BLET Ratifies New LIRR Contract

(Photograph Courtesy of MTA Long Island Rail Road)

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) on Dec. 7 ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

BLET represents approximately 500 of LIRR’s locomotive engineers.

While negotiations had been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, an 84.97% “supermajority” ratified the new agreement, which governs rates of pay, health and welfare and pension benefits, and work rules, according to BLET.

“An impressive 73.77% of our LIRR members took the time to participate and make their voices heard on this agreement,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “Our LIRR Brothers and Sisters risked their personal safety and the health of their families as they worked tirelessly through the pandemic. I thank them for their professionalism and dedication to our craft, and their high level of participation in the ratification process.”