BLET News
Ballots mailed to BLET members in tentative DM&E, KCS implementing agreement
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative implementing agreement with the Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E) Railroads. Ballots were mailed earlier today, February 8, to locomotive engineers employed by the DM&E, active members in Division 527 employed by the KCS, and Gateway Western Railroad members who are eligible to participate.
Ballots mailed in tentative BLET, Union Railroad agreement
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Union Railroad in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
BLET calls on Congress to fix FMLA flaw that harms rail workers
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 3 — This month marks the 30th anniversary of the enactment of The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993. BLET has had a long history of fighting to protect members’ rights under FMLA. In...
Last call to register for upcoming LM-2 ST training class
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 2 — It is last call to register for the BLET Education & Training Department’s class for Secretary-Treasurers who file LM-2 reports for their General Committee of Adjustment (GCA), Division, or State Legislative Board (SLB). Interested...
BLET members encouraged to sign up for BLET website
As a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, one of the best ways to stay in touch with the National Division is through the BLET website.
Hall announces National Vice President assignments
BLET National President Eddie Hall handed out assignments earlier this month to the National Vice Presidents. Eddie said the Vice Presidents have hit the ground running and are working with the General Chairmen through negotiations to create a better quality of life for the membership.
Save the date: 2023 BLET regional meetings
The BLET National Division is pleased to announce the dates and locations of this year’s regional meetings: June 26-30 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and August 14-18 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
2023 BLET Scholarship Directory
Each year, the BLET National Division compiles a list of scholarship opportunities available to the children of BLET members. Numerous financial aid opportunities are published below in the 2023 BLET Scholarship Directory.
BLET National President Hall meets with IBT General President O’Brien
BLET National President Eddie Hall traveled to Washington D.C. last week to represent BLET members in meetings with IBT General President Sean O’Brien.
BLET to hold S-T training class for LM-2 filers
This workshop will be held at the Horseshoe Hotel (formerly Bally’s Hotel and Casino) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the week of February 27.
Fresh start begins in Kansas City
New Officers of the BLET National Division attended their first meeting with members on January 11, fulfilling President Eddie Hall’s commitment to engage more with the membership.
BLET announces tentative agreements with two short line railroads
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached tentative contract agreements with two short line railroads: the South Buffalo Railway Company (SBRR) and the Illinois Railway (IR).
New year, new team, a fresh start for BLET
This is truly a new year for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. On January 1, a new team of officers took the oath of office and the union embarked on a new era.
Funeral information announced for former VP Moates
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022 at St. Therese of Lisieux (900 Clingan Ridge Dr., NW, Cleveland, TN 37312) with Father Michael Nolan officiating.
Former BLET Vice President Don L. Moates, 1946-2022
Former BLET National Vice President Don L. Moates passed away on December 23, 2022. He was 76 years old. He served the Brotherhood in numerous roles throughout his 51 years of continuous membership.
Hubbard reelected Chairman of Indiana State Legislative Board
Shane Hubbard of BLET Division 343 (Princeton, Ind.) was reelected by acclamation to his second term as Chairman of the Indiana State Legislative Board at its 15th quadrennial meeting. Terms of office for Brother Hubbard and all newly elected officers became effective November 1, 2022.
Announcement of results of BLET National Division Officers election
As prescribed by the Election Rules for the 2022 BLET National Division Officers Election, National Secretary-Treasurer Stephen J. Bruno has announced the election results of the National Division Officers election.
BLET to announce verified Officer Election results on December 19
Pursuant to the 2022 Rules for the BLET National Officers Election, the announcement of the verified results of the election will be made on Monday, December 19, 2022.
Three rail hazmat training classes available in early 2023
The Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program is hosting three in-person rail worker training sessions in early 2023. The dates are as follows: January 15-20, 2023; February 5-10, 2023; and March 5-10, 2023.
BLET members ratify new contract with Long Island Rail Road
Today, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) by an 84.97% supermajority.
Daily Headlines
Rail unions adopt resolution calling for paid sick leave
Twelve rail labor unions of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, have adopted a resolution that calls for the nation’s freight railroads to give all railroad workers paid sick leave.
In a first, some CSX railroad workers to get paid sick leave
Several thousand workers at CSX will soon get one of the things that pushed the U.S. railroad industry to the brink of a strike last fall: paid sick time. CSX announced a deal Tuesday with two of its 12 unions, becoming the first major railroad to offer that benefit that most U.S. workers take for granted.
NS declares “controlled release” of toxic chemicals in East Palestine a success
Norfolk Southern has declared the controlled release of toxic chemicals into the air in East Palestine a success.
While derailed NS train cars in Ohio are no longer burning toxic chemicals, officials say they need more air quality data to lift evacuations
Residents in the immediate area there and nearby in Pennsylvania were evacuated beforehand because of health risks from the fumes and can’t yet return Wednesday, as the impact of burning vinyl chloride is a concern.
Ohio governor says he expects NS to pay for costs of derailment and fire
“They’re the ones who created the problem,” DeWine said. “It’s their liability. They’re the ones who ought to pay for it.”
Norfolk Southern releases list of chemicals carried on derailed train in Ohio
The fire in East Palestine is still burning as community members figure out what the new week will bring. First responders are still waiting until it’s safe enough to head back to the scene before it can be cleared.
Amtrak crews begin training for future Gulf Coast route
Amtrak train crews this week will begin required training for future operation of its new Gulf Coast passenger-rail service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans.
NS employee seriously injured at Va. rail yard
A Norfolk Southern employee suffered a serious injury Thursday morning while working at a rail yard in Yuma, Virginia, according to a company spokesperson.
Mechanical defect eyed in massive NS derailment, fire in Ohio
Two videos obtained by the National Transportation Safety Board showed preliminary indications of a possible mechanical issue with one of the rail car axles before a Norfolk Southern train derailed Friday in East Palestine.
Officials urge evacuation near NS derailment, fearing explosion
Officials monitoring the smoldering, tangled wreckage of a train derailment in northeastern Ohio urgently warned hundreds of nearby residents who had declined to evacuate to do so Sunday night, saying a rail car was at risk of a potential explosion that could launch deadly shrapnel as far as a mile.
