The Union
 
" The Union Is Not for Yourself but, for Your Children. It Does Not Arise to Avenge the Past but to Claim the Future… It Is an Expression Not of the Dignity of Its Leaders but the Dignity of All. It Was Not Called into Being to Celebrate the Majesty of One Person; It Does Not Live to Serve the Self Indulgence of Another. It Is Not the Property but Mission. Every Decent Moment in the History of Man Is the Assertion of an Affronted Conscience. Anyone Can Belong to a Union; but a Union Belongs to No One and Least of All to Anyone Who Is Ashamed of Where He or She Came from and Indifferent to Those He or She Left behind. The Union Leader Is Not the Owner of an Institution; He or She Is the Caretaker of a Tradition."
 Murray Kempton

 

Anyone Who Desires to be added or deleted from 
the Email roster , Please inform Me Via
rksnow@bak.rr.com












 
 
 



 

 
 
















LR report 2010

Brothers,

After taking office earlier this year I felt that I could make 
a difference.  My first official duty was to attend the 
California State Legislative
Board  Quadrennial  Convention in Santa Rosa . it was a 
eye-opening experience for me . Filled with speakers 
from all avenues affecting Our jobs
in the area safety and health . I had no idea what I was
 getting into . I knew no one and really had no idea what my
 job was . But with several members help I've found my feet 
and have attempted to keep running ever
since . I attended a meeting in Sacramento with the California
 leaders of the FRA, the PUC, and OSHA. This was attempting 
to develop a working relationship between the operating unions 
and the agencies in connection with operation whistle-blower . 
I also attended the National Convention in
Reno Nevada . It was a very interesting event and encourage 
everyone to at least one time in your career to attend a national
 convention as an observer. Finally in November I was informed
 that I had been appointed to serve on the Executive Committee
 for the California State Legislative Board .

2010 has brought a lot of challenges .  A few triumphs , 
A few stalemates ,But I consider nothing a failure , Just a 
learning process .  below are a few things that I believe
 with your help WE have accomplished .

Our division website , currently operating at no expense
 to the members .Though the division reimburses expenses
 the site has brought in240.00 this year and is set to bring
 in another 240.00 in January .
This communication tool though better than We have had .
 It is still evolving and changing for the better thanks to 
Your Help as a Division .

We have corrected many improper signage issues 
including speed boards ,whistle Boards, and Mileposts .

We got the pot holes in the parking lot repaired and have 
intervened successfully several times due to Sanitation Problems
 in our Terminals .

We have acquired information about replacement seats for the
 c44's and theSD 70s and the time schedule for upgrading
to LED signals for the Valley and Mountain .

We have corrected some inappropriate actions of some members
 of other crafts . We have also corrected some problems with
 management.

After a long absence We are members of the central labor Council
 and have received benefits from this affiliation via our 
legal plan " 3 free notariesa day" Not to be confused with 
designated legal counsel . We still have
Hildebrand , McLeod , & Nelson and The Crow law firm As 
Designated LegalCounsel . We have also been introduced to a 15%
 discount as union members from AT&T . I expect more benefits 
in the future .

We have a lot more battles to win , just to name a few
 repeaters for the tunnel up at searles . The DPUing and 
adding of a unit to the OTNLB .  Train lineups are still an 
issue but I believe we made it a little better .We also need
 to work on our mobilization lists for the members that
Volunteered for the job .

This being what it is, I don't wish to bore you but thank you 
for all your efforts throughout the year. We still have a 
long way to go and can only get there by working together for 
the common good of our brotherhood and hence
ourselves .



Job insurance ??? got it? need it ? want it ?
need more ? I can have you signed up on LECMPA in a 
matter of minutes job insurance is to compensate
 you for lost time while you
are off fired . Not for IP time ...

Seeking donations for our division
US and California flag set .

50-50 drawing starting at our next union meeting,
50% of take goes to the winner 
25% goes to LR/FLAG FUND .
25% goes to Jack pot fund for all members... 
Only requirement is to be present when
your name is called . If your name is called and
you are not present, no one wins and 
the Jackpot carries over until the next month etc.
and etc.
the name of the winner for both
the 50-50 and jackpot will be posted
on our website .



Why Union ? Why BLET ? Why Now ?