DuBose Speaks at St. Louis Meeting

UTU will be cornerstone
of rail and transportation labor in the 21st Century,
with or without the BLE

G. Thomas DuBose - DUBOSE.JPG (17287 bytes)

"If the BLE wants a fight,
let's give it to them!"
G. Thomas DuBose,
UTU President Emeritus

ST. LOUIS (June 15) -- UTU President Emeritus G. Thomas DuBose told 1,000 UTU members at Monday's luncheon that "taking on the BLE is not an easy job, but it can be done."

DuBose praised International President Charles L. Little's leadership.

"I've known Charlie Little a long time," DuBose said. "We've laughed together, cried together and had a few fights. But I can truly stand here and say that he is the right man and he has the right plan for the UTU's long-term future. He has the ability, courage and foresight to lead the UTU into the 21st Century."

DuBose was given a rousing ovation when he said, "If the BLE wants a fight, let's give them a fight. I believe in this union so much if need be I'll be the first casualty."

DuBose's keynote luncheon speech capped a powerful showing of UTU solidarity. In his morning State of the Union speech, International President Charles L. Little was repeatedly interrupted with applause and standing ovations when he talked about unifying all rail operating employees under the UTU banner and taking on the BLE at the ballot box on the Union Pacific Railroad.

Little succeeded DuBose, who served as president from 1991-1995.

"I've come full circle and have never been any prouder of our union than I am today," DuBose said. "I echo everything President Little said this morning. This is a good union, a great union to serve."

DuBose said, "I think President Little is on the right track with the BLE. I know he is committed to a peaceful merger. But he is also committed to a vote. With your help, we will win that vote."

DuBose also acknowledged former UTU President Al Chesser, who supports the unity initiative and the NMB process. "Al knows the sacrifices four union presidents made 30 years ago to form the UTU," DuBose said.

"For some reason, the BLE doesn't understand that unification is coming, with or without them," DuBose said. "UTU will be the cornerstone of rail and transportation labor in the 21st Century."

DuBose blasted those who have been spreading false information about the UTU.

"This union has nothing to hide," he said. "So, I have a real problem with people inside the organization making our internal business public business."