Texas crash kills BLE member
5/29/2002
A BLE member was killed and three other train crew members were injured in a fiery head-on collision between two Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains near Clarendon, Texas, on May 28.

Teamsters, TTD ask NMB to dismiss UTU request
5/28/2002
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department (TTD) today filed a joint submission requesting that the National Mediation Board (NMB) dismiss the United Transportation Union’s (UTU) efforts to create a combined craft of "train and engine service employees" on the Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS).

One killed in Panhandle BNSF collision
5/28/2002
One person is dead, one is injured and two are still missing after two Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight trains collided head-on this morning near Clarendon, Texas.

DOT warns of possible attack on rail, transit
5/24/2002
In light of a warning issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, BLE International President Don Hahs is asking all train crew members to be extra-vigilant over the Memorial Day weekend.

Engineers asked to sound whistles on Memorial Day
5/24/2002
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking all BLE members to sound their locomotive horns at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day -- Monday, May 27.

Anti-remote control billboard disappears
5/21/2002
Remote control technology has caused 60 locomotive engineer jobs to disappear nationwide since the beginning of 2002 -- and now it has caused a billboard to disappear.

AFL-CIO and TTD continue to support BLE
5/17/2002
The AFL-CIO and the Transportation Trades Department have continued their support of the BLE in its fight against the predatory actions of the United Transportation Union.

Recent remote control history clarified
5/17/2002
In response to the continuing disinformation from the United Transportation Union's propaganda machine, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers' Executive Committee has issued a letter to the union's Advisory Board and its General Chairmen which sets the record straight regarding the recent history of remote control technology.

BLE Advisory board approves teamster merger docs..
7/11/2003
In one of the most historic moments in the 140-year history of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the union’s Advisory Board yesterday unanimously approved documents that govern a merger with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT).

BLE-IBT merger documents online
7/24/2003
Documents governing the proposed BLE-Teamsters merger are now available in the members area of the BLE website, in line with Section 1(e)(2) of the BLE Constitution & Bylaws

BLE to conduct IBT merger Town Hall meetings
8/12/2003
Over the next several weeks, the office of BLE First Vice-President Ed Rodzwicz

AFL-CIO condemns raiding by rogue unions
8/8/2003
In a statement issued on August 6, the AFL-CIO continued its support of affiliates raided by rogue unions

Former BLE President Delaney dies
8/25/2003
Former BLE International President Robert E. Delaney died of congestive heart failure yesterday. He was 84 years old and had endured a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Meany center offers hazmat workshops
8/18/2003
The George Meany Center-National Labor College is offering two hazmat training classes in 2003-2004.

President Hahs responds to UTU statements
8/29/2003
BLE International President Don Hahs issued the following statement in response to UTU President Byron Boyd’s “state of the union” address delivered at a regional meeting in Philadelphia and posted to the UTU website on August 25.

President Hahs statement on Labor Day 2003
8/29/2003
BLE International President Don Hahs issued the following statement regarding Labor Day 2003.

Upcoming Division Meetings
9/3/2003
General Committee Officers will be attending special Division meetings in Kansas City, MO and Lincoln, NE in the very near future.

Welcome to the New Web Site
9/3/2003
Welcome to the new web site for the BLE General Committee of Adjustment representing engineers on BNSF (Former BN Northlines) and MRL. Our new site has several improvements for both members and Local Chairmen.

BLE Division 69 Changes Regular Meeting Date
9/9/2003
BLE Division 69 has changed its regular monthly meeting date to the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings will continue to be held at the VFW hall in East Grand Forks, MN at 7 PM.

Study: BNSF one of five worst companies for employee privacy
9/9/2003
IBM Corporation is ranked best for employee workplace privacy and Eli Lilly & Co. the worst among the largest publicly traded companies, according to research conducted by WIRED magazine.

Train cars derail near Kiowa in Kansas
9/9/2003
Ten cars on Burlington Northern-Santa Fe train derailed Monday in Barber County near the Kansas-Oklahoma border, forcing the evacuation of people living within a one-mile radius.

UTU officials accused of bribery plot; plead not guilty
9/17/2003
The current and former presidents of the nation's largest railroad operating union pleaded not guilty Monday in a federal court in Houston to accusations that they sought bribes from attorneys in return for access to union workers injured on the job.

Rail union's chief, 3 others face charges
9/17/2003
The present and former presidents of the biggest U.S. railroad union were charged Monday with illegally accepting payments in exchange for steering workers to lawyers approved by the union to file injury claims.

Former General Chairman Charlie McDaniel dies
9/17/2003
Brother McDaniel was a well-known and highly respected member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He served as General Chairman of the Santa Fe General Committee of Adjustment and held various other elected offices during his many years with the Brotherhood. He was a fixture at the annual Southwestern Convention Meetings.

Teamsters, BMWE discuss merger
9/17/2003
The Grand Lodge officers of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) have voted unanimously to pursue merger/affiliation discussions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Founded in 1887, BMWE represents approximately 40,000 workers who maintain railroad tracks, bridges, buildings and other related facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

BNSF Implements Automated Layoff Procedures
9/26/2003
The BNSF has provided the General Committee with a power point presentation covering automated layoff procedures

Indicted UTU president vows to fight charges
9/26/2003
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The indicted president of the United Transportation Union intends to remain in office and fight charges that he and others solicited payments from lawyers seeking to represent union members, a spokesman said Thursday.

4 people killed when car hit by BNSF train
9/29/2003
A driver swerved around a railroad crossing barrier despite warning lights indicating an approaching train, which smashed into the car, killing all four people inside, authorities said.

BNSF coal train derails
10/2/2003
A train pulling cars loaded with coal derailed Wednesday morning, and one car dumped its contents.

BNSF to report third-quarter earnings October 21
10/8/2003
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation will report its third-quarter 2003 earnings at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time October 21, 2003, through a Webcast. BNSF plans to issue its earnings press release at about 8 a.m. Eastern Time.

Deadly crash renews calls for technology
10/8/2003
A collision of trains in California last year that killed two people and injured dozens was caused by a freight crew's failure to heed a signal, federal safety officials said Tuesday.

BLE reaches tentative national contract
10/10/2003
CLEVELAND, October 9 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers has reached a tentative agreement with the National Carriers Conference Committee, BLE International President Don M. Hahs announced today.

Growing national safety concerns about unmanned remote controlled locomotives
10/15/2003
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The idea of moving hazardous and dangerous materials in and around populated areas on locomotives and trains with no engineer on board and in control of lethal rail equipment is meeting stiff and growing resistance in communities, municipalities, cities and counties across America.

BNSF may sell Wash. line
10/15/2003
KENT, Wash. -- The railroad line from Renton to Woodinville -- home to the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train -- might be for sale

BNSF crash derails chocolate inventory
10/15/2003
The Pioneer Press published the following story by Jim McCartney on its website on October 9.) ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Willy Wonka never had to deal with anything like this.

BNSF reports third-quarter 2003 results
10/21/2003
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation today reported third-quarter 2003 earnings of $0.55 per share compared with third-quarter 2002 earnings of $0.51 per share.

Burlington Northern profit rises
10/21/2003
NEW YORK -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. , the No. 2 U.S. railroad, on Tuesday said quarterly profit nudged ahead as gains in cargo volumes were offset by higher fuel costs.

The price for working at night may be your health
10/21/2003
HOUSTON -- As more people work evening and overnight shifts at call centers, retailers and bank processing centers, they're suffering from higher rates of gastrointestinal troubles, cardiovascular diseases and sleep disorders than their counterparts who are home in time to watch the 6 p.m. news

Wind derails train near Glacier
10/21/2003
EAST GLACIER. Mont. -- High winds blew a freight train off the tracks and down into the Midvale Creek ravine here early Friday morning, shutting down the main rail line between Chicago and the Pacific Coast until late afternoon. No injuries or major spills were reported.

BLE-IBT Town Hall meetings set for N.D., Minn.
10/21/2003
CLEVELAND, October 16 -- The BLE will hold Town Hall Meetings in North Dakota and Minnesota next month regarding the proposed merger with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

BLE-IBT Town Hall meetings set for U.S. West, North
10/21/2003
CLEVELAND, October 16 -- The BLE will hold a series of Town Hall Meetings in the Northern and Western U.S. during October and November regarding the proposed merger with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

BLE, Tex-Mex sign landmark remote control agreement
10/31/2003
CLEVELAND, October 31 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers has reached a landmark contract agreement with the Texas-Mexican Railway that allows for the safe implementation of remote control operations and provides major pay raises. s.

President Hahs statement on national contract
10/31/2003
CLEVELAND, October 30 -- A copy of the BLE’s tentative national contract with the National Carriers Conference Committee should be posted on the BLE website by the end of next week, BLE International President Don Hahs reported.

Tentative national contract available
11/17/2003
CLEVELAND, November 14 -- A copy of the BLE’s tentative national agreement with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee is now available

Two freight trains collide near Kelso
11/17/2003
KELSO, Wash. -- Almost as if it were a flashback from ten years ago, two freight trains collided south of Kelso Saturday morning on a stretch of tracks between Interstate 5 and the Columbia River, injuring two crew members and scattering 20 derailed cars -- some across part of the interstate.

Tentative BNSF On Property Agreement and Alternative Compensation Agreement Available
11/17/2003
The General Committee of Adjustment is providing copies of the On Property Agreement and Alternative Compensation Agreement for each member's review. These agreements are accompanied with a cover letter from the General Chairmen. These copies are provided in PDF format.

BLE Divisions Ratify BNSF On – Property Agreement
12/23/2003
Ft. Worth, December 23 – Voting as a block for the first time since the 1995 merger, BLE Divisions across the entire BNSF property overwhelmingly approve an historic on-property agreement with 93% of the Divisions returning a ballot. In the tally 84% (80 Divisions) voted in favor of the agreement and 16% (15 Divisions) voted against.

John Hickerson joins BNSF
1/7/2004
FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF), a subsidiary of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation today announced the appointment of John T. Hickerson as Assistant Vice President, Truckload Marketing. Hickerson will report to Steve Branscum, group vice president, Consumer Products.

BNSF to report fourth-quarter earnings January 27
1/7/2004
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (NYSE: BNI - News; BNSF) will report its fourth-quarter and year-end 2003 earnings in a meeting with financial analysts in New York City and through a simultaneous Webcast at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time January 27, 2004. BNSF plans to issue its earnings press release at about 8 a.m. Eastern Time that day.

Snow can't stop work at Laurel yard
1/7/2004
LAUREL, Mont. -- Cold and miserable?

Slide temporarily blocks railroad tracks in north Seattle
1/12/2004
SEATTLE -- A mudslide this morning blocked railroad tracks near Carkeek Park in north Seattle, suspending passenger service until Saturday, railroad officials said.

Amtrak, freight trains moving between Portland, Seattle
1/12/2004
RIDGEFIELD, Wash. -- The railroad tracks between Seattle and Portland were reopened about 12:30 p.m. Thursday to Amtrak and freight trains.

Former BNSF workers cite 1858 agreement with city of Burlington
1/23/2004
BURLINGTON, Iowa -- A 146 year old agreement with the city of Burlington and a former railroad company may force Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials from moving more jobs to Topeka, Kan.

BNSF hosts employee health fair
1/23/2004
HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Recently, in cooperation with the Hannibal Regional Hospital (HRH), Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad at West Quincy, hosted a Health Fair for all BNSF employees in the area including train crews, maintenance of way, bridge and buildings, yardmasters, switch crews and clerks. In addition, crews from Galesburg, Ill., and Brookfield were also invited to participate.

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on State of the Union Address
1/23/2004
The President must be experiencing a different America than the one in which most working families live.

Sound Transit to plan second round of projects
1/24/2004
SEATTLE -- With many of the bus, light rail and commuter rail projects in the 1996 Sound Move plan completed or under way, Sound Transit yesterday took the first step toward planning for a second round of transit projects for the region.

BNSF upgraded to "neutral weight"
2/2/2004
NEW YORK -- Analysts at Prudential Financial upgrade Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNI) from "underweight" to "neutral weight." The target price has been raised from $32.00 to $33.00.

BNSF reports double-digit increase
2/2/2004
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF) today reported record fourth-quarter 2003 earnings of $0.61 per share, or 13-percent, higher than fourth-quarter 2002 earnings of $0.54 per share.

Suits pile up against BNSF over Havre land
2/11/2004
HAVRE, Mont. -- The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway faces a second wave of lawsuits from homeowners and businesses who say diesel fuel and other contaminants from its Havre rail yard ruined their property.

BNSF touts economic development efforts
2/11/2004
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Economic development efforts of The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) were instrumental in the location of 149 new or expanded facilities during 2003 in the areas served by the railway. These facilities involved investments of $1.1 billion and the creation of 3,845 new jobs.

BNSF action brings up past
2/25/2004
BURLINGTON, Iowa -- For most of its existence, Burlington has been a railroad town. The steel rails brought its settlers and carried away its manufactured goods. The salaries paid to its workers were an economic mainstay in good times and bad. This relationship is especially evident in the town's 41–acre riverfront area — a maze of mainline and switchyard tracks.

BNSF cars derail in far southwest South Dakota
2/25/2004
EDGEMONT, S.D. -- Eight cars of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad freight train left the track Sunday in Edgemont, a BNSF spokesman said Monday.

BNSF officials ponder options for 12-mile stretch
3/2/2004
(The St. Cloud Times posted the following article by Chuanpis Santilukka on its website on February 27.) COLD SPRING, Minn. -- The future of a rail line that's been in operation for more than a century is at a crossroads.

UTU President Boyd suspended from office
3/3/2004
(The United Transportation Union issued the following news release on March 2.) LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- United Transportation Union Assistant President Paul C. Thompson will assume the duties of the Office of President of the UTU following the March 2 decision of the UTU International Executive Board to suspend from office President Byron A. Boyd Jr. The UTU Constitution provides for Thompson's elevation.

UTU’s Boyd admits guilt in bribery scam
3/17/2004
The following story by Harvey Rice appeared on the Houston Chronicle website on March 11.) HOUSTON -- The international president of the nation's largest railroad operating union pleaded guilty Thursday to participating in a bribery scheme that included some Houston lawyers.

Lewis and Clark Explorer Train runs again this summer
3/18/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following story on March 15.) ASTORIA, Ore. -- The Lewis and Clark Explorer Train starts running again May 28, connecting Portland to the historic Astoria-Warrenton region after a successful season last summer carrying travellers along the south shore of the Columbia River, through nature preserves and passing by the Lewis and Clark trail.

BNSF rail car shortage scrutinized
3/18/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following story on March 17.) MINOT, N.D. -- Legislators are listening to complaints about a rail car shortage in North Dakota.

Committee meets regarding BNSF rail car shortage
3/18/2004
(The following article by Ken Crites was posted on the Minot Daily News website on March 18.) MINOT, N.D. -- The shortage of rail cars at harvest time and even beyond is and has been a perennial problem in North Dakota. Most say it's a problem with no easy solution. Some say there is no solution- that the state is simply at the mercy of the railroads. The North Dakota Legislature's Interim Transportation Committee met in Minot Tuesday seeking input on the problem.

263 jobs at stake in BNSF tax freeze applications
3/18/2004
(The following report appeared on the Memphis Business Journal website on March 17.) MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- If a local board grants a tax freeze to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co., and the company chooses its Memphis site for expansion, then the city stands to gain 150 jobs from the project and an investment of $45.8 million.

BNSF’s Rose earned $3.1 million
3/18/2004
(The following news brief appeared on the Fort Worth Star Telegram website on March 17.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- The chairman and chief executive of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Matt Rose, earned $3.1 million in salary and bonuses last year, according to the company's proxy statement.

Opinion: The real lesson of Minot
3/18/2004
The following column by Frederic Smith appeared on the Bismarck Tribune website on March 18.) BISMARCK, N.D. -- Officials and residents of Minot -- and anyone else in North Dakota who lives along a railroad line -- should beware of learning the wrong lessons from the January 2002 derailment in the Magic City.

BNSF Railway neighbors claim flood damage
3/18/2004
(The following story by David Olson appeared on the Everett Herald on March 17.) EVERETT -- Dennis Keith pointed to the furnace that hung from his basement ceiling.

UP, BNSF plan track expansions
3/26/2004
The following report appeared on the Billings Gazette website on March 26.) DOUGLAS, Wyo. -- By next year, more trains loaded with Wyoming coal will be leaving the Powder River Basin due to a track expansion project. Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe are building a 14.1-mile segment to connect two sections of a third track, at a cost of $38 million. The continuous triple track will allow BNSF to operate 35-40 coal trains a day in and out of the basin, up from 25-30.

BNSF lawsuit action questioned BNSF lawsuit action questioned
3/26/2004
(The following story by James Quirk Jr. appeared on the Hawk Eye website on March 25.) BURLINGTON, Iowa -- The manner in which the Burlington City Council decided to sue the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway was illegal, state officials say.

Retrofit set to reduce BNSF noise, emissions
3/26/2004
(The following story by Erik Robinson appeared on The Columbian website on March 18.) VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Locomotives operating day and night in the Vancouver switching yard will soon become quieter and the air cleaner. With $85,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Southwest Clean Air Agency will retrofit three switching engines with devices that heat engine coolant and lube oil while charging batteries.

Railroad workers need to fight asbestos bill
5/3/2004
CLEVELAND, April 7 -- BLET members are being asked once again to contact the U.S. Senate to express their opposition to a bill that will take away some of railroad workers’ rights under the under the Federal Employers Liability Act. The AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department strongly opposes the bill, S. 1125.

BNSF "neutral weight," target price raised
5/3/2004
(The following report appeared at NewRatings.com on April 29.) NEW YORK -- Analyst Daniel J Hemme of Prudential Financial maintains his "neutral weight" rating on Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNI.NYS), while raising his estimates for the company. The target price has been raised from $33 to $35.

BNSF planning to abandon about 50 miles of track in North Dakota
5/3/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following article on April 28.) BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad wants to abandon about 50 miles of track in North Dakota, the state Public Service Commission says.

BNSF quarterly traffic, profit up
5/3/2004
(The following article by Dan Piller was posted on the Star-Telegram website on April 28.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Record traffic pushed up profit at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in the first quarter, pointing to a stronger economy, company officials said.

Burlington Northern earnings rise in 1Q
5/3/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following article on April 27.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. said Tuesday its first-quarter earnings rose 3.2 percent on an 11.7 percent jump in revenue, and the railroad company raised its profit forecast for 2004.

BNSF train carrying UPS cargo derails
5/3/2004
(The following story by Craig Andres appeared on television station KCTV’s website on April 26.) JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. -- A train carrying UPS cargo from Chicago to the Dallas-Fort Worth area derailed early Monday morning in Johnson County.

BNSF reports 30 percent increase in earnings on record 11 percent revenue growth
5/3/2004
(Burlington Northern Santa Fe issued the following news release on April 27.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation today reported first-quarter 2004 earnings of $0.52 per share, a 30-percent increase over first-quarter 2003 earnings of $0.40 per share, before the favorable effect of an accounting change of $0.10 per share.

BNSF works to clean corn spill
5/3/2004
The Associated Press circulated the following article on May 2.) ESSEX, Mont. -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad is doing everything possible to remove every kernel of the 2,800 tons of corn spilled recently when 28 grain cars derailed, a railway spokesman said Friday.

Mother of BLET Vice President Geiger passes away
5/3/2004
CLEVELAND, April 29 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen extends its deepest sympathy to the family of BLET Vice President Merle Geiger Jr. upon the death of his mother, Doris Merle Geiger. Mrs. Geiger passed away at her home in Carson City, Nev., on April 27, after a recent illness. She was 77 years old.

BNSF improves business processes to prepare for 2004 grain harvest
5/6/2004
(BNSF issued the following news release on May 4.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- To better serve its customers during the 2004 grain harvest, The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) today announced it has invested in additional grain carrying capacity, reduced certain charges, simplified car ordering and appointed an ombudsman to work directly with grain shippers.(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010719/BNSFLOGO )

BNSF says improved elevator service is planned
5/10/2004
(The Associated Press distributed the following article on May 7.) FARGO, N.D. -- Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway executives are promising better service to North Dakota grain elevators.

BNSF chief to address transport conference
5/11/2004
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Matthew K. Rose, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF), will address the Bear Stearns Global Transportation Conference on Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at 9:45 a.m. Eastern time in New York City, according to this release issued by the transportation company.

Sounder adjusts train schedules
6/6/2004
EVERETT, Wash. -- Riders on Sound Transit's Sounder Commuter Rail service will have more flexibility and more options with a new schedule that takes effect today.

Wind blamed for BNSF derailment
6/2/2004
WRIGHT, Kan. -- Crews worked to clear railroad tracks east of Dodge City after 68 empty grain cars derailed on Wednesday.

BNSF needs week to fix derailments
6/7/2004
OMAHA, Neb. -- It will be at least another week before 42 railcars blown over May 22 by high winds can be lifted back onto railroad track that runs alongside Interstate 29 in southwest Iowa.

BNSF recognized for promoting chemical transportation emergency preparedness efforts
6/1/2004
FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that it has received the 2003 National Achievement Award from TRANSCAER®.(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010719/BNSFLOGO )

Train cars transporting chemicals derail in Wash.
6/1/2000
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Three train cars loaded with a highly flammable chemical overturned Monday in a downtown Vancouver residential and industrial neighborhood, spilling about 10 gallons of the toxic substance, according to the Portland Oregonian.

Deborah Hersman becomes NTSB member
6/23/2004
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Deborah Hersman was sworn in today as a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board. Before joining the Board, Member Hersman was a senior professional staff member of the U.S. Senate's Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation for the last 5 years. Prior to that, she served as Staff Director and Senior Legislative Aide to Congressman Bob Wise of West Virginia from 1992 to 1999.

Dennis R. Pierce has been re-elected to another three-year term as General Chairman
7/2/2004
(Las Vegas) Dennis R. Pierce has been re-elected to another three-year term as General Chairman of the BNSF-MRL General Committee of Adjustment in voting here today. Pierce, a member of Division 98, was elected by acclimation.

UP, BNSF boosting freight rates
7/9/2004
(The following report appeared on the Los Angeles Times website on July 9.) LOS ANGELES -- Two of the country's major railroads, Union Pacific Corp. and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., are raising their rates amid swelling demand from customers shipping wares for the holiday shopping season.

BNSF to report second-quarter earnings July 27
7/9/2004
(BNSF issued the following news release on July 7.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation will report its second-quarter 2004 earnings in a Webcast at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time July 27, 2004. BNSF plans to issue its earnings press release at about 8 a.m. Eastern Time that day.

Hoglander named NMB Chairman
7/9/2004
Hoglander named NMB Chairman

BNSF reports higher profit
7/28/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following story on July 27.) DALLAS -- Freight railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. said Tuesday that profit rose nearly 25 percent in the April-June period on record shipments and higher prices.

BNSF reports second-quarter earnings
7/28/2004
(BNSF issued the following news release on July 27.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation today reported record second-quarter 2004 earnings of $0.67 per share, a 24 percent increase over second-quarter 2003 earnings of $0.54 per share.

BNSF adds more than three dozen jobs
7/28/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following story on July 27.) TOPEKA, Kan. -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe has added 39 jobs to locomotive repair shops here, the company announced Monday.

BNSF posts $249 million profit
7/29/2004
(The following story by Dan Piller appeared on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram website on July 28.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. avoided the service congestion that has dogged its main rival to post second-quarter profit of $249 million, or 67 cents per share.

BNSF refutes report calling N.D. tracks "at risk"
8/17/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following article on August 16.) FARGO, N.D. -- Railroad tracks on North Dakota's northern tier will continue serving Amtrak's Empire Builder despite a report that says the rails are "at risk," a Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman said.

BMWE Grand Lodge Officers Approve Sending
8/25/2004
Southfield, MI, August 23, 2004 -–The Grand Lodge Officers of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) voted unanimously to send the proposed merger agreement between BMWE and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) to the membership of BMWE for a ratification vote.

Teamwork and safety
9/15/2004
(From the Summer 2004 Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal.) CLEVELAND, September 10 -- It comes as no surprise to locomotive engineers and trainmen that onboard computers and cab electronics are becoming more and more advanced.

Locomotive ends up in Seattle street after train derails
9/15/2004
(The following article was posted on Seattle television station KING 5’s website on September 12.) SEATTLE -- A train derailed in Seattle on Sunday afternoon, blocking northbound East Marginal Way and causing traffic problems.

BNSF to take charge against earnings
10/8/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following article on October 7.) FORT WORTH, Texas - Freight railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. said Thursday it will take a $288 million after-tax charge against earnings for the third quarter to cover liability for asbestos and environmental problems.

BNSF transfers surge as import business booms
10/8/2004
(The following article by Jane Roberts was posted on the Memphis Commercial Appeal website on October 8.) MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- If you want proof of the U.S. trade imbalance with China, drive by Burlington Northern Santa Fe's expanding yard on Shelby Drive, where the import business is up 20 percent this year alone.

BNSF diesel spill lawsuit goes to jury
10/8/2004
(The Associated Press distributed the following article on October 8.) GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Jurors here are considering whether the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad is responsible for a decades-old underground diesel spill in Mandan, and whether about 70 residents of that city should be compensated for health problems and property damage.

BNSF to report third-quarter earnings October 26
10/8/2004
(BNSF issued the following news release on October 5.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation will report its third-quarter 2004 earnings in a Webcast at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time October 26, 2004. BNSF plans to issue its earnings press release at about 8 a.m. Eastern Time that day.

BNSF closing down Iowa shops
10/8/2004
(The following article by James Quirk Jr. was posted on the Burlington Hawk Eye website on October 5.) BURLINGTON, Iowa -- Thirty–nine employees at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway shops in Burlington have been offered jobs at the railroad's Galesburg, Ill., location.

BNSF reduces wheat rates for smaller shippers, simplifies rate structure
10/23/2004
(BNSF issued the following news release on October 18.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) today announced it has reduced rates for single- and 26-car shipments by simplifying the rate structure for wheat shipments. Effective December 1, 2004, the rate spread between single- and 26-car shipments as well as 26- and 52-car shipments will be $75 per car in all markets.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation declares quarterly dividend
10/23/2004
(BNSF issued the following news release on October 21.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Directors of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation voted on October 21, 2004, to pay a quarterly dividend of 17 cents per share on outstanding common stock.

Flexible Spending Accounts Available to BNSF Engineers
10/23/2004

BMWE members overwhelmingly approve IBT merger
10/27/2004
CLEVELAND, October 27 -- By a 76 percent majority, members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees today voted in favor of merging with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

BNSF worker killed by train in Mont.
11/2/2004
(The following article by Tim Leeds was posted on the Havre Daily News website on November 2.) HAVRE, Mont. -- A Havre-based employee of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. was killed this morning at Bowdoin, about 15 miles east of Malta, a BNSF spokesman said.

BNSF identifies accident victim as Havre man
11/3/2004
(The following story by Tim Leeds appeared on the Havre Daily News website on November 3.) HAVRE, Mont. -- A Havre railroad worker killed Monday may have been crossing the track to inspect an approaching train when the train struck him, a BNSF spokesman said today.

Carrier 2004 Section 6 Notice
11/12/2004
download pdf

BNSF uses IP net to control signals, switches
11/12/2004
(The following report by Matt Hamblen appeared on the Computer World website on November 8.) SEATTLE -- The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. is nearing the end of the line on the installation of a $30 million IP network along a heavily traveled rail corridor in the Seattle area, a project that's expected to increase the reliability of the technology it uses to control signals and track switches.

Flexible Spending Enrollment Update
11/16/2004

For information click here

Chairman of BNSF joins AMR board
11/23/2004
(The Associated Press circulated the following article on November 17.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- AMR Corp., the parent of American Airlines, has named to its board of directors Matthew Rose, chairman and chief executive of railway company Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.

Hoffa urges AFL-CIO to refuse UTU reaffiliation
12/6/2004
CLEVELAND, December 3 -- International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa recently wrote to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on the behalf of the 1.4 million members of the Teamsters to convey his opposition to the United Transportation Union’s request to reaffiliate with the AFL-CIO.

BLET Genral Committees of Adjustment Serve Section 6 Notices on BNSF Railway
12/21/2004
To see the notice check here.

New railroad museum planned in Great Falls
1/3/2005

(The Associated Press circulated the following story on December 30.)

GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- A building at the fairgrounds here will be devoted entirely to a new railroad museum, featuring a train layout that a late Cascade rancher built over a span of 50 years.
 

Rail freight traffic up during Christmas week
1/3/2005

(The Association of American Railroads posted the following news release on its website on December 30.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was up sharply during the week ended December 25 in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today. Both weeks included the Christmas holiday.
 

Fuel depot may have tainted aquifer
1/4/2005
Idaho state agency cautions that results are preliminary

BNSF to report fourth-quarter earnings January 25
1/7/2005
(BNSF circulated the following news release on January 5.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation will report its fourth-quarter and year-end 2004 earnings in a meeting with financial analysts in New York City and through a simultaneous Webcast at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time January 25, 2005. BNSF plans to issue its earnings press release at about 8 a.m. Eastern Time that day.

BNSF names three regional vice presidents
1/12/2005
(BNSF issued the following news release on January 10.) FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) has promoted Steve Goodall to regional vice president, North Operations; Mark Kotter to regional vice president, Central Operations, and Chris Roberts to regional vice president, South Operations. Previously, each held the position of assistant vice president for their respective Operations regions. They are responsible for all rail operations on the three geographic regions that comprise the BNSF system.

Primary Recall Agreement Out For Ratification Vote
1/10/2005

To view the proposal, click here. 

Coal coming on: Demand likely to increase in 2005
1/18/2005
(The following story by Jim Gransbery appeared on The Billings Gazette website on January 16.) BILLINGS, Mont. -- Under the broad grasslands of Eastern Montana and Northeastern Wyoming lie vast, thick seams of a black rock that burns well and hot.

Working on master's degree and becoming a mom, daughter of BLET member never expected cancer diagnosis
1/21/2005
(The following story by Jane Moorman appeared on The Valencia County News-Bulletin website on January 20. Tara Alderete is the daughter of BLET Member Rick Fuller, who serves as Secretary-Treasurer of BLET Division 446.)

General Chairman Dennis Pierce Provides an Update on UTU Dues Maintenance Agreement.
1/21/2005

To read update click here.

BNSF, CN toBNSF cars derail in Minn. divert freights from Chicago
1/24/2005
(The following article by James P. Miller was posted on the Chicago Tribune website on January 20.) CHICAGO -- Moving to ease the rail bottlenecks that routinely plague the Chicago region, two major railroad carriers agreed on a plan to divert some of their freight traffic around Chicago.

BNSF cars derail in Minn.
2/3/2005
(The following article by Mackenzie Ryan was posted on the St. Cloud Times website on February 3.) SAUK RAPIDS, Minn. -- The tail-end of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train derailed in Sauk Rapids early Wednesday afternoon, spilling three carloads of coal and briefly halting other trains.

Refueling at BNSF depot suspended
2/28/2005
(The Associated Press circulated the following article by John K. Wiley on February 24.) COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. must temporarily stop using its new refueling depot, a judge ruled yesterday, saying a fuel leak could potentially harm human health.

4/22/2005

Click here for On Property Contract Update

4/22/2005

Click here for The rest of the story on the Sale of the Kansas City Yard.

5/1/2005

Click here for The Rest of the Story on the Primary Recall Agreement

FRA issues Final Rule on locomotive horns
5/5/2005
CLEVELAND, April 29 -- The Federal Railroad Administration published its Final Rule on the use of Locomotive Horns in the April 27 Federal Register.

UTU seeks sell-out of BNSF engineers
8/4/2005
CLEVELAND, August 4 -- Once again showing its willingness to sell out operating crafts, leadership of the United Transportation Union has proposed eliminating locomotive engineer jobs on BNSF Railway lines in Washington and Oregon.

Clarifying UTU smoke and mirrors
8/9/2005
CLEVELAND, August 9 -- When sorting through the UTU's latest smoke and mirrors attempt to obscure the truth ("How to smoke out a pair of skunks," August 5), BLET and UTU members need to keep one fact in mind:

Division 316 Initiative-Rank and File Elections
10/18/2005

Click here for pdf.

GCA Shares Bullet Points on Petition to Change National Election Process
11/1/2005

Click here for pdf.

UTU, BLET join to fight crew reduction
1/30/2006

In a rare display of solidarity, the United Transportation Union and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen-two unions that have spent considerable time and resources conducting a war of words and turf-have decided to put aside their differences and join forces to combat what they say is a concerted effort by the railroads to reduce crew size in the current round of collective bargaining, acccording to this report published by railwayage.com.

2005 Scheduled Profit Sharing Looks Good Following BNSF's Record Annual Revenue and Earnings
1/30/2006
Last week, BNSF announced its fourth quarter and 2005 annual financial numbers. The news was good.

BLET- UTU Announce Joint Effort
1/30/2006

--- > BLET- UTU Announce Joint Effort

Montana Rail Link buys 16 brand-new, high-powered diesels
2/1/2006

At $1.9 million a pop, Montana Rail Link did not rush into its purchase of 16 brand-new diesel locomotives.

Rail labor: ‘No’ to single-person crews
2/27/2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. – BNSF Railway should not be permitted to operate trains with single-person crews until appropriate safety studies have been completed and regulations are in place, the Federal Railroad Administration was told here by rail labor Feb. 23.

Winter storms throw rail carload freight for a loss
2/27/2006
WASHINGTON -- Winter storms during the week ended February 18 were at least partly responsible for a drop in rail freight traffic in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today.

BNSF president defends railroad's fuel surcharges
2/27/2006
BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad would be unprofitable without levying fuel surcharges on its shippers, and the charge does not cover higher fuel prices, its top executive says.

Teamster's Explain the Standing of TDU
4/21/2006

Click here to download PDF.

General Chairmen's Position on Division 316 Initiative
4/21/2006

Click here to view PDF.

BLET reaches5-year tentative pact with MRL
5/19/2006

CLEVELAND, May 19 - The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Montana Rail Link
(MRL) that applies to approximately 400 BLET-represented operating
employees.

Synopsis of 2006 Tentative MRL-BLET Agreement.pdf

General Chairman's Year End Report
6/1/2006

Click here for PDF.

BLET meets with Congressman Oberstar
9/6/2006
CLEVELAND, September 6 — Several BLET legislative officials met with Congressman James Oberstar, Ranking Democrat on the House Transportation Committee, on August 24 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Seniority Roster Posting for Certification
12/6/2006
On December 1, 2006, Engineer Seniority Rosters that were consolidated as part of the BN/ATSF Merger were posted for protest and certification.  While this process posting and certification has always been in the agreements on the former BN portion of the property, it is a new process for the former ATSF portion of the property.

GC of A Holiday Office Hours
12/23/2006
In observance of the upcoming holidays, the GC of A office will be closed on the following dates: December 25th, 26th, 29th and January 1st.

BLET, RLBC reach tentative agreement with NCCC on national contract
2/28/2007
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28 — Today, the Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition (RLBC), comprised of the members of seven rail labor unions, reached a tentative agreement on a national contract with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC), which represents the interests of America’s freight rail corporations.

BLET’s Western General Chairman announce annual meeting
2/15/2007
CLEVELAND, February 15 — The annual business meeting for the BLET’s Western General Chairman’s Association (WGCA) will take place May 1-3 at Bally’s in Las Vegas, announced its chairman, Dennis Pierce.

Appeals court upholds Rail Labor’s position in FMLA case
3/8/2007
CLEVELAND, March 8 — Rail Labor scored another major court victory in its ongoing battle to protect workers’ rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

BLET, BNSF reach tentative agreement on contract
5/10/2007
CLEVELAND, Ohio, and FORT WORTH, Texas, May 8 — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and BNSF Railway Company have agreed in principle on a BNSF-specific contract that would augment the national settlement between BLET and the nation’s major railroads. The agreement is subject to ratification by BLET members on BNSF and is contingent on ratification of the national agreement’s terms.  Click here to see the On Property and National Agreement proposals and their respective synopsis.
 

General Chairman Pierce reelected by acclamation at BNSF/MRL
7/19/2007
CLEVELAND, July 18 — General Chairman Dennis Pierce was reelected by acclamation to a third term as General Chairman at the 11th Triennial General Committee Meeting of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe/Montana Rail Link (BNSF/MRL) General Committee.

12-18-07 BN Northlines Rates of Pay for Calculating Back Pay
12/20/2007
click above for details

BLET legislative chairmen to convene in Reno
1/24/2008
The National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen will convene its annual meeting in Reno, Nevada, from April 27 through May 2, 2008.

BNSF, Southern Company get ECP rolling
1/25/2008
The Federal Railroad Administration announced Friday that BNSF has launched its first revenue service train fully equipped with state-of-the-art electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes, providing safer and more efficient operations.

BLET member a Senate candidate in Kansas
1/31/2008
Lee Jones, a 56-year-old railroad engineer from Overland Park is the second Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate seat in Kansas.

BNSF Logistics acquires Diversified Freight Logistics
2/5/2008
BNSF Logistics, LLC announced today that it has acquired Diversified Freight Logistics, Inc. and Royal Cargo Line (together known as “DFL”), of Grapevine, Texas. DFL is an International Freight Management company with approximately $40 million of revenue in 2007.

Pennsylvania BLET launches “get out the vote” drive
2/6/2008
The BLET’s Pennsylvania Legislative Board has launched “VOTE Change '08,” a program that encourages its members to register and vote in the upcoming presidential primary and general elections.

FRA moves to reduce human-error rail accidents
2/13/2008
The Federal Railroad Administration has taken action to reduce train accidents caused by human error with new rules which place greater accountability on both railroad management and employees.

Huron & Eastern members ratify first BLET contract
2/15/2008
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified their first-ever collective bargaining agreement with the Huron & Eastern Railroad, a RailAmerica short line headquartered in Vassar, Mich.

Teamsters endorse Barack Obama
2/21/2008
Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced yesterday the union’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama for president. The endorsement is the first step in mobilizing the union’s 1.4 million members and their families to elect Obama.

BNSF selects RailComm for yard upgrade
2/25/2008
BNSF Railway has awarded a contract to RailComm for automation and wireless remote control of multiple switch locations at Murray Yard in East Kansas City, Mo.

Economic stimulus payments available to Railroad Retirement Tier 1 recipients
2/28/2008
The Economic Stimulus Payment train is about to leave the station, but IRS is worried that some Railroad Retirement recipients may get left behind.

Newman reelected by acclamation to Chair Mass. State Legislative Board
2/29/2008
George Newman was reelected by acclamation as Chairman of the BLET Massachusetts State Legislative Board at quadrennial meetings on February 21.

BLET, Amtrak reach tentative accord
3/4/2008
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and Amtrak have reached tentative agreement on a labor contract covering 1,300 Passenger Engineers who operate Amtrak’s passenger trains over its 21,000-mile, 46-state route system.

In Memorium: BLET Director of Research Dennis C. Simmerman, 1949-2008
3/10/2008
Dennis C. Simmerman, BLET’s Director of Research and Assistant to the President, passed away on March 7 after a battle with cancer.

EPA introduces higher emission standards for locomotives
3/18/2008
Federal air emission standards for locomotive engines will be stricter in less than four years. On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled new Tier 3 and 4 emission regulations governing locomotive and marine engines that begin taking effect in 2012.

UnitedHealthcare announces new plans Under GA-23111
3/19/2008
UnitedHealthcare announced that along with the upcoming open enrollment for 2008, three new benefit plans are available under GA-23111. These new benefit plans, called Plans A, B and C, provide new options with different costs and plan designs allowing individuals to select the plan best suited for their needs.

Ed Rodzwicz new BLET President
3/24/2008
Ed Rodzwicz is the new National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, effective immediately.

BLET members ratify Amtrak contract
3/28/2008
By a nearly 6-to-1 majority, BLET members ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Amtrak.

BLET members get $1.3 million award at LIRR
3/31/2008
A United States District Judge sided with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen on March 24 in a case that awards approximately $1.3 million in back payments to union members who work at the Long Island Rail Road.

BNSF seemingly open to Duluth-Minneapolis line
4/1/2008
Minnesota officials pursued their plan for the high-speed line with a trip to Texas to meet the owners of the track.

M&NA shortline workers ratify new contract
4/4/2008
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified their second collective bargaining agreement with the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad, a RailAmerica regional railroad headquartered in Carthage, Mo. Approximately 71 percent of the members returned ballots with a wide majority (74 percent) in favor of the proposed settlement.

Paul Sorrow new First Vice President; Dennis Pierce promoted to VP
4/8/2008
The BLET Advisory Board today unanimously voted to promote Vice President Paul T. Sorrow to the office of First Vice-President and Alternate President, the union’s second-highest office.

BLET endorses Barack Obama for President
4/8/2008
The BLET’s Advisory Board voted today to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States.

FRA puts new operating procedures on hold
4/11/2008
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will temporarily suspend the effectiveness of the Final Rule published on February 13. This Final Rule federalizes operating practices pertaining to hand-operated switches and fixed derails, point protection for shoving movements, leaving equipment in the foul, and was to take effect on April 14.

Pontolillo named Director of Research
4/16/2008
BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz announced today that Tom Pontolillo began serving the Brotherhood on April 10 as Director of Research and Assistant to the President.

GC Tony Smith reelected by acclamation
4/23/2008
General Chairman Tony Smith was reelected by acclamation today at the regular quadrennial meeting of the CSX Eastern Lines General Committee of Adjustment in Troy, Ala.

IBT launches Teamsters For Obama web site to mobilize members
4/28/2008
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters launched TeamstersForObama.org over the weekend to help educate and mobilize its members.

Report says CSX hid worker injuries
5/2/2008
During propositions for a partnership between CSX and Florida transportation, a Federal Railroad Administration report has shown CSX hid worker injuries.

House Judiciary Committee OKs railroad 'antitrust enforcement' bill
5/5/2008
Last week, a bill seeking to remove railroads' antitrust exemptions passed the House Judiciary Committee. On April 30, the committee approved the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2007 (H.R. 1650), which aims to eliminate "antiquated railroad antitrust exemptions enjoyed, unfairly, by freight railroads," according to a press release issued by U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), the bill's author.

BNSF grade crossing safety results continue to improve
5/6/2008
For the past 12 months, BNSF has continued to improve its grade crossing safety results. In fact, BNSF continues to have one of the lowest highway-railroad grade crossing collision rates in the rail industry. For the first quarter of 2008, collisions per million train miles are down to 1.50 collisions per million train miles as compared to 1.76 in March 2007.

BNSF intermodal facility expansion wins national 'excellence in construction' award
5/6/2008
BNSF Railway Co.’s Alliance Intermodal Facility expansion project recently received the Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) 2007 Excellence in Construction Award in the “heavy infrastructure” category.

Safety, politics key topics at NASLBC annual meeting
5/7/2008
Leaders of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen gathered in Reno, Nevada, the week of April 28 for the annual meeting of the National Association of State Legislative Board Chairman (NASLBC).

Priester reelected at Western General Chairmen’s meeting
5/8/2008
Mike Priester was reelected by acclamation to the office of Chairman of the Western General Chairmen’s Association (WGCA) during the WGCA’s annual meeting in Reno the week of April 28.

BNSF buys 198 acres at Dallas logistics hub
5/13/2008
A unit of Fort Worth-based Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. has purchased 198 acres at the Dallas Logistics Hub in a move that could jump-start investment in southern Dallas County, hub developer Allen Group said Monday.

Teamster Rail leaders from U.S., Canada to meet at safety conference
5/16/2008
Teamster leaders from all rail divisions in the U.S. and Canada will meet in Las Vegas today to look for rail safety solutions and open a public debate on the issue.

Craig Gilchrist reelected as Montana State Legislative Board Chairman
5/19/2008
Craig A. Gilchrist (Division 298) was re-elected by acclamation during the regular quadrennial business meeting of the Montana State Legislative Board at the conclusion of a three-day session here. This will be his third term as Chairman.

BNSF makes switch to GenSet switchers at DFW, Houston yards
5/20/2008
BNSF Railway Co.'s yards in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston areas now are sporting more environmentally friendly locomotives. Yesterday, the Class I announced it has placed 67 generator-set (GenSet) switchers in service at the Texas facilities.

Enhanced life insurance benefit available to BLET members
5/21/2008
Working in conjunction with all of Rail Labor, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has obtained an improved life insurance benefit for its members.

BNSF opens history-making quadruple track in the PRB
5/21/2008
Last week, BNSF placed into service 21 miles of fourth mainline in the Powder River Basin (PRB) — the world's longest stretch of quadruple mainline devoted exclusively to freight service, BNSF believes.

Mike Twombly promoted to BLET Advisory Board
5/22/2008
BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz today welcomed Vice President Michael D. Twombly as the newest member of the BLET’s Advisory Board.

Flexible Benefits program allows members to save on health care expenses
5/30/2008
In much the same way that a 401k program allows individuals to use pre-tax dollars to save for retirement, the Railroad Employees Flexible Benefits Program allows members to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain medical expenses or dependent care expenses.

Hours of Service survey underway; Return deadline is July 15
6/5/2008
On Friday, May 9, hundreds of surveys were mailed to randomly- selected BLET and UTU members working in engine service or train service. The FRA-sponsored scientific and confidential survey, conducted by Foster-Miller, Inc., is designed to develop detailed information on hours of service and work/rest schedules, and is similar to previous studies involving train dispatchers, maintenance of way employees and signalmen.

BNSF named Intermodal Carrier of the Year
6/11/2008
BNSF has been honored by Toledo, Ohio-based Owens Corning as the 2007 Intermodal Carrier of the Year.

BNSF, NS to unveil new Columbus-to-L.A. container service next month
6/12/2008
On July 7, BNSF Railway Co. and Norfolk Southern Corp. plan to launch a new "steel-wheel transcontinental" service for container-on-flat-car traffic moving between NS' Rickenbacker intermodal terminal in Columbus, Ohio, and BNSF's Hobart terminal in Los Angeles.

$15 billion Amtrak funding bill approved by House
6/12/2008
A nearly $15 billion Amtrak bill passed the House today as lawmakers rallied around an alternative for travelers saddled with soaring gas prices.

FRA rules on Part 218 reconsideration petitions
6/16/2008
On June 16, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) responded to several Petitions for Reconsideration of its February 13 Final Rule, which federalized railroad operating practices pertaining to point protection for shoving movements, operating switches and fixed derails, and leaving equipment in the foul. The revised Final Rule is effective immediately.

Great Plains and Midwest floods wash out track, bridges
6/16/2008
Storms that dumped more than eight inches of rain in parts of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska last week have caused floods that washed out track and weakened bridges for numerous railroads.

BLET members ratify agreement that preserves jobs at Wheeling & Lake Erie
6/20/2008
Engineers and Trainmen belonging to BLET Division 292 have overwhelmingly ratified new labor agreements for both train and engine service crafts. The BLET members are employed by the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad (W&LE) and are represented by the BLET’s Norfolk Southern - Northern Lines/W&LE General Committee of Adjustment.

EUMA registration still available
6/25/2008
BLET members can still register for the 70th Annual EUMA, which will be held July 6-10 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio.

House bill proposes $1.7 billion to help transit agencies handle soaring fuel costs
6/27/2008
Yesterday, the House passed the “Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008” (H.R. 6052), which authorizes $850 million in both FY2008 and FY2009 to help transit agencies keep fares down and expand service despite rising fuel costs.

Teamsters offer Disaster Relief assistance in Missouri
7/3/2008
The Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund is accepting applications for assistance from members in the state of Missouri after severe storms and flooding caused major damage in their state.

BLET to participate in 11th Annual Transportation Summit
7/7/2008
National President Ed Rodzwicz announced today that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen will be a National Co-Host Organization for the 11th Annual Transportation Summit, August 12-15, in Irving Texas.

Railroads continue to restore flood-ravaged infrastructure
7/9/2008
It's taken nearly a month, but a number of railroads are closer to recovering from the devastating floods that submerged the nation's midsection in early June.

Senate committee gives record appropriation to Amtrak, opposes Mexican truck program
7/14/2008
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation on Thursday that makes critical investments in Amtrak and rail safety. The legislation also would effectively kill the Mexican truck pilot program.

U.S. Railroad Retirement Board submits financial report
7/15/2008
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is required by law to submit annual reports to Congress on the financial condition of the railroad retirement system and the railroad unemployment insurance system. In June, the RRB submitted its 2008 reports on the railroad retirement and unemployment insurance systems.

Flexible Spending Account enrollment begins in October
7/17/2008
Registration for the money-saving Flexible Spending Account (FSA) begins in just over two months, and members are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable new health and welfare benefit.

BLET Town Hall meeting planned for Kansas City
7/25/2008
All BLET rank and file members are invited to attend a Town Hall meeting in Kansas City, Mo., on August 6, hosted by the BLET Kansas State Legislative Board.

Registration for IWC continues
7/25/2008
BLET members planning to attend the International Western Convention (IWC) in San Luis Obispo next month are advised to make their reservations soon.

TSA rule forces employers to accurately describe scope of background checks
8/1/2008
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued an interim final rule, effective immediately, codifying a section of Public Law 110–53, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (“the Act”), which prohibits public transportation agencies, railroad carriers, and their respective contractors and subcontractors from knowingly misrepresenting Federal guidance or regulations concerning security background checks for covered individuals.

Senate passes bill that rewrites hours of service
8/5/2008
Last week, the U.S. Senate approved the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act (S. 1889), which aims to improve safety for railroad employees, train passengers, and people who reside next to or drive across tracks.

15 BNSF train cars derail in Nebraska
8/6/2008
A 15-car train derailment caused the closing of several Fremont streets early this morning.

FRA, unions unveil 'risk reduction' safety program
8/13/2008
Yesterday, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and rail labor unions launched the Risk Reduction Program (RRP), a "risk-based approach" to identifying and correcting safety issues.

USDOT proposes new drug testing procedure
8/13/2008
If you’re a transportation employee undergoing return-to-duty or follow-up drug testing, the U.S. Department of Transportation wants to literally have someone watch you give a urine sample. The unions don’t like this new rule, and neither does at least one railroad.

BNSF reopens transload facility in Chicagoland market
8/20/2008
BNSF Tuesday announced the reopening of a rail-served building materials transload facility at Eola, Ill., managed by Partners Warehouse, LLC.

DOT delays mandatory direct observation regulation to November 1
8/25/2008
The U.S. Department of Transportation is postponing from August 25 to November 1 a new regulation that would subject employees to mandatory direct observation during drug tests conducted when a transportation worker returns to work after a positive drug test and during follow-up drug tests.

BNSF to upgrade Montana/South Dakota line
9/3/2008
Yesterday BNSF Railway Co. launched an $8 million track improvement project between Beaver Hill, Mont., and Mandan, N.D.

FRA proposes rule to generate more detailed train accident info
9/10/2008
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes to revise federal safety regulations to require railroads to provide new and more detailed information about train accidents, grade crossing incidents, and injuries and illness that occur on rail property.

Teamsters, BLET conducting post-9/11 rail safety and security survey
9/10/2008
Is the railroad industry safer and more secure today than it was seven years ago when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001? That’s what the Teamsters Rail Conference hopes to discover by conducting a survey of its membership.

Flexible Spending Account will provide real savings
9/16/2008
Registration for the money-saving Flexible Spending Account (FSA) begins next month, and BLET members are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable new health and welfare benefit. The program allows BLET members to pay for doctor co-pays and other medical expenses with pretax dollars.

Locomotive engineers help BNSF cut fuel usage
9/19/2008
This summer, locomotive engineers began using a speed/throttle limiting process to save fuel on trains operating on high-speed corridors at speeds of 55 mph or more.

Absentee voting information for BLET members
9/24/2008
Railroading is a demanding occupation that often requires locomotive engineers and trainmen to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Due to the importance of the upcoming November elections, the BLET urges its members to vote by absentee ballot in case they are on duty or away from home on Election Day.

Senate set to pass rail safety reform bill
9/29/2008
Overshadowed by the larger fiscal and political turmoil generated by the House's rejection of a $700 billion financial rescue package for Wall Street, the Senate Monday was set to pass a rail safety reform bill largely prompted by the Sept. 12 train accident Sept. 12 in Chatsworth, Calif., that killed 25 people aboard a Metrolink passenger train.

McCain health care plan a disaster for BLET members
9/29/2008
In preparation for national bargaining that will begin late next year, the National Division has begun research on a number of subjects that must be considered as the BLET’s bargaining strategy is shaped. A review of the health care “reform” plan offered by Presidential candidate John McCain uncovered some facts that should worry BLET members and all railroad workers.

Senate approves rail safety bill
10/2/2008
A rail safety reform bill that also provides billions of dollars for Amtrak cleared the Senate Wednesday by a 74-24 vote. It now goes to President Bush for his signature.

FRA clamps down on use of electronic devices
10/3/2008
In the aftermath of the most deadly passenger rail accident in more than a decade, and just days after the National Transportation Safety Board reported that the engineer of one of the trains involved in the September 12 tragedy had sent and received dozens of text messages while on duty, the Federal Railroad Administration ("FRA") is issuing an Emergency Order that severely restricts the use of cell phones and other wireless communication and personal electronic devices by operating crews.

BNSF sets PRB coal loading record in September; targets completion of major trackwork in October
10/7/2008
In September, the Class I set another record in the Powder River Basin. Meanwhile, BNSF is beginning track repairs between Tiger, Okla., and Racine, Mo. and expects to complete the final section of triple track in the Cajon Subdivision/Cajon Pass by month's end.

2009 BLET regional meetings announced
10/9/2008
BLET members scheduling vacations for next year are advised that the dates and locations of the 2009 BLET regional meetings are now available. The meetings are as follows: Southeastern Meeting Association (June 7-11, 2009, in Gatlinburg, Tenn.); Eastern Union Meeting Association (July 5-9, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pa.); International Western Convention (August 9-14, 2009, in Green Bay, Wisc.); and Southwestern Convention Meeting (September 13-16, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo.).

BLET helps secure lower co-pays for specialists
10/13/2008
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has secured a significant health insurance benefit improvement for members covered by the 2007 National Freight Agreements.

Four major railroads agree on PTC standards
10/13/2008
With the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. 2095/S. 1889) just a presidential signature away from becoming law, four Class Is already are taking action to comply with the legislation's positive train control (PTC) mandates.

Rail safety bill, passenger rail act become law
10/17/2008
The most comprehensive rail safety legislation proposed in more than 30 years is now law. Yesterday, President Bush signed the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. 2095/S. 1889).

Flexible Benefit Plan enrollment materials now available
10/21/2008
CLEVELAND, October 21 — BLET members should be receiving their Railroad Employees Flexible Benefit Plan enrollment package from United Healthcare, which were mailed last week.

Information on FRA Emergency Order No. 26 now available
10/22/2008
The BLET National Division is making available to its members several important documents regarding Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Emergency Order No. 26, which imposes restrictions on the use of personal cell phones by operating crews and bans the use of almost all other personal electronic devices while on duty.

DOT to implement ‘direct observation’ regulation
10/22/2008
Ignoring numerous petitions for consideration, the U.S. Department of Transportation is going forward with a rule that subjects rail and transit workers to a “strip search” during mandatory drug testing.

Buffett buys into Burlington Northern Santa Fe
11/3/2008
Warren Buffett is increasing his bet on America. The billionaire investor increased his stake in railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe by 825,000 shares.

Health care cost sharing to increase slightly
10/31/2008
Rail worker cost-sharing contributions toward health and welfare coverage will increase slightly next year, but the increase will not be as much as originally anticipated.

Court of Appeals stays direct observation rule
10/31/2008
In an order issued earlier today, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has temporarily stayed implementation of a Department of Transportation regulation that would have required direct observation of urine specimen donation in all return-to-duty and follow-up drug tests, which was to take effect tomorrow.

BNSF upgrades track in Illinois, New Mexico
10/30/2008
BNSF Railway Co. recently completed or soon will complete three track improvement projects in Illinois and New Mexico at a total cost of $14.5 million.

Obama is elected President as racial barrier falls
11/5/2008
Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, sweeping away the last racial barrier in American politics with ease as the country chose him as its first black chief executive.

BNSF opens Cajon Pass third track
11/6/2008
BNSF Railway announced Thursday that it has completed construction of a third main track through Cajon Pass in Southern California. BNSF ran its first train on Monday over the third and final segment of the $90 million triple-tracking project, which adds almost 16 miles of third main to the railroad's route into the Los Angeles basin.

Railroad Retirement announces benefit increases for 2009
11/7/2008
Most railroad retirement annuities, like social security benefits, are scheduled to increase in January 2009 on the basis of the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during the 12 months preceding October 2008.

BLET, UTU jointly petition FRA for review of EO 26
11/17/2008
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the United Transportation Union (UTU) filed a joint Petition for Review of Emergency Order 26 on November 14, requesting that the Federal Railroad Administration make specific exceptions to the Order in the name of safety.

Hours of Service Q&A now available
11/20/2008
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is making available a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding changes to the Hours of Service Act that are going into effect following passage of the 2008 Rail Safety Bill.

FRA issues final rules for rail hazmat routing
11/25/2008
The Federal Railroad Administration, with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), has issued final rules on the requirements for railroads to perform comprehensive safety and security risk analyses for the movement of toxic and dangerous hazardous materials.

BNSF puts fuel surcharge changes on hold
12/2/2008
BNSF announced Tuesday that "due to current volatility in the fuel markets," it was postponing fuel surcharge changes that had been scheduled to take effect in early 2009.

Teamsters Rail Conference will fight proposed rule weakening regulation of toxic chemicals
12/3/2008
The Teamsters Rail Conference pledged to fight a new Labor Department rule proposed by the Bush administration that would make it much harder for the government to regulate toxic substances and hazardous chemicals that workers get exposed to on the job.

BLET, labor win big in FMLA arbitration
12/8/2008
In a decision received this afternoon, a panel of three arbitrators has ruled that the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) policies of the four largest Class I railroads (BNSF, CSXT, NS and UP) violate the industry’s national vacation and personal leave agreements. Among the victors are BLET members working for these railroads.

Buffett’s Berkshire buys 3.26 million more BNSF shares
12/11/2008
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett's company bought another 3.26 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. stock, increasing its stake to 67.9 million shares.

BNSF to sell track, property to Port of Vancouver, Wash.
12/19/2008
BNSF has agreed to sell approximately 18 miles of rail right-of-way, and 17 acres of adjacent land, to the Port of Vancouver, Wash., for $3.1 million.

Freight railroads name new chief labor negotiator
12/22/2008
The nation’s major freight railroads today announced the appointment of A. Kenneth Gradia as chairman of the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC). He will succeed Robert F. Allen, who is stepping down after 15 years as the railroads’ chief negotiator and will remain as a senior advisor until his retirement next July.

STB blesses CN's EJ&E acquisition; Class I questions board-imposed conditions
12/29/2008
On Dec. 24, the STB announced it unanimously approved the Class I’s application to acquire control of a major portion of the EJ&E, subject to certain conditions, including environmental mitigations and a five-year oversight period requiring quarterly reports.

FRA to revise locomotive engineer certification rule, increase civil penalties for safety rule violations
1/2/2009
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes to revise a regulation governing locomotive engineer qualification and certification and has also issued a final rule that increases civil penalties assessed for violating a railroad safety statute or regulation.

BNSF fast-tracks projects in Southwest
1/7/2009
Between Jan. 8 and the end of March, seven BNSF Railway maintenance crews will complete three major track projects in the Southwest estimated to cost $30 million.

BNSF announces express international container service
1/15/2009
Seeking to improve travel time as a way to counteract the struggles of the international intermodal container market segment, BNSF announced Thursday it is offering an express service linking the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., with its Logisitics Park-Chicago intermodal site and also in Memphis.

BLET leads fight to halt SEPTA attack on FELA
1/16/2009
In response to a claim by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) that the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) does not apply to its commuter rail workers, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and other unions on the property today filed suit seeking to halt SEPTA's attempts to force affected workers on the job to submit to medical treatment from the agency's Workers' Compensation department.

BNSF to furlough workers in Grand Forks, Minot, Mandan
1/26/2009
BNSF Railway says about two dozen workers in North Dakota will be furloughed because of an economic downturn that has reduced rail traffic.

House signs off on amended economic stimulus bill, more transit funds
1/29/2009
Yesterday, the House approved a slightly trimmed $819 billion economic stimulus package that includes more funds for transit than proposed in the original $825 billion American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (H.R. 1). The legislation now includes $12 billion for public transit instead of the previously proposed $9 billion.

Teamsters Rail Conference, Airline Division propose re-focusing NMB
2/5/2009
Shortly after the historic election of President Barack Obama last November, representatives of the Teamsters Rail Conference and the Teamsters Airline Division met with representatives of the Obama Transition Team to provide input concerning the performance of the National Mediation Board (NMB) over the past eight years and recommended that fundamental changes should be made in how the NMB exercises its statutory authority over the railroad and aviation industry.

Senate will vote on labor nominee Hilda Solis
2/12/2009
Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-Calif.) took a big step toward becoming President Obama's labor secretary yesterday when a Senate committee voted to send her nomination to the full Senate; senators could vote on her long-stalled nomination this week.

BLET to appeal “strip search” rule on March 26
2/12/2009
The United States District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will hear an appeal of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposed “strip search” drug testing regulation on March 26.

Obama plots huge railroad expansion
2/18/2009
Railroads made Chicago, and now a Chicago-rich White House wants to return the favor: remaking rail with a huge new federal investment in high-speed passenger trains.

STB reverses decision on BNSF coal rate case; orders reparations and rate reductions
2/20/2009
The Surface Transportation Board late yesterday reversed a prior decision in longstanding litigation between BNSF Railway and Western Fuels/Laramie River, ruling that BNSF’s rates for a short-haul coal movement out of the Powder River Basin are unreasonable. The ruling reversed a fall 2007 decision in which STB determined that the rates were reasonable.

BNSF installs Albanese, Ness as division GMs
2/27/2009
BNSF Railway Co. has promoted Tom Albanese to general manager of the Powder River Division; two weeks ago Daryl Ness was promoted to GM of the Southwest Division.

Nebraska high court rebuffs BNSF
3/2/2009
Nebraska's Supreme Court dealt a setback to BNSF Railway, saying a lower court erred by rejecting the expert witness of a plaintiff who argued that his cancer was probably caused by exposure to locomotive diesel exhaust.

BNSF explores locomotive fuel cell
3/6/2009
Taking shape in the BNSF Railway workshop at Topeka, Kansas, is an experimental shunting locomotive powered by hydrogen fuel cells. BNSF believes that fuel cell technology offers the potential to reduce air pollution as well as preparing the way for a future locomotive fleet that is not dependent on oil.

BLET gearing up for contract negotiations
3/11/2009
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is conducting a random survey of its membership in preparation for the upcoming round of national contract negotiations.

Obama Administration picks Szabo for top FRA post
3/19/2009
President Obama late Wednesday, March 18, nominated Joe Szabo, the Illinois state legislative director of the United Transportation Union (UTU), to head the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

BLET lobbying for North Dakota quiet zones
3/24/2009
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen North Dakota State Legislative Board is working to create a special fund that would help cities fund railroad quiet zones in North Dakota.

FRA cracks down on harassment of injured rail workers
3/30/2009
BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz today hailed action by the Federal Railroad Administration to crack down on the harassment and intimidation of injured rail workers.

BNSF extends 2,500 employee furloughs
4/1/2009
As many as 2,500 furloughed unionized BNSF workers around the country thought they'd be back to work by now, or by April 12, Easter, at the latest. But officials for the Class I recently have extended the furlough period indefinitely.

BLET opposes rail antitrust efforts
4/2/2009
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is opposing the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009.

BNSF CEO Matt Rose addresses Congress
4/2/2009
BNSF Railway’s Matt Rose testified Wednesday before Congress, but not about freight rail issues. The chairman of the Fort Worth-based rail company spoke about the future of high-speed passenger rail at a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.

2009 Railroad Retirement Board Informational Conferences
4/8/2009
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board holds free informational conferences for railroaders who are nearing retirement. What follows is a list of upcoming conferences for April, May and June of 2009.

Stimulus contains $28.7 million for BNSF bridge
4/20/2009
Enough stimulus money has been earmarked to upgrade the BNSF bridge in Burlington, Iowa, which was struck 92 times between 1992 and 2001.

BLET Triennial elections coming soon
4/22/2009
Triennial elections for BLET Divisions will be held later this year, with nominations being held at each Division’s first regular meeting in September.

Wayside horns tested at BNSF tracks in Fort Collins, Colo.
4/29/2009
This Tuesday, a Texas engineering firm demonstrated how a simulated horn could replace a real train blaring at crossings in Loveland.

Western General Chairmen elect officers
5/1/2009
In meetings here yesterday, the BLET’S Western General Chairman’s Association (WGCA) elected officers for a new term and concluded their annual business meeting.

Senate confirms Szabo's nomination as FRA administrator
4/30/2009
Next month, Joe Szabo will become the 13th administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Yesterday, the Senate confirmed his nomination as the agency’s leader.

BLET marks 146th anniversary today
5/8/2009
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) marks its 146th anniversary today. The union was founded as the Brotherhood of the Footboard on May 8, 1863 in Marshall, Mich.

Willard Knight new BLET National Vice President
5/11/2009
Willard E. Knight was elevated to the position of National Vice President of the 59,000-member Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Court upholds DOT direct observation, strip search regulations
5/18/2009
On Friday, May 15, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied a petition for review of two Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations that were published last year. The legal challenge had been filed by the BLET and eight other unions, including the Teamsters and the UTU, along with the BNSF Railway.

New federal law requires RR employees to provide dependent Social Security Numbers
5/19/2009
The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan (The Plan) is participating in an all-out effort to obtain Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for all covered dependents (wives, husbands and children) in order to achieve compliance with these new reporting requirements.

COBRA subsidy information available
5/21/2009
The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, may temporarily reduce the premium you have to pay to purchase COBRA continuation coverage under the medical, dental and/or vision plans for yourself and your qualified dependents, if you meet certain criteria.

Railroad Limo Safety bill becomes law in Texas
5/23/2009
On May 23, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed the Railroad Limo Safety Improvement bill into law. Passage of the bill culminates efforts that the Texas State Legislative Board (TSLB) of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) initiated in August of 2006.

BNSF to replace more than 70 miles of rail in South Dakota
6/2/2009
The BNSF Railway Co. plans this month to start the first of five projects in South Dakota to replace about 73 track miles of rail along its system.

Obama taps Trottenberg as USDOT transportation policy secretary
6/4/2009
Last week, President Obama announced his intention to nominate Polly Trottenberg as assistant secretary for transportation policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Final FMLA remedy a win for Rail Labor
6/11/2009
Certain BLET members working for the nation’s four largest railroads will receive one day’s pay for each vacation and/or personal leave day they were forced to use instead of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.

BLET, UTU file joint petition to prohibit one-person crews
6/12/2009
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the UTU have filed a petition for an emergency order with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) seeking to prohibit the use of one-person train crews — including conventional and remote control yard switching operations.

BNSF spends almost $2 billion to maintain track network
6/17/2009
Tie gangs have been repairing and maintaining tracks along the BNSF route from Chicago to Seattle.

2010 Election Rules now available
7/1/2009
On May 29, the BLET Advisory Board adopted Rules for the 2010 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National Division Officers Election. These rules provide detailed guidelines for compliance with Section 49 of the National Division Rules of the BLET Bylaws, which governs the election of National Division Officers.

FRA provides interpretation concerning July Hours of Service
7/15/2009
With changes to the federal hours of service laws taking effect on Thursday, July 16, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as provided an interpretation concerning the effect of hours worked prior to the changes.

Teamster Rail Conference leaders meet with DOT Secretary LaHood
7/17/2009
Leaders of the BLET, BMWED and Teamsters met with Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood on July 15 to discuss changes to the Hours of Service Law, high speed rail, and a host of additional issues.

Denver, BNSF reach agreement on line sale
7/21/2009
Denver's Regional Transportation District and BNSF have reached agreement for RTD to acquire part of BNSF's Denver-Cheyenne, Wyo., route for regional passenger rail use.

BNSF boosts earnings, reduces expenses and operating ratio
7/24/2009
Yesterday, BNSF reported non-adjusted earnings of $1.18 per share, up 18 percent compared with second-quarter 2008 earnings, the only Class I to register higher earnings this quarter.

BLET, UTU file joint comments on FRA HOS Interpretations
7/28/2009
In a joint submission aimed at improving safety and the security of member paychecks, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and United Transportation Union have asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to clarify and simplify its interim policies relating to, and interpretations of, the Rail Safety Improvement Act’s changes to hours-of-service limitations that went into effect July 16.

BNSF building rail line near Butte, Mont., for storage
7/31/2009
BNSF Railway is installing 1,700 new feet of rail line near a Butte rail yard and plans to use the line to store excess rail cars.

House judiciary subcommittee OKs 'rail antitrust' bill, CURE says
8/3/2009
Last week, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy approved the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009, proposing to repeal railroads' antitrust exemptions.

FRA's proposed PTC rule would 'impose a financial burden beyond what Congress intended,' AAR says
8/14/2009
The AAR urged the FRA yesterday to "faithfully follow" Congressional statues requiring the implementation of PTC but said that the implementation rule "impose a financial burden above and beyond what Congress intended."

BNSF rail labor reunion planned for September 19
8/18/2009
A picnic for current BNSF and retired ATSF operating employees is planned for Emporia, Kan., on Saturday, September 19.

BNSF, Washington state port launch construction on loop track
8/18/2009
BNSF Railway Co. and Port of Vancouver USA officials recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a rail project that will support the Port Terminal 5 expansion program.

Triennial election nominations to take place in September
8/21/2009
All BLET members are hereby reminded that nominations for the triennial election of local Division officers must be held at your first regular meeting in September.

BNSF opposes requirement to install automatic-braking systems
8/31/2009
BNSF Railway, the largest U.S. railroad, is pushing Congress to scale back a requirement for carriers to install automatic-braking systems on most of their tracks.

BNSF appoints two to vice president slots
9/3/2009
BNSF said Thursday Paul Bischler and Julie Piggott have been named vice president and chief sourcing officer, and vice president planning & studies and controller, respectively.

BNSF to start cleanup work on Whitefish River
9/7/2009
By the end of September, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway is expected to begin removing contaminants from the Whitefish River as part of an order handed down by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Dependent Social Security Numbers must be provided to comply with new federal law
9/10/2009
A new federal law that became effective January 1, 2009 requires that group health insurance plans, certain claims processing third-party administrators, and certain employer self-funded/self-administered plans report specific information about Medicare beneficiaries who have other group coverage. This law requires the reporting of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for covered dependents of employees to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

EPA, BNSF to begin removal of contaminated sediments from the Whitefish River
9/16/2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is ordering the removal of contaminated sediments from sections of the Whitefish River in northwestern Montana beginning in late September. The Whitefish River flows from Whitefish Lake through the town of Whitefish, in Flathead County. Sediments in certain areas of the river are contaminated with petroleum products, causing a visible sheen on the river when disturbed.

House panel OKs rail antitrust bill
9/17/2009
The House Judiciary Committee passed an antitrust bill that railroads oppose, as it would put them under the same antitrust provisions faced by other industries, but any similar measure in the Senate awaits an overall rail competition bill.

Education & Training Dept. announces workshop for new Local Chairmen
9/21/2009
The BLET’s Education and Training Department is conducting a workshop in November for first-time Local Chairmen.

Deadheading and new Hours of Service regulations
9/25/2009
The BLET National Division continues to get reports from all segments of the industry about problems with how deadhead trips are being treated for Hours of Service (HOS) recordkeeping purposes and in the application of the law. Some of these problems appear to be related to various carriers’ electronic timekeeping systems, while others seem to flow from a misinterpretation of the law.

BLET, UTU jointly oppose Amtrak firearms amendment
9/30/2009
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the United Transportation Union have joined forces to oppose a Senate amendment that would allow Amtrak passengers to carry firearms in their checked luggage.

Plan ahead for 2010 BLET regional meetings
10/13/2009
BLET members making vacation plans for next year are encouraged to consider attending one of the BLET’s regional meetings in 2010.

BNSF railyard cleanup in Montana removes petroleum
10/8/2009
State officials say more than 17,400 gallons of petroleum product have been removed from a contaminated rail yard in Livingston, Mont., over the last two years.

National President Ed Rodzwicz placed on leave
10/15/2009
The BLET Advisory Board today placed National President Edward Rodzwicz on a leave of absence pending outcome of the serious charges levied against him by the U.S. Department of Justice. In the interim, First Vice President Paul T. Sorrow will assume the role of Acting President.

BNSF hit with $4.2 million sanction following verdict in 2003 crash
10/19/2009
Burlington Northern Santa Fe abused evidence so flagrantly after a 2003 fatal train collision in Anoka that a judge ruled this week it should be penalized an additional $4.2 million for its conduct.

BLET acts to halt video surveillance
10/20/2009
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has taken legal action in State and Federal Court in California to halt Metrolink’s illegal audio and video surveillance of its members inside locomotive cabs.

BLET to review Designated Legal Counsel program
10/23/2009
The Advisory Board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) yesterday announced that it will review its attorney referral program for injured union members.

USDOT convenes first-ever safety council meeting
10/27/2009
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently held the first meeting for its newly formed safety council, which includes representatives from the agency’s 10 operating administrations.

BLET, UTU challenge new HOS interpretations
10/30/2009
The BLET and the UTU now have jointly asked the FRA to reconsider portions of their interim statement of agency policy and interpretation. The new rules would impact more than 85,000 train and engine service employees who are members of the BLET and UTU.

BLET statement on BNSF acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway
11/4/2009
BLET Acting President Paul Sorrow has spoken with BNSF Railway CEO Matt Rose regarding the railroad’s acquisition by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Brother Sorrow advised Mr. Rose that, in large part, it is the continued hard work of BLET locomotive engineers and all other union workers that has made BNSF Railway such an attractive investment target for Mr. Buffett. It is the BLET’s position that the contribution of BLET members must be recognized during the upcoming round of contract negotiations.

BNSF, BLET reach tentative accord
11/6/2009
BNSF Railway Co. and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reached a tentative agreement to settle wage and work rule matters concerning BNSF’s locomotive engineers for the major round of collective bargaining that will begin Jan. 1, 2010.

Replacement ballots available for BNSF tentative agreement
11/17/2009
Contract information and ballots were mailed to approximately 6,000 BLET members on November 9 for voting on the union’s tentative agreement with BNSF. Members who did not receive a ballot can request a replacement by contacting the BLET National Division by phone or by email.

Sorrow assumes Presidency, becoming 22nd Engineers’ chief
11/17/2009
Paul T. Sorrow became the 22nd Chief Executive of the oldest rail labor union in North America concurrent with the resignation of Edward W. Rodzwicz as BLET National President on November 13. Rodzwicz, who had been on a leave of absence since October 15, also resigned as President of the Teamsters Rail Conference and intends to retire.

Montana sues BNSF for failing to make grain payments
11/17/2009
Attorneys for Montana have filed a lawsuit against BNSF Railway Co. for failing to live up to a 1984 agreement that the state says requires the company to pay some grain shipping costs in central Montana.

FRA refuses to prohibit one-person train crews
11/23/2009
The Federal Railroad Administration has refused to issue an emergency order banning the use of one-person crews in conventional and remote control yard switching operations, but it pledged to monitor them "very closely." The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers-Teamsters and the United Transportation Union filed a petition in June seeking the prohibition.

BNSF-Berkshire deal clears antitrust hurdle
12/7/2009
The $26 billion buyout of BNSF Railway by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway investment firm cleared a key antitrust review process.

Supreme Court upholds right to arbitration hearing on the merits
12/9/2009
In a 9-0 decision issued yesterday, the United States Supreme Court affirmed an important right for BLET members and all railroad workers: the right to have their contract disputes heard on the merits by an arbitrator.

BLET members ratify five-year contract with BNSF
12/18/2009
By nearly a 3-to-1 majority, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen yesterday ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with the BNSF Railway.

Pierce new BLET First Vice President; Gore promoted to Vice President
12/18/2009
The Advisory Board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen yesterday elected Vice President Dennis R. Pierce to the position of First Vice President & Alternate President, the second-highest office in the union. Additionally, Gil Gore became the newest BLET Vice President as he was elevated from the First Alternate Vice President’s position to fill Pierce’s vacancy on the Advisory Board.

Hoffa to Congress: Don’t tax our health insurance plans
1/11/2010
The last thing the American middle class needs right now is a big new tax on health insurance plans.

FRA releases final PTC implementation rule
1/13/2010
Yesterday, the FRA released a final implementation rule on positive train control (PTC), which governs PTC implementation on the nation’s major freight-rail lines, as well as commuter and intercity passenger-rail routes.

New FELA Code of Compliance mailed to officers, posted on website
1/13/2010
The BLET National Division mailed copies of its revised Code of Compliance, Protocol for Designation and Rules of Conduct regarding the Designated Legal Counsel program to more than 2,000 union officers today. Copies of the documents are also available on the BLET website.

Inward-facing cameras unnecessary, wasteful
1/21/2010
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) today charged that the installation of inward-facing cameras inside locomotive cabs as recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is unnecessary and wasteful.

FRA final rule revises locomotive engineer certification requirements
1/25/2010
The Federal Railroad Administration issued a final rule on December 31, 2009 addressing miscellaneous revisions to 49 CFR Part 240. The rule will take effect on February 22, 2010.

Berkshire to replace BNSF on S&P 500
1/28/2010
Earlier this week, Standard & Poors announced Berkshire Hathaway Inc. will replace Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. on the S&P 500 stock index if Warren Buffett completes his buyout of the Class I.

Education & Training Dept. announces March workshop for new Local Chairmen
2/9/2010
Registration is now open for the BLET Education and Training Department’s workshop for first-time Local Chairmen in March.

BNSF shareholders approve Berkshire Hathaway takeover
2/11/2010
BNSF Thursday said its shareholders had voted overwhelmingly in favor of the company's acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

BNSF derailment in Santa Fe forces evacuations
2/19/2010
Although 22 train cars derailed Thursday in Santa Fe, prompting mandatory evacuations, only two overturned tankers leaked oil and solid waste.

BNSF crews removing derailed train cars in E Washington
3/8/2010
Burlington Northern Santa Fe workers plan to have the railroad's mainline track reopened Sunday evening after 24 cars from a train carrying corn derailed in Eastern Washington.

Railroad Retirement Board 2010 informational conferences
3/12/2010
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will hold free informational conferences throughout 2010 for elected officers of all railroad labor unions.

Randy Meek re-elected Nebraska State Legislative Board Chairman
3/18/2010
Randy Meek of BLET Division 98 (Lincoln, Neb.) was re-elected Chairman of the Nebraska State Legislative Board at their Triennial Meeting on March 1-4, 2010, in Lincoln.

RTD’s $143.8-million deal with BNSF Railway locks down FasTracks property
3/22/2010
RTD has reached a total $143.8 million agreement with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway that will move progress forward on two FasTracks corridors to Arvada/Wheat Ridge and Westminster.

BLET to conduct training for Legislative Representatives
3/29/2010
The BLET Education & Training Department, in conjunction with the National Legislative Office and the National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen (NASLBC), will conduct a workshop for BLET Division Legislative Representatives in Washington, D.C., from May 23-27, 2010.

BLET Education & Training Dept. to conduct General Chairman workshop
4/7/2010
The BLET Education & Training Department, in conjunction with the BLET Arbitration Department, is offering a General Chairman’s workshop in St. Louis, Mo., the week of May 16, 2010.

BLET Officers Election forms now available
4/15/2010
fficial forms and documents for BLET members seeking to run for office in the 2010 National Division Officers Election are now available on the BLET website.

Judge raps state of Montana over rail dispute with BNSF
4/16/2010
U.S. District Magistrate Keith Strong on Tuesday granted BNSF Railway Co.'s motion for summary judgment and denied Central Montana Rail Co.'s motion to dismiss a years-long suit filed by the short line.

BNSF, short lines form caucus
4/30/2010
BNSF Railway Co., the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and 14 short-line holding companies and small railroads recently partnered to form the BNSF Short Line Caucus.

Priester reelected as Western General Chairmen conclude annual meeting
4/30/2010
General Chairman Mike Priester (CP Rail-US/Metra North/Indiana Southern Railroad/DM&E Railroad) was reelected to a fourth term as Chairman of BLET’s Western General Chairman’s Association (WGCA) at meetings held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 20-22, 2010. He was elected by acclamation by the Association’s members.

BLET to mark 147th anniversary on May 8
5/7/2010
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) marks its 147th anniversary tomorrow. The union was founded as the Brotherhood of the Footboard on May 8, 1863 in Marshall, Mich.

BLET national bargaining underway
5/14/2010
Another round of bargaining began in 2009 to improve agreements governing BLET members throughout the nation. Negotiations for a new National Agreement have begun, and contract talks will begin later this year on Amtrak and U.S. railroads owned by Canadian National Railway.

Proposed FRA rule would ban on-duty workers from using electronic devices
5/18/2010
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced it has proposed a rule that would prohibit railroad operating employees from “improperly” using electronic devices while on duty.

Sorrow announces retirement
6/2/2010
BLET National President Paul T. Sorrow submitted a letter to National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert today, advising that he is resigning the Presidency effective July 1, 2010, in order to retire.

Current News

Go Back