Cory Martin
Illinois State Legislative Board Chairman
Robert Primus
This photo was taken in DC when I and other state board Chairman were there lobbying on the hill. Robert Primus who was chairman of the STB at the time, took the time to come and join us for dinner to hear our concerns and learn about the problems occurring with the class one carriers. He has continued to join us at other subsequent visits. He is a true friend and ally to our union and I can’t overstate how much of a loss it is if his illegal firing is allowed to stand. This administration is...
Illinois BLET Members at 2025 Western Regional Meeting in Seattle
2024 Illinois Primaries
Brothers and Sisters, it is Primary season in Illinois and we need to get out and vote. 2024 is shaping up to be a big year from the top of ticket to the very bottom, and sometimes the local races are the most vital. You recently received our list of suggested candidates, please contact me if you have any questions about certain candidates or how we came to a decision on those who are on the list. I have had the opportunity to meet several of our lawmakers in recent months and attend a few...
Brother Chris Falaney
Brothers and sisters, as we move forward with this new chapter of the ISLB I want to continue to express my sincerest condolences to the Falaney family. Chris was a wonderful Husband, Father and Union man. He was an example of what we represent and something we should strive to be. I am greatly thankful to the members of this board, other State Legislative Board Chairman and the BLET organization as a whole for their support and assistance during this transition. I am grateful for the trust...
I toured the BRC Clearing yard in Chicago today with Illinois Congressman, Sean Casten and other Rail Labor leadership.
The short lines – doing their part in fighting against our safety…
Rail safety legislation: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has continued to speak publicly about his desire to move forward the Brown-Vance rail safety bill (S. 576). The bill would need 60 votes to clear a procedural hurdle and be considered on the floor. On the House side, the ASLRRA’s Legislative Policy Committee members and ASLRRA’s Government Affairs team continue to engage with offices to show concern about the Senate measure should it pass the Senate and move to the House – or...
Chairman, Chris Falaney and Vice Chairman, Corey Martin with STB member Robert Primus
Chairman, Chris Falaney and Vice Chairman, Corey Martin with STB member Robert Primus at the 2023 BLET Regional Meeting in Milwaukee.
2023 recipients of the BLET ISLB Don Little Scholarships
The 2023 BLET ISLB Don Little Scholarships have been awarded! Dylan Hawbaker (Div. 155) Sarah Molitor (Div. 131) Morgan Toedebusch (Div. 444) Congratulations, and best of luck on your future endeavors!
17,807
Grain carloads carried by U.S. railroads in the week ending May 20, down 12.7% from a year ago and leaving the commodity traffic down 7.1% so far this year, according to the Association of American Railroads.
Meeting National President Eddie Hall
I got a chance to chat with our new National President Eddie Hall at the NASLBC meeting in Kansas City. (pic)
Save Our Transit Systems – Pass Reform And Revenue During Veto Session
Save Our Transit Systems - Pass Reform And Revenue During Veto Session Tell the Illinois General Assembly to Pass Transit Reform And Dedicated Revenue During Veto Session The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace and Regional Transit Authority (RTA) currently...
Is Union Pacific Trump ballroom donation Vena’s merger knockout punch?
Is Union Pacific Trump ballroom donation Vena’s merger knockout punch? Not only is Union Pacific Chief Executive Jim Vena a former locomotive engineer who literally built his career from the track up, he’s also a former hockey player who often boasts publicly about...
There’s a A New Proposed AMTRAK Route Called The ‘Midwest Connect” That Will Link These Popular Cities
There's a A New Proposed AMTRAK Route Called The 'Midwest Connect" That Will Link These Popular Cities The Midwest might be getting a new five-state train route that some hope will revolutionize the region's intercity travel. Stretching from Chicago to Pittsburgh, the...
US EPA seeks comment on proposed settlement from 2020 BNSF derailment
US EPA seeks comment on proposed settlement from 2020 BNSF derailment WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to fine BNSF Railway $191,000 as part of a settlement for a Jan. 1, 2020, derailment that led to a spill of more than 3,400 gallons...
Massive Trump-backed merger will have ‘disastrous consequences’ for America: unions
Massive Trump-backed merger will have 'disastrous consequences' for America: unions A merger between two of America’s biggest railroad companies could have “disastrous consequences” for workers and consumers, according to a report out Monday. In late July,...
CSX, CREATE program launch first train over Forest Hill Flyover
CSX, CREATE program launch first train over Forest Hill Flyover CSX and the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program on Oct. 15 marked the first train crossing over the new Forest Hill Flyover, a CSX bridge above a critical...
The chemicals industry hates the UP – NS merger
The chemicals industry hates the UP – NS merger The American chemicals industry, the third largest customer of the Class I railroads, has come out hard against the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Chemicals industry lobbyists told...
NTSB to investigate BNSF conductor fatality (updated)
NTSB to investigate BNSF conductor fatality (updated) COLUMBUS, Mont. — The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the death of a BNSF conductor struck by a train on Sunday (Oct. 19, 2025), the agency has announced. The fatality occurred about 9:40 a.m....
Amid pushback, fiscal crunch, Metra reverses course on using operating funds for capital projects
Amid pushback, fiscal crunch, Metra reverses course on using operating funds for capital projects Metra leaders last week put the brakes on a plan to divert operating funds to capital needs that was opposed by the Regional Transportation Authority and some lawmakers....
Illinois touts funding for passenger rail projects but obstacles remain: Analysis
Illinois touts funding for passenger rail projects but obstacles remain: Analysis CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker disclosed earlier this month that his administration seeks to commit almost $1 billion of planned 2026-2031 infrastructure spending to several...