CLEVELAND, May 4 — As part of its “Proud to be American, Proud to be Union” campaign, the National Division of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has launched a major overhaul of its membership card program. Active and retired members will begin receiving new, union-made membership identification cards at their homes in the coming weeks.
The cards are attached to unique 4×6-inch plastic post cards, which are being shipped from Cleveland via First Class mail later this month. Members should detach the card from the mailer, along the perforations, and keep it with them at all times so that they can show with pride that they are members of the BLET.
The card is union-made and printed in the U.S.A. The cards are the same size as a standard credit card for easy storage in your wallet. Also, they are made of a thick, high quality plastic — similar to a hotel room key — so they are durable and should last a long time. The cards will reflect each member’s length of membership, as well as their name and Division number.
“The cards are a part of the National Division’s campaign this year to mobilize, energize, and reinvigorate our members while strengthening their ties to our union,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “It is also a way of thanking our retired members who led the way for so many years.”
It should be noted that the National Division is only sending cards to members for whom the union has a verified mailing address. Active or retired members who do not receive a card as of May 25, 2012, should contact their division Secretary-Treasurer to provide an up-to-date mailing address, which the Secretary-Treasurer can then update as part of the regular membership reporting process. These members also are asked to provide their telephone number and email address. Members can also register at www.ble-t.org and — after logging in to the Members’ Area — may update their own mailing address and contact information.
On the heels of the new membership cards, the National Division will also be announcing a new line of BLET logo gear. “Our goal is to get as many members as possible to proudly wear their union colors wherever they go, to demonstrate their pride in being American and being a union member,” President Pierce said.