Vote Underway for Iowa Northern Engineers on CN-IC Acquisition Deal

Ballots have been sent to members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) for voting on a tentative agreement related to the proposed acquisition of the Iowa Northern Railway by Canadian National-Illinois Central Railway (CN-IC). This agreement affects approximately 550 BLET members and details the expected operational changes and workforce integration if the acquisition is approved by the federal Surface Transportation Board.

The agreement proposes that the current CN-IC contract will be extended to include about 20 locomotive engineers from Iowa Northern. This is intended to simplify operations and improve labor relations under CN-IC's management. The specifics of these changes were included in the ratification packets mailed to members this week.

Members must return their ballots by May 30, 2024. If a member does not receive their ballot by May 13, they should contact the BLET National Division to request a replacement. The process includes verifying the member's identity and eligibility to ensure all voters are properly registered.

The acquisition, announced in December 2023, involves CN buying the Class III railroad for $230 million. Iowa Northern operates about 275 miles of track and is based in Waterloo, Iowa. A decision from the Surface Transportation Board on the merger is expected by this fall.

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