Indeed, the sole intent of the Express is to
promote free speech, i.e., provide information, opinions, and ideas which will be food for
thought for union members, ultimately creating a freer, more responsive, democratic union.
As has been stated many times, WE (UTU members) don't work for the union hierarchy, they
work for us because we pay their salaries. IF they do not represent us, subject
always to complete good faith and honesty of purpose in the exercise of its (UTU -
statutory bargaining representative) discreation (See Atlanta Edition - p. 8), WE
MUST REPLACE THEM!!!
Having said that again, let me address my position so as to
eliminate unnecessary hostile mail from UTU members. I support the union movement and the
UTU specifically. I love my union. However, I will not tolerate corrupt union officers who
violate their oath of office, the UTU Constitution, and/or federal labor laws. If this
vote were being held on BNSF Railway Company, I would vote UTU without question. However,
it is my position that this vote should not, and must not, occur at all because of the
severe violation of Article 80 of the UTU Constitution.
Realistically, BLE wanted to vote engineers in BLE and
engineers, fireman, and hostlers in UTU for many years. Why? Simply because this gave them
a superior numerical advantage which would allow them to take all our engineers, fireman,
and hostlers ("Exclusive
Representation"). We (UTU) knew this wasn't fair and resisted it with every ounce of
our fiber. Now, we (UTU) want to lump all train crafts together so we will have the
numerical edge; yes, we now want to do what they shouldn't have been allowed to do? Of
course, the big difference is that they (BLE) would cease to exist under UTU's attempt
with NMB, whereas we would have continued in operation without the crafts of engineer,
fireman, and hostler (no more than probably 10,000 if that)?
Everyone knows someone like this in personal life, i.e., its OK
for me to do it to you but its not OK for you to do it to me. In essence, the opposite of
the Golden Rule! Bottom line, UTU is just as wrong now for attempting this raid as BLE has
been in the past for their attempts.
UTU Local 1571 members and I have no problems dealing with our
brothers and sisters in the BLE at the local level. Indeed, I recently represented two BLE
engineers in formal investigation account the request of the new BLE local chairperson who
didn't have any experience in investigations. I have known him for many years and he is a
personal friend with whom I socialize. I firmly believe both BLE and UTU members at the
local level view the International Officer dispute as simply the result of immaturity,
ego, and lack of leadership ability. Frankly, I don't believe there are any visionary
leaders in either UTU or BLE currently; if there were, we would have consummated a
voluntary merger. NO MERGER SHOULD TAKE PLACE AS A RESULT OF NMB INTERVENTION! It is up to
the BLE and UTU members to effect the merger, not with a bogus vote, but rather by
electing real leaders!
I am reminded of my favorite quote which has appeared in the
Express at least several times since its inception, to wit: "The youthfulness I speak
of is not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of the
imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over
love of ease. . . . It does not accept the failures of today as a reason for the cruelties
of tomorrow. It believes that one man can make a difference and that men of good will,
working together, can grasp the future and mold it to our will." (Robert F. Kennedy -
1968 speech to college students in Utah).
While I can't agree with President Little's ill fated attempt
to establish a bogus new craft of employee on the nations railroads, I certainly agree
with Eugene Debs vision for one UNION. Of course, I don't really want it to be the TESEU
but rather the URWA, The United Railway Workers of America, which would include all crafts
- Operating, MoW, Dispatchers, Signalmen, etc. Yes, that would be a Union which could shut
down America if it wasn't allowed its fair share of the American Dream! I even envision
our cause being so right that all other union members and working Americans would go on
strike with us, bringing Corporate Greed and Government Corruption to its knees!
Enjoy your perusal of the Express. I hope you will find
something which stimulated thought, brings some joy, or even laughter into your life. And,
of course, feel free to criticize as that is a key element of free speech. However, one
should take note of the Editorial Comment on page 15 of the El Paso Express - June 1997
Edition (Special Edition), lest one find himself in the position of "Wild
Bill" recently, i.e., "Letters to the Editor are encouraged and welcome whether
critical or not. Just remember, this ain't the UTU News, you're dealing with someone whose
wit is even sharper than his pen; I'm modest too! Have a nice day."
