Communications

Remembering a former brother

Dear Editor,

On November 11, 2001, Division 426 (New Orleans) and the railroad community lost a very dear brother. On that Sunday morning, Brother Robert H. Blanke, Jr., lost his life in a tragic automobile accident. "Tilley," as we knew him, retired as locomotive engineer from the Kansas City Southern railroad on November 1, 1976. He had been a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers since July 1, 1942. Tilley was also an active member of the Louisiana Railroad Historical Society and the Louisiana Association of Railroad Passengers.

We of Division 426 remember the stories and tales Tilley would share as we worked the runs between New Orleans and Alexander, La. Tilley lived by his own code, doing things his own way without hesitation or fanfare. He faced the challenges of life in a matter-of-fact manner and seemed to be adept at finding the humorous aspect of almost every situation.

We of Division 426 will miss our brother, but he will never be forgotten. His life touched many of us and will continue to touch others as his stories of years past continue to be shared.

William O. Brooks

Secretary-Treasurer

BLE Division 426

New Orleans, La.

 

Stand up for the BLE

Dear Editor:

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members who courageously contested the first ballot, which we received for this so-called merger with the United Transportation Union.

I will admit that I voted in favor of this merger, foolheartedly reasoning that it would be in the best interest of both unions involved. After carefully reviewing all the information provided with the second ballot, I regained my senses and I realized what a sham this takeover was and emphatically voted against it.

A reconciliation or association with the UTU is neither possible nor desirable until it rids itself of the venom, which is poisoning their entire organization. Their agreement with the carriers in regard to the remote control issue reminded me of the deceitfulness employed by the Japanese preceding their attack on Pearl Harbor. The UTU is to organized labor what the Al-Qaeda terrorist network is to the civilized world.

There is sure to be some grumbling in our ranks concerning the considerable assessment being proposed to fight this battle which we are facing. I hope that all of our members will understand what an immediate and serious threat the UTU is to our very existence and will give this matter the utmost attention it deserves.

I encourage all of our brothers and sisters to stand strong and united so that our union, the envy of all labor unions, can continue to be the proud organization it has been for so many years. We have a tradition to uphold and may we not be the ones to let down the brothers and sister who preceded us. Let us ask ourselves how they would have confronted this threat.

Although I am in the twilight years of my railroad career, I am still very concerned for the future of our craft. I am proud as hell to have been a locomotive engineer and associated with such a fine organization. May God continue to bless the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers!

Sincerely,

Robert T. Hurteau

BLE Division 227

Massena, N.Y.

Show the UTU that you know the deal

Dear Editor:

I received my letter today announcing that the "proposed" UTU/BLE new union was voted down by a 17,000 to 7,000 vote! Not even close!

I voted against this both times the ballot came, the first day I received the ballot. It didn't matter to me whether it was a "secret" ballot or an open ballot.

I don't know why so many of my brothers and sisters voted against this, but as for me, I never take kindly at having a gun pointed against my head!

I saw that this proposal was just a "money" deal, and that "some" union officials were very interested in their union jobs and high salaries.

I do agree, though, that the UTU will pursue the fight (to) destroy the BLE. But as I said before and will do so now, "UTU, if you think that you will get one penny of my money with a planned destruction of the BLE, you have another thing coming! I will either go no bill, or I will join the clerks union, but I will not join a union forced upon me by you - period!"

I ask the brothers and sisters who voted this down to take the same position. Let the UTU know how you feel so they will be able to see how much they won't gain by spending themselves into bankruptcy by fighting to take over the BLE.

Show the UTU that you know this is a money scam, and you won't be part of it!

A proud, 30-year BLE member.

Brad J. Wargin

BLE Division 520

Joliet, Ill.

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