Union lobbyist brokenrail dead at 61

 

 James Brunkenhoefer, national legislative director for the United Transportation Union, died Dec. 19 from a stroke, the organization said on its Web site. He was 61.

   The UTU is a broad-based transportation union affiliated with the AFL-CIO that represents about 125,000 active and retired workers in the rail, bus and mass transit industries.

   Brunkenhoefer, affectionately known as brokenrail,?was the union's chief lobbyist in Washington since 1987. He was a tough-talking negotiator who gained reputation for his frumpy dress and sense of humor.

   Brunkenhoefer began his career as a trainman for the former Southern Pacific Transportation Co. He moved up to engineer and other operational roles in the merged Union Pacific railroad, working in the Texas-Louisiana district. In 1969 he took on leadership responsibilities at the UTU local chapter in Houston.

   Brunkenhoefer was buried Dec. 22 in Rockville, Md. A memorial service will be scheduled and announced at a later date. 

Source: American Shipper