FRA Certification Helpline: (216) 694-0240

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 8 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative implementing agreement with the Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E) Railroads. Ballots were mailed earlier today, February 8, to locomotive engineers employed by the DM&E, active members in Division 527 employed by the KCS, and Gateway Western Railroad members who are eligible to participate.

The agreement will only become effective should the Surface Transportation Board (STB) decide to allow the merger of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and KCS Railroads. The tentative agreement applies to all locomotive engineers employed by the DM&E. And all active members in Division 527, and those employed by the Gateway Western within the Consolidated Territory, which encompasses tracks from Ottumwa, IA, to Pittsburg, KS, and East St. Louis, MO.

Ballots are due by Friday, March 3. Members who are eligible and have not received a ratification packet by Tuesday, February 21, 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 to verify membership and eligibility to receive a ratification packet.

In late 2021, CP and KCS filed an application with the STB seeking authorization for CP to acquire KCS in a deal valued at approximately $31 billion.