Happy birthday, BLET!

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On this day 150 years ago, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) was officially formed. To commemorate the occasion, General President Jim Hoffa and General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall released a <="http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-honor-150-year-anniversary-brotherhood-locomotive-engineers-and-trainmen">statementreading, in part:

As America’s earliest labor union, the BLET’s perseverance guided and protected the employees who worked the railroads, creating the early foundations of our country’s economy.  No amount of praise should be spared when congratulating you on 150 years of solid representation.  As the first union to hammer out a contract with the railroads, the BLET set the standard for others to follow.  Teamsters are honored to count BLET members among our Teamster brothers and sisters.

 

James R. Hoffa, was born 100 years ago this year on February 14, 1913. Part of his legacy was realized when you chose to affiliate with our union in 2004, thus joining the most powerful union in North America and the union that truly represents the entire transportation and product-delivery system. From port workers to truck drivers to airline pilots, and now with the loyal membership of the BLET within our great union, we truly are the most comprehensive labor organization when it comes to passenger and product transportation from both coasts.

We salute your founding President, William D. Robinson, for his vision and the thousands of rank-and-file members of the BLET who have stepped forward over the years to continue the legacy of strong leadership and membership protection that have been hallmarks of your union.

The Teamsters Union isn’t the only one giving props to the union. Here’s a <="http://www.rtands.com/index.php/track-maintenance/off-track-maintenance/blet-celebrates-150th-anniversary.html?channel=Array">great roundup of other accolades the BLET is getting on their anniversary.