A labor union for locomotive engineers and rail workers said Tuesday its members voted for a new collective bargaining deal that includes pay raises and bonuses without concessions to major railways.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen said 70% of its membership voted for the five-year agreement, which affects 12,000 members.
The union struck the deal with 10 freight railroads, including major names such as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway and Canadian National Railway.
The agreement includes wage increases of 18.8% over the life of the agreement and one-time payments of $500. It accelerates the way rail workers accrue vacation time and includes no increases in out-of-pocket health care costs.
BLET National President Mark Wallace said the agreement “delivers real gains, protects our work rules and avoids concessions.”
Members should see wage increases, lump sum bonuses and new benefits in the next 60 days.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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