Saturday, August 24, 2024 Norfolk Southern Corporation, in collaboration with BNSF Railway, has successfully negotiated tentative five-year collective bargaining agreements with several key unions. These include the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division/TCU (BRC), the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Mechanical Department (SMART-MD), and the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU). Additionally, Norfolk Southern has reached provisional agreements with multiple General Committees representing the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD).
These agreements, pending ratification, will impact around 30% of Norfolk Southern’s unionized workforce. The timing of these agreements is particularly noteworthy, coming four months ahead of the next collective bargaining round. This early resolution provides covered employees with a significant level of assurance regarding future improvements to their wages, healthcare benefits, and vacation policies.
“Our craft railroaders are the heart and soul of Norfolk Southern, and we are committed to supporting our colleagues who power our network every day,” said Alan H. Shaw, Norfolk Southern president and CEO. “I want to thank the labor leaders who share our commitment to our craft colleagues and helped us reach this deal early, ensuring peace of mind with clear knowledge about upcoming pay, healthcare and vacation improvements.
We look forward to reaching similar agreements with the rest of the unions at Norfolk Southern.” The tentative agreements include an average annual wage increase of 3.5 percent over the next five years.
Additionally, they grant railroad workers more vacation time earlier in their careers and introduce significant improvements to an already comprehensive health care benefits package. “I appreciate Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing,” said Artie Maratea, National President TCU . “Ensuring our members and Norfolk Southern front line employees have solid agreements in a timely manner is a huge step in the right direction and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.
” “BRC is proud to reach this agreement with Norfolk Southern,” said Don Grissom, General President BRC . “Alan and his team worked hard and we appreciate their commitment to make this a reality. This agreement proves that we can make great progress working together for our members.
” “The tentative agreements provide real wage increases, substantial improvements to paid time off that the railroads have historically fought us on, improvements to health and welfare benefits with an added benefit option for those that want it,” said SMART Directing General Chairperson, John McCloskey. ”These tentative agreements, if ratified, take away the uncertainty of when the next round of national negotiations will be completed, and if and when annual pay increases will be implemented.” “I am so proud of the progress we continue to make with Alan Shaw and the Norfolk Southern team as we partner to improve the lives of our members,” said Jeremy Ferguson, National President SMART-TD.
” Our members told us they wanted to be recognized for the value of their contributions without going through another long and protracted bargaining round. With these tentative agreements, together we have honored that request, removing the delay and rewarding Norfolk Southern employees with the pay and benefits they deserve.”.
