The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) is a United States labor union representing workers responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of railroad signaling and traffic control systems. These systems include wayside signals, interlockings, and highway-rail grade crossing warning devices that are critical to the safe and efficient operation of rail transportation networks.
Founded in 1901, the BRS represents approximately 10,500 members employed across freight and passenger railroads, as well as companies that manufacture and construct signal equipment. The union is affiliated with the AFL–CIO and its Transportation Trades Department, and is headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia.
As of 2026, Michael S. Baldwin serves as president and Brandon E. Elvey as secretary-treasurer. The union maintains a national structure of vice presidents representing various regions and functions.
Presidents 1901: H. G. Detwiler 1908: Philip Weller 1908: John Bindscheattel 1909: M. J. Hooper 1910: J. A. Martin 1913: Wilmot J. Pettit 1915: A. E. Adams 1917: Daniel Helt 1934: Anon Lyon 1945: Jesse Clark 1969: Charles J. Chamberlain 1977: Tom Bates 1987: Butch Speakman 1992: Dan Pickett 2018: Floyd Mason 2019: Jerry C. Boles 2021: Michael S. Baldwin
See also Institution of Railway Signal Engineers United Pointsmen and Signalmen's Society
References
External links Official website Brotherhood Of Railroad Signalmen Memorabilia held at the Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives, Cornell University Library