ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., August 21 — Preserving America’s middle class and protecting Railroad Retirement were key themes during today’s opening ceremonies of the 74th annual meeting of the BLET’s Eastern Union Meeting Association (EUMA).
EUMA Chairman Mark Kenny opened the ceremonies while Arrangements Chairman Matt Kronyak welcomed everyone to Atlantic City on behalf of the members of Division 235.
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce delivered remarks regarding the need to get union members involved and participating at the ballot box in November.
“There can be no American Dream without a strong middle class, and there can be no middle class without a strong union movement,” President Pierce said. “There can be no union movement without a labor friendly White House and a labor friendly majority in both chambers of Congress.”
Presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s selection of Wisconsin representative Paul Ryan as his running mate has focused the war on workers on railroad workers by targeting their Railroad Retirement pensions. Ryan’s infamous budget proposal would eliminate the 60/30 provision of Railroad Retirement while conforming Tier I benefits to those of Social Security (https://www.ble-t.org/ryanbudget).
“Our members have very little in common economically with the millionaires seeking to terminate our Railroad Retirement pensions,” President Pierce said. “This is a watershed election and the message to take back to the membership is to vote with your pocketbook, not on the social issues that have no bearing on your pay check.”
Also addressing BLET members were New Jersey Representatives Frank A. LoBiondo (R, 2nd District) and Bill J. Pascrell Jr. (D, 8th District). John Tolman, BLET Vice President and National Legislative Representative, introduced both Congressmen. The Representatives gave rousing presentations regarding the importance of unions and the middle class to America’s economy, with each speaker receiving standing ovations from the membership.
Walt Barrows, Labor Member of the Railroad Retirement Board, also spoke about the importance of union involvement in protecting Railroad Retirement. Barrows said the Railroad Retirement fund is solvent and properly funded well into the future. However, it remains a target for conservative politicians and members must remain vigilant to protect their pensions.
The meeting will continue throughout the week with training courses for Secretary-Treasurers, Local Chairmen and Legislative Representatives. There will also be a Safety Task Force Hazardous Materials training workshop and a Mobilization workshop. There will also be a passenger and freight service Hours of Service workshop as well as an informational course regarding whole body vibration with Dr. Eckard Johanning.