In a recent meeting with Labor Relations and Conductor Training supervisors in Overland Park, Kansas, the Carrier advised that there are currently 1,350 TY&E employees over 59 1/2 years of age, who could potentially take advantage of the proposed reduction in retirement age. The Carrier says it is prepared to hire sufficient employees to offset this accelerated attrition if the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000 (HR4844) passes. The Carrier also recognized that because of the lack of ongoing Conductor Training classes for some time, the UTU Training Coordinators may need a "refresher" course before new classes begin.