BLET members ratify contract at Eastern Idaho Railroad

Written by jrood

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen members unanimously approved a new contract agreement with the Eastern Idaho Railroad.

The EIRR contract runs through March 31, 2016. The first general wage increase is six percent and is in addition to a signing/longevity bonus tied to ratification. 


The membership’s health and welfare plan remains unchanged. In addition to pay, the BLET obtained an improved bereavement leave. Among other provisions, the agreement also governs seniority, crew requirements, a job preference system, calling, extra board, claims and grievances, days off and holidays. 



Negotiations started in 2009 and the final vote was unanimously in favor of the agreement.

The EIRR is a Watco subsidiary and has nearly 270 miles of mainline track. It started operating in late 1993 as one of the largest single shortline spin offs in Union Pacific’s history. It handles mostly agricultural products in the areas of Idaho Falls and the Snake River and moves about 35,000 carloads per year and interchanges with UP at Idaho Falls and Minidoka, Idaho.

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