Ballots are due back to the National Division by Thursday, December 11. Photo by Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659
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The BLET has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the CPKC for locomotive engineers who work on the CPKC Soo Line territory. Ballots were mailed to members last week.
If ratified by the members, the deal would provide general wage increase 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 tentative deal 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.
Note to CPKC Soo Line members: Ballots are due by Thursday, December 11. Members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ratification packet by Monday, December 1, should call the National Division at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected with the extension, 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.