Human Rights Commission Takes Message of Unity to Rail Diversity Conference

August 5, 2008

The Teamsters Human Rights Commission (HRC) brought the message of Teamster unity to a national diversity meeting of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) in July, held on a Navajo reservation in Gallup, New Mexico.

“The right for all men and women to be treated with respect is a human right,” said Cheryl Johnson, International Vice President and Director of the HRC, speaking to the national meeting of the Labor Alliance For Brotherhood of Rail Inc., or LABOR Inc. “But there are so many men and women whose human rights are violated every day. That is why we should all feel privileged to be a part of a union that stands up for workers rights—for human rights.”

Fred Simpson, Teamsters Vice President and BMWED President, was honored by LABOR Inc., and spoke about the importance of diversity and unity.

“We are diverse in our culture, race, gender and craft, and that is what makes us great,” Simpson said.

HRC commissioners made presentations to the conference about being united as Teamsters.

“How many Teamsters are here in the room?” asked Antonio Christian, HRC Deputy Director and Local 853 Recording Secretary. “I’m glad you all raised your hands because we’re all Teamsters. We’re all united together.”

The HRC also led presentations about the importance of labor unions and safety on the job.

“Being a Teamster is about respect and brotherhood,” said Tom Curtin, HRC Advisor and Field Action Representative. “As Teamsters we embrace our diverse membership and recognize it as the strength of our union.”

“No matter what our different jobs or wages or classifications, we need to all remember that we’re Teamsters,” said Debra Haddock, Executive Board HRC Commissioner from Local 745 in Dallas.

Rick Inclima, BMWED’s Director of Safety and Education, urged members to get involved in their union.

“It’s important we protect our craft and our union, because when push comes to shove, the railroad is not your friend,” he said. “Your friends are the brothers and sisters in this room.”

The HRC was established to assist local unions in promoting diversity and to eliminate all forms of discrimination that divides us on the job, in society and in the union, among other goals.