BLET tentative agreements cover two short-line railroads

BLET tentative agreements with Utah Central Railway and Tacoma Rail appear in Progressive Railroading. Also, the pacts cover wage increases and other contract terms.

BLET tentative agreements at Utah Central Railway

In a union newsletter, BLET officials discussed the Utah Central deal. If ratified, it would be a first-ever union agreement there. The railroad was formerly non-union. Meanwhile, Utah Central workers voted to join BLET in December 2023.

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For example, the tentative contract would establish provisions found in other BLET agreements:

• a seniority roster
• general wage increases
• grievance procedures
• paid holidays and vacations
• a discipline process

Separately, Utah Central is a Patriot Rail subsidiary. It operates 19 miles of track. In addition, it offers transloading and car storage. At the same time, it interchanges with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. Also, its membership belongs to BLET Division 16, the union’s short-line division.

Tacoma Rail agreement covers wages and work rules

Union officials said the Tacoma Rail deal still needs ratification by BLET members. If ratified, it would provide general wage increases. It would also address other work rule provisions.

Meanwhile, BLET Division 238 represents members in Tacoma, Washington. Those members come from both BNSF and Tacoma Rail. In addition, Tacoma Rail primarily operates freight services through the Port of Tacoma. Also, it connects directly with both BNSF and UP.

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