Welcome to the website of the National Legislative Office of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, a division of the Rail Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
This site is intended to be a resource for BLET members, as well as anyone who is interested in the legislative and regulatory activities of our union.
As the site evolves it is our hope that it will be a useful tool in helping the BLET to continue to maintain, expand and deepen its relationships with Congress, labor leaders, government agencies and the general public. Read Vice President Tolman's welcome message...
May 8, 2012
Teamsters Endorse Obama
The Teamsters Union Monday endorsed President Barack Obama for re-election with the enthusiastic support of the 2,000 Teamsters gathered at the 2012 Unity Conference.
Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa asked the crowd, “Do we want to endorse Barack Obama for President?” The response was a resounding “yes” and a standing ovation.
The General Executive Board gave Hoffa the authority to endorse Obama at a meeting last night, after months of surveying Teamster members. Several International Vice Presidents spoke from the floor to express their support of the endorsement.
Obama called in live during the conference to thank the Teamsters for their endorsement.
“Congratulations to James Hoffa on his re-election, and you could not have a better leader at the helm along with you than General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall. Thank you to every Teamster for your endorsement,” Obama said.
Obama thanked the Teamsters for keeping up the fight for working men and women. He called the November election a make-or-break moment for America. He listed his accomplishments, including saving the auto industry, and said his administration is fighting back against the war on workers.
“We have a common vision for where we want to take this country, one where everyone has a fair shot. I could not be prouder for your endorsement,” Obama said. “Let’s get to work. Let’s move this country forward.”
The room erupted into applause, as thousands of Teamsters rose to their feet.