Union officer election results announced December 19th, 2022 confirmed that insurgent working engineer Edward Hall of Tucson, AZ (Division #28) had defeated incumbent President Dennis Pierce for the Presidency of the the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET). Hall was nominated at the union's National Convention in October, and was the only candidate to oppose the incumbent slate. Hall had practically no name recognition in the union, and ran a minimalist campaign. He garnered 4,331 votes to Pierce's 3,822 to win 53% of the vote. He assumed office on January First.
Hall's unexpected election to the post can be explained by the massive frustration and discontent with the status quo. The union's membership was braced for a showdown with the Class One carriers in the hopes of winning a good contract. Under Pierce's leadership, that was not going to happen. Given the broad discontent among working railroaders from all crafts, Pierce's defeat may simply be the first, to soon be followed in the coming months and years by vanquished incumbent officials of the other rail craft unions as well.
Railroad Workers United has taken this opportunity to send an open letter of congratulations to Brother Hall, to wish him well, and to offer him advice, support, assistance, and encouragement as he assumes the office of President of the union.
