Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

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Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen North America's oldest labor union founded in 1863

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen exist to promote and protect the rights, interest, and safety of its members through solidarity, aggressive representation, and education. Vision statement: It is the vision of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to be at the forefront of the labor movement as the result of grassroots involvement, and expanding membership, and a cohesiveness among its crafts and with other unions. It will be an internationally renown democratic organization with deeply held values and ideals that advance the working conditions, wages, benefits, job security, and quality of life for its present and future members and their families.

Left, right, Democrat or Republican, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) continues to work acros...
09/22/2026

Left, right, Democrat or Republican, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) continues to work across party lines to best represent its members and build opposition to the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger.

This month, representatives of BLET and Teamsters Rail Conference participated in two major political events — the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas and the Democratic Attorneys General Association annual meeting in Detroit — to educate leaders on both sides of the aisle about the harmful aspects of the proposed merger, which would weaken the railroad workforce, drive up rates for consumers, and hurt the nation’s supply chain.

BLET First Vice President Gary Best and representatives of the other half of the Rail Conference BMWED brought the voice of railroaders to the Republican Midterm Convention. BLET Assistant to the National President John Fink and Legislative Director of the Teamsters Rail Conference Alex Beckmann attended the Democratic Attorneys General Association annual meeting to discuss with Attorneys General, staff, and other stakeholders BLET’s and Rail Conference opposition to the merger.

The Rail Conference participated in the Republican convention as representatives of the Stop the Rail Merger Coalition. Brother Best said Union Pacific posted misleading signs throughout the Republican convention space claiming to speak on behalf of workers and farmers. These implications are not accurate. BMWED and BLET corrected the record with many GOP representatives while in Dallas.

The BMWED, BLET, and the Teamsters Rail Conference will continue to explore every opportunity to combat the UP-NS merger and build on our momentum with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to oppose this proposed merger.

Data collection for safety initiatives: The BLET National Division is seeking member reports on failures and other issue...
09/21/2026

Data collection for safety initiatives: The BLET National Division is seeking member reports on failures and other issues involving Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Positive Train Control (PTC). The information collected through this initiative will be a critical resource in advancing the BLET’s efforts to protect members from unsafe working conditions.

Members are asked to use this EMS and PTC reporting form to document the issues they have experienced: blet.link/4yVjBp3

BLET’s various General Committees of Adjustment, State Legislative Boards, or Divisions may already use other methods for reporting EMS and PTC-related issues. For this time-sensitive project, however, the National Division respectfully asks those subordinate bodies to distribute the National Division reporting form and encourage all affected members to complete it.

The National Division’s goal is to collect as many reports as possible, and prompt response from the membership is greatly appreciated.

While some members may be concerned about potential retaliation, please be assured that all raw data collected through this project will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared. The National Division has retained an independent data firm that will not disclose any personally identifiable information.

This PDF flyer includes instructions for downloading the app, along with a QR code for direct access: blet.link/4Ars1pG. Please distribute the flyer as widely as possible.

Members with questions regarding this project should contact their General Chairman or State Legislative Board Chairman.

Photo by Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659

BLET hosts dedication ceremonies for SPC Louis P. Shuster Memorial InterchangeThe highway overpass between I-480 and 150...
09/19/2026

BLET hosts dedication ceremonies for SPC Louis P. Shuster Memorial Interchange

The highway overpass between I-480 and 150th Street in Cleveland is now officially known as the SPC Louis P. Shuster Memorial Interchange. On March 7, 2023, Brother Lou — President of BLET Division 607 in Cleveland, Ohio — was tragically killed in a yard accident while working for Norfolk Southern in Cleveland, Ohio.

The highway marker was installed earlier this week, and the BLET organized and hosted two ceremonies to officially dedicate the memorial marker for family, friends, and co-workers.

Brother Lou was an Army veteran, a loving father, and the primary caregiver for his parents. The I-480 interchange is where many railroad workers exit the highway to reach the train yard where Brother Lou worked, and naming the interchange in his honor serves as a reminder of his passion and dedication to his family, his co-workers, and fellow military veterans.

On September 14, the BLET National Division hosted a reception featuring remarks from National President Mark Wallace, BLET Ohio State Legislative Board Chairman John Esterly, Division 607 Local Chairman Pat Redmond, and State Representative Sean P Brennan (OH-14th District). During the reception, Brother Lou’s son Ethan was presented with a memorial plaque.

On September 15, Chairman Esterly organized a drive-by for family and friends to view the installed sign. City of Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy (Annie) Todd was in attendance as a police es**rt led a low-speed pass along the interchange at I-480 and West 150th Street.

Chairman Esterly and BLET members across Ohio worked extensively to secure bipartisan support for the legislation, with Rep. Brennan (OH-14th District) and Ty Mathews for State Representative (OH-83rd District) serving as the bill's primary sponsors.

Mark Elkins was reelected to his second term as Chairman of the Kentucky State Legislative Board at its ninth quadrennia...
09/18/2026

Mark Elkins was reelected to his second term as Chairman of the Kentucky State Legislative Board at its ninth quadrennial meeting held on September 2. Elkins is a CSX locomotive engineer and a member of BLET Division 271 in Russell, Ky.

The BLET’s Kentucky State Legislative Board represents approximately 1,200 active and retired members from 11 different BLET Divisions.

BLET National President Mark Wallace addressed delegates regarding several issues of national importance, including the growing strength of the BLET and Teamsters Rail Conference on Capitol Hill. BLET First Vice President Gary Best provided an update on BLET’s efforts to oppose the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. BLET National Secretary-Treasurer David Estes gave a presentation on the BLET’s financial strength and growing membership numbers, and also discussed programming from the BLET Education & Training Department, which he heads.

Also elected were: 1st Vice Chairman Justin Dzan, Division 365 (Louisville, Ky.); 2nd Vice Chairman Joseph Peyton, Division 199 (Danville, Ky.); Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Maynard, Division 271 (Russell, Ky.); and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Travis Wolfe, Division 165 (Louisville, Ky.). Elected to serve on the Audit Committee were: Edgar Richards, Division 199 (Danville, Ky.); Glen Elkins, Division 698 (Ashland, Ky.); and Jamie Elswick, Division 698 (Ashland, Ky.). Brother Maynard has served the Board as Secretary-Treasurer since 2006.

Guest speakers at the meeting were Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jaqueline Coleman and Kentucky State Senator (District 28) Greg Elkins, the brother of Chairman Elkins.

Favorable view of labor: On the heels of Labor Day, a new Gallup poll shows Americans are giving labor unions a big thum...
09/17/2026

Favorable view of labor: On the heels of Labor Day, a new Gallup poll shows Americans are giving labor unions a big thumbs up. The poll shows that 71% of Americans approve of labor unions, while 47% want unions to have more influence.

Americans’ strong desire for unions to gain influence coincides with labor union approval tying its recent high. The current 71% approval rating matches the 2022 reading and extends a six-year period in which approval has stayed between 67% and 71%.

Union approval has risen sharply from the all-time low of 48% recorded in 2009. Approval was only higher than now in the 1950s, when it reached 73% to 75%, and in the initial measure in 1936 (72%).

Full survey results are available on the Gallup website: blet.link/4AeRx1r

The BLET has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the Illinois & Midland Railroad (IMRR). Ballots were mailed on...
09/17/2026

The BLET has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the Illinois & Midland Railroad (IMRR). Ballots were mailed on September 10.

If ratified by the membership, the tentative agreement would provide general wage increases each year of the contract (2027-2031). The tentative agreement would also provide increased pay for trainers and make no changes to the cost of employee health & welfare.

The IMRR membership is represented by the BLET’s CN-IC General Committee of Adjustment. The negotiating team consisted of CN-IC General Chairman Billy Evans and assigned Vice President Randy Fannon.

The IMRR, a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming, headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, operates over 97 miles of track and interchanges with BNSF, CPKC, Union Pacific, and the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad.

Note to IMRR members: Ballots were mailed on September 10 and will be tabulated on October 1. Members who are eligible to vote and have not received a ratification packet by September 21 should call the National Division’s dedicated voicemail line at (216) 241-2630, ext. 222. When connected to the voicemail, please leave the following information:

• Your name, address, and phone number;
• The division to which you belong;
• The railroad you work for;
• Your date of birth;
• The last four digits of your Social Security number; and
• Your email address.

All replacement ballots will be distributed by email. Any member who requires a replacement ballot must include their email address in the voicemail; otherwise, they will not be able to participate in the ratification vote.

Photo by Joseph T. Wagner

Adam Kaufman was elected Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Legislative Board at its sixth quadrennial meeting in Hershe...
09/16/2026

Adam Kaufman was elected Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Legislative Board at its sixth quadrennial meeting in Hershey, Pa., held September 2-3. It is his first term in the role. A third-generation railroader, Kaufman is a Norfolk Southern locomotive engineer and a member of BLET Division 325 in Wilkinsburg, Pa.

The BLET Pennsylvania State Legislative Board represents more than 2,100 active and retired members from 13 BLET Divisions. Brother Kaufman is the Board’s fifth chairman since its founding in 1986.

Also elected during the quadrennial meeting were: 1st Vice Chairman Tim Laveing, Division 325 (Wilkinsburg, Pa.); 2nd Vice Chairman Peter Fernandez, Division 757 (New Castle, Pa.); 3rd Vice Chairman Gary Trice, Division 370 (Pittsburgh, Pa.); Secretary-Treasurer Rob McLean, Division 325 (Wilkinsburg, Pa.); and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer James O’Donnell, Division 74 (Harrisburg-Enola, Pa.). Elected to serve as Trustees were: Gary Trice, Division 370 (Pittsburgh, Pa.); Ray Corr, Division 259 (Eason, Pa.); and John Wagner, Division 287 (Altoona, Pa.).

BLET National President Mark Wallace addressed the delegates via Zoom, giving a detailed report on BLET’s opposition to the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger and how it would affect all other railroads. In-person guests included: Brendan Sullivan, BLET Director of Political Affairs; John Esterly, Chairman of the Ohio State Legislative Board (who served as Parliamentarian during the meeting); and Sam Schatz, 1st Vice Chairman of the Ohio State Legislative Board (who recorded the minutes during the meeting).

Kaufman has served as 3rd Vice Chairman of the PA SLB since 2022. “I thank outgoing Chairman Tim Laveing for his leadership and guidance, and for helping me prepare for this new role,” Kaufman said.

It’s official. The highway interchange between I-480 and 150th Street in Cleveland is now known as the SPC Louis P. Shus...
09/15/2026

It’s official. The highway interchange between I-480 and 150th Street in Cleveland is now known as the SPC Louis P. Shuster Memorial Interchange.

On March 7, 2023, Brother Lou — President of BLET Division 607 in Cleveland, Ohio — was tragically killed in a yard accident while working for Norfolk Southern in Cleveland, Ohio blet.link/4xLUWCt. Brother Lou was an Army veteran, a loving father, and the primary caregiver for his parents.

The I-480 interchange is where many railroad workers exit the highway to reach the train yard where Brother Lou worked, and naming the interchange in his honor serves as a reminder of his passion and dedication to his family, his co-workers, and fellow military veterans.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill enacting House Bill 360 into law on June 24, 2026. The highway marker was installed earlier this week, and the BLET organized and hosted two ceremonies to officially dedicate the memorial marker. Many of Lou's family, friends, and BLET co-workers attended the solemn events.

Check back for additional coverage of these events honoring Brother Lou Shuster coming soon.

BLET members have ratified a new five-year agreement with the Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY). The agreement covers 2026-2...
09/15/2026

BLET members have ratified a new five-year agreement with the Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY). The agreement covers 2026-2030 and provides general wage increases, a signing bonus, and various work rule enhancements.

The negotiating team consisted of General Chairman Chip Cole and Vice General Chairman Matt Fadely, with assistance from assigned National Vice President Rick Gibbons. The IORY membership is part of BLET Division 282 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Owned by the Genesee & Wyoming and headquartered in Cincinnati, the IORY operates over 511 miles of track in western Ohio and in parts of southeastern Indiana and southeast Michigan.

Photo by Susan Finley

Locomotive engineers from throughout Ohio, along with their families, proudly represented the BLET at the annual Labor D...
09/14/2026

Locomotive engineers from throughout Ohio, along with their families, proudly represented the BLET at the annual Labor Day Parade in Toledo, Ohio, on Monday, September 7. The delegation consisted primarily of BLET members from Division 4 (Toledo, Ohio) and Divisions 34 and 894 (Columbus, Ohio). State Representative Michele Grim (District 43) was a special guest who marched with the BLET group. The Toledo parade is one of the largest in the Midwest.

“Representative Grim is a long-time friend of the BLET who has been instrumental in helping advance our rail safety agenda in recent years,” said John Esterly, Chairman of the BLET’s Ohio State Legislative Board, who also marched in the parade.

America’s first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Labor Day honors the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is also an annual national tribute to the contributions workers have made to our nation's strength, prosperity, and well-being. Organized labor, through its membership, has consistently contributed substantially to creating the highest standard of living and the highest levels of worker production the world has ever known.

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