Mobilization Report, Page 3 -- Turn to Page 4
Members attending the BLE's mobilization rally in Philadelphia on September 21 expressed their concerns over the proposed buy-out of Conrail by Norfolk Southern and CSX.
"The main thing on everyone's mind was the proposed Conrail merger," said BLE First Vice-President Edward Dubroski.
"During our question and answer session, I would say 90% of the questions were related to it."
International Vice-President Ed Rodzwicz presented the official position of the BLE and all of rail labor on the merger, as developed by the Rail Division of the AFL-CIO's Transportation Trades Department.
In addition, Dubroski gave his report on how the merger was progressing and what the BLE was doing to prevent it.
BLE International President Clarence Monin was unable to attend the rally as originally planned.
Instead, he attended a public hearing in Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland that will be hard hit by increased rail traffic if the merger is approved by the Surface Transportation Board (see story on page 2).
The rally was organized by the BLE's Department of Internal Organizing, Mobilizing and Strategic Planning.
The BLE-designated FELA law firms of Coffey & Kaye and Altier & Associates sponsored the mobilization event. ·
Fom left: Conrail General Chairman R.W. "Bob" Godwin and Angelo J. Chick Jr. share a candid moment. Brother Chick is local chairman of BLE Division 227 in Potsdam, N.Y.
BLE First Vice-President Ed Dubroski gives his introductory remarks. He spoke briefly on how the BLE is working with the AFL-CIO's Transportation Trades Department to oppose the Conrail buy-out.
Vice-President Bill Walpert reads President Monin's comments, explaining why he was not able to attend the rally. For details see story "Monin, city of Lakewood say 'no' to NS, CSX" on page 2 of this issue.
Vice-President Ed Rodzwicz
Canadian Special Representative Bob Toole listens intently to one of the presentations. Brother Toole was doing a bit of advance scouting, planning ahead for a future Mobilization Rally in Canada. "We intend to have future rallies," Brother Walpert said. "I told members that if they liked the content of the rally, then they can expect to have more of the same in the future."
Above, from left: Former Springfield Terminal General Chairman Charlie Klimek and his successor, Mike Twombly.
Below: During the question and answer session, nearly 90% of the attendees questions were about the Conrail buy-out by NS and CSX.
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