January 11, 2026 | News, Top News
From left: Tom Grdina with family at his December 30 retirement luncheon: son James, wife Susan, and son John. James is also a BLET employee, working as Director of the BLET Print Shop and Supply/Shipping Department. ____________________ The BLET National Division...
January 9, 2026 | Contract Agreement, Contract Negotiations, News, Top News
The BLET successfully negotiated and ratified 15 new collective bargaining agreements in 2025, boosting wages and providing substantial contractual improvements for more than 22,000 active members. This achievement is backed by the work of the assigned Vice...
January 6, 2026 | News, Top News, Unions
In a victory for all of organized labor, the state of Utah has repealed a ban on collective bargaining for public sector workers that went into effect on July 1. While the law did not prevent workers such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public...
January 5, 2026 | News, Top News
The members of BLET Division 13 in La Crosse, Wisc., are raising awareness for the plight of Brother Josh Bliss. The Vice President of Division 13, Brother Bliss has battled cancer since 2022 but is now at stage four after it has spread from his kidney to his lungs....
January 4, 2026 | News, Top News
2026 is gearing up to be a very busy year for the BLET. Make sure you are staying up-to-date with all of the latest BLET news by following us on our website, various social media pages and YouTube. The BLET’s private members-only Facebook group continues to grow. If...
January 2, 2026 | News, Top News
Jeff Thurman, a member of BLET Division 172 in Fort Worth, Texas), became the newest member of the BLET Advisory Board when he was sworn into office on January 1, 2026. Thurman fills a vacancy on the Advisory Board created by the retirement of Vice President Pete...
January 2, 2026 | Derailment, East Palestine-NS, News, Railroad Safety, Top News
Aftermath of Norfolk Southern’s February 2023 derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio. NTSB image _____________________ East Palestine resident Jess Conard became an expert on rail safety “the hard way.” In an opinion column that was published in...
December 30, 2025 | National Negotiations 2024, News, Top News
Five-year collective bargaining agreement covers 12,000 BLET members “…this agreement delivers real gains, protects our work rules, and avoids concessions.” — Mark Wallace BLET National President INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, December 30 — Voting concluded today for members of...
December 29, 2025 | Contract Negotiations, News, Top News
Tomorrow is the deadline for voting on the BLET’s Tentative National agreement. Submit your ballot on or before 11:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, December 30. Need a replacement ballot? Call the BLET National Division’s automated voice mail line to have one emailed to you:...
December 28, 2025 | Contract Negotiations, News, Top News
Did you know voting on the BLET’s tentative national contract is a fast and simple process? It takes just a few minutes to scan the QR code on your ballot and vote with your smart phone. Make your voice heard today! Deadline: Submit your ballot on or before 11:00 a.m....