LAS VEGAS, May 1 — In meetings here yesterday, the BLET’S Western General Chairman’s Association (WGCA) elected officers for a new term and concluded their annual business meeting.
Attendees re-elected Michael Priester to be their Chairman for another year. Also elected were Pat Williams as Vice Chairman, and Rick Gibbons as the Secretary-Treasurer.
Brother Priester serves as General Chairman of the CP Rail System/U.S. General Committee of Adjustment. He joined the Brotherhood on Feb. 1, 1972, and is a member of BLET Division 754 (Terre Haute, Ind.).
“I am humbled, but at the same time strengthened by my Brothers continued trust and support in re electing me as their Association Chairman,” said Chairman Priester, who was first elected WGCA Chairman in 2007. “As always, I look forward to the tasks at hand and the opportunity to serve my Brothers and Sisters.”
The WGCA meets annually to give General Chairmen from the Western states the opportunity to discuss current problems and solutions. The meeting allows for interactive participation by all attending general chairman and vice-chairmen.
“Our discussions focus on the issues of the day, whether it be engineer certification, the current Hours of Service improvement legislation or everyday safety issues,” Priester said. “The Association takes a proactive approach as a collective body to develop strategies to improve the railroad environment our members find themselves working in on a daily basis.”
Attendees heard remarks by various speakers, including: BLET National President E. W. Rodzwicz; First Vice President Paul Sorrow; National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert; and BLET Vice President and National Legislative Representative John Tolman. BLET Vice President Marcus Reuf made a detailed presentation concerning arbitration, and pursuing cases before the National Railroad Adjustment Board. He also conducted a question and answer follow up session.
BLET Designated Legal Counsel made several presentations on topics ranging from on-track vehicle coverage to whistle blower legislation. DLC also sponsored a reception and dinner.
Representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration were present and answered numerous questions.
The chairmen were also briefed by Tom Pontolillo, BLET Director of Research and Assistant to the National President, regarding the pending implementation of changes to the Hours of Service laws.
Merrill Lynch representatives also spoke, with an update on the outlook for the economy and strategies for dealing with the difficult current economic climate.
Job insurance companies sponsored lunches or coffee service and included the Brotherhood’s Relief and Compensation Fund, CPA Insurance, and the Locomotive Engineers and Conductors Mutual Protective Association.