BLET ratifies pact with Indiana and Ohio Railway

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Indiana and Ohio Railway (I&O), the union announced yesterday.

The five-year pact covers rates of pay, work rules and health and welfare benefits for 50 engineers, conductors and trainees. Wages will increase 28.6 percent over the life of the contract, which ends Dec. 31, 2020, according to a BLET press release.

More than 80 percent of members who cast ballots voted to ratify the agreement.

The contract also provides improved vacation leave for members. They will receive an additional vacation day when reaching five-, 10- and 15-year anniversaries with the company. Members also will receive 10 total paid holidays effective Jan. 1, 2017, in addition to five flex days. The agreement also addresses holiday and jury duty pay, as well as bereavement leave.

Members are covered by the Genesee & Wyoming Inc.'s Midwest Region health and welfare plan, effective Jan. 1, 2017. The agreement changes the membership's 401k plan and provides a voucher for two pairs of boots per year.

The contract outlines procedures for disciplinary hearings and specifies a grievance and arbitration process.

The BLET organized the I&O on Aug. 3, 2001.