BLET News

On July 25, 2017, the BLET’s District of Columbia State Legislative Board held its 4th Quadrennial Meeting at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Keith Kerley was elected by acclamation to serve as General Chairman of the BLET’s CSXT Western Lines General Committee of Adjustment at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting in Gatlinburg, Tenn., on July 19, 2017.

Richard C. Bartela Jr., a member of BLET Division 382 (Buffalo, N.Y.), has been appointed as a Special Representative by BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce effective July 1, 2017.

The deadline to register for rooms has been extended from July 14 to July 20 for those interested in attending the BLET’s regional meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C., August 14-18, 2017.

As part of our ongoing effort to conclude national contract negotiations, the Coordinated Bargaining Group (CBG) met with the nation’s freight rail Carriers (NCCC) for three days during the week of June 26th. These efforts were part of our ongoing mediation process, mandated by the Railway Labor Act when the parties have been unable to reach a voluntary agreement, and managed by the National Mediation Board.

In late May, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) achieved a significant milestone with the ratification of their first-ever union contract with the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad. It was ratified by an overwhelming majority of those casting a ballot.

The BLET National Division provides all active and retired members with an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit at no cost to the member. The National Division is pleased to announce that as of June 1, 2017, this benefit is now being provided through Berkley Accident and Health Insurance Company, a top-rated insurer with an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior). As of July 1, 2017, the $4,000 AD&D policy previously provided by the BLET, through American Income Life (AIL), will be terminated.

One hundred percent of voting BLET members working for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (WLE) have voted in favor of withdrawing from service should the union and the railroad fail to reach an agreement to settle their contract dispute under processes set forth in the Railway Labor Act (RLA).

On June 13, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Indiana and Ohio Railway (I&O).

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson recently signed into law a BLET-backed bill that imposes harsher penalties on criminals who target railroad workers.

Extra rooms have been added to the BLET room block for those who wish to arrive early for the BLET’s upcoming regional meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, August 14-18, 2017.

On June 8, 2017, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval vetoed a railroad safety bill that would have mandated a minimum crew size for freight trains operating in the state.

Jeffrey L. Thurman was reelected by acclamation to his second term as General Chairman of the BNSF (former SLSF)/MNA General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting in St. Louis, Mo., held from May 23-25, 2017.

Approximately 335 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and their families convened here this morning for opening ceremonies of the BLET’s first regional meeting of 2017.

As we observe Memorial Day 2017, I ask all members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to say a special prayer for the women and men who have given their lives serving in our military and to honor them for defending our country and our way of life.