Transportation News

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UTU, BLET challenge HOS interpretations

The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 made the first significant amendments to hours-of-service laws in nearly 40 years. In response, the FRA issued an interim statement of agency policy and interpretation, which poses significant problems for train- and engine-service empl [...]

Our might starts with our members

By UTU Assistant President Arty Martin Early in our lives, we learn that success — whether it be graduation, being selected for a church choir, earning a spot on a sports team, or being hired to drive a bus, fly a plane or switch rail cars — requires preparation, [...]

AFL-CIO & UTU: A powerful alliance

By UTU International President Mike Futhey The AFL-CIO convention that elected new leadership and placed the UTU on its ruling Executive Council is the beginning of a powerful cooperative atmosphere that will be good for organized labor and, in particular, for the UTU members [...]

Narcotics & sedatives: Take with caution

By Norman K. Brown UTU medical consultant There is an old saying among physicians that patients will lie more often about their drug usage and their sex lives than about any other topics. So, please, just give me the facts. What drugs was Michael Jackson taking when he died? [...]

Shorter bus contracts protect earnings

By Richard Deiser Vice President, Bus Department Kudos to Alternate Bus Vice President-East Calvin Studivant and Alternate Bus Vice President-West Bonnie Morr for being chosen as delegates to the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh, where a highlight was President Obama’s [...]

UnitedHealth aids flood-affected Georgia

(The following information was released Sept. 30, 2009, by UnitedHealthcare.) “We are concerned about the health and welfare of our members affected by the recent floods in Georgia and we have taken immediate action to offer: Assistance for members in locating an in-net [...]

We’ll fight with fire in belly for what’s right!

By UTU International President Mike Futhey We accept that managing employees isn’t a popularity contest. But it need not be an unpopularity contest. I share with each of you the concern over ratcheted-up harassment, intimidation and excessive discipline. There is no mor [...]

Bus members learn at regional meetings

By Richard DeiserVice President, Bus Department It was gratifying to see the large number of Bus Department local and committee officers and legislative representatives in attendance at the regional meeting in New Orleans. There were many long-time experienced veterans and ma [...]

DIPP: Protect against payless paydays

By UTU General Secretary & Treasurer Kim Thompson One of the valuable UTU benefits provided our members is the Discipline Income Protection Program, or DIPP. The DIPP provides payment for a specific amount and period of time to an employee suspended, dismissed or removed [...]

Solving problems through a positive approach

By Assistant President Arty Martin Viewers of the cable television sitcom, Fawlty Towers, may recall an episode in which Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese) beat his broken-down car with a branch, blaming the car rather than his own failure to maintain it. Being too negative [...]