The BLET has reached a tentative six-year agreement with the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation (NIRCRC/Metra). The tentative deal covers about 250 BLET members who work as locomotive engineers for Metra.
The deal reached represents a comprehensive modernization of the parties’ general agreement governing locomotive engineers. If ratified by the members, the tentative agreement would establish updated compensation structures, work rules, seniority protections, assignment procedures, benefits, discipline standards, and operational practices intended to govern employees through December 31, 2032.
The negotiating team consisted of General Chairmen Nick Mugavero (Metra Northern District GCA), J.J. Balonek (Metra Rock Island GCA), Billy Evans (Metra Electric GCA), Dick Crow (Metra-UP GCA) and National Vice President Kevin Sexton.
Metra serves the six-county Chicago area providing service to and from downtown Chicago with 243 stations over 11 routes totaling nearly 500 route miles.
Note to Metra members: Ballots were mailed last week and are due by Friday, June 19. Members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ratification packet by Wednesday, June 10, should call the National Division’s dedicated voicemail line at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected with 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 Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659