This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we've covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the Railroad Signalmen (BRS).
Name of Union: Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS)
Mission: To represent the working people who maintain railroad signal systems and highway-rail grade crossing warning devices across the nation. In addition, the BRS negotiates contracts and promotes safety in the industry for its members and the traveling public. Local lodges elect delegates to national conventions, which is the organization's supreme authority. Delegates set policy, review the general state of the union, establish collective bargaining goals and elect Grand Lodge officers, who direct the organization between conventions.
Current Leadership of Union: Michael S. Baldwin serves as president of the BRS. James M. Finnegan serves as secretary-treasurer. The BRS also has six vice presidents who serve in various capacities: Tim M. Tarrant (Commuter/Passenger), Cory Claypool (West), Brandon Elvey (NRAB), Doug VanderJagt (East), R. Quinn Norman (Headquarters) and Kurt Mullins (Midwest).
Current Number of Members: 10,000-plus
Members Work As: Signal employees on both freight and passenger railroads, including major commuter lines.
Industries Represented: The railroad industry and suppliers in the United States.
History: At the turn of the century, railroad signaling became an emerging craft as railroads increasingly incorporated new technology. In 1901, the BRS was founded to improve the safety and efficiency of railroad operations, and to represent the workers install, maintain and repair signal systems, including warning devices at highway-rail grade crossings. Over the ensuing decades, the organization grew into a national union consisting of working people across the United States.
Community Efforts: Training and education, the BRS online store, BRS members serve on the Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES) Committee.
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