Members from 21 different states convened this week in Washington, D.C. in their roles as state legislative directors to sweep Capitol Hill on behalf of the BMWED-IBT and Rail Labor.

These 25 Brothers and Sisters visited various Congressional offices Thursday afternoon, flexing collective strength and pressing several of our issues with federal legislators and their staffs, most chiefly the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, which aims to eliminate the unjust sequestration of RRB unemployment and sickness benefits.

Thursday’s visits to the Hill were the capstone of a three-day BMWED legislative workshop held at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters headquarters through the BMWED Government and Political Affairs department. BMWED President Tony Cardwell and Government Affairs Director Jeff Joines activated several state legislative directors from around the country, including many new to their roles, to get first-hand, up-close knowledge and experience and hear from an assortment of guests including Teamster General President Sean O’Brien, FRA Administrator Amit Bose, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, and U.S. Reps. Mary Peltola (AK) and Melanie Stansbury (NM), among many others.

The workshop was focused on the pivotal importance of active and targeted political engagement with elected officials and relevant regulatory agencies to ensure that the voice of the rail worker is heard. It is imperative that all Rail Labor members continue to press lawmakers and policy makers at every level of government and state legislative directors this week honed their skills and fostered their knowledge and strategies in that realm.

While the REEF Act was a top priority in discussions, other vital and timely issues were also raised with lawmakers and their staffs, including the untenable fallout to the rail industry through the pervasive Precision Scheduled Railroading model and the need for serious and impactful change, workforce shortages, “whistleblower” protections and any other rail-related subject that arose.

The workshop was a successful program because of the hard work and dedication shown by the members who stepped forward this week and took on this important duty. Our Brotherhood is encouraged and strengthened by these 25 Brothers and Sisters who carried the mantle on Capitol Hill for members of the BMWED and all crafts. Solidarity!