BLE kicked out by L&D RR operating employees - UTU replaces BLE on shortline railroad; BLE receives ZERO votes in NMB election

BLE kicked out by L&D RR operating employees

UTU replaces BLE on shortline railroad;
BLE receives ZERO votes in NMB election

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 1) – The United Transportation Union (UTU) was selected unanimously as the new collective bargaining agent by the operating rail employees of the Louisiana & Delta Railroad (L&D RR).

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) had been the representative of the train and engine service employees on the L&D RR.

However, the BLE members were dissatisfied with their union and requested that the National Mediation Board (NMB) hold a representation election, similar to the one that will be held in the future on the Union Pacific Railroad, between the UTU and BLE.

The official vote total as verified by the NMB (case no. R-6698):

Number of eligible voters: 16

Votes cast for UTU: 15

Votes cast for BLE: 0

Said UTU International President Charles L. Little: "The unanimous vote for the UTU and the complete shutout of the BLE speaks for itself. We are honored that the train and engine service employees of the L&D RR have chosen the rail-transportation union of the 21st Century to represent them. We look forward to the day when we will represent all train and engine service employees, and all of the historical operating crafts, across North America."

On October 22, the Canadian Labour Board found that the BLE was guilty of "collaboration" with VIA Rail, Canada’s national passenger rail carrier, of destroying the craft of conductor and putting hundreds of railroad workers out of work.

The BLE is the only union ever to be found guilty by a national government of "collaboration" against its members with a railroad company.