BLET: BNSF-MRL Implementing Agreements Ratified

MRL helper locomotives assist at the rear end of a BNSF grain train climbing Bozeman Pass, west of Livingston, Mont. (Photo and caption by Bruce Kelly)

An “overwhelming majority” of participating Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members have ratified an implementing agreement and Oregon Short Line Protective Agreement with BNSF regarding its resumption of service on Montana Rail Link (MRL), BLET reported.

After more than 30 years of operating BNSF-owned main line between Huntley, Mont., and Sandpoint, Idaho, MRL announced on Jan. 10 that it would cease its long-term lease with the Class I.

As the freight market has evolved, more than 90% of freight volume moving on MRL is on BNSF trains, the Class II—Railway Age’s 2013 Regional Railroad of the Year—explained. The line, it said, became a “critical link in BNSF’s northern transcontinental network, delivering grain, consumer and industrial products to the West Coast. By MRL ending its lease and BNSF resuming operation of its line, BNSF will eliminate the need to interchange freight between the two railroads, strengthening the resiliency of the supply chain and enhancing rail capacity in the Pacific Northwest.”

BLET on Oct. 4 said the implementing agreement—negotiated by the BNSF/MRL General Committee of Adjustment with assistance from the National Division, and ratified on Sept. 30—governs BNSF’s hiring of the BLET-represented MRL employees, their seniority, work rules, pay, benefits and integration into the BNSF system. The implementing agreement and Oregon Short Line Protective Agreement govern approximately 500 BLET members currently working for MRL.

According to BLET, the agreement includes the following provisions, among other items:

• Current MRL TY&E (Train Yard and Engine) employees will be offered employment with BNSF.
• Original MRL hire date for prior right seniority (PRME) on the MRL Subdivision will be maintained.
• Original MRL hire date for the accrual of vacation and personal leave days will be maintained.
• Employees will not be forced assigned off the MRL subdivision.
• Current pool runs will be maintained.
• The reverse lodging option for pool crew employees will be maintained.
• The 12-24-36 rest option for pool employees will be maintained.
• Two-hour call times will be maintained.
• The engineer extra board will have a rest cycle.
• MRL will offer a $5,000 bonus for hiring out with BNSF.
• There will be health and welfare coverage on Day 1 with BNSF, including dental and vision.
• A 401K program for employees on Day 1 of their employment with BNSF will be maintained.

BLET National President Dennis Pierce thanked the membership for their “high level of participation and involvement throughout the ratification process,” the union said.