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Today, the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) announced that three more rail labor unions have ratified national contracts with the nation’s major freight railroads: the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, Iron Ship Builders, Forgers and Helpers; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; and Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association.

The unions, which collectively represent about 9,000 rail workers in the current bargaining round, began negotiations with the NCCC in January 2010. The NCCC bargains for more than 30 U.S. railroads, including the Class Is.
                                                      
The ratified agreements “implement the balanced terms recommended by the Presidential Emergency Board after carefully weighing the parties’ positions,” said NCCC Chairman A. Kenneth Gradia in a prepared statement.
 
Now, contracts have been ratified by 10 of the 13 unions involved in national bargaining, covering about 100,000 rail employees. Two unions that reached tentative agreements with the NCCC still are proceeding with the ratification process. The only union without a settlement — the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) — has agreed with the NCCC to extend a “cooling off” period until Feb. 8.

“The railroads are making every effort to reach an agreement with the BMWED by Feb. 8,” NCCC officials said.