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BLET National Weekly Recap
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1. Union Pacific and BLET reach tentative agreement on scheduling and quality of life
Announced on May 24, the BLET and Union Pacific Railroad have reached a tentative agreement that enhances the quality of life for nearly 6,000 locomotive engineers and their families by making it possible for them to have more predictable schedules.
The tentative agreement provides locomotive engineers with an “11/4” schedule that is based on an 11 day schedule of availability that will include mandatory resets of undisturbed rest, followed by 4 days off. Engineers will not be required to work 11 straight days to observe the 4 rest day but will reset during the 11 days of availability.
General Committees have provided bullet points and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on their websites:
• Dick Crow, UP-Northern Region
• Ronnie Rhodes, UP-Central Region
• Steve Leyshon, UP-Western Region
• James Logan, UP-Southern Region
• Brian Carr, UP-Western Lines
• Chad Lambert, UP-Eastern District |
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2. BLET’s paid sick leave agreement with NS is not tied to attendance policy
“No concessions and no punitive attendance policy.” That was the clear message delivered to BLET’s Norfolk Southern members over conference calls and Zoom meetings set up to explain the breakthrough tentative agreement announced on May 18. The new policy will provide up to seven paid sick days per year to 3,300 BLET members working at NS.
During those meetings, the three General Chairmen who negotiated the tentative agreement, Dewayne Dehart, Scott Bunten, and Jerry Sturdivant, with the assistance of National Vice President Rick Gibbons, emphasized that the agreement came with no concessions by the union. And, unlike some agreements reached by other unions at NS, those taking sick leave will not be subjected to a punitive attendance policy. Detaching the attendance policy from sick leave was a major hurdle that needed to be addressed during negotiations. A ratification vote is currently being held pursuant to the BLET Bylaws.
More information here. |
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3. President Hall exposes dangers of long trains in Washington Post interview
In a front page story this week, BLET President Eddie Hall told The Washington Post that long trains blocking paramedics and other first responders from getting to emergencies is a major problem for local communities, and it is putting lives in danger. “When you have first responders trying to get from one side of the track to another, in a small town like that, you’re putting the public safety at risk,” Hall said.
The introduction of the business model called Precision Scheduled Railroading by Class I railroads is built around a reduced workforce and longer trains. The BLET has maintained that long trains, which can stretch three miles, places profits over safety and train crews and the general public at risk.
The union is advocating for common sense legislation at the state and national level that would limit train length, including S. 576, the Railway Safety Act of 2023, introduced in Congress on May 10.
To read the Washington Post article, please visit: blet.link/3qhvNlH |
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4. VP Fannon to testify at NTSB hearing on East Palestine derailment
​​ BLET National Vice President Randy Fannon, who heads the BLET Safety Task Force (STF), will represent the union at the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigative hearing in East Palestine, Ohio, scheduled for June 22 and 23.
During the hearing, the NTSB will present findings and hear reports about the Feb.​ 3, 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment with subsequent hazardous material release and fires. Joining Vice President Fannon at the hearing will be STF National Coordinator Brian Fransen and STF Assistant Coordinator Shawn Lawton.
The hearing will be live-streamed on the NTSB’s YouTube channel. |
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6. Have you booked yet? Milwaukee regional meeting deadline for hotel rooms extended
Good news for those of you making last-minute plans to attend the BLET’s Western Regional Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: the deadline to make hotel reservations has been extended to Sunday, June 4. The BLET’s 2023 Western Regional Meeting will take place June 26-30, 2023, at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center (509 W. Wisconsin, Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203).
Hotel reservations can be made by phone — (414) 271-7250 or (800) HILTONS) — or online through BLET’s regional meeting website, bletregionals.org. If making hotel reservations by phone, you must mention the group code “BLET.” Room rates are $184 per night (plus tax). Registration for the meeting itself will remain open through June 26, and can be made in person at the Hilton Milwaukee. |
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7. Plan ahead: BLET’s Eastern Regional Meeting in Myrtle Beach, August 14-18, 2023
Registration continues for the BLET’s 2023 Eastern Regional meeting, to be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, August 14-18. Hotel reservations must be made by July 7.
Click for more information and to register. |
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8. End of the line: Obituary - Jack F. Murphy, 1940-2023, member of BLET Division 421
The BLET National Division extends deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brother Jack F. Murphy, 83, who passed away on May 22, 2023. Brother Jack was a member of BLET Division 421 in Buffalo, N.Y. He had over 50 years of consecutive membership in the BLET and over 45 years of engine service with Erie Lackawanna and Conrail. After earning promotion to locomotive engineer, Brother Jack joined the Brotherhood in September 1970.
 Brother Jack served Division 421 for decades as Secretary-Treasurer, Local Chairman, and Legislative Representative. Brother Jack also served in a leadership role of the former Eastern Union Meeting Association (EUMA) for many years, helping to plan and host numerous EUMA regional meetings.
“Brother Jack Murphy was a mentor for the generations of Division 421 members who followed him,” BLET National Vice President Jim Louis said. “He taught all of us how working together will make us a stronger organization. Many of us thank him for this mentoring.”
Brother Jack is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pat Murphy, who is a long-time member and former officer of the BLET Auxiliary.
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