Rail carriers, IAM reach tentative contract agreement

The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) yesterday announced they reached a national tentative agreement. 

Subject to member ratification, the agreement continues the steady pace of progress that has defined this bargaining round, NCCC officials said in a press release.

The NCCC tentative agreement covers IAM members at BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway, CN, Belt Railway Co. of Chicago, Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, Conrail, Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and Palmetto Railways, according to an IAM press release. About 4,900 rail workers are covered by the tentative agreement.

“Our membership asked us to stand strong for a contract that includes no takeaways and makes improvements to pay, vacation and healthcare — and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered,” said IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “We strongly recommend acceptance of this agreement.”

The tentative pact with IAM is consistent with the terms of the dozens of local and national contracts ratified as part of the 2025 bargaining round, NCCC officials said. The terms of these pattern agreements provide wage increases of 18.8% 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.