The BLET has reached a tentative agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad that would provide a general wage increase of 3% to approximately 6,000 BLET members employed at UP, if ratified.
The proposed “interim raise” is described in the balloting materials that are being mailed to members: “As part of our ongoing Section 6 bargaining with Union Pacific, your BLET leadership has been presented with a proposal from the Carrier to provide a 3% wage increase effective September 1, 2025. This proposal is intended as an interim raise while we continue full contract negotiations.” BLET and UP are engaged in on-property negotiations for the current round of bargaining.
The interim raise is temporary and will be replaced by the wage increases agreed to in the final contract settlement. If the final agreement includes retroactive pay, the amount already paid under this interim deal will not be included in the calculation of the retroactive payments.
The BLET’s Union Pacific General Chairmen involved in negotiations are: Kyle Bagby, UP-Central Region; Chad Lambert, UP-Eastern District; Dick Crow, UP Northern Region; Scott Alexander, UP-Southern Region; Brian Carr, UP-Western Lines; and Will Wallace, UP-Western Region. They have received assistance from National President Mark Wallace, First Vice-President Gary Best, and National Vice President Kevin Sexton.
Note to Union Pacific members: Ballots are due by Friday, August 8. Members who are eligible and have not received a ratification packet by Wednesday, July 30, 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.
Photo by Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659