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BLET reaches tentative agreement with Amtrak
CLEVELAND, December 21 — Ballots will go out this week to members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) employed by Amtrak for a new collective bargaining agreement. The tentative five-year deal would provide members with 10 general wage increases totaling 14 percent, compounding to 15 percent, over the life of the contract.
If ratified, the agreement would govern more than 1,400 locomotive engineers who operate Amtrak’s passenger and commuter trains over its 21,000-mile, 46-state route system. The proposed agreement would run through January 1, 2015, with retroactive pay to July 1, 2010.
The agreement caps employee cost sharing amounts for health and welfare coverage at $181.62 per month (as of July 1, 2011), $210 (July 1, 2012), and $230 (July 1, 2013). Additionally, vision care coverage and medical coverage is extended up to age 26 for eligible dependents.
The BLET also obtained three much sought-after improvements to work rules. Rule 3(h) has been changed to give passenger engineers greater flexibility in how they exercise their seniority. Engineers will be able to take a second week of vacation in single days. Also, the biannual Optional Displacement rule in effect outside the Northeast Corridor will be expanded to include Work Zones 1 and 2. Other work rules for BLET members will essentially stay the same under the new agreement — an important victory considering the Carrier’s initial position.
“When negotiations first commenced Amtrak was pursuing several unfavorable work rule concessions and relaxation of existing agreement rules,” BLET General Chairman Mark Kenny said. “In each of those instances we were successful in forcing the Carrier to retreat. As a result, we were able to present to our members a collective bargaining agreement absent any major work rule concessions, and a wage package that will raise the rate of pay.”
Locomotive engineers in active membership status (other than company officers) employed by Amtrak are entitled to participate in the ratification vote. Those members who have not received a ratification packet by December 28 should call (216) 241-2630, extension 222. When connected with the extension, please leave the following information:
• your name, address and phone number;
• the division to which you belong;
• the railroad for which you work;
• the date you were promoted to locomotive engineer;
• your date of birth; and
• your Social Security number.
E-mail requests for ballots will not be accepted because personal information is required to verify eligibility before a ballot can be issued.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
bentley@ble.org
© 1997-2012 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
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