Unseen Victim

L 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

JVolumeournal 120 | No. 1 | Winter 2016 WWW.BLE-T.ORG Chuck Akers steps down from the cab, reluctantly The unseen victim

Education & Training An investment in our Also inside: union leaders of tomorrow PG 12 Last Runs The Real Brotherhood American Dream Obituaries BLET member Ray Vigil BLET Auxiliary is proud to be American, Scholarships proud to be Union PG 18

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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 Join us in the fight to defend your hard earned benefits ne of any Union’s retirement benefits. We have primary respon- earned our retirement ben- sibilities is to ne- efits with our own sweat and gotiate for and tears; it is not some so-called defendO the benefits that make entitlement that the govern- union jobs the best jobs in our ment should trifle with. proud country. It is no secret The same is true of our — as all members should be Medicare benefits. I entered well aware — that the rail- the work force in 1976, eleven roads are attempting in our years after the 1965 Medicare national contract negotiations Amendment to the Social to diminish the quality of our Security Act legislatively cre- health care benefits. In fact, ated the Medicare system. As the primary reason for our and in some cases take for benefit is our Railroad Re- a result, and as with almost national freight contract not granted, are a combination tirement program. You will all railroad employees actively being settled is due to your of collectively bargained ben- recall that House Speaker working today, I have paid into employers’ demands that you efits, legislated benefits and Ryan previously suggested the Medicare system from pick up significantly more of regulatory benefits that often that our retirement benefits every paycheck that I have the cost of your health care. generate from legislation. be reduced, and we asked you received since I entered the You have had no contract to The election cycle of 2016 then to show our collective workforce. Like Railroad Re- vote on because I have heard is over, and I have heard from strength in telling him to tirement, this is no entitlement loud and clear how you view many members who want our leave our benefits alone. that the government should such a contract; you would Union to get past the election We must continue to be trifle with, it is a benefit that I never ratify it. and concentrate on the future, vigilant as efforts to reduce bought and paid for. Instead, we have entered not the past. I wholeheartedly Social Security benefits are Don’t fall for the sugges- into mediation under the pro- agree with those sentiments, already being discussed, and tion that you should work visions of the Railway Labor but with a new government we must be ready to again de- longer to get those benefits, Act (RLA). Although our pri- now in control in Washington, fend any similar attacks on our or that the Medicare system mary goal is to reach a vol- we must all keep a watchful Railroad Retirement system. should be changed to create untary settlement that our eye on how they approach Dismissing these attacks as a voucher system where you members would ratify, it is governance. Many members “fake news” because we don’t are thrown to the open mar- also becoming painfully clear have been clear that they want like them is not going to pre- ket to buy health insurance that we may have to exhaust labor to give the new admin- vent the attacks from hap- in your later years. These are the terms and conditions of istration a chance, but I don’t pening. This is real; there are not ideas promoted by, or in- the RLA, including the point think they expect their Union groups out there whose agenda tended to help working class where we reach the right to to let its guard down when it is to strip you of your retire- Americans; they are ideas pro- strike, in order to defend our comes to corporate America’s ment and related health care moted by corporate lobbyists current benefits. efforts to strip you of benefits benefits, and they are working like the American Legislative While our ongoing con- that you earned and paid for hard in the new congress to Exchange Council (ALEC) tract negotiations are get- with your labor. advance that agenda. We are and the anti-worker Koch ting the bulk of our atten- My efforts in the coming closely monitoring these ef- brothers. Their goal is to relieve tion, it is critical that we not months will be to do just that. forts, and if they gain steam, your employers of their costs let our guard down on the We cannot allow corporate we will immediately need all to run these programs, even many other benefits that power and wealth to strip working and retired railroad though that cost has long been all members count on. As I working class Americans of employees to rise up and de- figured into your legislatively have explained in the past, protections and benefits that mand that this new govern- mandated benefits package. If the benefits that we count on, they have earned. One such ment keep its hands off of our Continued on page 29 •

2 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org L 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 Contents ❱❱ Journal Published by the BLET, »» ON THE COVER: Division 14 member Chuck Akers. a division of the Rail Conference, Read his story on page 14. Cover photo: Heather Rousseau, The Roanoke Times International Brotherhood of Teamsters w w w . b l e - t . o r g BLET Advisory Board EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dennis R. Pierce National President National Division E [email protected] E. Lee Pruitt First VP & Alternate President National Division E [email protected] Stephen J. Bruno National Secretary-Treasurer National Division 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] Brother Ray Vigil (left) Marcus J. Ruef 178 Fairway Dr. with Teamsters Charles Town, WV 25414-5833 International Vice President E [email protected] Sean O’Brien Michael D. Twombly 18 70 High St., Andover, MA 01810 E [email protected] Departments Features Gil L. Gore 4016 Paige Janette Dr., Harvey, LA 70058 News 4 12 Education & Training E [email protected] Brotherhood Obituaries 8 An investment in our union leaders Michael D. Priester of tomorrow. 247 Opera House St., Columns by James P. Hoffa Henderson, NV 89012 and John Murphy, IBT 10 14 The Unseen Victim E [email protected] Legislative Update 20 Chuck Akers steps down from the cab, Cole W. Davis reluctantly as PTSD had taken its toll. 20 Holman Rd., Moberly, MO 65270 Last Runs 24 E [email protected] BLET Auxiliary 30 18 The Real American Dream R.C. (Rick) Gibbons Brother Ray Vigil, Div. 226, who moved 7126 North Norton, Gladstone, MO 64119 E [email protected] to American from Peru when he was 14 James P. Louis on what it means to be a union member. 257 Forbes Ave. , Tonawanda, NY 14150 E [email protected] TRUSTEES David P. Estes 13120 136th St. Anderson Island, WA 98303 E [email protected] Mark L. Wallace P.O. Box 16039, Asheville, NC 28816 E [email protected] Matt O. Wilson 7 24 8121 Rock Elm Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76131 E [email protected] The Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal (ISSN: 1553-5010 USPS: 120) is published quarterly for $10.00 per year (single copies $3.00) by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, 25 Louisiana Ave. John Bentley Jr. N.W., 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER, Director of Public Relations & Editor E [email protected] please send address changes to: Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal, BLET Record Department,

7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduc- Bill Joyce Art Director & Associate Editor tion in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Widows of BLET members will receive free E [email protected] subscriptions upon request to: BLET Record Dept., 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. National Division www.ble-t.org 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 3 Independence, Ohio 44131 up front SAVE THE DATES! 2017 BLET regional meetings he BLET National Division is el to the meeting, registration and a wel- cussion of matters of importance to pleased to announce the dates come reception for each of the two meet- the membership. Additionally, the and locations of its 2017 re- ings will be on Monday (June 5 for San meetings are structured to include op- gional meetings: June 5-9 in Antonio and August 14 for Myrtle tions for fellowship with other mem- San Antonio, Texas; and Au- Beach). Meetings, training classes and bers and their families, entertainment, Tgust 14-18 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. other events will be scheduled through- fun and relaxation. The San Antonio regional meeting out the remainder of the week and will More specific details will be an- will be at the Hyatt Regency-San Antonio include a closing banquet on Thursday nounced at a later date. Registration Riverwalk in Texas and the Myrtle Beach night. Travel home is on Friday for each information will be available online at regional meeting will be at the Hilton meeting (June 9 for San Antonio and the BLET National Division’s regional Myrtle Beach Resort in South Carolina. August 18 for Myrtle Beach). meeting website (www.bletregionals. As with the 2016 regional meetings, Per the BLET Bylaws, regional meet- org). All members are encouraged to the 2017 meetings will be arranged on ings are held for the purposes of mem- attend one or both of these regional a Monday through Friday schedule. Trav- bership training, education and dis- meetings in 2017.

JUNE 5-9 AUGUST 14-18 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. visitsanantonio.com Visit Myrtle Visit Beach Photos: Photos:

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WWW.BLETREGIONALS.ORG

4 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org up front BROTHERHOOD BOOKSHELF BLET member honored for promoting rail safety

Retired BLET member co-authors book on famous N&W steam locomotive Norfolk and Western in 1979, his train missed a loaded Six-Eleven; 3 Times A Lady By Timothy R. Hensley gasoline tanker truck by about 10 and Kenneth L. Miller feet as he worked behind the throt- Publisher: Pocahontas Productions tle of The Hilltopper. ISBN: 978-0-9899837-1-6 Brother Hensley put his college etired BLET member Timo- degree to work for the Brotherhood, thy R. Hensley is a man of serving as a public relations repre- Rmany hats. Railroad histo- sentative and associate editor of rian. Retired Amtrak Cardinal lo- The Locomotive Engineer from comotive engineer. Consultant. 1984-1986. He served under the From left: Caddo Sheriff’s Lt. Richard Corbett; Collector of railroad artifacts. direction of then-BLE Internation- Chris Knox, KCS Railway Terminal Superintendent; Small business owner. And most al President John F. Sytsma and Stephen Prator Jr., KCS locomotive engineer recently, author. worked from an office in the En- and member of BLET Division 599; and Shreveport Police Department Assistant Chief Wayne Smith. In 2015, Brother Hensley co- gineers Building in downtown authored Norfolk and Western Six- Cleveland, Ohio. rother Stephen W. Prator Jr. of BLET Divi- Eleven; 3 Times A Lady with Ken- Brother Hensley eventually sion 599 (Shreveport, La.) received the neth L. Miller. The book details transferred membership to Divi- BFriends of Safety Town Award from the the history of Norfolk & Western sion 14 (Washington, D.C.). His Sheriff’s Office in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, for Class J steam locomotives, par- Last Run came on July 20, 2014, as outstanding service to his community. Brother ticularly engine No. 611. The book an Amtrak locomotive engineer, Prator presented several rail safety education pro- is presented in three parts: the first operating train No. 51, The Cardi- grams at the Sheriff’s Safety Town and through focuses on the locomotive’s origins nal, from Huntington, W.Va., to the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputy Program. and operations; the second on its Charlottesville, Va. A locomotive engineer for the Kansas City “retirement” after the introduc- In addition to co-authoring Southern, Brother Prator also volunteers for Op- tion of diesel locomotives; and the books in his retirement, Brother eration Lifesaver. He was recognized for present- third on its return to service and Hensley is the owner and operator ing Operation Lifesaver programs to 13 Sheriff’s resurrection in 2015. The 96-page of The Trainmaster’s House, a bed Auxiliary Deputy classes and also volunteering hardback book is filled with count- and breakfast featuring museum- over 100 hours to maintaining the railroad safety less black and white and full color quality railroad artifacts and other exhibit at Sheriff’s Safety Town. The exhibit uses photographs. antiques in Kenova, W.Va. a functioning railroad crossing to teach children Brother Hensley graduated Copies of Norfolk and Western the importance of practicing safe habits around from Marshall University in 1975 Six-Eleven; 3 Times A Lady are railroad tracks. with a degree in journalism. He available to BLET members and Brother Prator serves the BLET as Legislative hired out on the railroad and retirees for $30, plus $6 shipping Representative of Division 599 and is also Sec- joined the Brotherhood effective and handling. Please contact: Poca- retary-Treasurer of the Louisiana State Legisla- December 1, 1979, holding mem- hontas Productions at Depart F, tive Board. bership in Division 190 in Hun- P.O. Box 384, Kenova, WV 25530; The award was presented at KCS’ Shreveport tington, W.Va. As a young fireman or (304) 633-8512. Yard in late 2015. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 5 up front

letters to the editor (BLET Editor’s Note: The fol- deserve and demand respect. it appears that this reduced-vis- the past 40 years are some of the lowing letter from BLET I will close by saying that the ibility suggestion will likely be- hardest working and most ded- Missouri State Legislative BLET did not make it over a cen- come law, we can likely expect icated individuals you’ll ever Board Chairman Brian P. tury and a half as an organiza- our shameful ranking to worsen. meet. Please know that I owe the Kelley was submitted to the tion by treating our members While the railroad lobby may ap- Brotherhood a great deal of the Liberty Tribune newspaper inappropriately. We have made plaud this amendment as a way credit for what turned out to be in Liberty, Mo.) it that long by treating them like to reduce maintenance costs and a successful career. our brothers and sisters! liability, the public will be ex- I’m also thankful for Presi- Dear Liberty Tribune Editor: posed to much more dangerous dent Roosevelt and his wisdom The organization that I am Sincerely, conditions in the future. to form a joint Committee be- proudly a member of and serve Brian P. Kelley I call on Rep. Ed Soliday and tween management and labor as an officer for is the Brother- Chairman, Missouri State Sen. Yoder to reconsider this pro- establishing the railroad retire- hood of Locomotive Engineers Legislative Board vision in HB 1087 and strike it ment system. The Organizations and Trainmen (BLET). We cel- Member, BLET Division 502 from the Bureau of Motor Ve- must make every effort to con- ebrated our 153rd anniversary (Kansas City, Mo.) hicles omnibus bill. Allow these tinue to protect our retirement in May of 2016 and we have the changes to be debated with pub- system from those who would honor of being the oldest labor (BLET Editor’s Note: The fol- lic input, instead of under the like to take it away for political union in North America. I have lowing Letter to the Editor cover of a committee hearing reasons or greed. Without Pres- some words of caution and wis- by Brian J. Farkas, Chairman dedicated to license branch is- ident Roosevelt and the 1937 dom to share as a 40-year rail- of the BLET’s Indiana State sues. I also encourage all Hoo- Railroad Retirement Act none road veteran and 20-year plus Legislative Board, appeared siers to contact their state rep- of us would be able to retire. union leader. in the Lafayette Journal & resentatives and state senators I’m sure the carriers will If you are an employee or Courier on March 7, 2016.) to voice their opposition to this make this round of bargaining genuinely care about them, then dangerous change. especially difficult. Hopefully please always be suspicious of Dear Editor: you’ll be able to keep things rea- groups who give themselves pa- Consider me idealistic (or per- Brian J. Farkas sonable now that we are negoti- triotic sounding names and pur- haps naive), but I believe that our BLET Division 121 ating jointly with some of the port to represent the best inter- legislative process should be an Indianapolis, Ind. other rail unions. Good luck and ests of the workers. Too many open exercise that allows for ex- if there is anything that I can do times these organizations are amination and debate over vari- Brother Pierce: to help please let me know. simply front groups for the ous ideals. Unfortunately, this I just wanted to thank you wealthy and business interests does not always happen in gov- and the Brotherhood for all the Fraternally, and are promoting their agenda ernment, particularly in the In- support I received as a member William G. Stanich — an agenda that is designed to diana General Assembly. and a Local Chairman. Most Retired fracture the unity of employees During a final hearing of the members don’t get to see behind BLET Division 504 and to do whatever they can to Senate Homeland Security and the curtain of the Brotherhood. reduce our wages, benefits, and Transportation Committee, an I wish there was a way that every rights. United We Stand — Di- amendment to House Bill 1087 member could see the day-to-day We welcome vided We Fall! was introduced by Sen. Carlin workings of the Brotherhood. I your letters The Locomotive Engineers and Be leery of buzz words they Yoder that decreases the sight dis- consider myself lucky to have Trainmen Journal welcomes commonly use like “union boss- tances at public railroad crossings worked for the railroad and the Letters to the Editor. Please in- es,” because they are a tip off that from 1,500 feet down to as little Brotherhood. The union benefits clude your name, address, BLET these people are not sincere in as 350 feet, depending on the and wages allowed me to pay for Division number, email address, and/or phone number on any their efforts. That term is de- maximum authorized speed of three college educations, own a submission. We reserve the grading and disrespectful to not the railroad tracks. This was done home, and have a retirement. right to edit your submission for only the union leaders like my- without any public input and Without the union we wouldn’t grammar, punctuation, content self, who are elected by our peers, solely based on the desire of the even come close to having our and space considerations. but also to those who we serve. railroad lobbyists. current contracts. One only has Address letters to: I am not their boss — I am their Indiana is tied for eighth in to look at what the non-union Editor, Locomotive Engineers servant and I am honored for the nation for rail-crossing fa- railroads wages and working and Trainmen Journal, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, that privilege. Union members talities, and fourth in the nation conditions are. The union offi- Independence, Ohio 44131. are proud men and women who for rail-crossing collisions. Since cers I’ve called my Brothers for Or email: [email protected]

6 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org up front Aird helps make young hunter’s dream come true elping to make Over the last two years, wishes become re- Brother Aird, along with his ality for disabled sons William and Mason, youth, Brother Paul have volunteered a weekend HAird has volunteered as a of their time to mentor teen- youth mentor for Dream agers with various disabili- Hunt programs during the ties. After a meet-and-greet fall of 2015 and 2016. dinner with the kids and A Special Representative their families, and also time with the BLET National Divi- on the rifle range, Brother sion and a member of Divi- Aird got the young hunters sion 173 (Fond du Lac, Wis- into the field for real life ex- consin), Brother Aird is also perience in the woods. an avid outdoorsman and a “Although the Dream Hunt Marine Corps veteran. Broth- has had success in harvesting er Aird’s involvement is animals,” Brother Aird said, through the group Hard Horn “I’ve come to realize that the Adventures, an affiliate of true success for a hunter is be- United Special Sportsman Al- From left: Dream Hunt Volunteer Mason Aird, ing able to share the love of the liance (USSA) in Wisconsin. Dream Hunt Youth Hunter Anthony, Dream Hunt Mentor outdoors with those who can’t In addition to assisting criti- and BLET Special Representative Paul Aird, easily enjoy it on their own.” and Dream Hunt Volunteer Will Aird. cally-ill and disabled youth, USSA is a wish-granting the United Special Sportsman for help in 2015, Brother Aird Brother Aird said. “That’s charity that takes seriously ill Alliance (USSA) also helps volunteered to serve as a men- why groups like USSA are so or disabled youths and their disabled military veterans en- tor to disabled youth as part important. It takes families families on a “Dream Hunt” joy outdoor adventures such of the USSA Dream Hunt. away from the world of hos- into the great outdoors to en- as hunting and fishing. “If you have a disability, pitals and the worry of med- joy the beauty and splendor of In response to his friend then getting into the field and ical bills and puts them in a nature. For more information and fellow Marine Corps Vet- hunting is not an easy task relaxed, outdoor setting about USSA, please visit: www. eran Chris Dekker’s request without a lot of assistance,” where they can enjoy nature.” childswish.org.

Dream Hunt volunteers pose for a group photo with the 2016 youth hunters and their family members. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 7 Obituaries Former BLET General Chairman Bill Overton, 1942-2016 W.M. (BILL) OVERTON JR., 73, Meeting Association (SMA) in passed peacefully on April 30, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 2016, with his family by his side. Brother Overton is survived by He was born August 18, 1942 to his wife, Reda. He is also survived William and Lois Overton in by his daughter, Regina and son Knoxville, Tenn., the oldest of six William (Monty); his wife’s son children. He was a Norfolk South- Shawn; grandchildren, Joshua, ern locomotive engineer and served Noah, Gabby, Grayce, Gabe and the BLET as General Chairman of Gavin. the Norfolk Southern-Southern “Brother Bill Overton was a loyal Lines General Committee of member of our Brotherhood for 42 Adjustment from 2009-2012. He years,” BLET National President held continuous membership in Dennis R. Pierce said. “He held Division 239 (Knoxville, Tenn.) since numerous elected offices, including joining the Brotherhood on August General Chairman, and was 1, 1974. In 2003, he served as dedicated to serving our members Arrangements Chairman of the and protecting their rights on the Brother Bill Overton, right, with former BLET’s 76th annual Southeastern job. He will be truly missed.” Vice General Chairman Bill Thompson BLET extends condolences on passing of Elaine L. Ross THE BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND TRAINMEN (BLET) extends deepest sympathies to Honorary Member Harold A. Ross and staff employee Gregory E. Ross upon the passing of wife and mother Elaine L. Ross. Mrs. Ross passed away on April 30, 2016. She is survived by: hus- band Harold; daughter Leslie Choma and son-in-law George; son Gregory and daughter-in-law Paula; son Jonathan; grandson Benjamin Choma; sisters Barbara Maschue, Marilyn McGrath and Margaret Ferrara; and brother E. Lawrence Hunt. She is preceded in death by brother John Terrence Hunt. Greg has been a Brotherhood Greg Ross, Leslie Choma, Elaine Ross and Harold Ross employee for more than 20 years and BLE General Counsel on September 1, “Harold and Greg have served the currently serves as Director of 1967. Brother Harold retired in 2004, Brotherhood with distinction for many Communications, Director of Legal at which time he was named an years and we are deeply saddened by Affairs and Assistant to the Office Honorary Member of the Brother- their loss,” BLET National President Administrator. Brother Harold served hood, a rare and distinguished honor Dennis R. Pierce said. “Our hearts and as BLET General Counsel for nearly that has been bestowed on fewer prayers go out to them and to the Ross four decades. He began serving as than 20 people in nearly 154 years. family during this difficult time.”

8 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org Obituaries Former BLET General Chairman Bruce MacArthur, 1946-2016 FORMER BLET GENERAL CHAIR- Andrea Erickson (Mark), MAN BRUCE D. MACARTHUR, Whitney MacArthur (Troy AGE 69, passed away on June Hopkins)’s stepson, Stephen 15, 2016, at CHI Mercy Hospital. Lemonds’s stepdaughter, Brother MacArthur was born Jennifer Powell (Ryan)’s sister, in Mason City, Iowa, on Novem- Sherry Black (Bill)’s 4 grandchil- ber 27, 1946, to the late Jack dren, Dakota, Vivian, Ava and and Bernida (Steinbeck) MacAr- Lulu’s 2 stepgrandchildren, Nina thur. Bruce lived and worked in and Henry and a host of other Clinton, Iowa, for many years. family and friends. He retired from the Union Pacific “Brother Bruce MacArthur will Railroad after more than 40 be remembered for his tireless years of service. Since 1992, he devotion to the BLET and its had served as General Chair- Brother MacArthur, left, with long-serving members,” BLET National Vice General Chairman Mike Elsberry man of the BLET’s Union Pacific- President Dennis R. Pierce said. Northern Region General Committee Brother MacArthur first joined the “I extend deepest sympathies to of Adjustment. He served seven terms BLET on January 11, 1973. Brother MacArthur’s family on behalf of office as General Chairman prior Brother MacArthur is survived by of the 56,000 men and women of the to his retirement in 2012. A member his wife, Phyllis (Lemonds) MacArthur’s Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of BLET Division 125 in Clinton, Iowa, best buddy, Mac (Boo)’s daughters, and Trainmen.”

BLET OBITUARIES: THIS INFORMATION IS BASED UPON REPORTS FILED BY THE SECRETARY-TREASURERS OF THE VARIOUS BLET DIVISIONS AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2016 265 — J. W. Ford 415 — T. M. Taylor 48 — M. E. Lauderdale 1 — L. T. Dewey 335 — F. J. Tokar 547 — Roy S. King 71 — Rosevelt C. Moore 24 — G. E. Lingle 815 — R. C. Kenady 683 — George A. Lewkuc 190 — B. D. Hendricks 57 — D. W. Huggan 882 — J. A. Harsh 195 — Corry M. Taylor 126 — L. Ursua AS OF JUNE 30, 2016 236 — P. J. Steigleder 180 — W. M. Peterson AS OF APRIL 30, 2016 125 — Bruce D. MacArthur 253 — J. G. Moore 195 — P. Boschee 7 — Michael R. Wright 179 — B. M. Wade 262 — Jason M. Johns 195 — D. W. Kukowski 84 — Billy G. Burdette 197 — James H. Farris 267 — Jack H. Coley 197 — S. A. Brown 231 — Anthony Coleman 206 — Robert C. Stephens 269 — T. G. Cavanagh 219 — E. B. Stone 239 — William M. Overton Jr. 448 — C. W. Havens 269 — R. F. Starck 265 — B. W. Gregg 269 — G. J. Hoffmann 742 — L. D. Barker 350 — J. G. Canon 269 — T. V. Mezzapella 304 — A. G. Dargie 815 — R. R. Barcus 357 — A. A. Gelhar 348 — C. S. Lowe III 325 — Alfred R. Lapsley 423 — R. G. Malone 401 — E. R. Blevins 391 — Randall L. Alley AS OF JULY 31, 2016 601 — Ronald L. Martz 401 — E. H. Rose 482 — David B. Byrnes 84 — Daniel H. Snyder 683 — Mark C. Debauche 409 — C. L. Rentz 758 — J. D. Nelson 112 — Ronald F. Lassonde 683 — Theodore C. 527 — A. J. Bates 782 — R. T. Jackson 207 — Donald J. Evans Jr. Dinwiddie Jr. 607 — R. E. Weisenberger 791 — F. A. Aragon 269 — S. J. Altman 698 — Robert E. Boyles 757 — R. Z. Marks 391 — Steven A. Lester 894 — Sherman C. White 790 — G. R. MacOmber AS OF MAY 31, 2016 481 — L. F. Romanek 35 — J. L. Alvarez 542 — M. D. Geczi AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AS OF MARCH 31, 2016 75 — Eugene Woodfin Jr. 598 — David G. Plyler 335 — Robert T. Novak 4 — T. R. Dubois 115 — Kim E. Hall 601 — Gerald E. Mickus 50 — J. F. Cheek 117 — Timothy J. Dunkelberger AS OF AUGUST 31, 2016 699 — J. P. Wilen 130 — L. O. Thurston 325 — Thomas Caruso 27 — John R. Strube 858 — Larry R Morrison 392 — Joseph P. Stiffarm 48 — B. H. Dempsey www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 9 ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| - - - g

ble . www John F. Murphy F. John Director, Teamsters Rail Conference and International Vice President Fund coordinated its relief effort FEMA, alongside the the Red Cross and Army, other agencies. The Team sters Disaster Relief Fund is the on presence the union’s ground disasters when strike, and with each disaster, new the lead re to help way we in members covery need. for beingPlease consider a part to donate thatof effort. To the fund, please visit www. teamster.org. Fraternally, America and Congress do to the right thing. Politiciansand drape businessbig shouldn’t themselves in the flag while doingnothing thisend to fleecing the of Corpo nation. catsrate fat making record need these dollarsprofits don’t — the does. U.S. Fraternally, President James P. Hoffa James P. GeneralTeamsters - - - after severe after severe 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 after severe t afterstorms severe after storms severe on f er e nce C Missouri Arkansas Louisiana, Mississippi Louisiana, Mississippi Mississippi

Texas

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o l a m e s Guest Helping our Brothers and Sisters in need Sisters and Brothers our Helping 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. ourna

he Teamsters not only not Teamsters he representsmembers inseeking better wag licans, increasingly lected officials, both Democrats and Repub

BLET J Yes, the plans differ may Yes, The Teamsters have a long a long have The Teamsters

Lost Corporate Taxes Could Fund Needed Infrastructure Needed Could Fund Lost Corporate Taxes About the Authors: view infrastructure invest infrastructure view ment as anment essential step to creating and jobs bolstering a That’s the economy. U.S. good thing. in size and the scope, re but alization that money needs roads, on beto rail, spent mass transit, energy net andworks systems water is thatone will hopefully now move beyond campaign promises. The Teamsters es, working conditions and benefits,also we offer assis tance in members to times of Disasterneed. The Teamsters Relief Fund assists Teamster sufferedmembers who have a loss from a natural disaster. The fund receives donations from local unions, their af filiates and individual mem bers like you. tradition serving of the on frontline in times crisis of and affected members helping by natural alone disasters. In 2016 Disasterthe Teamsters Relief Fund offered assistance to members living in: 10

T E Daily Beneﬁt $100 $150 $200 $220 $250 Level ($102*) ($201*)

BR&CF $38.00 $57.00 $76.00 $83.60 $95.00

LECMPA (*) $59.50 $87.50 $117.25 Not available... you will pay less per SMART - UTU $81.00 $121.50 $162.00 month with BR&CF for more daily beneﬁts

The BR&CF is the least expensive protection when disciplined for eligible occurrences. We are affordable. You could save up to $1,032 each year on a $200 beneﬁt level. A BR&CF membership offers you the best price, value and service. To apply for membership... act today... ask a BR&CF member where you work for an application or visit our web site at www.brcf.org or call us toll free at 800 233-7080. focus Education &Training AN INVESTMENT IN OUR UNION LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Attendees, instructors and guests at the Local Chairman class at BLET headquarters on June 10, 2016. he new Training Center for and the Training Center has hosted leisure from any computer that allows the BLET Education & classes for: General Chairmen, Local access to the internet. The next mod- Training Department Chairmen, and Secretary-Treasurers. ules to be released will cover Secretary- opened for business on Additionally, the Education & Train- Treasurer and Trustee responsibilities TApril 11, 2016. That’s the ing Department has taken its Legisla- along with a course on how to utilize day approximately two dozen Secretary- tive Representative training course on BLET’s new online trustee reporting Treasurers sat down for the first-ever the road and hosted it at Teamsters system, which will be rolled out short- class at the BLET’s new headquarters Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in ly. Although this technology allows us building in Independence, Ohio. order to provide Legislative Reps with to reach a larger number of members Delegates at the BLET’s Second Na- better access to elected officials in the faster with more information, it can- tional Convention in 2010 expressed the nation’s Capitol. not replace some of the experiences desire to expand training to all members The training courses will continue gained from being physically present and officers and voted for a dedicated at the Training Center at BLET Na- in a classroom setting. revenue source, which has been put to tional Division headquarters through- “Our investment in the Education & good use. The Training Center features out 2017 and beyond. Starting last year Training Department is an investment state-of-the art equipment and com- the Education & Training Department in the future of our membership,” BLET munications technology in a modern, offered online training to some of the National President Dennis R. Pierce said. user-friendly collaborative environment. Divisions and General Committees of “The hands-on approach in our training The training classes have continued Adjustment and plans to expand its classes builds a stronger union and en- since and many BLET members have curriculum and offer online training ables our Brotherhood to provide better been able to take advantage of valuable courses for all BLET members. The representation to our membership. I am educational opportunities offered by online training will be presented us- excited about the future of our Education the National Division. ing a product from Adobe and will be & Training Department as we continue The curriculum focuses on training divided into a series of tutorial mod- to train and prepare the union leaders for the various BLET elected offices, ules that members can view at their of tomorrow.”

12 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org Get Trained in 2017 PLEASE REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING TRAINING CLASS ALL BLET OFFICERS AND MEMBERS are encouraged to attend one or more BLET Education & Training Department classes during 2017. These classes are designed to help our elected officers develop and hone the skills necessary to provide the best representation possible to our membership. The best way to keep track of what courses are being offered is to visit the Education & Training De- partment area of the National Division website: www. ble-t.org/departments/et. The training schedule for Spring 2017 is now available, and please check the website frequently for the Fall 2017 schedule, which will be released later this year. The Spring 2017 schedule includes: an LM-2 Secretary-Treasurer Workshop; a Local Chairman class; and two Secretary-Treasurer classes. All Spring 2017 classes will be held in the Training Center at BLET Na- tional Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio, with the exception of the LM-2 Workshop, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas. The Fall 2017 schedule will include: Local Chairman class; Advanced Local Chairman class; General Chair- man class; Secretary-Treasurer class; and Legislative Representative class. The Legislative Representative class will be held in Washington, D.C., while all others will be in Independence, Ohio. Members can register for classes at the Education & Training Department area of the National Division website. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited. Even though all alternate officers are eligible to apply for classes, priority will be given to those officers who hold the position the class is designed for. Those who successfully complete a course will qualify for a $91 per day stipend from the North American Railway Foundation (www.narfoundation.org). The North American Railway Foundation (NARF) is a nonprofit operating foundation formed by the Brotherhood’s Relief and Compensation Fund (BR&CF) to support rail history, education, safety and technology in the United States and Canada. With initial funding and continued Board of Directors stewardship coming from the BR&CF, NARF has supported many non-political projects throughout the United States and Canada. The primary focus of these efforts has been in support of organized rail labor — giving back to all of the men and women of the railroad community across North America. Again, the National Division will periodically release new class dates so don’t forget to check the Education & Training Department website for future classes. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 13 focus

CHUCK AKERS, Amtrak Locomotive Engineer and Member of BLET Division 14, stepped down from his cab due to the psychological toll of accidents he could not prevent.

14 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org The unseen victim CHUCK AKERS STEPS DOWN FROM THE CAB, RELUCTANTLY BLET Editor’s note: Chuck Akers is a member of BLET Division 14 in Washington, D.C. The following article was originally published in the Roanoke Times on January 23, 2017. It is republished here with permission. Copyright, The Roanoke Times, republished by permission STAFF WRITER: Jeff Sturgeon • PHOTOGRAPHER: Heather Rousseau

huck Akers of Roanoke didn’t retire from being a locomotive engineer because of the man who committed suicide before his eyes and whose remains were washed by firefighters from the front of his train. It wasn’t specifically over the bicyclist he hit or the woman in Cthe older white van he killed, either. Or the person standing beside the track mowed down one day. Or about the run-ins with a cement truck, dump truck, front-end load- er, motorcycles or various passenger vehicles whose drivers failed to yield to the train on the tracks and lived. It was the shock of all those incidents combined, followed by a bruising derailment, that drove Akers to the sidelines of the profession he loved. To step down from the cab after nearly 40 years was hard but necessary for peace of mind, he said. “It’s the fear of hitting the next big thing that you won’t survive through,” said Akers, 58. “What do I hit next, a gas truck, wipe me out? I got people to consider.”

www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 15 focus

A million-plus miles traveled, a lifelong personal and family connection to railroading, a house full of photographs and memorabilia. Akers had a lot invested in the movement of freight and people. He had been on course to achieve a high point of his career: running the new Amtrak train to Roanoke later this year. Then a large truck blocked the track ahead of him on March 9, 2015. It was a routine trip between Raleigh, North Carolina, and Richmond, run at 79 mph. A sign at the crossing that was blocked, in Halifax, North Carolina, read: “DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS.” Emergency brakes on, Akers hit the floor. The Amtrak Carolinian T-boned a 162-foot “superload” carrying a mod- ular building. Sixty-five Amtrak pas- sengers and several crew went to the Brother Akers comes from a railroad family and is proud of his hospital. All but one person was treated memorabilia collection. He and his wife, Lisa Stoneman, in front and released. No one died. of an old railroad signal they have on display in their front yard. Rescuers approached Akers’ blue locomotive, lying on its side, and freed fatal crashes every 25 years of service. road worker. In any collision at a public him through a broken-out window. PTSD from exposure to multiple crash- crossing, “the driver decides to pull out “I’m done,” he recalled telling himself es is a recognized occupational hazard in front of the train. The train doesn’t at the scene. and has cost other train personnel the decide to pull out in front of the driver,” A psychologist he had seen for sev- remainder of their careers, according he said. eral years, a psychopharmacologist to to Tolman. Regulators at the National Highway whom he was referred and a railroad Regulators said there were 2,291 high- Traffic Safety Administration make a retirement board-appointed psychiatrist way-rail grade crossing collisions in the similar point in a video depiction of a agreed he needed to retire because of United States in 2015. train hitting a car and pushing it on post-traumatic stress disorder. “I’m sure he’s relieved to be away from along the tracks in a shower of sparks. PTSD occurs when a person exposed that pressure,” said a friend and former “If you think trains will stop if they see to a traumatic event or events continues co-worker, David Booth of Roanoke. a car on the tracks,” the narrator says, to feel stress and fear even when they “What I’ve seen of him, he appears OK “you’re right. They will. About a mile aren’t in danger. Before the Halifax to me. What his battles are inwardly I after they hit you.” crash, with 12 crashes on his record — don’t know.” Amtrak said it does not comment on none involving a violation on his part The split with Amtrak didn’t involve employee matters. or a derailment — the anxiety had been the usual retirement kudos for veterans, Though he recovered from extensive real but not overpowering. which is a source of angst for Akers, ac- bruising to his torso, Akers said he “I just kind of sucked it up and went cording to his wife, Lisa Stoneman, an abandoned a dream: to bid for the en- on, but it’s that fear of the unknown,” assistant professor of education at Roa- gineer’s assignment on Amtrak’s soon- Akers said. noke College. to-launch Roanoke passenger service. At its worst, the condition brought “I hate that for him,” she said. “There’s He said he couldn’t say for sure he would on nightmares and flashbacks. In one no big picture of him in his engine com- have gotten it, but his seniority likely incident, he tripped on a rock in his yard ing in.” would have been sufficiently high. The and “when I fell down I was back in that Some colleagues wince when they idea was to cap a career he had begun locomotive and we were wrecking,” he think about it. at the Norfolk & Western offices, once said. “You think about it every day.” “His last act as a locomotive engineer also located downtown, where he was John Tolman, vice president of the was riding out a locomotive that turned hired on in 1976, three weeks after high Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers over on its side … because somebody school graduation. and Trainmen, said locomotive engi- didn’t have common sense,” said Chuck Akers grew up in Elliston 350 feet neers experience an average of three Jensen, a lifelong friend and fellow rail- from tracks owned by Norfolk South-

16 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org es told them that the truck driver blocked the crossing while making three tries to complete a left turn at a nearby intersection. None of his three escorts, which included a North Car- olina state trooper, dialed CSX at an 800 number posted on a blue sign at the crossing to report problems, according to a report issued by the Fed- eral Railroad Administration on Jan. 6. Witness estimates for how long the crossing was blocked ranged from four minutes to 20 minutes. When Akers rounded a curve in the northbound track, the crossing could have been visible about 1,000 feet away, according to the report. To have been able to stop the train before the crash, Akers said, he would have needed at least half a mile, or 2,600 feet, or about 30 seconds’ warning that the crossing was blocked. Investigators credited Akers with slowing the train from 70 mph to 32 mph before the impact at 12:19 p.m. Some people might assume that if no one dies in a collision, Akers said he had been going 79, cut his the engineer is spared any trauma. But that’s wrong, Akers said. speed to 68 in the curve and was going 40 on impact. The speed limit for the ern, then Norfolk & Western. into scrap metal, you don’t know if crossing was 70 mph. “Every time I heard a train coming, there’s a 2-year-old in there or a 90-year- In naming a cause for the crash, the if I was in the house, I’d come running old in there,” he said. Federal Railroad Administration fault- out the back door to watch it go by,” he He’s had rescuers come up to him ed the truck driver for “highway user said. “I come from a long history of rail- and say, “ ‘It’s OK, they lived’ or ‘There misjudgment.” In assessing Akers’ con- road people. It’s all I ever wanted to do. was nobody in it.’ I say, it didn’t make duct, the report found “no train han- It was either that or construction, but any difference to me. … I still had the dling issues or exceptions.” In addition, the railroad won out just simply because experience of somebody maybe dying the train — whose brakes passed inspec- it was right out the back door.” three foot from me.” tion that morning — and the crossing He shares a middle name with his A metal cowling wrapping around equipment were working normally, the late father, Gordon Lacy Akers, a rail- the front console of the train is about report said. road fireman and sheet metal worker, all that separates the locomotive en- Akers posted a photo of his crashed and his late great-uncle, James Lacy Ak- gineer’s seat from impacted objects, locomotive on his Facebook page the ers, the Norfolk & Western station agent he said. day after the investigative report was who appears in “The Pelican At Rural The Halifax crash caused an esti- made public. Retreat, 1957,” a photograph by O. Win- mated $2 million in damage to the lo- Akers isn’t quoted in the official re- ston Link. Akers’ late grandfather, comotive and other Amtrak equipment. port but said he was interviewed at Charles Emory Akers, was a conductor Lawsuits were filed and confidential length. All he saw, he told interviewers, for 50 years. settlements were signed. was a blue rectangular object — the Akers spent nearly 21 years in freight Akers said the oversized load’s route, payload on the flatbed truck — across railroading and the rest at Amtrak. As which had been approved by North the track ahead, he said. the miles added up, so did the collisions. Carolina officials, was supposed to have About five seconds elapsed before He said people might assume that if no been tested in advance, but nobody impact. one dies in a collision, the engineer is mentioned the shipment to him even “It was total, sheer terror,” he said. spared any trauma, but that’s incorrect. though Amtrak ran a train through the “You can do nothing to me the rest of “When you’re up there running and area daily. my life, nothing, that will give me that see a vehicle you’re about ready to make Federal regulators said eyewitness- much terror as I had that day.” www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 17 focus The Real American Dream BROTHER RAY VIGIL OF BLET Secretary-Treasurer of Division 226. DIVISION 226 (NEWARK, N.J.) IS “The class was an awesome experi- LIVING HIS AMERICAN DREAM. ence that I will carry with me the rest Originally from Peru, Brother Vigil of my life,” he said. “It was a lot of work has found a new home in the United but very rewarding. Being a union of- States with his American family — his ficer is not about having time, but about co-workers at Norfolk Southern and making time. I want to do my part for especially his fellow Brothers and Sisters my American family. I’m a union mem- within the Brotherhood of Locomotive ber and this is my Brotherhood. There’s Engineers and Trainmen. a joy in my heart and it is very reward- When he was 14 years old, Brother Brother Vigil with Teamsters International ing to make my union stronger.” Vigil moved to the United States with his Vice President Sean O’Brien By making the union strong, Broth- mother and sister. After graduation from Brother Vigil said his family came er Vigil said, he can go to work with high school, one of his first occupations to America for economic reasons, and greater confidence. was as a non-union manual laborer. One that the quality of life and benefits pro- “I’m always happy and smiling when day while toiling away, he saw someone vided by BLET-negotiated contracts have I come to work because I know that the walk past his work site while wearing a helped make the American Dream a union is there for me,” he said. BLET shirt bearing the phrase, “Proud reality for him. After hiring out with Norfolk South- to be American, Proud to be Union.” “I love my railroad job, but what I ern and earning promotion to locomo- “He was walking by very proud with love most is my Brotherhood,” he said. tive engineer, Brother Vigil joined Divi- his head held high,” Brother Vigil said. “When I became a union member, ev- sion 226 effective April 1, 2011. “It then became my goal to become a eryone welcomed me with open arms “My five years as a union member have union member. Today, I am very proud like a big, strong family.” been the best time of my life,” he said. “I and I live by those words. As an immi- In April of 2016, Brother Vigil was a graduated from college, bought my first grant, I couldn’t be more proud to say part of the very first training class held house, and became an engineer. Being in that I am proud to be American and at the BLET’s new headquarters build- the BLET is like a family that you can’t proud to be union. To me, that is the ing in Independence, Ohio. He attend- find anywhere else. I mean it when I say real American Dream.” ed the training session in his role as it: This is the real American Dream.”

Brother Ray Vigil (far right) participated in the very first training class at the BLET’s new National Division headquarters building in April of 2016.

18 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org I love my railroad job, but what I love most is my Brotherhood. When I became “ a union member, everyone welcomed me with open arms like a big, strong family. — RAY VIGIL, DIV. 226

“www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 19 Legislative Update Meeting the Challenges Ahead

by John P. Tolman Vice President & U.S. National Legislative Representative ollowing any election, our job as union members is to keep the nation’s elected officials in Washington on track when they’re headed in the right direction, and to try to alter their course For derail them when they’re not. In order to get that job done we have to remain active. This is a process that never ends — but we are facing a decidedly different cast of characters as a result of the November 2016 national elections. As Americans and as rail union members, we must make every attempt to educate the new Administration and Congress about the unique nature of “There are several major rail industry-specific issues railroad work, and how critical safety is that we are monitoring to ensure that rail safety in our industry. At every opportunity remains a top priority. We will need all BLET members, we will seek to persuade the White House and Congress to abandon any policy active and retired, to take action in the event that that threatens our safety or our jobs. we ask you to contact Congress or the White House.” One of our top priorities is to defend the Railroad Retirement Act. This could Congress or the White House. These are frastructure plan is comprised of 300 be a major fight and we will certainly issues that will impact our safety, as well projects, and calls for funding critical need all hands on deck to make sure the as our hard-earned benefits, and we are rail-related projects. We will be working system that we have worked for — and more effective when we work together with the administration and Congress generations of our forefathers struggled in solidarity. to secure passage of a robust infrastruc- for — is protected for all. Any attempt During the campaign and since tak- ture program. We will need brotherhood to alter the Railroad Retirement system ing office, President Trump has vowed and sisterhood to support our efforts, that does not have the support of both to spend hundreds of billions of dol- and we will be asking you to join in the labor and management would be harm- lars repairing, replacing and expand- effort by contacting the White House ful and disruptive to the industry. All of ing our nation’s infrastructure. We’ve and members of Congress to register Rail Labor is watching, and I know that been advocating for a program of this your support. This is one part of Presi- our retirees and spouses are watching type for years, but some members of dent Trump’s agenda that we absolutely as well. Congress have stood in the way. Per- want to keep on the fast track, if it is There are several major rail industry- haps our new President can sweep that properly structured. specific issues that we are monitoring opposition aside. We’d be willing to To that end, we need to make sure to ensure that rail safety remains a top help, especially because much-needed that this infrastructure program is ad- priority. We will need all BLET mem- and long overdue rail projects are vanced for the public benefit, and not bers, active and retired, to take action among his top priorities. simply to generate greater wealth for in the event that we ask you to contact More specifically, the President’s in- the 1% at the expense of the nation.

20 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org Legislative Update

From left: Herb Harris, District of Columbia; B.J. Trumble, Michigan; Dave Brown, Minnesota; VP & NLR Tolman; Tim Craver, Virginia; Brian Farkas, Indiana; and D.B. Kenner, Montana. Infrastructure projects of the types drive to make “right-to-work” the law and to educate those who don’t know mentioned above normally are funded of the land, which was initiated by Reps. the facts. History has proven time and by government subsidies and/or the sale Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Steve King (R- time again that a rising tide lifts all of government bonds, and “we the peo- Iowa) during early February 2017. This boats. We will need to work with those ple” are the owners of the infrastructure proposal would allow workers to enjoy who believe in our causes and to edu- improvements that are for the benefit the benefits of collective bargaining by cate those who need to be educated. of us all. unions without having to pay for them. Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen We will fight to make sure that the Even worse, the unions would also have are professionals who have tremendous vast majority of the funding does not to represent those not paying their fair responsibilities, but who also work under instead come from giving rich develop- share in their claims, grievances and tremendous pressure. If President Trump ers and Wall Street investors tax credits. discipline cases at no cost. follows through on his promise to re- We are opposed to the possibility that These laws have been passed in state build the nation by traditional means public roads and bridges may be turned houses across the country, and in every — including the railroads that drive eco- over to private, for-profit corporations, case workers in those states make sig- nomic growth and prosperity — then who will then be able to charge expen- nificantly lower wages than in states we may be on track to a brighter future. sive tolls to generate big profits for Wall where there is no such law. West Vir- At the same time, however, we cannot Street. That type of program also skews ginia and Kentucky have recently ad- mortgage that future by allowing rail- investment from projects that address opted anti-union statutes, and Missouri road safety to be scaled back, nor can the greatest public need — like crum- joined them in early February 2017. The we succumb to policies that make it bling water pipes, the electrical grid collective bargaining rights of workers harder for working families to enjoy the and water treatment facilities — to those were under serious attack in Iowa as this piece of the American Dream their labor that can generate the greatest private issue of the Journal went to press. has earned them. profits. This type of infrastructure pro- Elections have consequences and we We’ll be watching. We’ll be engaged. gram is not in the nation’s interest, and will have to deal with them. Now is not And we’ll need your help and support we will lobby Congress and the Ad- the time to remain silent but to be ac- because what the future holds is up to ministration not to pursue it. tive to preserve and protect what gen- each of us working together. Let’s make One dark cloud on the horizon is a erations of workers have struggled for, the best of 2017! www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 21 Legislative Update BLET Legislative Representatives meet in Washington egislative Representatives of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En- gineers and Trainmen (BLET) met at Teamsters headquarters in Washington during the last week of September 2016 for training class- esL and to lobby House and Senate representatives about the need for two-person crews and other safety measures. The BLET Edu- cation & Training Department conducted the training classes. Dennis Pierce, National President of the BLET, addressed the group and emphasized the importance of their lobbying elected leaders. “You are the voice of the members when you are on the Hill,” he said. President Pierce also gave an update on various rail agreements and the union’s fight against Right To Work legislation. John Tolman, BLET Vice President and National Legislative Representative, discussed the importance of the upcoming elections on November 8 and how the outcome will have an impact on organized labor in general and BLET members specifically. Also on hand for the President Pierce speaks during the training class. training class were Vince Verna, BLET Director of Regulatory Affairs, and Bob Hagan, Director of Political and Legis- lative Affairs. Also at the week-long meeting was James P. Louis, BLET Vice President and Depart- ment Head of Education and Training. Louis gave a presentation about the skills needed to be an effective Legislative Rep- resentative such as learning about the process for getting bills made and the importance of working with the staff of elected representatives so that they understand rail workers’ concerns. Jason Wright, BLET Special Representative and Director of Ed- ucation and Training, conducted much of the classroom training. Staff from the Teamsters Legislative Department outlined the current political priorities facing working families in order to further prepare the Legislative Repre- sentatives for their lobbying efforts.

22 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org Legislative Update BLET supports striking Verizon workers in National Day of Action ne of the largest worker strikes in modern Amer- ican history came to a successful conclusion on June 1, and members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Oand Trainmen (BLET) showed support and solidarity with the striking workers throughout the 45-day ordeal. More than 39,000 members of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brother- hood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) went on strike against Verizon effective April 13, 2016. The two unions settled with Verizon on June 1, with workers winning a 10.5 percent wage increase over four years, increased contributions to their pensions, protections against outsourc- ing of call center jobs, and a reversal of the sub-contracting of some pole work. During the 45-day strike, striking CWA and IBEW members followed man- agers and scabs around and picketed the poles, manholes, and buildings where From left: Cory Runion, Vince Verna, Dave Brown, Bob Hagan and John Tolman they were working. Safety violations were rampant, the unions said — and even put the public at risk. Pictures and videos were widely circulated on Facebook. May 5 was a National Day of Action for the striking CWA and IBEW workers, and coordinated protests were held at 400 locations nationwide, including an action outside of a Verizon share- holder meeting in Albuquerque, N.M., that ended with 15 arrests. Marching at a rally in Washington, D.C. were: Vice President and Nation- al Legislative Representative John P. Tolman; Minnesota State Legislative billion a month all through 2015 — but for workers,” Teamsters General President Board Chairman David K. Brown; Wy- the company was attempting to force James P. Hoffa said. “The Teamsters and oming State Legislative Board Chair- drastic cuts on the people who made those other unions stood in unity with Verizon man Cory L. Runion; Directory of Reg- profits possible. Verizon pressed severe employees. They understood that trim- ulatory Affairs Vincent G. Verna; and cutbacks in employee healthcare at a time ming staff, paying more for health care Director of Political and Legislative of record profits, while at the same time and getting less in retirement benefits Affairs Robert Hagan. offshoring jobs and slashing its workforce wasn’t a good deal. This new contract is Verizon has made astonishing profits by more than 30 percent. just the latest example of ‘Union Strong, — $39 billion in the last three years, $1.5 “The victory was a long time coming America Stronger!’” www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 23 >> Last Runs ‘The E’s, The F’s and I’ Brother Douglas Kydd publishes memoir following 2014 retirement rother Douglas F. Kydd of BLET Division 312 (Boston, Mass.) safely completed his Last Run forB Amtrak on August 29, 2014, con- cluding a railroad career that spanned 41 years. Brother Kydd hired out as a towerman for the Penn Central in Davisville, R.I., in 1973. He went firing for the Boston & Maine on January 29, 1979, and earned promotion to locomotive engineer for the B&M on July 25, 1979. He worked for numerous railroads and in different crafts and locations over the decades, including: a lever- man for the Chicago & NorthWestern (1974); towerman and train dispatch- er for Conrail (1976-77); towerman and train director for the B&M (1977- Kydd behind the throttle. 78); brakeman for the B&M (1978-79); locomotive engineer for the B&M (1979-86); and as a locomotive engineer for Amtrak (1987-2014). Brother Kydd is the proud owner of a 30-year BLET membership pin. He has held continuous membership in the BLET since July 1, 1979, when he initiated as a member of Division 57 (Bos- ton). He transferred membership to Di- vision 312 effective September 1, 1993, where he served as Chaplain and Guide from January 2013 to August of 2014. Brother Kydd’s Last Run was on Au- Kydd’s with retired engineers The cover of gust 29, 2014, when he worked as loco- John Springer (middle) and Carl Webber (right). his memoir motive engineer of Amtrak train 174 He is a maritime enthusiast and histo- operated a locomotive 60 years young- between New Haven, Conn., and Bos- rian who enjoys collecting ships’ engine er than me!” ton, Mass. room telegrams, which he says is an Just after retirement, he spent a few Following his retirement in 2014, expensive hobby. moments giving first-hand instruction Brother Kydd wrote and published a Brother Kydd is also active in Free- to his 4-year-old grandson, Dominick, memoir of his railroad career. Titled masonry and is the Past Master of Good in the operation of a General Electric “The E’s, The F’s and I — Tales of the Samaritan Lodge in Reading, Mass., and U23B diesel. Life and Trains of Douglas F. Kydd,” past patron of the Order of the Eastern A re-married widower, Brother the 111-page book is a detailed account Star. During retirement, he volunteers Kydd’s first wife Lora passed away in of his railroad career and is filled with for many historic railroad preservation January of 2012. He remarried Susanna many interesting black and white pho- activities, continually supporting the Kydd on November 25, 2013. He has two tographs. preservation of antique and vintage die- step-grandchildren. An extensive, worldwide traveler on sel locomotives. “It’s been a great ride!” Brother Kydd ocean liners, Brother Kydd also used “The first locomotive I operated on said. “Railroading was my first and only his book to detail his 29-year, 77,442 a passenger train was eight years older career choice, but it was time to get out nautical-mile love affair with the fa- than me,” Brother Kydd said. “In my while the getting out was good. Single mous ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2. final week as a locomotive engineer, I person train crews are unsafe!”

24 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org

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- de well and enjoyable healthy, long, purpose, and you should be very proud proud very be should you and purpose, Region Chairman for over two decades. decades. two over for Chairman Region

the extended Hansen family for a very very a for family Hansen extended the bers who have relied upon you for that that for you upon relied have who bers (GCA), having served as its Western Western its as served having (GCA),

felt wishes to you, Sue, the boys and and boys the Sue, you, to wishes felt - mem BLET countless of lives the pacted trak General Committee of Adjustment Adjustment of Committee General trak

- heart and service dedicated your for - im positively have Organization our - Am the of part integral an also was He

personally, please accept our gratitude gratitude our accept please personally, ny said. “As such, your contributions to to contributions your such, “As said. ny Chairman of Division 51 for many years. years. many for 51 Division of Chairman

nization in general, and certainly me me certainly and general, in nization - Ken Mark Chairman General Amtrak Brother Hansen served as Local Local as served Hansen Brother

- Orga our GCA, our of behalf “On ciplinary cases resulting in dismissal,” dismissal,” in resulting cases ciplinary and officer. officer. and

in Salt Lake City in early 1993. 1993. early in City Lake Salt in - dis challenging in embroiled members locomotive engineer and BLET member member BLET and engineer locomotive

ver, Colo.), transferring to Division 51 51 Division to transferring Colo.), ver, B proved to be a career-saving lifeline for for lifeline career-saving a be to proved a long and distinguished career as a a as career distinguished and long a

- (Den 186 Division of member a as 1979, of our membership and you repeatedly repeatedly you and membership our of retired on October 1, 2015, after after 2015, 1, October on retired

Brotherhood effective September 1, 1, September effective Brotherhood el continuously advanced the interests interests the advanced continuously el Division 51 (Salt Lake City, Utah) Utah) City, Lake (Salt 51 Division

Brother Hansen first joined the the joined first Hansen Brother - lev Adjustment of Committee General rother Dean H. Hansen of BLET BLET of Hansen H. Dean rother

Region Chairman Dean Hansen retires Hansen Dean Chairman Region

Amtrak Western Amtrak

its members.” members.” its have three sons: Bruce II, Kevin and and Kevin II, Bruce sons: three have tion to locomotive engineer for the the for engineer locomotive to tion

appreciate all that the BLET does for for does BLET the that all appreciate Brother Adams and his wife Naomi Naomi wife his and Adams Brother - promo earned and 1966 of August in

gineer,” Brother Adams said. “I also also “I said. Adams Brother gineer,” in Korea in 1963. 1963. in Korea in road in Reading, Pa. He went firing firing went He Pa. Reading, in road

- en locomotive a as job my loved “I Army, including 12 months stationed stationed months 12 including Army, - Rail Pennsylvania the for clerk a as

the United States and Canada. Canada. and States United the years of active service with the U.S. U.S. the with service active of years In 1965, Brother Adams hired out out hired Adams Brother 1965, In

He also enjoys traveling throughout throughout traveling enjoys also He career, Brother Adams spent three three spent Adams Brother career, 27, 2014. 2014. 27,

ing photos of locomotives and railroads. railroads. and locomotives of photos ing Prior to the start of his railroad railroad his of start the to Prior completed his Last Run on February February on Run Last his completed

- tak especially — photography and ing, B 74 in January of 1994. 1994. of January in 74 career to a safe conclusion when he he when conclusion safe a to career

- hik golfing, as such hobbies pursues transferring membership to Division Division to membership transferring brought his 49-year railroad railroad 49-year his brought

During retirement, Brother Adams Adams Brother retirement, During Division 45 effective May 1, 1977, 1977, 1, May effective 45 Division Division 74 (Harrisburg, Pa.) Pa.) (Harrisburg, 74 Division

Steve. They also have five grandchildren. grandchildren. five have also They Steve. Penn Central in 1971. He joined BLET BLET joined He 1971. in Central Penn rother Bruce E. Adams of BLET BLET of Adams E. Bruce rother

Brother Adams loved working as an engineer. an as working loved Adams Brother

BLET does for its members” its for does BLET

Adams “appreciates what the what “appreciates Adams

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>> ast >> Last Runs David W. Grimes enjoying retirement fter 41 years of railroading, Brother David W. Grimes of BLET Division 42 (St. Louis, AMo.) safely completed his Last Run on November 30, 2015. In 1974, he hired out as a round- house laborer for the Rock Island Rail- road out of St. Louis, Mo. Brother Grimes went firing for the Missouri Pacific in August of 1979 and earned promotion to Locomotive Engineer for the MoPac in January of 1982. He joined Division 42 effective October 1, 1979, and now has 37 years of continuous BLET membership. Since 1985, Brother Grimes has held various elected positions for BLET. He has served Division 42 as Local Chair- man, Delegate to National Conventions and Legislative Representative. For the Union Pacific-Central Region General ther-in-law was a carman and me- Committee of Adjustment, he has served chanical officer for the Rock Is- as the Secretary Treasurer and Vice Gen- land. His sons David J. Grimes and eral Chairman. James R. Grimes are engineers with Brother Grimes also served several the Union Pacific. David works out of terms as the Vice Chairman of the South- Clinton, Iowa, and Jim works out of western Convention Meeting (SWCM). Kansas City. David has served as a In 2014, he served as Arrangements Vice Local Chairman and Trustee for Chairman, hosting the 79th annual BLET Division 6 (Boone, Iowa), and SWCM in St. Louis. Jim is currently the Secretary-Trea- For his Last Run on November 30, surer for BLET Division 81 (Kansas 2015, Brother Grimes worked as a loco- City, Kan.). motive engineer on the LSI55 that did Brother Grimes enjoys hunting, Dave with wife Teresa local service around the Dexter and Pop- fishing, and riding motorcycles. Dur- lar Bluff, Mo., areas. His retirement being retirement, he and Teresa plan to ways hold a very special place in my came effective on December 1, 2015. spend as much time as possible with heart and soul. Even after 42 years in Brother Grimes is the proud owner their children, grandchildren and their the industry I still believe the locomo- of BLET membership pins for 5, 10, 15, families. tive engineer position is the best job 20, 25 and 30 years of service. “I want to thank the membership on the railroad. Those who hold this Brother Grimes and his wife Teresa that elected me and gave me the opposition are to be treated with respect Gail Hime were married in 1974 and portunity to serve the Brotherhood in as they have put in the time and effort they are enjoying retirement together. the various union positions I held,” to earn it. I feel very fortunate to have They enjoy taking motorcycle trips Brother Grimes said. “My goal was made it to retirement as I know of around the country with a group of very simply to help out where needed and many I hired with who did not. I want good friends, each trip providing them to try to do whatever needed to be to thank all of those who work to make with a new adventure. The couple has done. I was a member of Division 42 the craft safe and profitable. three children: David, Jim and Teresa; for 36 years and an officer of the UPRR “My friend and Brother President and eight grandchildren. Central Region General Committee Pierce has said many times retirement His father was a crossing guard for for a large amount of that time. Those is the best job the railroad has to offer. I Missouri Pacific Railroad, and his fa- entities and this Brotherhood will al- can testify he is correct!”

26 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org

BLET J BLET 2016 W 1 . N • l ourna r te in o . - . org t ble www

ery day that he had a Union. Union. a had he that day ery - when issues many on helped and up 1978, and spent the next three decades decades three next the spent and 1978,

- ev God thanks he said He possible. as them,” he said. “Our members stepped stepped members “Our said. he them,” BLET Division 920 (Pontiac, Mich.) in in Mich.) (Pontiac, 920 Division BLET

things as they can and enjoy life as much much as life enjoy and can they as things legislation that would adversely affect affect adversely would that legislation over the next 34 years. He first joined joined first He years. 34 next the over

his wife Kristie plan to do as many many as do to plan Kristie wife his protecting members as well as stopping stopping as well as members protecting ing in yard, freight and passenger service service passenger and freight yard, in ing

In retirement, Brother Powell and and Powell Brother retirement, In lobbying for passage of three state laws laws state three of passage for lobbying - work service, engine in career his began

help and support. support. and help Legislative Board performed, such as as such performed, Board Legislative On May 15, 1978, Brother Powell Powell Brother 1978, 15, May On

eral Chairman John Karakian, for their their for Karakian, John Chairman eral proud of the work the Michigan State State Michigan the work the of proud tinue his railroad career. career. railroad his tinue

- Gen GTW to thanks special a with until his retirement in 2012. “I am very very am “I 2012. in retirement his until - con to GTW the to back came he ing,

National officers (past and present), present), and (past officers National that year, a position he held for a decade decade a for held he position a year, that - return After Vietnam. in duty of tour

activities. He also thanked all BLET BLET all thanked also He activities. elected to serve as its first Chairman Chairman first its as serve to elected served in the U.S. Army and served one one served and Army U.S. the in served

support and help in all of his union union his of all in help and support State Legislative Board in 2002. He was was He 2002. in Board Legislative State tiac, Mich., on September 11, 1970. He He 1970. 11, September on Mich., tiac,

wants to thank his family for their their for family his thank to wants creating and founding the Michigan Michigan the founding and creating - Pon at (GTW) Western Trunk Grand

tie and they have a son, Adam. He He Adam. son, a have they and tie Brother Powell was instrumental in in instrumental was Powell Brother Brother Powell hired out with the the with out hired Powell Brother

- Kris to married is He career. railroad International Conventions. Conventions. International career that spanned 42 years. years. 42 spanned that career

great memories and friends from his his from friends and memories great B Delegate to three BLET National and and National BLET three to Delegate on August 3, 2012, ending a railroad railroad a ending 2012, 3, August on

Brother Powell said he has many many has he said Powell Brother tive. He represented Division 920 as as 920 Division represented He tive. State Legislative Board, retired retired Board, Legislative State

state capital or local municipalities.” municipalities.” local or capital state - Representa Legislative and President, Chairman of the BLET Michigan Michigan BLET the of Chairman

ever asked, such as showing up to the the to up showing as such asked, ever serving his Division as President, Vice Vice President, as Division his serving rother Greg D. Powell, the former former the Powell, D. Greg rother

Brother Powell helped establish the Michigan State Legislative Board and served as its chairman from 2002-2012. from chairman its as served and Board Legislative State Michigan the establish helped Powell Brother

Michigan State Legislative Board Legislative State Michigan

Greg Powell helped establish helped Powell Greg

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>> ast >> Last Runs LaMore proud of strong Rock Island heritage rother George W. LaMore of day. He is the owner of a 25-year BLET BLET Division 815 (Chicago) membership pin. safely completed his Last Run He and his wife, Diane, were mar- Bfor Metra on March 1, 2016, ending a ried on April 12, 1975. The couple railroad career that began 44 years ago. has three children (Carrie Lynn, He is proud to be the last, original Rock Shannon Marie and Brandon George) Island engineer to work the former Rock and seven grandchildren. Brandon Island system, now Metra. is a Union Pacific locomotive engi- Brother LaMore is also proud to fol- neer and member of BLET Division low in the footsteps of his great grand- 96 in Chicago. father, Isreal (Ike) LaMore, a locomotive In addition to his great grandfather engineer with the Rock Island for 55 Ike LaMore, who worked for the Rock years (1880-1935). Island for 55 years, Brother LaMore’s Brother LaMore’s railroad career be- father-in-law, Robert Pierson, is a re- gan in June of 1972, when he hired out tired Rock Island switchman with 39 as a fireman for the Rock Island Railroad Brother LaMore is the last, years of service (1946-1985). original Rock Island Engineer. out of Chicago. He earned promotion Brother LaMore plays on a travel team to locomotive engineer on November Brother LaMore’s Last Run came for a major softball league for 60+ year 22, 1974. On April 25, 1989, Brother on March 1, 2016, working as locomo- olds. He enjoys playing poker, music, LaMore began working as a Metra en- tive engineer of Metra train #413 be- camping and fishing. During retirement, gineer, a job he held until he retired. He tween Chicago and Joliet, Ill. His re- he plans to travel more while spending joined the BLET on September 1, 1989. tirement became effective the next more time with his grandchildren.

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], 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131

United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (PS Form 3526) 1. Publication Title: Locomotive Engineers is published by a nonprofit organization, Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside Form 3541: 0. 15d(2). Free or Nominal Rate Journal. 2. Publication Number: 1553-5010. give its name and address.): Full Name: the Mail). 15d(1) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3. Filing Date: 10-14-16. 4. Issue Frequency: Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Outside-County Copies included on PS 3541: 0. 15d(3): Free or Nominal Rate Copies Quarterly. 5. Number of Issues Published and Trainmen (BLET), 7061 East Pleasant Form 3541: 0. 15d(2). Free or Nominal Rate Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS Annually: 4. 6. Annual Subscription Price: Valley Road, Independence, OH 44131. In-County Copies Included on PS Form (e.g. First-Class Mail): 100. 15d(4) Free or Free to members; $10 per year ($3 per issue) to 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, 3541: 0. 15d(3): Free or Nominal Rate Copies Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail non-members. 7. Complete Mailing Address and Other Security Holders Owning or Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (Carriers or other means): 70. 15e. Total of Known Office of Publication (Not Printer): Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount (e.g. First-Class Mail): 100. 15d(4) Free or Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 170. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail 15f. Total Distribution: 49,996. 15g. Copies Trainmen, 25 Louisiana Ave. NW, 7th Floor, None. 12. Tax Status (For completion by (Carriers or other means): 70. 15e. Total not Distributed: 4. 15h. Total (sum of 15f Washington, DC 20001. Contact Person: nonprofit organizations authorized to mail Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 170. 15f. and 15g): 50,000. 15i. Percent Paid: 99.66%. John Bentley. Telephone: (216) 241-2630, at nonprofit rates): Has Not Changed During Total Distribution: 50,196. 15g. Copies not 16. Electronic Copy Circulation. Average x248. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Title: Distributed: 54. 15h. Total (sum of 15f and No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Headquarters or General Business Office Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen 15g): 50,250. 15i. Percent Paid: 99.66%. 15a. Months. 16a. Paid Electronic Copies: 0. 16b. of Publisher (Not printer): BLET National Journal. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Total number of Copies (Net press run), No. Total Paid Print Copies: 50,026. 16c. Total Division, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Data Below: Winter 2015. 15. Extent and Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Print Distribution: 50,026. Percent Paid: Independence, OH 44131. 9. Full Names and Nature of Circulation. 15a. Total number of Filing Date: 50,000. 15b. Paid Circulation (By 100%. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Copies (Net press run), Average No. Copies Mail and Outside the Mail): 15b(1): Mailed Nearest to Filing Date. 16a. Paid Electronic Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher: Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated Copies: 0. 16b. Total Paid Print Copies: BLET National Division, 7061 East Pleasant 50,250. 15b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and on PS Form 3541 (include paid distribution 49,826. 16c. Total Print Distribution: 49,826. Valley Road, Independence, OH 44131. Outside the Mail): 15b(1): Mailed Outside- above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, 16d. Percent Paid: 100%. 17. Publication of Editor: John Bentley, Editor, BLET National County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS and exchange copies): 49,826: 15b(2). Mailed Statement of Ownership: If the publication Division, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Form 3541 (include paid distribution above In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS is a general publication, publication of Independence, OH 44131. Managing Editor: nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above this statement is required. Will be printed Same as “Editor” Above. 10. Owner (Do not exchange copies): 50,026: 15b(2). Mailed nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of this leave blank. If the publication is owned by a In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS exchange copies): 0. 15b(3): Paid Distribution publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, corporation, give the name and address of Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Publisher, Business Manager or Owner: /s/ the corporation immediately followed by nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, John Bentley. Date: 10-14-16. I certify that all the names and addresses of all stockholders exchange copies): 0. 15b(3): Paid Distribution Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution information furnished on this form is true owning or holding 1 percent or more of the Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Outside USPS: 0. 15b(4): Paid Distribution and complete. I understand that anyone who total amount of stock. If not owned by a Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS furnishes false or misleading information corporation, give the names and addresses Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution (e.g. First-Class Mail): 0. 15c. Total Paid on this form or who omits material or of the individual owners. If owned by a Outside USPS: 0. 15b(4): Paid Distribution Distribution: 49,826. 15d. Free or Nominal information requested on the form may be partnership or other unincorporated firm, by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside subject to criminal sanctions (including fines give its name and address as well as those (e.g. First-Class Mail): 0. 15c. Total Paid the Mail). 15d(1) Free or Nominal Rate and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions of each individual owner. If the publication Distribution: 50,026. 15d. Free or Nominal Outside-County Copies included on PS (including civil penalties).

28 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org President Pierce railroad workers currently the ACA being repealed were corporations that will benefit, message receive this coverage at no cost remote. The railroads’ efforts not the working class Ameri- Continued from to you, their parents. Instead, to diminish your benefits by cans, whose labor generates page 2 • the law required your employ- pushing additional costs on the corporate profits. their effort to strip you of those er to provide these benefits, you made no mention of the At its core, Right to Work benefits gains steam, we will again, at no cost to you. Data above-noted costs that the legislation centers on turning again be calling on all active provided in January of 2017 ACA put on the railroads. you against your co-workers and retired railroad employ- shows those additional costs That has obviously changed, and your union, solely in an ees to be heard loud and clear: for your dependent children with the railroads positioned effort to defund your union. KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF to have been $76.6 million to gain a huge financial wind- Those pushing this legislation OF THE BENEFITS THAT I in 2016, with projected costs fall at your children’s expense don’t want a Union in their BOUGHT AND PAID FOR of $87.4 million in 2017 and if the ACA is repealed without way when they go to elimi- WITH MY LABOR. $92.6 million in 2018. protecting the current provi- nate the protections that I have I also want to briefly men- Another legislated benefit sions for your dependents described above. They don’t tion the Affordable Care Act of the ACA was the right to between 19 and 26 years of want a Union fighting for your (ACA), and its legislative im- receive Expanded Preventive age. We have insisted that the Railroad Retirement, your pact to our health and welfare Care, without cost sharing by railroads maintain that cover- Medicare, the ACA, or your program. This is not fake news you. Those costs were $12.6 age whether the law requires it Collectively Bargained wages either; Congress has already million in 2016, with projected or not, but the railroads have and benefits. They would have moved to repeal the ACA, costs of $12.7 million in 2017 scoffed at that idea. It has you believe that we are all “rug- but as this Journal is going to and $13.5 million on 2018. To- been said that corporations ged individualists” that can do print, it has yet to present a gether, these two forms of cov- are without a conscience, and better on our own. cohesive replacement. While erage will cost your employ- nothing could be closer to the Our forefathers who found- many of you have been led to ers over $100 million in 2018, truth in this case. Even though ed our Union knew better than believe that the ACA was a unless the ACA is repealed the additional ACA costs were that; they knew that employees problem, it is important for by the new congress and ad- built into the health care plan joining together to fight for fair you to understand how it also ministration, as they have both at the beginning of the bar- pay and fair benefits would helped those of us with health threatened to do. I don’t have gaining round, your employ- benefit them, and the entire insurance primarily provided to tell you how important this ers not only want you to incur working class. The Union by our employers. employer-sponsored coverage additional costs through plan movement isn’t perfect, and One of the core pieces of is to our children as they try design changes, they are also it has over the years had both the ACA is the inclusion of to make their way in today’s looking to strip your children successes and failures. But in your children as covered de- tough jobs market. of the coverage to reap an ad- the long run, the real facts pendents from age 19 to 26 Unfortunately, the corpo- ditional windfall from your show that you make more without any requirement that rate-led effort to take away this benefit plan. money and have better benefits those children be in college, coverage has already gained Finally, I must address in a unionized workplace, and and regardless of whether steam, and if the ACA is fully recent developments con- the railroad industry is one they still live at home and/ repealed — as has been prom- cerning so-called Right to workplace where that is crys- or remain single. This legis- ised — the railroads will stop Work (For Less) legislation tal clear. Non-union railroad lated benefit came at no cost providing those benefits. It is that has of this printing been employees, many doing the to you because of the ACA, imperative that your voice be introduced in the U.S. House same work that you do, make but it is not a free benefit to heard on this issue. These are of Representatives. Don’t be up to one-third less with far your employers. From the U.S. not benefits that belong to only fooled by the flashy name less in benefits. Don’t fall for Government’s data: Republicans, Democrats or suggesting that working the fake news that you would “It’s estimated by HHS that Independents; they are benefits class Americans are gaining be better off on your own. You 5.7 million young adults (aged being provided to all working a “right.” This legislation is not are the Union, and the Union 19-25) stayed on a parent’s plan class Americans regardless of being pushed by working class is stronger when you are an until age 26. That is 2.3 mil- political affiliation. They don’t Americans, it is being pushed active part of it; everyone gets lion who stayed on their parents cost you money and they don’t by corporate lobbyists because weaker when you are not. We plan from 2010 to 2013 with an raise your taxes; they, too, it creates a world where work- must be diligent if we are to estimated 3.4 million gaining have become a legislated part ing class Americans make less defend what is ours. As has coverage from 2013 to 2015.” of your employer-sponsored money and have fewer ben- been said, “It’s not paranoia Within our National benefits. Help us in our fight efits. This is not fake news; it’s when they are actually shoot- Health Care Plan, it is esti- to defend them. real factual information that ing at you.” Shots have been mated that between 28,000 One final comment on the is readily available. A Union fired. Join me in our ongo- and 30,000 dependent chil- ACA. When the bargaining pay scale raises all pay scales, ing struggle to defend what dren of union represented round began, the chances of and once it is gone, it is the is yours. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 29 >> BLET Auxiliary BLET Auxiliary awards 11 scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year

by Sereena Hogan BLET Auxiliary National President he BLET Auxiliary has awarded 11 $1,000 scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic school year. Congratulations toT all of this year’s recipients! We are very proud to be able to provide this funding to students of BLET and BLET Auxiliary members. Most of the fundraising for the BLET Auxiliary Scholarship Program takes place at the BLET regional conventions each year. We are grateful to the many BLET members, Auxiliary members, and convention guests for supporting our fundraising efforts by purchasing raffle tickets Sereena (seated) with Auxiliary officers and friends (from left) and golf mulligans. We truly appreciate Lawana Poss, Terri Fleming, Kat Bisbikis and Susie Burrola. your participation and generosity! We MPA for no less than one year. Children these documents will not be considered. also receive contributions each year from of an unmarried BLET member who The LECMPA-funded scholarships some of our local Auxiliaries, as well as has been an Associate Member of the will be awarded to the two applicants memorial fund contributions from Jim BLET Auxiliary for at least one year are who score the highest amongst those and Janet Louis in memory of Jim’s also eligible. who qualify (by having one parent who mother, Leona A. Louis, and from John In addition, applicants must be ac- is an Auxiliary member for at least one and Brenda Casteel. cepted for admission by an accredited year, and one parent who is a BLET New for 2017, the Auxiliary is offer- university, college, trade school, or in- member and LECMPA member for at ing two $2,500 scholarships annually stitute of higher learning. Recipients are least one year). If an applicant meets in collaboration with Locomotive En- chosen on the basis of academic record, the eligibility requirements for the LEC- gineers and Conductors Mutual Pro- leadership, character, and personal MPA-funded scholarships but is not tective Association (LECMPA). The achievement. selected for one of the two $2,500 schol- two $2,500 scholarships are fully fund- Important: For high school seniors arships, he/she will still be eligible for ed by LECMPA. entering an institute of higher learning a $1,000 scholarship. To apply for an Auxiliary Scholarship for the first time, a copy of ACT or SAT Completed applications must be award, the applicant must be a son, scores and a current copy of cumulative received by BLET Auxiliary Secretary daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of a grade point average (GPA) must accom- Helen Brand ([email protected]) BLET Auxiliary member and a Brother- pany the application. For graduate stu- no later than April 1, 2017. Applica- hood of Locomotive Engineer and Train- dents or students returning to an insti- tions received after that date will not men member (living or deceased), with tute of higher learning, a copy of last be considered. each being a member at least one year. term’s (or most current) GPA must ac- Applications, instructions for schol- To qualify for the LECMPA-funded company the application. A cumulative arships, and mailing address for submis- scholarships, the BLET member in the GPA of 3.0 or better is required for eli- sion may be found on the Auxiliary web- family must also be a member of LEC- gibility. Applications submitted without site at www.bletauxiliary.net. NOTE: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The BLET National Division does not manage this scholarship program and is not responsible for the awarding of scholarships.

30 BLET Journal No. 1 • Winter 2016 www.ble-t.org

BLET J BLET 2016 W 1 . N • al ourn r te in o . - . org t ble www

www.bletauxiliary.net whenever and wherever needed to further our mission. 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:

member of Auxiliary No. 422. No. Auxiliary of member

at-large. member-at-large. mother, Heidi, is a a is Heidi, mother,

member- Auxiliary an is Anderson, mother, Lisa Martin, is an Auxiliary Auxiliary an is Martin, Lisa mother, BLET Div. 502. His His 502. Div. BLET

and her mother, Nancy Nancy mother, her and BLET Div. 430, and his his and 430, Div. BLET Jason, is a member of of member a is Jason,

member of BLET Div. 333, 333, Div. BLET of member Martin, is a member of of member a is Martin, as a junior. His father, father, His junior. a as

Mark Anderson, is a a is Anderson, Mark man. His father, Troy Troy father, His man. Kansas State University University State Kansas

sity as a junior. Her father, father, Her junior. a as sity - fresh a as Colo., Junta, attending be Will

- Univer Young Brigham JACOB WRIGHT JACOB Junior College in La La in College Junior

Will be attending attending be Will Will be attending Otero Otero attending be Will

JENNIFER ANDERSON JENNIFER DILLON MARTIN DILLON in Kansas City, Mo. City, Kansas in

member of KC Shield Auxiliary No. 422 422 No. Auxiliary Shield KC of member Additional Scholarship Winners: Scholarship Additional

502, and his mother, Heidi Wright, is a a is Wright, Heidi mother, his and 502, member-at-large. Auxiliary an is

is a member of BLET Div. Div. BLET of member a is Laveing, Jennifer mother, Tucson, Ariz. Tucson,

His father, Jason Wright, Wright, Jason father, His her and 325, Div. BLET in 28 No. Auxiliary Guadalupe

Kansas, as a freshman. freshman. a as Kansas, of member a is Laveing, mother, Anne Booth, is a member of of member a is Booth, Anne mother,

College in Overland Park, Park, Overland in College Tim father, Her freshman. member of BLET Div. 28, and her her and 28, Div. BLET of member

County Community Community County a as University State James Booth, is a retired retired a is Booth, James

Will be attending Johnson Johnson attending be Will Penn attending be Will Campus. Her father, father, Her Campus.

JOCELYN LAVEING JOCELYN CHANDLER WRIGHT CHANDLER Anschutz Medical Medical Anschutz

the University of Colorado Colorado of University the

is an Auxiliary member-at-large. member-at-large. Auxiliary an is member-at-large. ry year as a PhD student at at student PhD a as year

mother, Lori Underwood, Underwood, Lori mother, - Auxilia an is Hall, Bianca Will be starting her 5th 5th her starting be Will

of BLET Div. 228, and her her and 228, Div. BLET of mother, her and 18, ALLYSON ROOF ALLYSON

Underwood, is a member member a is Underwood, Div. BLET of member a is

Memorial Scholarship Award: Scholarship Memorial

junior. Her father, Jim Jim father, Her junior. Hall, Norman father, Her

Recipient of the Leona A. Louis Louis A. Leona the of Recipient

State University as a a as University State freshman. a as University

Will be attending Boise Boise attending be Will Baylor attending be Will No. 8 in North Platte, Neb. Platte, North in 8 No.

JAZMINE HALL JAZMINE KARMA JADE UNDERWOOD JADE KARMA Auxiliary Rock Flat of members are

mother, Gina Kuenning, and his father father his and Kuenning, Gina mother,

iary member-at-large. iary Wash. Vancouver, of BLET Div. 388. Both his his Both 388. Div. BLET of

of Fort Vancouver Auxiliary No. 72 in in 72 No. Auxiliary Vancouver Fort of - Auxil an is McWilliams, Kathy mother, member a is Kuenning,

Janet Cordes, is a member member a is Cordes, Janet of BLET Div. 126, and her her and 126, Div. BLET of His father, Travis Travis father, His

Div. 758, and his mother, mother, his and 758, Div. McWilliams, is a member member a is McWilliams, senior. a as University

student. Her father, Robby Robby father, Her student. BLET of member a is Nebraska Wesleyan Wesleyan Nebraska

first semester as a graduate graduate a as semester first Cordes, Scott father, His Will be attending attending be Will

State University for her her for University State Washington. of University TYLER KUENNING TYLER

Will be attending Fresno Fresno attending be Will the attending be Will

Casteel Scholarship Award: Award: Scholarship Casteel

RACHEL McWILLIAMS RACHEL CORDES MICHAEL Recipient of the John O. & Brenda Brenda & O. John the of Recipient

Auxiliary Scholarship recipients Scholarship Auxiliary

2015-2016 BLET 2015-2016

BLET A BLET ry a i l

>> uxi 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 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131

A Brotherhood Tradition 2017 BLET REGIONAL MEETINGS San Antonio JUNE 5-9, 2017

Myrtle Beach AUGUST 14-18, 2017

Mark your calendars and plan to attend one or both of the Join Us This Summer! BLET’s regional meetings in 2017. See Page 4 for details!