CPKC, BLET reach tentative five-year deal

CPKC and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) have reached a new tentative five-year collective agreement covering employees on the southern portion of CPKC's Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DM&E) property.

The agreement provides increased wages and more flexible work rules for about 250 train and engine employees operating trains in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.

"We are very pleased to have reached this latest tentative collective agreement benefiting more of our railroaders in the United States," said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel in a press release.

If approved by the union's members, the agreement would bring parity to rates of pay between DM&E and CPKC’s Soo Line employees in 2029, BLET representatives said in an email. Over the life of the agreement, locomotive engineers would see a 41.42% compounded hourly rate increase; conductors a 32.63% compounded increase; and brakemen a 32.63% compounded increase.

“This wage progression is one of the most significant components of the tentative agreement,” said BLET General Chairman Nick Mugavero.

The tentative agreement is pending ratification by the union's membership; votes will be tabulated Oct. 9.