In mid-October, the BLET Education and Training Department hosted a training class for Local Chairmen at National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Three in-person workshop participants shared their thoughts about the experience.
Jeffery Green represents about 30 CSX locomotive engineers as Local Chairman of Division 332 in Montgomery, Ala. He hired out in 2004 and is a new Local Chairman whose term of office began on January 1, 2025.
Q: What did you think about this class?
A: “Loved it. I loved the hands-on approach to learning. The mock investigation was very helpful. I think every first time Local Chairman and Vice Local Chairman needs this class.”
Kaden Boyd is a member of Division 416 in Salem, Ore. He hired out with the Portland & Western Railroad three and a half years ago and he is training to become a union officer.
Q: What did you learn in this class?
A: “We were able to learn more about the duties of the Local Chairman and how to defend someone properly. It was great to be taught the right tactics to best benefit your guys when it comes down to hearings and defending them.”
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about signing up for one of these classes?
A: “It’s not just about learning. It’s a great opportunity to meet people and build relationships. You meet people here that you can reach out to years down the road.”
Tommy Hickman is General Chairman of the Utah Railway and a member of Division 221 in Provo, Utah. He has 20 years of railroad experience and has served as General Chairman for about nine months.
Q: What did you like about this class?
A: “I liked the comradery and meeting new people. The information they gave out was mind blowing. I loved seeing the organization and how strong it is. Everything about the class was awesome. It was also great to see people outside of the class, not just doing union business, but also talking about life.”