BNSF Railway reaches tentative agreement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen on paid sick leave and improvements to work schedules for locomotive engineers

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and BNSF Railway have reached a system-wide agreement this week that will significantly benefit locomotive engineers at BNSF. The tentative agreement includes up to eight paid sick leave days and grants access to scheduled time off in an effort to improve the quality of work-life balance for the engineers.

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This breakthrough tentative agreement comes after several months of negotiations, and pending ratification by BLET’s members at BNSF, it is expected to bring positive changes to both the professional and personal lives of locomotive engineers. The agreement will allow for more predictable scheduling and enable engineers to take paid sick leave without any penalty. These enhancements will not only contribute to a more consistent service for BNSF's customers but also aid in the recruitment and retention of employees.

Furthermore, the agreement introduces work/rest options that can be implemented in every pool. Locomotive engineers will have the opportunity to earn an “Earned Day Off” (EDO) quarterly. Additionally, all BLET-represented engineers at BNSF will be provided individual paid sick days.

Approximately 7,500 BLET members at BNSF will receive detailed information about the tentative agreement this week, and a ratification vote is scheduled for September.

The cooperation between BLET and BNSF marks an important step forward in supporting the well-being and satisfaction of locomotive engineers, ensuring a more balanced and efficient work environment.

About BNSF Railway

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food, and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.

About The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) is a Division of the Rail Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and also the nation’s oldest labor union. The union began in 1863 as the Brotherhood of the Footboard; a year later, its name was changed to The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. This year marks the union’s 160^th anniversary. The BLE merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and became the BLET on January 1, 2004. Today, the union represents 51,000 locomotive engineers and other railroad service workers at BNSF Railway and the other Class I railroads, as well as short line, passenger rand commuter railroads across the United States, including Amtrak. More information can be found at www.BLE-T.org.

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