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An estimated 2,500 people visited the informational display set up by the BLE's Education & Training Department during the four-day AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh.
The new display was designed by Vice-President William Walpert, director of the BLE Education & Training Dept., and Larry James, coordinator of the Education & Training Dept.
"The display depicts the futuristic ideals and forward thinking of the BLE," Brother James said.
Manning the display above, from left, is Executive Aide to the International President Dave Ditzel and Coordinator of the BLE Education & Training Department Larry James. The laptop computer and monitor (bottom right) allowed delegates to visit the BLE's home page on the internet during the convention.
"President Monin's administration put a top priority on education of the membership. Our future success as a rail labor organization lies in the education of our members."
Thousands of BLE ink pens, lapel pins, key chains and bumper stickers were distributed, in addition to copies of the Locomotive Engineers Journal and the Locomotive Engineer newsletter.
"We met a lot of new labor people and we were able to tell them about the BLE," James said.
A high-tech feature of the display allowed James to connect with the BLE's home page on the internet during the convention, giving interested observers a view of the BLE in cyberspace.
"We received nothing but compliments," James said. "I think other organizations saw our display and picked up on the theme."
BLE Special Rep Tommy Miller also spent time manning the booth. He was recognized during the convention on behalf of all BLE Special Representatives for their success in organizing the Wisconsin Central Railroad (see story on page 6).
"We're the oldest labor organization in the country and it was good to have exposure in front of every major labor union in the United States," Miller said.
He also stated that dignitaries from various European countries came to visit the BLE booth.
"It was a very good thing for our organization," Brother Miller said.
BLE International Vice-President Ed Rodzwicz, left, and BLE Special Representative Tommy Miller.
Other BLE members spent time at the booth during the convention, including: General Secretary-Treasurer Russell W. Bennett, International Vice-President William Walpert, Vice-President Ed Rodzwicz, Assistant to the International President Dave Ditzel, and Ohio State Legislative Board Chairman Bill O'Brien.
Overall, the Education & Training Department's new display made a lasting impression on the AFL-CIO delegates.
"We received tremendous compliments from the presidents and members of other unions," James said. "They said it was the most attractive and attention-getting display at the convention.
"Since the convention ended, I've gotten letters thanking me for taking the time to talk and explain a little about the BLE."
An older display was recently retired to make way for the new one, which can be seen at all BLE regional meetings in the future.
"For the last few years we used the same display," Brother James said. "It needed upgraded to reflect the vision of the BLE and the Education & Training Department." ·
Several resolutions were passed by delegates attending the AFL-CIO, including one to make organizing a more important part of the labor movement's vision for the future.
The "Building a Broad Movement of American Workers" resolution calls for a massive shift in resources aimed at organizing, asking affiliates to earmark up to 30% of their funds for organizing campaigns.
During his keynote address on September 22, AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney noted that there have been more than 2,000 organizing victories in the past two years.
"Everything we do is connected to organizing. We've created a new culture," Sweeney said.
"The real heroes of our new movement are the thousands of workers who decided to put their jobs on the line and their lives on hold to help their co-workers win the dignity, rights, and respect that come only with a union contract."
Another resolution includes "Economic and Social Justice," which calls for a renewed commitment to a social safety net for working people and the poor in such areas as health care, retirement security, income security and education.
The "Our Work and Our Family" resolution calls for the AFL-CIO to support family life through expanding the Family & Medical Leave Act, child care, and fighting attacks on the 40-hour week and Fair Labor Standards Act.
In terms of the rail industry, two rail union presidents were re-elected to vice-presidential slots.
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes President M.A. "Mac" Fleming and Transportation Communication Workers Union Robert A. Scardelletti were both returned to their positions on the AFL-CIO executive board.
In addition, the AFL-CIO pledged to lend its assistance to rail unions if they go on strike against Amtrak.
The resolution was the last item of business on the convention agenda.
"We will need the assistance of not only the AFL-CIO, but of all the unions in this room," BMWE President Fleming said.
His union could go on strike against Amtrak as early as October 29.
The AFL-CIO's pledge is similar to the $1 million a week pledged to the Teamsters during their strike against UPS earlier this year. ·
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