BLET ratifies contracts with two G&W railroads

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members last week ratified contracts with two Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) railroads: The Huron and Eastern Railway (HESR) in Michigan and Indiana Southern Railroad (ISRR) in Indiana.

The five-year agreement made with HESR provides general wage increases of 19.5% (21.06% compounded) over the five years, improvements to vacation time for senior employees and the ability for senior employees to bid on temporary vacancies, BLET officials said in a newsletter. The members belong to BLET Division 327 based in Richville, Michigan. HESR operates 394 miles of track around Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.

The five-year deal with ISRR provides a general wage increase of 22.5% (24.5% compounded). Other contract improvements include increased meal allowances when traveling off the Indiana Southern territory, an increased boot allowance to $275 and parental leave benefits. The members belong to BLET Division 270 based in Washington, Indiana. The ISRR operates 196 miles of track from Indianapolis to Evansville.