The BLET Education & Training Department last week completed a hybrid training class for Local Chairmen, with over 30 members participating who represent members from eight railroads and 16 General Committees across the country.
The lead instructors were BLET Vice President Randy Fannon and Director of the BLET Arbitration Department Dan Lucansky. Training focused on representation of members at disciplinary hearings, penalty claims and grievance handling in accordance with on-property collective bargaining agreements, and the Railway Labor Act. Attendees also participated in a mock disciplinary investigation which focused on providing a strong defense for the charged member and building a record for the case to be successful through the appeal process.
BLET National President Mark Wallace and First Vice President Gary Best provided an update regarding national negotiations and various other topics, then participated in a lengthy discussion with class participants.
Under the leadership of National Secretary-Treasurer David Estes, the Education & Training Department has expanded participation through hybrid learning. While in-person instruction provides an intensive learning environment, online participation expands that environment.
“Just as our industry is continuously changing and evolving, so must our training for our front-line representatives,” Lucansky said. “We are committed to maintaining the best possible training to provide the best representation to all of our members and protection for our agreements.”
A photo gallery from the class is available here. Members interested in registering for future classes can find details in the Upcoming Events section of the National Division website.