Background
The Association of Railway Technical Employees (ARTE) was formed in San Francisco on July 22, 1940 by technical employees
of the Southern Pacific Company (Pacific Lines).
Local chapters were established for SP's various operating divisions, each with its own General Chairman and Executive Council.
A system-wide convention was held each year to elect a three-person Executive Council composed of a President, Vice-President
and Secretary. The Council guided the General Chairman, who was responsible for participating in labor negotiations with
SP management, holding meetings with local chapters, going to Interstate Commerce Commission hearings and conducting investigations,
handling grievances for SP technical engineers, establishing good relationships with other labor organizations, preparing
newsletters and handling ARTE finances. The ARTE President presided over Executive Council meetings.
Mr. Beecher Rintoul was the first ARTE General Chairman. When he resigned in 1989, local Sacramento Chapter Chairman and
longtime ARTE member John (Jack) C. Davis, Jr. became President. On October 28, 1989, Chairman of Local 233, Tucson Chapter,
A. Pete Christensen was elected General Chairman of the ARTE.
In January 1994, ARTE merged with the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen. ARTE General Chairman A. Pete Christensen became
Vice-General Chairman of the new BRS Local 233.
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