(Harrisburg, Pa) - At the onset of the 2008 General
Election Campaign, the Pennsylvania Brotherhood of
Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has announced its
endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President.
BLET members are endorsing Senator Obama because of his
support of labor, minimum wage and other issues concerning
union members.
"We are impressed with Senator Obama's track record of
voting in compliance with labor initiatives," said Ken
Kertesz, Chairman of the PA BLET Legislative Board. "He will
fight for important issues like security, fair wages, and
affordable healthcare."
Obama promises to ensure workers the right to unionize
and organize as well as protecting striking workers and
raising the minimum wage. In the past, he has worked towards
these goals. In 2007 he introduced the Patriot Employer Act
that gives a tax credit to employers who keep jobs in the
United States, pay decent wages or provide healthcare to
employees.
Other labor unions have endorsed Senator Obama for
President, including the SEIU, Service Employees
International Union, and the USW, United Steel Workers.
These unions cite the same reasons for endorsement as the
BLET. It has become increasingly clear to union officials
that having Senator Obama as President would be in the best
interest of all labor unions.
In addition, the PA BLET membership is supporting the
attached list of legislators that the PA AFL-CIO endorsed in
2007. The membership believes it will help guarantee the
rights of working families. The BLET Membership has been
active in the primary campaign process through their "Vote
Change '08" program, which encouraged voter registration
among members.
The Pennsylvania Legislative Board of the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) represents
some 1300 employees of Class I Freight Railroads: Norfolk
Southern, Canadian Pacific, Canadian National and CSXT, as
well as passenger trains Amtrak and SEPTA. The PA. BLET
merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and
is also a member of the PA. AFL-CIO. More information on the
PA. BLET can be found by going to its website at: http://www.pslb-blet.org/.
Sources: LABOR's State Wide Grass-Roots Political Action
Key to 2007 Election Wins http://www.paaflcio.org/eresults.htm
BLET joins Teamsters in endorsement as primary season
ends