Presidential Banquet

Presidential Banquet
8th Quadrennial UTU International Convention
August 26, 1999

These remarks were delivered by UTU International President Charles L. Little at the Presidential Banquet on Thursday evening at the Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel and Resort.

What a week it's been here in Miami Beach at the Fontainebleau Hotel. I am told that we have 2,500 people at this convention, and I am told that the total attendance at our three Regional Meetings and here in Miami Beach is somewhere north of 5,500 people.

That shows me the true spirit that's alive and well in the UTU!

And what a summer it's been for the UTU. It all started in May in Los Angeles, gained steam in St. Louis in June, and hit a home run in Washington, D.C., with Al Gore and Dick Gephardt. Then we came here to Miami Beach ready for what I've heard described by some as the greatest convention in 25 years.

Of course, there were a few unplanned stops along the way this summer -- like at the National Mediation Board to make our case against the BLE in mid-July, and for me at the Cleveland Clinic.

I know that I ended the summer better and stronger than I started it.

And I think the UTU did, too.

This convention, and the solidarity we have demonstrated here, is the envy of other rail labor organizations. For that I want to sincerely thank all of you here, all of the delegates and members, and our friends.

If we have sent one important message this summer to everyone, it is that the UTU is more unified and more committed to its core values than ever before.

If we have sent a message to the BLE, it's that the UTU is coming as a united organization, and we are coming at full throttle with a full plate of resources.

If we have sent a message to our members, it is that their delegates have reaffirmed this Union's commitment to being proactive and seeking to make history so we can better protect our jobs and crafts.

You, the delegates, are to be applauded for what you have done here this week. Your voice has been heard loud and clear, and the UTU is a better union because of the work you did here this week.

They call this the President's Banquet, and this is a special President's banquet because two former UTU presidents are here -- Al Chesser and Tom DuBose - and Bart Marcolini and Larry Olsen, two former UTU Canadian presidents, are here. I thank you for your friendship and counsel.

We also have some other legendary retired UTU leaders here who I want to acknowledge, Larry Wotaszak and Al Strack.

Four fine International officers -- and fine men -- announced their retirements here, Larry Davis, Bob Earley, Al Smith and Ed Carney. We will all miss you.

The delegates also elected some new blood to the ranks of International officers, and I'd like all of you to stand and be recognized. Now, take a good look at your wives and families, because for the next four years, you won't be seeing them a lot.

The Delegates also re-elected an outstanding group of officers, and I'd like you all to stand and be recognized. Thank you for all of your hard work. Now, get ready to get back to work, because we have a lot more to do.

I didn't have a chance in Washington to thank our staff from the International office in Cleveland. You have done an excellent job here and at the Regional Meetings this summer. Please stand and be recognized by the members and your friends.

Now, I was told that I couldn't name everyone in this room because it would take too long. But there is one member I want to acknowledge right now because he is a great example of what's going on right now.

Jerry Barker of Local 823, please come up here. Jerry, we want to thank you by giving you this Brass Lantern for all of the work you have done on behalf of Local 823 in Big Spring, Texas, for stopping the flow of members to the BLE.

With people like Jerry Barker and others like him in the UTU, the BLE's days in Texas, and elsewhere, could be coming to an end. Thanks, Jerry.

Now, I'm getting to the end of my talk here, and there are only a few more things to do.

One of them is asking my good friend and our Assistant President Byron Boyd to stand. Byron, I want to thank you for all that you have done the last four years, and for what you did in Washington at the Regional Meeting and at the National Mediation Board.

I'd also like your family to stand and be recognized. You all should be very proud of Byron. He is a special man and a true union leader. So, take a good hard look at him, because once again, you won't be seeing much of Byron for the next few years.

I thank all of you for being here.

And for being the heart and soul of the UTU.

I said it earlier this summer and I want to say it here in Miami Beach, too.

You are the UTU family.

You are the reason why we work so hard.

I am honored and humbled that you have asked me to lead this Great Union for the next four years.

I promise not to let you down.

I promise to write a proud new chapter in our history as we enter the 21st Century.

Thank you and God Bless You.