Teamsters and Locomotive Engineers Win First Joint Organizing Effort

Teamsters and Locomotive Engineers Win First Joint Organizing Effort

December 30, 2002

(Cleveland, OH) - The joint International Brotherhood of Teamsters/Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Rail Operating Employees' Council has scored its first-ever organizing victory on the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad (IC&E). Approximately 300 workers will now enjoy union representation as a result of the IBT/BLE organizing victory.

"This victory clearly demonstrates the strength our unions have by working together,” said James P. Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "We look forward to continuing our relationship with the BLE."

Hoffa thanked the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, IBT/BLE Organizers Tom Miller and Jim Bradford, along with Teamsters’ Local 41 in Kansas City, Missouri and Local 371 in Rock Island, Illinois for their efforts in the successful organizing drive.

On November 18 in Davenport, Iowa, the joint IBT/IBLE Rail Operating Employees' Council held its first-ever rally. Two large Teamster trucks—one from Chicago and one from Indianapolis—served as rally headquarters for the IBT/BLE representatives. The trucks were parked at two separate locations in the Quad Cities area and served as a rallying point for IC&E employees as they reported for work.

In July, the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (DM&E) purchased the I&M Rail Link (also known as IMRL) and changed its name to the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad. In doing so, the company abolished union representation.

DM&E’s actions resulted in a joint effort between the Teamsters and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Rail Operating Employees' in filing a motion with the National Mediation Board (NMB). The NMB approved the motion, which led directly to the organizing victory.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States and Canada.