INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, June 16 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative agreement with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) governing rates of pay, benefits and work rules for nearly 500 locomotive engineers.
On June 16, 2021, ballots, instructions, and a synopsis of the agreement were mailed to active members working for the LIRR. Ballots are due by 12 Noon Eastern Daylight time on Monday, July 19, 2021. Members who are eligible and have not received a ballot by Wednesday, June 23, should request a replacement by calling the BLET National Division at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected with the extension, please leave the following information:
• Your name, address and phone number;
• Your date of birth; and
• The last four digits of 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.
The BLET’s LIRR General Committee of Adjustment began the current round of negotiations with the filing of its Section 6 notice on November 1, 2018. After negotiations stalled, the BLET filed a request with the National Mediation Board to assist in contract negotiations on March 2, 2021.
The MTA Long Island Rail Road, founded in 1834, is the busiest commuter railroad in North America. The LIRR system is comprised of over 700 miles of track on 11 different branches, stretching 120 miles from Montauk — on the eastern tip of Long Island — to Penn Station in the heart of Manhattan, and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce urged all LIRR members to participate in the ratification process.
“Union membership is not a spectator sport,” President Pierce said. “Voting on your union contract is one of the core democratic principles of our Union. I encourage all of our LIRR Brothers and Sisters to do their part and vote in the upcoming ratification process.”