BLET members at Georgia Central who are eligible to vote and have not received a ballot by September 29 should call the National Division. Photo by Alec Holmes
BLET has reached a tentative agreement with Georgia Central Railway, marking another important milestone for workers who voted to join the Brotherhood in October 2024.
If ratified, the agreement will be the first union contract for workers at Georgia Central and would establish important workplace protections and a collective voice for BLET members at the property.
The tentative agreement creates a formal framework covering rates of pay, seniority, job bidding, disciplinary procedures, grievances, compensation, benefits, layoffs, and union representation, while preserving the railroad’s operational flexibility.
Reaching a first agreement is an important step at any newly organized property. Workers at Georgia Central made the decision to stand together and seek BLET representation, and this tentative agreement gives members the opportunity to establish contractual rights and protections where none previously existed.
BLET National Vice President James Logan Jr., who helped negotiate the tentative agreement, said rates of pay were a key issue. “The membership wanted a flat rate for every craft to help bridge the wage gaps between employees,” he said. “This resulted in significant wage increases for newer employees, which were made possible in part because more tenured employees accepted smaller percentage increases. The senior employees chose to support their fellow brothers by prioritizing equity across the crafts, demonstrating a true spirit of brotherhood and solidarity.”
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 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.
Joining Vice President Logan on the BLET’s negotiating team was Georgia Central Grievance Chair Christopher Quinn.
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 tentative agreement establishes a broader foundation of representation and contractual protections for BLET members as the railroad and the industry continue to evolve.
Note to Georgia Central members: Ballots were mailed on September 18 and will be tabulated on October 9. Members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ratification packet by September 29 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.