The vote by more than 500 delegates failed by fewer than 25 votes of reaching the two-thirds majority required. An immediate result is that the UTU will not, at this time, rejoin the AFL-CIO.

A $2 per month increase in International dues, which does not require delegate approval, will be imposed effective Jan. 1, 2006. Even then, UTU International dues will remain well below the current International dues structure of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

"It is a sad day when the minority can dictate the future of our union," said UTU International President Paul Thompson, explaining that while more than 60 percent of delegates voted to approve the $5 per month increase in International dues, the minority ruled because a two-thirds majority is required for passage.

Thompson has summoned a blue-ribbon committee -- appointed in 2004 -- to meet in Cleveland in early December to make what Thompson said will be "recommendations as to what immediate financial streamlining will be necessary to assure the UTU's financial security and operational effectiveness."

UTU International dues have not been increased since 1999. The objective of this $5-per-month dues increase was to permit the UTU to rejoin the AFL-CIO, continue to fight off membership raids by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, continue our fight to protect crew-consist agreements, and make necessary upgrades to UTU computers.

In addition to announcing that the UTU will not be rejoining the AFL-CIO, Thompson said the UTU also has canceled -- without financial penalty -- the contract with the Miami Beach Fontainebleau Hotel to host the 2007 quadrennial convention.