BLET News
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.
Former BLET General Chairman Charlie Rightnowar, 1949-2022
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, December 7 — Brother Charles Ray Rightnowar, former General Chairman of the BLET’s Union Pacific-Central Region General Committee of Adjustment, passed away on December 5, 2022. He was 73 years old. Brother Rightnowar proudly served his country in...
GA-46000 Lifetime maximum adjusted for 2023
The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan (also known as ERMA or GA-46000) will increase from $182,700 to $188,000 on January 1, 2023.
Daily Headlines
NS trains delaying first responders in Albers, Illinois
Albers Mayor Steve Schomaker and Police Chief Brian Vielweber said that trains now take 15, 20, even 25 minutes to pass through town. First responders have to wait for them like everyone else, with potentially tragic consequences. Such a situation arose last Thursday afternoon.
Shop craft unions urge FRA, STB to improve Class I railroad safety and service
A coalition of labor unions representing railroad shop workers has asked the Federal Railroad Administration and Surface Transportation Board to take five steps to improve safety and service on the Class I railroads.
U.S. rail traffic boost continues in first week of 2024
Total rail traffic for the week ending Jan. 6, 2024, comprised 208,176 carloads, up 0.9% from 2023, and 209,081 containers and trailers, up 3.7% from the same week last year, according to AAR.
Rail bosses stress cooperation at shipper conference
The theme may not be new, but the emphasis seems to be increasing. The idea that railroads need to work together — and that doing so can be beneficial to all parties, not just the railroads involved, but their customers as well — was a recurring topic during the first day of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Winter Meeting.
Mexican antitrust authority investigates freight rail
Mexico’s rail sector, which moves a quarter of the total merchandise transported by land, is dominated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Grupo Mexico’s transport unit.
UP: BNSF has no right to interchange with proposed Utah short line
Union Pacific has asked federal regulators to squash BNSF Railway’s request to gain access a proposed short line railroad in Utah.
UP expects shipment delays as harsh weather impacts network
Union Pacific Corp. said on Tuesday it anticipates a 24- to 48-hour delay in shipments as its rail network in some states has been impacted by heavy snow, blizzard conditions, ice and power outages.
Graniteville honors lives lost on 19th anniversary of NS crash
In 2005, nine lives were lost and hundreds were injured after two Norfolk Southern trains collided near the Avondale Mills Plant in Graniteville. Over 250 people were treated for toxic chlorine exposure.
Train enthusiasts look back on Montana Rail Link legacy
A blue locomotive on a mountainous background has been the image for the Montana Rail Link for almost 30 years but as of 2024, the railroad company has undergone a big change.
UP beefs up border patrol
Union Pacific, which with Ferromex and BNSF suffered a severe service disruption in December when U.S. Customs and Border Protection unnecessarily closed the U.S./Mexico rail bridges at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Tex., has added a Special Agent patrol at the border.
