1.800.514.0010

Thirteen Michigan Central Railroad engineers meet at the

Thirteen Michigan Central Railroad engineers meet at the home of William D. Robinson of Marshall, Michigan, to discuss unjust pay cuts and other workplace grievances. They craft a plan for a Protective Association and put out a call for a general meeting. Engineers from five Michigan railroads gather in Detroit and, on May 8, 1863, form the Brotherhood of the Footboard. The name would change one year later to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and again in 2004, to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen — the oldest labor organization in North America.

Ten Locomotive Engineers from Indiana

Ten Locomotive Engineers from Indiana, Michigan and Ohio incorporate Locomotive Engineers’ Mutual Protective Association, covering the insurance needs of locomotive engineers and conductors. To join, an applicant has to have a year of service and be of good moral standing with no bad habits.

July 10

LE&CMPA President, H.L. Fidler, an original incorporator of the Association

LE&CMPA President, H.L. Fidler, an original incorporator of the Association, enters the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1891, as a fireman, and after two years takes his promotion to engineer. He belongs to Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Division 79, Columbus, and Division 11, Indianapolis, and for fifteen years serves as general secretary and treasurer of the general committee of adjustment, Pennsylvania Lines West of Pittsburgh. President Harding appoints Fidler to the Federal Board for Vocational Education.

July 10, 1910 – Oct. 9,1934

First meeting of members of the Locomotive Engineers

First meeting of members of the Locomotive Engineers’ Mutual Protective Association. Lewis Ward loans the Association $2,000 for use as a claims fund.

July 25

Michigan authorizes Locomotive Engineers’ Mutual Protective

Michigan authorizes Locomotive Engineers’ Mutual Protective Association to conduct business as a co-operative assessment insurer.

July 26

The Pilot debuts, official publication of the Association

The Pilot debuts, official publication of the Association, and is printed monthly until December of 1944.

April

At the second members meeting, the Association adds conductors

At the second members meeting, the Association adds conductors to its name, becoming the Locomotive Engineers & Conductors Mutual Protective Association.

July 23

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Brotherhood

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen sign the Chicago Joint Agreement, an historic pact of fidelity and cooperation between the engine service brotherhoods.

May 17

Officers of the Association report income of $16,518.85

Officers of the Association report income of $16,518.85, and claims totaling $11,914.31 at the third members meeting; a loss ratio of 72 percent. Membership stands at 1,673.

June 5

LECMPA Old Logo

The Association features its new tunnel

The Association features its new tunnel and arch logo on the June issue of The Pilot.

June

The Eight-Hour Day becomes law. In December of 1915

The Eight-Hour Day becomes law. In December of 1915, the railroad operating craft brotherhoods — BLE, BLF&E, ORC, BRT, and SUNA — demand an eight-hour day and inaugurate the greatest “United We Stand” concerted movement in the history of railroad labor. On July 1, 1916, the chief executives and general chairmen of the brotherhoods meet with the National Conference Committee of the railroad managers in New York City. Fifteen days of talks yield no movement. To avert a strike, President Wilson appears before a joint session of Congress and advocates speedy passage of the Adamson Act.

September 2

The Pilot announces

The Pilot announces: “We are now insuring ALL RAILROAD EMPLOYEES WORKING UNDER SENIORITY RULES. Dispatchers, operators, clerks, shopmen, carmen, maintenance of way employees;—all of them are now eligible if they are of good character and have one year’s seniority rights.”

April

The Watson-Parker Bill, officially known as the Railway Labor Act

The Watson-Parker Bill, officially known as the Railway Labor Act, passes the House and Senate and is signed by President Coolidge. The law favors bargaining, mediation and arbitration
and seeks to avoid work stoppages. It still governs labor relations in the railroad and airline industries.

May 20

For an additional 50 cents per month, members can add coverage for job loss

For an additional 50 cents per month, members can add coverage for job loss from physical disability or retirement. Available to members age 45 or younger.

September

The Association’s Board raises policy limit for suspension or discharge to $1,000.

The Association’s Board raises policy limit for suspension or discharge to $1,000.

Trustees allow suspension of policies for members

Trustees allow suspension of policies for members “entering the armed and auxiliary services.” The Michigan Insurance Department requires adding a pro rata clause to all job insurance policies.

October 14

The Pilot reports members who go into any military service

The Pilot reports members who go into any military service can have their policies furloughed and reinstated at the end of service without loss of policy seniority.

November

The five operating brotherhoods order a strike after requesting

The five operating brotherhoods order a strike after requesting a 30 percent increase in basic daily wage rates, with a minimum daily increase of $1.80. After recommendations of an emergency board are rejected, the President reconvenes the board. A full re-argument of the dispute commences and both parties to the dispute accept a basic daily wage increase of 76 cents to railroad employees.

November 12

The Pilot reports increases in membership due to more severe discipline.

The Pilot reports increases in membership due to more severe discipline.

July

Accidental death and disability features added to policies at no increase in premiums

Accidental death and disability features added to policies at no increase in premiums.

Brotherhoods Mutual Benefit of Detroit

Brotherhoods Mutual Benefit of Detroit, known for offering railroad members the highest daily benefit, merges with LE&CMPA.

September 9

Maximum discipline days available to members are raised

Maximum discipline days available to members are raised to 125 in April, and later in the year, to 150.

The Rifkind Commission issues recommendations affecting the railroad operating crafts

The Rifkind Commission issues recommendations affecting the railroad operating crafts: mandatory retirement at age 65; elimination of locomotive firemen; forced arbitration of train crew size disputes; introduction of technological changes without limitation; elimination of all arbitraries and special allowances, the dual basis of pay, and the speed basis of overtime; new wage structures; and many other radical ideas that depart from long-established industry norms and practices.

February

Four of the five railroad operating brotherhoods merge into the United Transportation Union

Four of the five railroad operating brotherhoods merge into the United Transportation Union. In August of 1968, presidents of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, the Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen, and the Switchmen’s Union of North America announce an agreement on all phases of unity. The new union has 230,000 members.

January

Due to heavy claims, the Association’s dividend is reduced

Due to heavy claims, the Association’s dividend is reduced to 5 percent. Dividends paid annually since 1949 return an average of 10.7 percent to members.

L.E. & C. M. P. A. BRIEFS reports

L.E. & C. M. P. A. BRIEFS reports: “Tital Wave of Claims; 1979 the highest year on record; Claim payments have averaged well over 100 percent of premiums received so far this year on many railroads.”

Congress passes the Staggers Rail Act

Congress passes the Staggers Rail Act, significantly deregulating American railroads. More than 100,000 miles of track are soon abandoned, leaving tens of thousands of railroad workers out of work, dislocated, and without labor protections.

Following five years of extremely high claims

Following five years of extremely high claims and rampant inflation, the Michigan Insurance Department approves a 25 percent increase in premiums. The Association’s first policy increase in its 70 years, the action restores it to solvency.

November 1, 1980

Clarence Schaffner retires after serving as Association

Clarence Schaffner retires after serving as Association president for more than 35 years. Our longest-serving president, he was first appointed on October 10, 1945.

December 28, 1980

The Van Wart Study Commission

The Van Wart Study Commission, created by Congress with the passage of Public Law 97-262, issues a report similar to the
1962 Rifkind Commission. The operating crafts are dealt a terrible hand in bargaining leading up to the 1985 UTU and 1986 BLE National Agreements.

December 8, 1983

In its 75th year of business, the Association reports a surplus of $2,509,589.

In its 75th year of business, the Association reports a surplus of $2,509,589.

October 8, 1985

L.E. & C. M. P. A. BRIEFS reports the resumption of cash dividend payments

L.E. & C. M. P. A. BRIEFS reports the resumption of cash dividend payments: “Cash Dividend” will be paid to all current LE&CMPA members who have carried policies with the Association for two
years and had policies in good standing as of December 31, 1994.

May

President William Davis files with the State Insurance

President William Davis files with the State Insurance Commissioner to expand member coverage to 365 days at no extra cost, effective
April 1, 1998.

March

LECMPA is the first wage loss provider to offer $252 daily coverage

LECMPA is the first wage loss provider to offer $252 daily coverage.

August

United Transportation Union members vote six-to-one

United Transportation Union members vote six-to-one in favor of a merger with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. The following December, BLE members vote 17,251-to-7,425 against.

October

The Association sees tremendous growth of membership

The Association sees tremendous growth of membership among the Maintenance of Way and Signalmen crafts.

LECMPA membership peaks at 33,000.

LECMPA membership peaks at 33,000.

With a surplus of $5.5 million in the midst of an $18 million

With a surplus of $5.5 million in the midst of an $18 million dollar claims year, trustees authorize the second premium increase in Association history. Railroad operating craft members shoulder a 40 percent increase, effective September 1st. The Premier 120 and 180 policies are offered as cost-effective alternatives. LECMPA returns to financial health.

August 8

The Association continues to foster membership among UPS employees

The Association continues to foster membership among UPS employees. UPS Driver Gilbert Clark of St. Louis, Missouri, is named Trucking/Logistics/UPS Marketing Director.

March 1

E. Hunter Harrison is named President and CEO of CSX Transportation

E. Hunter Harrison is named President and CEO of CSX Transportation and begins to layoff railroaders by the thousands. His Precision Scheduled Railroading operating model spreads to other Class I systems, causing mass layoffs of 58,000 railroad workers in six years.

SMART TD and BLET unite to save road conductors’ jobs.

SMART TD and BLET unite to save road conductors’ jobs.

LECMPA undergoes rebrand to reinforce the Association’s

The Association adopts a new logo and motto — Protecting Transportation Workers Since 1910.

We reduce rates for Rail Operating Craft members by 25%. Rail Non-Operating Crafts, whose rates are priced lower, fall an additional 12%. 

Published in November of 2022, LECMPA’s 2021 Annual Report carries news of a September 1st rate reduction for all railroad members and an accompanying upgrade to 365 discipline days for railroad members who carry the Nos. 12 or 16 policies. 

We reduce rates for Rail Operating Craft members by 25%. Rail Non-Operating Crafts, whose rates are priced lower, fall an additional 12%.

September 1

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes designates LECMPA as its members’ official wage loss insurance provider.

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes designates LECMPA as its members’ official wage loss insurance provider.

August

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Gil Clark
Marketing Manager – Trucking/Logistics/UPS

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.

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Cameron Reeves
Marketing Manager – Western Region

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.

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Kenneth Romero
Marketing Manager – Great Plains Region

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.

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Wiley Yates
Marketing Manager – Eastern Region

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.

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Bob Brown
Vice President, Union Relations

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?

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

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.

Bob Brown
Vice President, Union Relations

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?

Rod Bloedow, President

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.