Rail Industry News
Arbitrator in CPKC, TCRC contract dispute awards 3% raises
Retroactive from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2027, the new contracts include annual wage increases of 3%.
NJ Transit, BLET reach deal to end 3-day strike
The BLET represents 450 New Jersey Transit engineers who drive the agency’s commuter trains.
BNSF reports Q1 2025 results
Net income rose 6.2%, to $1.2 billion.
CPKC says FRA is open to automated and streamlined track and train inspections
Without a waiver from the FRA, railroads cannot simultaneously scale back the required frequency of visual inspections of track and trains where automated systems are deployed.
CPKC reports Q1 2025 results
Revenues were $3.8 billion in Q1 2025, up from $3.5 billion in Q1 2024.
Norfolk Southern reports Q1 2025 results
NS reported Q1 2025 income of $1.1 billion, an increase from $933 million reported in Q1 2025.
Union Pacific reports Q1 2025 results
Union Pacific reported 2025 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion, which compares to 2024 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion.
CSX announces Q1 2025 results
CSX Corp. announced first quarter 2025 operating income of $1.04 billion compared to $1.34 billion in the prior year period.
First phase of NJ entrance to new Gateway project rail tunnel should be done by fall
The new two-track tunnel between North Jersey and Manhattan is meant to provide more reliable service along the Northeast Corridor for NJ Transit and Amtrak riders entering and leaving Manhattan’s Penn Station.
DOT cuts planning grant for Texas high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said if the private sector wants the rail line, it should cover planning costs.
SEPTA prepares for major service cuts
Facing $213 million deficit, agency releases budget calling for 45% reduction in service, 21.5% fare increase
TCRC statement on arbitration decision at CN
The new three-year contract closely resembles the status quo and includes annual 3% wage increases. The company failed to secure any concessions related to scheduling, rest, or fatigue protections.
April 2025 Q&A: Railroad Retirement Survivor Benefits
The following questions and answers describe railroad retirement survivor benefit eligibility requirements and provide benefit-related information.
Amtrak considering staff cuts, other cost-saving moves
Company says it is being ‘proactive’ in addressing outside pressures
Amtrak sidelines Horizon car fleet, leading to widespread cancellations
Corrosion issues lead to cars’ removal; Cascades, Borealis, Hiawatha operations hardest hit
Analysis: CEO’s dismissal the beginning of the end for Amtrak?
No names have yet been floated about a potential replacement for Gardner.
Amtrak CEO abruptly resigns
Gardner’s departure also arrives just weeks after billionaire Elon Musk floated the idea of privatizing Amtrak, as well as the U.S. Postal Service, at a Morgan Stanley tech conference earlier this month.
STB issues draft environmental statement on proposed Texas border crossing railroad
Green Eagle Railroad’s 1.3-mile line would be part of a 19-mile secure corridor linking Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Mexico.
Senate confirms Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the daughter of a Teamster, as Secretary of Labor
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien recommended her for the job.
Trump taps former Pa. GOP chair to serve on Amtrak board of directors
Rob Gleason, a longtime resident of western Pennsylvania, has been an advocate for expanding rail service.
BLET News
Replacement ballots now available in BLET-Alstom/MARC contract vote
BLET members who work as locomotive engineers for Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC/Alstom) are currently voting on a tentative agreement. Ballots will be tabulated on Thursday, February 26. Eligible members who have not yet received a ballot should call the BLET...
BLET effort helps stop Metro-North expansion, protecting member jobs at Amtrak
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is backing off of a misguided plan to run Metro-North commuter trains on Amtrak territory, a move that would have resulted in job losses for members of the BLET. It was a team effort that led to this reversal and a win for BLET. After...
47 Republican members of Congress tell federal regulators if UP-NS merger doesn’t promote competition it shouldn’t move forward
A February 4 letter co-signed by 47 Republican members of Congress urges the Surface Transportation Board to conduct a “rigorous and comprehensive” review of proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. The Representatives said that if STB cannot ensure that the...
150 years ago, BLET secured a contract providing wage increases, establishing seniority and grievance procedures
In the year 1876, numerous grievances by early members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers nearly led to a strike at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Central. After intervention by Grand Chief Engineer Peter M. Arthur, the engineers and the railroad came to...
Do you have a dependent who is a high school senior planning to attend college or vocational training? Deadlines approaching for two key Teamster financial aid opportunities
Application deadlines are swiftly approaching for two valuable scholarship opportunities that are available to the dependents of BLET members: • March 2 is the deadline for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund, which awards college scholarships ranging from...
If you’re planning to work after receiving a Railroad Retirement annuity, be aware of rules regarding earnings limitations
Railroad retirement annuitants, and individuals planning retirement, should be aware of the railroad retirement laws and rules pertaining to annuity payments for those who choose to work after retirement. These laws and rules apply to age and service and disability...
Deepest condolences: California State Legislative Board Chairman Ryan Snow, 1964-2026
The BLET National Division extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother Ryan Snow who unexpectedly passed away on February 4. He was 61 years old. Snow’s railroad career began in 1998 when he hired out with the Union Pacific Railroad in...
BLET reaches tentative agreement with Alstom for MARC locomotive engineers
The BLET has reached a tentative contract with Alstom for locomotive engineers who operate Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) trains in the Washington-Baltimore area. The tentative four-year agreement covering the period from Jan. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2027...
VP Fannon assigned to lead Arbitration Dept.; VP Logan looks to keep momentum going as new head of the Organizing Dept.
Following recent retirements and new officers joining the Advisory Board, the assignments and responsibilities of some Advisory Board members have changed. Vice President Randy Fannon now serves as Head of the BLET Arbitration Department, filling a vacancy created by...
On three-year anniversary of East Palestine derailment, BLET and others in rail labor called on Congress to pass rail safety legislation
This year marks three years since the devastating Norfolk Southern train derailment and fire in East Palestine, Ohio. On Tuesday, February 3, leaders of the BLET joined members of Congress, community leaders, and rail labor representatives at a bipartisan press...
