UP, SMART-TD reach sick-leave agreement

Union Pacific Railroad and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) have negotiated a tentative agreement to provide up to eight paid sick leave days to 5,900 workers, the Class I announced yesterday.

UP now has ratified sick leave agreements with all 13 unions covering its employees, railroad officials said in a press release. It is the second railroad to do so after Norfolk Southern Railway reached agreements with all 12 of its unions earlier this year.

The agreement includes a prorated five paid sick days for 2023. Beginning in 2024, workers also will be able to convert up to three paid leave days for use as paid sick time.