CSX, two rail unions negotiate pacts for paid sick leave

CSX yesterday announced it has reached agreements with two unions to provide paid sick leave for 5,000 railroad workers.

The agreements were reached with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), which represents engineering employees, and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC), which represents mechanical workers, CSX officials said in a press release.

"CSX is committed to listening to our railroaders and working with their representatives to find solutions that improve their quality of life and experience as employees," said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs. "These agreements demonstrate that commitment and are a direct result of the collaborative relationship we are working to cultivate with all of the unions that represent CSX employees."

At CSX, the BMWED represents nearly 4,000 workers; the BRC represents more than 1,000.

Under the agreement with the BMWED, effective Jan. 1 and every year after, each CSX maintenance-of-way employee will receive four paid sick days on an annual basis, with the ability to take up to three personal leave days per year for paid sick time off, BMWED officials said in a press release.

BMWED President Tony Cardwell thanked Hinrichs and CSX Chief Operating Officer Jamie Boychuk for reaching the agreement with the union.

Noting the Class Is' "extremely healthy earnings for 2022," Cardwell called on other Class Is to enter into similar agreements for their unionized workers.

Under the BRC agreement, members will receive four days of paid sick leave to be paid at 100% of the employees' rate of pay, BRC officials said in a press release. It also provides members with the opportunity to designate the use of their personal leave days for sick leave.

BRC General President Don Grissom also called on other Class Is to reach similar agreements with their unionized workers.

"This agreement is a significant accomplishment and provides a very important benefit for our members working at CSX," said Grissom. "The other carriers should take note and come to the bargaining table in a similar manner."