Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET) members have ratified new contracts with Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) properties Huron and Eastern Railway (HESR) and Indiana Southern Railroad (ISRR), the union reported in its Dec. 6 “Weekly Recap” newsletter.
The on-property agreements govern rates of pay, benefits, and work rules for 24 BLET operating employees at HESR and 13 BLET locomotive engineers and conductors at ISRR.
The five-year deal at HESR runs through the end of 2029 and provides general wage increases of 19.5% (21.06% compounded) over the life of the contract (5% in 2025; 4.0% in 2026; 4.0% in 2027; 4.0% in 2028; and 2.5% in 2029), according to the union. Other improvements include the addition of two extra days of vacation for those obtaining 20 years of service with the 303-mile railroad that operates in “The Thumb” area of Michigan along Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. Also included is the ability for senior qualified employees to bid on temporary vacancies and every subsequent vacancy arising from them being filled, the union said. The BLET negotiating team comprised National Vice President Randy Fannon and General Chairman Zachary Stieler.
The BLET first organized the HESR in May 2006. The members there belong to BLET Division 327 (Richville, Mich.).
At ISRR, the BLET members’ five-year deal also runs through the end of 2029. It provides general wage increases of 22.5% (24.5% compounded) over the life of the contract (8% at signing; 3.0% in 2026; 3.0% in 2027; 4.5% in 2028; and 4.0% in 2029), the union said. Also included are the following improvements: increased meal allowances when traveling off the railroad territory, which covers 190 miles of track between Indianapolis and Evansville, Ind., and handles primarily coal and agricultural commodities; an increased boot allowance to $275; and the addition of a parental leave benefit. The BLET negotiating team consisted of National Vice President Pete Semenek and General Chairman Nick Mugavero.
The BLET first organized the ISRR in September 2002. The members belong to BLET Division 270 (Washington, Ind.) and are represented by the CP Rail/U.S. General Committee of Adjustment.
Separately, BLET members at Florida Gulf & Atlantic, a Pinsly Railroad Company subsidiary, recently ratified their first contract, and G&W on Dec. 2 celebrated the launch of Red Deer Railway Limited (RDR), the short line railroad holding company’s first railroad in western Canada.
