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Sometime this month, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers officials plan to mail a survey to the union's 35,000 members and phone about 1,000 members to gather ideas on how BLE can best structure a merger agreement with International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), according to the union's January newsletter.


Although the two unions proposed a merger a year ago, negotiations long have been ongoing.


"The difficulty in putting together a package like this is that it takes time," said BLE International President Don Hahs, adding that the union is trying to secure an agreement that protects BLE's autonomy and yet enables members to take advantage of IBT's resources.


Once an agreement is reached — possibly by the end of the first quarter — BLE plans to distribute merger documents to members for ratification.


"[We're] devoted to making sure we secure the best possible deal for our members, who will have the final say," said Hahs.


BLE officials believe the union's relationship with the Teamsters already is bearing fruit. In December, a joint IBT/BLE Rail Operating Employees’ Council won the right to represent about 300 Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad Corp. workers.


"The BLE has already benefited from the use of [IBT's] magnanimous resources — legal, governmental affairs, organizing, research and strategic planning," said Hahs.