BLET News

The BLET National Division is pleased to announce the dates and locations of its 2019 regional meetings: June 24-28 in St. Louis, Missouri; and July 22-26 in Clearwater, Florida.

Open Enrollment for the BLET’s Short-Term Disability On-The-Job (Part B) insurance through MetLife will end on October 31, 2018. Those who enroll will have their coverage take effect on November 1, 2018.

Due to overwhelming membership interest, the commemorative video produced in 2013 in recognition of the BLET’s 150th anniversary has been made available on YouTube.

If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by Hurricane Michael, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program.=

Delegates today adopted resolutions in support of railroad labor unity and Amtrak’s long-distance trains as they wrapped up all business and formally adjourned the BLET’s Fourth National Convention.

Dennis R. Pierce was reelected by acclamation to his third full term as National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen yesterday at the union’s Fourth National Convention in Las Vegas. Additionally, all Advisory Board members were elected without opposition. Their terms of office will begin on January 1, 2019.

BLET National Vice President Gil Gore and National Vice President Cole Davis delivered emotional farewell speeches this morning during the BLET’s Fourth National Convention. Both men will retire effective December 31, 2018.

Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall energized BLET delegates with a motivational speech that was a highlight today of the BLET’s Fourth National Convention. Delegates also enjoyed video messages from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren during Day 2 of the four-day convention.

The Fourth National Convention of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) continued here this afternoon with more inspiring speeches and reports by the various standing committees.

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce delivered the Report of the National President today to conclude the morning session of the BLET’s Fourth National Convention. With the theme of “United, Moving Forward,” President Pierce’s report focused on to two general areas: the major accomplishments of the Brotherhood over the past four years since the Third National Convention concluded in 2014; and what challenges lie ahead for the organization.

The Fourth National Convention of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) opened here this morning with energetic presentations from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan, and BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce. Over 400 delegates are in session representing more than 57,000 locomotive engineers, trainmen and non-operating craft members on national freight and passenger rail systems across the United States.

Convention planners are working at a fevered pitch to make final preparations for opening ceremonies of the BLET’s Fourth National Convention, which is slated to begin on Monday, October 1.

R.E. (Dick) Crow was elected to his second full term as General Chairman of the Union Pacific-Northern Region General Committee of Adjustment during the GCA’s quadrennial meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 26-27, 2018.

Paul Piekarski was elected to his third full term as Chairman of the Illinois State Legislative Board at the Board’s 15th quadrennial meeting in Springfield, Ill., September 5-7, 2018.

Brother Brian P. Carr was elected by acclamation to his first full term as General Chairman of the Union Pacific-Western Lines General Committee of Adjustment at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting in San Diego, Calif., September 17-19, 2018.

Shane Hubbard was elected Chairman of the Indiana State Legislative Board at its 14th Quadrennial Meeting in Indianapolis, September 12-13, 2018.

On September 17, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Ranking Member Michael Capuano (D-MA) sent a bipartisan letter, signed by 27 Members of Congress, to Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Elaine Chao expressing opposition to a petition filed by Kansas City Southern Railway (KCSR) requesting a waiver of critical Federal safety and inspection requirements.

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce was the opening speaker today as the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference’s (TCRC) Fourth Quadrennial Convention got underway in Vancouver, B.C.

Bryan T. Aldridge was reelected by acclamation to his third full term as Chairman of the Kentucky State Legislative board at its quadrennial meeting in Louisville, Ky., August 28-30, 2018.