Customers

Labor Negotiations Update for Customers

Released:  January 11, 2012

 

As you might recall, the railroads reached tentative agreements with 10 unions last month and agreed to an extended negotiation period with the 11th union – the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) – until February 8.   We remain optimistic that a settlement with this last remaining union can be reached.

We know many of you helped to ensure our legislators, in particular, understand the importance of successful and timely negotiations.  Educating them about the important role freight railroad plays in your businesses was a key component in reaching the tentative agreements – and we appreciate your efforts on our behalf.

As of today, seven of the 10 unions have ratified their tentative agreements, including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).  Voting is underway in the other unions and we expect them to conclude over the next few weeks. We’re optimistic about the remaining votes, but if any of the unions were to reject their agreement, an immediate 60-day cooling off period would be triggered, eliminating the possibility of a strike.

Against the backdrop of these ratifications, the railroads are continuing negotiations with the BMWE.  The PEB recommendations, which the railroads have agreed to accept, are the basis for the BMWE negotiations – just as they were with the other unions -- and provide the best vehicle for a reasonable and speedy resolution.  We are optimistic that a tentative agreement can be reached before February 8, eliminating the possibility of a strike.

If you are interested in obtaining the latest information about the status of the ongoing negotiations, go to the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC) website at www.raillaborfacts.org .