Transportation News

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Wild West tour deadline nears

The sign-up deadline is nearing for the UTU Alumni Association’s “Pioneer Adventures of the Old West.” This eight-day adventure starts in Phoenix May 9, 2010. It includes Sedona, Ariz., and the Montezuma Castle National Monument; a ride aboard the Grand Cany [...]

Workplace safety: Our highest priority

By UTU International President Mike Futhey What should have been a joyous holiday season ended all too tragically Dec. 29 with the death of 44-year-old UTU Local 1000 member Samuel Lundy in a switching accident in Minneapolis. He leaves behind a loving wife and three children [...]

National rail contract negotiators named

The UTU national rail contract negotiating team has been named by UTU International President Mike Futhey, who will serve as the UTU’s chief negotiator. Other members of this bargaining round’s negotiating committee include Assistant President Arty Martin; Interna [...]

Rail Safety Alert #5: No mental vacations

The 24 days between Dec. 22 and Jan. 14 have proven the most deadly for railroad workers. More fatalities and career-ending injuries occur during this calendar period than any other. With the holiday season upon us, we owe it to ourselves and our families to keep the season j [...]

Rails withdraw staffing & consolidation proposal

A month after the UTU filed a lawsuit in federal court to block a railroad demand to bargain over “staffing and consolidation,” the carriers have withdrawn that demand from their Railway Labor Act Section 6 notices. In a letter to UTU International President Mike [...]

As we begin national rail negotiations …

By UTU International President Mike Futhey As we begin this new round of bargaining with the railroads to amend our national rail contract, I am optimistic we will reach an equitable outcome — an agreement that benefits both parties. The carriers and their contract empl [...]

Deiser: Distracted bus drivers a safety risk

By Richard DeiserVice president and director, Bus Dept. One of the most important issues facing the motor carrier industry is distracted driving. Safe driving requires total concentration — not just on our own part, as we must also worry about other drivers not paying a [...]

Early rail retiree insurance cap raised

UTU members and their dependents insured under the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (ERMA) Plan (GA-46000) will have their lifetime maximum amount of coverage increase effective Jan. 1. ERMA is a comprehensive benefits plan for employees who [...]

UTU bus members gain disability insurance

The UTU has selected Lincoln National Life Insurance Co., a member of the Lincoln Financial Group, to provide a national group voluntary short-term disability plan for all bus members. Coverage is for off-duty accidents and illness, and is automatic unless bus members opt out [...]

NJT inaugurates close call project

A confidential close call reporting system pilot project is up and running systemwide on New Jersey Transit, with the UTU, American Train Dispatchers Association and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen participating. This is the first pilot project involving [...]