CSX touts 'landmark' agreement with four unions

CSX Transportation yesterday announced it signed a "landmark" agreement with the Transportation Communications Union's Carmen Division, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers that sets new standards of quality and productivity at the Class I's locomotive shop in Huntington, W.Va.

The agreement covers a variety of work, including locomotive rebuilds, and preserves the ratio of members of each union currently working at the shop.

"This is an innovative contract by CSX and its union-represented employees at the Huntington facility," said Ken Mason, CSX's vice president of labor relations, in a press release. "This is a true win-win agreement that provides the right incentives for improved worker flexibility and the ability to drive significant improvements in quality, production and efficiency."

Under the agreement, members of all four unions can perform all assigned work without regard to craft or union affiliation. Covered employees will received a $500 signing bonus, a $1 hourly efficiency differential and guaranteed employment for the duration of the four-year contract.

"This historic agreement proves that by working efficiently, railroad unions can compete with outside contractors even at higher rates of pay with superior benefits," said Jeff Doerr, president and directing general chairman of the machinists and aerospace workers union.