Ten of 13 Unions, Representing More Than 80,000 Employees, Have Now Reached Voluntary Settlements

WASHINGTON (November 17, 2011) — The nation’s major freight railroads reached tentative collective bargaining agreements with four additional unions representing more than 11,000 employees: the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, Iron Ship Builders, Forgers and Helpers; the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association; the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers; and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.

The railroads now have a total of 10 agreements covering more than 60% of the 132,000 employees in this bargaining round. The other unions which have reached agreements include the United Transportation Union and its Yardmasters Department, the Brotherhood Railway Carmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the Transportation Communications International Union, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

All of the tentative agreements implement the recommendations laid out by a Presidential Emergency Board appointed by President Obama. Details are not being released pending ratification votes by union members.

Only three unions have not reached voluntary settlements. The railroads are making every effort to reach settlements with these unions to ensure there are no disruptions to rail service. As mandated by the Railway Labor Act, the carriers and remaining unions are in a 30-day “cooling off” period. During this period, which ends December 6, strikes are not permitted.

The NCCC represents more than 30 railroads, including BNSF, CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific in national bargaining with the 13 major rail unions.

 

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