Brothers and Sisters,
It has been the honor of my career to serve this organization, first as a Local Division officer, then as a General Committee officer, and now as your National Secretary-Treasurer. Having worked at every level of this union, I understand the responsibility we carry when members entrust us with their dues, their confidence, and their future.
The financial strength of the BLET is the foundation of everything we do. It allows us to negotiate effectively, defend agreements, support organizing efforts, advance legislation, and respond when members need us most. Safeguarding that foundation is my highest obligation.
Since assuming this office, my focus has been clear: protect what we — and those before us — have built, manage it responsibly, and position the organization for sustainable growth. That requires disciplined budgeting, careful oversight of expenditures and investments, and long-term planning that anticipates challenges. Every dollar collected from the membership must be accounted for and aligned with our mission.
Financial protection alone is not enough. We must also invest in our future.
As head of the Education and Training Department, I am expanding access to training for officers at every level and for members across the country. We are modernizing delivery, removing unnecessary barriers, and strengthening instruction in contract administration, financial compliance, grievance handling, and officer responsibilities. Our objective is straightforward: provide practical, accessible training that strengthens leadership throughout the BLET.
Shared knowledge has defined this organization for nearly 163 years. Prepared officers mean stronger representation.
We are also improving communication and financial reporting for Secretary-Treasurers nationwide. Transparency and clarity are essential. We are streamlining systems, modernizing tools, and strengthening communication between the National Division and the field so local officers can perform their duties efficiently and confidently.
Growth strengthens financial security. Since 2023, 15 short line organizing victories have brought many new members into the BLET. As an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, our nearly 53,000 active and retired members’ voices are strengthened by the power and influence of the IBT and our 1.3 million brothers and sisters across North America. That collective strength reinforces our bargaining power, supports our legislative agenda, and secures our future.
Under President Mark Wallace’s leadership, this organization is disciplined and proactive. My responsibility is to ensure the financial structure supporting that work remains strong and built to last.
I proudly operated Amtrak trains in the Pacific Northwest for the better part of three decades while serving in the Local Division, the General Committee, and now the National Division. At every level, I have seen what this union means to the men and women who power this industry. Representing you in this capacity is a responsibility I take seriously.
We will protect this union’s financial integrity. We will adapt to the ever-changing railroad landscape across the Class I freight carriers, as well as Amtrak, commuter agencies, and short lines. We will expand education and training. We will improve communication and reporting. And we will carry out that work with the same seriousness and discipline you demonstrate every day as the most highly skilled railroad professionals in this industry.
In solidarity,
David P. Estes
National Secretary-Treasurer
These officers were among the 40 Secretary-Treasurers and Division Presidents who completed an Education & Training Department workshop at National Division headquarters in September 2025.