August 23, 2024 – TCU and BRC have reached tentative agreements with both Norfolk Southern (NS) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). The tentative agreements are a five (5) year term that mirror the agreements reached earlier this week with CSX Transportation, which provides 17.5% in General Wage Increases (18.77% compounded), improves vacation agreement entitlements, secures improvements in health and welfare benefits while maintaining the current 15% monthly contribution.
This is the largest wage increase received on NS and BNSF in any round of bargaining outside of a Presidential Emergency Board in over twenty (20) years. It provides the first meaningful improvements to the National Vacation agreement in over fifty (50) years. It also marks the first time our members will have a new agreement in place before the expiration of the current agreement.
These agreements are the result of deliberate and advanced planning based on the survey results from TCU and BRC members. Our members made it clear they were not interested in waiting years for a new contract. They wanted a fair contract, and they wanted it now. These agreements come months before the current agreement is amendable. They provide solid wage increases and achieve many of the things that were a priority for our members with several overdue agreement improvements.
“I want to recognize NS CEO Alan Shaw and BNSF CEO Katie Farmer. They understood the value of the agreements and ensured that our members, the front-line workers, were able to achieve an agreement in a timely manner. I appreciate the hard work of our entire negotiating committee, and we look forward to getting the ratification process underway in the coming days,” said TCU National President Artie Maratea.
“This clearly sets the pattern for the remaining Carriers holding out. We look forward to sitting at the table soon to settle the remaining agreements for our members.”
Copies of the Tentative Agreements and documents for ratification will be distributed over the next few days. Questions can be sent via email to TCUTA@TCUnion.org.