legislative
Legislative Department
The Legislative Department of the BLET Auxiliary was established to address quality-of-life, legislative, safety, and security issues affecting locomotive engineers and trainmen, as well as their spouses, families, and communities.
Over the past decade, the department has grown significantly due to the dedication of our national, state, and local legislative representatives. These volunteers work tirelessly at the federal, state, and local levels to help drive meaningful change. The Auxiliary works in close coordination with the BLET National Legislative Department and State Legislative Board Chairmen to advocate before legislative bodies on issues impacting both the workplace and overall quality of life.
At the local level, Auxiliaries partner with their BLET Divisions to support region-specific concerns. These efforts may include issues such as cab temperatures, remote control operations, carry-all vans, rail security training, and labor-related matters affecting members in their area.
Staying Informed & Taking Action
Legislative updates are published in each quarterly Auxiliary newsletter to keep members informed about issues currently “on the radar.” These updates provide background information and explain the current status of each issue.
When action is needed, the National Legislative Representative issues legislative alerts calling on members to engage. These alerts include:
Background on the issue
Current status
Clear guidance on the message members should deliver to their elected officials
Legislative alerts have become a key tool in supporting the work of the BLET Legislative Department and amplifying our collective voice.
To ensure members stay informed between alerts, monthly legislative updates are posted on the Auxiliary website at www.bletauxiliary.net. Many local auxiliary legislative representatives and members download these updates to share at monthly auxiliary meetings.
State Legislative Representatives
At the 2001 International Convention, the position of Auxiliary State Legislative Representative was established to strengthen advocacy at the state and local levels. Positions remain available, and members interested in legislative work are encouraged to contact the Auxiliary National Legislative Representative, Natalie Miller.
Your Role Matters
The effectiveness of the Legislative Department depends on active participation from our members. While politics and legislation may not initially seem exciting, understanding how the process works—and what is at stake—reveals just how critical this work is.
Legislative action is often the most direct and effective way to create lasting change. Together, our informed and engaged membership ensures the BLET Auxiliary remains a strong, respected voice in Washington, D.C., and across every state.
“Auxiliary members give a union its extra voice, able to speak, advocate, and apply pressure in places the union itself cannot, while still standing firmly in solidarity with working members.”
Jodi Wallace – National BLET Auxiliary Secretary