BLET members last week ratified a new agreement with the Tacoma Municipal Belt Railway (Tacoma Rail). The agreement provides retroactive pay from 2017-2025, general wage increases from 2026-2029, establishes an additional paid holiday (Juneteenth), and address other work rule provisions. Tacoma Rail is a publicly owned and operated by the city of Tacoma, Wash., as a self-supported public utility. Medical insurance for Tacoma Rail BLET members mirrors that of other city employees.
BLET’s Division 238 in Tacoma represents members from both the BNSF Railway and Tacoma Rail. The negotiating team consisted of Vice President James Logan Jr., General Chairman Ron Mills, Vice General Chairman Rich Drury, and Director of the BLET Short Line Department Luke Myers. Tacoma Rail operates over 14 miles of track and provides switching services for the Port of Tacoma.
“The Tacoma Rail agreement was reached after nine years of dedicated effort,” Vice President Logan said. “General Chairman Mills’ unwavering commitment to protecting his members and their rights was instrumental in achieving this milestone. Through the grievance process, he filed thousands of claims on behalf of his membership, a strategy that proved critical in bringing the Carrier back to the table and ultimately negotiating an agreement that includes wage increases restoring the membership’s ability to earn a livable wage.”