CSX announces preliminary deals with two unions, ratification of agreement by yard masters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – CSX Transportation has entered into new preliminary five-year agreements with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers. The railroad also announced the ratification of an agreement with yard masters represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD).

“The new tentative agreements are an important step forward in our continued partnership with union leaders,” CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said in a news release. “These agreements reinforce 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 have yet to be ratified, mean that CSX has reached agreements with 13 unions representing 17 workgroups, representing nearly 60% of the union workforce, before the current agreements are amended under the federal Railroad Labor Act. . The newly negotiated deals offer equivalent packages in terms of pay increases, health care and leave benefits.

The IBEW also announced an agreement with Norfolk Southern on Tuesday (see “Norfolk Southern, Electricians Announce…,” Trains News Wire, October 22, 2024). The union said in a news release that these deals include a compound pay increase of 18.77% over the five-year term of the deal, changes that will allow employees to receive vacation time earlier, and the ability to carry over up to four unused paid health benefits. days per year, with a maximum of 20 days. Employees can pay out 100% of unused sick days when they leave employment.