CLEVELAND, November 17 — Paul T. Sorrow became the 22nd Chief Executive of the oldest rail labor union in North America concurrent with the resignation of Edward W. Rodzwicz as BLET National President on November 13. Rodzwicz, who had been on a leave of absence since October 15, also resigned as President of the Teamsters Rail Conference and intends to retire.
Upon assuming office, President Sorrow said “I look forward to serving the BLET membership as National President. Our Advisory Board and our staff, who are second to none in their ability and dedication, make for one heck of a team, and we are well prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.” President Sorrow also thanked former President Rodzwicz for his service to the Brotherhood.
Sorrow was elevated to the Presidency from the BLET’s second highest office, to which he was elected on April 8, 2008. Prior to becoming First Vice President, Sorrow served for nearly 17 years as a Vice President, including a stint as Chief of Staff at the BLET National Division headquarters for several years during the mid 1990s. Before being elected to national office, Sorrow served for six years as Chairman of the CSX Transportation Eastern Lines General Committee of Adjustment.
President Sorrow’s railroad career began in 1965, with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. One year to the day after he went firing for the railroad, he earned his promotion to locomotive engineer in 1966. He joined the BLE in 1972, and served as local chairman of his Abbeville, S.C. local division from 1979-83. In 1983, he was elected to the office of Vice General Chairman for the Eastern Lines GCA.
The BLET Advisory Board will be convened in Cleveland on December 17 to fill the vacant office of First Vice President.