Three railroad unions have tentatively agreed to a new labor contract with US freight railways.
The Transportation Communications Union (TCU)/IAM (International Association of Machinists), the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers are the three unions.
The tentative deal will be sent to members for ratification by those unions, who represent more than 15,000 rail employees, or almost 11% of workers at the negotiation table. It advocates for a 24% salary increase over the next five years, from 2020 to 24.
According to the unions, the tentative deal allows employees to receive the greatest general salary increases ever achieved through collective bargaining. The pact also includes health care coverage and other elements supported by the unions, such as leave and vacation policies.
These measures are based on advice from the Presidential Emergency Board (PEB), a three-person independent group created by President Joe Biden in July with the task of assisting unions and railways in reaching a labor agreement after failing to do so for almost two years.
“This agreement assures that every single penny of the recommendations contained in PEB…. goes directly into the pockets of our members,” TCU President Arthur Maratea said in a news release. “Through this deal, TCU/IAM members will earn thousands of dollars in back pay as well as thousands of dollars in higher compensation.” There is little doubt that getting to a PEB and receiving these recommendations would not have been possible without the collaboration of all rail labor.
“The unions held firm, determined to oppose the carriers’ attempts to reduce health-care benefits, challenge our work standards, and remove two-man crews.” That fight went well for us.”
Maratea asked members to support the arrangement.
“Our national freight members have not been paid in three years.” We would still be bargaining if there was a likelihood of obtaining a better agreement,” he stated. “If we do not achieve a deal, our members in national handling will not be able to vote on its terms — and we will have to rely on Congress to enforce whatever conditions it decides, which will take months.” I strongly believe that our members should be able to vote on and select their own future.”
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division and the SMART mechanical unions are bargaining as a coalition, while nine other unions have yet to reach an agreement.
Overall, the unions represent around 140,00 workers employed by Class I railroads in the United States.
The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC), which represents freight railroads, commended the three unions’ decision and urged further talks with the other unions that have yet to reach an agreement.
“The NCCC would like to thank the leadership teams of these unions for their professionalism and efforts during the negotiation process,” the NCCC said in a news statement. “It is vital for all stakeholders — including customers, staff, and the general public — that all parties complete the negotiations as soon as possible to avoid service disruptions.” As a result, we look forward to furthering conversations with the unions that have not achieved tentative agreements and will continue to pursue voluntary agreements in accordance with the PEB’s recommendations.”
The cooling-off period, during which both parties are barred from adopting any actions, such as a work stoppage or strike, under the Railway Labor Act, continues until September 16.
A new labor agreement has been in the works since January 2020, but negotiations have stalled. A government mediation board took over the proceedings, but the parties dropped out earlier this summer. Over the last month, the PEB became involved in the process and held hearings.
