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O O I U D N U T O E 1863-2013 B B O E T AM D E OU RICAN PR JVolumeournal 116 | No. 3 | Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org Steam Days Retired Division 182 member Bill Mullins gives a first-hand account of what it was like to work on a steam locomotive

King Coal why coal is so vital to Oregon’s economy Oil Train Disaster Quebec derailment influences U.S. regulations Celebrating Also inside Heritageour

�� 1964: Division 3 member Legislative Update W.E. Sherrick at the throttle in BLET Auxiliary News Collinwood Yard, Cleveland, OH

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BLET President’s Message by D e n n is R. P i erce , BLET Nat ion a l P r e si de n t Welfarereform TIME FOR CHANGE AS CORPORATE GREED RUNS WILD AT WALMART aving grown up Walmart heirs are four of the in a small rural 10 richest people in America. town in Nebraska Their names and net worth where Walmart are as follows: Christy Wal- wipedH out all of the mom and ton, $35.4 billion: Jim Walton, pop stores around the town $33.8 billion; Alice Walton, square, I know firsthand how $33.5 billion; and S. Robson hard it is to avoid this mon- Walton, $33.3 billion. None ster company. Not only were of the Waltons are entrepre- countless small businesses neurs, and their fortunes are crushed when Walmart came based on an inheritance from to town, countless employees one of the chain’s founders. of those small businesses This corporate greed goes were put out on the street at beyond just the company’s the same time. This didn’t owners. In the normal world just occur in the small town of corporate America, the I grew up in; it has occurred pay of an average Chief Ex- time and time again all across ecutive Officer (CEO) is 300 this country. times greater than the av- To add insult to injury, erage employee, which is a and even though Walmart is There are many ways in health care. In other words, crime against working class spending millions on a public which taxpayers who do not we taxpayers are subsidizing Americans in and of itself. relations campaign showing shop at Walmart subsidize Walmart’s huge corporate At Walmart, the CEO’s pay happy employees, Walmart the store’s corporate profits. profits, whether or not we is 1,034 times greater, and is at the bottom of the food One such way is Walmart’s re- shop at Walmart. Walmart’s net income rose chain when it comes to the fusal to pay for its employees’ Recently, the U.S. House to $17 billion last year. This is wages they pay and the ben- health care. For example, if an Committee on Education not a case of a company that efits that they provide to their “associate” needs to work 40 and the Workforce studied cannot afford to treat its em- employees. In many commu- hours per week to qualify for Walmart’s business practices. ployees to a true living wage nities, these are the same em- Walmart’s health care plan, It revealed a study by the state with decent benefits. ployees who lost their jobs at then Walmart managers of Wisconsin’s Medicaid pro- Walmart’s wages are so low the mom and pop small busi- schedule workers to consis- gram, which estimated that a it’s astonishing. In November, nesses that Walmart crushed, tently work 39 hours or less single 300-person Walmart employees at a Walmart in and whose only chance at em- per week. Those who don’t Supercenter store would cost Canton, Ohio, actually set ployment is now to take the qualify are forced to rely on Wisconsin taxpayers at least up food collection bins in the pittance that Walmart offers. government assistance for $904,542 per year, and pos- employee break room to help I haven’t set foot inside of their health care benefits be- sibly up to $1,744,590 per year, “associates in need” prepare a Walmart store in years, yet cause their wages are too low or about $5,815 per Walmart their Thanksgiving dinners. the mega-chain still man- for them to afford private in- employee. This perfectly illustrates the ages to mistreat its employ- surance. So Walmart pockets One of the more galling need for Walmart to pay its ees, and at the same time, the money that could be going aspects of this out of control employees higher wages. take money out of my wal- to its employees while taxpay- corporate greed is the fact It is also noteworthy that let. How is this possible? It’s ers — like you and me — foot that the Walton family is al- Walmart is currently involved called Corporate Welfare. the bill for their employees’ ready so incredibly wealthy. Continued on page 26 •

2 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org Heading eastbound through the rugged Kingman Canyon, BNSF 7315 leads a stack train toward Flagstaff, Ariz., on the BNSF Railway’s Seligman Subdivision on April 24, 2012. (Photo: Chase Gunnoe)

Contents ❱❱ JournalL o c o m o t i v e E n g i n e e r s & T r a i n m e n Published by the BLET, »» ON THE COVER: The third in a series of commemorative covers a division of the Rail Conference, using photos from the BLET Archives to honor the Brotherhood’s International Brotherhood 150th anniversary in 2013. Division 3 member W.E. Sherrick at the of Teamsters throttle of a New York Central locomotive at Collinwood Yard w w w . b l e - t . o r g (Cleveland, Ohio), on September 10, 1964. (Photo: BLET Archives) BLET Advisory Board EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dennis R. Pierce National President 1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine Cleveland, OH 44113-1702 E [email protected] E. Lee Pruitt First Vice-President & Alternate President 1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine Cleveland, OH 44113-1702 E [email protected] William C. Walpert National Secretary-Treasurer 1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine Cleveland, OH 44113-1702 E [email protected] VICE PRESIDENTS John P. Tolman National Legislative Representative 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W., 7th Floor Washington, D.C. 20001 E [email protected] 4 Marcus J. Ruef 178 Fairway Dr. Departments Features Charles Town, WV 25414-5833 E [email protected] News 4 12 Guest Comment: J.L. Dayton Michael D. Twombly BLET General Chairman discusses Column by E. Lee Pruitt 8 70 High St. the importance of coal to the Oregon’s Andover, MA 01810 E Column by Bill Walpert 9 (and the nation’s) economy. [email protected] Gil L. Gore Columns by James P. Hoffa 14 Steam Days: W.W. Mullins 4016 Paige Janette Dr. and John Murphy, IBT 10 Retired BLET member gives us a Harvey, LA 70058 E [email protected] Legislative Update 18 first-hand account of what it was like Michael D. Priester Last Runs 22 to work as a fireman during the era of 247 Opera House St. steam locomotives. Henderson, NV 89012 BLET Auxiliary 28 E [email protected] BLET Merchandise 30 Cole W. Davis 20 Holman Rd. Moberly, MO 65270 E [email protected] Stephen J. Bruno 3428 Primrose Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19114 E [email protected] R.C. (Rick) Gibbons BLET Vice President 7126 North Norton Gladstone, MO 64119 22 E [email protected]

The Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal (ISSN: 1553-5010 USPS: 120) is published quarterly John Bentley Jr. for $10.00 per year (single copies $3.00) by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Director of Public Relations & Editor E [email protected] 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W., 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER, please send address changes to: Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal, BLET Record Bill Joyce Department, 1370 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction Art Director & Assistant Editor in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Widows of BLET members will receive E [email protected] free subscriptions upon request to: BLET Record Dept., 1370 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. National Division 1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 3 Cleveland, OH 44113-1702 up front m a r k y o u r c a l e n d a r s : BLET announces 2014 regional meetings he BLET National Division has announced the dates and locations for the four region- T al meetings next year. These meetings are beneficial to all BLET members in several ways, offering the opportunity for education and training, network- ing with fellow railroaders, time for family, and a chance for per- sonal interaction with BLET Na- tional Division officers. The dates and locations of the four Cleveland Rocks: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a major tourist attraction regional meetings are as follows: for Cleveland, which is the host city for the 2014 EUMA. Photo: Positively Cleveland

JUNE 15-19, 2014 JUNE 29-JULY 3, 2014 AUGUST 4-8, 2014 SEPTEMBER 7-11, 2014 87th Annual SMA 74th Annual IWC 76th Annual 79th Annual Savannah, Ga. Minneapolis, Minn. EUMA SWCM Arrangements Chairman D.C. Arrangements Chairman Dickey, Local Chairman of David K. Brown, Chairman of Cleveland, Ohio St. Louis, Mo. Arrangements Chairman Arrangements Chairman Dave Division 646, will host the 2014 the Minnesota State Legisla- Patrick Redmond, Local Chair- W. Grimes, Local Chairman of SMA at the Westin Savannah tive Board and Legislative man of Division 607, and Division 42, will host the 2014 Harbor Golf Resort & Spa Representative of BLET Co-Chair James R. Blum, SWCM at the Hilton St. Louis in Savannah, Ga. Division 517, will host Legislative Representative of at the Ballpark Hotel. For the 2014 IWC at the Hilton Division 526, will host the 2014 more information, visit the Minneapolis. EUMA at the newly-renovated SWCM website: bletswcm.org. Westin Downtown Cleveland, which is within walking distance of BLET National Division headquarters.

Photos: Savannah CVB Photos: Meet Minneapolis Photos: Positively Cleveland Photos: St. Louis CVB

4 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org up front DIVISION 746 HOSTS SUMMER PICNIC FOR FAMILIES, RETIREES LET Division 746 (Mandan, long pool engineers for BNSF out of N.D.) organized and a hosted a Mandan, N.D. The picnic was a huge picnic for all active members, success and could not have been done B their families and retirees ear- without the work these four put into it,” lier this summer. Richter said. According to Myron Richter, Presi- The picnic was scheduled for two dent of Division 746, the active mem- days to give as many members as pos- bership committed to hosting a picnic sible a chance to attend. The turnout at their monthly meeting in December for the two days was very good, Rich- of 2012. At that time, Brother Bill Lipp, ter said. “July 18 was very hot so things Active and retired members of BLET Divi- Division 746 vice president, volun- started out slow. In the evening when sion 746 preparing to fire up the grill. teered to head up a picnic committee it cooled down families showed up and organize it. At their monthly meet- faster than the food could come off the ing in March, the members voted on a grills,” he said. “July 19 had steady at- date and location for the picnic. tendance. Retirees came and worked Richter credited Brother Bill Lipp the grills for the picnic and socialized along with Brothers Ryan Stevahn, with the people they used to work with. Todd Davis and Jerry Kessel for work- Everyone had a great time.” ing tirelessly on organizing the picnic. Brother Richter noted that plans are “They did all the work of getting the in the works to host another picnic and picnic off the ground while working as make it even better next year. Getting ready to play horseshoes.

BROTHERHOOD BOOKSHELF BLET member co-authors Christmas book Riddell highlights the history VIRGINIA’S of Virginia’s Santa Trains. The LEGENDARY story may be little known to SANTA TRAINS those outside the Common- By Donna Strother Deekens wealth, but in the 1950s, de- and Doug Riddell partment stores around Vir- Published by The History Press ginia teamed up with rail lines ISBN: 978-1-62619-140-2 to create a unique Christmas ust in time for the holi- adventure for children — the days, BLET members and Santa Train. Children from Jtheir families are sure to across the Commonwealth have an interest in the new book flocked to see and ride the Virginia’s Legendary Santa trains, which were sponsored Trains, co-authored by BLET by such stores as Miller & member A. Rhoads, Cox’s Department Doug Riddell. Store, J.C. Penney, and others. Santa takes a break from his busy holiday schedule A member of These trains traveled the rails to enjoy a meal in the Norfolk & Western dining car BLET Division across Virginia with Santa in December of 1950. Photo: Norfolk Southern Corp. 14 (Washing- Claus himself. Brother Riddell ton, D.C.) and a and Deekens recount the heart- retired Amtrak warming memories of Christ- locomotive en- mases past and chronicle the gineer, Brother Riddell’s second history of these unique trains. book follows From the Cab: Sto- The book became available ries from a Locomotive Engineer, in October of 2013. Its 192 pag- which was published in 1999. es are filled with many black and Brother Riddell is also an ac- white photographs. Brother Rid- complished photographer and dell reports that sales of the book magazine columnist. so far have been better than ex- The Miller & Rhoads Santa Claus Division 14 member & Along with co-author Don- pected, and that the publisher greets passengers in 1969. co-author Doug Riddell. na Strother Deekens, Brother has begun a second printing. Photo: Ed Heath Private Collection Photo: courtesy of the author www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 5 up front

BROTHERHOOD BOOKSHELF BLET member coauthors pictorial history book on famed Clinchfield locomotive THE ONE & ONLY By A.J. “Alf” Peoples and Mark A. Stevens Published by STAR Publishing & MASproduction ISBN: 978-0-578-13016-3 he was called “Old No. 1.” Still others dubbed her the “One Spot,” Swhile some simply referred to her as the “No. 1.” Then there were those who called her “Rosebud.” But she has been, for much of her long and storied life, officially the “Clinch- field No. 1,” and for those who The No. 1 in Florida during her 2,231-mile round trip heard her whistle from Erwin, Tenn., to Tampa, Fla., in 1978. Photo: Fred Clark Jr. blow through the Appalachian mountains and saw the plums of steam rise above her, she was something special. She was the real-life little engine that could, and for the first time ever, a new pictorial history book is dedicated to the Clinchfield No. 1 and her celebrated life on the rails. BLET Member A.J. “Alf” Peo- ples of BLET Division 781 (Erwin, Tenn.) is the proud co-author of the 148-page hardcover book. Brother Peoples joined the BLET on December 1, 1980, and is a past Secretary- Treasurer and President of Division 781. Authors Mark Stevens and Alf Peoples. A 7-year-old Alf Peoples in the cab of The He and co-author Mark A. Stevens, a Photo: Brandon Hicks No. 1 in 1958. Photo: Ruth Peoples Collection newspaper publisher, hatched a plan to publish the book in 2010 and have spent the last several years collecting photo- graphs and researching material. The book features hundreds of color and black and white photographs of the No. 1’s career on the rails, many from personal collections that have never been published before. Included is a photo of 7-year-old Alf Peoples in the cab of the Old No. 1 in 1958. The No. 1’s history dates back to 1882. For many years, she served railroads as a workhorse. Her original number was the 423 for the Chicago & Indiana Cen- tral Railway. After her service seemed over in 1955, the town of Erwin, Tenn., The No. 1 at the Bristol, Virginia, Station in 1978. Photo: P.O. Likens Collection bought her from the Clinchfield with

6 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org up front BLET Lobby Day on Capitol Hill Legislative Representatives complete training, then lobby members of Congress rom September 22-27, the BLET writing to politicians); and individual Education & Training Depart- State Legislative Board bylaws. ment, in conjunction with the After completion of the classroom F National Legislative Office and training, attendees participated in a full the National Association of State Legis- day on Capitol Hill on September 26. lative Board Chairmen (NASLBC), con- The BLET lobbyists visited with legisla- ducted a workshop for BLET Division tors and staff from the U.S. House of Legislative Representatives at Teamsters Representatives to educate them on is- headquarters in Washington, D.C. sues of importance to locomotive engi- Crossing Copper Creek Viaduct The classroom portion of the course neers, trainmen, and their families. in Virginia on an excursion in 1973. covered: computer skills (principles of Among the items discussed were: Am- Photo: Ron Flanary Collection letter writing and database management); trak; high-speed rail funding; the Rail- plans to set her up for display, but that regulatory affairs (reporting and docu- road Safety Improvement Act; and the project fell through. After rusting and menting important issues); political af- negative impact of sequestration on Rail- rotting away in the rail yard, the No. 1 fairs (the anatomy of elections, how a bill road Retirement Sickness and Unem- was saved when Clinchfield Railroad becomes law, communications skills, and ployment benefits. General Manager T.D. Moore Jr. de- cided to restore her and have her guide special excursion trains. It was an audacious plan pulled to- gether by nearly three dozen railroad workers who, for two months in 1968, completely rebuilt the locomotive. After her days of celebrated excursion leader ended in 1979, she was retired to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, From left: Tyler G. Jones, Legislative Rep. From left: Tom Hebert; Jason Stutz; where she is a shining star in an exten- of Division 740 (Pratt, Kan.); George W. Cong. Richard Neal (D-MA); sive collection billed as the world’s best. Johnson, Legislative Rep. of Division 207 BLET Vice President & National “I do seem to have a close connection (Casper, Wyo.); and Vince Verna, BLET Legislative Rep. John P. Tolman; to the No. 1,” Peoples said. “I have pho- Director of Regulatory Affairs. Christopher Roy; and Jason Wright. tos of me as a toddler aboard the Black Mountain No. 1 and then again as a boy when it was coverted to the Clinchfield No. 1. I would never have thought grow- ing up that I’d be the co-author of a book about her, though. I guess you never know where the rails will lead.” Copies of “The One & Only” are avail- able for $29.95 plus tax. To purchase a copy, send a check to the Elizabethton Star, P.O. Box 1960, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Add $2.92 for tax and $5 for post- age for a total of $37.87. If you’d like your book signed by the authors, please indi- Clockwise from lower left: Jason Wright, Coordinator of BLET Education cate so in the correspondence. You may & Training Dept.; Tom Hebert, Massachusetts State Legislative Board Chairman; also pay by credit card by calling (423) Christopher A. Roy, Legislative Rep. of Division 57 (Boston); 542-4151. Cong. Bill Keating (D-MA), Jason C. Stutz, Legislative Rep. of Division 421 (Buffalo). www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 7 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

BLET First Vice President’s Message by E. Lee P ru i t t, BLET F i r s t Vic e P r e si de n t Making safety our top priority MAJOR RAIL ACCIDENTS PUT THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY IN OUR INDUSTRY n the United States and industry to upgrade its Canada, railroad safe- braking systems. The in- ty has been a major dustry fought it because it topic of conversation was “too costly.” inI the media this year. Nor- We find ourselves in a mally it’s not something that similar situation today re- you see on CNN or read garding the implementation about in your local newspa- of Positive Train Control per. Unfortunately, it took (PTC). Thanks to the Rail several major accidents to Safety Improvement Act, turn the nation’s interest to the deadline to install PTC this most important topic. is the year 2015. The RSIA On July 6, an oil train de- was passed in 2008, and the railed in the town of Lac- industry has had five years Megantic, Quebec, near to get ready for the 2015 Montreal. The subsequent deadline. Unfortunately, it fire literally obliterated the appears they have been center of that small town, dragging their feet and and it turned the spotlight looking for excuses to delay onto the issue of safely trans- First Vice President Pruitt with the deadline. They are us- porting crude oil by rail. Due retired Vice President Willard Knight ing the same tired old argu- to the rapid expansion of hy- Other oil train derail- equate rest periods. The ment from 120 years ago draulic fracturing, or “frack- ments and fires occurred spotlight inevitably turned — “too costly.” They also ing,” drilling companies are throughout 2013, all of them to Positive Train Control say they can’t obtain the producing more oil than they serious but not to the extent and whether or not the necessary permits from the can ship through existing oil of the Lac-Megantic tragedy, technology could have pre- Federal Communications pipelines. The result has been which claimed the lives of vented this derailment. Commission (FCC) to in- a boon to the rail industry, 47 people. It’s shameful that trag- stall wireless transmitters with carriers adding trains On December 1, anoth- edies of this magnitude have quickly enough to meet the to haul millions of gallons of er major derailment hap- to happen before safety im- deadline. I could go on, but the flammable liquid. Such pened near New York City. provements can be made. you get the picture. was the type of train that de- A Metro-North commuter But that has been the his- Investigations into the ac- railed in Lac-Megantic. The train derailed and claimed tory of our industry. In the cidents I mentioned here are derailment and explosion the lives of four passengers. early years of railroading, still evolving, and prelimi- caused the Canadian govern- The media firestorm that countless lives were lost due nary determinations have ment to implement new reg- ensued made certain that to inadequate braking tech- been made regarding PTC ulations to improve the safe- citizens from coast to coast nology. The introduction of and how it could have pre- ty of such operations, with knew about the plight of the Westinghouse Air Brake vented most of the tragedies. the Federal Railroad Admin- locomotive engineers and improved safety dramati- These tragedies have now istration following suit to a our struggles with fatigue, cally, but it took a Congres- placed the spotlight on rail- lesser extent here in the Unit- incorrect line ups, and ad- sional mandate to force the road safety and Positive ed States. It prompted the Train Control. Let’s hope this BLET to lobby Congress to “It’s shameful that tragedies of this spotlight gives the industry introduce legislation that magnitude have to happen before safety nowhere to hide and finally would mandate two-person puts an end to their efforts crews throughout the Unit- improvements can be made. But that to delay the deadline for im- ed States. has been the history of our industry.” plementation.

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l to many collaborative efforts. efforts. collaborative many to train classroom of In terms ing, I wanted to recognize the the recognize to now wanted I the ing, Kroeger, Ken of efforts Ed the of Coordinator retired Depart Training and ucation Jason of those as well as ment, coordinator. new our Wright, did I if remiss be would also I my of members the thank not Louise Reese, Elaine Dr. staff, We Schmidt. Walt and Reich other many with worked also departments, includingBLET the the and Staff President’s Department Relations Public to produce several publica interde This tions. intricate partmental collaborationpossible been have not would without the leadershipPresident and National of foresight with Along Pierce. R. Dennis Pres Staff, his of members kind the the displayed Pierce ident that leadership of aggressive the 2013 year the make the helped for was it that success great Training and Education BLET Department better — are and who for all members BLET informed, better education, Brother a stronger have and hood to protect their rights interests. their and laurels. our on resting of ever, even planning are we 2014 In more classes, offeringare fresh We curricula. updated and to even out to looking reach more officers and members train based computer a with future. near the in program ing I that times many said have I educa best the have we think in program training and tion even is it labor—and rail of all better. get to going a n ------our The His The BLET J r e . A tremendous tremendous A . As part of our u r s a tion and Training Training and tion BLET all for works just not members, those who attend our classroom workshops. commemoration anni 150th our of this earlier versary and active all year, retired members

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a ry M A BE TO We also worked collabora worked also We PROUD achieved We such a high et r tired members throughout Brotherhood. the of copy a mailed were tively with the North Ameri North the with tively can Railway Foundationall active provide to (NARF) per own their with members sonal copies of the Codere of (CFR) Regulations Federal This operations. rail to lating were members active summer, mail, the in booklets two sent 49 Title CFR outlined that one outlined that one and 229, Part both CFR Title 49 Part 240 an just is This 242. Part and Educa how of example other tory of the BLET the of tory writing, research, of amount rewriting, and editing went the into thethat production say of that to proud I’m book. was pre book history BLET in available and made pared part Education the by BLET Department. Training and thanks 2013 in success of level t ory c e of the of T - - - - - published 2013 S The l History of the Brotherhood of Locomotive EngineersLocomotive History Brotherhoodof the Trainmen of and

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n His www.ble-t.org since 1863, a tradition of forward thinking io t a Brotherhood Locomotive of t & engineers - BLET N to help everyone who asked.” who everyone help to , email, or one-on-one training sessions at at sessions training one-on-one or email, Through these methods, a taken we’ve 2013, in But a lpert duty of call the beyond and above went we “Whether it is assistance by telephone or by by or telephone by assistance is it “Whether National Division headquarters in Cleveland, Cleveland, in headquarters Division National training and assistance to officers and BLET members all year long. Whether it is by or telephone by assistance training one-on-one or email, Division National at sessions headquarters in Cleveland, we went above and beyond every help to duty of call the asked. who one hun trained successfully we throughout members of dreds though the Even just year. a few hundred have members through the classroom gone — it see I way the — training we’ve actually thousands helped of members. The union officers our complete who training are able their to back go to Gen (or Divisions or Committee eral Board) Legislative their provide and members with better representation, enforcement, im contract proved accurate and timely more and reporting. dues even it made and thing good gone we’ve This year, better. train classroom the beyond role key a played have and ing printed of in the production materials that have touched all of the lives and re active C. W ------i l l i a m BLET National BLET W Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Message Secretary-Treasurer’s by

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www T partment, and we are hoping hoping are we and partment, to grow and expand in the come. to years think about Education and Training, they immediately train formalized the of think ing workshopsthis But year. the throughout we game. our host up stepped we year to write that I the am proud and Train Education BLET many in involved been has ing all reached that projects other mem BLET retired and active thisyear. bers hosted at least nine week- long training workshops. These were for Secretary- Chairmen, Local Treasurers, Legislative Representatives The Chairmen. General and workshops were all of the expandedvarietyleast at — fullone thanlongerday the mem to due classes— 2012 in more for requests bership depth training. allfour at workshops hosted We also regionalmeetings through theout summer and varat ious meetings of GeneralCommittees Adjustmentof Boards. Legislative State and These workshops are a key elementinmaintaining the Brother integritytoday’s of timesame the at while hood securingour future by pre paring the next generation of union leaders. training, we a provided tre- informal of amount mendous ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| - - - g

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ble . www Again, can you by help Governments increasingly This fairness is about and your member of Congress of your member to urge them support to full Amtrak and high-speed rail funding. reaching your elected to out link web by members above. John F. Murphy F. John Director, Teamsters Rail Conference and International Vice President safe conditions whilereceiving alsoan wage. realize honest We that trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership could union to lead leav jobs ingplaces to whereour borders children toil in No sweatshops. benefit workers from that ar rangement. backs. workers’ But have don’t Otherknow does? who you mat doesn’t It union workers! whetherter are we from the U.S. or another nation. that is something union men knowsomething and women about. Fraternally, President James P. Hoffa James P. GeneralTeamsters John Murphy has been an Eastern Region Vice President since 1998. He spearheaded merger negotiations Brotherhood the with Locomotive of of Maintenance Engineers of Brotherhood and EmployesWay and now serves as Director of the Conference. Rail t on f er e nce C

Will takeyou a minute to We all to wantWe our workers a i l r e si de n versaries Hill. Capitol on tell Congress that want you full funding Amtrak for and high-speed rail? to Please go send to website the Teamster a message your members to Congress:of www.teamster. and click on org/content/rail Fund High Congress To “Ask SpeedRail And Amtrak. Or call Switchboard the Capitol and ask for 224-3121 (202) at ber labor federation in berlabor federation Brazil, are thecalled future of UGT, Asthe part union movement. our alliance,of agreed we to join together to increase rightsworkers’ and conduct to exchanges learn to from one also practices.another’s We agreed support to each other’s campaignsand link to up, fight to appropriate, where for workers. working continue to be in able R P

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G , T er s t or t e a m s 2013 i r e c T , ll D a , The Senate approved The Senate approved support need to our al We Agreements like the I one y F • $950 million$950 Amtrak. for Am trak Board Joseph President man said this funding level every our servic of “puts one es risk.” at billion Amtrak, for an$1.452 increase from this year and levels. Boardmanlast year’s called this realistic “a and workable number.” lies pressure our and ad put like UPS, ABInBev and many others also global a have reach and as they in more become ternational, keep labor must coordinatingpace by with scale.unions a worldwide on What need is beefed-up a we global where labor presence be togetherunions on work half of workers. signed in behalf September on theof Change Win to coali tion with an 8 million-mem of fa ph . 3

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o l a m e s Guest J Columnists & J by James Hoffa P. grew up on picket lines and in union meetings. He is the only son of James R. Hoffa, former General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. On his birthday, 18th Hoffa received his own union card and was sworn in his by father. Seeking fairness for all workers union for Seeking fairness ourna

Fighting for Amtrak, high-speed rail funding Amtrak, high-speed for Fighting BLET J provement Act of 2008 Act of provement n October, then October, Passenger Rail Investment and Im n the last 30 years, Amer from the ica has gone world’s biggest creditor The and House Ap Senate Multi-national corpora

zation. The Rail Conference is working many on fronts to ensureour members’ interests are protected. PRIIA reautho rizes and funds Amtrak. Committeespropriations went very different Amtrak ways on funding. The approved House (PRIIA) was up for reauthori (PRIIA) was for up nation to the holding to nation the one largest debt. Unfairworld’s trade gutted agreements have American manufacturing and other industries. Millions of left dis or have ourjobs shores appeared. And thebe gap tween the rich and has poor widened as our middle class has been stuck footing the bill corporate welfare,for bank bailouts and other bad policies that business big protect and punish working families. tionshave never been bigger influential and more in Wash ington than they are today. Companies like Wal-Mart areand growing, McDonald’s soare but concerns fair about wages and working condi employers tions. Teamster Big About the Authors: 10

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Guest Columnist by Ji m Day t on, BLET G e n er a l Ch a i r m a n Un ion Paci f ic -We st er n R e gion GCA Coal exports benefit economy & environment arlier in May some ash, grain, potash and oil. Gov- ternative to the high sulfur environmentalists ernor Kitzhaber has noted coal Chinese power genera- celebrated Kinder that the Oregon economy is tion currently relies upon. Morgan’s deci- dependent on its ports and that Denying the Chinese access sion againstE pursuing cre- exports are one of the keys to to this resource is not Green, ation of an export terminal reducing unemployment and because it forces them to con- About the Author: from a Columbia River port boosting our economy. Devel- tinue using the higher sulfur J.L. Dayton is a Union Pacific near Clatskanie. oping this port would have re- alternative. Locomotive Engineer and The export terminal would duced unemployment and Coal opponents have also General Chairman for the Broth- erhood of Locomotive Engineers largely ship coal, and because boosted the economy, the same turned to demonizing trains and Trainmen who has lived in of that, Brett VandenHeuvel, way coal export terminals in as part of their campaign the Portland area since 1977. executive director of Columbia other parts of the country have against these proposed termi- He is a member of the environ- Riverkeepers, was quoted increased opportunities for nals. They cite the diesel mental groups World Wild- as saying the Kinder Morgan skilled trade workers. these trains use, ignoring the life Fund, Environment Oregon and National Wildlife Federation. decision “is a huge victory for The effort by the environ- fact that trains are the most He has been a member of BLET the state of Oregon.” mental movement to kill the fuel-efficient mode of ground Division 236 in Portland, Ore., As a resident of Oregon for export of low sulfur American transportation. Every train since September 1, 1977. more than 3½ decades and coal to Asia from the PNW ig- effectively removes hun- longtime member of several nores certain facts about the dreds of diesel-burning trucks “I am certain that environmental organizations, air pollution in China. Six from the road. I respectfully disagree with million tons of coal are used Many would consider it ri- the railroad this statement. in China per day – much of diculous to protest the in- employees who First, the Kinder Morgan this coal is produced from creased use of trucks on our operate the trains decision represents the loss of very small mines where there roads. The same attitude should that bring products jobs and economic develop- is no sorting, cleaning or pertain to protesting in- ment, in a portion of the state washing, and it is high in sul- creased train use, which actu- to port would that has suffered greatly fur. China is increasing its ally is an overall environmental not see this as from the loss of timber indus- electric generating capacity at benefit, as well as a sign of a a victory try and other natural resource the rate of about 80 gigawatts growing economy. for Oregon.” industry based jobs. Second, per year and experts agree I am proud to be an Orego- the statement does a disservice coal will continue to be nian, proud to work for the to the broader aims of the en- the primary player in their railroad, and proud to support vironmental movement. energy grid. a cleaner environment for our I am certain that the rail- One of the primary goals children. For all of these rea- road employees who operate of the environmental move- sons, I am supportive of the the trains that bring products ment is to reduce pollution proposed export terminals in to port would not see this as a levels. The proposed North- the region, and believe they victory for Oregon. Coal is one western export terminals represent a net benefit for both of many bulk commodities would ship low-sulfur Pow- Oregon and the planet. I railroads and their employees der River Basin coal, which would ask those opposed to successfully transport through provides a much more en- them to consider the big- the area, including logs, soda vironmentally friendly al- ger picture.

12 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org Guest Columnist

Oregon Freight: Union Pacific 8262 pulls a westbound grain train through the Columbia River Gorge at Milepost 99.0 near Celilo, Ore., on May 18, 2012. Reed Skyllingstad Reed Photo: www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 13 focus A FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT FROM A RETIRED BLET MEMBER

Part 1 in a Series

WORKING AS A FIREMAN ON A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE BY BILL MULLINS Pacific and other roads, but overall, would be 50-pound block Retired, BLET Division 182 most duties are similar. of ice to break up and wash off North Little Rock, Ark. When called for a trip, we were giv- with the drinking water, then we hired out on the Missouri Pacific en the time called for, engine number, would put the ice into the can of water. Railroad in North Little Rock, Ark., train and engineer. Next, we checked that we had a red during the steam engine days. I We found the engine on the ready and white lantern (which burned oil) Ithought a little insight into those track, which contained engines for oth- that had to be lit at sundown. These lan- days might be interesting for today’s er jobs as well. We would throw our terns hung on the leg of the tank. Of members, especially to those who have “grip” in the gangway then go to the course we made sure there was a shovel, never worked on steam engines. What rear of the tender, climb up to check coal pick, grate shaker bar, jet hook and follows is about first working as a fire- the water in the tank, check the coal short clinker hook on front of the tender. man; working as an engineer is anoth- and note that we had a long clinker Additionally, there had to be two white er subject, which will come later. hook in pocket of tender. flags, two green flags and one red flag; There may be some differences be- Back in the cab, we checked the can a full two-quart can of oil; a long neck tween where I worked on the Missouri of drinking water for the crew. There oil can, which was used by the engineer

14 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org 1937: A fast passenger train on the Missouri Pacific. Photo: BLET Archives focus

A fireman leans from the cab of Mis- souri Pacific locomotive 1417. Photo: BLET Archives

to oil around the engine; and a roll of white flags would also be placed in a was a large metal box full of sand. We “waste” (“waste” is cloth torn to shreds, holder by the lights, the same with the had a “sand horn” that was placed in which was used to wipe dust, your green flags. the fire door hole and a scoop of sand hands, gloves and used to soak in oil if The engineer would have the fire- put in to clean the flues. The draft need be to start fire in firebox). Also, man see that the sand would run in would pull the sand though the flues we made sure we had a monkey wrench front of drivers when he tested the sand and clean them. We would do that — it was about the only thing that was valve. Also, we would make sure the about every 30 miles or so, depending good for breaking up the ice. There was bell would ring and that the rope was on how the oil was burning and the a rack that had to be full of fusees and secured from the bell to the fireman’s engine steaming. The oil tank had a a box of torpedoes. side of the cab above the fireman’s head heater pipe to keep the oil hot and an- Then the engineer would have you on the cab wall. other pipe that extended almost to the look at the class lights to make sure The firemen checked the stoker, bottom of the oil tank, which was used they would burn. If you were running making sure that all jets were open and to stir the oil. as an extra train the lights had to be that the distributing plate was secure. Some of this you may not understand white, and if you were to run as sec- As coal fell on the plate the jets blew it because of the terminology used, but tion of a time card train they were to off. Also the blower had to be working. hopefully, this will help explain how it be green. If you running as a time card On an oil burner the water and oil “used to be” when first working as a train the lights would not be on. The was checked. In the back of the cab fireman in steam engine days.

16 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org Shoveling Coal: Fireman Larry Adams of the Indiana Harbor Belt between Chicago and Hammond, Ind., in January of 1943. Photo: Jack Delano, Library of Congress

AUTHOR’S BIO ���� W.W. (Bill) Mullins, who board for several years, fi- In November of 1953, celebrated his 86th birth- nally working up to a regular Brother Mullins had a leave- day on October 12, served freight run. As a fireman, he of-absence from the railroad as Chaplain at BLET National protected boards in North to work for the Brotherhood Conventions in 1991, 2001 and Little Rock, Gurdon, Texarka- of Locomotive Firemen & En- 2006. He has been a member na, El Dorado, Paragould and ginemen in Cleveland under Ed of BLET Division 182 (North Memphis, Tenn. Gilbert. He was Assistant Re- Little Rock, Ark.) since Janu- Mullins earned promo- search and Education Direc- ary 1, 1973. tion to locomotive engineer tor when he resigned in July Mullins first hired out on in December of 1965, and of 1960. He returned to North the Missouri Pacific’s Central was again assigned to the Little Rock to resume his se- Division (North Little Rock to extra board. As an engineer, niority on the railroad, which Van Buren, Ark.) in November Mullins worked jobs from is where he worked until ap- of 1947, but work was slim at boards in North Little Rock, plying for retirement in 1989. that time. In August of 1950, Gurdon, Paragould and Mem- Mullins served three terms he hired on MoPac’s Arkan- phis, Tenn. His last 10 years as Secretary-Treasurer of Divi- sas Division when steam en- of service was on through- sion 182, and served as Legis- gines were still in use. He freight from North Little Rock lative Representative one term worked fireman’s extra to Poplar Bluff, Mo. prior to his retirement. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 17 Legislative Update Youth movement Younger members becoming today’s union leaders

by John P. Tolman Vice President & U.S. National Legislative Representative am writing this just after finish- ing a summer of travel to various Regional, General Committee and State Legislative Board meet- ings, and a Legislative Represen- tative Workshop in Washington, D.C. AtI each stop, I noticed a generational shift in the organization. More and more young members are becoming involved in the union’s leadership. This is a fan- tastic thing for our Organization because as the saying goes: this is your union! Member involvement is the lifeblood of our Brotherhood, and in order for our Organization to thrive for another 150 Vice President Tolman presented commemorative watches to members who in- years, we need to continually challenge creased their giving to the BLET PAC fund to $50 per month. Here, Tolman (center) thanks Gregory E. Jones, Local Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer of Div. 632 a new generation of members to become (Minden, La.), and R.W. (Bud) Pickett, Local Chairman of Div. 599 (Shreveport, La.). involved. This is why I was so encour- aged over the past several months seeing pation in the Brotherhood, all would office. You need to try to educate your- the younger members stepping up to stand with him in solidarity. Today, sol- self; one way is through reading the By- take their place in the BLET’s leadership, idarity continues to be our mantra — laws, which can be obtained from your and we need to do more to spur our mem- together we stand, divided we fall. Division Secretary-Treasurer, and then bers to get involved. But today, many members — espe- ask questions. I have always tried to make the point cially younger ones — do not know how I would also recommend that each that this union belongs to the members. to get involved. member should take advantage of the It is your union — it is not exclusively The biggest key to participation in educational opportunities offered by the mine, not exclusively anyone else’s. It your BLET is to attend your union meet- BLET, including workshops at both the belongs to all members, and the mem- ings, and to participate when you attend. regional meetings and the weeklong bers must be actively involved if we are Each member has the ability to influence classes the National Division offers to succeed in our mission. the direction of the union through their around the country for Local Chairmsn, The BLET was founded over 150 years individual participation. One of the best Legislative Representatives, and Secre- ago by a small group of locomotive en- ways to participate in the direction of tary-Treasurers. These workshops are a gineers who vowed to work in solidar- your union is to attend Division meet- part of the BLET’s long-standing com- ity against the oppression of the carriers. ings. Division meetings provide each mitment to developing one of the most By the Organization’s very nature at that member with the opportunity to impact educated memberships of any labor or- time, member involvement and full par- the direction of their union at the local ganization. The Education & Training ticipation was key to the survival of the level. Once you are involved and par- Department was founded in 1991, and union and to the members’ continued ticipating in the direction of your Divi- over the past 22 years has grown by leaps livelihood. They took an oath that if one sion, another means of participation in and bounds. I have personally partici- of them were fired due to their partici- the organization is to run for Division pated in these classes for nearly 20 years,

18 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org Legislative Update

Jeff Wood, President and Legislative Representative V.P. Tolman thanks James O. Fisher, of Division 26 (Richmond, Va.) with V.P. Tolman. Local Chairman of Division 612 (Nederland, Texas) and I’ve seen the programs move forward and taking charge. Knowing most of tional time in our nation’s history, but beyond what I could have imagined when these leaders, I am personally pleased they were still enthusiastic about the the department first began. The BLET’s and feel we should all be assured they prospect of promoting the BLET agen- goal was to create a world class program are a competent bunch with the Broth- da on Capitol Hill. in order to continually educate its mem- erhood’s best interest first and foremost. The leaders of our Organization 150 bers, and we have succeeded in this goal. The Division level, as mentioned ear- years ago could not have imagined the Much of the credit should go to Nation- lier, is where the current and future lead- world that our Brotherhood functions al Secretary-Treasurer William Walpert ers all began their careers to take this in now. Facebook, Twitter, email, tele- and the now retired Coordinator of the union to the next generation. As I have phones and other technologies would Education and Training Department, said in the past and will continue to say amaze our original members, but are Ken Kroeger. Ken gave his heart and soul into the future, this is your union and it normal parts of our daily lives in 2013. to this Organization, and, for me person- is your obligation, our obligation, to make And the young members currently mov- ally, he will be sorely missed. He devel- sure this Brotherhood is strong from now ing into leadership roles in the BLET oped this program with guidance from and into the future to leave a legacy for will continue to move our Organization Brother Walpert, and was always ex- your children and grandchildren. into the future. There are many among tremely humble but thorough and dedi- At the recent legislative representa- us who would never imagined these tech- cated. Jason Wright, the new E&T Co- tive workshop, I spent the week sur- nologies that are now commonplace. ordinator, has some big shoes to fill, but rounded by members of our Organiza- These members, who are moving into I am sure he will do well because he is tion who were interested and excited leadership roles in greater numbers, will one of the bright, new, young members. about learning more about the legisla- serve to move the BLET forward. I was heartened by my recent travels. tive and political process, and their role The Brotherhood cannot move for- Seeing so many younger members who in that process. They relished the chance ward without the young members to want to take an active role in the future to come to Washington, D.C., and see step up and I am here to tell you they of the Brotherhood was fantastic. These the legislative process up close. Since are “stepping up” and are developing young members bring an energy and the class, I have heard from many of and moving our Brotherhood. I urge enthusiasm to their union that is excit- these members about how great the you new and old members to contact ing. When you take a look at the State experience was, and that they were lucky our officers in leadership at any time. I Legislative Board Chairmen, there are to be able to participate in it. The class encourage you be active: be involved run over a dozen new chairmen in the last coincidentally took place while Con- for office or at least be a good active mem- two years out of 39 Chairmen, which is gress was debating and voting on mea- ber, who when called upon will vote, will significant. Now take a look at the Gen- sures that would lead to the shutdown make a phone call to further our goals eral Chairman. There are close to a doz- of the government for the first time in and will fight for what’s right for BLET en new chairmen out of 42 — this also 17 years, and so these members got to members and other workers. This is your is significant. The new — in most cases witness first-hand the legislative branch Union, your Organization: make it bet- the young — are stepping up to the plate at what was quite frankly a dysfunc- ter by being diligent. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 19 Regulatory Update

Quebec derailment influences change in U.S. railroad regulations and legislation

by Vincent G. Verna Director of Regulatory Affairs here have been some significant developments on the Rail Safe- ty Advisory Committee (RSAC) since the previous up- Tdate in the Locomotive Engineers & Train- men Journal. In the last regulatory and legislative articles we talked about some of the facts known about the Lac-Megan- tic accident. Since then, we have had the emergency meeting of the full RSAC. The meeting was called by the Federal Rail-

road Administration (FRA) to discuss Press Associated four key issues related to the accident that occurred on July 6, 2013, on the Mon- Photo: treal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA). Rail tragedy: Emergency responders on the ground Transport Canada (the Canadian coun- following the devastation in Lac-Megantic, Quebec. terpart to the FRA), noted the following was extensive damage to the town center ing environment or their operations. facts in a presentation to the committee from other cars that caught fire causing Unfortunately, we see the same flawed at the Emergency RSAC Meeting: several explosions; logic applied by the railroad industry and • The train consisted of five locomo- • 2,000 people were evacuated from by regulatory agencies in the United tives and was 4,701 feet long and 10,287 the surrounding area; States. These entities perpetuate the fal- tons, one box car as a buffer with 72 non- • 125 businesses were affected and 675 lacy that an accident trend from the past pressurized tank cars loaded with petro- people lost their jobs; selection of years (chosen by the industry) leum crude oil and left on a 1.2% grade. • Despite the accident, there was a is indicative of the current and future There was a fire on the lead locomotive downward trend in accidents that ex- states of safety in the industry. Shake- (MMA 5017), which the fire department isted on the MMA in the years from 2003- speare told us that “The past is prologue,” responded to and extinguished at 12:00 2012. and history certainly informs us about a.m. The train was then left unattended The last fact listed, regarding the how we ought to act in situations that are and it is thought to have begun moving downward trend in accident rates, runs unfamiliar to those of us in the present, again at 1:00 a.m. and ultimately derailed counter to what our members know and but wholly familiar to our predecessors. 1:15 a.m.; what the accident in Lac-Megantic dem- A great safety record is something to be • 47 people lost their lives, many of onstrates — the premise of a positive ac- proud of and happy about; however, it is whom were at the Le Musi-Cafe, which cident trend from the past does not lead nothing to rest upon and cannot be relied was destroyed when the derailed cars to the conclusion that any railroad is cur- on as the sole basis for disregarding oth- exploded; rently overseeing a safe operation. It says er safety concerns when looking at risk. • Several tank cars derailed and re- nothing about the existing amount of risk In response to the accident in Lac Me- leased oil in the Chaudiere River. There contained in a particular railroad’s work- gantic, Transport Canada issued an Emer-

20 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org Regulatory Update Associated Press Associated Photo: Oil train disaster: The fire burned intensely for many hours following the oil train derailment in Lac-Megantic on July 6, 2013. Much of the city’s downtown area was completely burned to the ground. gency Directive on July 23, 2013, that person crew issue, hazardous materials ing to fill the necessary positions on the called for trains operating with a locomo- transport and securement in both leg- new RSAC Working Groups and devel- tive attached to one or more loaded tank islative and regulatory arenas. On the oping our next steps in supporting H.R. cars transporting dangerous goods be legislative and political front, Vice Pres- 3040. Progress on both the legislative and operated by no less than two qualified ident and National Legislative Repre- regulatory fronts was slowed for several people on a main track or siding. The sentative John P. Tolman and his staff weeks by the government shutdown; how- FRA issued Emergency Order 28 (EO 28) have been visiting Capitol Hill to talk ever, BLET is undeterred in its commit- and Safety Advisory 2013-06 with the with members of the U.S. House of Rep- ment to make safety gains through better Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safe- resentatives and U.S. Senate about an legislation and regulations; and we will ty Administration (PHMSA). EO 28 is important bill — the Safe Freight Act or continue to report changes as they de- intended to address some of the human H.R. 3040, which was introduced by velop. The initial Working Group meet- factors failures that may cause unattend- Representatives Michael Michaud and ings were scheduled for October 28-30 in ed equipment to be improperly secured Chellie Pingree of Maine. This legisla- Washington, D.C. The full RSAC met to protect against a derailment situation tion was introduced in large part through again on October 31 to get an update re- similar to the one that occurred in Lac- Brother Tolman’s hard work on the Hill. garding the Working Groups’ activities Mégantic. However, BLET believes that The bill currently has 13 co-sponsors during the prior days. Ongoing discus- FRA should have taken steps similar to and has bi-partisan support. It did not sions regarding crew size will be conten- the Emergency Directive issued by Trans- take long for the FRA to get the news tious as the carriers and their lobbying port Canada on July 23. EO 28 requires and schedule the Emergency RSAC group, the Association of American Rail- many steps to be taken by U.S. railroads Meeting to take place on August 29. roads (AAR), will attempt to conflate the and their employees. All members should Three new RSAC Working Groups were installation of Positive Train Control have received a copy of this order, as it formed at the meeting. The three work- (PTC) and the discussion of a regulatory was required to be transmitted to you by ing groups will handle issues relating to: mandate over crew size. The major bone September 1. If you did not receive a copy, • Crew size; of contention is that the BLET opposes please contact your Division officers and • Train securement and operational mixing up the two issues. It’s our firm these officers will provide one to you. testing for securement of rolling equip- belief that discussion of PTC issues in the The BLET National Legislative Office ment; and Crew Size Working Group will only fail handles legislative, political and regula- • Hazardous materials issues. to give the issue of crew size the proper tory issues. We have taken a two-pronged The BLET National Division and the weight it deserves, and will only serve as strategy aimed at confronting the two- National Legislative Office are coordinat- a distraction. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 21

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2013 F 3 . N J BLET • ll a o l ourna . - . org t ble www

Clinton, CT 06413. 06413. CT Clinton, Brother Springer would enjoy enjoy would Springer Brother - Rail the with involved become has er

John E. Springer, 261 Airline Road, Road, Airline 261 Springer, E. John of October, 2013. 2013. October, of - Spring Brother retirement, During

fly fishing experiences. Please write: write: Please experiences. fishing fly made his certification run at the end end the at run certification his made also likes railroad history and reading. reading. and history railroad also likes

Sisters who would like to share their their share to like would who Sisters volunteer Locomotive Engineer. He He Engineer. Locomotive volunteer ing and singing in Karaoke bars. He He bars. Karaoke in singing and ing

hearing from any BLET Brothers or or Brothers BLET any from hearing road Museum of New England as a a as England New of Museum road - sightsee loves he and year, a times 100

ing, something he enjoys doing over over doing enjoys he something ing, congratulates Brother Springer at his Last Run. Last his at Springer Brother congratulates

- fly-fish include hobbies Springer’s Cawley Jack Chairman Local 11 Division

great country,” he said. said. he country,” great

leave again to see other parts of this this of parts other see to again leave

back to Connecticut this spring and and spring this Connecticut to back

wintering in Florida. “We will get get will “We Florida. in wintering

it as far west as Montana and plan on on plan and Montana as west far as it

living in their RV. They have taken taken have They RV. their in living

Now that he is retired, the couple is is couple the retired, is he that Now

dy, were married on February 6, 1974. 1974. 6, February on married were dy,

- San wife, his and Springer Brother

the train consisted of seven cars. cars. seven of consisted train the

2012. He operated engine #917 and and #917 engine operated He 2012.

New Haven to Boston on May 29, 29, May on Boston to Haven New

Last Run on Amtrak train 170 from from 170 train Amtrak on Run Last

retirement. He safely completed his his completed safely He retirement.

It was there that he stayed until until he stayed that there was It

run on Amtrak. Amtrak. on run

enough seniority to hold a regular regular a hold to seniority enough

1987 that Brother Springer gained gained Springer Brother that 1987

trak for four years. It wasn’t until until wasn’t It years. four for trak at the Railroad Museum of New England. England. New of Museum Railroad the at

- Am and Conrail between and forth volunteers Springer Brother retirement, During

for Conrail, where he flowed back back flowed he where Conrail, for

March 1983 and went back to work work to back went and 1983 March

months. He resigned at the end of of end the at resigned He months.

work for Metro-North for about two two about for Metro-North for work

1976. On January 1, 1983, he went to to went he 1983, 1, On January 1976.

the bankruptcy of Penn Central in in Central Penn of bankruptcy the

He worked for Conrail following following Conrail for worked He

November 1, 1970. 1970. 1, November

He first joined the Brotherhood on on Brotherhood the joined first He

gineer during the summer of 1974. 1974. of summer the during gineer

- En Locomotive to promotion earned

Street Yard on the spareboard. He He spareboard. the Yard on Street

on the Hudson Division in the 72nd 72nd the in Division Hudson the on

Railroad on May 29, 1970. He worked worked He 1970. 29, May on Railroad

fireman on the former Penn Central Penn Central former the on fireman

Brother Springer hired out as a a as out hired Springer Brother

retired on May 29, 2012. 29, May on retired

hired out on May 29, 1970. And he he And 1970. 29, May on out hired He was born on May 29, 1952. His His 1952. 29, May on born was He

77 (New Haven, Conn.). Haven, (New M 77

Springer of BLET Division Division BLET of Springer

cance to Brother John E. E. John Brother to cance

- signifi special has 29 ay Division 77’s John E. Springer E. John 77’s Division

May 29 a special day for day special a 29 May

L R uns t

>> as >> Last Runs Bud Brothers retires after 41 years at Penn Central, Conrail and NS

Bud Brothers, right, receives a congratulatory handshake from Brother Pat Maher, his former Local Chairman. ichard V. (Bud) Brothers Jr. where Brothers worked. el for safety to the younger Engineers. of BLET Division 607 (Cleve- Brothers retired as a Norfolk Prior to his work in the railroad in- land, Ohio) safely completed Southern Locomotive Engineer. His dustry, Brothers served in the U.S. Rhis Last Run on January 2, 2012, Last Run was Yard Job BF-14 between Navy in Vietnam for four years. ending his railroad career that began Norfolk Southern’s Motor Yard and His hobbies include fishing, boat- in 1970. Twinsburg, Ohio. ing and swimming. He is also a Brothers hired out on the former Brothers comes from a large rail- handyman who enjoys fixing things Penn Central railroad as a fireman road family. Both of his grandfathers around the house. He plans to spend at Collinwood, Ohio, on June 9, 1970. worked in the industry, and he fol- more time with family and doing all He earned promotion to Locomotive lowed in the footsteps of his late fa- of the above during retirement. Broth- Engineer in May of 1975 and first ther, Bud “Big Jack” Brothers, who ers also plans to take college courses joined the Brotherhood on October worked as a Locomotive Engineer for at Lakeland Community College. 1, 1989. He worked as an Engineer the New York Central, Penn Central “Bud used to love joking around,” for the next 35 years as the bankrupt and Conrail. said Pat Maher, his former Local Chair- Penn Central Railroad became Con- Over the years, Brothers always man. “Bud reports that he had a great rail in 1976. In 1999, Norfolk South- helped recruit new hires to join the time over his career and will miss the ern purchased the portion of Conrail Brotherhood and served as a role mod- guys now that he’s retired.”

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gan said. said. gan control stand of a nearly over-speed over-speed nearly a of stand control Locomotive Engineer with a young young a with Engineer Locomotive

- Donni Brother union,” proud our for watching his father seated behind the the behind seated father his watching summer of 1993, when he worked as as worked he when 1993, of summer

lomat for our distinguished craft and and craft distinguished our for lomat life,” Donnigan said. The other was was other The said. Donnigan life,” most memorable runs came in the the in came runs memorable most

- dip worthy a be to strive always “I who had a profound impact on my my on impact profound a had who lo and Nampa, Idaho. One of his two two his of One Idaho. Nampa, and lo

union movement. movement. union dation. “He was an incredible child child incredible an was “He dation. - Pocatel between service freight pool

America’s national parks, and the the and parks, national America’s - foun Wish A Make the through gineer gan’s last Engineer assignment was in in was assignment Engineer last gan’s

tography, Native American history, history, American Native tography, - En Locomotive Honorary an made - Donni Brother basis, full-time a on

- pho fishing, include hobbies His man named Brian Housley, who was was who Housley, Brian named man Prior to serving the Brotherhood Brotherhood the serving to Prior

Union Pacific as a carman at Pocatello. Pocatello. at carman a as Pacific Union of 2013). 2013). of

during the 1990s. 1990s. the during

Also, his brother Stephen works for the the for works Stephen brother his Also, niversary Celebration in Detroit (May (May Detroit in Celebration niversary cab the in Donnigan Brother

Pacific as a clerk at various locations. locations. various at clerk a as Pacific - An 150th BLET’s the for Committee

gan, who worked for Mo Pac and Union Union and Pac Mo for worked who gan, tirement, he served on the Arrangements Arrangements the on served he tirement,

- Donni George father, his and Louis, - re Following (2006). Vegas Las in tion

as a machinist-steel specialist in St. St. in specialist machinist-steel a as - Conven National First BLET’s the and

who worked for the Missouri Pacific Pacific Missouri the for worked who ternational Convention in Miami (2001); (2001); Miami in Convention ternational

his grandfather Matthew Donnigan, Donnigan, Matthew grandfather his - In Quinquennial Seventh the (1991);

in 1959. He follows in the footsteps of of footsteps the in follows He 1959. in International Convention in Cleveland Cleveland in Convention International

parents and brought to the United States States United the to brought and parents Committee for Third Quinquennial Quinquennial Third for Committee

er Donnigan was adopted by his loving loving his by adopted was Donnigan er BLET National Division Arrangements Arrangements Division National BLET

- Broth 1956, in Italy, Turin, in Born Brother Donnigan also served on the the on served also Donnigan Brother

70-mph freight train. train. freight 70-mph (2000-2008). (2000-2008).

General Chairman of the UP-WR GCA GCA UP-WR the of Chairman General

during the BLET’s 150th Anniversary Celebration in Detroit. in Celebration Anniversary 150th BLET’s the during

2000, full time from 1997-2000); and and 1997-2000); from time full 2000,

Committee Arrangements the of member a as working while

Chairman of the UP-WR GCA (1991- GCA UP-WR the of Chairman

2013, 8, May on anthem national the during Donnigan Brother

Idaho Railroad (1987-1991); First Vice Vice First (1987-1991); Railroad Idaho

eral Chairman of the former Utah- former the of Chairman eral

- Gen (1982-1986); 228 Division of man

- Chair Local including: years, the over

bership in numerous elected offices offices elected numerous in bership

- mem its and Brotherhood the served

for the past 36 years. Brother Donnigan Donnigan Brother years. 36 past the for

and has held continuous membership membership continuous held has and

catello, Idaho) on November 1, 1977, 1977, 1, November on Idaho) catello,

- (Po 228 Division BLET joined He

March 7, 1978. 1978. 7, March

promotion to Locomotive Engineer on on Engineer Locomotive to promotion

UP on February 21, 1977, and earned earned and 1977, 21, February on UP

to engine service and went firing for for firing went and service engine to

catello, Idaho in 1974. He transferred transferred He 1974. in Idaho catello,

- Po in UP the for clerk a as out hired

the time of his retirement in 2008. He He 2008. in retirement his of time the

mittee of Adjustment for eight years at at years eight for Adjustment of mittee

Pacific-Western Region General Com General Region Pacific-Western -

General Chairman of the BLET’s Union Union BLET’s the of Chairman General

Brother Donnigan had served as as served had Donnigan Brother career that began 39 years ago. ago. years 39 began that career

Pacific Railroad following a railroad railroad a following Railroad F Pacific

from active duty with the Union Union the with duty active from

Timothy J. Donnigan retired retired Donnigan J. Timothy

ormer BLET General Chairman Chairman General BLET ormer Chairman Tim Donnigan retires Donnigan Tim Chairman

Former Union Pacific General Pacific Union Former

L R uns t

>> as >> Honor Roll Division 11’s Gannon a BLET member since 1970 rother Michael Gannon of BLET President of Division 11 and was a mem- Division 11 (New York, N.Y.) ber of the Division 501 Local Commit- reached Honor Roll status in tee of Adjustment. He may be best re- 2013B with 43 years of consecutive mem- membered for serving as Division bership in the Brotherhood of Locomo- Legislative Representative of Divisions tive Engineers and Trainmen. 501 and 11 for 28 years (1982-2010). On September 9, 1969, Brother Gan- After his many years of service, Gan- non went firing for the Penn Central non received a 40-year BLET honor pin railroad in New York City. He earned from National President Dennis R. promotion to Locomotive Engineer for Pierce at the Eastern Union Meeting PC on July 1, 1974. Brother Mike Gannon Association convention in 2010. Brother Gannon joined the Broth- which earned the distinguished Amtrak He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from erhood on May 1, 1970, and has held President’s Achievement Award. Fordham University in 1995, where he continuous membership in Divisions Gannon mentored countless engi- was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the 501 and 11 ever since. His Last Run neers through his role as engineer in- political science honor society. In 1985 was on July 2, 2010, operating trains structor. He taught student engineers and 1987, Brother Gannon earned cer- 2107 and 2170 between New York’s the finer points of operating a loco- tificates in Railway Labor Law and the Penn Station and Washington, D.C. motive safely, but more importantly, Railway Labor Act after completing During his 41 years with Penn Cen- he instilled the younger generation summer training courses at Cornell tral (1969-1976), Conrail (1976-1983), with a pride in the BLET. In fact, many University’s School of Industrial and and Amtrak (1983-2010), Brother Gan- of those younger engineers followed Labor Relations. non earned a reputation throughout the in his footsteps by taking active lead- Brother Gannon’s interests include Northeast as an extremely safety-con- ership roles within the organization. gardening, local history and civic issues. scious professional. He has been recog- Throughout his long and distin- He is a member of the Douglaston Gar- nized several times for his contributions guished career, Brother Gannon held den Club, 2nd Vice President of the to rail safety. In 2010, he was the winner numerous elected offices within the Douglaston Civic Association, and a of Amtrak’s Northeast Division-West Brotherhood. He represented his Divi- Trustee in the Douglaston & Little Neck Environmental and Safety Award of sion on the Executive Committee of the Historical Society. He has traveled ex- Excellence. In 2003, he was a member New York State Legislative Board from tensively, visiting Argentina, Brazil and of the Sunnyside Safety Committee, 1983 through 2010. He also served as Antarctica. Div. 404’s Pinion reaches 45-year Honor Roll rother Joseph R. Pinion, BLET 1968. He joined the Brotherhood on ceived commendations for a perfect Division 404 (Chicago), achieved April 16, 1968, and has held consecu- 40-year record — accident free and Honor Roll status with 45 con- tive membership ever since. injury free. Bsecutive years of membership in the Prior to working in the rail industry, He was re-married on October 24, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Brother Pinion served in the U.S. Na- 2009, and has two children — David and Trainmen. tional Guard at Marks, Miss., from E. and Cynthia L. Pinion. He also has Brother Pinion hired out as a brake- 1955-1960. one grandchild. Brother Pinion comes man in Chicago for the Chicago & Great His last run came on December 20, from a railroad family. He has two Western Railway in 1963. He went fir- 2001, as Locomotive Engineer of a pas- brothers and two sisters who all worked ing in April of 1967 and earned promo- senger train between Chicago and Ge- for the railroad. tion to Locomotive Engineer for the neva, Ill. He operated a passenger F7 Brother Pinion’s hobbies include Chicago & Great Western on April 16, locomotive. When he retired, he re- traveling and motorcycles.

The BLET publishes Last Runs for members who have retired, and recognizes members with 40 years or more of membership in Honor Roll articles. If you are planning to retire soon, please let us know! For details, contact: John Bentley, Editor, Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Journal, Email: [email protected], 1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702

www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 25 President Pierce “I haven’t set foot inside of a Walmart television that providing un- message store in years, yet the mega-chain employment benefits for more Continued from than 26 weeks was a disservice page 2 • still manages to mistreat its employees, to the involved working class in a stock buy-back program and at the same time, take money out Americans. I think that we valued at $7.6 billion annu- of my wallet. How is this possible? all know that those who have ally. All that a stock buy-back been unfortunate enough to accomplishes is to put more It’s called Corporate Welfare.” lose their jobs in our down- money into the pockets of turned economy would dis- its owners. It has no benefit in addition to threats, disci- well, but the facts don’t match agree, but where are the likes for Walmart’s employees or pline and termination. the ads. Until Walmart truly of Rand Paul when it comes customers; it just consoli- Walmart has also devas- changes the way it treats its to corporate America receiv- dates the ownership of the tated America’s manufac- workers, I will not set foot in ing taxpayer money and put- company into the hands of turing industry. In the early its stores, and I ask you to join ting it in their own pockets? the heirs of company founder 1980s, imports accounted me in exercising our collective We know where they are; Sam Walton. Analysts have for only about 6 percent of right as consumers to support the master they work for is determined the profits spent Walmart’s total sales. But 20 companies that support work- not the working class of this on the buy-back could instead years later, 80-90 percent of ing class Americans. country, it is their corporate be used to give all its employ- Walmart’s shoes and house- The second step is to sup- benefactors. ees a raise of $5.83 per hour … wares were made in China, port Walmart workers and Through our merger with boosting average hourly pay and 80 percent of its apparel help them get the union pro- the International Brother- to $14.89 per hour. In appli- comes from China. It’s esti- tections, pay scale and benefits hood of Teamsters, I know cation, this would mean that mated that the United States they need and deserve. It has there are many activists Walmart’s employees, the ma- lost 133,000 manufacturing been said that a rising tide and union leaders who are jority of whom make less than jobs to China between 2001 lifts all boats, and it is true actively trying to organize $25,000.00 per year, wouldn’t and 2006, and this is in large that union pay scales raise all at Walmart stores across the have to rely on charity to enjoy part due to Walmart’s legend- pay scales. However, it is also country. In November of a Thanksgiving dinner with ary pressure on manufactur- becoming clearer and clearer 2013, there were no less than their families. ers to provide cheap products that a lowering tide has the nine job actions through- On top of all this, and for that allow Walmart to make same effect when it comes to out the United States where the sole purpose of protect- more money. the pay scale all across this Walmart workers walked ing the wealth that those who Over the years Walmart country. Walmart is so big off the job to protest their run Walmart have accumu- has crushed its competition today that its poverty wages poverty wages. Like I said, I lated, Walmart is notoriously over the backs of its workers are being used to drag down know it’s hard to avoid shop- anti-worker and anti-union. to the extent that they are not all pay scales and access to ping at Walmart all the time, During a recent attempt at going away; we are stuck with good benefits. It would be very but we can and must support organizing in Texas and Cali- them, like it or not. But what shortsighted for any of us to Walmart’s workers and their fornia, a Walmart spokesper- we can do to change them into think this “lowering tide” efforts to unionize. son went on television and a company that actually treats phenomenon cannot reach You might think you’re unlawfully threatened work- its American workers with those of us whose wages and saving a few dollars here and ers if they went on strike. The dignity and respect is three benefits are well above the there by shopping at Walmart National Labor Relations fold. I know that the first step Walmart standard. — if you don’t count the extra Board (NLRB) upheld these is one that not all of us can Finally, it is way past time taxes you’re paying to sup- charges. Walmart also unlaw- do, but when it can be done, that the corporations of this port its low wages / no ben- fully threatened, disciplined we must stop contributing to country are allowed to use efits business model — but and/or fired workers at stores the wealth of those who mis- taxpayer money to pad their ask yourself this: Is it really in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, treat the American working fortunes. This corporate wel- worth it when you consider Kentucky, Louisiana, Mary- class by taking our business fare obscenity is being allowed the big picture and the nega- land, Massachusetts, Minne- elsewhere. We live in a con- and advanced by many of the tive impact the store’s business sota, North Carolina, Ohio sumer driven economy, and same politicians who claim practices are having on the and Washington for engag- it is crystal clear that there is that taxpayer money should working middle class of this ing in legally protected strikes only one thing that Walmart’s not go to working class Amer- great country? That working and protests. At stores in Cali- owners recognize, and that icans when they are in need. middle class is what made fornia, Florida, Missouri and is profits. Walmart can run The week after Thanksgiv- America the greatest, and I Texas, Walmart was guilty of commercials 24 hours a day ing, Tea Party favorite Rand ask you to join me in working illegal surveillance of workers claiming to treat employees Paul (R-KY) said on national to keep it strong. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 26 Obituaries

This information is based upon BLET mourns loss of reports filed by the Secretary-Trea- surers of the various BLET Divisions Div. 42 President Brian Wheeler AS OF SEPTEMBER AS OF JULY 31, 2013 30, 2013 11 — J. S. Doatch BRIAN D. WHEELER, PRESIDENT OF and hard working union Brother,” BLET 11 — W. D. Fleming 44 — L. V. Capozzoli BLET DIVISION 42 (ST. LOUIS, MO.), National President Dennis R. Pierce 48 — A. G. Coddington 65 — J. R. Wadstrup passed away on October 16, 2012, said. “He was one of a kind and will 158 — R. G. Martin 86 — M. W. Oswalld following complications from a rare be sorely missed. On behalf of the 204 — W. E. Grogan III 263 — B. C. O’Brien blood disorder National Division, I extend my deepest 265 — R. S. Rogers 353 — P. R. Gibson 272 — J. A. Snogans 456 — G. L. Moots known as myelodys- sympathies to Brother Wheel- 482 — J. M. Carter plastic syndrome. er’s friends and family members and AS OF AUGUST 31, 491 — A. D. Parr Brother Wheeler, to our railroad family in Division 42.” 2013 502 — P. J. Van Horn 61, was born on Brother Wheeler is survived by his 3 — T. A. George September 27, 1951 wife, Marsha, two children, Aaron 44 — F. P. Martinez AS OF JUNE 30, 2013 and was a Union Wheeler and Amber Richardson, and 153 — L. E. Myers 28 — R. G. Winkler Brian D. 202 — R. J. Dahl 197 — J. P. Silva Pacific locomotive one grandson, Sawyer Richardson. 269 — J. J. Hill Wheeler 502 — C. K. Sullivan engineer. He first The family has requested that 285 — L. J. Tackitt 622 — D. M. Parsons joined the Brotherhood on October memorials in memory of Brian D. 457 — E. J. Geoffrion 1, 1976. Under Wheeler’s leader- Wheeler may be sent to the “SWCM 518 — R. H. Bosse AS OF MAY 31, 2013 ship, Division 42 became much Scholarship Fund” at the following 623 — J. F. Sutton 125 — J. A. Floyd more active in the St. Louis commu- address: 646 — G. W. 153 — R. C. Hatcher Middlebrooks nity. Brother Wheeler spearhead- Norman Baker 192 — R. E. Durant 664 — E. J. Block 197 — M. L. Dresch ed numerous food drives to help the SWCM Treasurer 842 — C. E. Fricks 301 — G. D. Saunders Jr. poor around the holidays. 6009 Woodview North 899 — C. B. Burrow 312 — V. J. Gobbi “Brian Wheeler was a dedicated Sherwood, AR 72120-4129 937 — K. S. Vas 357 — F. A. Habegger

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Total number of (Net press run), No. Copies of Single Issue Form 3526-X worksheet. 17. Publication of of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Copies (Net press run), Average No. Copies Published Nearest to Filing Date: 48,500. Statement of Ownership: If the publication National Division, 1370 Ontario St., Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 15b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside is a general publication, publication of this Mezzanine, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702. 49,925. 15b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and the Mail): 15b(1): Mailed Outside-County statement is required. Will be printed in Editor: John Bentley, Editor, Locomotive Outside the Mail): 15b(1): Mailed Outside- Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form the Fall 2013 issue of this publication. 18. Engineers & Trainmen Journal, 1370 County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS 3541 (include paid distribution above Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Ontario St., Mezzanine, Cleveland, OH Form 3541 (include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and Business Manager or Owner: John Bentley. 44113-1702. Managing Editor: Same as nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 47,874: 15b(2). Mailed Date: 9-27-13. I certify that all information “Editor” Above. 10. Owner (Do not leave exchange copies): 49,234: 15b(2). Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on furnished on this form is true and complete. blank. If the publication is owned by a In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution I understand that anyone who furnishes corporation, give the name and address of PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof false or misleading information on this the corporation immediately followed by above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 0. 15b(3): form or who omits material or information the names and addresses of all stockholders copies, and exchange copies): 0. 15b(3): Paid Distribution Outside the Mails requested on the form may be subject to owning or holding 1 percent or more of the Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and criminal sanctions (including fines and total amount of stock. If not owned by a Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions corporation, give the names and addresses Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside (including civil penalties). www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 27 >> BLET Auxiliary BLET regional meetings offer great opportunities for fun, fellowship, and education

by Kathy Hurst 2nd Vice President/ Assistant Legislative Rep., BLET Auxiliary President, Guadalupe Auxiliary No. 28, Tucson, Arizona

hy go to a regional meet- ing? You might think, “I’m not a union officer, what would I get out of Wit?” Well, I am here to tell you... lots! The very first International Western Con- vention (IWC) I attended was here in Tucson when my husband was president On behalf of the BLET Auxiliary, National President Anita Caruso presented a of Division 28, back in 1990. Truth- commemorative gavel to BLET National President Dennis Pierce at the BLET’s fully, I went to support him. It never 150th anniversary celebration in Detroit on May 8, 2013. occurred to me that I might enjoy it, but speakers for our meeting. We were pret- ize in the Federal Employers’ Liability I did. I met other spouses there and it ty much feeling our way around in the Act with respect to railroad employees. was really interesting just to see the gen- dark because we didn’t know all that They often give presentations explain- erational differences. One of the older much about the Auxiliary (GIA) or what ing what steps a spouse needs to take ladies asked how we younger ones (hey, we were supposed to do at a convention. should her (or his) loved one be injured it was a long time ago!) liked getting up We planned some great activities and or killed on the job. This is vitally im- in the middle of the night to cook break- speakers, however, and it all came to- portant information that we as spous- fast. Sereena Hogan and I looked at each gether very well. Every convention offers es often don’t get anywhere else. The other and simultaneously said, “I don’t an array of educational workshops for attorneys also give presentations on do that!” We both worked full time and, the BLET members in attendance to other information that is important for when our husbands were called to work help them learn how to better perform railroad families, such as the impor- in the middle of the night, we did not the duties of their elected positions. All tance of carrying enough uninsured/ get up with them to see them off. At that BLET members and Auxiliary members underinsured liability coverage on our time, neither Sereena nor I knew any- are invited to attend these classes. If you auto insurance policies in case our thing about the Auxiliary, which was are a BLET spouse whose husband has spouses are involved in an accident then called the Grand International served, or is serving, as an officer, either while being transported to or from the Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Loco- on the local level or on a General Com- work site by a contract van driver. motive Engineers (GIA). mittee of Adjustment, then you know There are also informative presenta- Eight years later, in 1998, the IWC there is a lot to these positions. Having tions the conventions on such topics as was held in Tucson again and Sereena’s the opportunity to attend the class and radiation safety and transporting of haz- husband Ken Kroeger was the chairman find out more about it can be very en- ardous materials. I think this is impor- of the committee that organized the lightening, and give you some perspec- tant for all of us to be informed about convention. He asked Sereena to serve tive of what holding BLET office entails. the cargo that is moving through our as co-chair to organize the Auxiliary If your spouse is a passionate union of- communities via rail. At regional meet- activities and that was when she and I ficer, it’s hard not to get caught up in ing workshops, we learn what is — or is decided to start a local Auxiliary here the activities of the union. not — being done to protect our spous- in Tucson. Our Auxiliary members had One of the most important experi- es who work as part of the train crews fun planning the activities for the spous- ences I have had at these conventions as well as the communities at large where es at the convention and arranging for is hearing from attorneys who special- such dangerous cargo travels.

28 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org

29

BLET J BLET 2013 F 3 . N • all o al ourn . - . org t ble www

www.bletauxiliary.net mission. our further to needed wherever and whenever at: Auxiliary the joining about more

especially during times of duress, and to render assistance assistance render to and duress, of times during especially members and their families throughout the United States. Learn Learn States. United the throughout families their and members

tance to widows, widowers, sisters and brothers, when needed, needed, when brothers, and sisters widowers, widows, to tance the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Rail Conference, our our Conference, Rail Teamsters of Brotherhood International the

Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and the organizations of of organizations the and Trainmen, and Engineers Locomotive - assis give to members, full its of families the with education

Auxiliary and railroad families, especially the Brotherhood of of Brotherhood the especially families, railroad and Auxiliary quality of life of railroaders and their families, to promote higher higher promote to families, their and railroaders of life of quality

the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) (BLET) Trainmen and Engineers Locomotive of Brotherhood the and promote issues that effect the health, safety, welfare and and welfare safety, health, the effect that issues promote and

The BLET Auxiliary exists to support the interest and welfare of of welfare and interest the support to exists Auxiliary BLET The The overall purpose of the Auxiliary shall be to provide support support provide to be shall Auxiliary the of purpose overall The

ABOUT THE AUXILIARY: AUXILIARY: THE ABOUT PURPOSE:

the Executive Council. Council. Executive the ble-t.org/info/meetings. ble-t.org/info/meetings. - Na our at delegate member-at-large

position and will be a great addition to to addition great a be will and position ister, go to the BLET website at www. at website BLET the to go ister, Sister Lawana served as the SMA SMA the as served Lawana Sister

that she will do a wonderful job in the the in job wonderful a do will she that - reg to how and conventions regional Auxiliary Chairperson for the SMA. SMA. the for Chairperson Auxiliary

come Sister Lawana. We are confident confident are We Lawana. Sister come more details about each of this year’s year’s this of each about details more in 2014, she will assume the position of of position the assume will she 2014, in

- wel wholeheartedly I and Forman Gina stay to explore the area. To find out out find To area. the explore to stay Meeting Association (SMA). Beginning (SMA). Beginning Association Meeting

Brand, National 1st Vice President/NOC President/NOC Vice 1st National Brand, one — go to the regional meeting and and meeting regional the to go — one Secretary-Treasurer for the Southeastern Southeastern the for Secretary-Treasurer

eena Hogan, National Treasurer Helen Helen Treasurer National Hogan, eena think about planning a vacation around around vacation a planning about think years, she has served as the Auxiliary Auxiliary the as served has she years,

- Ser President/NLR Vice National these conventions. You might even even might You conventions. these become more involved. For the past two two past the involved. For more become

learn from the current National Officers. National current the from learn of you will consider attending one of of one attending consider will you of and recently took the opportunity to to opportunity the took recently and

have the opportunity to work with and and with work to opportunity the have Mo., September 7-11. I hope that each each that hope I 7-11. September Mo., iary member-at-large for many years, years, many for member-at-large iary

that she is “blessed beyond belief” to to belief” beyond “blessed is she that (SWCM) will take place in St. Louis, Louis, St. in place take will (SWCM) - Auxil an been has Lawana Sister

sition on the Executive Council and said said and Council Executive the on sition Southwestern Convention Meeting Meeting Convention Southwestern there, it does not mean they do not care. not do they mean not does it there,

- po her assume to opportunity the have Ohio, August 4-8. And finally, the the finally, And 4-8. August Ohio, that, just because someone is not always always not is someone because just that,

willing to face them. She is grateful to to grateful is She them. face to willing (EUMA) in downtown Cleveland, Cleveland, downtown in (EUMA) and dependable, and they always knew knew always they and dependable, and

new challenges, and she is more than than more is she and challenges, new ern Union Meeting Association Association Meeting Union ern learned to be patient, flexible, punctual, punctual, flexible, patient, be to learned

aware that this position will have many many have will position this that aware - East the is Third 3. 29-July July Minn., road family, Lawana and Mike’s children children Mike’s and Lawana family, road

iliary National Secretary. She is quite quite is Secretary. She National iliary ern Convention (IWC) in Minneapolis, Minneapolis, in (IWC) Convention ern - rail a in up 2014. Growing in early due

- Aux new BLET the as serve to honored - West International the is next The 19. nary grandchildren, with number four four number with grandchildren, nary

tion. She is delighted and more than than more and delighted is She tion. tion (SMA) in Savannah, Ga., June 15- June Ga., Savannah, in (SMA) tion - extraordi three and children beautiful

- posi Secretary Alternate the for ran she - Associa Meeting Southeastern the is Sister Lawana is blessed to have three three have to blessed is Lawana Sister

tional Convention last fall, at which time time which at fall, last Convention tional tunities to choose from. The first one one first The from. choose to tunities tive for the state of Georgia. of state the for tive

- oppor great many us gives schedule - Representa Legislative State Auxiliary

tion (SMA). (SMA). tion

conventions held. The 2014 convention convention 2014 The held. conventions tive Board. Lawana currently serves as as serves currently Lawana Board. tive

of the Southeastern Meeting Associa Meeting Southeastern the of -

Each year, there are four regional regional four are there year, Each - Legisla State Georgia the for Treasurer Graben as the BLET Auxiliary Co-Chair Co-Chair Auxiliary BLET the as Graben

regional conventions. regional 696 (Atlanta, Ga.). Today, he is Secretary- is he Today, Ga.). (Atlanta, 696 Sister Lawana has also replaced Sister Sister replaced also has Lawana Sister

ship Program take place at all of the the of all at place take Program ship Secretary-Treasurer for BLET Division Division BLET for Secretary-Treasurer new duties as National Secretary, Secretary, National as duties new

- Scholar the for activities Fundraising road. For many years, Brother Mike was was Mike Brother years, many For road. and Lawana Poss. In addition to her her to addition In Poss. Lawana and

Anita Caruso, Jewell Graben Graben Jewell Caruso, Anita From left: From ters of BLET and Auxiliary members. members. Auxiliary and BLET of ters - Rail Southern Norfolk with engineer

- daugh and sons are who students more Sister Lawana’s husband Mike is an an is Mike husband Lawana’s Sister

ship fund so that we can offer aid to to aid offer can we that so fund ship personal reasons as of August 1, 2013. 2013. 1, August of as reasons personal

- scholar our build to opportunity the for almost three years, has resigned for for resigned has years, three almost for

officers and members, truly appreciate appreciate truly members, and officers her, who has served as National Secretary Secretary National as served has who her,

Scholarship Fund. We, as Auxiliary Auxiliary as We, Fund. Scholarship convention in October 2010. Linda Ma Linda 2010. October in convention -

ment went to support the Auxiliary Auxiliary the support to went ment sition of Alternate Secretary at our last last our at Secretary Alternate of sition

O tourna golf their from proceeds the - W. Poss. Lawana was elected to the po the to elected was Lawana Poss. W. -

convention in El Paso, Texas, where where Texas, Paso, El in convention National Secretary Lawana Lawana Secretary National

tion Meeting Association’s (SWCM) (SWCM) Association’s Meeting tion you all to welcome our new new our welcome to all you

of attending the Southwestern Conven Southwestern the attending of - tional Auxiliary, I invite invite I Auxiliary, tional

attendance. In 2011, I had the pleasure pleasure the had I 2011, In attendance. - Na BLET the of behalf n

each convention that is open to all in in all to open is that convention each Auxiliary National President National Auxiliary

by Anita J. Caruso J. Anita by there is always a golf tournament at at tournament golf a always is there

tour or a trip to the local brewery. And And brewery. local the to trip a or tour Lawana W. Poss W. Lawana

ping trip, or maybe a guided museum museum guided a maybe or trip, ping

There might be a fashion show, a shop a show, fashion a be might There -

new National Secretary National new

the spouses and their families to attend. attend. to families their and spouses the

BLET Auxiliary welcomes welcomes Auxiliary BLET committee schedules fun activities for for activities fun schedules committee

Oftentimes the convention planning planning convention the Oftentimes

BLET A BLET ry a i l

>> uxi BLET web store

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30 BLET Journal No. 3 • Fall 2013 www.ble-t.org TurboTax Discount For Teamsters

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Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/teamsters Follow us on Twitter Follow @Teamsters on Twitter. Sign Up for Updates Text “IBT” to 86466 (message and data rates may apply) Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal (ISSN: 1553-5010 USPS: 120) Published quarterly for $10 per year by Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W., 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 Periodicals Postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: RECORD DEPARTMENT Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen 1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine, Cleveland, OH 44113-1702

anta climbs aboard the observation car of a Norfolk & Western overnight streamliner en route back to the North Pole, 1950. (Courtesy: Norfolk South- New Santa ern Corp.). Retired BLET member Doug Riddell, Division 14 (Washington, D.C.),S has co-authored a new book titled “Virginia’s Legendary Santa Trains.” SEE Train Book PAGE 5 FOR MORE DETAILS.

A ticket for the Miller & Rhoads Santa Claus Train, 1964. Photo: Lewis Parks Private Collection