BLET ratifies new contract with Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) earlier this week ratified a new hourly-rate agreement with Canadian Pacific's Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railway.

The agreement, which runs through Dec. 31, 2019, governs rates of pay and work rules for about 300 locomotive engineers, assistant engineers, conductors and brakemen, BLET officials said in a press release.

The contract calls for general wage increases between 30 and 50 percent dependent upon craft and assignment, as well as overtime rates and general holiday pay, they said.

Additionally, the workers will have the ability to participate in the employee share purchase plan and will receive a company match under the new agreement.

"The overwhelming percentage by which the agreement was ratified shows that the BLET leadership on the property is well in tune with the members' needs," said BLET National President Dennis Pierce.

The new hourly-rate agreement brings an end to a mileage-based wage system that dates back to the steam engine era and provides CP with increased flexibility and transparency, said CP President and Chief Operating Officer Keith Creel.

"This negotiated agreement gives us many more options that will help us better meet the needs of our customers and the North American economy," he said.