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INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 15 — On February 7, 2022, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Metra (the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation, or NIRCRC). The agreement was ratified by an 81% majority of those who voted and will increase rates of pay and amend some work rules for approximately 175 members.

The seven-year agreement next becomes amendable on January 1, 2026, and provides retroactive and future general wage increases of 18.3% (compounded). There is no increase to the members’ monthly health and welfare contribution. Also, employer contributions to the membership’s supplemental retirement program are increased. Rules amended govern training for new engineers, bereavement leave to include additional family members, and incorporating the certification allowance into the basic rate.

The BLET negotiating team was comprised of Metra General Chairman J.J. Balonek; CN-IC General Chairman Billy Evans; CP Rail/U.S. General Chairman Pete Semenek; Division 294 Local Chairman Kyle Donze; Division 575 Local Chairman Josh McLeary; Division 131 Local Chairman Walter Marshall; and National Vice President Marcus Ruef.

“I thank the negotiating team for bringing this round of negotiations to a successful conclusion,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “I also thank our Metra membership for their support and for participating in the balloting process.”

The BLET’s Metra locomotive engineers serve more than 100 communities at 242 stations in the Chicago area.