The BLET’s Education & Training Department wrapped up its Legislative Representative Workshop this week at Teamster headquarters in Washington, D.C. The workshop for 20 BLET Legislative Reps taught them how to become better lobbyists on behalf of the union. The workshop featured presentations by guest speakers Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, Rep. Val Hoyle of Oregon, former House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio, and former AFL-CIO Political Director Michael Podhorzer. BLET National President Ed Hall also held discussions with the Legislative Reps. Classroom training touched on topics such a legislative letter writing, database management, reporting and documenting issues, the anatomy of elections, how a bill becomes law, communications skills, and correspondence with politicians. The Legislative Reps put their skills to work when they headed to the Capitol, making 65 office visits to lobby members of Congress on rail safety as well as passage of the REEF Act which would remove unfair punitive sequestration constraints on the unemployment insurance program for railroad employees. The workshop opened with a moment of silence of in honor of Brother Chris Falaney, late Chairman of the BLET Illinois State Legislative Board, who passed away unexpectedly on September 20 (see related story below). Those present then shared memories and stories about Brother Falaney. BLET National Secretary-Treasurer David Estes, who heads the BLET Education & Training Department, congratulated the members who successfully completed training this week and thanked them for their dedication to our Brotherhood. “In light of the increased national spotlight on railroad safety since the East Palestine derailment in February, this is an important time for our union to make our voices heard. Legislative Representatives this week learned important skills to help the BLET convey our issues and our concerns to members of Congress.”BLET Vice President and National Legislative Representative Vince Verna said: “We had another great LR Workshop this week in Washington, D.C., which was the second of 2023. These workshops were overdue and held up due to COVID and the Congressional calendar. Our Brothers and Sisters put in their time and effort to learn and go to Capitol Hill to tell Congress the truth about restoring our benefits under the REEF Act. Great job. Their participation helps multiply our efforts in D.C. going to 65 offices in a single day!”
