LAS VEGAS, September 29 — The Third National Convention of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) opened here this morning with over 400 delegates representing 38,000 locomotive engineers and trainmen on national freight and passenger rail systems across the United States.
National Division Guide Matthew Parker, BLET Division 158 (Sparks, Nevada) and Chairman of the Nevada State Legislative Board, introduced National President Dennis R. Pierce. President Pierce then called the meeting to order, introducing the color guard followed by the national anthem. President Pierce then led the delegates in saluting the men and women of our armed forces, recognizing those delegates and guests who have family in the military and those who are veterans. President Pierce also led the delegates in a moment of silence for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Brother Tim Smith, Chairman of the California State Legislative Board and Chairman of the National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen (NASLBC) served as chaplain for the National Convention. “I ask God to richly bless this union every day,” Brother Smith said in his invocation.
James P. Hoffa, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, delivered video greetings on behalf of the Teamsters 1.4 million members and its General Executive Board. “Our union is truly a worldwide transportation union,” President Hoffa said. “Today we all benefit from our affiliation and solidarity.” Teamster International Vice Presidents in attendance were: Teamsters Canada Vice President Stan Hennessey, Western Region Vice President Randy Cammack, and Eastern Region Vice President John Murphy, who also serves as Director of the Teamsters Rail Conference.
President Pierce then introduced members of the BLET’s Advisory Board: First Vice President E. Lee Pruitt; National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert; Vice President and National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman; and Vice Presidents Marcus J. Ruef, Michael D. Twombly, Gil L. Gore, Michael D. Priester, Cole W. Davis, Stephen J. Bruno and Richard C. (Rick) Gibbons. President Pierce also thanked convention sponsors Cornerstone Assurance and the North American Railway Foundation.
Walt Barrows, Labor Member of the Railroad Retirement Board, addressed the delegation and thanked pioneer unions like the BLET for helping to establish today’s modern pension systems.
“In the 1920s, railroad workers were twice as likely to be covered by a pension plan if you were a locomotive engineer,” Barrows said. “Today, the BLET has shown leadership in preserving and protecting our Railroad Retirement system.”
Barrows warned that it is necessary to maintain constant vigilance to protect that system. “Each generation must be willing to recognize the value of our Retirement system and be willing to fight for it,” he said.
Brother John Fink, BLET Division 3 (Cleveland, Ohio), introduced and explained the electronic devices each delegate uses in voting on recommendations and changes to the BLET’s Bylaws. Brother Fink is Director of Bylaws Administration and is serving as Liaison to the Bylaws Committee.
Brother Gary D. Best, BLET Division 498 and Chairman of the Credentials Committee, gave the report and recommendations of his committee. He also introduced Committee Members R.G. Dixon, Division 71, D. Raptis, Division 12, D.W. Grimes, Division 42, and Liaison Louise Reich, BLET National Division Director of the Record Department. Their report was accepted without debate.
Anita Caruso, National President of the BLET Auxiliary, then gave her report. “I am so proud that our Auxiliary is a part of a union like the BLET, which is leading the fight to restore the American Dream,” she said. The BLET Auxiliary is conducting its 2nd Quadrennial National Convention just down the hall from the BLET convention.
Harold F. Volpe, Director of the BLET National Division’s Accounting Department, gave a brief presentation regarding delegate payment procedures. Volpe is serving as Liaison to the Salaries Committee.
Brother David P. Estes, BLET Division 60 and Chairman of the Salaries Committee then gave his committee’s report and recommendations. It was accepted without debate. He also introduced Committee Members R.J. Dumey, Division 595, C.R. Jones, Division 239, and M.L. Tanner, Division 769.
The morning session concluded with reports of the National Division officers, led by National President Pierce.
Please monitor the BLET website and the National Division’s Facebook page for additional news and photo updates, including highlights of President Pierce’s presentation.