Randall Knutson, Chairman of General Committee 001, served his last day on the job today and will enter into retirement. Knutson announced his retirement in early February after accepting the buy-out offer from BNSF.
"While I initially intended to complete the full term of office that I was fortunate enough to be elected to last year, recent events have influenced me otherwise." said Knutson is his letter.
First Associate General Chairperson Mike LaPresta will assume the duties as interim General Chairperson until an election can be held. The General Committee is accepting nominations for the vacant General Chairperson's office through April 1st. If there are multiple nominations, ballots will be sent to the Local Chairpersons who will have approximately 30 days to vote.
"I consider it a privilege and an honor to be the first General Chairperson of the consolidated GO-001. Thank you for your foresight and support in assembling the largest General Committee this organization has ever known, and I greatly appreciate all the support you have afforded our office since the merger. You remain in competent hands and I wish all of you the best."
The General Committee would like to thank Randy for his years of brotherhood, leadership and service to this Union. GO-001 would also like to wish Randy good health, good luck and Godspeed as he enters into a well deserved retirement.