For over a century, LECMPA has had one mission: protecting union transportation workers when life throws a curveball. And when it comes to the Transportation Communications Union (TCU), that partnership has been rock solid.
In the rail industry, signalmen and dispatchers are essential to safe and efficient operations. Signalmen maintain and troubleshoot complex signaling systems, while dispatchers manage train movements across vast networks. Both roles demand precision and accountability — and both are exposed to disciplinary risks that can result in sudden wage loss.
Railroad Maintenance of Way workers are the unsung heroes of the rail industry. They ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our nation’s rail infrastructure — often working in hazardous conditions and under intense scrutiny. Yet, despite their critical role, Maintenance of Way workers face unique risks that can jeopardize their income and financial stability. That’s where wage loss protection from LECMPA becomes not just beneficial — but essential.
Membership Programs and Innovations that Make a Difference LECMPA, celebrating 115 years of service, continues to protect transportation workers with wage‑loss and accidental death benefits. Despite economic uncertainty, rising claims, and industry discipline cycles, the Association has strengthened membership, diversified across crafts and trades, and expanded partnerships with major labor organizations. With record growth and enhanced benefits, LECMPA remains a vital, member-owned cooperative dedicated to supporting transportation families. 115 years of service: Founded in 1910, still member-owned and not‑for‑profit. Economic challenges: Inflation, tariffs, and weak job growth underscore the importance of insurance. Membership diversification: Growth across railroad non-operating crafts, trucking, logistics, UPS, and transit workers. Claims surge: Double the payouts compared to 2024, with $16M projected in benefits. Benefit enhancements:
LECMPA Trucking / Logistics / UPS Marketing Manager Gil Clark recently traveled to Houston, Texas, to attend several local union meetings, where he connected with brothers and sisters from Local 123 to share important information about LECMPA’s wage loss protection benefits and recent policy updates. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity to highlight how LECMPA supports union members by helping safeguard their income in case of a disciplinary suspension or job loss. Gil’s outreach reflects our continued commitment to standing with union professionals and ensuring they understand the full range of benefits available to them.
We welcome you to examine our 2023 Annual Report. In these pages, you’ll see that LECMPA continues to earn accolades by its members for its protection, service, and care. We do things differently than our competitors, listening to our members and their labor representatives when they experience a setback. No cause of discipline automatically excludes consideration of payment. Our track record proves that we go the distance for you and your family. It is most satisfying to gain greater recognition from our friends at the labor organizations for the important work we do on behalf of our mutual members. You’ll note that we continue to promote the training and education of elected union officers heavily, the very people you entrust
Effective August 1, 2024, LECMPA will be updating its policy offerings for rail operating craft members. Providing our members with industry-leading protection and benefits is what they have come to expect. “LECMPA recognizes the need to keep pace and evolve with the times, for the stresses placed on its members have never been greater,” said Rod Bloedow, President, LECMPA. “I’m proud to announce that the most comprehensive package of wage loss insurance and benefits available to rail operating craft employees just got better. Hugely so!” All No. 16 policyholders will be upgraded to our new Premier 550 policy at no additional cost. They will gain an additional 185 discipline days, an increase of 50%, for the same monthly premium. Uniform
Membership Programs and Innovations that Make a Difference LECMPA has always proudly backed member-owners with the best coverage at the lowest rates in the industry. The Association annually experiences varying degrees of attrition. With railroads hiring again, we are gaining new hire members from both the railroad operating and railroad non-operating crafts. A notable bright spot includes new hire maintenance of way members. One hundred years after first welcoming the participation of maintenance of way members to the benefits offered by the Association, the leadership of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division – IBT designated LECMPA their members’ preferred provider of wage loss insurance. LECMPA is humbled by this endorsement. We look forward to taking care of ever more
LECMPA is proud to announce that the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) has selected LECMPA as its official wage loss insurance provider for its members. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, signifying LECMPA’s steadfast dedication to the welfare and livelihoods of BMWED members and their families. LECMPA is proud of its strong ties to the brothers and sisters who build and maintain the railroads throughout the United States and Canada. “As a member-owned mutual insurer, the Association continually looks for ways to offer the most value for our members’ premium dollars,” said Rod Bloedow, President, LECMPA. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Tony and all of our brothers and sisters with the BMWED as
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I was employed by UPS for 38 years, serving as a package car driver and feeder truck driver from St. Louis to Earth City, MO. I served as a union shop steward for 25 years. My wife and I have two children and two grandchildren. My hobbies include travel, property rehabilitation, and spending time with family.
I strongly believe in our product. I was a LECMPA policyholder myself and I’m personally committed to making sure my union brothers and sisters are aware of the peace of mind our coverage can provide. My mission is to continue to reach, teach, and guide others on this valuable asset that solely protects your income should you be placed in the position of suspension or termination.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I am a 4th generation railroader, and becoming a railroader myself seemed like the natural decision — it was all I knew. I started as a manager with Union Pacific for 10 years and I have been a trainman for the past 16 years. I was a yardmaster in South Oakland, MTO in Stockton, CA, and a Senior MTO in Roseville, CA. I’ve been in Stockton, CA since I returned to train service and I am the Vice Local Chairman for Division 283 out of Oakland. My wife Christina and I have four children — Rylee, Haley, Hannah, and Cade. My free time is mostly spent following my daughter from softball field to softball field as she tries to earn her college scholarship. I also enjoy going to concerts with my wife. I’ve been with LECMPA for 11 years. I do what I do because I enjoy the travel, and the most rewarding part of this job is being able to call our members when their claim has been approved.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
BNSF was hiring after my time in the Army ended. It was the best job in the area with the best benefits. I worked in the Illinois/Chicago Divisions then transferred to the Gulf/Red River Division. I have been assigned to several locations throughout my 24 years of service, including Galesburg IL, Chicago, Peoria, West Quincy, Creston, IA, Lacrosse, WI, New Orleans, and Lafayette, LA. My wife Jennifer and I have four kids — Olivia, Angelle, Zachary, and Beau, and one Grandson, Casey Jr. Throughout my 20 years with LECMPA, I’ve loved going above and beyond to help people. Our job isn’t just about selling insurance. It’s about making sure that they have peace of mind knowing that they will be taken care of if something were to happen.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I was hired on as an assistant signalman with CSX Transportation in May of 1990, before being granted a signalman position on a maintenance team in Tampa, FL. I have worked as an electronic signal specialist in the CSX Dispatch Center in Jacksonville, FL for the last 31 years. I am also the Vice General Chairman of the SE General Committee of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for over 32 years and have three children. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time traveling with my family, fishing, and playing golf. I started as an LECMPA Florida State agent in March of 2009. I truly enjoy working for LECMPA, as it allows me to help fellow transportation workers protect their income against heavy-handed discipline handed down by big corporations.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I started working for Union Pacificat at just 18 years old. I went back to school in 1986, earning a BA in economics. I worked in the railroad industry for 32 years, with UPRR from 1972-1986, WCRC from 1986-1996, and BNSF from 1996-2005. My assignments have included: Maintenance of Way, Brakeman, Conductor, Engineer, Agent, Dispatcher, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Marketing. My union roles have included serving as a Local Chairman. My wife Donna and I have four sons, Jeremy, Sean, Cody, and Jerry. I enjoy hobbies such as scuba diving, traveling, motorcycles, fishing, and golf. I have been with LECMPA for 23 years. My greatest reward is when a member calls to thank me because his claim was paid. We save homes and families — what could be better?
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
I started working for Union Pacificat at just 18 years old. I went back to school in 1986, earning a BA in economics. I worked in the railroad industry for 32 years, with UPRR from 1972-1986, WCRC from 1986-1996, and BNSF from 1996-2005. My assignments have included: Maintenance of Way, Brakeman, Conductor, Engineer, Agent, Dispatcher, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Marketing. My union roles have included serving as a Local Chairman. My wife Donna and I have four sons, Jeremy, Sean, Cody, and Jerry. I enjoy hobbies such as scuba diving, traveling, motorcycles, fishing, and golf. I have been with LECMPA for 23 years. My greatest reward is when a member calls to thank me because his claim was paid. We save homes and families — what could be better?
I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.
