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Canadian National Railway Co. recently reached a tentative four-year agreement with the United Transportation Union (UTU) covering 600 conductors and brakemen at the Class I's former Illinois Central and Chicago, Central & Pacific properties.

Expiring July 31, 2010, the pact would be retroactive to Aug. 1, 2006, and provide hourly rates. The agreement will be presented to UTU members for a ratification vote. The union expects to announce election results in mid-March.

"As both parties have learned through the last few years, this new type of [hourly] agreement improves our operations and service to our customers, our employees' compensation and quality of life, and our relationships in the field and at the bargaining table," said CN Vice President of Labor Relations Kim Madigan in a prepared statement.

CN currently has hourly rate agreements in place that cover virtually all the railroad's U.S. train and engine employees.