Railroaders place to shoot the shit.

CINCINNATI, Ohio BLET members bid a bittersweet farewell to retiring National President Paul Sorrow today during opening ceremonies of the 83rd Southeastern Meeting Association (SMA) annual convention.

President Sorrow will retire on July 1 after 38 years of dedicated service to the Brotherhood. The SMA here will be his final meeting as President of the organization, and Sorrow received multiple standing ovations from the more than 100 members in attendance.

The most rewarding time of my life has been in service as your National President, Sorrow said. It all began for me here in the Southeast and it is only fitting that I am here to pass the torch to the next generation of Brotherhood leaders.

During his address to the membership, President Sorrow focused on the current and future business of the Brotherhood. He gave an update on national negotiations, noting that the carriers have performed well financially despite the tough economic times. He said the Brotherhood can best achieve its goals at the bargaining table if all members of the Organization are working together as a united Brotherhood.

I want the carriers to know that this Organization means business, President Sorrow said. This Organization will never give up, never give in, and will never back down from a fight.

He also recognized the importance of mobilization as a powerful tool to help unite the Organization.

Regarding his pending retirement, President Sorrow told the delegates that the decision came after long discussions with his physician, his wife, and the man upstairs. Additionally, he said: I wouldnt leave if I didnt feel I was leaving our Organization in good hands.

Upon the conclusion of his remarks to the membership, Sorrow passed the torch to First Vice President & Alternate President Dennis Pierce, who will assume the duties of National President following Sorrows retirement.

In an emotional speech honoring President Sorrow, General Chairman John Karakian (Grand Trunk Western) described the close fraternal bond he developed with President Sorrow over the years and summarized the thoughts of countless members when he explained that he was happy for Brother Sorrow, but would miss him and hates to see him go.

General Chairman Tony Smith (CSX Eastern Lines) expressed similar sentiments. He also presented President Sorrow with a retirement plaque on behalf of his General Committee of Adjustment. The plaque recognized President Sorrows 45-year railroad career and 38 years of service to the Brotherhood, including his service as Local Chairman of Division 498 in Abbeville, S.C., his years as General Chairman, Vice President and National President.

The morning session concluded with a closed meeting for BLET members.

Jerry Sturdivant, his wife Peggy, and the members of BLET Division 110 are hosting the SMA this year. The convention will continue tomorrow with workshops for Local Chairmen, Legislative Representatives and Secretary-Treasurers. There will also be a workshop regarding the BLETs mobilization network.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010
bentley@ble.org