JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Conductors and trainmen on CSX Transportation’s northern lines have ratified an agreement for paid sick time reached earlier this month, their union announced Friday.
Members of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division GO-049 ratified the agreement on a majority of ballots returned, SMART General Chairperson Richard Lee announced. Exact ballot results were not released.
The deal was the first such sick-time agreement covering an operating union [see “CSX becomes first railroad to reach sick time deal with conductors’ union,” Trains News Wire, April 3, 2023]. It was followed by the agreement announced Friday by Norfolk Southern with SMART-TD that also includes scheduling of days off and increased weekend and away-from-home pay [see “Norfolk Southern, conductors reach deal …,” News Wire, April 28, 2023].
The CSX agreement covers approximately 2,400 conductors and trainmen. The union says it also adopts the attendance policy put in place by CSX in the most recent collective bargaining agreement, while the company gained flexibility and cost savings through provisions that allow conductors and trainmen to drive company vehicles under certain conditions. It also settled a long-term dispute between the union and CSX regarding assignment placement.
Lee said in a press release that support for the agreement was “overwhelming,” and that it is “encouraging that SMART-TD and CSX Leadership were able to sit down at the table and reach a consensus on items as important as these. I am hopeful this momentum will carry forward in future negotiations and help us collectively improve the working conditions and overall moral at CSX.”
At last, some good human logic in negotiations. Treat employees as you would like to be treated.