NEW YORK - TelAve -- The New York & Atlantic Railway (NYA) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) celebrated a key milestone as newly elected General Chairman Gilman Lang was invited to join NYA employees for the All-Hands-on-Deck Mid-Year Safety Meeting. Emphasizing the critical importance of safety and strong labor-management collaboration, Chairman Lang joined NYA in reinforcing best practices and shared commitment to a safe, professional, and cooperative workplace culture. The session reflects NYA's ongoing dedication to continuous improvement, skill development, and fostering a culture of safety and collaboration.

"This session demonstrates the strength of our partnership," said General Chairman Lang. "BLET members at NYA can be confident that their union leadership is working hand-in-hand with the railroad to keep safety, training, and professionalism at the forefront." His participation reinforced the close alignment between BLET and NYA on ensuring employees are supported with the skills and resources they need to navigate one of the most complex operating environments in the nation.

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The event comes on the heels of significant news for BLET members: the ratification of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective August 14, 2025 through December 31, 2028. Approved on August 6, the agreement provides immediate wage gains, with an hourly rate increase retroactive to June 1, 2025, and additional wage increases totaling eight percent over the life of the contract. Lang described the agreement as "a fair outcome that delivers real value for our members while providing long-term stability for the railroad."

Marlon Taylor, President of NYA, emphasized the importance of the session as a signal of shared priorities: "Our relationship with BLET is essential not only to the success of NYA but also to keeping the region's supply chains safe and efficient. Chairman Lang's direct involvement shows how our joint commitment to safety strengthens both the workforce and the communities we serve."

Bruce Lieberman, EVP and CFO of Anacostia Rail Holdings, noted, "This marks our second amicable contract with BLET in two years; proof of what collaboration, trust, and a shared focus on safety can achieve."

Earlier, Anacostia's Pacific Harbor Line secured a three-year extension with BLET Division 214 well ahead of schedule.

Formed in 1997, NYA operates freight service on Long Island Rail Road lines, replacing more than 120,000 truck trips annually and cutting emissions by 75%. The railroad connects with BRT, CP, CSX, NS, NYNJ, and P&W.