BLET, BMWED encourage members to back ATDA organizing effort at UP

Leaders at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) are asking members to support an organizing drive by the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) at Union Pacific Railroad.

An anomaly among U.S. Class Is, dispatchers at UP currently are not represented by a union, BLET officials said in a press release. ATDA has secured enough authorization cards for the National Mediation Board to hold a representation election for the craft or class of train dispatcher, they said. Balloting will begin today and run through Jan. 15.

BLET and BMWED officials are advising their UP members about the importance of the vote and asking for their help in supporting ATDA's organizing drive.

"There are nearly 600 train dispatchers eligible to vote in the upcoming election," said BLET National President Dennis Pierce. "Words of encouragement or support for the union can go a long way toward turning the tide of the election."