TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen at the Florida, Gulf & Atlantic Railway have ratified a five-year agreement, their first since joining the union last year, the BLET has announced.
The agreement, ratified Nov. 21 and announced this week, establishes such work rules as a seniority roster, grievance procedures, guaranteed extra boards with rest days, a formal training process, and paid personal time off, as well as wage increases of 17% (18.3% compounded) and the ability to earn overtime. Previously, the workers were all non-union, at-will employees.
“Railroaders at FG&A wanted union representation to address issues related to safety, working conditions, wages, and other compensation with their employer,” BLET National Vice President Randy Fannon, who led the organizing and contract negotiating efforts at the railroad, said in a press release.
The Florida, Gulf & Atlantic operates 430 miles of former CSX trackage between Pensacola and Baldwin, Fla., with a branch between Tallahassee and Attapulgus, Ga.
