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A majority of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET)-represented workers at the New England Central Railroad (NECR) recently approved a four-year agreement by a 2-to-1 margin. Last year, NECR workers rejected a previous contract proposal after voting to join the BLET in 2004.

Covering about 50 workers, the pact calls for 12 percent wage increases over the life of the contract, improved work rules and new discipline procedures. The agreement also includes increased meal allowances, improved vacation and bereavement rules, and a 401k savings plan under which NECR will match employee contributions up to $2,500 per year.

A RailAmerica Inc. subsidiary, the 330-mile NECR interchanges with Canadian National Railway Co., CSX Transportation, Pan Am Railways (formerly Guilford Rail System), Vermont Railway System, Claremont Concord Railroad Corp., and Providence & Worcester Railroad Co.