BLET labor developments now cover a newly organized OmniTRAX short line and tentative agreements for workers at Watco and Keolis operations.

Virginia Railway Express train connected with Keolis operations
Illustrative photo of a Virginia Railway Express train connected with Keolis operations. Photo: Keolis / Virginia Railway Express — verify before use

BLET labor developments at Northern Ohio & Western Railway

Operations employees at OmniTRAX Inc.-owned Northern Ohio & Western Railway have voted to join the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen in an election certified by the National Mediation Board on June 16.

The railway, known as NOW, operates more than 25 miles of track⁠ between Woodville and Tiffin, Ohio. According to BLET, the line gives shippers access to CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway. The union said NOW is the 16th short line to join BLET since 2023.

Tentative agreements with Watco and Keolis

BLET has also reached a first tentative agreement⁠ for workers at Watco-owned Austin Western Railroad, where employees voted to join the union in February 2025. If approved, it would become the first union agreement for BLET members at the short-line operator.

Virginia Railway Express locomotive at Washington Union Station
Archive photo of a Virginia Railway Express locomotive at Washington Union Station. Photo: Steve Knight / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

The proposed Austin Western Railroad agreement sets out a formal framework for seniority, job bidding, discipline procedures, grievances, compensation, benefits, layoffs and union representation. Ballots have been mailed and are scheduled to be tabulated on June 30, BLET said.

A separate tentative agreement has also been reached with Keolis for locomotive engineers on Virginia Railway Express⁠. If ratified, the agreement would provide a wage package and quality-of-life improvements, according to BLET. Ballots have been mailed, with tabulation scheduled for June 29.