Winter 2002
Volume 109 - No. 4
Winter 2002
Volume 109 - No. 4
Education and Training is one of the cornerstones of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Since 1863, the BLE has boasted one of the most educated and knowledgeable memberships in organized labor. That tradition continues today.
In 1991, delegates to the Fifth Quinquennial Convention codified a long-standing practice of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. By voting to establish the Department of Education and Training, the BLE formalized what had already been a long tradition - member education. It was further mandated by the delegates that a Vice President or the General Secretary-Treasurer would be appointed by the President to head the Department.
Section 7(J) of the BLE Constitution states that "the
Education and Training Department shall provide training to Officers and
Members at all levels of the Brotherhood in order that they may:
"...improve their performance in their interactions within the union; between the union and management, between the union and the public, between the union and the various local governments, and with all other labor movements and activities."
Over the years, the Education and Training Department has continued its
commitment by providing a variety of educational tools, including manuals,
videotapes, slide presentations, and hands-on workshops. The Department
has recently formulated plans to expand the avenues for education into cyberspace.
The BLE has always prided itself on ensuring that its members are well trained. The earliest issues of this publication had sections devoted entirely to education. The membership was given information about new technology, rules and other information regarding their profession. The latest news about advancing technology and better ways to perform on the job were shared and discussed at regional meetings and International conventions. These informal means of education and training eventually coalesced into the education and training methods that the BLE now employs. One thing is for certain, the BLE has always striven to educate its members.
When the delegates at the 1991 International Convention created the Department of Education and Training, the BLE stepped to the educational forefront of organized labor. Once the department was up and running, key projects were undertaken. Having the most educated membership possible became the goal of the department.
The Education and Training Department offers classes to help
BLE Division Officers learn skills and techniques to better handle the everyday
duties required of their position. The department regularly schedules classes
for local chairmen, secretary-treasurers and legislative representatives.
Occasionally, a training session is offered for division presidents. Mobilization
workshops and presentations on fatigue factors are also available and are
scheduled on an as-needed basis when requested.
The training classes give the Division officers a chance to interact with International Officers and representatives and to learn the proper way to handle the challenges they face in carrying out the requirements of their position. The classes also give the Division officers a chance to interact with one another. This peer support is especially valuable as the officers learn how others in their position have handled some of the same situations that they have encountered. It also establishes camaraderie between divisions across the nation.
With a structured education and training program, the BLE is using the knowledge and experience of its leaders to train the next generation of union leaders.
Photo captions: Top photo: Diz Francisco, Legislative Representative of BLE Division 739 (Bakersfield, Calif.), speaks during a recent hazardous materials training seminar at the George Meany Center in Silver Spring, Md. The Meany Center is one of many outlets used by the BLE's Education & Training Department for the benefit of its membership.
Middle: General Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert (standing) assists BLE members at the Meany Center's computer lab. Seated, from left: R.G. Lloyd, Local Chairman of Division 484 (Delmar, Del.); D.A. Dalton, Local Chairman of Division 526 (Willard, Ohio); and Gregory Smith, Local Chairman of Division 32 (Aurora, Ill.)
Bottom:Angela and Donald Glenn, both members of BLE Division 489 (Covington, Ky.), perform computer research during a BLE Education & Training Department workshop at the George Meany Center in May 2002.
© 2002 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers