BLET members ratified a milestone first agreement with the Georgia Central Railway, marking a significant achievement for workers who voted to join the Brotherhood in October 2024. The new agreement establishes contractual rights and protections where none previously existed and gives BLET members a collective voice at the property.
“The ratification of this agreement marks an important victory for our Georgia Central Brothers and Sisters,” said BLET National Vice President James Logan, Jr., who led negotiations. “It ensures that they receive the structure, representation, and protections that come with being members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. They made the decision to stand together and seek BLET representation, and they can be confident that the BLET will stand with them, fight for their rights, and demand that railroads of every size negotiate fairly and transparently. Agreements like this provide the certainty and stability our members need to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
Joining Vice President Logan on the BLET’s negotiating team was Georgia Central Grievance Chair Christopher Quinn.
The agreement creates a formal framework covering rates of pay, seniority, job bidding, disciplinary procedures, grievances, compensation, benefits, layoffs, and union representation.
The agreement is another example of BLET’s continued efforts to organize and represent railroad workers beyond the nation’s largest carriers. As the railroad industry changes, organizing new properties and expanding the Brotherhood’s presence throughout the industry will remain an important part of protecting railroad jobs and strengthening the collective voice of our members.
Georgia Central has also recently begun testing autonomous rail technology developed by Parallel Systems. While concerns about emerging technology were among the issues facing workers when they organized, the agreement establishes a broader foundation of representation and contractual protections for BLET members as the railroad and the industry continue to evolve.
The BLET has been active in protecting its members’ safety at Georgia Central. Before this ratification vote, BLET successfully lobbied Georgia Central to withdraw a petition it filed with the Federal Railroad Administration requesting special approval to use one-person crew operations.
Georgia Central is a 211-mile Genesee & Wyoming property operating between Savannah and Macon, Georgia. It interchanges with CSX in Savannah and Norfolk Southern in Macon. Georgia Central members belong to Division 16, BLET’s short line division.
Photo by Joseph Randall