Snakebites



		WELCOME Your first question is probably: “Wher’d ya get the name?” Well, some years back, when switchmen belonged to SUNA (that’s Switchmen’s Union of North America for you youngsters) they were referred to as “Snakes”. The local in Roseville, CA used to put out a newsletter starting back in 1961 and the name was, appropriately, SNAKEBITES. When SUNA became part of the UTU this local was forbidden to use the name SNAKEBITES because the UTU didn’t want anything associated with SUNA to be kept around. Our newsletter was then changed to “Lantern Signals” in the interest of unity. Then, in September of 1988, SNAKEBITES reared its ugly head again with the statement : “If they don’t like it they can lump it!” Several changes of editorial staff and direction have occurred since then. And the most fortuitous change has been the intrusion of UP into our territory. Just about the time we thought we were running out of material, here comes the biggest load of editorial fertilizer we’ve ever seen! This newsletter was (and is) not sponsored or endorsed by any union organization. It is published by a few union members who believe that railroaders enjoy the garbage we put out. Our goal is to have fun and keep you informed and entertained as well. We don’t believe in anyone’s sacred cows. We’ll blast the carriers, the unions, friends and enemies alike. We’re not politically correct or any other kind of correct, for that matter. So enjoy your visit, come back often and let us know how you like our stuff. editor@snakebites.org SNAKEBITES IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. WE WILL BE ADDING A FULL ARCHIVE, PHOTOS PAGE AND HOPEFULLY, A MESSAGE BOARD. STAY IN TOUCH, YOU KNOW HOW SLOW WE ARE! March 12, 2008

WELCOME