BLET Ratifies ‘Quality of Life Agreement’ with BNSF
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
A majority of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Divisions have ratified a systemwide agreement with BNSF that improves work-life balance for approximately 8,000 railroaders, four union General Chairmen reported Oct. 3.
A tentative agreement was reached in August after several months of negotiations.
BLET provided the following highlights of the ratified agreement:
- “Work/rest options that can be implemented in every pool.”
- “Ability to create alternative schedules for assigned service.”
- “Up to eight paid sick leave days.”
- “Ability to take paid sick leave without penalty under the attendance policy.”
- “The opportunity to earn an ‘Earned Day Off’ (EDO) quarterly.”
- “Away from home terminal (AFHT) meal improvements, bereavement leave change and AFHT agreement enhancements.”
“The cooperation between BLET and BNSF marks an important step forward in supporting the well-being and satisfaction of locomotive engineers, ensuring a more balanced and efficient work environment,” BNSF reported Oct. 5. “These enhancements will not only contribute to a more consistent service for BNSF’s customers, but also aid in the recruitment and retention of employees.”
“We will continue our best efforts to negotiate meaningful improvements to the pay, quality of life and working conditions for the members we represent,” said the four BNSF General Chairmen, who include Robby Cunningham (former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway), Jeff Thurman (former St. Louis-San Francisco Railway), Troy Martin (former Colorado & Southern; Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific; Fort Worth & Denver), and Kent Psota (BNSF/Montana Rail Link). Along with their General Committee Officers, the General Chairmen “thanked their members for ratifying this milestone agreement that will greatly improve their quality of life,” BLET reported.
BNSF said that it will meet with the union in the coming weeks to discuss agreement implementation.
In a related development, BNSF on Sept. 18 reported reaching a tentative agreement with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division-International Brotherhood of Teamsters that includes paid sick days.
