Spring 2004
Volume 111- No. 1
Spring 2004
Volume 111- No. 1
A Message from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa
Security for the Future
Although homeland security has been a topic of much debate since September 11, the rail industry has yet to see any real benefits of additional security measures.
Unlike airlines that have raked in more than $3 billion dollars for security upgrades, the rail industry has seen security funds top out at less that $90 million. With over 160,000 miles of track in the United States, securing access to rail yards, equipment and tracks is difficult, but the government has yet to even recognize this vulnerability. Daily shipments of hazardous chemicals continue traveling the rails through high threat target cities such as Chicago, Washington and Los Angeles. Currently, neither passengers nor parcels are checked or screened before boarding the rails. And on June 5, the Bush administration backed the opening of the Mexican border to unregulated Mexican trucks the majority of which will not be properly inspected posing further security concerns for the United States. For all the administration's tough talk on security, the interests of corporations and big business continue to trump the interests of its citizens.
The rail corporations have their own ideas of added security: Using remote control devices. The industry has continued to install these devices and eliminate jobs of engineers and other trained personnel. BLET-Teamster members' presence on the engines are vital to the security of the rail system, its equipment and overall performance. Our members provide the eyes and ears of the rail industry assets that can never be replaced by technology.
Victory in November
The livelihood of every working family in the United States is at stake this election year as we have endured a White House administration that has not only forgotten the needs of, but fought against, working people. The recent threat to overtime pay is a prime example. Instead of insuring that hardworking men and women who work for hourly wages would be able to earn extra pay, the White House instead introduced legislation that would end overtime for millions of workers. Many working families depend on this money to supplement their income whether it's used to pay for their child's education, their electric bill or the gas for their car. Fortunately, the legislation was voted down in Congress.
I urge you to get involved with your local BLET PAC committee and support Senator John Kerry for President. He spoke at our Unity Conference in May and assured us that he will continue his work on behalf of all working families. Expanded healthcare, secure pensions and safe workplaces are primary concerns of Senator Kerry. With the upcoming fall election approaching soon, we all must work to guarantee John Kerry's victory on Election Day.
© 2004 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen