INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, November 14 — The following is a statement from BLET Pennsylvania State Legislative Board Chairman Ken Kertesz urging all Coordinated Bargaining Group (CBG) union members to vote YES on the Tentative National Agreement. Brother Kertesz is a former Vice General Chairman on the Delaware & Hudson/CP Rail General Committee of Adjustment.
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“Dear Brother Pierce: Allow me to express my support for the tentative national contract. Having had it explained since negotiations began where numerous work rules changes and much higher costs for the Health & Welfare could have occurred, to where the final package is now, is indeed a very satisfying and comprehensive piece. If one thinks we will do better in front of a Republican President, a Republican House and a Republican Senate, then have I got a surprise for you. YOU WILL NOT! Of course one would always like more. Given my experience as a Vice General Chairman, having negotiated some 7 contracts with some excellent General Chairmen and under some terms of duress and uncertainty, this tentative settlement is one that we can work with and prosper from and build on. To throw this away and gamble on a PEB is simply foolhardy. I hope the membership of the rogue union sees through this and does not listen to their leadership. They will regret doing so. I urge those members under the coalition to consider all factors and vote in favor of the contract.”
— Ken Kertesz, Pennsylvania State Legislative Board Chairman
Former Vice General Chairman of the D&H/CP Rail GCA
45 years of railroad experience
43 years as a BLET member and officer