International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers

S H E E T M E T A L | A I R | R A I L | T R A N S P O R T A T I O N

Transportation Division NewsVolume 48 • Number 5 • May/June 2016

Continued on page 10

See full story on page 2

Continued on page 10

Ill. county passes resolution supporting proposed two-person crew ruleBy SMART TD Illinois State Legislative Director Robert W. Guy

JOLIET, Ill.—A coordinat-ed effort among SMARTTD and SMART SheetMetal workers led to thepassage of a resolution insupport of FRA’s proposedtwo person crew rule bythe Will County Board.The resolution passedunanimously at the regu-lar meeting of the Will

County Board after passing unanimously outof the Legislative Committee April 12.“When FRA announced its Notice of Pro-posed Rulemaking for two person crews,SMART TD State Directors were encouragedto garner support for the pending rule,” saidSMART TD Illinois State Director Robert W.Guy.“What better way to show support than byhaving a rail-intensive community pass a res-olution in support of FRA’s proposed rule andsubmitting it as part of the docket,” Guy said.The strong relationship between our Illinoismembers of SMART TD and SMART reallypaid off in this effort.

“Once we got our marching orders from ournational legislative office I met with DonMoran,” Guy said. “Brother Don is a BusinessRepresentative for SMART Local 265 out ofCarol Stream, but also serves on the WillCounty Board.“When I briefed Don on the pending rule heimmediately saw the potential negative impli-cations for his community should rail carriersbe allowed to operate trains with a lone crewmember. He was more than happy to intro-duce and shepherd through the supportiveresolution.“The overwhelming support for the resolutionis a testament to Don’s hard work,” Guy said.“We owe a big thank you to Don and his col-leagues on the Board.“The ground work that Don accomplishedreally showed when I addressed the Board attheir meeting last week. After explaining whatthe proposed rule would do the Boardpassed the resolution unanimously.”That local support should weigh heavily onFRA when they consider all commentsreceived in regards to the proposed rule. It’s

Guy

New DOL rule – “workers should knowwho is behind anti-union message”Many characterize union organizing cam-paigns as debates between management

and labor over the impactof unionization on busi-

nesses and workers.Today, employerscommonly engagethird-party consult-ants in crafting and

delivering anti-unionmessages to workers.

Workers often do not knowwhen employers engage con-

sultants behind the scenes to influence theirdecisions.To address this lack of transparency, a newrule from the U.S. Department of Labor willrequire reporting of employer-consultant, or“persuader” agreements – to complementthe information that unions already report ontheir organizing expenditures, resulting inbetter information for workers making deci-sions on whether or not to form a union orbargain collectively.“Workers should know who is behind an anti-union message. It’s a matter of basic fair-ness,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor ThomasE. Perez. “This new rule will allow workers toknow whether the messages they’re hearingare coming directly from their employer orfrom a paid, third-party consultant. Full dis-closure of persuader agreements givesworkers the information they need to makeinformed choices about how they pursuetheir rights to organize and bargain collec-tively. As in all elections, more informationmeans better decisions.”“This rule is about disclosure, and more dis-closure here means more peaceful and sta-ble labor-management relations. With work-ers having a better understanding of the truesource of persuader communications, work-er-supervisor and other workplace relation-ships are likely to proceed more smoothly nomatter what is decided regarding union rep-resentation,” said Office of Labor-Manage-ment Standards Director Michael Hayes.

Ga. SLD Campbell wins award

Progressive Railroading has announced that SMARTTD Georgia State Legislative Director Matt Campbell willbe one of the recipients of their 2016 Rising Stars award.

Yardmaster Council convenes at TD headquarters

National Legislative Director John Risch (standing) makes a presentation at the Council of Yardmaster General Chairpersonsmeeting held at TD headquarters in April. Pictured from left (front row): Ohio State Legislative Director Stu Gardner, Ohio AssistantState Legislative Director Ralph Leichliter, Vice President Doyle Turner, CSX GO 247 General Chairperson Joseph Buerger andVice President Jeremy Ferguson. Back Row: Vice President James Cumby, UP GO 343 1st Vice General Chairperson RobbyRobelot, CSX GO 342 General Chairperson Robert Keeley and SOO Line GO 256 General Chairperson Chris Bartz.

SMART TD General Counsel Kevin Brodar (left) and SMART TD President John Previsich answer questions at the meeting.

Two-person crew comment period extendedThe Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)announced that they are extending the com-ment period on the proposed two-person crew rule until June 15,2016. The comment period original-ly expired Monday, May 16. The FRA is also planning to sched-ule a public hearing in the nearfuture to hear comments and to dis-cuss further development of the regulation. A notice will appear in the Federal Register(and on smart-union.org/td) announcingwhen the hearing will occur.

SMART Transportation Division encour-ages every member, officer and family

member to make a commenton this proposed rule. Members are also encouragedto approach your local andstate representatives, andcommunity first responders tocomment as well.

Visit https://www.regulations.gov/#!submit-Comment;D=FRA-2014-0033-0945 to com-ment on the proposed rule.

The UTU website will soon mergewith smart-union.org. All UTU forms,applications, links and news will beavailable at www.smart-union.org/TD.

Page 2 May/June 2016 SMART TD News

Around the SMART TD

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

Engineer Carmen Diaz. Carmen had beenemployed with the MTA Staten Island Rail-way for nine years. She started her career asa conductor and was promoted to the posi-tion of locomotive engineer shortly after,”Local S&T Vincent LaBella said. “Ms. Diaz was a true professional as shesafely transported the Staten Island com-muters daily, while bringing laughter to allwho she came in contact with and madeeveryone enjoy life as much as possible withher smile and we are so proud to have calledher one of our own. She has been missed bymany and we send our prayers to her familyand friends,” LaBella said.“We would also like to congratulate PowerDepartment Foreman Bob Wroblewski, Infra-structure Department Foreman Gary Edwards,Track Machine Operator Gary Wactor andElectronic Equipment Maintainer Richard Hahlon their retirements,” LaBella said.Wroblewski had 25+ years of service,Edwards had 25+ years of service, Wactorhad 28+ years of service and Hahl retiredwith over 10 years of service. Hahl served hislocal as local legislative representative forfour years and on the N.Y. state legislativeboard as vice chairperson. “Local 1440 hopes these men enjoy theirretirement years, which we know is welldeserved,” LaBella said.

Local 1504, Sanford, Fla.Local Chairperson Ryan Fritz reported thatCSX Conductor Danny Caruthers, 53, lost hisbattle with cancer March 18. SMART TDextends their condolences to all who knew him.

Local 1701, Montebello, Calif.General Chairperson (GO 20 - BNSF, Monte-bello Bus Operators & Ride Right, LLC) TomPate reports that SMART TD-representedMontebello Bus Lines (MBL) came in firstplace at a joint Bus Roadeo in which five LosAngeles County municipal transit agenciescompeted. Contestants included Culver City,Gardena, Montebello Bus Lines, Torranceand Norwalk.“Contestants took on the challenge ofmaneuvering 40-foot buses through theRoadeo course,” Pate said.Bus operators from each agency receivedfirst, second and third place trophies and anaward was given to the bus company withthe best overall performance. Trophy win-ners for Montebello were Jesus Garcia (firstplace), Local Legislative RepresentativeMartin Solano (second place) and JavierMorales (third place). A first place award forpre-trip inspection was given to Fabian Pati-no.“A special award was presented to Local1701 MBL members as the best overall teamscore from the five transit agencies compet-ing. MBL was the proud recipient of the BestOverall Transit Property Award,” Pate said.“This prestigious award is all thanks to theprofessionalism and hard work of Local1701’s members.”

SMART Transportation Division GeorgiaState Legislative Director Matt Camp-bell (Local 1031 at Savannah, Ga.) iswell-known throughout our membershipfor his involvement in numerous unioncauses and now, his achievements havebeen recognized outside the TD, as Pro-gressive Railroading magazine recentlynamed Campbell one of the railroadindustry's “Rising Stars” of 2016.The Rising Stars Award program recog-nizes individuals under age 40 who aremaking a positive difference in railroad-ing through their company, organization,department or team. These rising starsare viewed by others as up-and-comingleaders in the railroad industry. SMART TD Alternate National Legisla-tive Director Greg Hynes, who nominat-ed Campbell, underscored what makesthis honor even more poignant for rail-road unions: “Matt is the first person tocome from labor to receive this honor.”Progressive Railroading readers submit-ted nearly 140 nominations. Nomineesincluded corporate and union employeesfrom all areas within the rail industry,including: Class Is, passenger railroads,regionals, short lines, transit, govern-ment, academia, and engineering andsupplier companies.This years’ designated honorees werechosen based upon their career achieve-ments, contributions to the railroadindustry, professional association activi-ty, involvement in the community and ontheir demonstrated leadership qualities.Campbell, along with 19 other RisingStars, will be recognized in a special sec-tion in the September issue of Progres-sive Railroading magazine, and at anawards dinner to be held at the OmniWilliam Penn Hotel July 24 in Pittsburgh.The awards dinner is slated to be held inconjunction with the American Associa-tion of Railroad Superintendents' annualmeeting.“I am humbly appreciative to be named aRising Star and thankful to be a part ofsuch a great team. Labor is most suc-cessful when we have a seat at the tableand this award gives us a seat. I was toldthis is the first time someone from RailLabor was selected as the recipient ofthis award, which gives me a huge senseof pride.”Congratulations to Brother Campbell,whose work, leadership and commitmentserves to advance the mission ofSMART TD.

Progressive Railroading will present Ga. State Legisla-tive Director Matt Campbell with their 2016 Rising Staraward in July.

Ga. SLD Campbell: First in laborto receive "Rising Star" honor

Local 240, Los AngelesLocal Chairperson Harry Garvin reportedthat the 15th annual FCS/SMART TD RailGolf Classic was held May 16 at the SierraLakes Golf Course in Fontana, Calif. Garvin also reported that conductor AlbertoE. Alvarez Jr., Conductor Thomas D. Rog-gero and Conductor Robert L. Sertichrecently retired. Alvarez retired from UnionPacific with 38 years of service Dec. 15,2015. Roggero retired from UP after 48 yearsof service March 1. Sertich retired from UPafter 44 years of service March 13.“All the local officers and members want tothank Alvarez, Roggero and Sertich for theiryears of service to the union and railroad,”Garvin said. “We wish them many long andhappy years of retirement.”Local 303, Springfield, Mo.

Local 303 and Sheet Metal Local 36 co-host-ed a booth and hospitality room at theGreene County Democratic Central Commit-tee’s Jackson Day 2016 celebration inSpringfield, Mo., April 8-9, 2016, reportedLocal Legislative Representative JeffNichols. The booth had literature on right-to-work, two-person crew legislation, gradecrossing safety, safety around train tracksand how to contact legislative representa-tives. Sheet Metal Local 36 Business Repre-sentative Jim Tyson and Marketing DirectorBrent Russell provided the food for the hos-pitality room. Local 303 supplied side dishes.Nichols reported that approximately 400people attended the event.Local 898, Boston

Local 1402, Dupo, Ill.

Local 1440, Staten Island, N.Y.“Local 1440 would like to acknowledge theanniversary of the passing of Locomotive

Local 1701 Bus Roadeo participants included (from left):Israel Contreras, GenaroHorta, Jose Somoza,Javier Morales, RosaBarrera, Local Legisla-tive RepresentativeMartin Solano, JesusGarcia, Anthony DeLeon, Ricardo Ibarraand Fabian Patino.

Congratulations to Local1701 bus members ontheir awards and on ajob well done.

Local 303 Conductors Dave Dougan and David Pyle manSMART's booth at the Jackson Day event.

Local 898 bought lunch and drinks for IBEW Local 2222 Ver-izon Workers who were on strike in Boston, reported LocalTreasurer Frank Teague. Pictured in front are Local TrusteeTyrone Stokley (blue shirt and black hat) and Teague (blackuniform) with the strikers. “It’s important to stand behind and show support for unionworkers on strike,” Teague said.

After a run-off vote, newly-elected Alternate Legislative Rep-resentative Zachary P. Merriman (left) was congratulated byretired Local President Eddie Brown (right) at the local’s Feb-ruary meeting, reports Local Treasurer Greg Rolfe.

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

May/June 2016 SMART TD News Page 3

California Northern Railroad employees reach new agreementSMART TD Vice President Doyle Turnerrecently reported that SMART TransportationDivision-represented engineers, conductorsand trainmen employed by the CaliforniaNorthern Railroad (CFNR) unanimously rati-fied a new six-year agreement.The Agreement provides for six annual wageincreases retroactive to January 1, 2014,with the final wage increaseto be effective April 1, 2019,totaling 19.41 percent overthe life of the agreement.Members will also receiveincreased training pay, per-sonal days, holidays and 100percent matching 401k up to4 percent of pay with no maximum. Turner, who assisted with the negotiations,expressed his appreciation to Union PacificGO 887 General Chairperson Gary Crest,1st Vice General Chairperson DavidPatenaude, 2nd GCA Vice ChairpersonWilliam Campbell and Local 100 Chairper-son Daniel Agee for their exceptional effortsin bringing the members’ concerns to the bar-gaining table.

Two-person crew law passesCrest pointed out that without the hard workand advocacy of SMART TD California rep-resentatives on passing two-person crewlegislation, this local would have been bar-gaining for just one crewmember. Instead,the agreement passed now represents twocrewmembers.

“The outstanding work doneby California State LegislativeDirector JP Jones and Assis-tant State Legislative DirectorMike Anderson, led to Cali-fornia passing a two-personcrew law. This property had

long been running single person remote con-trol jobs. Upon implementation of the newlaw (February 1, 2016), CFNR no longeroperates remote control jobs, resulting in asafer work environment, as well as creatingnew jobs,” Crest said.CFNR operates on 261 miles of track in Califor-nia. It’s main commodities include beer, chemi-cals, cheese, construction products, feed grain,lime, lumber, olives and oils, rice, steel, sugar,tomato products and wine.

RRB changes service hoursThe Railroad Retirement Board hasannounced that all field offices will beclosed Wednesday afternoons effectiveJune 1, 2016. Below are the new hours:Monday - Tues.: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Thurs. - Friday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Sat. - Sunday: ClosedCall 1-877-772-5772 or visit www.rrb.govfor more information.

Rail workers: deadly tired...but still working

The rail business is an industry full of tired,stressed workers. It is an epidemic.I know this first-hand because, before com-ing to the NTSB several years ago, I spentmore than 30 years working in the freight rail-road industry. While freight railroad man-agers and crews count on reliable schedulesto make their shipments and maketheir customers happy, there is noroutine schedule for the hundredsof thousands of crewmembersemployed in this business. As aresult, many railroad workers areliterally walking and working intheir sleep. I was one of them.One of my last jobs before comingto the NTSB was as a trainmasterfor a major freight railroad. My duties includ-ed safely seeing the arrival and departure oftrains in and out of terminals in California. Ispent a large majority of my time reviewingtrain schedules and communicating withtrain personnel of arriving and departingtrains. I coordinated the efforts of nearly 300crewmembers, including yardmasters, dis-patchers and engineers, to execute thetransportation plan on my territory. Addition-ally, I was responsible for making sure all thework was done safely and in accordancewith rules and regulations.The job was very stressful and required longhours. It wasn’t unusual for me to work 80hours a week. I often worked overnight,evenings, weekends and long hours.Over time, I became chronically fatigued. Igained weight and began to lose my memoryand other cognitive abilities. I had no routineschedule for sleep, because I worked irregu-

The following article was written by Georgetta Gregory, the railroad division chief of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Office of Railroad,Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations.

lar hours that were counter to my circadianrhythms. Eventually, I began to make mis-takes at work and in my personal life – poten-tially dangerous ones.Noting how my work and home life was suf-fering, I went to a sleep specialist. The doctordetermined that I was fatigued at a danger-

ous level – to the point where the stateof California took my driver’s license.Ironically, while I could no longer drivea car, I was still expected to carry outthe meticulous details associated withmanaging rail yards.I warned my bosses, but there was lit-tle help or response. I made sugges-tions for improvements, includingencouraging the railroad to provide

better lineups and opportunities for rest, but Ifelt unsupported and became concerned forthe safety of my crews. Eventually, I left therailroad and began a new career.My story is not unusual. And when I came tothe NTSB as Chief of the Railroad Division, Iquickly learned that the NTSB also realizedthe dangers of fatigue in the railroad busi-ness. As a result of our investigations inrecent years, we have issued more than 25recommendations related to managingfatigue—all still open, needing to beaddressed.One accident, in particular, involving a freighttrain perhaps best highlights the danger theNTSB is attempting to eradicate. In April2011, an eastbound BNSF Railway (BNSF)coal train traveling about 23 mph, collidedwith the rear end of a standing BNSF mainte-nance-of-way equipment train near Red Oak,Iowa. The collision resulted in the derailment

SMART TD new agreement with Trona Rail; three-person crew remainsSMART Transportation Division, which rep-resents engineers, conductors and brake-men employed by Trona Railway Company(TRC), has ratified a new four-year agree-ment by an overwhelming majority.“They put forth an exceptional effort inbringing the members’ concerns to the bar-gaining table and negotiating an agree-ment with significant improvements inwages and working conditions. This is anagreement that our members can be proudof,” said SMART TD Vice President DoyleTurner.“At this time our organization is in a fightacross the country to maintain two-personcrew consist agreements; however, on this

property we were able to keep the full crewconsist agreement (engineer, conductorand brakeman) on every train.”Turner, who assisted with the negotiations,congratulated Union Pacific GO 887 Gener-al Chairperson Gary Crest, 1st GCA ViceChairperson David Patenaude, 2nd GCAVice Chairperson William Campbell andLocal 835 Chairperson Jason Johnson.“This is an agreement that all of our mem-bers can be proud of,” Turner said.The TRC operates freight service on 30.5 milesof track from Trona, Calif., to Searles, Calif. Therailway hauls sulfuric acid, soda ash, salt cake,coal, military equipment and minerals.

of two locomotives and 12 cars. The leadlocomotive’s modular crew cab wasdetached, partially crushed, and involved in asubsequent diesel fuel fire. Both crewmem-bers on the striking train were fatally injured.We determined that the probable cause ofthe accident was the failure of the crew of thestriking train to comply with the signal indica-tion requiring them to operate in accordancewith restricted speed requirements and stopshort of the standing train because they hadfallen asleep due to fatigue resulting fromtheir irregular work schedules and their med-ical conditions.As a result of that accident, we recommend-ed that the railway require all employees andmanagers who perform or supervise safety-critical tasks to complete fatigue training onan annual basis and document when theyhave received this training, and that theymedically screen employees in safety-sensi-tive positions for sleep apnea and othersleep disorders.Both the conductor and the engineer hadworked irregular schedules for severalweeks leading up to the accident. During thistime, work start times often varied significant-ly from day-to-day for both crewmembers.Changing work start and end times can makeachieving adequate sleep more difficult,because irregular work schedules tend todisrupt a person’s normal circadian rhythmsand sleep patterns, which in turn can lead tochronic fatigue.More recently, we investigated an accident in NewYork where a Metro North Railroad locomotive

New administrator for VSTDand new provider for VLTD

SMART Trans-portation Divisionhas contractedSouthern BenefitAdministrators tohandle all claimsfor Voluntary ShortTerm Disability

(VSTD) for bus and rail members. The policywill be fully funded by SMART. Formerly,VSTD claims were handled by Anthem LifeInsurance Company.SMART TD has contracted MetLife to be thenew provider of the Voluntary Long Term Dis-ability (VLTD) policy.These changes went into effect April 1, 2016.Anthem is still handling all claims that werefiled or occurred prior to April 1. Visit www.smart-union.org/td/disability-insurancefor new claim forms regarding these policies.

Continued on page 10

make a visible difference that’s clear to thosewe support.Our numbers and grass roots programs cre-ate an opportunity to get active and let candi-dates see us working phone banks, attend-ing rallies and walking our neighborhoods toeducate voters and get out the vote.208,000 of us will reach out for our commoncause, our union cause, by talking to friendsand family about the importance of voting forpeople—like Hillary Clinton—who are com-mitted to union members, union jobs andunion rights.So enjoy your summer and make the most ofit, but this fall, let’s all be ready to put ourenergy to work—at our varied jobs and alsoin our united cause: volunteering and votingfor candidates who will stand with America’sworkers and restore America’s unions to therightful dignity that our hard work earns everyday.

Fraternally,

Joseph Sellers Jr.SMART General President

With the finish line finally in sight, it certainlyis fair to say that the 2016 election cam-paigns have brought us rhetoric that is faroutside the usual political discourse. Still,voters are paying attention and they areengaged.Following months of debates, speeches andadvertisements, we are ready to elect a can-didate who will actually get things doneinstead of just shouting about how the worldshould somehow change to fit their soundbites.Our 208,000 members come from all acrossNorth America and from every part of today’stransportation, construction, and manufac-turing economies. Don’t ever forget that how-ever diverse we are in our jobs, we have somany things in common.This year, and particularly this time of year,two things are truly universal: summer timeand election time.Time to recharge, time to reach outI know that many SMART members, whetherthey work on the rails, the road, the jobsite orthe production floor, will take time off to bewith family and friends. We all enjoy gettingthe most out of summer and we celebrate itin as many different ways as there are mem-bers.Like the 40-hour week and the weekenditself, vacation time is just one of the manybenefits that were gained by the hard work ofthose who created and built America’s labormovement. We all need to work this fall to

support candidates thatensure the rights andpower of organizedLabor.To get the most out ofthe upcoming elec-tions, we need to standand work as one, as anarmy of 208,000 house-holds pulling in thesame direction.

We need to leverage our numbers and givetime and energy toelect candidates whowill create more andbetter jobs and whowill fight for the rightsof workers and unions,not against them.In Senate and Housecontests, or for thePresidency, the fallcampaign push iswhen we will show thetrue strength of ourunited union. Our208,000 families can

Election home stretch a truly SMART opportunity

Page 4 May/June 2016 SMART TD News

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

By Joseph Sellers Jr.

SMARTSMARTGeneral President’sGeneral President’s

ColumnColumn

Bus Department NewsA message from your bus department leadership

Dear Bus Members,As many of you may know, SMART TD will hold their2016 regional meetings in San Francisco, July 4-6, and in Chicago, July 25-27. (View pages six andseven of this newspaper to register, or visitwww.smart-union.org/td for more information.)We hope to have solid participation in the bus work-shops, where attendees will gain important informa-tion pertaining to new rules that affect our jobs. Those who attend the regional meetings will learnabout Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). TheFAST Act calls for increased transit funding by 18 percent and high-way funding by 12 percent. It increases dedicated bus funding by 89percent through restoration of the Competitive Bus Grant program. Most importantly, it requires the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on protecting transit opera-tors from the risk of assault. The legislation also mandates that theFTA publish a comprehensive transit safety report within 90 daysafter the FAST Act went into effect.The SMART TD National Legislative Office made this provision a pri-ority and participated in an aggressive lobbying campaign to havethis included in the House version of the bill. A letter signed by TDPresident John Previsich was sent to Transportation SecretaryAnthony Foxx asking DOT to take action on this issue as soon aspossible. SMART TD also commented to FMCSA concerning SleepApnea and entry-level driver training. SMART TD works to ensure that our members are protected in theworkforce by being proactive with corporate concerns, and with gov-ernment agencies that regulate our industry. Remember to always remain vigilant and to return home safely.In Solidarity, Calvin StudivantVice President - Buscstudivant@smart-union.org973-800-7995

Studivant

“The fall campaign push is when wewill show the true strength of ourunited union. Our 208,000 familiescan make a visible difference that’sclear to those we support. 208,000 ofus will reach out for our commoncause, our union cause, by talking tofriends and family about the impor-tance of voting for people - likeHillary Clinton - who are committedto union members, union jobs andunion rights.”

Great Lakes sets date to begin Salina, Kan. flightsGreat Lakes Airlines has announced a new date to

begin flights between Salina, Kan., and Denver.Flights will now begin June 15.The airline was originally set to begin flights April1, but was delayed due to the lack of Transporta-tion Security Administration (TSA) security screen-

ing at the Salina airport.TSA announced at the end of April that they would

restore screening service at the airport, but did not say when. Interested parties can begin booking their flights to or from Salina, Kan.now via the Great Lakes Airlines website at www.greatlakesav.com.

Joseph Sellers Jr.SMART

General Presidentjsellers@smart-union.orgRichard L. McClees

SMARTGeneral Secretary-Treasurer

rmcclees@smart-union.org

John PrevisichSMART Transportation Division

Presidentpresident_td@smart-union.org

John RischSMART Transportation Division National Legislative Director

jrisch@smart-union.org

Contact us: news_td@smart-union.orgPhone: (216) 228-9400 Fax: (216) 228-5755

S H E E T M E T A L | A I R | R A I L | T R A N S P O R T A T I O N

T R A N S P O R T A T I O N D I V I S I O N

TSA Fairness Act passed House, goes to SenateThe TSA Fairness Act or Treating Small Airports with Fairness Act of2016 (H.R. 4549) passed in the House April 13.The TSA Fairness Act will require the Transportation Security Adminis-tration (TSA) to “conduct, and provide all necessary staff and equipmentfor, security screening at any airport that lost commercial air service onor after January 1, 2013, if the airport operator submits: (1) a request forthe TSA to conduct such screening, and (2) written confirmation of acommitment from a commercial air carrier that it intends to resume serv-ice at the airport within one year.”The bill also calls for the TSA to ensure that the process of implementingsecurity screening at such an airport is complete by 90 days after the air-port submits a request or by the date in which the carrier intends toresume service. The bi-partisan bill was co-sponsored andintroduced by Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R -Wyo.), Rep. Peter Defazio (D - Ore.) and Rep.Derek Kilmer (D - Wash.).Introduced in the Senate, S. 2549 is currentlybeing reviewed by the Committee on Com-merce, Science, and Transportation.

Aviation Department NewsNews affecting our aviation membership

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

May/June 2016 SMART TD News Page 5

State Watch News from SMART TD State Legislative Boards

Arizona Nebraska

with our enhanced focus on education andtraining, this year’s meetings will incorporatea voluntary certificate program in recognitionof a member’s attendance in the variousworkshops. Those who are interested inqualifying for a certificate will record theirattendance and will receive a certificatebased on the number of eligible workshopsattended.

For all members, the 2016 Regional Meetingsare a great opportunity to learn about what’snew in our industry; to participate in leader-ship training; to gain insight into rail, air andbus regulatory and legislative changes; and torenew old friendships and cultivate new ones.This summer is also a critical time in our

nation’s history, as the direction ofour nation—and the strength of ourunions—will be impacted by the out-come of the upcoming Novemberelections. Our Regional Meetings are the idealforum for learning about the candi-dates and the issues that affect eachand every one of our members. Wehave a formal program in place to

“Get Out the Vote” and your participation inthat effort will be key to electing the labor-friendly candidates, those who support therights of working men and women to bargaincollectively for a fair day’s pay for a fair day’swork.Have a safe, healthy and happy summer,and I hope to see you in San Francisco orChicago.Fraternally,

John PrevisichPresident, SMART Transportation Division

For more information go to www.utu.org andclick on the Regional Meeting box on thehome page.

Summer is here: Regional Meetings and 2016 National ElectionsDear members of the SMART Trans-portation Division, Summer months are here and so arethe SMART Transportation DivisionRegional Meetings. This year’s meet-ings will incorporate a number ofchanges that build on the requests andcomments received from memberswho attended the 2015 meetings. Changes include a new meeting for-mat, expansion of the local chairperson, leg-islative representative and local officer work-shops with increased educational informa-tion and a detailed stand-alone workshopthat gives direction on how a local meetingshould be run and the duties and responsibil-ities of officers while handling the day-to-daybusiness of the local.

Bus member and secretary-treasurer work-shops are expanded with new informationand materials, along with guest speakersand expert presenters. Overall, the curricu-lum is designed to eliminate conflicts amongrelated workshops so that members mayattend the maximum number of workshopsthat appeal to their interests.Additionally, based on the positive feedbackreceived from our 2015 meetings in connection

“For all members, the 2016 RegionalMeetings are a great opportunity tolearn about what’s new in our indus-try; to participate in leadershiptraining; to gain insight into rail, airand bus regulatory and legislativechanges; and to renew old friend-ships and cultivate new ones.”

Kentucky

By John Previsich

SMARTSMARTTransportation DivisionTransportation Division

President’s ColumnPresident’s Column

“Our Regional Meetings are the ide-al forum for learning about the can-didates and the issues that affecteach member. We have a formal pro-gram in place to ‘Get Out the Vote’and your participating in that effortwill be key to electing the labor-friendly candidates, those who sup-port the rights of working men andwomen.”

Find us on social media!Find us on Facebook here:www.facebook.com/SMART-TransportationDivision/Find us on LinkedIn bysearching for “SMART Trans-portation Division”

Ohio

Washington D.C.

After spending the day completing their 2016re-organization meeting, the newly electedofficers of the Arizona State Legislative Boardwent right to work attending a fundraisingevent in support of H.R. 1763, The SafeFreight Act. By the end of the evening, the board was ableto get five members of Congress to co-sponsorthe bill, State Legislative Director Scott Jonesreported. They were also able to secure a com-mitment by the remaining four representativesin the state to vote yes on the bill.

Pictured at the fundraising event are 2nd Vice Chairperson EllisLaird, Alternate State Legislative Director Chris Cheely, SLDScott Jones, Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon (R - Dist. 5) and Local1081 Secretary & Treasurer Tom Pate. Not pictured: Chairper-son C.J. Rhoades and 1st Vice Chairperson Nick Vincent.

With four Statehouse seats up for grab, twoDemocrat and two Republican, KentuckySMART TD members and AFL-CIO mem-bers rallied to maintain the Democrat seatsup for reelection in the state. If the State lostthose seats to the Republicans, giving thema majority, then Right-to-Work was expectedto pass and signed into law by Tea PartyGovernor Matt Bevin. In a huge defeat for Republicans, Democratskept their two seats and usurped a third fromthe Republican Party. Kentucky State Leg-islative Director Jared Cassity worked hardto motivate members to get out and vote.

State Legislative Director Bob Borgeson reported that theNebraska Legislative Board had its reorganization meetingin April. The Board also enjoyed a presentation from Opera-tion Lifesaver Representative Carol Daley.

Members of the Washington D.C. State Legislative Board,National Legislative Office and SMART Transportation Divi-sion President John Previsich met with Rep. EleanorHolmes Norton (D - D.C.) to discuss issues concerningSMART TD. Pictured here from left: Alternate National Leg-islative Director Greg Hynes, D.C. State Legislative DirectorWillie Bates, D.C. Alternate State Legislative Director JaradJackson, Rep. Norton, D.C. Assistant State LegislativeDirector Justin Ralston, President Previsich and NationalLegislative Director John Risch.

National Legislative Director swears in the newly re-electedand elected members of the Ohio State Legislative Board.

The Ohio State Legislative Board held its firstreorganization meeting in 16 years March22-24, 2016, reported State LegislativeDirector (SLD) Stu Gardner. Twenty boardmembers and two alternate legislative repre-sentatives were in attendance at the meet-ings. Newly elected to the Board is Jeff Darling(Local 1376 President) as board secretary.Darling reported that a meeting was held forUTU PAC where 14 members pledged tocontribute to the Dollar-a-Day Club; one

Attendees of the Ohio State Legislative Board reorganizationmeeting take time out for a group picture.

member increased their PAC contribution tothe Diamond Club; and, SLD Gardnerincreased his contribution from the PlatinumClub to the President’s Circle.Members in attendance also heard presenta-tions from Rep. Michael Sheehy (D), StateSenator Kenny Yuko (D - Dist. 25), represen-tatives from the DLC and many others.

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

Page 6 May/June 2016 SMART TD News May/June 2016 SMART TD News Page 7

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

2016 regional meetings: workshops at a glance Transportation DivisionRegional Meeting Registration Form

Registering before the regional meetings expedites sign-in procedures, helps organizers plan more accu-rately and saves on meeting costs. Each person attending the regional meeting, including familymembers and guests, MUST be registered in order to attend any event. Please note that thesemeetings last 2.5 days and conclude on the afternoon of the third day. Registration fees are $150per person; children 11 years of age and under are complimentary. On-site registration is $200 per person.All fees must be paid in U.S. funds. Registration forms with payment must be received at the TransportationDivision by June 19 for the San Francisco meeting and by July 3 for the Chicago meeting for all members,spouses and guests to be considered pre-registered.

Which regional meeting will you be attending? � San Francisco � Chicago

Arrival date: Departure date: Transportation type: � Automobile � Air � Other

Member Registration

Name Local Title (if any)

Home address

City/State/ZIP

Phone number ( ) Email

Meals: Day 1 � Lunch � No meal Any dietary restrictions? Day 2 � Lunch � Dinner � Both � No meals Day 3 � Lunch � No meal

Spouse Registration � San Francisco � Chicago

Spouse name Title (if any)Meals: Day 1 � Lunch � No meal Any dietary restrictions?

Day 2 � Lunch � Dinner � Both � No meals Day 3 � Lunch � No mealSpouse/guest tour: � Sunday or � Monday ($35/tour per registered spouse; $75/tour per unregistered spouse)

Child Registration � San Francisco � Chicago

Child name AgeMeals: Day 1 � Lunch � No meal Any dietary restrictions?

Day 2 � Lunch � Dinner � Both � No meals Day 3 � Lunch � No meal

Child name AgeMeals: Day 1 � Lunch � No meal Any dietary restrictions?

Day 2 � Lunch � Dinner � Both � No meals Day 3 � Lunch � No meal

Child name AgeMeals: Day 1 � Lunch � No meal Any dietary restrictions?

Day 2 � Lunch � Dinner � Both � No meals Day 3 � Lunch � No meal

Child name AgeMeals: Day 1 � Lunch � No meal Any dietary restrictions?

Day 2 � Lunch � Dinner � Both � No meals Day 3 � Lunch � No mealTour: � Sunday or � Monday ($35/tour per registered child; $75/tour per unregistered child) No. attending

Guest Registration � San Francisco � Chicago

Guest name Relationship to member

Home address

City/State/ZIPMeals: Day 1 � Lunch � No meal Any dietary restrictions?

Day 2 � Lunch � Dinner � Both � No meals Day 3 � Lunch � No mealSpouse/guest tour: � Sunday or � Monday ($35/tour per registered guest; $75/tour per unregistered guest)

Special Needs? (Circle appropriate responses): Registrant / spouse / child / guest is: hearing impaired / visually impaired / in wheelchair / other:

Golf registration � San Francisco � Chicago

Name Handicap Name Handicap

Name Handicap Name Handicap(Golf fees are $80 per golfer; include in total payment. Please provide names of others if foursome.)

Payment options

Check/money order enclosed (U.S. funds only) $Credit card � VISA � MasterCardCard number Exp. date Total charged $

Signature

Should additional space be needed, make copies of this form and attach to the original. Make checks ormoney orders payable in U.S. funds to “SMART TD Regional Meeting” and mail to SMART TD RegionalMeeting, 24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070-5333. Persons who do not pre-register for the regional meeting but choose to register at the meeting site will be charged an additional $50.Space on the tours is limited; reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Avis Rent-a-Car offering discounts at airports

Two tours booked in SanFrancisco, Chicago

Discounts with Avis Rent-a-Car are available to membersattending the 2016 regionalmeetings.

To reserve a car, contact Avis at (800) 331-1600 anduse SMART’s Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) num-ber: D150699.For the San Francisco and Chicago regional meet-ings, members and guests can reserve a car online.Visit the Transportation Division website atwww.utu.org, select the “Meetings” link at the bottomof the homepage, then select the appropriate region-al meeting city.Discounts at each city are good for seven daysbefore and seven days after the meetings. When renting a car online, be sure to use the sameAvis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number as listedabove: D150699.

SMART Transportation Division has arrangedtours of local attractions at both the San Franciscoand Chicago regional meetings.The tours are scheduled for the day precedingeach regional meeting, as well as on the first dayof each regional meeting.

San FranciscoSan Francisco Highlights Tour - Sunday, July 3You’ll be transported by motor coach aroundthe city, stopping at points of interest. You’llend up at Pier 39 on the waterfront to enjoylunch at Swiss Louis’.Tour Muir Woods & Sausalito - Monday July 4This tour takes you acrosss the Golden GateBridge in a deluxe mini-coach to Muir WoodsNational Monument where the redwoods arethousands of years old. You’ll have time towander among these majestic trees beforeheading off to tour the small seaside city ofSausalito where you will enjoy a boxed lunch,shopping and sight seeing.

ChicagoCity Highlights Tour - Sunday, July 24A guide will point out points of interest in the“Windy City” on this four-hour tour. You’ll havetime to yourself to explore Michigan Avenue,“The Magnificent Mile,” while enjoying lunch.Architectural River Cruise - Monday, July 25A river boat, complete with an expert guide, willexplore sights unseen by land on this 90-minute river cruise. Enjoy agourmet lunch boxduring the tour.

Tour fees are $35per tour for each regis-tered attendee or guest,or $75 per tour for eachunregistered attendee orguest. Go to the meetingpage on utu.org formore information.

Theme nights announced!San FranciscoEnjoy an evening out at AT&T Ballpark as the SanFrancisco Giants take on the Colorado Rockies,Tuesday, July 5. Transportation, game ticket and foodvoucher will be provided for each registered guest.ChicagoPack your fedoras, pin-striped suits and Charleston-style dresses for a speakeasy-themed Tuesday-night dinner complete with a jazz band.

San Francisco & Chicago WorkshopsBus Workshops:

• Issues that Affect Today’s Bus Operator• Personal Awareness & Confrontation Prevention• NLRA & Our Responsibilities• Officer Training & Grievance Handling• Legislative Workshop

Rail Workshops:• Railroad Retirement Board Informational Session• FRA - C3RS & Pending Regulations - New Minimum Training Standards• Nuts and Bolts• FRA - Hours of Service - Federal Certification & Decertification• Railway Labor Act• Investigations & Discipline - “The Art of a Formal Hearing” Parts 1 & 2• Internal & External Organizing & Mobilization

S&T Workshops:• Do’s and Don’ts• Billings• Winstabs• Taxes• One-on-One

Local Officer Workshops:• Best Practices for New & Experienced Local Chairpersons• Local Officer Training Part 1• Local Officer Training Part 2 - How to Run a Local Meeting• Legislative Representative Training

Other Workshops:• DLC Presentation• Your Legislative Department - “Working to Keep America Strong”• Live Arbitration• UTUIA workshops• Auxiliary of the UTU informational sessions Parts 1 & 2

San Francisco regional meeting pertinent information:San Francisco, July 4-6: Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, 950 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94108, www.fairmont.com/san-franciscoReservations: (800) 441-1414 toll free; (415) 772-5000 direct Reservation code: SMART UNION GROUP Room Rate: $169 sin-gle/double, plus taxes; rates good for three days before and after meeting, depending upon availability. Room reservation deadline:June 2, or until all rooms being held for SMART are reserved. Parking: $58 per day (plus tax) Overflow Hotel: Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, One Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA 94108, www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.comReservations: (800) 662-4455 toll free; (415) 392-3434 direct Reservation code: SMART UNION ANNUAL WESTERN REGIONALMEETING Room Rate: $169 king/two beds, plus taxes; One night deposit of $169 to guarantee room; rates good for three days prior toand following meeting, depending upon availability.Room reservation deadline: June 17, 2016 Parking: $62 per day. No self-park available.Golf outing: The regional meeting golf outing will take place Sunday, July 3, at Chuck Corica Golf Complex. The cost is $80 per golfer. Tee-off time is 8:00 a.m.Airline discount: Visit United Airlines’ website at www.united.com for flight discounts to San Francisco. Offer Code: ZWHN794149If booking through a travel professional or United Meetings at (800) 426-1122, please give the following information: Agreement Code: 794149 Z Code: ZWHN

Chicago regional meeting pertinent information:Chicago, July 25-27: Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 East North Water St., Chicago, IL 60611, www.sheratonchicago.comReservations: (888) 627-7106 toll free; (312) 464-1000 direct Reservation code: SMART UNION GROUP Room Rate: $169 single/double, plus taxes; Room rates good for three days before and after meeting, depending upon availability.Room reservation deadline: July 2, or until all rooms held for SMART TD are reserved. Parking: $63.00 for valet; $26.50 for self park (50 per-cent off) Golf outing: The regional meeting golf outing is Sunday, July 24, at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club. The cost is $80 per golfer.Tee off at 8:00 a.m.Airline discount: Visit United Airlines’ website at www.united.com for flight discounts to San Francisco. Offer Code: ZWKG262307If booking through a travel professional or United Meetings at (800) 426-1122, please give the following information: Agreement Code: 262307 Z Code: ZWHN

SMART Transportation Division regional meetings have been designed to provide a platform for educational training, leadership growth and a sense offraternalism and solidarity. Listed below are over 25 workshops designed to meet the training-needs of our local officers.

UTU Alumni AssociationPage 8 May/June 2016 SMART TD News

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

News, information for members of the UTU Alumni Association

UTUUTUAlu

mniAlu

mni

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 received atSMART TD Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU Alumni Association members.

Local Name City/State Local Name City/State Local Name City/State

2 Diefenthaler, William A. Cape Coral, Fla.9 Moore, Ralph O. Chandler, Texas204 Barnett, Michael J. Pueblo, Colo.219 Ferrel Jr., Roy Q. Hannibal, Mo.286 Gross, Ronald W. Maxwell, Neb.298 Poderski, Olgierd J. Tomahawk, Wis.313 Singleton, Robert D. Wyoming, Mich.330 Roth, Harold A. San Diego, Calif.331 Wright Jr., Ed. C. Troy, Texas339 Crews Jr., Cecil H. Jackson, Tenn.376 Dunn, Norman C. Louisville, Ky.386 Steele, Roger W. Lancaster, Pa.

471 Raines, Kenneth D. Boise, Idaho528 Hester, Thomas J. McHenry, Ill.656 Wahl, Herman E. Mabelvale, Ark.763 Fiechtl, Herman J. Pittsburg, Kan.771 Edenfield, Stenson B. Stilwell, Kan.792 Eckhardt, Charles R. Tuscarawas, Ohio857 George, Weston C. Floresville, Texas904 Moody, Virgil W. Evansville, Ind.1043 Garro, Nick G. Sparks, Nev.1058 Corder, Norman N. Nampa, Idaho1252 Kindig, Arthur M. Arroyo Grande, Calif.1289 Boyd, George J. Keifer, Okla.

1315 Anderson, Raymond J. Florence, Ky.1315 Herron, Paul A. Williamstown, Ky.1334 Cutrer Jr., Claude L. Terry, Miss.1420 Stewart Jr., John F. Olive Branch, Miss.1473 Henderson, Joseph K. Bellingham, Mass.1477 Sanchez, Manuel Southgate, Mich.1548 Durham, Donald R. Terre Haute, Ind.1672 Eckert, Norman A. Boynton Beach, Fla.1816 Baldwin, William C. Toledo, Ohio1869 Crigger, Bobby K. Perryville, Ky.1918 Cooper, Jimmie D. Arenas Valley, N.M.

You have the power to prevent identity theft

Landfall Travel offers two tripsin 2016

Train tour across Switzerland• Sept. 16-24, 2016• Overnight stays in Lucerne, Lausanne, Zermatt and St. Moritz

• Rates start at $2,359* per person• Most meals included

American Queen steamboat cruise• Oct. 2-10, 2016• Cruise leaves from St. Louis and ends in Red Wing, Minn.

• Rates start at $1,874.25* plus $149 port tax per person

*Airfare not included, rates subject to change

www.landfalltravel.com • (800) 835-9233

Traveling abroad and your healthcare coverageIf you are planning a trip outside of the UnitedStates and its territories, it’s important not toassume you can take your Medicare cover-age with you. Unfortunately, most of Medicare’s paymentsfor emergency and/or non-emergency serv-ices cease once you are beyond the U.S.borders, which include the 50 states,District of Columbia, PuertoRico, U.S. Virgin Islands,Guam, American Samoa,the Northern Mariana Islandsand the territorial waters adja-cent to these areas. When Medicare won’t pay:• Medicare won’t pay for anyservices related to a foreignhospital stay if the hospital stay is not cov-ered by Medicare (this includes ambulanceservices).• Medicare won’t pay for foreign ambulancetransports or physician services after yourforeign hospital stay is over (even if Medicare

pays for the inpatient hospital stay).• Medicare won’t pay for services in a foreignhospital owned or operated by the U.S. Gov-ernment unless that hospital is within theU.S. borders as defined above.What you can do:

Consider buying travel insurance.Because some travel insurance plans

don’t cover health care services, besure to talk to your insurance ortravel agent about this topic.

If you have received Medicare-covered services as mentionedabove, you may have to file a

claim yourself since foreign hospitalsare not required to file claims to Medicare.If you have questions about your Part B cov-erage, please call Palmetto GBA's Benefici-ary Contact Center at 800-833-4455,between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. BasicMedicare information may be found atwww.PalmettoGBA.com/rr/me.

Every two minutes, the U.S.government receives an

identity theft complaint.Don’t let criminals takeyour money by steal-ing your identity.Through fraudulentschemes fraudsters

can obtain your bankaccount data, debit card

details, or other personalinformation. Here are some examples ofrecent fraud schemes:

• A criminal may call and inform you thatyou owe money to the IRS and will ask forbanking information or debit card numberto pay them. Your financial information isused by the criminals to redirect your feder-al payments to an account they establishedand only they can access.• A criminal may contact you with news thatyou won an unexpected cash award prize.The criminal asks for your bank accountinformation to deposit your “award.” Yourfinancial information can then be used bythe criminal to redirect your federal pay-ments to an account they established andonly they can access.•You receive a text and/or email from acriminal posing as a legitimate financialinstitution that asks you to call and updateyour account information. The criminal canuse your financial information to steal your

money or establish a new account that onlythey can access.

To help prevent identity theft, never give outthe following to anyone unless you initiatedcontact with them:

• Social Security number• Bank account information• Credit card number• Debit card number

Legitimate financial institutions, businesses,and government agencies customarily wouldnot contact you for this sensitive information.Additionally, you should check your bank,debit and/or credit card accounts on a weeklybasis to ensure all purchases are yours andyour identity was not stolen by a computer“hacker.” Immediately reporting any erroneous trans-actions to your financial institution will mini-mize the amount of money you may lose asa result of this fraud.If you determine that you are a victim of iden-tity theft, you should visit IdentityTheft.gov.The website includes a comprehensive list ofsteps you should take to prevent the crimi-nals from using your personal information forfinancial gain. This includes filing a reportwith the Federal Trade Commission.Don’t be a victim of identity theft. Visithttp://www.IdentityTheft.gov to learn more.

AAA: Stay safe driving as yourvision changesNone of your senses is more important to safedriving than vision. A senior driver’s eyesightis critical, especially when driving at night.A driver’s eyesight is vital in preventing carcrashes, because nearly all the sensory inputyou need to drive a car comes from visualcues. If your eyesight is diminished, so isyour ability to drive safely. This is especiallyimportant to senior drivers.That’s why most states require motorists toundergo vision tests as part of the driver’slicense renewal process. Depending on whereyou live, you may have a vision test in personat a state licensing office or submit results of avision test performed by an eye doctor.You can review your state’s driver’s licensinglaws by going to seniordriving.aaa.com/states.Vision, like other senses, gradually declinesover time. Because changes may be hard tonotice, it’s important to have annual visiontests. By age 60, eyes need three times asmuch light to see as they did at age 20, so it’smuch more difficult to see objects in the dark.If you have vision problems, driving at nightcan be particularly hazardous.Over the years, pupils get smaller and don’twiden (dilate) as much in dark conditions,making it harder to see. This diminished visionis a significant problem for senior drivers.Your vision may test well in the eye doctor’soffice but still be effectively reduced driving atnight, where lighting is poor and more complexvisual tasks are required. Ability to resist glareand see reflective road signs and markingsalso decreases with age, so senior driversshould take extra care when driving at night.To learn more, visit AAA at seniordriving.aaa.com.

May/June 2016 SMART TD News Page 9

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

Savings policies available:• Flexible Deferred Annuities• Traditional IRA• Roth IRA

For additional information about any of thesepolicies:Email sales@utuia.org, call 800-558-8842, orcomplete the attached form and mail to theaddress listed at the bottom of the form.Visit the UTUIA website at www.utuia.orgfor more information on this and other policies.

I would like more information on UTUIA’s available policies:

Please Print

Full Name Date of Birth SMART TD Local

Street Address City State Zip code

Telephone number with area code Male Female

Complete and mail to: UTUIA Sales Dept., 24950 Country Club Blvd., Ste. 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070-5333.

Insurance policies available to you:• Accident Indemnity• Accidental Death and Dismemberment• Disability Income Replacement• Cancer Hospital Indemnity• Whole Life Insurance• Term Life Insurance• Child Life Insurance• Easy Issue Life Insurance

Accident IndemnityAccidental Death and DismembermentCancer Hospital Indemnity

Life InsuranceAnnuitiesIRAs

❒❒❒❒❒❒

SMART members receive award from Canadian NationalMembers of SMART were recognized fortheir expertise at the Canadian National(CN) President’s Awards for ExcellenceCeremony held March 19, 2016, in BocaRaton, Florida.Greg Styka and Bill Head, members of theSMART Railroad Mechanical and Engi-neering Department, led their team on thecomplex task of rebuilding a passenger carinto the new TEST Geometry car that iden-tifies track safety concerns. Working with the Mechanical and Engi-neering departments, they developed aplan to incorporate new track monitoringtechnologies that find and repair immedi-ate track defects. The new car will also pro-vide additional track condition data to mon-itor changes in conditions over time.

Peer engagement teamTD Local 1299 President Walter Jones leda Chicago-based team made up of truesafety ambassadors. They have created avibrant Peer Engagement Team thatencourages peer-to-peer communicationsin addressing issues associated with safetyin the field. The team also fosters communicationamong transportation and engineeringemployees, as well as other cross-function-al communication channels that will con-tribute to greater safety of their operations. This team has made it possible for employ-ees to have an effective forum where theycan discuss issues openly and work togetherto ensure optimum safety in their workplace.

Pictured from left: Local Chairman Greg Styka (LU 256 – CN), TD Local 1299 President Walter Jones (Chicago) and Bill Head(LU 256 – CN) accept the President’s Award for Excellence from Canadian National Railway.

AFL-CIO releases "Death onthe Job" report

The AFL-CIO released itsannual “Death on theJob” report, markingthe 25th year in a rowthat the organizationhas produced a reportdetailing the state of

worker safety.While regulations have never

been strong enough to guarantee workplacesafety, according to the AFL-CIO report morethan half a million lives have been saved bythe Occupational Safety and Health Act of1970.In 2014, 4,821 workers died on the job.Another 50,000 died from occupationaldisease created by working conditionsthat put their health in jeopardy. By thisestimation, that is 150 workers per day thatdie due to hazardous working conditions.Young workers are not the only ones at risk,in fact, just over a third of all workplace fatal-ities happened to workers between the agesof 55 and 65.States with the highest fatality rates in 2014were: Wyoming (13.1 per 100,000 workers);North Dakota (9.8 per 100,000 workers);Alaska (7.8 per 100,000 workers); SouthDakota (7.2 per 100,000 workers) and Mis-sissippi (7.1 per 100,000 workers).While both SMART Sheet Metal and Trans-portation workers are employed in some ofthe most dangerous occupational fields inAmerica, the oil and gas extraction field wasconsidered the most dangerous in 2014.The report calls on Congress to pass legisla-tion that strengthens civil and criminal penal-ties for workplace safety violations, enhancesanti-discrimination protections and strength-ens the rights of workers, unions and victims.

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

Page 10 May/June 2016 SMART TD News

Continued from page 1

Ill. county passes resolution support-ing proposed two-person crew ruleContinued from page 1

Rail workers: deadly tired...but still working

“The names of the stations begin to take onmeaning and my heart trembles. The trainstamps and stamps onward. I stand at thewindow and hold on to the frame. Thesenames mark the boundaries of my youth.” - Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on theWestern Front

SMART Transportation Division 2016 budgetPursuant to Article 21B, Section 16, of the SMART Constitution, below is the 2016 budget for the SMART Transportation Division

AssetsCash $2,193,942Bonds 197,850,788Stocks 17,069,699Other invested assets -Real estate 1,561,746Policy loans 5,481,887Accrued interest & other assets 2,494,588

Total assets $226,652,650

Summary of operationsIncomePremium income $13,759,109Investment income & other 10,085,610Total income $23,844,719

ExpensesBenefits $(14,387,954)General expenses (6,762,395)Total expenses $(21,150,349)

Operating gain (loss) $2,694,370Realized capital gain 66,446Net gain (loss) $2,760,816

Ohio revised code provides that, not later than the first day of June of each year, UTUIA shall either mail to each benefit member, or publish in its official publication, a synopsis of its annual statement.That information is shown below.

Liabilities & surplusPolicy reserves $171,034,653Other liabilities 10,986,585

Total liabilities $182,021,238Surplus 44,631,412

Total liabilities & surplus $226,652,650

United Transportation Union Insurance AssociationAs of December 31, 2015: amounts as reported in annual statement filing to Ohio Department of Insurance, unaudited

Dec. 31, 2015Unaudited

(valued in U.S. dollars)

$7,879,8391,759,316

(1,111,544)(712,892)5,656,579

833,395

$14,304,693

Dec. 31, 2015Audited

Adjustments

$(1,089,312)163,237

23,634(20,111)

4,065134,017

$(784,470)

Jan. 1, 2016REVISED

$4,969,6141,922,553

--

5,660,644967,412

$13,520,223

Receipts andother additions

$18,198,404982,600

1,611,184691,934549,450

1,465,200

$23,498,772

Disbursements andother deductions

$(19,185,081)(1,719,812)(1,611,184)

(691,934)--

$(23,208,011)

Dec. 31, 2016(projected)

$3,982,9371,185,341

--

6,210,0942,432,612

$13,810,984

International funds

General FundEducation and Training FundMaintenance of Membership FundPublic Relations FundStrike FundConvention Fund

Total International funds

communities like Will County that have thepotential to suffer most if rail carriers areallowed to operate trains with one crew mem-ber.“This kind of support reinforces the results ofthe extensive polling SMART TD has con-ducted over the past few years regardingcrew size,” Guy said. “Citizens overwhelm-ingly have shown that they don’t want trainsrunning through their communities with lessthan two people on board.”

New DOL rule – “workers should knowwho is behind anti-union message”

The new rule interprets Section 203 of theLabor Management Reporting and Disclo-sure Act. The law requires labor organiza-tions, consultants and employers to filereports and disclose expenditures on labor-management activities. The law intends toprevent abuse, corruption and improperpractices by labor organizations, employersand labor relations consultants alike.A longstanding loophole, however, allowsemployers to hire consultants to create mate-rials, strategies and policies for organizingcampaigns – and even to script managers’communications with employees – withoutdisclosing anything, as long as the consult-ant does not directly contact employees. The new rule closes the loophole to align theregulation with the statute, by requiring report-ing on “actions, conduct or communicationsthat are undertaken with an object, explicitlyor implicitly, directly or indirectly, to affect anemployee’s decisions regarding his or herrepresentation or collective bargaining rights.”Under the same statute, unions already arerequired to make comprehensive publicreports on their expenditures, includingexpenditures on union-organizing campaigns.The Federal Register published the new ruleMarch 24. The change is applicable to arrange-ments, agreements and payments made on orafter July 1, 2016. The final rule and addition-al information is available on the OLMS web-site at http://www.dol.gov/olms/regs/compli-ance/ecr_finalrule.htm.Republicans announced they would fight therule shortly after it went into effect and havecalled for the elimination of the rule at a hear-ing of a House subcommittee.

engineer was operating a train with undiag-nosed severe obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). The train, on its way toward GrandCentral Station in New York, New York, had115 passengers on board. The engineerheaded into a curve with a 30 mph speed lim-it traveling at 82 mph, resulting in a derail-ment. Sixty-one people wereinjured, and four passengersdied.The engineer experienced adramatic work schedulechange less than 2 weeksbefore the accident, with hiswake/sleep cycle shiftingabout 12 hours. Previously, hehad complained of fatigue buthad not been tested or treated for sleepapnea. After the accident he had a sleepevaluation that identified excessive daytimesleepiness and underwent a sleep studyresulting in a diagnosis of severe OSA. Fol-lowing the study, he was treated successfullyfor OSA within 30 days of the diagnosis.The NTSB issued safety recommendation tothe Metro-North Railroad to revise its med-ical protocols for employees in safety-sensi-tive positions to include specific protocols onsleep disorders, including OSA.We have issued numerous recommenda-tions to the Federal Railroad Administration,as well, requiring it to develop medical certi-fication regulations for employees in safety-sensitive positions that include, at a mini-mum, a complete medical history thatincludes specific screening for sleep apneaand other sleep disorders, a review of currentmedications, and a thorough physical exam.If such a recommendation had been imple-mented at the railroad for which I worked, myfatigue most likely would have been caughtearlier and mistakes avoided.(Note: As I was writing this blog, I was heart-ened to hear that, on March 8, the FRAannounced it was seeking public input on theimpacts of screening, evaluating and treatingrail workers for obstructive sleep apnea.)

And while the railroads and the federal regu-lators are responsible for addressing this epi-demic, so too must railroad workers recog-nize the dangers of working while fatigued.Yet many are compelled to make money andwant to stay ready to react at any hour of theday to avoid missing the opportunity to get

paid. To a certain extent, I under-stand this. And that’s why wemust also work with labor unionsto address this issue and provideworkers the opportunity forsleep, while still allowing themthe opportunity to get a pay-check and progress in theircareers.Fatigue in transportation is such

a significant concern for the NTSB that it hasput “Reduce Fatigue-Related Accidents” onits Most Wanted List of transportation safetyimprovements. It is not just an issue in rail,but an issue in all modes of transportationthat must be addressed.As a former railroad worker and now as asupervisor of railroad accident investigators,I can tell you we still have a long way to go toaddress this issue. Doing so will require thejoint efforts of the regulator, the operator, andthe employee. These efforts must be under-taken, because we can’t keep running downthis dangerous track.

Continued from page 3

www.smart-union.org • www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org

May/June 2016 SMART TD News Page 11

UTUIA announces 2016-2017 scholarship winnersDISTRICT 1Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hamp-shire, New York, Rhode Island, VermontConnor N. Bendick, grandson of Robert E.Norton of Local 493, Waterloo, Iowa; Hay-ley F. Linabury, granddaughter of ErnestPresseau of Local 1978, New York, N.Y.;Megan F. Munn, granddaughter of Ray-mond J. Kobylak of Local 1978, New York,N.Y.; Michael P. O’Connor, grandson ofRobert J. O’Connor of Local 1393, Buffalo,N.Y.; Christian A. Watts, daughter ofDorothy M. Gasiorowski-Watts of Local284, Cleveland, OhioDISTRICT 2Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jer-sey, PennsylvaniaLuke T. Butler, son of Timothy P. Butler ofLocal 60, Newark, N.J.; Patrick J. Murphy,grandson of William R. Morgan of Local60, Newark, N.J.; Mary-Kate Quinn, daugh-ter of James B. Quinn of Local 60, NewarkN.J.; Anthony Rivera Jr., grandson ofRonald A. Zagorsky Sr. of Local 1374,New Castle, Pa.DISTRICT 3Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia,West VirginiaSavannah E. Allen, daughter of Gary W.Allen of Local 1420, Memphis, Tenn.;James G. Amos, grandson of Claude W.Amos of Local 598, Mobile, Ala.; Kayla M.Anderson, granddaughter of Billy G.Vaughn of Local 118, Hinton, W.Va.; TristenH. Barnett, daughter of Dale D. Barnett Jr.of Local 762, Montgomery, Ala.; Steven M.Fitzpatrick, son of Steven L. Fitzpatrick ofLocal 1138, Miami, Fla.; Peter Garcia IV,son of Peter Garcia III of Local 1031,Savannah, Ga.; Thomas P. Gholson, son ofThomas P. Gholson of Local 573, Danville,Ky.; Kelsey M. Sox, granddaughter of Paul

M. Yon of Local 793, Columbia, S.C.DISTRICT 4Indiana, Michigan, OhioSarah E. Boda, granddaughter of Joseph A.Boda of Local 1928, Toledo, Ohio; Victoria S.Collins, daughter of Tommy C. Collins oflocal 1383, Gary, Ind.; Ryan E. Fix, grandsonof Edward O. Reling of Local 1760, Detroit,Mich.; Kaylan N. Johnson, daughter of ChadA. Johnson of Local 1962, Toledo, Ohio;Elise F. Smith, daughter of William F. Smithof Local 1381, Hammond, Ind.DISTRICT 5Illinois, WisconsinGabriella C. Galvan, granddaughter ofPatrick N. Murray of Local 196, Beardstown,Ill.; Christine M. Hendron, granddaughter ofPatrick W. Simmons of Local 1929, East St.Louis, Ill.; Nicholas S. Seaton, grandson ofJimmie J. Stanbery of Local 768, Decatur,Ill.; Samantha L. Shank, granddaughter ofSamuel C. Hale of Local 1290, Chicago, Ill.DISTRICT 6Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, TexasJennifer K. Cline, daughter of Steven D.Cline of Local 243, Ft. Worth, Texas; MasonA. Jones, stepson of Chris L. Alston of Local1886, Houston, Texas; Kathryn R. Paine,granddaughter of Robert E. Paine of Local950, West Memphis, Ark.; Timothy E.Reynolds Jr., son of Timothy E. ReynoldsSr. of Local 656, North Little Rock, Ark.; Madi-son R. Schmitt, daughter of Thomas J.Schmitt of Local 1974, Ft. Worth, Texas;Matthew J. Whipps, son of Samuel Whippsof Local 1670, Laredo, Texas DISTRICT 7Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, NorthDakota, South DakotaJacob C. Atkinson, grandson of Paul R. Duffyof Local 329, Boone, Iowa; Rachel J. Atkin-son, granddaughter of Paul R. Duffy of Local

329, Boone, Iowa; Katie M. Bowe, grand-daughter of Charles A. Bowe of Local 185,Brookfield, Mo.; Tate M. Brooks, grandsonof Edgar W. Fisher of Local 412, KansasCity, Kan.; Sawyer W. McElhany, son ofSteven G. McElhany of Local 303, Spring-field, Mo.; Sydney J. Nichols, daughter ofJeffrey M. Nichols of Local 303, Spring-field, Mo.; Jackson C. Pasquith, grandson ofEdgar W. Fisher of Local 412, Kansas City,Kan.DISTRICT 8Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico,UtahHailee A. Branson, daughter of Michael B.Branson of Local 113, Winslow, Ariz.;Jacob E. Duncan, grandson of Earl M.Duncan of Local 1373, Philadelphia, Pa.;Peter A. Lara, son of Pedro Lara of Local1563, El Monte, Calif.; Lauren G. McFalls,granddaughter of James E. Hardman ofLocal 656, North Little Rock, Ark.; Jeffrey J.Moore, son of Jeffrey W. Moore of Local298, Garrett, Ind.; Taylor J. O’Donoghue,grandson of Denis J. O’Donoghue ofLocal 240, Los Angeles, Calif.; Kyle A.Schrock, son of Justin R. Schrock of Local945, La Junta, Colo.; Alexander E. Weisner,great-grandson of Roger G. Kinder ofLocal 1405, St. Louis, Mo.DISTRICT 9Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington,WyomingAlexandria G. Carlisle, granddaughter ofArthur Martin of Local 78, Pocatello, Ida-ho; Kevin E. Doughty, son of Melvin T.Doughty of Local 446, Cheyenne, Wyo.;Kenyon R. Hatten, granddaughter of JamesF. Hatten of Local 544, Havre, Mont.

Christian A. Waldrop, grandson of CharlesH. Branton of Local 1033, Atlanta, Ga.

TTD, SMART TD, Labor Unions urge DOT to protect bus & transit operators from assaultEdward Wytkind, president of TTD, AFL-CIO;SMART TD President John Previsich andother union leaders have released a joint let-ter to U.S. DOT Secretary of TransportationAnthony Foxx urging DOT to issue a rule toprotect bus drivers and other transit opera-tors from physical assaults plaguing theindustry. Below are the contents of that letter.“As labor organizations representing tran-sit workers throughout the country, weurge the Department of Transportationand your Federal Transit Administration(FTA) to issue a rule to protect bus driversand other transit operators from the phys-ical assaults that are plaguing this indus-try. As you know, Section 3022 of the Fix-ing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST)Act, builds upon FTA’s authority to regulate thesafety of public transportation and requires theagency to issue a rulemaking on transit opera-tor assaults. We believe that given the gravityof the problem, the clear Congressionaldirective, and DOT’s own engagement onthis issue, a rule to mitigate assaults shouldbe finalized this calendar year.“For the last several years, an epidemic ofworkplace violence has fundamentally under-mined the enterprise of providing public trans-portation throughout the nation. According tothe FTA’s National Transit Database, whichdoes not even fully capture the true extent ofincidents, approximately 135 transit opera-tors are assaulted every year. These inci-dents not only pose severe physical andemotional problems for the members we rep-resent, but jeopardizes the safety of publictransportation more broadly. When operatorsare assaulted, passengers can be put at riskwhen violence spreads into a vehicle. Andwhen an assault occurs while a bus is inoperation, the driver may lose control puttingriders, other vehicles and pedestrians in danger.

“At present, there is no uniform or nationalstandard for stopping transit operatorassaults. While unions and some local transitagencies have diligently worked to addressthis problem – including through the collec-tive bargaining process – these efforts arelimited in the scope of protections providedand only cover a small number of agencies.

“Given that we have seen a dramatic uptickin assaults across the country, in cities, sub-urbs and even rural communities, it is clearthat a national set of rules, as mandated byCongress, are urgently needed. “We also reject the notion that basic safetyissues like driver assault should be left to thecollective bargain process, which inherentlyforces workers to give up something of valueto achieve what should be an inherent rightand leads to inconsistent and incrementalsolutions that subject too many workers to anunsafe working environment.“Fortunately, the FTA has been vested withthe legal authority and congressional man-date to address transit operation assaults. In2012, the MAP-21 gave the FTA broad legalauthority to regulate and oversee transitsafety nationwide, and the agency has sub-sequently moved forward with a series ofrulemakings delineating its broad oversightof the industry. “Building upon this authority, Section 3022 ofthe FAST Act requires the FTA to issue aNPRM on ‘protecting public transportation

operators from the risk of assault.’ While weunderstand that this section mandates anNPRM no later than 90 days after the publi-cation of a broad report on public transporta-tion safety, we believe the FTA has theauthority to issue rulemaking before thisreport is issued. “First, the 90 day review only sets the outer

limits of when an NPRM is to be issued –it does not limit the FTA’s ability to movequickly to address this problem. In fact,the section’s ‘Saving Clause’ specificallyreserves for the agency the clear flexibili-ty to issue the rule when they see fit, notnecessarily at the conclusion of anystudy. Finally, the FTA’s general authority

to regulate transit safety dating back to MAP-21 would allow the agency to issue rules ondriver assaults absent any direct mandate.“We welcome further study, and believe itcan serve future understanding of how toimplement worker safety, but there should bea rulemaking to establish a safety regime inthe interim. As organizations that confrontthe daily toll of this violence, we believe exist-ing information, including that provided bythe FTA, is clear and actionable. “Waiting to conclude a lengthy study prior tobeginning to move forward will push such adecisions to a future Administration and onlyserve to further delay timely, potentially life-saving intervention.“Given the clear legal authority, congression-al mandate and daily evidence of dangersfacing operators and the safe movement ofpublic transport, we ask you to move forwardwith a rulemaking to mitigate driver assault.We look forward to working with you and arehappy to provide further input and insight onthis issue as you move forward with imple-mentation of the FAST Act.”

When is the best time to plant a tree? A good answer is20 years ago, because if you had planted it then, youcould be sitting under it now. The second best time toplant a tree is today.That kind of sums up the way our legislative depart-ment work goes. For several years we have beenpushing for a law or regulation requiring a minimum oftwo crew members on trains, because we all know theonly safe way to operate a train is with a crew of at leastone conductor and one engineer. On March 14th theFederal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a pro-posed rule requiring most trains in America to have aminimum of two crew members. We are hard at workputting together comments and recommendations inorder to make the final rule as strong as possible.On February 26th we asked the FRA to address theissue of uniform speed signs for speed restrictions, andon April 7th the FRA’s Rail Safety Advisory Committee(RSAC) approved an industry working group toaddress this issue. While these sorts of things taketime, like a tree takes to time grow, to see substantialprogress only 41 days after our request is remarkable.The lack of speed signs on many railroads came as ashock to me. We are all creatures of our environmentand having worked for 30 years on the BN and BNSF– railroads with excellent speed signs – I assumed allrailroads, just like all highways, used speed signs…how wrong I was.Two years ago one of our members on NS told me that

Photo of the month

ISSN 2470-0304Published bi-monthly (with twoextra issues per year in May andJuly each year for a total of eightissues) by SMART TD, 24950COUNTRY CLUB BLVD., SUITE340, NORTH OLMSTED, OH44070-5333 • Periodicals postagepaid at Cleveland, Ohio, and ad-ditional mailing offices • John Previsich, SMART TransportationDivision President • This publica-tion available on microfilm fromNational Archive Publishing, P.O.Box 998, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.POSTMASTER: Send addresschanges to SMART TD News,24950 Country Club Blvd.,Suite 340, North Olmsted, OH44070-5333.

MAY/JUNE 2016

Please recycle

S H E E T M E T A L | A I R | R A I L | T R A N S P O R T A T I O N

T R A N S P O R T A T I O N D I V I S I O N

This photo was taken by White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad Conductor Ryan Ellisof Local 1626 at Anchorage, Alaska. “I took this picture February 2016 during the an-nual Ski Joring competition in Whitefish, Mont.” Ski Joring is a sport in which cowboyson horses pull skiers.

www.smart-union.org/tdwww.utuia.org

Regional meeting workshoplist. See pages 6 & 7.

UTUIA Scholarship winnersannounced. See page 11.

New agreements reached withCalifornia Northern Railroadand Trona Rail. See page 3.

Yardmaster Council meetingconvened at SMART TD head-quarters in April. See page 1.

Inside this issue of SMART Transportation Division News:

SMART Transportation Divisionis always looking for good pho-tos, and awards prizes tomonthly photo winners.

SMART TD seeks photographsor digital images of work-related scenes, such as rail-road, bus or mass transit oper-ations, new equipment pho-tos, scenic shots, activities ofyour local, or photos of yourbrothers and sisters keepingAmerica rolling.

Printed photographs should bemailed to SMART TD, 24950Country Club Blvd., Suite 340,North Olmsted, OH 44070-5333.

High-resolution digital photo-graphs should be in the JPEGformat and emailed to“news_td@smart-union.org”.

With each photograph,please include your name andSMART local number, thenames of the persons in thephoto (left to right), where thephoto was taken, and all otherpertinent information.

All photographs submittedbecome property of SMART.

Remember to review youremployer’s policies regardinguse of cameras on the propertyor during work hours.

RSAC assigns working group to review industry speed signsrailroads did not use speed signs on temporary restric-tions – temporary sometimes means 24 hours and oth-er times it can mean two to three years. Even worse, wefound that speed signs are not only inconsistent acrossrailroads, but that CN doesn’t use them at all.Then came the tipping point and what prompted us toask the FRA to address this issue. It was CP’sannouncement that beginning on January 1, 2016, theywould no longer be using speed signs for temporaryrestrictions. Our members on CP were justifiably out-raged and we petitioned the FRA.We really shouldn’t need the government to getinvolved in simple, yet critical, safety measures likerequiring adequate speed signs. Adequate signageshould be a basic part of good railroading. We askedCP to reconsider their decision to eliminate the signs,but they ignored us. When I personally asked the COOof NS to put up signs he responded, “John, we havebeen running a railroad for more than 150 years.” Thatarrogant response needs no clarification.Because some railroads refuse to adopt good safetypractices, we have asked the government to getinvolved. Sadly, some railroads will only make safetyimprovements when required to by the government. Whether it is making sure trains have adequate staffing,or that crews have proper speed signs, we are pushingforward to make railroading as safe as possible. That’swhat your legislative department is tasked with doing:planting trees today, so that we have a safe and secureworkplace now and in the future.

Volume 48 • Issue 5 • May/June 2016 International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers

S H E E T M E T A L | A I R | R A I L | T R A N S P O R T A T I O N

Transportation Division News

Column by John Risch, National Legislative Director