Eligible Watco members who have not received a ballot by June 22 should call the BLET National Division for a replacement ballot.
The BLET has reached a tentative agreement with Watco, a significant milestone for members who voted to join BLET in February 2025. It would represent the first-ever union agreement for BLET members at the short line operator.
If ratified by the members, the tentative agreement would create a formal framework covering seniority, job bidding, discipline procedures, grievances, compensation, benefits, layoffs, and union representation while preserving Watco’s operational flexibility. Current employees will receive a $2,500 signing bonus if ratified, with new hires in training receiving the bonus upon qualification.
BLET’s Watco members belong to Division 16, the Brotherhood’s short line division. The negotiating team consisted of Vice President James Logan Jr., Grievance Chair Tandi Colibert, and Director of the BLET Short Line Department Luke Myers. BLET’s members work as train dispatchers at Watco’s dispatch center in Wichita, Kan., directing train movements for the railroad’s 45 regional short line railroads throughout the United States.
Note to Watco members: Ballots were mailed June 12 and will be tabulated on Tuesday, June 30. Members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ratification packet by June 22 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 John Jordan