BLET members ratify six-year contract with Grand Trunk Western
CLEVELAND, June 13 — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen today ratified a new a six-year collective bargaining agreement with CN’s Grand Trunk Western (GTW) property.
The agreement governs rates of pay and work rules for over 200 locomotive engineers. More than 70 percent of members returned ballots with better than 70 percent voting in favor.
The new agreement includes general wage increases totaling 18.6 percent, retroactive to August 1, 2010, as well as an improved away-from-home-meal allowance. It also provides a $1,000 bonus/claim settlement payable to all active engineers, and 26 additional days off for extra board Engineers along with an increase in the GEB Weekly Guarantee.
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce commended the negotiating team of General Chairman John Karakian and Vice President Willard Knight for their hard work in negotiating the agreement.
“I want to congratulate our GTW members for their outstanding participation level in the ratification process,” President Pierce said. “This is an excellent contract, especially in light of the fragile economy in which it was negotiated, and one that will continue to benefit all GTW engineers and their families now and for many years to come.”
General Chairman Karakian said: “Our General Committee was indeed fortunate to have the expertise and assistance of Vice President Willard Knight. In addition, I would be remiss if I did not give a special thank you to President Pierce and his entire staff, whose services and support throughout negotiations were invaluable and enabled us to reach the very best agreement possible. And last, but certainly not least, none of this could have been accomplished without the patience, understanding and support of the Local Chairmen and the membership. So a real sincere thank you to one and all.”
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
bentley@ble.org
