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Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp. (Metra) engineers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen recently ratified a seven-year contract by a two-thirds majority.

The agreement calls for wage increases totaling 16.5 percent over the life of the contract, which runs through July 1, 2010. Engineers also will receive a 2.5 percent lump sum bonus and wage increases retroactive to July 1, 2006.

In addition, Metra will raise certification allowances to engineers who are federally certified to operate locomotives. The allowance increased to $10 per tour of duty on April 19, 2007, and will rise to $12 on July 1, 2009, and $13 on July 1, 2011.

Engineers will receive free health care until Jan. 1, 2009, after which they will contribute $50 per month until Jan. 1, 2010. Then, contributions will increase to $75 per month. Engineers’ health-care contributions will be capped at $80 per month beginning Jan. 1, 2011.