November 3, 2024 | Legislation, News, Top News
November 5 will determine one of the most consequential elections in our lifetimes and all BLET members are encouraged to head to the polls. Control of the White House, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives will be decided. All BLET members are encouraged...
November 1, 2024 | News, Top News
Veterans Day 2024 is approaching. Are you a veteran? Do you have a family member, friend or coworker who is a veteran? Do you have a story of camaraderie or sacrifice that you’d like to share in honor of veterans? The BLET National Division would like to hear from...
November 1, 2024 | News, Railroad Retirement, Top News
Most railroad retirement annuities, like social security benefits, will increase in January 2025 based on a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2023 to the corresponding period of the current year. Cost-of-living increases are calculated...
October 31, 2024 | News, Railroad Retirement, Top News
Like other federal agencies, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has been operating under a continuing resolution since October 1, 2024, the start of fiscal year (FY) 2025. The temporary funding measure provides the agency with continuing appropriations of $27.9...
October 30, 2024 | News, Organizing, Top News
The Associated Press reported recently that the number of union representation petitions more than doubled in fiscal 2024. The National Labor Relations Board received 3,286 union petitions in the 12 months ending Sept. 30, up from 1,638 in 2021. By contrast, AP...
October 30, 2024 | Health & Welfare, News, Top News
Currently happening until midnight on October 31, 2024, you can enroll or change your Medical or Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefit selections for the 2025 benefit year. Members must enroll in the Health FSA every year — FSA enrollment is not automatic...
October 29, 2024 | News, Railroad Safety, Top News
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) at a news conference in 2023 calling for passage of the bipartisan Railway Safety Act. ____________________ U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has a long history of supporting rail unions and the rights of workers. His commitment to...
October 28, 2024 | News, Organizing, Top News
The specter of job loss to autonomous train technology played a role as the BLET scored a significant short line organizing victory on October 22. A majority of train and engine service employees at the Georgia Central Railway voted to join BLET in a representation...
October 25, 2024 | News, Top News
In March of this year, BLET National Vice President Vince Verna testified that autonomous rail equipment is “not ready for prime time”. (BLET photo taken during 2022 demonstration in Culver City, Calif.) ____________________ Over the past two years, BLET...
October 23, 2024 | News, Top News
BLET members and their families from across the Lonestar State participated in the annual Houston Solidarity Rally on October 15, joining with several hundred other Texas railroad workers from other operating and shop crafts. See photo gallery of the event...