BLET News Flash, 2/23:
BLET members ratify new contract with Long Island Rail Road
CLEVELAND, February 23 — On February 22, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) by a 71 percent majority.
The agreement governs rates of pay, health and welfare and pension benefits, and work rules for over 400 locomotive engineers.
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce thanked all members of the negotiating team, including LIRR General Chairman Kevin J. Sexton, former General Chairman M. J. Quinn, Vice President James P. Louis and National Secretary-Treasurer Stephen J. Bruno.
“An impressive 86 percent of our Long Island Rail Road members took the time to participate and make their voices heard on this proposed agreement,” President Pierce said. “I am particularly pleased that such a high percentage of members took their duty as a BLET member so seriously. I thank all those who participated in the process, and I thank the members of our negotiating committee for their dedication. This contract will help to maintain and improve the quality of life that our members have earned through their years of hard work, dedication, and professionalism.”