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Joint Statement of The United Transportation Union
and
International Officers, General Chairpersons
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am pleased to report that our meeting with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in Livingston, Montana, which concluded yesterday, has produced an agreement "to explore the creation of a New Organization uniting the two rail operating unions while ensuring the protection of craft autonomy and existing rights of representation." The accompanying document spells out our agreement with the BLE under the guidance of former AFL-CIO President Tom Donahue. We wish to thank Brother Donahue for his skillful assistance in getting both unions to this juncture. There will be more information available in the coming days and weeks, but this positive step toward unifying all railroad operating employees under one union is most welcome. Both unions have committed themselves to examine the specific details of principal areas of union operations by creating five committees to examine the issues. An oversight committee composed of myself, Byron Boyd, BLE International President Clarence Monin, and BLE First Vice President Edward Dubroski will manage the overall process. The two unions have committed to concluding the examination of all issues and negotiations by September 30. We have also agreed to abide by our commitments to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney by refraining from interfering with each other’s membership and other activities. I want to personally thank all of you for your support. We are moving along the right track and we look forward to the completion of this journey. Fraternally yours,
Charles L. Little
cc: All UTU Local Officers, U.S. & Canada Enclosure |
