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Today, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) announced its members ratified a new five-year agreement with BNSF Railway Co. by a three-to-one margin. More than 3,500 engineers cast ballots.

Effective between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2014, the contract calls for general wage increases of 11 percent over the five-year period, an increased 401(k) contribution from BNSF and additional week of vacation for engineers with 25 or more years of service.

The pact settles wage and work-rule issues, but health and welfare matters will be addressed in upcoming industry-wide negotiations, BLET officials said in a prepared statement.