The BLET presented a strong case on behalf of its members as Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 253 held formal hearings last week in the contract dispute between BLET along with several other unions and the Long Island Rail Road. It is expected that the PEB will issue its recommendations on October 17.
The BLET National Division, along with legal counsel and the BLET LIRR General Committee of Adjustment, will analyze the report and meet with all involved parties prior to making any public comments. BLET members can monitor the BLET website and social media platforms for the latest developments. In addition, BLET Division 269 members can also access the Division 269 website and mobile app for the latest updates and developments.
BLET members working at LIRR have been without a raise for three years now during a period of high inflation. Gil Lang, BLET General Chairman for the LIRR engineers, said the union is seeking “exceedingly reasonable” wage increases for its members. On September 15, the BLET announced that its LIRR members voted overwhelmingly (476-5) to authorize a strike should one become necessary to achieve their contract goals.
Under the Railway Labor Act, if there is no settlement between the parties based on a PEB’s recommendations, then the next step under the law is a public hearing hosted by the National Mediation Board. This flowchart (PDF) illustrates how rail labor and commuter/passenger rail management reach an agreement on rates of pay, benefits and work rules under the Railway Labor Act.