DM&E members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ballot by October 5 should call the National Division.
The BLET has reached a tentative five-year agreement with CPKC for members who work on the CPKC Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E) territory.
BLET General Chairman Nick Mugavero said the wage package is paramount to the tentative agreement (TA). If ratified by the members, the TA would bring parity to rates of pay between DM&E and CPKC’s SOO Line employees in 2029. Over the life of the agreement, locomotive engineers will see a 41.42 percent compounded hourly rate increase; conductors a 32.63 percent compounded increase; and brakemen a 32.63 percent compounded increase.
“This wage progression is one of the most significant components of the tentative agreement,” General Chairman Mugavero said.
Beyond the strong economic package, which includes retroactive pay to January 1, 2025, the TA includes meaningful quality-of-life and work-rule enhancements. Key provisions include: increased meal allowance; double-pillow protection; vacation “drop turn” protection; and personal leave day flexibility.
General Chairman Mugavero will meet with the DM&E membership to examine the TA in detail during in-person Town Hall meetings next week. The BLET negotiating team consisted of General Chairman Mugavero and National Vice President Randy Fannon.
The DM&E lines, which run primarily through Iowa and Missouri, sit at the core of CPKC’s integrated U.S. operations.
Note to DM&E members: Ballots were mailed on September 25 and will be tabulated on October 9. Members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ratification packet by October 5 should call the National Division’s dedicated voicemail line at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected to the voicemail, please leave the following information:
- Your name, address, and phone number;
- The division to which you belong;
- The railroad you work for;
- Your date of birth;
- The last four digits of your Social Security number; and
- Your email address.
All replacement ballots will be distributed by email. Any member who requires a replacement ballot must include their email address in the voicemail; otherwise, they will not be able to participate in the ratification vote.
Photo by Jordan Rein