It is election season once again.  Just like every election year, you have no doubt heard many political endorsements being made by various organizations, including Labor Unions.  For this reason, it is understandable that many often question if their dues are being used to fund political candidacies.  Let us assure you – BRS union dues are not used by any of our locals, or this general committee, to benefit any political candidate, neither directly or indirectly. 

Many years ago, the BRS established the Signalman’s Political League for that very purpose.  Only voluntary contributions members elect to provide to the SPL are used to fund candidates the BRS may endorse.  On the national level, BRS is required to periodically calculate the percentage of its expenditures which are used for items not deemed as germane to collective bargaining.  Keep in mind, those items include BRS dues to the AFL-CIO, contributions to charitable or educational groups, efforts to recruit new members, etc.  Historically, those items have totaled approximately 5%, further demonstrating your dues are not used to fund political candidates.