12 labor unions voice unanimous support
THE IBB JOINED with 11 other rail labor unions Sept. 10 in unanimously supporting the nomination of Walter A. Barrows as labor member to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Barrows is the secretary-treasurer of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. He also serves as a rail labor trustee on the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust.
If nominated and confirmed, Barrows would replace outgoing labor member V. M. "Butch" Speakman. Prior to his appointment to the board, Speakman served as president of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (1987-to1992). In July, Speakman announced his retirement at the end of the year.
The RRB, headquartered in Chicago, administers the federal retirement benefit program and other benefits for the nation's railroad workers. In addition to a labor member, the board includes a member from the railroad employers and a chairman who is chosen to represent the public interest. Members are appointed by the president for five-year terms.
