BLET has ratified a new five-year agreement with the CPKC for locomotive engineers who work on the CPKC Soo Line territory. Ballots were tabulated on December 11.
The deal provides general wage increases of 17.5 percent (18.8 percent compounded) over the life of the agreement (2025-2029). Health and welfare benefits remain nationally negotiated. General Chairman Nick Mugavero said the new contract also contains several work rule improvements that are important to the members:
- Overtime after 12 hours daily on 4/3 assignments
- Ability to mark Extra Board position weekly on 5/2 and 4/3 work week schedule
- Increased meal allowance
- If double-pillowed, will immediately be placed first out and paid held away after 12 hours.
- Ability to “drop turn,” or essentially not be called to go on duty any later than 1200 the day before vacation to ensure they begin their vacation on time.
The negotiating team consisted of General Chairman Mugavero and National Vice President Pete Semenek.The new agreement covers approximately 300 CPKC locomotive engineers on the Soo Line property who operate trains in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.