LAS VEGAS, June 19 — A rousing speech by Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa was among the highlights here today during the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen’s First Quadrennial Convention.
General President Hoffa addressed more than 500 BLET delegates regarding a variety of topics, including the Teamsters struggle to preserve America’s union culture, the BLET’s organizing success, the Rail Conference’s agenda to improve national rail security, Amtrak funding, and the threat of single-person train operations.
“We are engaged in a battle to preserve the culture of Unions in America,” Hoffa said. “We’re fighting the fight that must be fought. It’s the union that puts food on our tables and clothes on our backs.”
President Hoffa praised BLET leaders for their success in organizing short line railroads.
“I’m proud of the BLET for its organizing successes,” said Hoffa, who mentioned recent BLET organizing victories at the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic, Panhandle Northern and the Huron & Eastern short lines.
Hoffa noted that increased organizing is a goal of the new Change to Win Coalition, and thanked the BLET for helping the IBT work toward that goal.
“You are growing and we are growing,” he said. “More members means more power.”
Hoffa was critical of the Bush administration and its stance on Amtrak funding and rail security funding.
“President Bush needs to get off Air Force One and ride Amtrak,” he said.
Also, Hoffa criticized the current administration for failing to provide adequate funding for railroad security training, which is a key element to improving overall railroad security.
“There’s a huge disparity between airline and rail security funding,” Hoffa said. “Where is the funding for security training for our members?”
President Hoffa also touched upon the BLET’s current round of contract negotiations with the National Carriers Conference Committee, and pledged to help BLET in its fight to protect railroad jobs.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is one man crews,” he said. “We must take a stand ¬– no one man crews!”
President Hoffa received several standing ovations during his speech.