BLET, Indiana Rail Road reach tentative pact

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and Indiana Rail Road (INRD) have reached a tentative labor agreement, the union announced last week.

The tentative contract would provide provide retroactive pay dating to July 1, 2024, and subsequent general wage increases each year through July 1, 2029. It also calls for a $1,000 retention pay bonus, BLET officials said in a newsletter.

The proposed deal would provide improvements to existing provisions for paid holidays, personal protective equipment, and certification and training. New provisions of the proposed deal would provide paid parental leave for the first time, and also additional paid personal leave days for new hires.

Ballots are due March 13. Members governed by the tentative agreement belong to BLET Division 204 (Linton, Indiana), and the CSXT-Western Railroad Lines General Committee of Adjustment.

Based in Indianapolis, the INRD operates 500 miles of track.