You are probably already aware of the recent communications from both BLET and UTU International Presidents regarding a "Packet" of information being distributed by the Teamsters to BLET officers, along with instructions encouraging BLET members to share that information with UTU members and solicit their membership in BLET/Teamsters.

Attached is the text of a recent E-mail containing my comments on what the BLET and Teamsters refer to as a “unity” movement. It is becoming increasingly clear to me that since BLE soundly rejected a negotiated merger in 2001, their only motivation for “unity” now is to use dues receipts from other crafts to further the welfare of the locomotive engineer. In fact, BLE’s merger agreement with the Teamsters specifically prohibits UTU from even discussing merger with Teamsters without BLE’s express consent and involvement, and stipulates that UTU or any other rail labor organization joining Teamsters in the future is required to submit to BLE’s dominance within the Teamsters’ “Rail Conference.”

In stark contrast, a voluntary merger of UTU and BLE without Teamsters’ involvement would guarantee equality and autonomy of all operating crafts in a single rail union. That is still what UTU seeks. Obviously it is not what BLET wants at all. In fact, BLET has absolutely rejected the idea of allowing the total combined membership of both organizations to decide the final question of Teamsters’ affiliation. For BLET, it is complete dominance of all other crafts, or it’s war.

The battle lines have been drawn, and we will fight that battle. However, we do not intend to allow this struggle to distract us from our primary mission to represent our members in the day-to-day handling of claims and grievances under the collective bargaining agreements. Our pledge to you and the membership is that we will continue to diligently carry out that mission.