Winter 2001
Volume 108 - No. 4
Winter 2001
Volume 108 - No. 4
Communications
Keep legislative training program
I am writing to tell you about the new class for Division Legislative Representatives that I attended on June 18-19, 2001. It is long over due and absolutely necessary. It is the kind of program this organization needs.
I have held the offices of Local Chairman and Legislative Representative simultaneously for the past 15 years. When I assumed the duties of Local Chairman, I was proved a box of claims in various stages of progression. I dealt with issues on a local level, such as minor disputes and discipline. When I retired as Local Chairman this past year, I turned over two three-drawer file cabinets, two high density computer disks of information and several boxes of additional information necessary to the smooth operation of Division 235. At the completion of my tenure as Local Chairman, I was involved in projects and issues so varied that had I not been able to rely on the voluntary assistance of my membership, the work of the division would not have been done.
In like fashion, the duties and responsibilities of the Legislative branch over the same period has increased exponentially. As a Division Legislative Representative, I understood my duties to include things as advising the local membership of issues before Congress and progress the matter of letter writing to Local and National legislators seeking support of issues important to the Brotherhood.
Having had the opportunity to see how these issues are progressed, through this class, I see that it is absolutely necessary that the National Legislative Office have the same confidence in the Division Legislative Representatives that I had in my membership. When the necessity arises to "storm the Hill," the Statehouse or the local politicians, our organization needs people who are experienced in approaching and talking with those who hold sway over the labor movement and this Brotherhood.
I sincerely hope that you recognize the value of the tool that you have created and see that this program continues.
Big thanks to BLE Division 448
Dear Editor:
I would like to give BLE Division 448 (Bluefield, WVa.) a heartfelt thank you for keeping my subscription of the Locomotive Engineers Journal coming for the past 10 years.
I made my last run as a pusher engineer at Weller Yard, Va. on November 4, 1991. Shortly after, I marked off sick and I have been unable to work ever since.
My railroad career was short - about four years - but I come from a railroad family. As long as I can remember, I wanted to be "railroader."
Even through my last year of active employment, I was harassed, intimidated and threatened almost daily by my supervisor because, "I had a poor attendance work record."
However, I loved my job. I still would do anything to return, if I thought I would be able to do it. I know that I am not able and probably will never be able to return.
November 4, 2001 will make 10 years since my last run, so thanks again to BLE Division 448 for keeping the Locomotive Engineers Journal coming. I would also like to thank the BLE International Division for the calendar every year. I am glad you have not forgotten or forsaken me.
© 2001 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers