BLET Union Arrow Arizona Eastern Railway’s first-ever, ratified collective bargaining agreement covers wage increases, job protections and structured training that brings its employee’s rights in line with workers on major railroads throughout the United States. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Arizona Eastern Railway ratifies first union contract
Source, photo: www.progressiverailroading.com

Arizona Eastern Railway makes history

BLET announces another five-year victory Texas City, Tex. — The BLET had a big win at Arizona Eastern Railway when members unanimously ratified a five-year agreement.

Don’t miss…New opportunities and development of Nanjing Metro for passengers

This agreement puts short line rail workers’ benefits in line with workers on Class I railroads, making for a fairer and safer work environment. Workers received such protections as seniority rights, the right to grieve and guaranteed weekly schedules.

BLET leaders said the agreement shows the union’s commitment to betterment throughout short-line service. And it also bolsters long-term job security and prospects for moving up.

Arizona Eastern Railway and The Path Forward

With 206 miles of track between Clifton and Miami, Arizona, it is a critical rail link connecting industries to Union Pacific’s national network.

This will be good for employees and is also good for the company’s future.”Industry experts say not only is this deal a win-win for the staff, it also puts the company on a reasonably solid footing. One of the byproducts of fair labour relations is that productivity tends to improve and the chances are the organisation, or workforce, will not be going anywhere.

The 22 employees for whom this provision applies are members of BLET Division 16 as a class, and they are employed principally in connection with supporting workers in short line railroading throughout the U.S.

Source, photo: www.progressiverailroading.com

What’s so important about the Arizona Eastern Railway labor contract?

It upholds fair pay, meaningful protections and safer workplaces for all unionized workers. You can access further information from BLET’s official posts.

How does the deal with the Arizona Eastern Railway compare to big railroads?

It reflects agreements in effect at the major airlines, providing for seniority protection, a clear grievance process and training opportunities for workers.

Could other short lines be affected by this Arizona Eastern Railway contract?

Yes. Both sides of the industry, and unionists, have their eyes on it as a template for future bargaining covering dozens of similar railroads across the United States.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…IsoMat improves relay cabinet reliability on the Tonbridge — Hastings line

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit