On March 14, BLET Division 607 (Cleveland, Ohio) and the Ohio State Legislature Board hosted a whistleblower and harassment workshop for all railroad workers in the Cleveland area. Approximately 71 attendees participated, representing 15 different BLET Divisions and numerous crafts from other railroad unions.
In addition to BLET members, other unions in attendance included the United Steel Workers of America (CWRO Railroad), SMART Transportation Division (conductors and yardmasters), American Train Dispatchers Association, Brotherhood of Railroad Signal men, and American Federation of Government Employees.
Members from the following BLET Divisions were in attendance: 3. 4. 34, 234, 260, 255, 292, 306, 447, 526, 607, 678, 757, 894, and 937. Also in attendance were officers of the Norfolk Southern-Northern lines/CF&E General Committee of Adjustment and the CSXT-Northern l.ines General Committee of Adjustment. Officers of the BLET Ohio State Legislative Board and Pennsylvania State Legislative Board were also in attendance.
Representatives of the law firm Steel and Moss led the whistleblower portion of the workshop, focusing on the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, the whistle blower provisions of the Rail Safety Improvement Act, and railroad technology in general. Cleveland-based attorney Betsy Rader led the workplace harassment portion of the workshop. With 30 years of legal experience, Rader is a specialist in protecting worker rights and has successfully litigated and resolved employment cases involving many types of discrimination.
It was a valuable learning experience for all involved. Those in attendance learned a great deal of valuable information for themselves, which they are now able to bring back to their Divisions, GCAs and SLBs and share with other members.
Contact Steel & Moss – we will help you Know Your Rights.
