Putting members first was the central message as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) opened its Sixth National Convention on Tuesday, October 13, with union leaders highlighting collective bargaining victories, efforts to protect rail jobs, and plans to strengthen the organization.
“We enter this Convention with renewed life and purpose. Our purpose is to return this Brotherhood to its members,” BLET National President Mark Wallace said in his State of the Union address during the convention’s first day. “That means listening to them, being accountable to them, and standing beside them when they need us,” Wallace said.
Wallace highlighted the union’s support for members during successful strikes at New Jersey Transit in 2025 and the Long Island Rail Road in 2026, efforts to protect American rail jobs at the southern border, and the decision to respect members’ rejection of a contract agreement at CPKC.
Since Wallace assumed the presidency on May 1 last year, the BLET has reached 31 contract settlements covering short-line railroads, Class I freight carriers and passenger railroads.
BLET’s National President also pointed to the settlement of the national freight agreement and what he described as historic strikes at New Jersey Transit and the Long Island Rail Road. The union has also made organizing Class II and III railroads a priority, and has recorded organizing victories at 19 properties since 2022. The BLET has also continued numerous legislative efforts to advance its agenda and protect members’ interests, he reported.
Union Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern a major concern
Wallace identified Union Pacific’s proposed takeover of Norfolk Southern as the biggest issue facing the union and its members. And it’s not just BLET; the Teamsters Rail Conference, which comprises the BLET and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), is leading a coalition of seven rail unions with members at both UP and NS, representing more than 70% of the combined workforce — all united in opposition to the proposed merger.
Wallace and BLET First Vice President Gary Best are scheduled to lead a town hall meeting with convention delegates later this week to discuss the proposed transaction and the union’s strategy to combat it.
Financial strength and training a priority
BLET National Secretary-Treasurer David Estes said the National Division was prioritizing members by strengthening the union’s financial position and improving its Education and Training Department, which he also leads.
Reflecting on his tenure, Estes contrasted his appearance at the Fifth National Convention four years ago as acting National Secretary-Treasurer with his report at this year’s gathering. “I am proud of what we have accomplished,” Estes said, emphasizing that financial stability, modernized systems, and officer training were intended to strengthen the union’s ability to represent its members. “We do those things for one reason: to make this Brotherhood stronger for the members we represent,” he said.
Mike Smith, director of the Teamsters Rail Conference, also underscored the BLET’s longstanding commitment to members, noting that the union’s roots date back to 1863, making it the oldest trade union in the United States.
“For more than 160 years, generations of locomotive engineers and trainmen have carried this Brotherhood forward,” Smith said. “Different generations. Different railroads. Different challenges. But the same fundamental mission: Protect the people who do the work.”
Delegates prepare for key decisions
In the afternoon session, delegates received reports from the convention’s standing committees, including the Work, Credentials, Salaries and Bylaws committees.
The convention is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, October 14. In the October 13 session, 413 guests were in attendance while 391 delegates represented more than 31,000 active BLET members working on national freight and passenger rail systems across the United States.
Delegates are responsible for nominating candidates for National Division office, reviewing and voting on proposed changes to the Brotherhood’s bylaws, and carrying out other convention business. In addition to elections and union business, convention attendees later this week will hear addresses by speakers including Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien and U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), who serves as the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
