BLET News

(The following is a statement from BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce regarding the National Transportation Safety Board’s findings into the crash of Amtrak train 188. A synopsis of the NTSB’s report is here: http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/DCA15MR010_Abstract.pdf.) INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, May 19 — On May 17, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its findings regarding the catastrophic…

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, June 8 — All active BLET members are advised that effective July 1, 2016, the monthly employee cost-sharing contributions under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan will increase to $228.89. As of July 1, 2012, the employee contribution to Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan was frozen at $198.00 per…

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, May 26 — Registration continues for the BLET’s two regional meetings in 2016 — July 11-14 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, and August 22-25 at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach, California. Both meetings will be filled with educational opportunities and entertaining leisure time activities. In Chicago, guests will stay at…

(BLET Editor’s Note: The following message from BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce has been excerpted from the Winter 2015 issue of the Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Journal.) INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, May 9 — For well more than half a century railroads have used locomotive and train control technology to eliminate operating craft jobs. Whether it…

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, May 6 — Brother Scott G. Palmer, Division 842 (Klamath Falls, Oregon) was reelected by acclamation to a fifth term as Chairman of the Oregon State Legislative Board at the Board’s triennial meeting in Portland, Oregon, on May 3, 2016. A BNSF locomotive engineer, Brother Palmer hired out with the Burlington Northern in…