RENO, Nevada — Following the keynote address by Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on October 4, delegates attending the BLET’s Second National Convention heard from FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo.
Szabo is a fifth generation railroader who comes from the ranks of rail labor. He was Illinois State Legislative Director of the United Transportation Union prior to his appointment to the FRA’s top post.
Szabo said that not since the days of Abraham Lincoln has the United States had a President who has put railroading in the forefront of his agenda like Barack Obama has done. He said the Obama administration has made an $8 billion down payment on high speed rail in 2009 with another $2.5 billion follow-up this year. The investment will help increase jobs in the manufacturing and construction fields. More importantly, the investment will create operating jobs for BLET members. He said expanding passenger rail will also help reduce the nation’s dependence of foreign oil while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Administrator Szabo also recognized BLET leaders and commended BLET members for participating in the two “High Alert” rail security reports. He acknowledged a recent letter BLET President Pierce calling for improved locomotive cab security following the on-duty murder of a conductor in New Orleans.
He said the FRA has scheduled meetings with the BLET to discuss requirements regarding locking cab doors, window glazing standards, and cab climate control regulations, which would allow cab windows to remain closed and secured.
“I commit to an ongoing, strong working relationship with rail labor to improve cab security,” he said. “You have a pledge from somebody who has walked in your shoes.”
Szabo said the use of cellular phones is one of the biggest challenges facing the rail industry today. He urged BLET members to police themselves and to police their fellow Brothers and Sisters while on duty. He said the best policy is to turn off cell phones and store them while on duty.
He concluded by again committing to an ongoing, positive working relationship with the BLET and all Rail Labor.
“We are laying the groundwork for a safer rail environment now and for years to come,” he said.
BLET National President Dennis Pierce thanked the Administrator for making time in his busy schedule to address the BLET delegates.
“We appreciate all that you do on behalf of the BLET members and all rail workers,” President Pierce said. “We look forward to our continued close cooperation with the FRA.”
Photos from the Second National Convention are on the BLET’s Flickr website:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bletunion