Dennis J. Campagna’s Hopes and Dreams for NARR

(Nominee for Vice-President, Northeast)

May 31, 2004

I see the role of a Regional Vice President in much the same fashion as Jerry Wallin. Clearly, a major role is to foster the aims and purposes of the NARR. In addition to the sharing of mutual ideas and information, our Aims and Purposes provide that we represent a conduit of information and thoughts to the National Mediation Board. In my short time as an NARR members, I have become aware of a number of issues that must be addressed:

1. NARR Referees are talented and dedicated. I have had the good fortune of witnessing this first hand. The overwhelming majority of our referees are hard working and humble. I do not believe that many of those we serve really appreciate the fine work they do. In fact, there are no doubt numerous cases where the referee provides the convenient individual to blame for problems that exist in the system over which the referee has no control. The officers of our organization are the members’ ambassadors. It is our task to remind the NMB and others about the work done by these fine and talented members.

2. Technology is great and will ultimately make our lives easier. Technology can also add to the efficiency of an agency like the NMB and result in savings. One of our missions as officers is, I believe, to provide good reason as to why the NMB should share some of these savings with our referee members.

In addition to these important issues, training and technology represent additional key issues in which the NARR officers can be of assistance to the members.

•          Of the 30 individuals who received the most recent round of training, only six were selected for panels. Naturally our carrier and organization friends are comfortable with the referees they have been working with for years and are generally reluctant to give a new referee a chance. New referees are, in many instances, between the proverbial rock and hard place. Unless they have done railroad work, carriers and organizations are reluctant to select them, but they can’t do railroad work unless they have been selected. The NARR’s mentoring program, while helpful, must be bolstered with other ways and means in which to assist our newest referees.

•          With respect to training, conversation with our colleagues has revealed that there are a number of them who would welcome some computer and technology training, from the efficient and effective use of e-mail to the introduction of software that can make their lives easier. I have found that a number of them don’t even own scanners and others are concerned about the move from paper to CD format that awaits them. NARR officers are in the best position to assist members in this regard.

I am humbled and honored to have been nominated for the position of Regional Vice President and, if elected, look forward to assisting our President, informing and helping our membership, and reminding the NMB that we are their valued partners.

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