SMART-TD members ratify agreements with national rail carriers

Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers - Transportation Division (SMART-TD) members have ratified two five-year collective bargaining agreements with the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC).

The agreements cover more than 18,000 freight-rail employees. Approximately 75% of union-represented freight-rail employees at railroads participating in national handling are now covered by a collective bargaining agreement that follows the industry pattern, NCCC officials said in a press release.

The ratified agreements provide employees with wage increases of 18.8% compounded over five years, enhancements to health and welfare benefits with no increase to the employee contribution rate and access to more paid vacation time for employees earlier in their careers. 

SMART-TD and the NCCC reached the tentative agreement in September. SMART-TD is the 10th major union to ratify agreements with the NCCC in the national collective bargaining round, which began Nov. 1, 2024. Through its NCCC, the National Railway Labor Conference leads national negotiations with the 12 major rail labor organizations.