BLET members ratify first contract with Georgia Central Railway

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members recently ratified their first agreement with the Georgia Central Railway, a Genesee & Wyoming Inc. short line.

The workers voted to join the BLET in October 2024. The ratified contract establishes a formal framework covering rates of pay, seniority, job bidding, disciplinary procedures, grievances, compensations, benefits, layoffs and union representation, BLET officials said in a press release.

"The agreement is another example of BLET’s continued efforts to organize and represent railroad workers beyond the nation’s largest carriers," they said. "As the railroad industry changes, organizing new properties and expanding the Brotherhood’s presence throughout the industry will remain an important part of protecting railroad jobs and strengthening the collective voice of our members."

Notably, the agreement also establishes a foundation of representation and contractual protections for BLET members as the short line begins testing autonomous rail technology.

Georgia Central spans 211 track miles between Savannah and Macon, Georgia. It interchanges with CSX in Savannah and with Norfolk Southern Railway in Macon.