INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — In response to today’s announcement by Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) regarding a proposed merger, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) issued the following statement on behalf of its members at both carriers:
“While Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have publicly declared their intent to merge operations, the BLET has not yet been formally briefed or engaged by the leadership of either company. Until such discussions take place, we believe it is premature to speculate on any outcomes. However, our position is unequivocally the protection of our members’ jobs, rights, and agreements will guide every step we take.
Before we can even consider the complex implications of a merger, our first and most immediate priority is concluding the current round of contract negotiations. These negotiations are essential to securing fair compensation and working conditions for our members. We call on both carriers to demonstrate their commitment to the men and women who keep their railroads running by reaching agreements with BLET without further delay.
This merger proposal must not become a distraction or an excuse to postpone long-overdue bargaining. A prompt and fair resolution to current negotiations will show that both UP and NS truly value their operating crews.
As more information becomes available, we will meet directly with carrier executives and utilize every resource, legal, contractual, and strategic, to protect our members. BLET will coordinate closely with its General Committees, legal teams, and allied rail labor unions to ensure transparency, fairness, and full enforcement of all contractual protections.
We urge our members to stay informed and united. Your union remains vigilant, and we are prepared to defend your rights throughout this process.”
For additional updates, members are encouraged to visit www.ble-t.org and monitor official BLET communications.
Photos by Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659