LONG ISLAND, N.Y., August 5 — The BLET’s 73rd annual Eastern Union Meeting Association (EUMA) kicked off here on August 3 with a memorial service to mark the 10-year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
During the convention’s opening ceremony, a memorial wreath was placed at the front of the convention hall and BLET members held a moment of silence to commemorate those who lost their lives on 9-11.
In spite of the bravery shown by union workers on that tragic day, the country’s attitude towards unions has changed over the past 10 years — and not for the better.
“Union police officers and firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty on 9-11 were considered heroes,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “Today, unfortunately, unions and union members are under attack in a national War on Workers.”
During his opening remarks, President Pierce discussed legislation in Wisconsin, Ohio and other states to destroy unions by stripping away their members’ collective bargaining rights. While these attacks by extremist politicians have been harmful to unions, workers have risen to the occasion and become more active than they have in decades.
“These attacks have brought people together to fight for their rights,” President Pierce said. “We cannot match the financial clout of these huge corporate entities, but our persistence, dedication and political activity can help to make up for it.”
His words were echoed by U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y), the convention’s keynote speaker.
She shared a message of unity and political activism in the face of attacks against unions.
“We are Americans and we are proud of the work we do,” she said. “When you go back home, please continue the fight. Continue to organize and talk to your member of Congress.”
EUMA Chairman Mark Kenny (Amtrak General Chairman) opened the convention and welcomed everyone to Long Island. The members of BLET Division 269 hosted the 73rd annual EUMA, with Brother Jim Brown acting as Arrangements Committee Chairman, and Scott Decker and John Bove acting as Arrangements Committee Co-Chairmen.
Also during opening ceremonies, BLET members heard presentations by Anita Caruso, BLET Auxiliary National President; and Margo Storsteen, BLET Division 57 and BLET Representative on the Teamsters Human Rights Commission.
During the closed meeting that followed, BLET members enjoyed a presentation by Teamsters International Vice President John Murphy, who serves as Director of the Teamsters Rail Conference. Members also heard a detailed report from National President Pierce, as well as updates from First Vice President Lee Pruitt, National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert, Vice President & National Legislative Representative John Tolman, Vice President Mike Twombly, Vice President Gil Gore, Vice President Cole Davis, and Vice President Steve Bruno.
It was announced during the closed meeting that the 2012 EUMA will be held in Atlantic City, N.J., August 19-24, 2012, to be hosted by Matt Kronyak and the members of BLET Division 235. EUMA delegates also voted to hold the 2013 EUMA in Baltimore, Md., to be hosted by Fred Cox and the members of BLET Division 52.
While opening ceremonies were held on August 3, the convention began with workshops on August 2. Members participated in a workshop for Legislative Representatives, conducted by Ohio State Legislative Board Chairman Tim Hanely, and a hazardous materials training workshop conducted by Carl W. Fields, Coordinator of the BLET Safety Task Force. Many members also attended a workshop regarding the Federal Railroad Administration’s new passenger rail Hours of Service regulations.
Additional workshops will continue on August 5 and August 6, and will include training for BLET Secretary-Treasurers, Local Chairman, and a workshop regarding the BLET’s Mobilization Network.