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The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) has reached tentative agreements with four more rail labor unions. Yesterday, the committee announced it negotiated tentative collective bargaining pacts with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, Iron Ship Builders, Forgers and Helpers; Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association; National Conference of Firemen and Oilers; and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. The unions represent more than 11,000 rail employees.

The more than 30 U.S. railroads represented by the NCCC — which include the Class Is — now have reached 10 agreements covering more than 60 percent of the 132,000 employees affected by the bargaining round. The other unions that have agreed to tentative pacts or ratified contracts include the United Transportation Union and its Yardmasters Department; Brotherhood of Railway Carmen; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Transportation Communications International Union; and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

All of the tentative agreements would implement recommendations issued by a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) appointed by President Obama; the PEB issued its recommendations on Nov. 5. The NCCC did not release details on any of the tentative agreements pending ratification votes by union members.

The NCCC continues to negotiate voluntary settlements with three unions: the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division and American Train Dispatchers Association.

“The railroads are making every effort to reach settlements with these unions to ensure there are no disruptions to rail service,” NCCC officials said in a prepared statement. “As mandated by the Railway Labor Act, the carriers and remaining unions are in a 30-day ‘cooling off’ period. During this period, which ends Dec. 6, strikes are not permitted.”