CLEVELAND, March 3 — James Rigsby was reelected Chairman of the Georgia State Legislative Board at quadrennial meetings in Atlanta from February 7-9, 2011. Brother Rigsby was elevated to the position of Chairman upon the retirement of A.E. “Buddy” White in August of 2008.
Brother Rigsby is a CSX locomotive engineer and member of BLET Division 706 (Fitzgerald, Ga.). He joined the Brotherhood on March 1, 2001.
The following Board members were elected by acclamation: 1st Vice Chairman Dwayne Massengale; 2nd Vice Chairman Louis Myers; and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Christopher Douberly. Mike Poss was reelected by acclamation to the position of Secretary-Treasurer.
The delegates in session discussed a number of safety issues and also planned strategy regarding H.B. 273, a crew van safety bill that the BLET helped to get introduced in the Georgia State House.
Guest speakers included Georgia AFL-CIO President Richard Ray; Georgia AFL-CIO Political Director Tasso Knight; BRCF International President Mark Robb; BRCF Board of Directors member Jamie Spivey; and Lawanna Poss, National Alternate Secretary of the BLET Auxiliary.
“Congratulations to Brother Rigsby on his reelection to Chairman of the Georgia State Legislative Board,” BLET National President Dennis Pierce said. “I also thank all members of the Board for their dedication in serving the Brotherhood.
“With the ongoing attacks against labor unions in state houses throughout America, BLET State Legislative Boards are on high alert. I have every confidence these Brothers will do an outstanding job of representing and protecting the interests of BLET members in the proud state of Georgia.”
The Georgia State Legislative Board represents approximately 1,500 members in 15 Local Divisions throughout the state. Their members work primarily for CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern.