Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen

A Division of the Rail Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Michigan State Legislative Board

4809 Irwindale Waterford, MI. 48328

Phone (248) 681-4435 Fax (248) 738-4695

Greg Powell

Chairman

Michigan BLE&T

2005 Safety Goal

Brothers and Sisters:

The year 2004 was a Safety disaster for Rail Employees. Statistics at this time confirm that at least 18 TY&E service employees have died in switching and road accidents last year and 2 already this year. Never has it been more apparent that Safety must come first!

The Railroads agenda, to eliminate FELA, is dependent upon the public and the Legislators believing that our jobs are “non-demanding and virtually risk free.” This only works as long as everyone remains unaware of the facts. As Legislative Representatives we must take the lead. We must continue our efforts to report all unsafe conditions, accidents and injuries to this Board or your Terminal Safety committees.

Safety Must Come First! Our 2005 Safety goal will be to “lead the charge” to change attitudes – both employer and employee to: Safety Must Come First! Please hand out these Safety buttons to our members and ask them to wear them on their grips, hats or jackets with our safety motto to remind us Safety Must Come First! Our working environment is very dangerous, but we fully expect that Safety Must Come First!

Be a leader, the truth is on our side.

Fraternally yours

Greg Powell

Chairman MSLB