By Dennis R. Pierce
BLET National President
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, November 25 — On this Thanksgiving holiday, I am extremely proud of our members who continue to work on the frontlines every day to ensure that America’s railroads keeps rolling. Our members are the backbone of the nation’s railroads, and the railroads are the backbone of the American economy. Our nation is strong and vibrant because of its hardworking locomotive engineers and trainmen, and our Nation is thankful for your sacrifice.
The BLET marked its 158th anniversary earlier this year. Today we carry the torch of Brotherhood sparked by our pioneering leaders on May 8, 1863. I know that our members today are grateful for the trail blazing locomotive engineers and trainmen who fought for the rights of working people so many years ago.
Like 2020, this has been a challenging year as we deal with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish to thank our Brotherhood’s Local Division officers for their dedication in these uncharted waters. Without question, they are some of the hardest working individuals in the entire Brotherhood, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.
As we approach the end of another year, I wish to thank our Advisory Board members and the officers and staff serving General Committees of Adjustment and State Legislative Boards for their hard work during 2021. I also recognize and thank our staff at National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio, our National Legislative Office in Washington, D.C., and our BLET Auxiliary, for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Lastly, please join me in thanking all hardworking BLET members as they toil to provide for their families.
On behalf of the BLET Advisory Board, I wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.