WASHINGTON — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is exploring a possible merger or affiliation with the Teamsters union, according to a wire service.
“There is still a long way to go, but this is a first step in the right direction,” said BLE President Don M. Hahs.
The union is the oldest in North America and represents 59,000 locomotive engineers, conductors, trainmen, train dispatchers and other rail workers in the U.S. and Canada.
A merger or affiliation with the Teamsters would bolster BLE in lobbying efforts and in negotiating contracts, Hahs said.
The Teamsters has 1.4 million members heavily employed in the transportation industry, especially trucking.
“Our two unions serve a common purpose of transporting goods from manufacturers to consumers,” said Teamsters President James P. Hoffa. “By joining together, we will create a seamless transportation union.”