Norfolk Southern and the union representing conductors will collaborate on efforts to improve the training program for conductor trainees and increase compensation for conductors who provide the training, the two parties announced Wednesday.
The agreement by NS and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) comes after the Federal Railroad Administration had previously called for changes in the NS training program, citing “grave deficiencies” [see “FRA warns Norfolk Southern on conductor training,” Trains News Wire, July 6, 2023].
Aspects of the new agreement include:
— A “train-the-trainer” program for conductors and foremen to ensure consistency and quality in training they provide.
— A standardized process to monitor and report progress on all activities in the existing trainee qualification book. A lack of consistency was one of the specific complaints by the FRA.
— A bilateral rating system to allow trainers and trainees to rate each others on engagement, professionalism, and commitment to safety.
“Ensuring that every conductor trainee receives proper training is the foundation of running a safe railroad,” Jeremy Ferguson, president of SMART-TD, said in Wednesday’s announcement. “These changes will deliver even greater quality and consistency for the Norfolk Southern conductor training program and ensure that every trainee will have a positive and comprehensive experience focused on safely performing their important work.”
Said NS CEO Alan Shaw, “Our craft colleagues are the heart of Norfolk Southern. We have an obligation to make sure our newest employees – our conductor trainees – have the skills and knowledge to get the job done as safely as possible. We committed to partnering with our unions on safety, and our ongoing work with SMART-TD is another step in fulfilling that promise and investing in the future of our people.”
As of Aug. 1, the railroad will also increase the training stipend for conductors providing instruction from $10 to $30 for a through-freight-service shift, and $35 for all other service shifts. And for those who move away from full-time work to offer support and instruction, known as craft mentors, Norfolk Southern will raise their daily pay from $325 to $375, acknowledging their impact in developing the conductor workforce.
