Questions and Answers |
Q. What union do I belong to?
A. The United Transportation Union, Local 194. We represent over 150,000 active and retired
rail, bus, and airline workers in the U.S. and Canada.
Q. Why do I belong to the UTU?
A. We are the only remaining railroad operating union that does not answer to a truck drivers
union. Our only interest is to represent and protect our members and to safeguard the
agreements that our membership has fought and died for, for over 100 years. Many feel that the
other organization has failed miserably in that regard. Now, in order to survive, they have had to
join with the teamsters and they MUST tell you anything necessary to try and recruit you. Whether
you are an ACT, LET, Conductor or Engineer, our door is open to you.
Q. What does the union do for me?
A. We work to win major battles. We know if one worker loses then we all are threatened. We
win rights. Then we protect them.
Q. Why should I be a member?
A. If we were not united as workers, we would not have as much strength to win a good contract,
or settle grievances fairly. When everyone belongs it makes us strong and enables us to meet the
company on a level playing field.
Q. Why do we need a union?
A. Labor unions are an important part of this country’s history. They grew from humble
beginnings and many workers have sacrificed, even died, for the rights you now enjoy. While
employers promise fair and equal treatment, the reality all too often is that the almighty dollar
comes before your job security, decent wages, dignity and humane working conditions.
Q. Who should I contact first if I have a grievance?
A. Your first choice should always be the local chairperson, followed by the vice chairperson.
They know the most about the contract and are empowered by our union Constitution to handle
contractual matters. They can refer you to the proper person if the matter is outside the scope of
their authority.
A. The United Transportation Union, Local 194. We represent over 150,000 active and retired
rail, bus, and airline workers in the U.S. and Canada.
Q. Why do I belong to the UTU?
A. We are the only remaining railroad operating union that does not answer to a truck drivers
union. Our only interest is to represent and protect our members and to safeguard the
agreements that our membership has fought and died for, for over 100 years. Many feel that the
other organization has failed miserably in that regard. Now, in order to survive, they have had to
join with the teamsters and they MUST tell you anything necessary to try and recruit you. Whether
you are an ACT, LET, Conductor or Engineer, our door is open to you.
Q. What does the union do for me?
A. We work to win major battles. We know if one worker loses then we all are threatened. We
win rights. Then we protect them.
Q. Why should I be a member?
A. If we were not united as workers, we would not have as much strength to win a good contract,
or settle grievances fairly. When everyone belongs it makes us strong and enables us to meet the
company on a level playing field.
Q. Why do we need a union?
A. Labor unions are an important part of this country’s history. They grew from humble
beginnings and many workers have sacrificed, even died, for the rights you now enjoy. While
employers promise fair and equal treatment, the reality all too often is that the almighty dollar
comes before your job security, decent wages, dignity and humane working conditions.
Q. Who should I contact first if I have a grievance?
A. Your first choice should always be the local chairperson, followed by the vice chairperson.
They know the most about the contract and are empowered by our union Constitution to handle
contractual matters. They can refer you to the proper person if the matter is outside the scope of
their authority.
