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Under the Railway Labor Act, 50 percent plus 1 of all eligible workers would have to vote for union representation, or "no union" would win. If the NMB orders the election, UP would supply the list of eligible voters.
"We have prepared for the worst that the NMB would accept UTU's outrageous claim that a representation dispute exists and order an election on the UP system," Monin said. "Our members are ready to fight. We will not allow the UTU to take away our craft and risk the elimination of jobs on the Union Pacific.
Following President Monin's opening remarks, members participated in six different breakout sessions to analyze different strategies. Pictured above is Curtis Driggers of the BLE National Mobilization Team answering a question for his breakout team.
"The carrier must be thrilled that UTU is trying to divide railroad workers, and that they may even be able to eliminate unions on their system."
UTU has been found guilty by an impartial umpire of violating Article XX of the AFL-CIO constitution with this raid attempt. In addition, other rail unions have urged the NMB to reject the UTU petition and argued that "acquiescence to the UTU's demands would constitute a partisan intervention in the differences that divide rail labor."
"We are not going to wait for the NMB," Monin said. "We are mobilizing our members to fight this attack on their craft and on their future. Our organization is being solidified and energized. The UTU has made a huge mistake."
Robert Muehlenkamp, director of organizing for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, served as an instructor during one of the breakout sessions.
Far left: Larry James, coordinator of the BLE Education & Training Department, leads his breakout team in discussion.
Frank Powers of Fingerhut Powers Smith & Associates served as an instructor.
National Mobilization Team Member Jim Dayton, far left, instructing his breakout group.
International Vice-President Bill Walpert also instructed one of the six breakout groups. He takes time here to discuss a point with Raymond Prejean, right, local chairman of BLE Division 755 in De Quincy, La.
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