CLEVELAND, March 7 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is one of many unions planning a massive pro-union rally in Indianapolis at 10:30 a.m. on March 10.
All BLET members within driving distance of Indianapolis are encouraged to attend.
Bill Verdeyen, Chairman of the BLET’s Indiana State Legislative Board, said it is shaping up to be a massive rally.
He reports that numerous anti-worker, anti-union bills have been introduced by lawmakers in the statehouse, and if passed, would weaken Labor’s ability to collectively bargain for good, strong contracts.
Citing a university study, which examined the bills, Brother Verdeyen reports that the average union member in Indiana could lose up to $5,500 per year in wages alone.
Brother Verdeyen is coordinating rail worker attendance at the rally, along with Jeff Bainter, his counterpart in the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division.
Rail workers who would like to attend should email Brother Verdeyen at BLEChairIN@aol.com.
Otherwise, union members should meet at 200 West Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 10.
Parking may be limited downtown, so members can also park at the Teamsters Local 135 Union Hall, 1233 Shelby Street, where shuttle service will be provided to the state capital starting at 8:00 a.m.