BLET Newsroom
The latest comprehensive, up-to-date features and news releases effecting the BLET.
CSXT: BLET exposes safety flaws with “zero-to-zero” technology that controls braking and urges the FRA to conduct further study
The BLET filed extensive comments with the FRA on March 17 raising questions about CSXT’s use and implementation of Trip Optimizer/Air Brake Control (TO/ABC, or “zero-to-zero”) technology. If fully approved, CSXT’s Product Safety Plan (PSP) would, for the first time,...
Illinois: BLET a part of labor coalition lobbying to help save state’s public transportation system from fiscal cliff
Pictured from left: Jeff Crane, BLET; Alex Beckman, Rail Conference; Tim Drea, President of Illinois AFL-CIO; Cory Martin, BLET Illinois State Legislative Board Chairman; Brandon Stewart, BLET; Todd Knight, BLET; and Chad Clayton, BLETThe BLET’s Illinois State...
Women’s History Month: Watco workforce selects Tandi Colibert to serve as grievance chair
In mid-March the BLET held its initial meeting with workers at Watco following the union’s certification by the National Mediation Board. It was fitting that the meeting was held on Saturday, March 8 — which is International Women’s Day — and that Sister Tandi...
Amtrak names locomotive in honor of late BLET General Chairman Mark B. Kenny
From left: Matt Kronyak, BLET Special Rep; Brad Cleary, Amtrak GCA S-T; Gerhard Williams (back row), Amtrak VP; Gabriel Perez, Amtrak GCA VGC; J.J. O’Neill, Amtrak GCA ERC; Kate Kenny; Stephen Gardner (back row), Amtrak CEO; David Estes, BLET NST; Jim Louis, BLET VP;...
Teamster-backed Lori Chavez-DeRemer confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor
Former Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed on March 10 to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor. She is the daughter of a Teamster and has the strong backing of Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien. “Lori Chavez-DeRemer will do an excellent job...
Education & Training Dept.: Division Secretary-Treasurers complete training
The BLET Education & Training Department conducted a hybrid training class for Division Secretary-Treasurers last week, with 55 members participating both in person at the BLET National Division Training Center and virtually via Zoom. Many participants in the...
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Analysis: CEO’s dismissal the beginning of the end for Amtrak?
No names have yet been floated about a potential replacement for Gardner.
Amtrak CEO abruptly resigns
Gardner’s departure also arrives just weeks after billionaire Elon Musk floated the idea of privatizing Amtrak, as well as the U.S. Postal Service, at a Morgan Stanley tech conference earlier this month.
STB issues draft environmental statement on proposed Texas border crossing railroad
Green Eagle Railroad’s 1.3-mile line would be part of a 19-mile secure corridor linking Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Mexico.
Senate confirms Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the daughter of a Teamster, as Secretary of Labor
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien recommended her for the job.
Trump taps former Pa. GOP chair to serve on Amtrak board of directors
Rob Gleason, a longtime resident of western Pennsylvania, has been an advocate for expanding rail service.
NS says route through Asheville, N.C., will reopen by March 31
Still to be addressed is the badly damaged section of track east of Swannanoa to Old Forts, the rugged Old Fort Loops segment of the line to Salisbury, N.C.
FRA personnel cuts could further delay languishing rail initiatives: Analysis
Concerned about such a prospect, the Rail Passengers Association and 22 other public transportation advocacy organizations on Friday, Feb. 28, sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, urging him to “preserve mission-critical personnel to avoid further delays in the administration of these passenger and freight projects.”
Thieves targeting freight trains in California and Arizona deserts make off with $2 million worth of Nikes
It is said the trains are so long that train crews rarely encounter the thieves.
BNSF reports Q4, full year 2024 results
For the year, BNSF’s pre-tax earnings increased 0.5%, to $6.64 billion, while revenue declined 0.5%, to $23.35 billion.
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October 2024
