By Don Hahs
BLET National President
CLEVELAND, May 25 — On this Memorial Day 2007, I urge each and every member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to reflect on the sacrifices made by our troops overseas.
We as Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have much to be thankful for this holiday. Our members have newly-ratified contracts in place at CSX and Metra. In addition, our members are currently voting on a tentative national contract as well as a tentative agreement at BNSF. The agreements — both ratified and in the ratification process — solidify the importance of Locomotive Engineers to America’s transportation network and provide much-deserved increases in wages along with top-tier health care coverage.
In spite of our blessings, you and I know the dangers faced by Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen every day. Train crews have some of the most stressful, demanding, and dangerous jobs in America. Your union is working hard on Capitol Hill to secure legislation in the form of H.R. 2095 that would go a long way toward relieving fatigue and making our jobs safer.
While we enjoy the freedom to focus our efforts on negotiating contracts and lobbying for rail safety, we must pause this Memorial Day to honor our troops who are overseas fighting for our freedom.
Memorial Day was proclaimed an official holiday in 1868 as a day of remembrance for those who died in service to our nation. It is especially important to remember them now as the United States is currently embroiled in heated conflicts in the Middle East.
As of May 24, a total of 3,802 U.S. troops were killed in these conflicts — 3,415 in Operation Iraqi Freedom and 387 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Let us not forget America’s brave soldiers, both past and present. Brothers and Sisters, please join me in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers during this Memorial Day weekend.