railroading in1956 on the Long Island Rail Road and retired asa conductor with 30 years of service. He served astreasurer of Local 645 for many years. He alsoworked for the UTUIA as an auditor, field super-visor and insurance agent.

rail lines, boat-making and the MonongahelaRiver.

The museum also boasts uniforms, once wornby Amtrak and Baltimore & Ohio conductors,and display cases filled with lanterns, tools andticket books.

A nearly floor-to-ceiling cabinet holds rail-road, coal mine and city maps, Bradmon said.

The former fire station also houses hand-carved models of trains. Its walls are covered withphotos and paintings of trains and steamboats.

The region was home to a huge boat-makingfactory in the late 1800s, Bradmon said, and thathelped develop nearby lumber, railroad and min-ing industries, the basis for the museum.

“Nobody understands a lot of this stuff whenthey first see it, like the Morse Code key and thecurved stick they used to hand train orders tolocomotive engineers aboard moving trains,”Bradmon said.

Bradmon is proud that his local donated $500to keep the museum alive, and that CSX hasponied up more than $1,200 the last two years.

“The NS won’t give us anything,” Bradmongroused.

The museum is located at 412 Church St.,Brownsville, PA 15417. Phone (724) 326-4489.

Bradmon

The old saying, “Be careful who you step on onthe way up, because they will remember you onthe way down,” is apparently true.

Just ask retired former Local 1006(Brownsville, Pa.) local chairperson and legisla-tive rep. Ernie Bradmon.

Bradmon, 72, serves as president of theMonongahela River, Railroad and Transporta-tion Museum in Brownsville.

His right-hand man? Dave Gratz, 85, his for-mer superintendent on Monangahela Railway,the guy who used to sit opposite him at the nego-tiating table.

Bradmon started railroading in 1968 on theformer Pittsburgh & Lake Erie, now part of CSX.He retired in 2000.

Some years back, Bradmon became involvedwith the small museum, which features donatedmemorabilia from the National Road, trolley and

March 2012 UTU News Page 9

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

UTUIA’s Cancer Hospital Indemnity policy offers:$300 per day for hospital confinement

$600 per day in extended stay benefits

$100 per day for home recovery

$2,000 first diagnosis benefit for internal cancer

$15,000 bone marrow transplant benefit

Do not let cancereat your life savings

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The American Cancer Societyprojects that more than 93 millionAmericans alive today will bediagnosed with cancer duringtheir lifetimes. That is the equiva-lent of every man, woman andchild living in the red-shadedstates above.

Cancer is often a lingering disease that strikes all age groups. It may require repeated,extensive treatment, resulting in the person being unable to work, high hospitalizationbills and loss of income.The National Cancer Institute reports that cancer will strike in three out of fourfamilies.UTUIA’s Cancer Hospital Indemnity policy offers peace of mind. The benefits are paiddirectly to the policyholder to use as he or she sees fit: to help meet household expenses andother continuing expenses. This policy supplements regular hospitalization insurance, there-by protecting savings. Some benefits may vary based on state of residence.With monthly premiums starting as low as $9 per month, this plan fits into any budget.

2/12

“I sold UTUIA cancer plans for years because I believed in the product and thought everyone should havethe protection. Then, all of a sudden, there I was, confronted with cancer in my own family. Even with ourgreat medical insurance, the out-of-pocket costs of cancer were significant. Now, having experienced can-cer first hand, I believe even more strongly that everyone should include cancer insurance in their family’sprotection portfolio.”

– Retired UTUIA Field Supervisor Don Dysart

Call or email today:

(800) 558-8842utuiasales@utu.org

In preparation for a new operator of Caltraincommuter service in Northern California, the UTUhas moved to protect its members who choose totransfer from Amtrak to the new operator.

Caltrain operates south from San Francisco toSan Jose and Gilroy.

TransitAmerica Services, Inc. (TASI), a sub-sidiary of Herzog TransitServices, will replace Amtrakas operator of Caltrain begin-ning May 26, following arebid process by the JointPowers Board that controlsthe commuter operation.Amtrak has operated Cal-train since 1992. TASI won afive-year operating agree-ment that begins in May.

The UTU has reached an agreement withTASI, recognizing the UTU as the representativeof conductors and assistant conductors who willbe hired by TASI. The agreement governs rules,rates of pay and working conditions for conduc-tors and assistant conductors on TASI, givingfirst right of hire to Amtrak employees who areworking in the service as of May 25.

In the event that the number of Amtrak con-ductors and assistant conductors who apply foremployment on TASI – and who are hired –exceeds the number of positions available atstartup, such applicants will be placed on hiringpool list for subsequent employment.

UTU-represented conductors and assistantconductors in Amtrak Zone CS-2 on May 26will, as a result of the change in operators, have

UTU seeks to aid Caltrain workers moving from Amtrakno Amtrak positions left to work, and will beplaced in home terminal/displaced status underprovisions of Rule 8 of the current collective bar-gaining with Amtrak.

Conductors and assistant conductors haverights to flow to other Amtrak zones as providedunder the Amtrak agreement.

If those rights are not exer-cised within a five-day periodbeginning May 26, theAmtrak Zone CS-2 conduc-tors and assistant conductorswill become home terminalfurloughed, as provided byRule 9 of the Amtrak agree-ment. Conductors and assis-tant conductors under hometerminal furlough who accept

employment with TASI will continue to maintainseniority and employment rights with Amtrakuntil such time as recalled to service by Amtrak.

Amtrak conductors and assistant conductorsworking outside Zone CS-2 may submit an appli-cation to TASI for employment, but must beaware that if non-Zone CS-2 conductors or assis-tant conductors choose to leave active statuswith Amtrak for employment with TASI,Amtrak will not grant a leave of absence andthose individuals will terminate their employ-ment rights and seniority with Amtrak.

This agreement is modeled after the currentAmtrak collective bargaining agreement, withsome modifications and enhancements to reflectthe new operator and the current round of nego-tiations with Amtrak.

The agreement preserves and enhances currentcrew consist and productivity allowances andretains years of service for vacation entitlementof Amtrak employees who are employed by TASI.In addition, the agreement provides for healthand welfare benefits equivalent to those in thecurrent Amtrak contract.

The negotiating team consisted of GO 769Chairperson Dirk Sampson and Vice GeneralChairperson Charlie Yura. They were assisted byUTU International Vice President John Pre-visich.

“Chairpersons Sampson and Yura are to becommended for their leadership role in securiingfor their members a first right-of-hire with thenew operator, while maintaining for all of TASI’sUTU-represented employees wages and workingconditions that are equal to, or exceed, those cur-rently in place on Amtrak,” Previsich said.

The UTU International is seekinggood railroad, bus and airline photos.

High-resolution digital photographsshould be emailed to “utunews@utu.org”.Printed photos should be mailed to UTUNews, 24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite340, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Includethe UTU member’s name and local num-ber, the name(s) of the person or personsin the photo (left to right) and any otherinformation. All photos become propertyof UTU.

We need your photos

Metrolink, where 25 people died and 135 wereinjured in a 2008 head-on train accident atChatsworth, Calif., that safety experts say couldhave been prevented had PTC been in place.

Amtrak (on track it owns), Metrolink, Chica-go Metra and Southeast Pennsylvania Trans-portation Authority (SEPTA), in conjunctionwith owners of track over which they operate, are

among commuter systemsstriving to have PTC opera-tional as early as 2013. Sen.Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)said BNSF will meet the cur-rent 2015 implementationdate.

Sadly, according to newsreports, 24 other commuterrailroads and the American

Public Transportation Association place a higherpriority on spending for gussied up passenger sta-tions, platforms and even new office buildings forexecutives, and are supporting the delay in PTCimplementation.

Los Angeles Metrolink CEO John Fenton,who adamantly places safety first, told Congress,“We don’t think there is any time to waste giventhe unforgiving nature of the environment inwhich we operate.” In bitter memory of the

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

Page 10 March 2012 UTU News

Continued from page 1Metrolink leads the way in PTC installation

Continued from page 1Speed restrictions there to protect you

Metrolink’s Fenton:“No time to waste”

Fenton

With increased successcomes increased expense

In short, restricted speed is a warningthat something in front of you has theability to get you fired, hurt or killed.

When restricted speed is required, thewarning should bring one out of your seat –make the hair on the back of your neckstand – because that is how dangerous thesituation is at that point.

When speed is restricted, every elementof your job should have your undividedattention, looking for what lies ahead –moving at a speed that will allow stoppingin an instant when the unknown becomesknown.

An in-depth job briefing among crewmembers is a must, and at times shouldinclude contacting the dispatcher for asmuch pertinent information as possible.

When speed is restricted, engineers andconductors must insist that each other dropall other activities, remain vigilant andattentive to the task at hand.

Conductors must be in position to stopthe movement immediately should anydoubt arise that the train is not under con-trol using the provided emergency brakehandle on their side of the locomotive.

With conductor certification, you arenow held accountable, and it is only logical thatyou place the train into emergency 10 times thanto gamble with your life once.

In some cases, we struggle to find examples of

others’ misfortune to bring to light oururgency to comply with rules and proce-dures. Unfortunately, during 2011 therewere five serious accidents where, accord-ing to the National Transportation SafetyBoard, crewmembers “failed to operatetheir trains at the required restrictedspeed.” Two of these accidents resulted increw fatalities:•Red Oak, Iowa, April 17, 2011, on BNSF;•Low Moor, Va., May 21, 2011, on CSX;•Mineral Springs, N.C., May 24, 2011, onCSX•DeWitt, N.Y., July 6, 2011, on CSX;•DeKalb, Ind., Aug. 19, 2011, on NorfolkSouthern.

Be wise and learn from the mistakes ofothers who failed to follow rules, proce-dures and signal systems that were designedover decades to prevent such collisions.

The UTU Safety Task Force urges you tooperate at a speed that will allow you to gohome to your family in once piece – neverallowing others to set your level of person-al safety.

Fraternally,UTU Safety Task Force

Greg Hynes, Steve Evans, Jerry Gibson

To read other rail safety alerts from the UTU RailSafety Task Force, go to www.utu.org.

Hynes

Evans

Gibson

Just ask UTU District of Columbia LegislativeDirector Willie Bates about safety standards forrail-transit systems.

Unlike freight and passenger railroads, rail-transit systems are not bound by federal construc-tion standards, nor are their workers in safety-

senstive positions governed byfederal hours-of-service limita-tions, says Bates.

As a member of the Obamaadministration’s 20-personTransit Rail Advisory Com-mittee for Safety, Bates is col-laborating with his fellow com-mittee members to draft feder-al regulations for 47 separatesuch systems that currently set

their own safety rules and procedures.Congressional action will be needed to put the

new rules in place, as a 1964 law prohibits feder-al oversight of transit agencies. Bates supportsgiving the Federal Transit Administration regula-

Bates

UTU officer pushes safety improvementstory authority for transit-system safety, pointingto a 2011 National Transportation Safety Boardreport citing “inconsistent practices, inadequatestandards and marginal effectiveness with respectto state safety oversight of rail-transit systems.”

Bates last year was named by TransportationSecretary Ray LaHood to the Transit Rail Advi-sory Committee for Safety for good reason. In2009, Amtrak’s highest safety honor – theCharles Luna Memorial Safety Award – wasbestowed upon Bates, who has worked injury-freefor 25 years as an Amtrak conductor, and neverhad a safety-rules violation. The award is named

for the UTU’s first International president, wholater was an Amtrak board member.

And in 2011, the governor of Virginiabestowed upon Bates the Governor’s Transporta-tion Safety Award for rail transportation. Batesformerly was president and vice local chairpersonfor Local 1933 in Richmond.

The efforts of the Transit Rail Advisory Com-mittee are supported by the UTU National Leg-islative Office, which is educating congressionallawmakers on the importance of standardizedfederal safety standards for rail transit systems.

In accordance with Article 12, Lines 33-40,of the UTU Constitution, the UTU Board ofTrustees has authorized an increase in theassessment of dues apportioned to the Gen-eral Fund in the amount of $2.

On Jan. 1, 2008, this administrationassumed a balance in operating funds of$3,790,355. With responsible management,this balance increased steadily until May 31,2011. During this period, we endured a greatrecession and suffered a membershipdecline of 25 percent, from which we are nowrecovering.

In May 2010, our International offices wererelocated within the Cleveland, Ohio, area,allowing us to reduce the size of our officespace, yet upgrade to state-of-the-art facilitiesdesigned with productive efficiencies. Thiswas accomplished with a net cost reduction.

UTU International duesto increase May 1

Chatsworth disaster, Fenton and Metrolinkemployees wear green wrist bands with the words,“Never Again.”

Metrolink is leading the fight against any delayin widespread PTC implementation, explainingthat PTC installation costs would be far lowerwere PTC architecture and components pur-chased in greater quantity, which would createvendor competition, introduce standardizationand spread overhead costs among all railroads.

“PTC can be the technological edge thathelps Metrolink achieve the safest operationspossible,” says Fenton. “We believe PTC is per-haps the most important safety innovation inour lifetime.”

UTU National Legislative Director JamesStem and Alternate National Legislative Direc-tor John Risch have been delivering a single mes-sage to Congress: “Implementation of PTC is asmall price to pay for saving lives and limbs. Weneed this modern technology safety overlay toprotect passengers, the public and train crews.”

On July 1, 2012, wages of our members onthe major railroads will have improved morethan 25 percent under this administration,and will continue to increase to more than 40percent by the end of the current agreement.

With increased success comes increasedexpense. As with the wages of our members,the wages of all International officers andstaff personnel also increase.

As we cap H&W contributions, the cost ofH&W for our International officers and staffcontinues to increase. Since May 2011, ourbalance in operating funds has continuallydeclined. Notwithstanding the efficienciesthat we have advanced and our steadilyincreasing membership, existing revenuesare insufficient to adequately safeguard ourcurrent level of operation.

Effective May 1, 2012, assessment ofInternational dues shall be $26.50 per month.Locals that have been granted a reduction ofInternational dues shall continue at the cur-rent rate established for their circumstances,subject to further review as provided by Line21 of Article 12.

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

March 2012 UTU News Page 11

DIRECTORY OF UTU DESIGNATED LEGAL COUNSEL

Ronald J. BarczakYaeger, Jungbauer & Barczak,P.L.C.2550 University Ave. West,Ste. 345NSt. Paul, MN 55114(612) 333-6371(800) 435-7888(612) 333-3619 faxwww.yjblaw.comrbarczak@yjblaw.com

Charles H. BaumbergerRossman, Baumberger, Reboso,Spier & Connolly23rd Fl., Courthouse Tower44 W. Flagler St.Miami, FL 33130-1808(305) 373-0708(800) 775-6511(305) 577-4370 faxwww.rbrlaw.comchb@rbrlaw.com

Michael D. BlalockBlalock & Blalock, P.C.1232 Blue Ridge Blvd.P.O. Box 26365Hoover, AL 35260(205) 823-8088(800) 433-3352(205) 823-9190www.blalock.commdb@blalock.com

Edward F. BrennanBrennan Law Offices, P.C.19 Bronze PointBelleville, IL 62226(618) 236-2121(800) 875-2123(618) 236-1282 faxwww.feladlc.comebrennan@peaknet.net

Donald S. BrittThe Law Offices of Donald S.Britt770 L Street, Ste. 950Sacramento, CA 95814(916) 447-8800(800) 795-6555(916) 447-8801 faxdbritt@dsbrittlaw.com

F. Tucker BurgeBurge & Burge2001 Park Place, #850Birmingham, AL 35203(205) 251-9000(800) 633-3733(205) 323-0512 faxwww.burge-law.comtucker@burge-law.com

Edward S. CookCook, Hall & Lampros, L.L.P.Promenade Two, Ste. 37001230 Peachtree St., N.E.Atlanta, GA 30309(404) 876-8100(888) 888-9110(404) 876-3477 faxwww.cookhall.comecook@cookhall.com

P. Matthew DarbyBerman, Sobin, Gross,Feldman & Darby32 West Rd., Ste. 210Baltimore, MD 21204(410) 769-5400(800) 248-3352(410) 769-9200 faxwww.bsgfdlaw.compmdarby@bsgfdlaw.com

Richard J. Dinsmore1905 Harney St., Ste. 710Omaha, NE 68102(402) 341-2020(800) 342-3352(402) 341-1851 faxdinslaw@aol.com

Daniel J. DownesDaniel J. Downes, P.C.60 W. Randolph St., Ste. 232Chicago, IL 60601(312) 781-1852(800) 624-2121(312) 781-1854 faxwww.feladownes.comdan@dandownes.com

James L. FarinaHoey & Farina542 S. Dearborn, Ste. 200Chicago, IL 60605(312) 939-1212(888) 425-1212(312) 939-7842 faxwww.hoeyfarina.comfarina@hoeyfarina.com

Robert E. Harrington Jr.Harrington, Thompson, Acker &Harrington180 N. Wacker Dr., Third Fl.Chicago, IL 60606(312) 332-8811(800) 828-5828(312) 332-2027 faxwww.harringtonlaw.comrharrington@harringtonlaw.com

Brent O. Hatch10 W. Broadway, Ste. 400Salt Lake City, UT 84101(801) 363-6363(800) 574-6310(801) 363-6666 faxbhatch@hjdlaw.com

Michael L. HerzikSteinburg, Herzik & Prieto,Attorneys at Law700 Louisiana St., Ste. 4250Houston, TX 77002(713) 654-7800(713) 652-0110 faxmlherzik@yahoo.com

Rick D. HoltsclawHoltsclaw & Kendall, L.C.2029 Wyandotte, Ste. 100Kansas City, MO 64108(816) 221-2555(800) 877-8440(816) 221-2508 faxwww.holtsclaw-kendall.comrick@holtsclaw-kendall.com

Mitchell A. KayeCoffey, Kaye, Myers & OlleyTwo Bala Plaza, Ste. 718Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-1514(610) 668-9800(800) 334-2500(610) 667-3352 faxwww.felaattys.commkaye718@msn.com

Bradley M. LakinThe Lakin Law Firm300 Evans Ave.Wood River, IL 62095-0229(618) 254-1127(800) 851-5523(618) 254-0193 faxwww.lakinlaw.combradl@lakinchapman.com

E.J. Leizerman717 Madison Ave.Toledo, OH 43604(419) 243-1010(800) 628-4500(419) 243-8200 faxwww.thefela.comej@leizerman.com

Cortney S. LeNeaveHunegs, LeNeave & Kvas, P.A.900 Second Ave. S., Ste. 1650Minneapolis, MN 55402-3339(612) 339-4511(800) 328-4340(612) 339-5150 faxwww.hlklaw.comcleneave@hlklaw.com

William W. McVay230 Warwick Dr.Pittsburgh, PA 15241(412) 854-3250(800) 854-3250(412) 854-5791 faxbillmcvay@aol.com

Willard J. Moody Jr.The Moody Law Firm500 Crawford St., Ste. 300P.O. Box 1138Portsmouth, VA 23705(757) 393-4093(800) 368-1033(757) 397-7257 faxwill@moodyrrlaw.com

Gene C. NapierHubbell, Peak, O’Neal, Napier& LeachUnion Station30 W. Pershing Rd., Ste. 350Kansas City, MO 64108-2463(816) 221-5666(800) 821-5257(816) 221-5259 faxgnapier1947@yahoo.com

Robert T. NaumesThornton & Naumes, L.L.P.100 Summer St., 30th Fl.Boston, MA 02110(617) 720-1333(800) 431-4600 (617) 720-2445 faxwww.tenlaw.comrnaumes@tenlaw.com

David R. PaoliPaoli Kutzman, P.C.257 W. Front St., Ste. AP.O. Box 8131Missoula, MT 59802(406) 542-3330(800) 816-9699(406) 542-3332 faxwww.paoli-law.comdavid@paoli-law.comdavidrp@aol.com

John T. PapaCallis, Papa, Hale, Szewczyk,Rongey & Danziger, P.C.1326 Niedringhaus Ave.P.O. Box 1326Granite City, IL 62040(618) 452-1323(800) 851-3105(618) 452-8024 faxwww.callislaw.comjtp@callislaw.com

F. Daniel PetroPetro & Petro, P.C.100 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 1605Chicago, IL 60604(312) 332-9596(800) 472-5729(312) 332-9595 faxdpetro3259@aol.com

R. Edward Pfiester Jr.R. Edward Pfiester Law2000 Riverside Dr.Los Angeles, CA 90039-3707(323) 662-6400(800) 344-3352(323) 669-8549 faxwww.pfiesterlaw.comrepjr@earthlink.net

Anthony S. PetruHildebrand, McLeod &Nelson, Inc.350 F.H. Ogawa Plaza, 4th Fl.Oakland, CA 94612-2603(510) 451-6732(800) 447-7500 U.S.(800) 448-7575 California only(510) 465-7023 faxwww.hmnlaw.competru@hmnlaw.com

Lloyd L. RabbRabb & Beal, P.L.L.C.3320 N. Campbell Ave., Ste. 150Tucson, AZ 85719(520) 888-6740(800) 354-3352(520) 327-0651 faxwww.firstinjurylaw.comlrabb@firstinjurylaw.com

Samuel J. RosenthalBarish RosenthalBell Atlantic Tower, Ste. 40201717 Arch St.Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 923-8900(800) 233-7101(215) 351-0593 faxwww.barishrosenthal.comssrosen2@gmail.com

John J. RossiRossi, Vucinovich & Flaskamp,P.C.The Cypress Point Bldg.3801 E. Florida Ave., 4th Fl.Denver, CO 80210-2500(303) 759-3500(800) 325-4014(303) 759-3180 faxwww.rvflegal.comjrossi@rvflegal.com

Jerome J. SchlichterSchlichter, Bogard & Denton,L.L.P.100 S. Fourth St., Ste. 900St. Louis, MO 63102(314) 621-6115(800) 873-5297(314) 621-7151 faxwww.uselaws.comjschlichter@uselaws.com

Michael F. TelloTello & Associates2150 Third Ave. N., Ste. 10Anoka, MN 55303(763) 427-0159(800) 760-2850(763) 427-2867 faxmftfela@aol.com

George ThorntonThornton Mostul, P.L.L.C.1000 2nd Ave., Ste. 3310Seattle, WA 98104(206) 621-0600(800) 525-3352www.nwrrlaw.comgeorge@nwrrlaw.com

Stephen M. TilleryKorein, Tillery L.L.C.10 Executive Woods Ct.Swansea, IL 62226(618) 277-1180(800) 288-5520(618) 277-9804 faxwww.koreintillery.comstillery@koreintillery.com

James K. VucinovichRossi, Cox, Vucinovich &Flaskamp, P.C.10900 N.E. 8th Ave., Ste. 1122Bellevue, WA 98004(425) 646-8003(866) 357-7245(425) 646-8004 faxwww.rvflegal.comjvucinovich@rvflegal.com

Michael WarshauerWarshauer Law Group, P.C.3350 Riverwood Pkwy., Ste. 2000Atlanta, GA 30339(404) 892-4900(888) 879-7300(404) 892-1020 faxwww.warlawgroup.commjw@warlawgroup.com

James H. WettermarkWettermark, Holland & Keith,L.L.C.2101 Highland Ave. S., Ste. 750Birmingham, AL 35205(205) 933-9500(877) 715-9300(205) 212-9500 faxwww.calljustice.comjames@wkfirm.com

Thomas C. Wood Jr.Wood, Wilson & Hajek501 Morrison Rd., Ste. 203Columbus, OH 43230(614) 337-2427(800) 752-5184(614) 337-8324 faxtomcwood@yahoo.com

Steve YoungTavormina & Young, L.L.P.1300 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1750Houston, TX 77056(713) 333-3070(888) 565-7245(713) 333-3075 faxwww.tavorminayoung.comsyoung@tavorminayoung.com

Sara YoungdahlYoungdahl & Citti, P.C.12621 Featherwood Dr., Ste. 240Houston, TX 77034(281) 996-0750(866) 996-0750(281) 996-0725 fax www.youngdahl.comsyoungdahl@youngdahl.com

Larry MannRail Safety Coordinator toUTU Designated LegalCounsel9205 Redwood Ave.Bethesda, MD 20817(202) 298-9191lm.mann@verizon.net

Mark AllenCoordinator of Designated Legal Counsel

The Barnes Law Firm, L.L.C.8205 Macon Rd., Cordova, TN 38018

(901) 201-6846 • (877) 529-4321 • (901) 680-9025 faxwww.law4321.com • mallen@law4321.com

A fact of life for train crews is trans-portation to and from terminals in shuttlevans operated by firms under contract torailroads.

Over the past year, four crew membersdied and another was seriously injured intwo separate accidents while riding inshuttle vans.

Shuttle-van drivers are almost alwaysnon-union and required to work longhours under horrendous working conditions. Under-standably, driver turnover is substantial, which has frus-trated previous efforts to organize these drivers.

The UTU’s National Legislative Office and state leg-islative directors have long fought for better shuttle-vansafety, seeking regulations requiring improved training,hours-of-service limitations and better pay and benefitsfor drivers.

In several states, the UTU has been successful in gain-ing passage of legislation regulating shuttle vans, toinclude minimum driver-hiring qualifications, maximumhours-of-service limitations, driver drug-testing require-ments, fully operational seat belts, annual state DOTinspections of the vans, and state DOT certification ofvehicle maintenance inspections and repair records.

Shock resulted last month when Rep. Larry Bucshon

(R-Ind.) was successful in adding anamendment to a highway-funding bill inthe House that would strip shuttle-vandrivers, operating in interstate commerce,of minimum wage and overtime protec-tion, a significant step backward in thepush for improved shuttle-van safety.

Equally shocking was a news report thatthe president of one shuttle-van service –Professional Transportation, Inc. – had

donated, along with his wife, more than $55,000 in polit-ical contributions last year to Republican lawmakers,including Bucshon.

The news report observed that many shuttle-van driv-ers are paid minimum wage – which no longer would betheir wage floor – and sometimes spend 60 hours a weekbehind the wheel. Elimination of the overtime pay willforce them to work longer hours with unpredictableschedules, increasing the problem of fatigue.

Other shuttle-van firms that would benefit from thisBucshon amendment include RailCrew Xpress, Renzen-berger and Coach America.

The UTU National Legislative Office is working withother members of the House, who similarly recognize thepublic safety implications of the Bucshon amendment, toensure it does not survive.

Photo of the month

Periodicals Postage

PAID at Cleveland, Ohio,

and Additional

Mailing Offices

ISSN 0098-5937

Published monthly (except forcombined months of Dec-ember/January and July/August)by the UNITED TRANSPORTA-TION UNION, 24950 COUNTRYCLUB BLVD., SUITE 340,NORTH OLMSTED, OH 44070-5333 • Periodicals postage paidat Cleveland, Ohio, and addi-tional mailing offices • MikeFuthey, International President;Kim Thompson, General Secre-tary & Treasurer • This publi-cation available on microfilmfrom National Archive Publishing,P.O. Box 998, Ann Arbor, MI48106.

POSTMASTER: Send addresschanges to UTU News, 24950Country Club Blvd., Suite 340,North Olmsted, OH 44070-

MARCH 2012

Please recycle

Photo of the month

This photo of a retired White Pass & Yukon rotary snow plow was taken by the wife

of retired Amtraker Merle Schmalz of Local 1370, New York. “I was in Alaska in

August 2011. It was a super trip.”

www.utu.org / www.utuia.org

D.C. SLD Bates worksto improve transit safety.See page 10.

UTU retiree keepstransportation museumrolling. See page 8.

KCS conductor RodneyHennigan has stories totell. See page 2.

Alt. VP Studivant railsagainst cuts in transitfunding. See page 5.

Inside this issue of the UTU News:

44

The Official Publication of the United Transportation Union

Number 3

Volume March 2012

www.utu.orgwww.utuia.org

The UTU International isalways looking for good pho-tos, and awards UTU gear tomonthly photo winners.The UTU seeks photographs

or digital images of work-relat-ed scenes, such as railroad, busor mass transit operations, newequipment photos, scenicshots, activities of your local, orphotos of your brothers and sis-ters keeping America rolling.Printed photographs should

be mailed to UTU News,24950 Country Club Blvd.,Suite 340, North Olmsted, OH44070-5333.High-resolution digital pho-

tographs should be in the JPEGformat and emailed to“utunews@utu.org”.With each photograph,

please include your name andUTU local number, the namesof the persons in the photo (leftto right), where the photo wastaken, and all other pertinentinformation.All photographs submitted

become property of the UTU.Remember to review your

employer’s policies regardinguse of cameras on the propertyor during work hours.

Rep. Bucshon: Tear down that bill