BLET members approve work-life benefits pact with BNSF

A majority of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) divisions representing locomotive engineers at BNSF Railway Co. have ratified a system-wide agreement that improves the quality of work-life balance for about 8,000 locomotive engineers, according to a news release.

The four BLET general chairmen announced the vote’s outcome on Oct. 3.

Highlights of the agreement include work/rest options that can be implemented in every pool; the ability to create alternative schedules for assigned service; up to eight paid sick leave days; the ability to take paid sick leave without penalty under the attendance policy; the opportunity to earn an “earned day off” (EDO) quarterly; bereavement leave change; and away-from-home-terminal meal improvements and other enhancements.

BNSF and the BLET announced their tentative agreement in early August.