BMWED ratifies Amtrak contract; BLET, Indiana Rail reach tentative pact

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) has ratified a new contract with Amtrak, the union announced late last week.

The new agreement resolves wage, benefits and work rules that were in dispute since Jan. 2, 2015, according to a BMWED press release.

The contract ensures that BMWED members will see wage increases, protection of health care and an increase in the number of weeks paid for military training time.

Meanwhile, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative agreement with the Indiana Rail Road (INRD) governing rates of pay, benefits and work rules for 54 operating employees.

Ratification ballots and a synopsis of the agreement were mailed April 23 to active members. Voting will conclude May 23.

The BLET's INRD members belong to Division 204 and are a part of the BLET's CSXT-Western Lines General Committee of Adjustment.