Rail labor negotiations: Tracking the path to ratification

Date: Tuesday, November 11th, 2022
Source: Supply Chain Dive

Concerns over paid sick leave have put the prospect of a freight rail shutdown back on the table, just weeks after the Biden administration helped broker an agreement between railroads and unions to avert a strike or lockout.

Two unions so far have voted down their tentative agreements, calling for additional paid days of sick leave. Labor actions could occur as soon as Nov. 19.

Another union, IAM District 19, ratified its agreement on Nov. 5, while three other labor groups still need to vote. If an agreement isn’t reached, union leaders say it’s likely Congress will send the issue back to an arbiter, or impose the presidential emergency board’s baseline recommendations without the enhanced benefits.

We’re tracking the ratification process and the path to a final contract. Check back for updates on where things stand.

What’s the status of rail talks?

Twelve unions must vote to ratify a deal before talks are complete. Here’s a quick look at the results so far. Scroll further for more details on each negotiation.
TCU Transportation Communications International Union Ratified Sept. 14 None
BRC Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Ratified Sept. 14 None
IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Ratified Sept. 28 None
ATDA American Train Dispatchers Association Ratified Oct. 4 None
BMWED Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Rejected Oct. 10 In negotiations, "status quo" in effect until Nov. 19.
SMART-MD SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department Ratified Oct. 12 None
NCFO National Conference of Firemen & Oilers Ratified Oct. 13 None
BRS Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Rejected Oct. 26 In negotiations, "status quo" in effect until early December.
IAM International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 19 Pending a vote Results expected Nov. 5
IBB The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Pending a vote Results expected Nov. 14
BLET Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Pending a vote Results expected Nov. 21
SMART-TD SMART Transportation Division Pending a vote Results expected Nov. 21

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