BLET, UTU join in support of N.Y. legislation

ALBANY, N.Y., April 25 — Legislation has been introduced in the New York State legislature to prohibit union officers of the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE) from receiving salaries from outside funds.

ACRE represents train and engine service employees on Metro North, who previously were represented by the BLET and the UTU.

ACRE also is actively seeking to represent train and engine service employees on Amtrak in Connecticut where service is provided by the Connecticut DOT under contract with Amtrak. And ACRE is looking to represent locomotive engineers on New Jersey Transit.

ACRE has all the markings of a company union as its officers are paid by the employer.

The BLET and the UTU jointly are asking members in New York State to contact their state senator to vote “YES” on Senate Bill No. 4722; and their state assemblyman to vote “YES” on Assembly Bill No. A-9023, each of which would stop ACRE from using employer funds to pay union officer salaries.

John Collins, Chairman of the BLET's New York State Legislative Board, said the Brotherhood is working with other unions to help generate support for this legislation.