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United Transportation Union (UTU)-represented yardmasters employed by CN's Illinois Central Railroad recently ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, the union announced.

The four-year pact, which was reached following assistance from the National Mediation Board, provides hourly wage increases, coverage under the UTU's national health care plan, a signing bonus and wage parity for all yardmasters, UTU officials said in the announcement.

Meanwhile, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) reached a tentative contract agreement with the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad (M&NA). The union recently sent affected members a ratification ballot, which must be returned by Oct. 22.

The tentative agreement governs rates of pay and work rules for 90 BLET members in the various crafts, including locomotive engineers, conductors, and trainees in train and engine service.

Owned by RailAmerica Inc., M&NA operates 594 miles of track in Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri, and interchanges with BNSF Railway Co., Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific Railroad.