BLET - UTU Cooperate On National Negotiations

Protecting jobs, safety & Railroad Retirement CLEVELAND, January 30 -- Setting past differences aside, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the United Transportation Union (UTU) have agreed to work together on a joint campaign to ensure a successful outcome to the current round of collective bargaining. During negotiations, the major rail carriers have attempted to use past differences between the BLET and the UTU as a wedge to reduce crew size. Reducing crew size puts the lives of all rail workers and the general public in danger. It also seriously threatens the financial security of the Railroad Retirement system. BLET President Don M. Hahs and UTU President Paul C. Thompson announced the joint campaign in a letter dated Jan. 27, 2006. “Our two organizations have had their differences, but when it comes to protecting our members’ jobs and safety, we must stand together against the hostile attacks of the carriers’ expressed intent on eliminating jobs,” the presidents said. A PDF of the letter is available here: http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/utu_blet_letterhead_012706.pdf A text-only version of the letter is available here: http://www.ble-t.org/pr/news/utu_blet_text_012706.asp Monday, January 30, 2006 bentley@ble.org http://www.ble.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=4254 © 2005 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen http://www.ble.org

FW: General Chairman Charile Rightnowar

From: Gil Gore [mailto:thegores1@cox.net]
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 8:21 PM
To: All Local Chairman BLET UP Southern Region GCA

Subject: Charile Rightnowar

Brothers,

Brother Charlie Rightnowar (BLET GC MP Upperlines) apparently had an episode during an investigation Wednesday in which he felt faint and his local chairmen took him to the hospital. Some blockage was discovered and a stint has been successfully installed to deal with the same. The latest reports are that Brother Charlie is doing fine and recovering from the treatment.

I know you all join me in wishing Brother Charlie a successful and speedy recovery.

I will try to keep you updated as I receive more information.

Fraternally,

Gil Gore