CSX announces tentative deals with 2 unions, ratification of agreement by yardmasters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation has reached new tentative five-year deals with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers. The railroad also announced ratification of an agreement with yardmasters represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD).

“The new tentative agreements are a significant step forward in our continued partnership with union leaders,” CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said in a press release. “These agreements strengthen our commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered, while improving safety, efficiency, and service. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for our future success.”

The deals with the IBEW and NCFO, which are subject to ratification, mean that CSX has reached agreements with 13 unions covering 17 work groups, accounting for almost 60% of its union workforce, before the current agreements become amendable under the federal Railway Labor Act. The newly negotiated deals provide equivalent packages in terms of wage increases and health-care and time-off benefits.

The IBEW also announced an agreement with Norfolk Southern on Tuesday. The union said in a press release that those deals include a compound wage increase of 18.77% over the five-year life of the deal, changes that allow workers to gain vacation time earlier, and the option to carry over up to four unused paid sick days per year, to a maximum of 20 days. Employees can cash out unused sick days at 100% when they leave service.