The
Local Auxiliary
There are many benefits to having a local Auxiliary.
Most auxiliaries meet once per month, at least 8 times per year, and
discuss current issues and legislation which relate to the inherent risks of
working on the railroad. Local
Auxiliaries also provide a means for support of one another in a working
environment different from most. Not
all auxiliaries are exclusive to just one railroad, which allows for sharing of
information across railroad lines.
Additional benefits to having local Auxiliaries exists with the ability
to support divisions as they address particular issues that are unique to that
property, area, or region. Many
problems are system-wide, and are addressed at the national level, but there are
always specific problems on each subdivision that may not occur in other places.
They could be related to a particularly disagreeable superintendent,
ineffective management, or an ineffective or unresponsive Federal Railroad
Administration representative.
Working with local BLET Division officers, General Committee’s of
Adjustment, State Legislative Board Chairmen, and the National Division, local
auxiliary members can actively participate in efforts to correct problems.
When fully utilized, local members as well as members at large, can do
things railroad employees cannot for fear of losing their jobs.
In today’s society, it is often difficult to find the time to join an
organization. That, in itself, is a
tragedy, but those auxiliaries who have persevered and found the time and energy
to sustain their organizations, have reaped the benefits and rewards that can
only come from meeting with others facing the same difficulties and fears.
Even though the focus of our organization has shifted to matters that are
more serious in nature, we still find time to have fun and fellowship.
Often, it is the Auxiliary that will plan a Christmas party or a picnic
for the BLET members. Not only is a
party a nice way to relax, it provides an opportunity for Auxiliary members to
meet BLET members and their families, that they probably only know by name, and
meet others who may not be aware of the organization.
It also allows BLET members the opportunity to see what we can do for
them.
Auxiliary
Dues and Finances Structure
Auxiliaries
collect dues from members to help support the National Auxiliary and local
Auxiliary activities and programs. Information
on what is required to organize an auxiliary is contained in the Section “How
to Organize an Auxiliary.” Once
organized, the annual, per-member dues shall be determined by each auxiliary,
but must be sufficient to include the National Auxiliary dues.
A one-time application fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) is due with each
application for membership.
National Auxiliary Dues are graduated depending on the Member’s status:
Retirees (over 60), Widows, Widowers Active Aux. Members
General
Fund
$10.00 $20.00
Care and Assistance Program
2.00
2.00
Delegate/Convention Fund
6.00
16.00
Scholarship Fund
2.00
2.00
$20.00 $40.00
National Dues for each member are forwarded to the National Secretary
with the Auxiliary’s annual report, which is due by March 1st of
each year. All members whose names
appear on the books at the beginning of the previous calendar year, together
with those initiated prior to November 15th of that year are counted
for payment of National Dues. Each
auxiliary also pays an annual assessment of Twenty Dollars ($20.00), which is
used to maintain a convention fund. This
fund is used to defray expenses of the General Session of the National
Auxiliary, held every four (4) years.
Any member may be excused from paying Auxiliary dues by a majority vote
of the Auxiliary, but the member or the Auxiliary is still liable for payment of
National Dues for that member. Any
member with sixty (60) years continuous membership is excused from paying
National Dues.