As a result of mediation efforts by the AFL-CIO, the United Transportation Union has asked the National Mediation Board to put on hold its application to raid the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. In return, the BLE has asked the AFL-CIO to put on hold its request to the AFL-CIO to sanction UTU for violation of Article XX of the AFL-CIO Constitution and By-laws. BLE and UTU are to have good faith discussions about either merging or affiliating in the near future. Former AFL-CIO President Tom Donahue will serve as mediator of those discussions. Following is the press release issued by the BLE regarding this situation.

OF RAIL UNION DISPUTE, BLE PRESIDENT SAYS

Washington, D.C. — "On behalf of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and at the suggestion of AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, I have today committed the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers to begin critical discussions that could hopefully resolve the issues that have arisen between the BLE and the United Transportation Union," said BLE President Clarence Monin.

Monin indicated that "constructive discussions," held yesterday in the offices of Secretary-Treasurer Trumka with both he and UTU President Charles Little, resulted in a letter from President Sweeney that requested the two unions consider taking several actions that could resolve each’s concerns.

"Our union has repeatedly expressed the strong desire to foster unity among all rail unions," Monin said, "and I think the AFL-CIO’s proposals give both organizations a window of opportunity to take that track of labor solidarity. The differences that separate us pale in comparison to the crisis our members face daily on the nation’s rails," Monin stated. "I believe that our members," he added, "who must work closely together in virtually closed quarters, always alert to the constant hazards they face, would want us to find ways to strengthen their voices."

Monin said the AFL-CIO has proposed that the two unions "commit to good faith" discussions to resolve differences, "including consideration of affiliation." Each party must refrain from raiding the other’s members, or publicly attacking the other’s organization, while discussions proceed, Monin noted.

Furthermore, Monin said the BLE will formally request that the AFL-CIO put a hold on taking any actions against the UTU, arising out of the judgement that found the UTU in violation of the federation’s constitutional provisions prohibiting raiding. The UTU will likewise formally request that the National Mediation Board place a hold on the UTU’s petition to create a single operating craft on the UP/SP.

"My hand is extended, "the BLE president said, "firmly and with sincerity, as long as meaningful discussions are taking place that move us forward toward the solidarity our members want and need. I have sent President Sweeney a letter notifying him of the BLE’s acceptance of the principles outlined in his letter," Monin said, "and have asked him to hold enforcement of Article XX sanctions against the UTU in abeyance while we talk. I will begin immediately consulting with our union’s mobilization network of activists, who’ve been very concerned about how these recent events would affect their craft and their union, and ask for their wholehearted commitment in support of these principles as well."

"After all, Monin stated, "conflict between the BLE and the UTU strengthens the carriers and weakens the cause of all railroad workers. For that reason," he said, "we owe it to our members— and all railroad workers—to exhaust every reasonable effort to peacefully resolve our differences."

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The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is North America’s oldest labor organization, representing 56,000 professional locomotive engineers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit the BLE web site at www.ble.org.