CLEVELAND, October 1 — National wage/rule negotiations were the number one item on the agenda at the 68th Southwestern Convention (SWCM) that kicked off in Branson, Mo., on September 28.
More than 380 attendees registered for the event, making it one of the largest turnouts in the history of the SWCM. BLE International President Don M. Hahs spoke about this round of bargaining during his speech at the opening ceremony. He also said the organization is already preparing for the next round of negotiations, set for October 6-10.
In addition to several current International officers and staff, several retired BLE and GIA International officers were also in attendance. Special guests at the SWCM were Pat Szymanski, IBT General Counsel, and John Murphy, IBT Eastern Regional Vice President.
Emotions ran high during a moving tribute to our late brother, Rodney Stutes, who served as Organization Chairman for the SWCM from October 1997 until his untimely death on Feb. 22, 2003. His widow, Patrice, expressed her gratitude to the many BLE and GIA brothers and sisters who attended the services for Brother Stutes and lent their support during the last year.
Also, recently deceased Brother Charlie McDaniel and all of our fallen BLE Brothers and Sisters were remembered with a moment of silence followed by a rendition of ?Amazing Grace? on the bagpipes.
Applause resounded through the convention hall numerous times during a video presentation by Pat Szymanski of the campaign speech given by Congressman Dick Gephart, a presidential candidate, at a recent dinner commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
?The reason we have a middle class in America is because we have unions like the IBT,? stated Congressman Gephart, who was raised in a strong Teamster union family. As a result of a poll of IBT officers and members, the IBT has endorsed Congressman Gephart as their choice for the 2004 Presidential Candidate.
IBT Eastern Region Vice President John Murphy, who serves as Director of Special Projects for the IBT, delivered a powerful address, which further reinforced Congressman Gephart?s contention that there is a crisis in America.
Vice President Murphy stated: ?Both of our unions have a strong history of struggle, tenacity, and victories. The BLE members were the frontline troops against the first corporations in this country.?
He went on to say that the challenges we face today are even bigger and we must mobilize to stop the attacks on American working families.
During the afternoon closed session, a presentation was made to BLE members about the BLE/IBT merger, its purpose, intent, agreement, and timeline. It was well received by the members in attendance.
The convention will run through Thursday, October 2.