FRA Certification Helpline: (216) 694-0240

Rail Industry News

STB approval of Uinta Basin Railway challenged

The Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) “inadequate” assessments of the Uinta Basin Railway project’s climate, public health and safety impacts undermine its approval of the project under the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act, according to a Colorado County and environmental groups, Law360 reports.

read more

UP says Q3 2022 volumes up 2% over 2021

U.S. railroad operator Union Pacific’s Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hamann said on Tuesday the company’s third-quarter volumes were up 2% so far from a year earlier, on improved staffing levels and easing congestion.

read more

Sheng named STB Director

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that he has appointed, with the approval of the Board, Janie Sheng to serve as Director of the Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance (OPAGAC).

read more

BLET News

Ballots mailed in tentative BLET, Metra agreement

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, January 11 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract agreement with Metra, the commuter railroad system serving Chicago. BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce announced that ballots were...

District court denies BLET, SMART-TD bid to halt Metra vaccine mandate

The unions took the position that Metra had no authority to unilaterally implement and enforce a COVID vaccination mandate among its employees without the required bargaining pursuant to the Railway Labor Act (RLA). The court ruled in favor of Metra finding the matter to be a minor dispute.

2022 BLET Time Books coming soon

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is currently mailing 2022 Time Books to all eligible active members of the union.

2022 Hoffa scholarship application process now open

BLET members and their families are advised that the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund has begun accepting applications for the 2022 award year. The Fund awards financial scholarships to the sons, daughters and financial dependents of Teamster members.

Two-person crew bill introduced in Michigan

On December 2, 2021, a railroad safety bill requiring qualified two-person train crews was introduced in the state of Michigan’s House of Representatives and Senate.

BLET to conduct virtual training for Secretary-Treasurers

The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct two virtual training classes for Division Secretary-Treasurers via Zoom from the BLET National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Classes will be held December 14-16, 2021, and January 4-6, 2022.

BLET, SMART-TD suit seeks immediate halt to BNSF and Metra vaccine mandates

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) have filed motions for preliminary injunctions, seeking to immediately halt unilaterally implemented vaccine mandates imposed by Metra commuter rail and BNSF Railway, and require the carriers to negotiate over the issue.

BLET, SMART-TD suits seek immediate halt to Amtrak vaccine mandate

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) yesterday filed motions for a preliminary injunction, seeking to immediately halt a unilaterally implemented vaccine mandate imposed by Amtrak, and require the carrier to negotiate over the issue.

BLET MEMBERS – REGISTER FOR THE WEBSITE MEMBER AREA

IT’S SIMPLE AND TAKES ONLY A MINUTE.
REGISTER NOW »