Norfolk Southern and BNSF Announce Tentative Contracts with Unions
ATLANTA – Norfolk Southern and BNSF Railway have secured tentative five-year contract agreements with multiple unions, four months ahead of the expected start of national collective bargaining. These agreements mark significant progress, with Norfolk Southern reaching deals with five unions, following four preliminary agreements disclosed last week, covering about 55% of the railroad’s unionized workforce.
The latest agreements, which NS reached in collaboration with BNSF Railway and are pending ratification, include the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths, along with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers. Norfolk Southern also separately finalized tentative contracts with the American Train Dispatchers Association, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, and the SMART-TD Yardmasters.
Previously, BNSF had reached agreements with four other unions, including the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division/TCU, SMART-Mechanical Division, Transportation Communications Union/IAM, and the American Train Dispatchers Association.
Norfolk Southern emphasized that these early agreements reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing pay, healthcare, and time off for its workforce of skilled railroaders. “These agreements highlight the strong partnership that Norfolk Southern has fostered with our labor unions,” stated CEO Alan Shaw. “As we approach Labor Day, we want to recognize the valuable contributions of our craft employees. We are dedicated to providing them with the compensation, healthcare, and personal time they deserve, and we look forward to finalizing additional agreements with all our unions soon.”
The tentative agreements include an average wage increase of 3.5% annually over the five-year period, increased vacation time for workers earlier in their careers, and improved healthcare benefits. BMWED National President Tony Cardwell noted, “This agreement represents a historic milestone achieved well before the expiration of the moratorium, demonstrating the productive cooperation between Norfolk Southern and BMWED in addressing the pressing issues concerning our members. We are proud of the advancements we’ve made and are eager to implement this agreement in a spirit of collaboration and respect.”
BNSF CEO Katie Farmer expressed satisfaction with the early agreements made prior to the upcoming national bargaining round, reiterating the importance of employee well-being for the company’s success. “This swift collaboration illustrates our commitment to working together to provide exceptional freight service to our customers. We appreciate the efforts of our negotiators and labor leaders in prioritizing these agreements,” she remarked.
John Mansker, IBB Director of Railroad Lodge Services, conveyed enthusiasm for the tentative agreement with BNSF, praising it as a comprehensive package with improvements in wages, vacation, and insurance. “Katie Farmer and BNSF have really upped the ante in negotiations, and we hope other unions will follow suit in future negotiations,” he stated.
NCFO President Michael Pistone also thanked Katie Farmer for engaging the labor relations team in this negotiation, noting the positive impact of the tentative agreement on the quality of life for NCFO members and their families.
CSX has previously led the way by securing early tentative agreements with some of its unions, currently having deal negotiations finalized with seven unions representing over half of its unionized workforce. Notably absent from these tentative agreements are the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
