The first update
(scroll down to see the latest posts from Ron Friend, see how far the campaign has come)
To date we have collected over 300 signatures on our petition drive. As those come in I tally the numbers and separate by craft. So far we have 10 rail labor crafts represented. Believe it or not that is huge. That says that the word is getting out to all of the rank and file. And whom is getting the word out? You . Rank and file folks that are talking to fellow railroaders and their families. Hard working railroaders that go to work, everyday, in all kinds of weather. In such a physically , and mentally, demanding vocation we know the toll that being a railroader takes on our bodies. And we know that what is proposed is not out of the question and it is reasonable and more importantly we know it is DOABLE.
That is why the petition drive is so important. Our labor leaders need our input. We know the widows that are too young to receive benefits that their now deceased spouses, our union brothers and sisters, worked so hard for. We know the disabled brothers and sisters that have to currently decide between food and shelter or medical coverage. We know the retirees that are paying too much of the railroad retirement dollars to have insured benefits. Those are the folks that need help the most and they are counting on each of us to make that extra effort to obtain positive changes for their benefit. This is an initiative that will better provide for those currently in need and generations of railroaders to come. And it is not that our labor leaders aren’t receptive to those changes but rather that such proposed changes must proven to be advantageous for those labor leaders to move forward with such proposed changes.
Each of us has a full plate at this time with our nation going through such difficult times. We have railroaders that are being furloughed, time claims to be written, grievances to be filed, and so much more as well as the demands of our jobs and compliance to rules and regulations. And to add to all of that getting this information out to our rank and file brothers in all crafts can be a challenge at best. It is not a task for a few but rather a mission that can at times seem overwhelming.
As the proposed changes are set forth this is not a proposal that is going to have an out of site increase on our wallets. It can be done and not decrease the revenue in our Railroad Retirement System. That is why I am asking for your help. If each of us would make sure that the petitions are being circulated, and the information is getting out, our rail labor brothers and sisters will be informed. This directly affects each and every one of us. To not do so, to make no effort, would be like turning our backs on those young widows, our retired brothers and sisters, and our disabled brothers and sisters as well as their families. That is something I cannot do and from the responses we are getting many of you share those same beliefs. Our labor leaders will listen as well as our Congressmen and Senators. But only when we prove that we are serious and make our voices heard.
As you will note my name and mailing address is on the bottom of each petition. Should any of you have any questions my email address will be included in the conclusion of this letter.
I thank each of you for your hard work.
Faithfully and in solidarity,
Ron Friend
Email: railroadron@suddenlink.net