BLE Focus

Winter 2000
Volume 107 - No. 4

BLE Focus

A look back and a view to 2001

A review of the year 2000 and
a preview of major events in the new year

In this issue, we are looking back at the year 2000 and looking ahead to 2001. There were many significant events during the past 12 months that will direct the course of our organization for years to come. And 2001 appears to be filled with yet more hurdles the BLE must overcome as it works for the betterment of its membership, just as it has since 1863.

A significant event occurred on November 7, 2000, and it was the beginning of a period of uncertainty for the BLE, as well as for the rest of the United States. The recent elections and the uncertain outcome of the Presidential race made significant pre-planning for 2001 difficult for the leadership of the BLE.

The Presidential election was unresolved until shortly before this issue went to press. The new President will greatly influence the direction of the BLE in the coming four years, but will not change the commitment to membership service that is the hallmark of BLE leadership.

The next President of the United States will have a direct impact on the BLE and its members. Specifically, there are two things that will make or break the coming year. First, the next President will choose the members of a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) that could decide the terms of our next contract if negotiations break down and it comes to the point that a PEB is needed. Secondly, he will choose a new Federal Railroad Administrator who will shape our job and way of life.

While we can no longer do anything to influence the outcome of the election, we can brace ourselves for what might happen in the future. The railroads pumped millions of dollars into this election hoping to gain influence over the eventual victor. Just prior to press time, it was determined that the railroad's man, George W. Bush, was the winner.

The carriers, specifically Union Pacific, played a huge role in Bush's campaign. Bush's running mate Dick Cheney is a former UP board member who was recruited by retired UP Chairman and Reagan Transportation Secretary Drew Lewis. Lewis also played a significant role in the career of Bush's Chief of Staff, former Transportation Secretary Andrew Card.

These railroad influences could have a negative impact on both our negotiations and the development of new regulations in the railroad industry.

During the previous administration, the BLE and all of rail labor had been accustomed to an FRA Administrator and a Presidential Administration that were more sympathetic to the plight of workers than big business. While the BLE and labor did not always agree with all of the actions of the Administration, we were generally satisfied with most outcomes. This could all change.

With the change to a carrier-backed Republican administration, the BLE will have to work much harder to make sure that our members' voices are heard over the din of big business. We will keep on improving what we are doing.

So let's look back on what we accomplished this year and look ahead to next year.

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