FRA Certification Helpline: (216) 694-0240

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, September 2 — Ballots are being mailed on September 9 to eligible members regarding BLET’s tentative BNSF-Montana Rail Link (MRL) implementing agreement and Oregon Short Line Protective Agreement, BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce announced today.

In January, MRL announced it would terminate its lease with BNSF, with BNSF resuming operations on the line. The implementing agreement governs BNSF’s hiring of the BLET-represented MRL employees, their seniority, work rules, pay, benefits, and integration into the BNSF system. The implementing agreement and Oregon Short Line Protective Agreement govern approximately 500 BLET members who work for the MRL.

Online voting will be conducted by TrueBallot, Inc., and ballots are due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern standard time on Friday, September 30, 2022. Members can vote using the unique QR code on each ballot, or by going online and using a private PIN found on the ballot.

Members who are eligible and have not received a ballot by September 21 should request a replacement ballot by calling the BLET National Division at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected with the extension, please leave the following information:

  • your name, mailing address, and phone number;
  • your date of birth;
  • the last four digits of your Social Security number; and
  • your email address

Email requests for ballots will not be accepted because personal information is required to verify eligibility before a ballot can be issued.

BLET members who work for the MRL belong to two BLET Divisions: Division 232 in Laurel, Montana, and Division 262 in Missoula, Montana. For collective bargaining purposes, they are represented by the BNSF/MRL General Committee of Adjustment.

“I encourage all of our MRL members to participate in this important balloting process,” President Pierce said. “Membership ratification is a core principle of our Union.”