BLET delegation at the Southern Border last week, from left: Kevin Sexton, Brian Carr, Gary Best, Mark Wallace, Eddie Strom, and Darice Gilliam. (Present but not pictured: Ken Walker)
Following a recent meeting with Division 28 in Tucson, BLET National Division officers, joined by BLET leaders from Arizona and California, traveled to the border of Mexico at Nogales to inspect train operations as part of the union’s ongoing initiative to protect American railroad jobs.
The fact-finding trip included National President Mark Wallace, First Vice President Gary Best, National Vice President Kevin Sexton, Union Pacific-Western Lines General Chairman Brian Carr, Arizona State Legislative Board Chairman Darice Gilliam, Division 28 Local Chairman Ken Walker, and Division 28 President Eddie Strom.
While in Tucson, the National Division officers provided updates to members of Division 28 at their regular monthly meeting and held discussions on the southern border issues along with discussing the ramifications of the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger and the union’s reasons for opposing the merger.
On Saturday, April 18, Division 28 hosted its annual Spring BBQ and Old Timers Picnic. Close to 300 members, retirees, and families were in attendance. Division 28 1st Vice Local Chairman Ray Gutierrez and Local Chairman Walker took the lead on cooking and food preparation.
Brother Strom said that the members of Division 28 appreciated the effort by national officers to attend the meeting, picnic and visit to the border. “When National Division leadership shows up, it sends a clear message that our members matter and that we’re all pulling in the same direction,” said Strom. “The Division meeting gave us the chance to exchange ideas and stay focused on the issues in front of us, while the picnic helped strengthen the connection between leadership, members, retirees, and their families. That visibility and engagement goes a long way in building trust and unity.”
