The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), Division 214, and Pacific Harbor Line, Inc. (PHL) have overwhelmingly ratified a three-year extension to their current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) well ahead of any deadline. The agreement represents a step forward in labor relations and underscores the commitment of both parties to fair working conditions and operational excellence.
The extension—effective May 1, 2024 through September 20, 2027—covers 145 of PHL’s 180 employees. It was ratified on July 12 by a record number of eligible BLET members who participated in the ratification vote, with more than 91% voting in favor of the agreement.
Key highlights include wages and benefit provisions. The CBA extension sets competitive wage structures, while maintaining the same lower-than-rail-industry employee contributions for health benefits, so that the PHL workforce receives fair compensation for their critical role in the nation’s supply chain at the busiest port complex in North America.
The BLET negotiating team consisted of General Chairman Brian Carr (UP-Western Lines), Division 214 Local Chairman Jose Covarrubias, with assistance from National Vice President Gary Best.
“This is a great win for the organization and our members,” General Chairman Carr said. “The contract contains no changes to our health and medical plan and provides 13 percent wage increases over two years. PHL and the organization have worked well together through this process to ensure no disruptions to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and we look forward to working together in the future.”
“Today’s contract ratification as well as the PHL Employee Retention Program announced earlier this year illustrate the key role that locomotive engineers and trainmen play in the railroad’s economic success,” BLET National President Eddie Hall said. “The BLET remains at the forefront of Rail Labor when it comes to negotiating the highest quality agreements for operating employees.”
BLET’s Division 214 in Long Beach, Calif., has represented PHL’s employees since the railroad was formed in 1998. Subsequently, union employment has grown from 27 employees to more than 145 today. For contract negotiations, Division 214 is represented by the BLET’s Union Pacific-Western Lines General Committee of Adjustment (UP-WL GCA).