BLET, CFE reach tentative 5-year labor pact

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFE) have reached a tentative five-year contract governing rates of pay, benefits and work rules.

If ratified, the agreement would run through 2029 and cover 45 employees at the CFE, according to a BLET newsletter.

The contract calls for wage increases of 29.5% (33% compounded) over the life of the contract.

Other proposed contract elements include a $2,000 signing bonus; training pay increased to $15 a day; a probationary period decrease to 120 days; meal allowance increase on layover assignments; week-long temporary vacancies for extra board employees; and a boot allowance increase.

Ratification ballots are due June 13.