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The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) advisory board recently voted unanimously to promote Vice President Paul Sorrow to first vice president and alternate president — the union's second-highest office. He succeeds Ed Rodzwicz, who became BLET's national president last month.

The union also named Dennis Pierce vice president to succeed Sorrow. Pierce most recently was general chairman of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe/Montana Rail Link General Committee of Adjustment.

Sorrow had served as vice president since 1991. He previously was general chairman of CSX Transportation's Eastern Lines, a vice chairman, chief of staff and local chairman. Pierce's previous BLET positions include first alternate international vice president, general chairman, vice general chairman and local chairman.

Meanwhile, the BLET's advisory board also voted in favor of endorsing Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president.

"The next U.S. president will make several decisions and appointments that will have an impact on the rail industry," said Rodzwicz in a prepared statement. "We believe Senator Obama will fight to make the right decisions when it comes to the health and safety of all rail workers."

BLET parent the International Brotherhood of Teamsters also recently endorsed Obama's presidential bid.