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CHESSER TO RECEIVE 2001 DEBS AWARD

As befits a railroader, Al H. Chesser has always been moving on (up). The recipient of the 2001 Debs Award began his work life in 1935, in Kansas, first as a Kroger grocery clerk, then manager, but because he could not tolerate labor management relations at Kroger at that time, he hired on in 1941 as a Brakeman on the Sante Fe line in Amarillo, Texas, and joined the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. In 1945, he was elected Secretary Treasurer and Legislative Representative of the 800 member local, offices which he held until 1956, when he was elected State Legislative Director and moved to Austin, Texas. During these Texas years Chesser benefited from the tutelage of the Texas Democratic Party Chairman, Charlie Gibson, who lived in Amarillo. Gibson introduced Chesser to then congressman Lyndon Johnson, with whom he became friends.

In 1961, Chesser began what he considers one of the most productive phases of his, life, this when he assumed the duties of National Legislative Director, in Washington, for the Trainmen (which merged during this period to form the United Transportation Union, or UTU). He represented his members in the U.S. House and Senate and at hearings before the Interstate Commerce Commission. Chesser moved on to serve as International President of UTU from 1971 to 1980, stepping down voluntarily in 1980 to be given emeritus status. He also was a Vice President of the AFL-CIO Executive Council and Chairman of the executive council's Constitution Committee.

Among Chesser's proudest accomplishments while in leadership positions in his union are improvements in the safety laws protecting rail workers, and his role in creating Conrail. Steward McClure, a Secretary of the U.S. Senate, wrote of Chesser: "Chesser was a master of any situation, able to fight rail management on turf that had long belonged to them, but also able to work with them on matters involving the best interests of his union members. Long hours, seven day weeks, preparation, hard work and contacts were all key ingredients to success in Washington that Chesser was sure to include in his own work regime... Chesser was able to establish himself as a formidable lobbyist."

Al Chesser is now President Emeritus of UTU, but he continues to be deeply involved in union activities. His expertise in workplace safety as well as in the techniques of legislative representation are highly respected and regularly sought after. Though retired, he is still moving, still serving his union and the interests of working people. We hope you can join us in this event honoring Brother Chesser with the coveted Eugene V. Debs Award.