Union Pacific Contract: BLET Members Approve New Rail Agreement
**Option 1 (21 words):**
BLET members ratify a new five-year contract with Union Pacific. The agreement secures an 18.8% pay increase for locomotive engineers alongside benefit and vacation improvements.
**Option 2 (22 words):**
Union Pacific and BLET finalize a new contract. The deal, ratified by members, promises substantial wage increases, enhanced benefits, and updated vacation policies.
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Introduction
On October 3, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) announced that its members had voted to ratify a new five-year contract with Union Pacific Railroad. The contract, which covers 6,000 locomotive engineers at UP, includes an 18.8% increase in pay over the contract’s duration.
Contract Ratification
The BLET membership overwhelmingly approved the new agreement. This contract negotiation involved over 6,000 locomotive engineers employed by Union Pacific Railroad.
Key Contract Provisions
The new contract includes multiple provisions. It provides for an 18.8% increase in wages throughout the agreement’s term. Additionally, it features enhancements to health and welfare benefits and modifications to vacation accrual policies.
Union Statements
BLET President Mark Wallace issued a press release commenting on the agreement. Wallace stated that the agreement “delivers much needed pay increases and closes this round of bargaining without any concessions to work rules.” He also noted that the contract addresses “quality-of-life concerns like meal increases while preserving the integrity of the 11/4 work-rest agreement,” and keeps “our members’ wages ahead of inflation.”
Broader Context
Since the beginning of the year, nearly 30,000 BLET members have ratified new contracts with various railroads. This includes over 12,600 members at Union Pacific.
Conclusion
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members, including over 6,000 at Union Pacific Railroad, have ratified a new five-year contract. The agreement encompasses wage increases, improved benefits, and modifications to vacation policies.
Company Summary
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET): The BLET represents locomotive engineers in the railway industry.
Union Pacific Railroad: Union Pacific Railroad operates a large freight-hauling railroad in the United States.
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