ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern has become the third railroad to reach an agreement with some union workers for paid sick leave, announcing a deal with members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The agreement will cover about 3,000 workers.
The agreement provides for four days of paid sick leave, while workers will have the ability to apply up to three paid personal leave days for a total of up to seven days of paid sick leave. The complete agreement is available via the BMWED website.
“Norfolk Southern’s success is built upon the incredible work our craft railroaders perform every day, and we are committed to improving their quality of life in partnership with our union leaders,” Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said in a press release. The railroad says it “remains in active discussions with its other union partners” on issues that are important to their members.
“I am proud of the work that General Chairman Johnny Long and the American Rail System Federation officers did to reach an agreement that improves the quality of life for all BMWED workers on NS property,” BMWED President Tony D. Cardwell said in a press release. “The agreement acknowledges all NS employees need to stay home when sick or take care of families if they become ill. After 45 years of fighting for this issue the carrier and Union has accomplished what is needed for those who contribute the most to railroad profits, the workers on the ballast line.”
NS joins CSX Transportation, which has reached agreement with six unions, and Union Pacific, which this week announced agreements with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen [see “Union Pacific, two unions reach agreement …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 20, 2023].
I work service for a major security co. While never been involved with a union, I can see their point. After 25 yrs. with my co., I get 240 hours PTO. Only 40 should be for sick time, if we call in sick more, they decide to pay us from any remaining PTO. 4 days a yr, doesn’t seem much, esp. if you really are sick & not abusing the privilege.