BLET Ratifies Contract With GWR; BMWED, HESR Ratify New Agreement

BLET’s new contract with GWR, a subsidiary of OmniTRAX that operates more than 80 miles of track throughout Colorado and interchanges with BNSF and Union Pacific (UP), provides pay increases, paid sick leave days, and protects the members’ health and welfare benefits, according to the union.

The negotiating team consisted of BNSF (former ATSF) General Chairman Rob Cunningham, BNSF-ATSF Vice General Chairman Jeremy McFather, Division 256 Local Chairman Mike Dunkelberger, and National Vice President Bill Lyons.

The BLET first organized the GWR property in 2003. Its members belong to Division 256 in Denver, and they are represented by the BNSF (former ATSF) General Committee of Adjustment for purposes of contract negotiations and enforcement.

The BMWED’s new deal with Vassar, Mich.-based HESR, includes a compounded wage increase of 18.1% over four years, along with vacation and paid time off improvements. The 18 members of the HESR, which is comprised of 331 operating miles, mostly in Michigan’s “Thumb” region and has interchanges with CN, the Great Lakes Central and Lake State Railway, and was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) in 2012, are members of the Brotherhood’s Allied Federation.

“We are proud to report that the members of the Huron and Eastern have locked in improvements to their wages, benefits and working conditions on that property,” Allied General Chairman Brian Thompson said. “Throughout this process, the members were engaged, responsive and provided significant input to the bargaining table. Their involvement was paramount in securing this contract and I commend them for their diligence.”