October 31, 2025 | Legislation, News, Top News
Early this morning, the Illinois Legislature passed a bill that averts the fiscal cliff at Metra, PACE and CTA by providing $1.5 billion in public transit funding. Governor Pritzker is expected to sign bill into law. About 300 BLET members work for Metra as locomotive...
October 28, 2025 | GCA Elections, News, Top News
Bob Peters was elected General Chairman of the BLET’s Norfolk Southern-Northern Lines General Committee of Adjustment at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting at BLET National Division headquarters on October 20-21, 2025. The NS-N GCA represents more than 2,400 active and...
October 27, 2025 | News, Tentative Contract, Top News
Ballots are due back to the National Division by November 11. Photo by Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659 ____________________ The BLET has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the Western New York & Pennsylvania (WNYP) Railroad, governing rates of pay,...
October 26, 2025 | News, Regional Meetings, Top News
BLET members who are scheduling their vacations for next year should make plans to attend one or both of the BLET’s regional meetings in 2026. The 2026 Western Regional Meeting will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, the week of July 13, while the 2026 Eastern...
October 24, 2025 | News, Obituary, Top News
The BLET is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Brother Daniel P. Peterson, age 52, who died on the morning of October 19 as a result of an incident while working as a conductor for BNSF Railway. Brother Peterson was a proud and active member of BLET Division 232 in...
October 23, 2025 | News, Railroad Retirement, Top News
Railroad employees considering retirement should familiarize themselves with the Railroad Retirement Board’s (RRB) annuity application process. Understanding how the process works can prevent delays and ensure that annuity payments begin as soon as possible after...
October 23, 2025 | News, Top News
The BLET National Division is now taking requests from members who wish to receive a new Time Book for 2026. These books will only be distributed to members upon request. To request a Time Book, members must first log in to the Members’ Area of the BLET National...
October 21, 2025 | FRA, News, NTSB, Railroad Safety, Top News
As the Federal government shutdown that began on October 1 continues, it is beginning to affect government agencies that serve the rail industry and BLET members. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been...
October 20, 2025 | Contract Negotiations, News, Top News
On October 17, Presidential Emergency Board No. 253 (PEB) announced its recommendations in the contract dispute between the coalition of unions (including BLET) and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). That PEB recommended raises with full retroactive pay for all...
October 19, 2025 | Education and Training, News, Top News
In mid-October, the BLET Education and Training Department hosted a training class for Local Chairmen at National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Three in-person workshop participants shared their thoughts about the experience. Jeffery Green represents...
