DETROIT, May 9 — It was a proud day for a proud union yesterday as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen — the oldest labor union in North America — marked its 150th anniversary with ceremonies in the city of Detroit, Mich., where the Organization was founded 150 years ago.
“Our goal was to recognize our 150th anniversary in a dignified and appropriate way,” said BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce. “I think we accomplished that by thanking our members and letting everyone know that we have been proud to be American, proud to be Union for 150 years.”
President Pierce presided over the day-long celebration, which featured a special video presentation commemorating the union’s accomplishments since it was founded in Detroit as the Brotherhood of the Footboard on May 8, 2013. The 30-minute video was presented in three 10-minute segments throughout the day.
Additionally, over 300 members, officers and guests in attendance heard from 24 guest speakers representing fellow rail unions, the railroads, and government officials. President Pierce also delivered his own remarks.
In order of appearance, the speakers were: Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa; Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) by video; U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Labor Member Walter A. Barrows; Union Pacific Railroad Executive Vice President-Operations Lance M. Fritz; Transportation Communications Union/IAM National President Robert A. Scardelletti; National Mediation Board Chairman Harry R. Hoglander; Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Mark D. Manion; Ohio House of Representatives (District 58) and BLET Division 757 Member Robert F. Hagan; Association of American Railroads President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger; Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen President W. Dan Pickett; BNSF Chairman and CEO Matthew K. Rose; BLET Auxiliary National President Anita J. Caruso; Teamsters Vice President & Teamsters Rail Conference Director John F. Murphy; CN President and CEO Claude Mongeau; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Vice President Lonnie R. Stephenson; FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo; Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) General President Joseph J. Nigro; Acting Labor Secretary Seth D. Harris by video; American Train Dispatchers Association President F. Leo McCann; National Railway Labor Coalition Chairman A. Kenneth Gradia; Teamsters Canada Rail Conference President Rex A. Beatty; Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad General Manager Hugh J. Kiley Jr.; and National Conference of Firemen & Oilers Secretary-Treasurer Dean Devita.
In the most general of terms, the speakers acknowledged the significant milestone achieved by the Brotherhood and its members. All were optimistic about the future direction of the industry and the important role that locomotive engineers and trainmen will continue to play to meet the nation’s quickly expanding freight and passenger rail transportation needs. All speakers received standing ovations following their presentations. The evening concluded with a banquet and dinner.
President Pierce thanked all speakers for their kind words regarding the professionalism of BLET members and the Organization’s milestone anniversary. Also, he thanked all BLET officers and members who took time from their busy schedules to attend and expressed appreciation for those whose many months of hard work resulted in a successful 150th anniversary celebration.
“There’s no reference book on how to hold a 150th anniversary celebration,” he said. “I thank the team who helped us put all of this together. I also thank our speakers. Their words are a testament to the impact that our members and our Organization has on the entire railroad community.”
Follow up information and photographs will be featured in upcoming Brotherhood publications, including an upcoming issue of the Brotherhood’s quarterly magazine, the Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal.