BLET members OK new contract with LIRR

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members on Sunday ratified a new collective agreement with MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) by a 71 percent majority, union officials announced yesterday.

The agreement governs rates of pay, health and welfare and pension benefits, and work rules for more than 400 locomotive engineers.

"Eighty-six percent of our Long Island Rail Road members took the time to participate and make their voices heard on this proposed agreement," said BLET National President Dennis Pierce in a press release. "This contract will help to maintain and improve the quality of life that our members have earned through their years of hard work, dedication and professionalism."

Union and railroad negotiators had reached a tentative agreement in late January.