BLET, Alstom agree on tentative contract for MARC engineers

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative labor agreement with Alstom that if ratified would cover 20 locomotive engineers operating Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) trains.

The five-year agreement calls for general wage increases of 15.9%, back paid to Jan. 1, 2024, compounded, BLET officials said in a press release. Ballots are due by Feb. 20.

Additionally, the contract calls for a $1,500 signing bonus for engineers; a $15 flat co-pay on occupation, physical and speech therapy in place of having to meet deductibles for coinsurance to apply; one-trip rate payment for lap-backs and side trips; and modification of the electronic bid system to allow for seven-day bids. 

Members covered by the tentative agreement belong to BLET Division 97 in Baltimore and the CSXT-Northern Lines General Committee of Adjustment.