SMART-MD members ratify labor contract with Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Railway yesterday announced that its employees who are members of the International association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Mechanical Department (SMART-MD) have voted to ratify a new labor agreement with the Class I.

The SMART-MD's ratification follows successful ratification votes by the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA), the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division/TCU (BRC) and the Transportation Communications Union (TCU).

The newly ratified agreements provide a 3.5% average wage increase per year over the next five years. They also offer NS railroaders more vacation earlier in their career and make improvements to health care benefits, according to an NS press release.

“The collaborative relationship Norfolk Southern has with our labor partners that enables these early agreements is vital to avoiding a multi-year bargaining process and ensuring peace of mind for covered employees,” said NS President and CEO Mark George.

In addition to ATDA, BRC, SMART-MD, and TCU, NS has reached similar tentative agreements, which are still subject to ratification, with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division; the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division; the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers–Transportation Division Yardmasters; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths; and the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers.