SMART Division prepares to take first step in new national agreement negotiations

The SMART Transportation Division is beginning the process of formulating "Section 6" notices to be served to railroads negotiating through the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).

The first step in efforts to reach a new national agreement with NCCC-represented railroads, the notices will include proposals to increase wages and improve benefits and working conditions, SMART Transportation Division officials said in a press release.

As mandated by the Railway Labor Act and the current national agreement, the Section 6 notices will be served to most of the nation’s railroads on or about Nov. 3 to become effective no earlier than Jan. 1, 2015, they said. NCCC-represented railroads also have been working on their own wage and rule notices that they will serve at or about the same time, SMART Transportation Division officials said.

Under the Railway Labor Act, the current national agreement between the division and NCCC will remain in effect until a new pact is reached. As specified in the current agreement, a 3 percent general wage increase will be paid on Jan. 1, 2015, SMART Transportation Division officials said.