BMWED ratifies contract at Iowa Interstate Railroad

Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) members at Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement yesterday.

The agreement provides annual wage increases through 2027, improvements to work rules including assurances or higher rates of pay for work performed, travel allowance advances, five paid personal days a year in addition to annual vacation leave, paid CDL training and a work boot allowance, BMWED officials said in a press release.

BMWED members at IAIS voted 80% in favor of the new contract. Nearly 70% of Burlington System Division (BSD) members returned ratification ballots.

"This agreement gives [IAIS members] a huge step in the right direction with an unprecedented wage package of an average of 28.1% over a four-year deal," said BMWED BSD General Chairman George Loveland. "Along with the increase in wages they will be earning vacation faster from day one, only having to work 15 years to get five weeks' vacation and getting five personal days in the deal."