Rail Industry News

Late this afternoon, United States District Court Judge John R. Adams issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Akron, Ohio, ending a strike that began this morning by locomotive engineers and by trainmen represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) against the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (WLE). According to court documents filed by the railroad, which normally operates an average of 45-50 trains per day, the walkout stopped virtually all train activity.

Over 100 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) struck the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (WLE) at 5:00 local time this morning to protest that railroad’s repudiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreements that cover the two operating crafts.

By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President Whether it be at a regional meeting, or at a meeting of your Local Division, General Committee of Adjustment or State Legislative Board, there is a part for all members. As I have said time and time again, participation is the key to a strong union, and together we can make a difference.

The “Your Track to Health” brand represents the wide array of health and welfare benefits and resources available to eligible Railroad employees and their dependents. Whenever you see Your Track to Health used on communications and in materials, you can know and trust that the information is important and is being provided to help you better understand and optimize your health and welfare benefits.

The BLET Education & Training Department, in conjunction with the BLET Arbitration Department, is offering a General Chairman’s workshop in St. Louis, Mo., during the week of November 3, 2013.

A health flexible spending account (Health FSA) is a benefit plan that lets you save by putting pre-tax money aside in a special account to help pay for certain medical costs and other health services. This means you can save on what you pay in your annual income taxes. Open enrollment for eligible BLET represented engineers who work at certain railroads (and all train service employees of the Texas Mexican Railway) will begin on October 1, 2013, and you can now calculate your potential savings by using the new Health FSA Calculator Tool.

Scott G. Palmer was reelected by acclamation to his fourth term as Chairman of the Oregon State Legislative Board at the Board’s triennial meeting in Vancouver, Wash., from September 3-4, 2013.

BLET members are encouraged to celebrate National Voter Registration Day on September 24 by ensuring their voter registration is current and encouraging their family, friends and fellow BLET members to register to vote.

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Indiana Rail Road (INRD), BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce announced today. Ballots were mailed on September 13 to active members of the BLET employed by INDR who are eligible to vote in the ratification of this agreement.