BLET News
Judge rules “Hi-Viz” attendance policy court case as a “minor” dispute
Today the judge considering the case between BNSF and the SMART-TD and BLET unions over the carrier’s new “Hi-Viz” attendance policy ruled that the dispute was “minor” under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act (RLA).
BLET members ratify contract with Metra
On February 7, 2022, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Metra (the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation, or NIRCRC).
2022 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 here in the 2022 BLET Scholarship Directory.
BLET asks members to participate in fatigue research study
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), working in collaboration with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, is asking locomotive engineers and conductors to participate in a confidential survey regarding fatigue.
BLET, SMART-TD file Opposition to Preliminary Injunction in attendance dispute at BNSF
Yesterday, the BLET and SMART-TD filed their oppositions to BNSF’s request for the court to convert the January 25, 2022, Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) into a preliminary injunction. The unions each filed for their own preliminary injunctions against BNSF’s implementation of its new Hi Viz attendance policy last week on February 2.
BLET National Division launches improved website
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 7 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has launched a new and improved website, www.ble-t.org. The redesigned website features a fresh look, daily news, improved navigation for easy access, an enhanced members-only...
Two online hazmat training classes for rail workers available in February, March
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 2 — The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program, is offering two virtual classes in February and March 2022: a 10-hour OSHA General Industry Course and an 8-hour DOT...
BLET and SMART-TD seek immediate federal government investigation of carrier attendance policies
CLEVELAND, Ohio, (February 1, 2022) — By letter dated January 31, 2022, BLET and SMART-TD are seeking review by both the Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Transportation of all Class I attendance policies. In a joint letter to Labor Secretary Martin Walsh...
Update in BLET, SMART-TD attendance dispute at BNSF
BLET and SMART-TD on January 27 filed answers and counterclaims in the District Court seeking a Preliminary Injunction and Permanent Injunction against implementation of the BNSF’s Hi-Viz Policy.
BLET to conduct virtual training for Local Chairman
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, January 25 — The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct two virtual training classes for Local Chairman via Zoom from the BLET National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Classes will be held February 22-24, 2022, and March...
Rail Labor’s largest coalition reaches dead end on path to voluntary agreement
After more than two years of bargaining with the major U.S. Class 1 railroads, discussions completely stalled last week.Accordingly, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Railway Labor Act, top leaders of 10 rail unions applied to theNational Mediation Board (NMB) for the assignment of a federal mediator to assist in our negotiations.
BLET to host virtual training for LM-2 filers
The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a workshop for all Secretary-Treasurers who file LM-2 reports for their General Committee of Adjustment (GCA), Division, or State Legislative Board. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this workshop will be held virtually on March 1-3, 2022.
Pierce appoints Luke Myers to President’s Staff
A native of Colorado, Brother Myers will serve the National Division as Director of Bylaws Administration out of the union’s headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Brother Myers hired out as a trainman with the BNSF, on January 7, 2002, and earned promotion to locomotive engineer on October 8, 2005.
BLET members ratify new contract with New York & Atlantic Railway
In a tremendous show of support for the union, nearly 91% of eligible voters cast ballots, with nearly two-thirds approving the new contract, which runs through December 31, 2026.
SMART-TD and BLET rail unions initiate steps to strike BNSF properties over new “Hi-Viz” attendance policy punishing sick rail workers during the pandemic
CLEVELAND, Ohio, January 13 — Yesterday, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation union (SMART-TD) who work for the BNSF...
BLET welcomes Amit Bose as new Administrator of FRA
On January 12, 2022, the U.S. Senate confirmed Amit Bose to serve as Administrator of the FRA. Dennis R. Pierce, National President of the BLET, issued the following statement…
Ballots mailed in tentative BLET, Metra agreement
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, January 11 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract agreement with Metra, the commuter railroad system serving Chicago. BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce announced that ballots were...
District court denies BLET, SMART-TD bid to halt Metra vaccine mandate
The unions took the position that Metra had no authority to unilaterally implement and enforce a COVID vaccination mandate among its employees without the required bargaining pursuant to the Railway Labor Act (RLA). The court ruled in favor of Metra finding the matter to be a minor dispute.
America’s Largest Transportation Labor Coalition Gains 3 More Unions, Unifies Rail Labor
The BLET and BMWED have re-affiliated with the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department.
2022 BLET Time Books coming soon
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is currently mailing 2022 Time Books to all eligible active members of the union.
Daily Headlines
Union Pacific fired him rather than heed his warnings of dangerous rail conditions
“If you keep reporting these track defects, you will no longer have a job at Union Pacific.”
STB Chairman Oberman will not seek reappointment
Oberman used his position as a bully pulpit to criticize railroads and encourage them to reach their potential by hauling more of the nation’s freight.
TSB to investigate collision involving two BNSF trains in metro Vancouver
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board says it is sending an investigator to probe a train collision and derailment in Metro Vancouver.
Video: Could Florida’s Brightline be a model for high-speed rail in U.S.?
A rail line linking two popular Thanksgiving destinations, Miami and Orlando, is giving Florida its first taste of the potential for how high-speed rail could change holiday travel.
Class I executives outline plans to bolster rail service
The ongoing theme of improving rail service as a means to capture market share away from trucking again appeared in comments from Class I railroad executives speaking at recent investor conferences.
Freight rail execs seeing some “green shoots” for beleaguered sector
Some attendees at a rail conference hosted by Freight Waves were cautiously optimistic that bad years may be behind the industry.
NS train hits CSX train at Atlanta yard, leading to derailment and fire
A collision between Norfolk Southern and CSX trains led to a derailment and fire this morning at CSX’s Howells Yard in northwest Atlanta.
NTSB investigators focus on “design problem” with braking system after Chicago commuter train crash
Federal safety officials investigating a Chicago commuter train crash that injured nearly 40 people when it slammed into snow-removal equipment are focusing on a “design problem” with its braking system.
Truck driver killed in NS rail yard accident on Chicago’s South Side
One person was killed and emergency crews were responding after a freight train struck a semi truck that was stopped on the Norfolk Southern railyard tracks in Chicago, the Chicago Fire Department said.
CPKC in discussions with Mexican government on passenger service, has agreed to fund capacity study
Canadian Pacific Kansas City says it has agreed to study passenger service on part of its freight network in Mexico, and is reviewing a draft decree by the Mexican government regarding passenger train operations.
