U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. thanked members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen for “always placing the rights of American workers as your top priority” in a May 8 letter to National President Dennis Pierce, honoring the Organization’s 150th anniversary.

“Congratulations to all the members and officers of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) on celebrating your 150th anniversary,” Vice President Biden wrote. “It is a pleasure to send my best wishes to all of the BLET on this occasion. Since its inception in 1863 as the Brotherhood of the Footboard, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has grown into one of the oldest and most impactful labor unions in the United States.”

The BLET was also honored by Rep. Timothy J. Walz (D-MN), who made a statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the BLET’s 150th anniversary on May 8.

“As America expanded westward, locomotive engineers and trainmen led the way,” Rep. Walz said. “Our men and women on the railroads connected two oceans and opened up the new frontier. As we expand into new technology and high-speed rail, locomotive engineers will continue to propel the American economy forward. In recognition of their 150th anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me in passing a resolution to honor them for their contributions in growing this great nation.”

The video is available on YouTube: youtu.be/P1j6_0H4cys

In addition to previously reported state-level resolutions, the BLET and its members were honored by resolutions adopted by the Illinois House, Illinois Senate and the Missouri House of Representatives.

A copy of the Biden letter, as well as the Illinois and Missouri resolutions, is available as PDF here:
www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/150_biden.pdf

“The BLET 150th anniversary celebration was a wonderful event,” National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “I am proud that we recognized this historic occasion in a dignified manner, paying respects to our founding fathers, recognizing their achievements, and providing motivation to today’s members. Let us take inspiration and pride from this celebration of our heritage as we move forward to face the challenges that lie ahead.”

Members of the BLET’s National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen (NASLBC) concluded their 38th annual meeting on May 7, 2013. This year’s meeting was held in Detroit, Mich., to coincide with the Brotherhood’s 150th anniversary celebration.

The NASLBC has met annually since 1975 to hear from each State Chairman about railroad related safety and health issues as well as their state’s political climate.

Members conducted elections and elected the following officers to lead the NASLBC: Chairman Tim Smith (California State Legislative Board Chairman); 1st Vice Chairman Paul Piekarski (Illinois SLBC); 2nd Vice Chairman Tim Craver (Virginia SLBC); Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kertesz (Pennsylvania SLBC); and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer James Rigsby (Georgia SLBC). The following Regional Chairmen were also elected: Region 1 Tim Hanely (Ohio SLBC); Region 2 Terry Todd (Arkansas SLBC); Region 3 David Brown (Minnesota SLBC); and Region 4 Cory Runion (Wyoming SLBC).

Several new State Legislative Board Chairmen were seated for their first NASLBC meeting, including: Alan Humphries (Idaho); B.J. Trumble (Michigan); D.B. Kenner (Montana); Patrick Lynch (New Mexico); Terry Schulenberg (Oklahoma); Shahraim Allen (Washington); and James Tiede (Kansas). Brother Matt Parker, new Chairman for the state of Nevada, was recognized but unable to attend.

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce, Vice President & National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman, and Vice President Stephen J. Bruno made presentations to the NASLBC members on behalf of the BLET National Division. President Pierce thanked the Chairmen for their service to the Brotherhood stating, “A strong legislative department is critical in our struggle to defend the working class and the right of all working class Americans to belong to a labor union. Whether it is at the national level or the state level, our legislative officers are on the front line in this war on all workers and we must rededicate ourselves to that battle.”

On May 5, NASLBC members were honored to hear a presentation from U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He spoke for 30 minutes and, at age 79, announced his decision to retire and not seek reelection next year. He was presented with a commemorative BLET mantle clock in honor of his service and his commitment to organized labor.

Also on May 5, NASLBC members enjoyed a presentation by U.S. Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI), who sits on the House Financial Services Committee. He spoke on many issues, including his support of freight rail and the advancement of high-speed rail. As with Senator Levin, Congressman Peters was presented with a BLET mantle clock in honor of his dedication to organized labor.

On May 6, NASLBC members heard from their final guest speaker — Walt Barrows, Labor Member of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. Barrows spoke on general issues and the financial soundness of the RRB and its Trust Fund.

The various committees of the Association also met and conducted their business for the year. The group will re-convene in 2014 for their 39th annual convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

Terry L. Todd was reelected by acclamation to continue serving as Chairman of the BLET’s Arkansas State Legislative Board at meetings in North Little Rock, Ark., on April 16-17, 2013.

Brother Todd has served as Chairman of the Board since 2002, previously winning re-election in 2010. He first joined the BLET on September 1, 1978, and also serves Division 585 (North Little Rock, Ark.) as President and Legislative Representative. He has been Division 585′s Legislative Representative since 1996.

Also elected during the triennial meeting were: 1st Vice Chairman Jeff F. Myers Jr., Division 524 (Van Buren, Ark.), by acclamation; 2nd Vice Chairman Glen V. Stell, Division 182 (North Little Rock, Ark.), by acclamation; Secretary-Treasurer Earles Carpenter, Division 858 (Pine Bluff, Ark.); Chaplain Jason C. Branstner, Division 278 (North Little Rock, Ark.); and Chaplain Court Middleton, Division 116 (Batesville, Ark.).

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce and Vice President & National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman represented the National Division at the meeting. “I thank Brother Todd for his years of leadership as Chairman of the Arkansas State Legislative Board,” President Pierce said. “I offer my congratulations to him and all officers of the Arkansas State Legislative Board. I thank them for their service to the Brotherhood and I know they will do an excellent job representing the members of the proud state of Arkansas.”

Also in attendance at the meeting were: Union Pacific-Central Region General Chairman Ronnie Rhodes; Texas State Legislative Board Chairman Terry Briggs; and Louisiana State Legislative Board Chairman Arlin Todd.

Brother Steve L. Christian (Division 524-Van Buren, Ark.), outgoing Secretary-Treasurer of the Arkansas State Legislative Board, did not seek reelection. Chairman Todd and Vice President Tolman presented Christian with a commemorative railroad knife spike for his 33 years of service to the Brotherhood.

Matt Kronyak was reelected by acclamation to his second full term as Chairman of the New Jersey State Legislative Board at meetings in Newark, N.J., on March 12, 2013.

Brother Kronyak is a CSX (former Conrail) locomotive engineer and member of BLET Division 235 (Union City, N.J.). He has been a BLET member since December 1, 1995. He was first elected Chairman of the New Jersey State Legislative Board in 2010 following the retirement of Brother Jim Chappelle.

Also elected by acclamation during the meeting were: 1st Vice Chairman Sean Simon, Division 226 (Newark, N.J.); 2nd Vice Chairman John Calia, Division 272 (Dover, N.J.); Secretary-Treasurer Brian Baginski, Division 601 (Newark, N.J.); and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Randy Duncan, Division 171 (Hoboken, N.J.).

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce and Vice President & National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman represented the National Division at the meeting.

“I congratulate all officers of the New Jersey State Legislative Board and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our Brotherhood,” President Pierce said. “I have every confidence Brother Matt and his team will continue doing an excellent job in the legislative arena.”

Brothers Pierce, Tolman and Kronyak presented a plaque to retiring Secretary-Treasurer Mike Luteran. Brother Luteran served as Secretary-Treasurer of Division 601 for many years and also for nine years as S-T of the New Jersey State Legislative Board. They also presented watches to Dave Decker, New Jersey Transit General Chairman, and to Ralph Nunziato, PATH General Chairman, for increasing their BLET-PAC donations to $50 per month.

Also in attendance were: General Chairman Jim Louis, Conrail SAA/CSX Northern District; New York State Legislative Board Chairman Dave Kearsing; and Pennsylvania State Legislative Board Chairman Ken Kertesz.

The BLET New Jersey State Legislative Board represents approximately 850 active members who live in the state of New Jersey.

CLEVELAND, May 3 — Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed a proclamation declaring May 8, 2013, as “Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Day” throughout Illinois in honor of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen’s 150th anniversary. Governor Quinn joined three additional state governments (California, Massachusetts, and Ohio) and two cities (Detroit and Marshall, Mich.) in recognizing North America’s oldest railroad labor union.

Governor Quinn’s proclamation recognizes the Brotherhood’s founding on May 8, 1863, and praises all active and retired BLET members who “have devoted their lives to the rail industry and provided a great public service to our communities and economy.”

A similar resolution adopted by the California State Assembly also thanks all BLET members. “The men and women who comprise BLET are highly trained professionals through whose professionalism, perseverance, and dedication the railroad industry — the lifeblood of the American economy — runs smoothly and safely 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days of the year.” The resolution congratulates the BLET on 150 years of stellar service to its members and conveys best wishes for continued success. The Honorable John A. Perez, Speaker of the Assembly, and the Honorable Darrell Steinberg, President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, both signed the resolution.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts conferred a Governor’s Citation upon the Brotherhood in recognition of its 150th anniversary. Governor Deval L. Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray both signed the citation.

The Ohio House of Representatives issued a congratulatory letter recognizing the BLET’s 150th anniversary. Ohio Representative Robert F. Hagan, Ohio District 58, sponsored the letter. Hagan is a proud locomotive engineer and member of BLET Division 757.

“The oldest labor union in the nation, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has been a tireless advocate for fair employee representation, and today, it has twenty-seven divisions in the State of Ohio. Throughout its long and distinguished history, the union has contributed in innumerable ways to ensure safe and healthy working conditions and to gain benefits and compensation which reflect the skills, commitment and efforts of the workers it serves.” William G. Batchelder, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, signed the letter, along with Rep. Hagan.

In addition to these four states, two cities with significant historical ties to the Brotherhood’s founding — Marshall, Mich., and Detroit, Mich. — have issued proclamations recognizing the Organization’s 150th anniversary.

James Dyer, the Mayor of Marshall, signed a proclamation declaring May 5, 2013, through May 11, 2013, as “Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Week” in the city. The proclamation also recognizes the members and leaders of the BLET for maintaining a distinguished record of service for over 150 years.

Dave Bing, the Mayor of Detroit, signed a proclamation recognizing May 8, 2013, as “Locomotive Engineer and Trainmen Day” in the city. The proclamation recognizes the BLET’s 150th anniversary and thanks the Brotherhood’s leaders and members for their record of great service to the industry and the nation.

In 1863, locomotive engineers working for the Michigan Central Railroad met in Marshall, Mich., and agreed to form a protective society to improve their pay, working conditions, and standing in society. The men met in secret in members’ homes for fear of reprisal from railroad management. Thus, Marshall is honored as the birthplace of the Brotherhood, and several handsome monuments grace the township signifying its status as such. On May 8, 1863, delegates representing locomotive engineers from various railroads met in Detroit and signed documents formally establishing the Brotherhood of the Footboard, the predecessor organization to today’s BLET. So while Marshall is recognized as the birthplace of the Brotherhood, the city of Detroit is recognized as the city where the Brotherhood was founded.

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce thanked the cities and states for honoring the Brotherhood’s historic milestone. He also thanked all BLET members involved in the collective effort to secure passage of these resolutions and proclamations. The National Division will announce additional state and city proclamations as they become available.

The Brotherhood is returning to Detroit next week for its 150th Anniversary Celebration. A series of meetings and events will culminate with a celebratory banquet the evening of Wednesday, May 8. More information is available here: www.ble-t.org/blet150.

These proclamations and resolutions are available for download from the BLET National Division website:
www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/150_proc_cities_states.pdf