Current Bargaining Round Successfully Concludes

Announcement Number: CN2012-12
Categories: General Announcements
Posted Date: April 23, 2012

Members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) have ratified a new agreement with the nation's major freight railroads, joining 12 other unions that had previously ratified new contracts. BMWE represents more than 25,000 employees in national bargaining.

The ratification brings the current bargaining round to a close; the unions representing 132,000 freight rail workers all have reached voluntary agreements with the railroads.  

"The completion of this final agreement underscores the continuing vitality of national collective bargaining in our industry and the effectiveness of the Railway Labor Act processes in helping the parties reach voluntary agreements," said A. Kenneth Gradia, chairman of the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC), the railroads' bargaining representative. 

"We are grateful to the members and staff of the National Mediation Board, as well as the members of Presidential Emergency Board No. 243, who helped the parties resolve their differences peacefully. These agreements are a vital step in ensuring that we will continue to work together to help drive America's economic growth in the years ahead." 

"We are pleased to have this round of national negotiations completed," said Rick Turner, UP vice president-Labor Relations. "All involved parties worked hard to reach these agreements."

UP is still in voluntary negotiations on a UP-only systemwide basis for wages and work rules with the Yardmasters (USCA), the Operating Engineers (IUOE) and the Ironworkers. These employees have the National Health and Wellness Plan. UP also is in voluntary negotiations with TCU-ICTF on wages, rules and healthcare. 

"Negotiations are progressing and we are optimistic we will have voluntary agreements in the near future," Turner said.  

If you have any questions please contact your Union Pacific representative.