The BLET has reached tentative agreements with two short line railroads: the Utah Central Railway and the Tacoma Municipal Belt Railway (Tacoma Rail).
Utah Central
The Utah Central tentative agreement is significant. If ratified, it would represent a first-ever union agreement at the formerly non-union railroad. Utah Central workers voted to join BLET in December 2023. This initial agreement, if ratified, would establish many important provisions found in other BLET contracts such as a seniority roster, general wage increases, procedures for grievance handling, paid holidays and vacations, and a discipline process. The negotiating team consisted of National Vice President James Logan, Grievance Chairman Bailey Price, and Director of the BLET Short Line Department Luke Myers. The Utah Railway membership belongs to BLET Division 16, the Brotherhood’s short line division. (UCRY photo by Laurence Pearlman)
Tacoma Rail
If ratified by the members, the Tacoma Rail tentative agreement would provide general wage increases and address other work rule provisions. BLET’s Division 238 in Tacoma, Wash., represents members from both the BNSF Railway and Tacoma Rail. The negotiating team consisted of Vice President James Logan Jr., General Chairman Ron Mills, Vice General Chairman Rich Drury, and Director of the BLET Short Line Department Luke Myers. (Tacoma Rail photo by Benjamin Dziechciowski)
Note to Utah Central and Tacoma Rail members
Members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ratification packet by March 30 should call the National Division’s dedicated voicemail line at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected with the voicemail, please leave the following information:
- Your name, address and phone number;
- The division to which you belong;
- The railroad you work for;
- Your date of birth;
- The last four digits of your Social Security number; and
- Your email address.
All replacement ballots will be distributed by email. Any member who requires a replacement ballot must include their email address in the voicemail; otherwise, they will not be able to participate in the ratification vote.