Old Y2K1  2001 "Discussion" boards

Year 2001 "General Discussions":
Just "click" on the "Subject" line below that you desire, it will link you
directly with that discussion posting.

Discussion Board
Old year 2000 Articles archived
Website Idea
    Re: Website Idea
        Re: Website Idea
Brian Bresnick
    Re: Brian Bresnick
Union Reforms
Roger is back
Little Resigns, Boyd Takes Over
Mariposa Yard
The struggle for early retirement continues
Comments from concerned Membership?????
The Reform Party Brian Bresnick
Railroad Retirement or Do you think of it coming some day?
Hello to You
    Re: Hello to You
UTU AGREEMENTS ON CD
Retirement Bill
The BLE-UTU Merger
    Re: The BLE-UTU Merger
        Re: The BLE-UTU Merger
SJR 18
What the H----
S 697
A wish for a happy holiday to all of you.
URGENT - URGENT - URGENT - URGENT
Re: Response
Thinking of retirement?

_____________________________

Discussion Board

From: Ricardo
Date: 8/30/00
Time: 10:46:16 PM
Remote Name: 12.72.116.117

Comments

On the "Discussion" board is where you post general comments or information
about most anything that you would like to discuss. If you have a general
comment to make, click on "Post" to put in a general comment. When finished
just click on the button at the bottom that says "Post Article". Please take note
that your posting of a comment will probably not show up on the web page until
after you go back to the Discussion Page and press the "Reload" or "Refresh"
button on your browser. Once you have "Reloaded" or "Refreshed" the page,
then your article should appear on the board. DON'T FORGET TO CLICK ON
THE "REFRESH PAGE" ICON. Posted : 06/14/00
---------------------------------------------------------

Old year 2000 Articles archived

From: Ricardo
Date: 1/14/01
Time: 9:44:36 PM
Remote Name: 24.165.186.16

Comments

Where did all the discussions and articles go? The Old Articles from last
year (2000) have been archived, you can go to the "Claims" page where
you will find all the articles posted and archived. Thank you, Webmaster,
Ricardo Pugh
--------------------------------------------------------

Website Idea

From:
Date: 1/15/01
Time: 7:27:19 PM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.170

Comments

We should have something like this on this website :
http://jaysworks.com/1637/1637/extra.html
---------------------------------------------------------

Re: Website Idea

From: Ricardo
Date: 1/17/01
Time: 10:40:36 AM
Remote Name: 24.165.186.16

Comments

To the anonymous person that suggested the count board, such as they
have in Vancouver, thank you and I strongly urge that you submit your
idea at the next Union Meeting to be held on Feb. 15th, at 09:00 am at
Cedar Lanes. Ricardo
---------------------------------------------------------

Brian Bresnick

From: Flow Back Agreement
Date: 1/17/01
Time: 5:27:28 PM
Remote Name: 216.224.147.230

Comments

Joe Icardo has advised me that jack Holden will be attending a meeting
next week to discuss the Flow Back Agreement with Labor Relations.
If have have any concerns regarding the agreement, submit your question
either on the web sight, or give it to Joe or myself.
---------------------------------------------------------

Re: Brian Bresnick

From: J.M. Icardo
Date: 1/17/01
Time: 5:35:31 PM
Remote Name: 38.11.187.125

Comments

Thanks Brian. I appreciate your help here. I was going to post, but you
beat me to it. I need a couple hundred more members like you.
---------------------------------------------------------

Re: Website Idea (2)

From: J.M. Icardo
Date: 1/17/01
Time: 5:38:16 PM
Remote Name: 38.11.187.125

Comments

I agree that this is a good idea. My only concern is that this research
may take quite a bit of time, time that your local chairmen just don't
have. Am I also hearing a volunteer to take this on?
---------------------------------------------------------

Union Reforms

From: J.M. Icardo
Date: 1/21/01
Time: 2:24:40 PM
Remote Name: 38.28.114.108

Comments

 On the home page Ricardo has posted two links to web pages that
I found. The first one is to Roger Griffeth's page. Roger was formerly
the GS&T and ran for president against charlie little in the last election.
I was very sad when he lost as I had read his platform and it seemed
to me to be the way we should have went. The second page is to a site
which is dedicated to democracy in labor unions. Both of these sites
contain important information for anyone that is interested in seeing true
reforms take place in the UTU. Another site which is not yet posted with
a link that should be a must read for anyone that is fed up with the
leadership we are currently under is brother Lance Ruck's site. The
address is http://home.elp.rr.com/elpasoexpress/. If you have never
been to Lance's site you had better be prepared to find out some very
shameful things about our leadership. So far as I have been able to tell,
Lance's accusations are true. I don't think charlie would let him go
unpunished if they weren't. Anyway, I think that everyone should take a
look at these sites unless they are satisfied with the status quo. I plan to
run for delegate in the next convention and win or lose, I think that we
should be getting a plan together right now to insure that the people
responsible for our current lack of leadership at the international level are
held responsible for their actions at the next convention.
--------------------------------------------------------

Roger is back

From: J.M. ICARDO
Date: 1/22/01
Time: 9:53:35 PM
Remote Name: 38.28.114.37

Comments

 Roger Griffeth appears to be back!! His web site is up and running
at http://www.powow.com/reform/. I think that local 1252 needs to
get behind this man. He should have succeeded charlie but it seems
the delegates weren't tuned into the membership last time around.
UTU Reform Party, now that's something I can get behind. What do
you think? Please take the time to visit his site and see what's on his mind.
---------------------------------------------------------

Little Resigns, Boyd Takes Over

From:
Date: 2/6/01
Time: 12:34:17 PM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.21

Comments

February 6, 2001

All General Chairpersons All State Legislative Directors

Dear Sirs and Brothers:

It is with regret that I inform you that the United Transportation Union
and United Transportation Union Insurance Association Boards of
Directors have today accepted the resignation of Brother Charles L. Little
as President of both organizations for medical reasons.

Both Boards unanimously expressed their heartfelt thanks to Brother Little
for his offer to help in the transition and for his years of dedication to
both organizations. I personally am grateful for his assistance during
transition and for his friendship over the years and in the future.

I also ask for your support and assistance in continuing the noble work
of our union and insurance association.

Fraternally yours, /s/Byon A. Boyd, Jr. International President

 CC: All International Officers All Designated Legal Counsel
----------------------------------------------

Mariposa Yard

From: Concerned
Date: 2/21/01
Time: 2:19:33 PM
Remote Name: 216.224.154.47

Comments

 At the town hall meeting in Bakersfield, it was apparent that the Company
plans to scab out the yard to non union employees. The reason, simply
economics. But it goes deeper then that. The company is fed uo with crews
sitting on their asses and stalling to get the work done. No I'm not a company
official. I've worked as a trainman for some years now, and I've seen it
over and over again. While you may think it's a game, and in some cases
slowing the job is called for, but to simply drag your feet is stupid. Who wins
when Mariposa opens and the company starts to abolish jobs at Stockton and
Riverbank. Not us. Think about this the next time your working, or not working,
and look around at the guys whose job your screwing with.
--------------------------------------------------------

The struggle for early retirement continues

From: Ron Friend
Date: 3/19/01
Time: 7:44:05 PM
Remote Name: 205.188.197.31

Comments

The Struggle for Earlier Retirement for Rail Labor Continues

For three years the struggle for changes in the railroad retirement system
has been continuing. What has been accomplished in that time? Is the
dream dead? No, the dream is not dead, and a great deal has been
accomplished in that time. Some good, some not so good. The first
discussions on a reduction in requirements for the rank and file members,
and their spouses, began in early 1998. That was the proposal for 55/30
and the possibility of the spouses of the membership to qualify for full
benefits on the date the individual member retired, or died, whichever comes
first, regardless of the spouses age, or medical condition. The choice for
the individual member would have simply been if that worker wanted to
retire at 55, with 30 years service, or work longer. Who knows better your
financial situation when contemplating retirement than you?

Other labor leaders made choices. Some ignored the proposal; others told
their membership that it was not realistic, nor financially feasible. Earlier
retirement for rail labor would bankrupt the system. They put a lot of effort
into that so that their members would not force them to take action for their
membership. But their members had heard of the effort, and the noise got
louder. The Railroad Retirement Board proposed that such an initiative
as 55/30 would not be feasible, and that NO initiative, or action, regarding
earlier retirement for rail labor had been initiated, or proposed. (They even
put a page on their website to make sure that ‘net surfers would be informed)

Next, many of the leaders from the various rail labor organizations, came to
the 1998 BMWE convention in Montreal, Canada and when asked their thoughts
on a 55/30 initiative, they stated that they would be in favor of any effort that
would help their members retire earlier, and give better benefits to their spouses.
With the exception of the BLE, they lied to every BMWE delegate there. How so?
They went back to their offices and told their membership that such an initiative
would bankrupt the system, was a fools dream, and that there was no merit to
any type of earlier retirement. (Read the older journals, it’s in there)

But the voices from the rank and file, and their spouses, got even louder.
And the voices were asking…why not go for it?

In other words, you forced their hand. They had to do something for the
bosses, the people that paid the bills, YOU, or they may soon be out of work.

And yet, the BMWE and the BLE persevered. The BMWE proposed that an
independent study of the Railroad Retirement Trust be done to find out
exactly what was feasible. All other rail labor organizations refused to participate,
or assist in such a study. And while that study was going on, and before the
final numbers were tallied, those same rail labor leaders that said earlier
retirement possibilities would be financially disastrous to our retirement fund,
that changes to the system were not possible, entered into an arrangement
with the rail carriers to allow YOU to retire at age 60, with 30 years service.
An arrangement that can cost nearly $430 million dollars less in OUR retirement
fund, per year. And that was just the upfront cost.

Their proposal would also create a Railroad Retirement Investment Board,
instead of the current Railroad Retirement Board, which would consist of
a nine-member panel that would invest ALL of your retirement fund as they
saw fit! No oversight committee on how they invested, and they could hire
as many people for staff positions as they deemed necessary. (that comes
out of your retirement fund, too) They then began spending your money to
or leaders were at a loss, but quickly changed the proposal to just invest the
Tier II portion. (still with no one watching over their shoulder, no guidelines, nothing)
During their rush to get a bill, any bill, they did not give inaccurate information to
Congress one time, not two times, but many times. They were asked by
Congress and BMWE officers alike, to separate the portion of the bill to create
better benefits for survivors on many occasions because it was something that
we all agreed on, and could get passed quickly. They refused. All, or nothing.
They were asked to make a compromise to age 58, so that all of rail labor would
give solid endorsement. They refused. Not just refusal to the other labor leaders,
but to Congress as well. All the while they touted to you, the rank and file, that this
was a great deal. Major medical insurance would be included. A $75,000.00 lifetime
maximum. (after 30 years of railroading, how much will a knee replacement surgery,
or back surgery, or other ailments that are normal for lifelong hours of hard work,
how far is $75,000.00 going to go? Then you have none…not until you qualify
for Medicare) And all the while they did the age-old tactic that has served them well.
ivide the rank and file on this issue, make it an “ours or theirs” retirement package,
and guess whose is going to sound better? Why? So you won’t look at the whole package.
Keep you snowballed with rhetoric so that the “other guys” don’t show you the facts.
This way, you won’t listen.

What didn’t they tell you? No change for the spouse of a railroad worker as far as qualifications due to age, or medical condition. In other words, YOU can retire at age 60, but can your spouse? No earlier than age 60 retirement possibilities. In other words, if you are 59 and have 30 years service, or 58 and 30 years service, you still cannot retire, not even with a reduction in benefits. You still have to be at least 60 years of age, AND have 30 years service. NO less on the age, no less on the year’s service. Don’t believe me? Read it, it’s in there. How about the cost of 55/30? Well, the cost of increase in Tier II taxes for 60/30 would be nearly 7%. (that’s split up between you and the carriers, but 60/30 will still give the carriers back $430 million per year so really you are going to pay that Tier II increase all by your lonesome, one way or another) How much of an increase in Tier II taxes for 55/30? 7%. And that is not giving back $430 million per year. (Now I ask you, which one has the greater potential for bankrupting the system?) And all the while that you are getting an increase in your Tier II taxes, and the carriers are putting in $430 million less per year in the system, we now have nine people investing that Tier II money with no oversight committee to make sure that they don’t shoot the whole bunch on stock, and with one third of the panel being carrier representatives where to you think your money will be invested?)

Now, they need you help. The President may not look favorably upon the 60/30 bill.

Some of the Republican leadership may not look favorably upon the 60/30 bill. Would that be the same Republican leader from Mississippi that one former rail labor leadership endorsed in the past elections?

So now the question? Some of the rank and file membership from some of the rail labor organizations have questioned tentative agreements reached in the latter part of 2000. Some of you have questioned their motives, some have even questioned their integrity and yet the 60/30 proposal is not being questioned by those same members?

The question being asked is not to scrap the entire possibility of earlier retirement for rail labor. The question being asked is not to fight for better benefits for our retirees, our spouses. The question being asked is that both sides, those proposing 55/30 and those proposing 60/30 have Congressional hearings. Both sides lay out all of the facts for their respective plans, and then the one that best benefits the MAJORITY of rail labor be endorsed by all of us. Then, we can achieve a fair, and equitable resolution to this struggle for families, our future railroaders, and us. The proponents of 60/30 have asked you to contact your Congressmen and Senators. I agree. But do not contact them to have them support 60/30, ask them to have hearings before ANY bill proceeds on the matter.

Changes on Social Security require hearings. Changes in environmental laws require hearings require hearings. Approval to cabinet positions, to judiciary positions require hearings. Why should we not have the same action when it comes to our future retirement?

Say nothing, and that is what we will get. YOU made them get off their duffs; you made them work for you, NOW you have the future in your hands. Yours, your families, and the future of all the widows, widowers, and railroaders to come. Raise you hand, raise your voice, and stand together. Hearings will give you the opportunity to have made a difference for everyone. You can make a difference if you act, otherwise we’ll all have to live wondering about what could have been.

R.D. Friend President, Local Lodge 741 BMWE

http://www.globaldialog.com/~tpm/friend/ (this website is available for positive discussion on this subject)

Ways and Means Committee

Brady, Kevin (TX-008) 428 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-4901 (F) (202) 225-5524 e-mail: rep.brady@mail.house.gov district: (936) 441-5700

Johnson, Sam (TX-003) 1030 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-4201 (F) (202) 225-1485 district: (972) 470-0892 Camp, Dave (MI-004) 137 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3561 (F) (202) 225-9679 e-mail: davecamp@mail.house.gov district: (517) 631-2552

Lewis, Ron (KY-002) 2418 Rayburn House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3501 (F) (202) 226-2019 e-mail: ron.lewis@mail.house.gov district: (270) 765-4360 Collins, Mac (GA-003) 1131 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-5901 (F) (202) 225-2515 e-mail: mac.collins@mail.house.gov district: (770) 603-3395

McCrery, Jim (LA-004) 2104 Rayburn House Office Building (P) (202) 225-2777 (F) (202) 225-8039 e-mail: jim.mccrery@mail.house.gov district: (337) 798-2254 Crane, Philip M. (IL-008) 233 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3711 (F) (202) 225-7830 district: (847) 265-9000

McInnis, Scott (CO-003) 320 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-4761 (F) (202) 226-0622 district: (719) 543-8200 Dunn, Jennifer (WA-008) 1501 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-7761 (F) (202) 225-8673 e-mail: dunnwa08@mail.house.gov district: (206) 275-3438

Nussle, Jim (IA-002) 303 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-2911 (F) (202) 225-9129 e-mail: nussleia@mail.house.gov district: (319)927-5141 English, Phil (PA-021) 1410 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-5406 (F) (202) 225-3103 district: (814) 456-2038

Portman, Rob (OH-002) 238 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3164 e-mail: portmail@mail.house.gov district: (513)791-0381 Foley, Mark (FL-016) 104 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-5792 (F) (202) 225-3132 e-mail: mark.foley@mail.house.gov district: (561) 627-6192

Ramstad, Jim (MN-003) 103 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-2871 (F) (202) 225-6351 e-mail: mn03@mail.house.gov district: (952)881-4600 Hayworth, J. D. (AZ-006) 2434 Rayburn House Office Building (P) (202) 225-2190 (F) (202) 225-3263 e-mail: JDHayworth@mail.house.gov district: (480) 926-4151

Ryan, Paul (WI-001) 1217 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3031 (F) (202) 225-3393 e-mail: pryan@mail.house.gov district: (608)752-4050 Herger, Wally (CA-002) 2268 Rayburn House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3076 (F) (202) 225-1740 district: (530) 893-8363

Shaw, E. Clay (FL-022) 2408 Rayburn House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3026 (F) (202) 225-8398 district: (954)522-1800 Houghton, Amo (NY-031) 1111 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3161 (F) (202) 225-5574 district: (607) 937-3333

Thomas, William M. (CA-021) 2208 Rayburn House Office Building (P) (202) 225-2915 (F) (202) 225-8798 district: (661)327-3611 Hulshof, Kenny C. (MO-009) 412 Cannon House Office Building (P) (202) 225-2956 (F) (202) 225-5712 e-mail: rep.hulshof@mail.house.gov district: (573) 449-5111

Watkins, Wes (OK-003) 1401 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-4565 (F) (202) 225-5966 e-mail: wes.watkins@mail.house.gov district: (405)743-1400 Johnson, Nancy L. (CT-006) 2113 Rayburn House Office Building (P) (202) 225-4476 (F) (202) 225-4488 District: (860) 223-8412 Weller, Jerry (IL-011) 1210 Longworth House Office Building (P) (202) 225-3635 (F) (202) 225-3521 e-mail: jerry.weller@mail.house.gov district: (815)740-2028

 U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Telephone: U.S. Capitol, (202) 224-3121 Internet: http://www.house.gov
---------------------------------------------------------

Comments from concerned Membership?????

From: DLH
Date: 3/28/01
Time: 10:21:21 AM
Remote Name: 38.28.114.204

Comments

I see the letter from Ron Friend (The Struggle for early retirement continues) & wonder why there isn't any response to it? Where are your feelings or comments? This is important - Friends - Get interested in what is going on & make a statement. Please for yourself first & second for the rest of us. Then how about the "those dragging their feet" Wonder where he/she was when the BOSS said to "Do It Safely!!!". Fight them & Do what you can. Big Brother is concerned with how much you cost them?! Once again, it is your employment, where is your input?? Best to all & Watch your footing. Dlh
---------------------------------------------------------

The Reform Party Brian Bresnick

From: RD Jones
Date: 4/26/01
Time: 8:04:35 AM
Remote Name: 209.99.97.155

Comments

I found this group while searching for Brian Bresnick. I wish to also announce to those of you not aware of it The Reform Party: http://www.reformnow.net/ If any of you all are a fan of Roger, we are ready for your input and help in the reform of the UTU.

Brian Bresnick, your e-mail comes back as no good. Please contact me so we have the right address for The Reform Party: ray@dalecomp.com
------------------------------------------------------------

Railroad Retirement or Do you think of it coming some day?

From: DLH
Date: 5/22/01
Time: 10:37:05 PM
Remote Name: 38.28.114.145

Comments

 The House version of the "Railroad Retirement Survivors Act of 2001" is Bill Number HR-1140 and the Senate version is Bill Number S-697. Senator Feinstein has signed on as a co-sponsor BUT Senator Boxer has not. WHY NOT???? Also all of the Local Representives in the Fresno area have signed on as co-sponsors but why not?? Rep. Bill Thomas of Bakersfld?? We need to get active and ask that our bill is introduced and signed soom. If you care - why not get the right Bill Numbers and send a letter, or give a call, of make a visit. Thomas's office is right next to the Depot in Bakersfld. Get your families involved, get your friends involved, get your next door neighbors involved. LET US-US GET THIS PASSED HR-1140 and S-697. We also have an Organization in Fresno and Bakersfld who in interested in having you for a Member!! JOIN N.A.R.V.R.E. Unit No. 60. Thanks
----------------------------------------------

Hello to You

From: DLH
Date: 5/22/01
Time: 10:43:10 PM
Remote Name: 38.28.114.145

Comments

 Hello Ricardo and to all of you. I hope all are well and following the Rules. Sure miss the Sand House but not the Phone and what goes with it. Take care of yourselves and enjoy a Vacation soon. Ricardo! How do you get the Retirement Letters to Load the 2 to the Senators?? Any instructions will help. Thanks.
----------------------------------------------

Re: Hello to You

From: Ricardo
Date: 5/30/01
Time: 9:09:41 AM
Remote Name: 24.165.187.64

Comments

Hello there Don, I sure wish I was in that exclusive retirement club!!!! Sorry about the delay in my reply, to download the letters is simple, just make youre choice of the letter that you want, click on it and (if you chose the WORD formatted letter, save to a location on youre computer) it will download. If you chose the PDF formatted letter, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader already installed on your computer. Just clik on it and it will open, then save to a location on youre computer.

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, most programs install it and most computers have it installed, but if you don't, just go to the "Downloads" and there you can get the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Have a great day. Ricardo
--------------------------------------------------------

UTU AGREEMENTS ON CD

From: JM ICARDO
Date: 7/31/01
Time: 3:00:29 PM
Remote Name: 66.81.52.8

Comments

 I have compiled a CD containing what I believe are all the agreements to date that affect valley division yard and road employees. I hope to burn off copies and have them available at the union meetings. right now the CD consists of : 1956-78 road (blue book), 1956-81 yard (red book), 1978 Q&A's parts 1&2, 1982 national, 1985 national (halloween), 1985 PEB #208, 1989 coastlines crew consist, 1990 PEB #219, 1992 coastlines crew consist, 1995 training agreement, 1996 national, coatlines flowback with Q&A's, standing bid agreement, Calwa yardman's independent herder agreement, & the vacation agreement synthesis. These agreements are in their original form (except the blue book which was stolen right of of this web page) and are un-edited. (sorry folks but I just aint gonna do everything for you.) If anyone knows of something that needs to be included please let me know and I will try to secure it.
---------------------------------------------

Retirement Bill

From: Don Heffernan
Date: 8/8/01
Time: 2:37:13 AM
Remote Name: 66.74.154.120

Comments

 Hope all are OK and enjoying the summer weather. The RR is still running? I knew I left it in good hands. HA! Please include the very important notice that it will take a 100% effort by ALL OF US to get out Bill, S-697, throught the Senate. Now is the time to ask that our Legislators talk to others and convince them we want this, we need this, we must have this, etc. etc. Please act now and often to support this Bill, S-697. And ask as many of those you know to do the same for you and your families. It is so important, Please do it NOW. Thanks for this means of communication and your hard work to keep it going. Is it getting good use? I sure hope so. Anyway - Have a good day to all and to all a good night without spooks watching. Don H---------
----------------------------------------------

The BLE-UTU Merger

From: A Union Member
Date: 8/12/01
Time: 1:48:52 PM
Remote Name: 64.30.212.149

Comments

 Everyone should vote NO on this. Why you ask. Because the UTU says that they have Craft Autonomy, just ask them about Craft Autonomy for this vote and they will tell you that for this vote there will NOT be a vote of crafts. So in the future when something like remotes for locomotives comes up for a vote will the UTU say that this vote will not be a vote of Craft Autonomy. Also look at the latest letters from President Boyd and anyone from the International you will no longer find "Craft Autonomy" used in any of their open letters. Why? BECAUSE THEIR IS NOT CRAFT AUTONOMY IN THE UTU AND IF YOU (BLE MEMBER) VOTE FOR THIS THEN YOU WILL NOT HAVE IT IN THE NEW UTU-BLE UNION.
----------------------------------------------

Re: The BLE-UTU Merger

From: J.M. Icardo
Date: 8/13/01
Time: 2:51:31 PM
Remote Name: 66.81.26.202

Comments

 I agree with your fear of this merger. There are several problems that I see with it. Unfortunately I also believe that this will be our last chance to end the fighting between the two unions. To me this is really what the vote is about: Do we end the drain on the finances and attention to this stupid war or do we continue until neither union can effectively operate? It would really be nice if we could vote this down and get on with business, but I don't see that as an option on the ballot. Boyd has stated that if this isn't approved then the war goes on. How long do you think either union can survive? Personally I don't think it would take more than a few years to bankrupt both of them.
------------------------------------------------

Re: The BLE-UTU Merger

From: Brian Bresnick
Date: 8/17/01
Time: 7:48:09 AM
Remote Name: 204.248.136.184

Comments

 It's a shame that people havn't fully read the proposed Unification Agreement before passing judgement on it. In the Foreword section it states that craft autonomy will exist, and in the case of agreements affecting "all" crafts, everyone gets a vote. I would think, and it's just my opinion, that Remote Locomotives, effect everyone. Trainmem and engineers stand to lose jobs over this, and as is, every member should vote. As Joe Icardo said in his reply, it's time to end the fighting. If not I fear the International with start a winner take all campaign, that will ulltimately bancrupt not only the UTU, but the BLE also. The ultimate advantage of a merged union is the strength we gain. The company will no longer be able to bargain with one Union attempting to coerce the other into a less then favorable agreement. Dont take my word fot it. Read any book dealing with union history or academics. Eugene Debs stated it clearly almost 100 years ago "Managemet gained with craft unions because they used these seperate unions to keep the workers divided". Think about it.
----------------------------------------------

SJR 18

From: D Heffernan
Date: 9/5/01
Time: 2:14:11 PM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.138

Comments

Did you hear or read the good news about the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 18 by a vote of 71 to 0? Yes folks 0. It states the California Legislative supports the passage of S-697, "The Railroad Retirement & Survivors Improvement Act of 2001". With this and your involvement, Letters & Calls, maybe we can get pass the blockade and on the floor of the Senate of the US for a vote. Please don't relax - keep the writing and calling up. We have to win. DON'T WE??? Enjoy the Day. Don H----
---------------------------------------------

What the H----

From: D. L. Heffernan
Date: 9/26/01
Time: 4:32:16 PM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.69

Comments

 What has happened to you? I see the vote went against the Assn., with less that half of those receiving ballots voting. What a shame! And now you have less than a few days to find a Doctor! And that has impacted the retirees! Even worse. What has happened to our rights? Went down with the Buildings? It isn't right and I hope that you protest what has happened, at least get an explanation of why it has happened the way it did and why the retirees were included or excluded in the vote and the discussions and the notifications. Please carry the ball on this for us and Thank You. Don Heffernan
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S 697

From: DLH
Date: 11/16/01
Time: 11:16:11 AM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.193

Comments

 Word received from others that our RAILROAD RETIREMENT BILL is being held up again. WE NEED YOU TO WRITE - CALL - PERSONAL CALLS - WHATEVER IT TAKES to get our CALIFORNIA SENATORS to Lead the way to call for a vote and passage of S-697 this session. Each of us needs to do ALL WE CAN to contact as many as we can to contact those in leadership in the Senate and get OUR BILL ON THE FLOOR NOW - TODAY - IN THIS SEESION OF THE CONGRESS Please do it now for yourselves and for those who have retired. YOU ARE NEEDED NOW AND OFTEN. WON'T YOU HELP NOW??????
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A wish for a happy holiday to all of you.

From: DLH
Date: 11/16/01
Time: 11:18:22 AM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.193

Comments

 May all your drumsticks have a companion and may they all break in the right place you you and yours. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL !!!!
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URGENT - URGENT - URGENT - URGENT

From: DLH
Date: 11/19/01
Time: 12:45:19 PM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.34

Comments

 YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER. WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED WORD THAT OUR BILL, S-697, WILL BE INTRODUCED RIGHT AFTER THANKSGIVING. EACH OF US NEEDS TO CONTACT OUR SENATORS, ANY SENATORS, AND REQUEST SUPPORT AND ACTION BY THEM TO ALLOW A VOTE ON THIS MOST IMPORTANT BILL. PLEASE ASK AS MANY AS YOU KNOW TO CONTACT OUR SENATORS, ALL OFFICES, BOTH HERE LOCALLY AND IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND REQUEST THAT THEY PUSH TO GET OUR BILL ON THE FLOOR AND A VOTE ON IT. THIS IS URGENT TO ALL OF US. PASS THE WORD NOW - PLEASE AND BE PESTY TO AS MANY AS YOU CAN CONTACT. YOU HAVE THE TIME AND THE NEED IS NOW. THEN THANK YOURSELF FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. POST IT - SHOUT IT - TALK IT - SHARE IT - URGE IT - THEN BE THANKFUL FOR IT!!!!!
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Re: Response

From: DLH
Date: 1/1/02
Time: 1:53:56 PM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.178

Comments

Hello and Happy New Year! We hope that all had a very enjoyable Holiday and you were able to be at home some. Did you hear the good news about your railroad Retirement Bill? It passed because you dared to get involved. A big thank You to all that helped. Now get involved in the push to get a Health and Welfare contract passed. And watch out for the hundreds of other things that always seem to be snipping at your heels. Stay healthly and interested and work together for the benifit of all of you. Lets hear from you once in a while. OK? Don H-----
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 Thinking of retirement?

From: DLH
Date: 1/4/02
Time: 7:30:13 PM
Remote Name: 63.61.29.214

Comments