about us

The BLET Auxiliary was founded in 1887 by a committee of women assisting with arrangements for a Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) Convention. Recognizing the need to unite the many groups of women already meeting in railroad towns across the country, they established an organization to provide cohesion, support, and shared purpose. On October 16, 1887, Auxiliary One was organized in Chicago, Illinois. From that beginning, the Auxiliary grew steadily, forming chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Over the years, the BLET Auxiliary has evolved to meet the changing needs of railroad families. While continuing to value its traditional social and support roles, the Auxiliary has expanded its focus to include education, advocacy, and active involvement in issues affecting BLET members, their families, and their communities. Membership is open to spouses and family members of BLET members, and an Associate Membership is available for those who wish to support the Auxiliary’s mission but may not otherwise qualify.

Today, the Auxiliary serves as a forum for education, information sharing, and collaboration among individuals with shared experiences and goals. Members participate in outreach efforts, rallies, and informational actions that help raise public awareness about the challenges faced by railroad employees and the broader impact those challenges have on families and communities. In many cases, Auxiliary members are able to speak out and advocate in ways that rail employees themselves cannot, due to the risk of employer retaliation. The organization remains committed to promoting safer working conditions and a better quality of life for railroad families.

Prior to 2006, the organization was known as the Grand International Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. At the 2006 National Convention, the name was changed to the BLET Auxiliary to reflect changes within the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers following its 2004 merger with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. At that time, the Auxiliary—like the BLET—also became a national organization rather than an international one.

The BLET Auxiliary is a nonprofit organization and a separate legal entity from the BLET, but it works closely with BLET officers at the local, regional, and national levels. The Auxiliary supports BLET initiatives, mobilization efforts, and advocacy actions when requested, with the sole exception of contractual matters unless specifically asked to participate.