BLET, DM&E agree on tentative pact; CMQ workers vote for SMART

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract with the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railway (DM&E), the union announced late last week.

The agreement governs rates of pay and work rules for 300 locomotive engineers, assistant engineers, conductors and brakemen, BLET officials said in a press release.

Voting began yesterday and will end Nov. 30. TrueBallot Inc. is conducting online and telephone voting for the agreement.

Meanwhile, the SMART Transportation Division and the non-operating employees of Central Maine & Quebec Railway (CMQ) have voted in favor of representation by the union, SMART officials announced last week.

The National Mediation Board certified the election results Oct. 28. The non-operating employees at CMQ build and repair track and track infrastructure, repair and inspect freight cars and locomotives.