Pacific Harbor Line, BLET reach tentative agreement

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) last week reached a tentative agreement with Pacific Harbor Line Inc. (PHL).

The tentative agreement governs rates of pay, benefits and work rules for more than 150 members. Included in the tentative agreement are wage increases, a signing bonus and no increases in employee and welfare contributions for the life of the contract, BLET officials said in a press release.

Ballots are due Sept. 3. To ensure members are able to participate in the ratification process during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BLET National Division has agreed to use secure electronic and telephonic balloting conducted by TrueBallot Inc., union officials said.

PHL provides rail transportation, maintenance and dispatching services to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. PHL connects with BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.