There has been much confusion and possibly some misinformation spread concerning the rights of a craft to determine their own destiny under the craft autonomy provisions of Article 80 of the UTU Constitution. That provision was foundational in the creation of the UTU in 1969 and remains totally intact today. Apparently, some Engineers have expressed concern that in the event UTU becomes the designated representative for Engineers, train service crafts would vote on matters pertaining to Engineers. Since the BLE has no provision to protect craft autonomy in its constitution, this might very well be possible under BLE organic law. However, it is altogether impossible under Article 80 of the UTU Constitution. What Article 80 guarantees is that no craft or crafts may in any way force changes in the wages or working conditions of any other craft. This guarantee of craft autonomy applies to local working conditions and general or system schedule rules, as well as national agreements. In every case, changes in wages, rules or working conditions of any craft must be approved by a majority of the members (if by referendum vote) or representatives (if by local chairman vote) of that craft. The last sentence of Article 80 provides that "[T]he 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." Clearly, craft autonomy is alive and well and is guaranteed for all UTU members. Keep in mind that this autonomy is guaranteed to the crafts identified by the National Mediation Board at the time of the UTU Unification Agreement in 1969. This of course includes all of the traditional operating crafts, including Engineers, should they eventually become part of the UTU family.