WASHINGTON — The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has ratified a five-year agreement with the National Carriers Conference Committee, bargaining group for Class I and other railroads.
The union represents about 3,500 freight rail workers nationwide.
“This agreement reaffirms our commitment to securing strong contracts that provide economic stability for our members and their families,” IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper said in a press release. “Thanks to the dedication of our railroad members, we continue to win contracts that recognize their essential contributions to the nation.”
The contract includes an 18.77% compounded wage increase over five years. Other features include enhanced vacation benefits, and the ability to carry over up to four unused paid sick days actually, up to a maximum of 20 days, with a 100% cash-out option upon leaving service.
The two sides are continuing to discuss additional sick-leave benefits for workers on Conrail, the Indiana Harbor Belt, and the St. Louis Terminal Railway.
The NCCC and IBEW reached the tentative agreement in January [see “Electrical workers, rail carriers announce …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 30, 2025].
