BLET Vice President Randy Fannon (far left) and BLET Special Representative Jorge Gomez (far right) with newly organized members from Florida Gulf & Atlantic in 2023.
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In a significant milestone, the BLET has reached a tentative contract for members who work at the Florida, Gulf & Atlantic Railway (FG&A). The BLET organized workers at the formerly non-union short line railroad in July of 2023. After months of negotiations, ballots were mailed this week to more than two dozen members to vote on what would be their first-ever union contract.
The tentative agreement covers a wide range of topics that will address the reasons FG&A workers sought BLET representation, such as rates of pay, general wage increases, safe working conditions, discipline protection, grievance procedures, and the establishment of a seniority system.
Ballots are due by Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. E.S.T. Members who are eligible and have not received a ratification packet by Tuesday, November 12, 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.
Please note: All replacement ballots will be distributed by email. It’s important that any member who requires a replacement ballot include their email address in the voicemail; otherwise, they will not be able to participate in the ratification vote.
The BLET negotiating team consisted of National Vice President Randy Fannon, who led the initial organizing drive in 2023, along with assistance from Brother Robert Cross, the Grievance Chair for FG&A members. For representational purposes, the FG&A members belong to BLET Division 16, the union’s Short Line Division.
The Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad operates 430 miles of track, running east/west along the I-10 corridor between Baldwin, Florida, near Jacksonville, to Pensacola with a branch line that runs between Tallahassee and Attapulgus, Georgia.