National Bargaining
This page will serve as a one-stop resource for looking up the various information, links, and articles posted over the course of the National Bargaining Cycle.  BMWED-IBT members have ratified the tentative agreement reached in January with carriers represented by the NCCC. The agreement, covering January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029, includes 18.77% compounded wage growth, protection of health and welfare benefits, and improved vacation accrual timing. BNSF was the largest rail carrier involved, with 75.38% of BMWED members voting to accept the agreement. Smaller properties also ratified their agreements by a 74% to 26% margin. Some members voted solely on Health and Welfare benefits, with CPKC showing strong support. Union Pacific is not part of the NCCC, and negotiations continue. CPKC is involved in healthcare but not wages and work rules, so bargaining remains active. This agreement marks a significant shift from past patterns, ensuring predictable financial growth for BMWED members. The dedication of System Officers and General Chairmen was crucial in achieving this contract. BMWED remains committed to advocating for its members and strengthening the union. *Highlights and comments in Red added for clarification purposes only. They are not a part of the original Tentative Agreement. Tap or Click HERE to view a flowchart for bargaining under the Rail Labor Act. Tap or Click HERE to view the status of agreements among other Class 1 crafts. March 19, 2025 - National Tentative Agreement with NCCC Ratifies The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED-IBT) members working on carriers represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC) have ratified the tentative agreement reached in January. The biggest rail carrier bargaining with the NCCC was BNSF. BMWED members on that property ratified the agreement, the vote tally as follows: Accept: 2,112 (75.38%) Reject: 689 (24.62%) Blank: 32 The five-year Tentative Agreement, covering the period from January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029, ensures BMWED members 18.77 percent compounded wage growth over the next five years, protects health and welfare benefits without additional cost, and improves vacation accrual timing, amongst other gains. BMWED members on the smaller properties, including the Belt Railway of Chicago; Bessemer and Lake Erie; Grand Trunk Western Railway; Illinois Central; Wisconsin Central; Central California Traction Company; Conrail; Indiana Harbor Belt; Los Angeles Junction; Portland Terminal; Wichita Terminal Association; Port Terminal Railroad Association; and New Orleans Public Belt, ratified their agreement by a roughly 74 percent to 26 percent margin. Some BMWED members were voting on Health and Welfare benefits only, the largest of those being CPKC. Those margins were roughly in the 75 percent to 80 percent in favor of ratification. The easiest place to check which railroads were voting on Health and Welfare only is at bmwe.org/ta We want to thank all the members who voted. Their engagement and involvement in this process was instrumental in achieving a good contract well ahead of schedule. This agreement marks a significant departure from the historical pattern of BMWED members working for extended periods without contractual wage increases and being locked into previous agreements, for years at a time. By securing contractual wage adjustments through 2029, BMWED members can now count on predictable and sustained financial growth without delay or potential work stoppages. It is important to note that two Class I carriers have some caveats. Union Pacific is not party to the NCCC, so the BMWED remains fully engaged in bargaining with UP and no agreement has yet been reached. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is party to the NCCC for healthcare, but not wages and work rules, so bargaining over the wages and rules remains active. This achievement is also a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our System Officers on all these various railroads. The General Chairman and their vice generals all worked tirelessly, answering and explaining all the details of the agreement, and bring all concerns of the members with them to the bargaining table. It was a respectable and earnest effort worthy of praise. BMWED remains committed to advocating for the best interests of our members and will continue working to build a stronger future for all Maintenance of Way workers. Together, we have secured a contract that provides stability and growth, and we look forward to further strengthening our union. February 17, 2025 - Voting Instructions A postcard was sent on February 14, 2025 to the address on file, containing your PIN and voting instructions. The week of February 17, 2025, an email will be sent to the address we have on file, containing your PIN and voting instructions. Please be sure to follow the instructions on the postcard or in the email to cast your vote. Voting will conclude on March 19, 2025, and the results will be released once all votes are tallied. Members on BNSF are voting for the wages, work rules, H&W, and side letters. Here are your voting instructions: Members working on CPKC vote on the H&W only, wages and work rules are bargained locally. Here are your voting instructions:
February 4, 2025 - Voting on Tentative Agreement
It is imperative your contact information is updated, as the postcards will be sent to the address we have on file. To update your address please click or tap HERE. January 22, 2025 - Tentative Agreement with NCCC The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED-IBT) has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC). This agreement, covering January 2025 to July 2029, promises an 18.77% compounded wage growth, maintained health and welfare benefits without additional costs, and improved vacation accrual timing. It's a significant shift from past extended periods without wage increases. However, Union Pacific is not part of the NCCC, and the BMWED continues bargaining with them. Similarly, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is negotiating separately for wages and work rules. BMWED leadership appreciates its members' solidarity and efforts, committing to continuous advocacy for Maintenance of Way workers. The goal is to ensure stability and growth for the members. To view the Tentative Agreement tap or click HERE *Highlights and comments in Red added for clarification purposes only. They are not a part of the original Tentative Agreement. Below is a video of GC George Loveland giving a brief explanation of the Tentative Agreement. January 10, 2025 - CSX Tentative Agreement Ratifies CSX railroad workers, represented by the BMWED of the Teamsters Rail Conference, have approved a new five-year contract with a 2 to 1 margin. The voting results were 66.52% in favor, 32.08% against, and 1.4% blank votes. The agreement includes 18.77% raises over the contract's duration, faster vacation accrual, better health benefits, and local work rule improvements. December 18, 2024 - Bargaining Update BMWED met with the NCCC on December 16, 17, and 18 to try and finalize a tentative agreement, our first since BNSF gave their proxy. While other railroads agreed on the "skinny deal" and additions to Rule 63 (adding grandparents, domestic partners, and stepchildren), BNSF wanted concessions for these additions, which BMWED couldn't agree to. As a result, no agreement was reached. The next bargaining session is scheduled for January 22, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ. Click or Tap HERE to view the NCCC presentation for Wages & Work Rules. December 4, 2024 - New CSX Tentative Agreement The BMWED and CSX have reached a new tentative agreement, reflecting feedback from members after the previous ratification process failed. This agreement aims to address work rule complications, increase wages beyond comparable industries, and improve vacation and health benefits without additional costs to members. Leadership will host virtual town hall meetings starting Thursday, Dec. 5, to discuss the agreement. Weekly virtual town halls and face-to-face meetings at various locations will follow to ensure members have ample opportunity to review and ask questions. Voting on the agreement will begin on Dec. 30, with a deadline of Jan. 10. Electronic balloting will be the primary method, and all related correspondence will come from the independent American Arbitration Association. November 21, 2024 - First Meeting with NCCC scheduled BMWED will have its first meeting with the NCCC on December 16, 17 and 18 in Nashville, TN. An update will be issued at the conclusion of this meeting. November 8, 2024 - Section 6 Notices exchanged Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act (RLA) provides the legal framework for collective bargaining between railroads (and airlines) and their employees. It outlines the process for negotiating changes to rates of pay, rules, and working conditions. This process is designed to ensure stability and avoid disruptions in the transportation industry. To view the Section 6 Notice sent to BNSF tap or click HERE To view the Section 6 Notice sent to BMWED, tap or click HERE October 14, 2024 - NS Ratifies TA & CSX Rejects TA BMWED members on Norfolk Southern have ratified a new agreement, while members on CSX rejected a tentative agreement in separate votes on October 14. At this time, it is unclear how these mixed results may affect National Bargaining. August 30, 2024 - NS Tentative Agreement The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way (BMWED) and Norfolk Southern have reached a tentative five-year agreement ahead of the November moratorium. Key elements include an 18.77% compounded General Wage Increase, reduced vacation accrual time, improved health and welfare benefits, and an equal CDL differential for all qualified employees. BMWED ARSF General Chairman Johnny Long expressed pride in reaching the agreement well before the current contract's expiration. This achievement is credited to the collaborative effort of members, federation officers, and the national division. In response to member frustration with delays between contracts, the BMWED prioritized securing this agreement early. Updates on the voting process will be provided, with Zoom meetings and officer visits planned to discuss the tentative agreement and address questions. August 29, 2024 - CSX Tentative Agreement The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way (BMWED) has reached a tentative five-year agreement with CSX Transportation ahead of the November moratorium. Key highlights include an 18.77% General Wage Increase, faster vacation accrual, and improved health and welfare benefits while maintaining the current 15% contribution. Most notably, significant improvements to local work rules were negotiated, reflecting members' concerns. BMWED's General Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, along with rank-and-file committee members, collaborated closely to finalize these rules. This agreement, the most comprehensive with CSX in over two decades, excludes the "Me too" clause and sets a new standard for future negotiations. Updates on the voting process will be provided, and Zoom meetings will be held before the vote. Officers will also visit members to discuss the agreement and answer questions. Reach out to your BMWED Officers for more information. August 8, 2024 - SURVEY This survey started on August 8, 2024, for all members with current contact information. This survey will close on August 28, 2024. MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD BY DOING THE SURVEY!
Page Last Updated: Apr 01, 2025 (10:58:34)
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