Article 80?

   The most important Article in the UTU Constitution has always been Article 80 - Preservation of Craft Autonomy!  Specifically, lines 35 -38, which state in pertinent part: "The provisions of this Article may not be changed by the International Union, except, upon the approval of a majority vote of the members of each of the crafts represented by the United Transportation Union." 

Another Alleged Dispute?

   Seems there is another "alleged dispute" much like the Smoot issue before PLB 3882 which was decided in Executive Session?  Now it appears, the UTU has a dispute between itself?  Yes, Brothers and Sisters, UTU is A - Carding their own Conductors, Trainmen, Yardmen, and UTU-E engineers that there is a "dispute" as to the proper crafts on the KCS. Are they the crafts guaranteed by Article 80 above or is the proper craft "Train and Engine Service Employee"???  What they could not accomplish from the Panel on the UP Petition, they now seek to accomplish via deceipt (an alleged dispute amonst ourselves) in order to take over the BLE again just like they did on the TEX/MEX!  Is it a violation of Article 80? Of course it is!  For information on this see my petition in opposition to UTU NMB petition relative to Article 80!

    So tell me Mr. Hakey, do I get a vote as a Conductor, a Brakeman, a Yardman, and an Engineer to do away with all my other crafts or do I just get to vote in the craft in which I was working?  Another big waste of the members money and they will incur additional expenses as soon as they attempt to advise they have a majority of the employess on the petition when the BLE files in Federal Court. 

    The bottom line is dues money, it's not about representation or the power of one.  If UTU isn't ashamed of these "contorsions", print it in the UTU news and advise us what is the benefit of doing away with our historical crafts?  I have said it before and I will say it again: