BLET, Montana Rail reach tentative agreement

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has reached a tentative on-property agreement with Montana Rail Link, National President Dennis Pierce announced last week.

Ballots were mailed April 15 for union members to vote in the ratification of the agreement, which governs rates of pay, work rules and health and welfare for about 475 members.

Ballots are due May 6. A synopsis of the agreement can be read here.

Based in Missoula, Montana, MRL is a regional railroad operating over 900 route miles in Montana and Idaho. Earlier this year, MRL announced it was ending its long-term lease with BNSF Railway Co. and the Class I would retake control of the regional.