WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board says it welcomes moves by CSX Transportation and Union Pacific to provide paid sick leave for union workers, according to a statement issued today (Wednesday, Feb. 22).
“The Board applauds the efforts of CSX and UP in taking the lead to work with the unions to address this critical need,” the statement reads. “These types of collaborative efforts to tackle “quality of life” issues should result in the further strengthening of our national rail network by promoting both retention of existing workers and providing incentives for potential new hires. Rail labor is the backbone of our national rail network, and it is therefore imperative that the rail labor force be strong, vibrant, and healthy.”
CSX announced the first agreements covering sick leave with maintenance-of-way workers and carmen on Feb. 7 [see “CSX, two unions reach agreement …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 7, 2023], and has subsequently reached agreements with four other unions [see “CSX reaches agreement with two more unions ….,” News Wire, Feb. 10, 2023, and “CSX reaches paid sick time agreements …,” News Wire, Feb, 14, 2023]. Union Pacific announced similar agreements with two unions, the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen and National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, on Monday [see “Union Pacific, two unions reach agreement …,” News Wire, Feb. 20, 2023].
STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman has previously indicated concern with the sick-time issue.
In a January appearance at the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers meeting in Lombard, Ill., Oberman was asked about his thoughts on the previous year’s rail labor negotiations, and the bid in Congress to add paid sick days to the settlement.
“Every person I know, who knows what I do for a living now … has said to me at one point or another, ‘Rail workers don’t get sick days? Where did that come from?’” Oberman said. “I think the public had a very negative reaction to that fight. …
“I think that concern, in terms of the public, to the extent to the public’s involved in this, is hanging there. People really are stunned by it. And I’m talking about people in all parts of the economy. … So I think it’s something railroads should deal with.”
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