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Last week, United Transportation Union (UTU) negotiating team members and National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC) representatives met to discuss pay rates, and work rules and conditions affecting about 40,000 train and engine-service workers under a national contract. Negotiations were led by a National Mediation Board senior mediator.

The parties didn’t discuss crew consist agreements or Federal Employers’ Liability Act issues, which have been held in abeyance while a federal court considers a UTU petition requesting the parties collectively bargain over the issues.

Bargaining talks between the union and carriers’ committee — which bargains for more than 30 U.S. railroads, including the Class Is — began in November. Under the Railway Labor Act, contracts between railroads and unions don’t expire, remaining in force until changes are negotiated.