Today, BLET members ratified a new five-year contract with CSX Transportation, which governs nearly 3,500 members. Ballots were counted this afternoon, and the agreement was ratified by a 53.6% majority of those who returned ballots.
The contract provides compounded general wage increases of 18.77%. Engineers will earn five new days of paid sick leave per year under the deal, with the flexibility to convert two earned personal leave days into sick days. Engineers’ cost share for Health and Welfare does not change, while vision and dental benefits are expanded.
The new contract, which comes after several months of negotiations, will run through December 31, 2029. The deal contains other provisions regarding three and four-day work week yard assignments, relief assignments, travel allowance, and an increase to the engineer certification allowance. The entire package is valued at a 21.4% increase in wages and benefits over the span of the agreement.
The negotiating team consisted of General Chairmen Chris Hyde (CSX-Eastern Lines GCA), Brian Farkas (CSX-Northern Lines GCA), Keith Kerley (CSX-Western Lines GCA), Pat Driscoll (CSX-Northern District GCA), and assigned National Vice President Randy Fannon.
BLET National President Mark Wallace said: “I congratulate the negotiating team on securing an agreement that increases wages and addresses quality of life issues specific to CSX. Adding paid sick days without concession has been a contentious issue that the BLET refused to concede. Again, I congratulate the entire team for resolving all the issues addressed in this agreement.”
Photo: Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659