(BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz issued the following statement to mark the Labor Day holiday.)
CLEVELAND, September 4 — Labor Day celebrates the fact that the common man always answers the call.
Whether it be the call to duty in defending our nation, or the call to operate locomotives on America’s railroads, the common man has always risen to the occasion. That is what makes America so great.
This Labor Day 2009 is a time to reflect on the common man and our contributions to society and the building of America.
We in the Brotherhood are common women and men. We are not the millionaire chief executive officers who make seven figure salaries with stock options and corporate jet privileges. We are the ones who answer the call and get the job done through our hard work, personal sacrifice, and professionalism.
Our forefathers were common men who saw a wrong and tried to right it.
The rail industry was the most dangerous occupation in America when our Brotherhood was founded in 1863. We are the ones who answered the call and fought for safety improvements to keep rail workers and passengers safe.
The rail industry today is still very unforgiving and extremely dangerous, but it is much safer today thanks to the sacrifices made by our forefathers.
To our members who keep America’s economy rolling on the rails, I salute you on this Labor Day and thank you for continuing to answer the call.
To our soldiers overseas, I salute you on this Labor Day and thank you for answering the call to keep America safe and free.
May we continue to answer the call as common men and women of America to keep our country strong and free.
I extend best wishes to all for a safe, happy and healthy Labor Day.