National Contract Negotiations
The Tentative Agreement and Agreed Upon Q&A’s are available in the Member’s Area
News
Chemicals industry warns that rail strike will shut plants, harm economy
The U.S. chemical manufacturing industry is one of the largest users of freight rail, shipping more than 33,000 carloads per week, and it is forecasting billions of dollars in economic damage if a labor deal isn’t reached between rail companies and unions before a potential strike in December.
BLET, SMART TD Town Hall yields facts about tentative agreement
At a November 9 Town Hall meeting, SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen President Dennis Pierce discussed the tentative National Rail Agreement with dozens of members from both unions. A video recording of the Town Hall (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes) is available on the BLET and SMART TD websites.
BMWED extends status quo period to Dec. 4
In a posting on its website, the BMWED explained that it has moved the end of its cooling off period from Nov. 19 to Dec. 4, the same date on which the Brotherhood of Signalmen Union (BRS) — the other rail union to reject the proposed deal with railroad management recommended by the Biden administration — status quo period ends.
Important Update for all BLET and SMART TD Members Included in National Negotiations
Late last week, members of the Cooperating Railway Labor Organizations (CRLO) and the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) convened to review and renew the payment rates for the nationally negotiated health & welfare Plans including medical, dental, vision, and life/accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) benefits.
IAM District 19 members vote to accept freight rail agreement
Approximately 4,900 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 19 have voted to accept the latest Tentative Agreement with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).
Wyoming mining industry prepares for potential rail strike
Wyoming mining companies are closely watching contract negotiations between the unions and America’s railroad companies. Should a strike happen, layoffs at Wyoming mines are likely.
Reminder: Contract Ratification Ballots due November 20 in tentative national agreement
Eligible members who have not received a contract ratification ballot by Wednesday, November 9, should request a replacement by calling the BLET National Division at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222.
Agriculture shippers urge Congress to prevent national railroad strike or lockout
Agricultural shippers have urged Congress to prevent a national railroad strike or lockout, which they said would have “devastating consequences to our national and global food security.”
BLET, SMART-TD to host joint Town Hall meeting on November 9
The BLET and SMART-TD will host a joint Town Hall meeting next week to discuss the tentative national contract. Members of both unions from all involved railroads are welcome to attend.
President Pierce to attend Dallas-Fort Worth Town Hall November 1
BLET National President Dennis Pierce will attend a Town Hall meeting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on November 1 to discuss the tentative national agreement. The meeting is open to BLET members from all involved railroads.