BLET members ratify new contract with GWR in Colorado
Written by jrood
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have unanimously ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Great Western Railway of Colorado. The three-year agreement runs through February 15, 2015, and includes a lump sum allowance that is retroactive to July 1, 2008.
The agreement provides members with a two percent general wage increase each year through 2014. In addition, the BLET secured numerous work rule improvements.
Maintaining their health and welfare plan was a priority for the BLET members working at the shortline railroad based in Loveland, Colo.
After four years of negotiations, the BLET was able to reach a tentative agreement that preserved the current health and welfare plan. It was ratified by a 15-0 vote of the GWR membership.
The new agreement outlines an important scope rule and contains other provisions that govern: seniority, bidding and the assigning of positions; grievance and arbitration procedures; hearings and discipline; holidays; paid time off and numerous work rule improvements.
