Tacoma Rail is one of the three Tacoma Public Utilities operating divisions, which also include Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water. Based in Tacoma, the railroad operates over 14 miles of track, provides switching services for the Port of Tacoma, and interchanges with BNSF and Union Pacific (see map below). (Map Courtesy of Tacoma Rail) The new agreement provides retroactive pay from 2017-25, general wage increases from 2026-29, establishes an additional paid holiday (Juneteenth), and addresses other work rule provisions, according to BLET, which noted that Tacoma Rail is publicly owned and operated by the city of Tacoma, Wash., and medical insurance for Tacoma Rail BLET members “mirrors that of other city employees.” BLET’s Division 238 in Tacoma represents members from both BNSF and Tacoma Rail. The negotiating team comprised Vice President James Logan Jr., General Chairman Ron Mills, Vice General Chairman Rich Drury, and Director of the BLET Short Line Department Luke Myers, according to the union. “The Tacoma Rail agreement was reached after nine years of dedicated effort,” Vice President Logan said. “General Chairman Mills’ unwavering commitment to protecting his members and their rights was instrumental in achieving this milestone.” Further Reading: BLET, Utah Central Ratify New Agreement The post BLET Members Ratify New Contract With Tacoma Rail appeared first on Railway Age.
