BLET MOBILIZATION

2. Words From an Ancient Master

3. BLET ISSUES What important issues are facing the BLET at this time?

4. BLET Union Development Union History After World War II Nation restructured Public acceptance of unions, decent wages and working conditions Unions were on easy street Became service oriented organizations Members thought they were buying a service No longer part of the union movement Members became uninvolved & apathetic Expect union officers to take care of them Causes misinformation and mistrust Makes unions weak BLET has a proud history Oldest union in the United States Started using mobilization in the 90�s Has had many mobilization successes

5. BLE Mobilization Development 1995- Mobilization first utilized on Union Pacific Campaign 95 Started planning in 1993 Trained Mobilizers & built networks Target- Pressure UP to bargain in good faith First system wide action was to interview all Engineers on UP One on one contact BLE and UTU Engineers Distributed questionnaires concerning contract Increased BLE membership Strengthened the BLE Held system wide actions including �Just Practicing� Rally on December 21, 1994 UP Headquarters in Omaha 67 locations on UP Campaign 95 was successful Result- UP agreed to unprecedented dual track negotiations

6. BLE Mobilization Development April 1997 � Thanos March, Washington DC Commemorated those killed in the line of duty 500 BLE Members & Families marched on DC June 1997- BLE Member died in a tragic rear end collision at Scary, WV BLE activated our mobilization process on CSX Executed a safety strike against CSX 6000 BLE Members were notified of the action shortly before it went into effect BLE became a prominent voice and created a very positive change in railroad safety culture January 1998-UTU files petition for single craft on UP Activated mobilization network on UP and across country Members sent letters, emails, faxes to NMB Town Hall Meetings across UP BLE gained over 4,000 new members July 1999- Rally & March in Washington DC 1,000 attend march to protest hostile takeover attempt February 29, 2000- NMB Panel denies UTU petition

7. BLE Mobilization Development November 1999- Rally at BNSF headquarters in Ft. Worth concerning Availability Policy Policy was cancelled in February 2000 June 2001- UTU has A-Card raid for single craft on KCS Activated mobilization network on KCS August 2001- NMB dismissed UTU application for single craft September 2001- UTU signs letter of intent on RCL BLE activated mobilization network across country Informational pickets Rallies & marches City council meetings Several City Councils passed resolutions banning RCL January 2003- Vernon Award decided in favor of UTU position on RCL Campaign continued after award, warning public of RCL dangers

8. GOTV Mobilization Development November 2001- Get Out the Vote campaign on BLE-UTU merger 62% of active members voted BLE members voted against merger GOTV Campaigns on contracts, elections, etc. 2007 and 2009- Activated BLET mobilization network on BNSF Recent BNSF contract ratified with over 50% of the members voting Contract passed with over 85% voting in favor

9. BLET Mobilization Development January 2010 Senate proposes placing an excise tax on Health Care Harmful to BLET members and families Mobilization Networks activated on BNSF and CSX BLET part of a large union coalition Emails, letters, faxes, phone calls to Senate Successfully convinced congressional leaders to rework proposal

10. The Rules Have Changed Prior to 1981 Standard negotiating practices were still working Service organization, but the process worked In 1981 Staggers Act deregulated the railroads Railroad competition became stronger Air Traffic Controller�s strike changed our ability to strike Since 1981 Strike effectiveness has been limited New creative and innovative methods developed

11. Railway Labor Act How the Railway Labor Act works File Section 6 notice Negotiate in good faith When that doesn�t work, request mediation, NMB If there is still no agreement, 30 day cooling off period Strike or promulgation of rules Carrier effect its own work rules, or lockout If dispute threatens interstate commerce NMB notifies President President establishes Emergency Board (PEB) 30 days to decide issue Agreement or Strike 30 days after PEB Report Contracts forced on us by Congress (1991) and Arbitration Award 458 in 1986 have proved to be less favorable than negotiated settlements (1996, 2003)

12. We Need to Change Railway Labor Act The deck is stacked against us Our future Contract Campaigns Rank and file involvement Careful planning Innovative tactics Solidarity actions Worksite actions Political pressure Publicity campaigns Rolling or selective strikes Gradual escalation Start out easy building step by step

13. Mobilization Three important parts: Organization Network One on one contact Phone network Email or text contact Education If members don�t understand the issue and how it affects them, they are less likely to become involved Action- The most important part BLET demonstrates strength and power Members directly participate in their future Sends a message that we are united Can provide positive publicity to our issues

14. Railroad Management Network Have you ever considered the structure of the railroad carriers? With the CEO at the top, their network is a very rigid top down organization Military structure Do what I tell you Tell me only what I want to hear Even though the carriers are top down and seem disorganized, they have well developed networks Strategic planning BNSF Headquarters War rooms More than adequate financial backing

15. BLET Mobilization Network The BLET Mobilization structure is designed to be both top down and bottom up Involves and empowers BLET members Members have ownership in the union Quickly distributes information Contracts Job actions Other information Gives our leadership the power of the membership Our network, or �grassroots mobilization army�, enables our leaders when negotiating The carriers, government, and other unions know this Where do I belong in the BLET Mobilization Network? What is my role?

17. Railroad System Coordinator Railroad System Coordinator contacts all GCAs on that specific railroad system Selected by all BLET GCAs on the railroad system Responsibilities Has direct contact with National Mobilization Coordinator Contacts all GCA Coordinators on railroad system Distributes communication, fliers, pamphlets, and instructions Communicates authorized mobilization activities and dates Assists GCAs in setting up and maintaining mobilization structure Assesses level of participation in each activity Reviews mobilization agenda, emphasizes what mobilization is, why it�s done, and roles and responsibilities Drives message through the network

18. GCA Coordinator General Chairman or designee Coordinates mobilization network on GCA Responsibilities Has direct contact with National Mobilization Coordinator and/or Railroad System Coordinator Contacts all District or Regional Coordinators on GCA Distributes communication, fliers, pamphlets, and instructions Communicates authorized mobilization activities and dates Assists GCA in setting up and maintaining mobilization structure Assesses level of participation in each activity Reviews mobilization agenda, emphasizes what mobilization is, why it�s done, and roles and responsibilities Drives message through the network

19. State Legislative Board Chairmen (Legislative Issues) Coordinates legislative mobilization issues in their respective states with VP and National Legislative Representative and National Mobilization Coordinators Responsibilities Works with GCA Coordinators to communicate the issue Helps distribute information and educates through the mobilization network Communicates legislative information to Division Legislative Representatives Ensures members are educated on mobilization legislative issues Drives message through the network

20. Regional or District Coordinator Appointed by General Chairman or GCA Coordinator Region or District: Group of BLET Divisions within a geographical region Responsibilities Assists BLET Divisions in region or district to collect names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails for Team Members, Team Captains, and Division Contacts Helps to set up mobilization structure Initiate authorized mobilization activities and dates Distributes communication, fliers, pamphlets, and instructions Assesses level of participation in each activity Reviews mobilization agenda, emphasizes what mobilization is, why it�s done, and roles and responsibilities

21. Division Contact Key to success of mobilization network Volunteer appointed by Division President or designated by BLET Division Responsibilities Organizes network for Division Mobilization structure Appoints Team Captains and assign Team Members Contact with Regional or District Coordinator Distributes communication, fliers, buttons, and instructions to Team Captains Contacts Team Captains when planned mobilization action imminent

22. Team Captain Appointed by Division Contact Suggested maximum 10 people in team Reports to Division Contact Responsibilities Collects and update Team Members contact information Distributes information, fliers, and instructions to Team Members One on one communication about issues and actions Mobilizes team into action in timely and efficient manner Contacts and prepares Team Members when a planned mobilization action is imminent

23. Team Members Mobilization success depends upon Team Members Organized, informed, conscientious and disciplined BLET Team Members have a high degree of control over the outcome of mobilization efforts Responsibilities Supply contact information to Team Leader for quick and concise communication when needed Respond in a timely manner when contacted Fully support and provide active involvement to mobilization actions and communications

24. Education The network is built, what�s next? Educate and communicate Members need to understand the issues How it affects them and their families Members become involved in BLET actions They become involved in their future Always thoroughly research every issue Education = Involvement = Strong Union Knowledge destroys apathy

25. How To Educate Members? To educate, we must first have a clear understanding of the issue(s) Use our network to distribute information and educate One on one Must have personal contact Member to member communication Phone network Email Texting BLET Web Page US mail

26. Why Take Action? Allows members to directly participate in their future Shows opponents that BLET members are united and serious about the issue Strength in Numbers Allows BLET to explain our position on issue Media Coverage Gives our leaders the support and strength of the membership

27. Tools for an Effective Action Rank and file involvement Careful planning and research Timing-Timing-Timing Innovative tactics Do not set unrealistic goals 6. Gradual escalation

28. Rank and File Involvement Determines member�s goals Research opponents Pressures targets Builds an effective communication network Builds alliances Actions must be carefully planned to be successful Involvement = Success

29. Innovative Tactics A good tactic Issue oriented Is winnable Builds on past successes Unpredictable Doesn�t drag on Doesn�t alienate members Is fun! Builds a spirited and effective organization

30. Gradual Escalation Solidarity Actions Same color or BLET shirts Postcards and letters Email campaigns Buttons, pins Stickers, pamphlets Petitions Rallies Marches

31. Increase Actions Start easy and steadily build toward stronger actions Builds union spirit Confrontational actions Informational pickets Jam phone, fax, email Fully observing work rules Rolling or selective strikes Legal Actions only.Legal Actions only.

32. Get Out the Vote What do you think the average voter turn out is without a structured GOTV? With a well planned GOTV? What kind of message does a good or bad turnout send to the carriers, government, and other unions? When we vote, it shows that our members are involved and connected to the BLET. Voter turnout demonstrates that we are well organized and structured. GOTV makes the BLET stronger! 2009 Contract Votes Mobilized- 57% Non-Mobilized � 42% Mobilized areas also had a higher percentage of ballots counted by about 2 to 1, due to ballot education. (For instance ballots are voided if names and addresses are not on the return envelope). Mobilization was also used to assist those that did not receive a ballot so they could request a ballot and vote.2009 Contract Votes Mobilized- 57% Non-Mobilized � 42% Mobilized areas also had a higher percentage of ballots counted by about 2 to 1, due to ballot education. (For instance ballots are voided if names and addresses are not on the return envelope). Mobilization was also used to assist those that did not receive a ballot so they could request a ballot and vote.

33. Get Out the Vote 2009 Contract Votes Mobilized- 57% Non-Mobilized � 42% Mobilized areas also had a higher percentage of ballots counted By about 2 to 1, due to ballot education Mobilization was also used to assist those that did not receive a ballot so they could request a ballot and vote 2009 Contract Votes Mobilized- 57% Non-Mobilized � 42% Mobilized areas also had a higher percentage of ballots counted by about 2 to 1, due to ballot education. (For instance ballots are voided if names and addresses are not on the return envelope). Mobilization was also used to assist those that did not receive a ballot so they could request a ballot and vote.2009 Contract Votes Mobilized- 57% Non-Mobilized � 42% Mobilized areas also had a higher percentage of ballots counted by about 2 to 1, due to ballot education. (For instance ballots are voided if names and addresses are not on the return envelope). Mobilization was also used to assist those that did not receive a ballot so they could request a ballot and vote.

34. Mobilization Year in Review  May 2010- National Mediation Board Representation Elections Members contacted representatives to support a change in representation election rules to a simple majority of those that voted Due to membership support, measure passed in House and Senate July 2010- Amtrak Funding National Legislative Dept., State Legislative Board Chairmen and National Mobilization Team requested members contact their Congressmen to request that they not support an amendment that would strip Amtrak funding (Bachmann (R-MN) Amendment) Amendment was defeated, 129-293 thanks to members efforts

35. Mobilization Year in Review  October 2010- National Division Officer Election Initiative Initiative to return to Delegate vote at National Convention Only 24% of members voted 72% voted to retain rank and file election November 2010- National Division Officers Election GOTV effort for first rank and file election of National Division Officers 40% of active membership voted Participation was up 60% from last GOTV

36. Mobilization Year in Review  January 2011- CSXT Members Ratify Pair of Agreements Conducted an educational GOTV campaign 50% of the Northern District GCA members voted on the CSXT Single System Agreement Northern Lines & Northern District GCA�s ratified an agreement to create the North Mid-Atlantic Seniority District March 2011- Mobilized to Defeat an Effort to Turn Back the Clock on Representation Elections Members asked to contact Representatives to vote against the unfair amendment The amendment narrowly passed the House, however thanks to BLET member�s efforts, the amendment was defeated in the Senate

37. Brainstorm Ideas How can mobilization be used to solve the issues we previously identified? Do you have any new ideas or concerns that mobilization can be used for?

38. Presentation of the Internal Organizing, Mobilizing, and Strategic Planning Department2011