SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Linda Chavez-Thompson, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas and former Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO, addressed more than 300 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) today during opening ceremonies of the union’s 75th annual Southwestern Convention Meeting (SWCM).
Chavez-Thompson received a warm welcome and several standing ovations from BLET members and their families in attendance. She served as executive vice president of the AFL-CIO from 1995 to 2007.
She discussed the challenges of running for political office and the importance of the labor movement in electing candidates that are friendly toward working families.
“I can speak for people who haven’t had a voice in Austin for a long time,” Chavez-Thompson said.
She urged BLET members to take an active role in the upcoming November elections by encouraging their families, friends and neighbors to go to the polls and vote.
In his opening remarks, Brother Russell Elley, arrangements chairman of the 2010 SWCM, thanked his wife Alissa for her help and support — not only in organizing this convention — but over the past several years when he has served as a union officer. He also recognized several members of BLET Division 197 in San Antonio for their assistance.
He introduced National President Dennis Pierce, who spoke briefly about various issues of importance to all BLET members, including: railroad security; Hours of Service and the Rail Safety Improvement Act (RSIA); contract negotiations; health and welfare issues; the use of electronic devices during on-duty hours; and issues related to video cameras inside locomotive cabs.
Becky Schnieder, National President of the BLET Auxiliary, conducted a memorial service for BLET members killed in the line of duty since 1989. She was assisted by Anita Caruso, BLET Auxiliary National Secretary.
Sister Margo Storsteen, a member of BLET Division 57 (Boston), serves as the BLET’s National Representative on the Teamsters Human Rights Commission. She said that some BLET Divisions have appointed a local representative (or representatives) to the Teamsters Human Rights Commission, but that many more still need to do so. Members interested in volunteering for the Human Rights Commission should contact Sister Storsteen at (781) 883-3443, or email: Margoblet57@comcast.net.
Brother Brad Thompson, a member of BLET Division 442, gave a brief testimonial about the help he received from the BLET National Division and Designated Legal Counsel in obtaining experimental treatment for cancer, which he credits for helping to save his life.
The afternoon session concluded with separate closed meetings for members of the BLET and BLET Auxiliary.
The 75th annual SWCM will continue tomorrow with Education & Training Department workshops for Local Chairmen, Secretary-Treasurers, Legislative Representatives, and mobilization. There will also be a Federal Railroad Administration workshop on whistleblower protections.