BLET reaches tentative agreement with Long Island Rail Road

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative agreement with MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) governing rates of pay, benefits and work rules for nearly 500 locomotive engineers.

Yesterday, the union mailed ballots, instructions and a synopsis of the pact to active members working for LIRR. Ratification ballots are due July 19. 

The BLET's LIRR General Committee of Adjustment began the current round of negotiations by filing a Section 6 notice on Nov. 1, 2018. After negotiations stalled, the BLET filed a request with the National Mediation Board to assist in contract negotiations on March 2, 2021.

Founded in 1834, LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in North America. It operates a more than 700-mile system with 11 branch lines between Montauk — on the eastern tip of Long Island — to Penn Station in Manhattan and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.