INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 9 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract agreement with the CP Rail/SOO Line Railroad. Ballots were mailed today, February 9, to all active members of the BLET employed by the SOO Line who are eligible to vote in the ratification of this agreement.
Similar to the 2022 National Agreement, the tentative agreement includes a 22% General Wage Increase (“GWI”) over the five-year life of the agreement (3%, 3.5%, 7%, 4% and 4.5%) along with five (5) $1,000.00 annual lump sum bonus payments also to be made over the life of the agreement. When compounded, the GWI equates to 24% and will increase approximately 300 members’ straight-time hourly rate to $61.98 by September 2024.
Ballots are due by March 10, 2023. Members who are eligible and have not received a ratification packet by Thursday, February 23, should call the BLET National Division at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected with the extension, please leave the following information:
- Your name, address and phone number;
- The Division to which you belong;
- The railroad you work for;
- The date you were promoted to locomotive engineer;
- Your date of birth; and
- The last four digits of your Social Security number.
The above information is needed in order to verify membership and eligibility to receive a ratification packet.