CLEVELAND, February 24 — Richard A. Olson, a member of BLET Division 746 (Mandan, N.D.), has been appointed as a Special Representative by BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce.
Brother Olson started his railroad career in 1973 working as summer help with the Burlington Northern’s track department, transferring to the operating department in 1974 as a brakeman. He earned promotion to locomotive engineer in 1978 and has held continuous membership in the Brotherhood since February 1, 1984.
“Rick brings a broad range of experience to our National Division staff, and he will be a huge asset to the Organization in his new position,” President Pierce said.
Brother Olson served as Division 746’s Chairman of the Local Committee of Adjustment for over 14 years, after being elected Local Chairman in 1997. He has also represented Division 746 as Delegate to three BLET national conventions and served as 1st Alternate Vice General Chairman on the BNSF/MRL General Committee of Adjustment.
Brother Olson has served on the BNSF System Cab Committee since 2001, and has held the position of Labor Co-Chairman. He was also appointed BLET Safety Coordinator in 2006, a position he held until April 1, 2012.
Brother Olson has been a member of the BLET’s National Mobilization Team since 1998 and has served as BNSF/MRL GCA Coordinator and BNSF System Coordinator. As a Special Representative, he will provide various support services for all levels of the Organization, as assigned by the National President. His appointment becomes effective March 1, 2012.
Brother Olson comes from a railroad family, including his father, Bud Olson, who was a conductor for Burlington Northern and served as an elected union leader for the UTU and AFL-CIO for over 40 years.
Brother Olson and his wife Sandy have been married for 35 years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.