BLET News
Government shutdown continues
A Federal government shutdown began on October 1 after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a proposal to keep government programs and services running. As of publication, it is not clear how long this shutdown will last and no progress has been made toward a deal that...
Rob Cunningham reelected General Chairman of BNSF-ATSF GCA
Rob Cunningham was reelected to his third term as General Chairman of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (former ATSF) General Committee of Adjustment at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting in San Diego last week. Cunningham is a member of BLET Division 134 (Winslow,...
Drug smuggling allegations surface against train crews from Mexico entering the U.S.
How much more evidence do federal authorities in the U.S. need to fully understand that allowing Mexican train crews to operate in the United States would be a threat to border security? In late September, it was reported that employees of Mexico’s largest railroad,...
Support for BLET spans generations in contract fight at LIRR
A former member in the 1880s, Fred Wohlenberg was such a strong supporter of the BLE that he had the union's logo engraved on his tombstone. His great-grandson Brad recently contacted the BLET to express his family's continued support for our union....
Union Pacific: BLET members ratify new contract that runs through 2029
BLET members today ratified a new on-property agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad, which covers rates of pay, work rules, and health & welfare benefits for nearly 6,000 members employed at UP. Members voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratification, with 2,467...
Registration extended to October 7 for this month’s rail worker hazmat training class
A few open spots are still available for the 40 Hour Chemical Emergency Response (CER) class being offered by the IBT Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program, which will take place in Houston from October 19-24, 2025. Registration has been extended to...
UP-Western Region GCA arbitrates cases at BLET National Division HQ
From left: First VGC Matt Keene and GC Will Wallace. ____________________ Officers of the Union Pacific-Western Region General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) were at BLET National Division headquarters on September 25 to conduct business on behalf of their members....
Deadline is October 31 to enroll in 2026 Health FSA program
Currently happening until midnight on October 31, 2025, you can enroll or change your Medical or Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefit selections for the 2026 benefit year. Members must enroll in the Health FSA every year — FSA enrollment is not automatic...
A message from BLET President Wallace: Times that may look difficult can also be moments of opportunity
Brothers and Sisters, This past May, I was given the great honor of becoming the National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and with that title, the responsibility of serving all our members from coast to coast. I am now the National...
Local Chairmen from BNSF/MRL GCA complete two-year training workshop
The BNSF/MRL General Committee of Adjustment held a training session September 22-24 in Las Vegas for 45 Local Chairmen and Vice Chairmen. General Chairman Kent Psota said that the GCA’s bylaws mandate Local Chairman receive training once every two years. A wide range...
Attention all members at Metra: Replacement ballots now available
BLET members who work for Metra-UP Line should have received a mailing from the National Division with voting instructions on a tentative agreement with the commuter agency. Members who are eligible and have not received a ballot by today, October 1, should visit the...
Open enrollment now underway for Health FSA
From October 1 until midnight on October 31, 2025, you can enroll or change your Medical or Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefit selections for the 2026 benefit year. Members must enroll in the Health FSA every year — FSA enrollment is not automatic each...
BLET continues work to advance “no tax on overtime for all” legislation
The BLET, in conjunction with the Teamsters Rail Conference, is working the halls of Congress to garner additional bipartisan support for H.R. 5475, the “No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act,” which would provide rail workers with tax exemptions on their overtime...
Potential government shutdown would affect FRA, NMB, STB, RRB
A government shutdown looms and Congress must enact a continuing appropriations act, or Continuing Resolution (CR), by September 30 to prevent a government shutdown that would begin on October 1. At this point, it is unclear if Congress will reach an agreement to...
Arizona Eastern members enjoy improved pay, benefits, and morale thanks to first BLET contract
BLET members working for AZER have reaped the benefits of a union job since voting to join the Brotherhood in 2024. Photo by Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659 ___________________ BLET members at the Arizona Eastern Railway (AZER) are enjoying the benefits of belonging to...
Hybrid training expands opportunities for Division Secretary-Treasurers
In-person and virtual participants in this week's class for Division Secretary-Treasurers, hosted at BLET National Division headquarters. ____________________ The BLET Education & Training Department recently completed another successful hybrid training class for...
BLET’s LIRR members vote to authorize a strike at the right time and if needed; BLET-led coalition of rail unions, in an unusual move, call on the White House to establish a PEB
BLET National Vice President Jim Louis addresses the news conference regarding the ongoing LIRR contract dispute. ____________________ On Monday, September 15, after three years without a raise during a period of high inflation, Long Island Rail Road engineers...
Attention all Union Pacific locomotive engineers: Replacement ballots now available
BLET members who work for the Union Pacific Railroad should have received a mailing from the National Division containing a contract synopsis and a ballot for voting on the tentative agreement. Members who are eligible and have not received a ballot by today,...
Chicago: BLET announces tentative agreement for Metra-UP Line locomotive engineers
The BLET has reached a tentative agreement with Metra that would provide 93 BLET members with 3.5 percent general wage increases. The agreement covers BLET members employed by Metra who operate on the Metra-UP Lines and are represented by the Union Pacific Northern...
Capitol Hill: BLET takes members’ top issues to Congress during Teamsters annual Political Coordinators Meeting
BLET representatives included, from left: Eric Sroik, Chuck Schulz, Pete Baldwin, Ross Grooters, Vince Verna, and Brendan Sullivan. ____________________ Last week, representatives from BLET and BMWED were among 200 Teamsters who gathered in Washington, D.C. for the...
Daily Headlines
Union Pacific reports Q1 2025 results
Union Pacific reported 2025 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion, which compares to 2024 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion.
CSX announces Q1 2025 results
CSX Corp. announced first quarter 2025 operating income of $1.04 billion compared to $1.34 billion in the prior year period.
First phase of NJ entrance to new Gateway project rail tunnel should be done by fall
The new two-track tunnel between North Jersey and Manhattan is meant to provide more reliable service along the Northeast Corridor for NJ Transit and Amtrak riders entering and leaving Manhattan’s Penn Station.
DOT cuts planning grant for Texas high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said if the private sector wants the rail line, it should cover planning costs.
SEPTA prepares for major service cuts
Facing $213 million deficit, agency releases budget calling for 45% reduction in service, 21.5% fare increase
TCRC statement on arbitration decision at CN
The new three-year contract closely resembles the status quo and includes annual 3% wage increases. The company failed to secure any concessions related to scheduling, rest, or fatigue protections.
April 2025 Q&A: Railroad Retirement Survivor Benefits
The following questions and answers describe railroad retirement survivor benefit eligibility requirements and provide benefit-related information.
Amtrak considering staff cuts, other cost-saving moves
Company says it is being ‘proactive’ in addressing outside pressures
Amtrak sidelines Horizon car fleet, leading to widespread cancellations
Corrosion issues lead to cars’ removal; Cascades, Borealis, Hiawatha operations hardest hit
Analysis: CEO’s dismissal the beginning of the end for Amtrak?
No names have yet been floated about a potential replacement for Gardner.
