CLEVELAND, August 29 — BLE International President Don Hahs issued the following statement regarding Labor Day 2003.
Unions are an important part of the fabric of our nation and their importance is acknowledged each year on Labor Day. Unionized workers built this great country, including, for the past 140 years, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
Unions improved the lives of all workers by bringing about such advancements as the Railroad Retirement System, the Federal Employers Liability Act, health insurance, pensions, fair treatment for all, overtime pay, higher wages, and many other things that the average American now takes for granted.
Millions of individuals can speak of the advantages of being in a union. They can tell about the higher wages, health benefits and pension plans they receive as a result of being in a union. Unfortunately, millions more cannot.
In a study conducted by the AFL-CIO, 42 million nonunion workers said they wanted to join a union. They see the benefits that their unionized counterparts reap and they want those same benefits. In theory, those 42 million workers have a legal right to join a union, but, in reality, when many workers try to exercise this legal right, they are subject to harassment, intimidation, threats and coercion by their employers. Instead of respecting workers’ freedom to join a union, many employers deceive their employees regarding their right to organize.
The 12 men who formed the BLE 140 years ago also faced harassment and intimidation by their employer for trying to start a union. But they were strong and persevered in the face of all obstacles, just as thousands of Americans struggle to form and join unions today.
On this Labor Day, union activists across this country are standing up and speaking out against anti-labor tactics by employers. They are speaking out for stronger communities, better treatment of workers and a stronger economy. They will continue to speak out — not only on Labor Day — but for the months to come. They will continue all the way to Election Day in November 2004, when they will speak their minds and speak their pocketbooks at the ballot box. American workers want better treatment; American workers deserve better treatment. And on Labor Day and in November 2004, they will speak out for all workers — and for a better America.