BLET Members Ratify Five-Year Labor Deal with Major US Freight Railroads, Securing 18.8% Wage Increase

WASHINGTON D.C. – Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) have overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with the nation’s largest freight railroads, securing significant wage gains and ensuring operational stability across the network. The deal, approved by 70% of voting members on December 30, 2025, covers over 12,000 workers at key Class I carriers including BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and CN.

The new contract was finalized after members voted to approve the tentative agreement reached on October 30, 2025, between the BLET and the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC), the bargaining representative for the nation’s major freight railroads. The five-year agreement delivers an 18.8% general wage increase over its term, a one-time $500 lump sum payment, and notable improvements to vacation accrual policies. Crucially for the union, the contract was achieved with no concessions and includes no changes to work rules, a major point of contention in previous negotiation rounds.

While the agreement focuses squarely on compensation and benefits, it does not introduce new technical or operational mandates. The terms hold out-of-pocket healthcare costs steady for the union members, providing financial predictability. The BLET did not disclose the total number of members who participated in the ratification vote, but the 70% approval margin indicates strong support for the terms secured by the union’s leadership. This successful ratification ensures uninterrupted service from locomotive engineers and trainmen at ten key freight carriers, including industry giants BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway, and the U.S. operations of CN.

The BLET-NCCC agreement comes amid a dynamic period for labor negotiations across North American transportation and professional sports. For context, the ECHL minor league hockey players’ union also recently ratified a five-year collective bargaining agreement on December 30, ending a strike and securing a 20% salary increase in the first year alone. Similarly, in the passenger rail sector, over 18,000 unionized Amtrak workers recently received holiday bonuses, signaling a period of positive labor-management outcomes. The successful BLET negotiation, achieved without a work stoppage, positions the union favorably and sets a significant benchmark for other rail labor talks.

Key Takeaways

• Network Stability: The five-year term provides long-term stability and predictability for the North American freight rail network, averting the threat of labor-related disruptions that could impact global supply chains.
• Significant Member Gains: Over 12,000 BLET members will receive substantial wage increases and improved benefits without sacrificing existing work rules or making other concessions.
• Bargaining Precedent: The agreement sets a strong precedent for ongoing and future negotiations between other rail unions and the NCCC, particularly regarding wage expectations and the protection of work rules.

Editor’s Analysis

This agreement is more than a domestic labor settlement; it’s a critical stabilizing event for the global supply chain. The U.S. freight rail system is a backbone of international trade, and the certainty provided by this five-year deal will be welcomed by manufacturers, retailers, and logistics firms worldwide. The ability of the BLET to secure an 18.8% wage increase without conceding on work rules demonstrates the persistent leverage of skilled labor in the post-pandemic economy. For international rail operators and unions, this outcome will be closely watched as a model for achieving significant compensation gains while holding the line on operational and quality-of-life issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which railroads are covered by this new agreement?

The agreement covers BLET members at 10 freight railroads represented by the NCCC, including major carriers like BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway, and CN.

What are the main financial benefits for the BLET members?

The primary benefits are an 18.8% general wage increase spread over the five-year contract, a one-time $500 lump sum payment, and no increase in out-of-pocket costs for healthcare.

Were there any changes to work rules in this contract?

No. A key feature of the ratified agreement is that it contains no concessions from the union or any changes to existing work rules.