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The BLE's five Special Representatives were recognized by the AFL-CIO and Vice-President Al Gore for their successful organizing campaign on the Wisconsin Central Railroad earlier this year.
Special Rep Tommy Miller attended the convention and accepted the recognition on behalf of Special Reps Jim Bradford, Sonny Hamm, Dave Hanson and John Tolman.
BLE Special Rep Tommy Miller, far left back row, is recognized on stage while U.S. Vice-President Al Gore gives his presentation to the delegates.
"It was something I accepted for all Special Reps of the BLE," Brother Miller said. "I always say I helped organize the engineers on Wisconsin Central."
During the four-day AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh, Brother Miller was one of 100 unionists recognized for organizing victories successfully introducing non-union employees to the labor movement and bringing them into the fold of organized labor.
The theme of the convention was "Organizing for Change Changing to Organize."
"I want to thank President Monin for doing just that," Miller said.
Miller speaks with Vice President Gore
The 100 unionists who received the recognition met personally with U.S. Vice-President Al Gore and were recognized on stage in speeches delivered by Gore and AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney.
"It was unreal," Miller said. "It was an honor for our organization to be invited and recognized by the AFL-CIO.
"We met personally with Al Gore and he talked with each of us about organizing in general. We then shared stories of the difficulties we faced and how the companies have such an advantage."
Vice President Gore salutes the crowd following his speech.
The five BLE Special Reps worked exclusively on the WC organizing campaign for six months before the victory on July 19. As a result, 273 new members have joined the ranks of the BLE.
"All Special Reps were very instrumental in helping us get this recognition because of our hard work," Miller said.
"It was very hard for us to organize Wisconsin Central because we were competing against another union.
"Although there's too many to mention, we really appreciate all the efforts of the Wisconsin Central employees who helped in the organizing drive." ·
From left: Coordinator of the BLE Education & Training Dept. Larry James, Service Employees International Union President Andrew Stern, and BLE Special Rep Tommy Miller.
From left: AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and President John J. Sweeney share a smile during the buffet-style outdoor picnic.
From left: BLE International Vice-President Ed Rodzwicz attended the convention, which was held in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Here he meets United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts.
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