The BLET has reached a tentative contract with the Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (B&E). The tentative agreement governs rates of pay, benefits and work rules for approximately 30 members. Ballots were mailed this week.
Some of the proposed contractual improvements include:
- 13% hourly rate of pay increase;
- Accelerated progression of Entry Level rates of pay, so engineers receive the 100% rate of pay much sooner;
- Availability of a 401(k) savings plan, with 100% company match up to 4 percent of an engineer’s yearly compensation; and
- Pay rates at one and a half times the hourly rate on holidays, in addition to holiday allowance.
Ballots are due on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Members who have not received a ballot by Tuesday, February 20, should request a replacement by calling the BLET 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; and
- The last four digits of your Social Security number.The above information is needed in order to verify membership and eligibility before a replacement ratification packet can be sent.
Members governed by this proposed agreement belong to either BLET Division 112 or Division 191. They are represented by General Chairman Kevin Moore of the STR-DH-SLR-NECR-CSO-NYW-B&E General Committee of Adjustment. During negotiations, the BLET was represented by Brother Moore, National Vice President Randy Fannon, and Division 112 Local Chairman Nicholas Paige.
The B&E is a short line railroad in New England and New York, using tracks owned by Pan Am Southern and running between Mechanicville, N.Y., and Ayer, Mass. Pan Am Southern is jointly owned by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway.