FRA Certification Helpline: (216) 694-0240

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, August 21 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract agreement with Transit America Services, Inc. (TASI). Ballots were mailed on August 20 to active members of the BLET employed by TASI who are eligible to vote in the ratification of this agreement.

Ballots are due by Thursday, September 13. The tentative agreement governs rates of pay, work rules, and health & welfare benefits for approximately 60 BLET members who work in the locomotive engineer craft at the Caltrain commuter service in California.

Members who are eligible and have not received a ratification packet by Thursday, August 30, should call the BLET 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 date you were promoted to locomotive engineer;
• Your date of birth; and
• Your Social Security number.

Email requests for ballots will not be accepted because personal information is required to verify eligibility before a ballot can be issued.

BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce urged all eligible members to review the proposed contract and to make their voices heard by voting in the ratification process.

“Voting on your contract is one of the most important rights you have as a union member,” President Pierce said. “I urge all of our Caltrain Brothers and Sisters to get involved in this key process of our union democracy.”

With an average of 65,000 riders each weekday, Caltrain commuter service operates between San Francisco on the north end, through San Jose to Gilroy on the south end. Previously, Amtrak operated the service until the spring of 2012.